I like the fact that it's a dedicated emulation of the ENGL E530 and it's not really meant to be a jack-of-all-trades plug-in. I tend to like the "one stop shop" amp models like the Universal Audio amp models, as they tend to capture the nuances better.
I've been playing around with this for a few weeks now and it really does a fantastic job of emulating the E530, which I've had extensive experience with. Definitely worth the cost; but even the free (limited) version is actually usable if you're not bothered about tone-tweaking, e.g. for demo stuff.
I'm also having good luck mixing bias fx sim with U530. I did not turn off anything, but also played other style than metal with good sound result. I actually used reaper to mix them, vst. I think U530 is one of the best amp sim I tried, and give a real nice spice to the sound setup
Hadn't heard of Mercuriall but that actually sounded really good! I had always used Amplitube just because it was familiar and we recently moved to Toneforge by JST which is a little limited but sounds amazing.
Hey Fluff just a heads up, unless they're using some really crazy fading between different captured IRs (I highly doubt it), if an amp sim has movable mics for cabs it's using a filter (or multiple filters) to shape the sound of the virtual cabinet (and mic) instead of captured Impulse Responses, as those are static audio files that can't be adjusted like that.
I just made a comparison with the spark and bias fx. I made a marshall type tone with bias and I found it prety cool. Then I switched to spark and daaam... That low end respond! And the lead tone!
Nice sounding sim (reminds of biasfx) and nice song. But in your drum sound i think you tend to overdo it with tape saturation and compression in post processing. Cymbals sound a bit harsh and a bit louder than they should (unless you like it that way of course).
Sounds like an amp sim, but not in a bad way. Amp sims can sound great, never quite the same as a real amp and cab, but they do have their own cool unique tones, so, to each their own on that aspect. CPU usage is another animal, though. I use a lot of amp sims, but if something is using a ton of CPU I often replace it immediately. Even if it's a good sim, if you're on a budget and your computer itself can't handle running 4+ instances of the same program, there are better, cheaper alternatives.
+Fushiryuu amp sims sound way better than the real thing if you dont know how to mic properly. Many famous bands today use them but they are not telling you (for obvious reasons).
I love the Engl E530 preamp, so I decided download the free version, it sounds sick. Then I went to buy the actual version so I can use it properly and here I am waiting for over an hour now for them to send me a link so I can download the software I paid for.....what a great way to treat your paying customers aye.....
Hey fluff love your vids!! How about the question "how do you use the analog frequency's of a wireless in a gigging setting without risking interruption and al that shebam?"
Mine starts flopping on x8 uggh. How do you save your clean settings independently from the dirty channel with this plug-in. So I don't have to repeat and also to save multiple tone ideas. Thanks
I don't know if it's Fluff or me, but this thing sounds better than my real E530. I've tried every possible permutation of it's controls (along with the E840/50 power amp controls) and can never get it to sound this smooth.
+Dimitar Proynov Use NadIR with your 530 and download some good cab sims for great recorded tone. The 530 can have really chimey cleans and great modern metal tones with the right tubes and impulses.
I've got JJs in mine and experimented with the high gain mode. The lead channel on high gain mode is OK, at last. The trick is to attenuate the "treble" knob when using a poweramp with presence control. Otherwise it gets into beehive territory.
hi Fluff. So i downloaded and installed the U530 plugin but i can't seem to open it. Tried it with Reaper and Cubase and it says U530 Free.dll is not a valid Windows image :( HELP!
What are your thoughts on octave pedals? With all the low tunings and bass on guitar amps as well, do you think the bass guitar is becoming more over-looked and will be obsolete soon?
I have a problem where everytime I use an amp sim it ends up sounding muddy and horrible whenever I try to enter metal territory gain wise. I'm using a lexicon alpha USB interface
Had a little problem with the free version. It would freeze and wouldn't let me move the dials from 12 o'clock. Anyone have suggestions to fix this? Will a simple uninstall/reinstall do the job? Thanks
I've noticed that you don't use the JimmyClip on all of your guitars these days. Do some of your guitars suffer from sympathetic ringing more than others?
hey Fluff what tuning, string gauge and brand are you using on that 6 string ? I noticed your G string is not wound yet it seems you're somewhere between A and B on the low string? I used to have a C7 ATX in drop A I had to sell (cash for the rent) but I still have a C1 exotic I'd like to tune down to drop A but can't find a decent set of strings for doing so, cheers
fluff, what about the selection of "fast" and "precise"? isn´t precise better since it will use more of your processing power? not that cpu is a real limitation nowadays
I don't have this plugin in particular but I have found that when using a sim for tracking you should use the fastest settings possible, because latency will kill your recording (and yes even modern CPUs have this issue). After you're done tracking you can put it on the higher settings.
not sure if you're still looking for an answer but yes, top right there's a CAB button to bypass the internal cab simulation and use wall of sound or whatever. I tried it with the demo and was pretty impressed.
+Chris Thieblot he does. But it has nothing to do with this. The torpedoes just emulate a cab while taking a load from a head. Furthermore, all a di box does is convert your signal to line level.
Does this plug straight into my amp? You don't have to use a computer for this right? Also do they have something like this for my keyboard to make better synth and piano sounds?
Choiven No problem. Most of the well reviewed budget interfaces come with some form of DAW (Probably Cubase Elements/LE), but if not just download the trial for Reaper. It's is an infinite trial, but it's nice to support the devs. The paid version of Reaper is what, $60? Easily worth it unless you don't enjoy the workflow of Reaper.
Try as I might, I am unable to get very high quality sounds from most virtual amp sims, even Bias Desktop, but I fear it is my 2i4 interface. I'm not sure what your perspective on it is, but I find it difficult to get a quality DI input that an amp sim works well with.
+Coen Drexler I use the 2i4 and Bias Desktop (on a mac mini no less) with awesome results. Are you using monitors or desktop speakers? I also use a DI box instead of just plugging in direct.
A friend of mine has the same problem and iit is the interface because with mine (focusrite 18i8) you can get great tones with the bias. I use the kemper for guitars and bass but the bias with the 18i8 works great. The mic preamps of your interface aren't as good as the 6i6, 18i8 or 18i20. Try to upgrade the interface and you will be able to tell the difference. An other thing that could upgrade your sound quality is an art mpc preamp. It's cheap, has a ecc83 tube to warm the sound (it's a cheap chinesee valve) and d.i. output. But with time you will have to upgrade the interface as well so...
a lot of interfaces don't have the headroom to truly support plugging in direct. i got a new interface myself because of this. it was especially useless for bass. from what i remember with those focusrite interfaces, some models have good headroom and some don't. I'll get back to you with what values to look for
so the headroom on my interface is +15dbu which is perfect I've found for going direct. i believe a direct box would get you the same results. the LINE input on your focusrite is +26dbu which should work fine but may be a bit weak. the INSTRUMENT input is only +3dbu which is definitely not enough. it says it goes up to +13dbu with the PAD button engaged, that may just work. my previous interface had +10dbu tho and it wasn't enough. good luck!
+dre brose I agree, bias is pretty overrated. The only department it wins in is graphics and the amount you can tweak. I think real amps are still the best option with modeling amps being close behind just due to ease of use for recording. Plugins have there place but I'd rather use a free one just to record a demo quick than some expensive software that doesn't sound any better.
big problem with the demo of this sim is that you can't alter any knobs. that needs fixing if I am to consider buying it, how else can I coax tones out of it when it's that limited?
![Mercuriall Spark - обзор и возможности плагина [Круговерть #14, часть 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6ivZaNbdDhU/mqdefault.jpg)
I like the fact that it's a dedicated emulation of the ENGL E530 and it's not really meant to be a jack-of-all-trades plug-in. I tend to like the "one stop shop" amp models like the Universal Audio amp models, as they tend to capture the nuances better.
Let's not forget that this plugin is dirt cheap too.
But honestly you have all you need out of this. Above that you can add recabinet then you will have everything you need.
I have this plugin for 6 months but your settings are the best I've come across. You definitely know your stuff, thanks! Good job!
I've been playing around with this for a few weeks now and it really does a fantastic job of emulating the E530, which I've had extensive experience with. Definitely worth the cost; but even the free (limited) version is actually usable if you're not bothered about tone-tweaking, e.g. for demo stuff.
In my DAW I set BiasFX with just noise gate and tube screamer (with amp sim turned off) into -> Mercuriall U530 and it kinda works nicely :)
I'm also having good luck mixing bias fx sim with U530. I did not turn off anything, but also played other style than metal with good sound result. I actually used reaper to mix them, vst. I think U530 is one of the best amp sim I tried, and give a real nice spice to the sound setup
Dude Glenn Fricker called you out in his Line 6 Pod video!
+Henry I suspect it was meant as a joke between the two of them.
Head's up dude. They are buds and have this "thing" going over Line 6 gear...fried assholes and all that. :D
Dunno why, but to me it always sounds like you are saying: Today on wrists, beards and gear :O
+Kim Grum Mathiesen I hear "wristbeards and gear". and i envision his wristbeard must affect his playing if he doesn't keep it trimmed.
+Andrew Willey i want a wristbeard now.
Hahahaha, a wristbeard world be freakin AWESOME! Now Robin Williams suddenly Comes to mind, dunno why ;)
I thought he was always saying that lol
+Kim Grum Mathiesen Du er os over alt
Hadn't heard of Mercuriall but that actually sounded really good! I had always used Amplitube just because it was familiar and we recently moved to Toneforge by JST which is a little limited but sounds amazing.
Fluff you always have the coolest stuff
Hey Fluff just a heads up, unless they're using some really crazy fading between different captured IRs (I highly doubt it), if an amp sim has movable mics for cabs it's using a filter (or multiple filters) to shape the sound of the virtual cabinet (and mic) instead of captured Impulse Responses, as those are static audio files that can't be adjusted like that.
That riff! Jared Dines used it in the "Drummers on drugs" video!
I just made a comparison with the spark and bias fx. I made a marshall type tone with bias and I found it prety cool. Then I switched to spark and daaam... That low end respond! And the lead tone!
Richard Toth Spark?
Sometimes, i don't care much about the product, and just come to listen Fluff playing some nice doomy riffs ^^
Nice sounding sim (reminds of biasfx) and nice song. But in your drum sound i think you tend to overdo it with tape saturation and compression in post processing. Cymbals sound a bit harsh and a bit louder than they should (unless you like it that way of course).
Sounds like an amp sim, but not in a bad way. Amp sims can sound great, never quite the same as a real amp and cab, but they do have their own cool unique tones, so, to each their own on that aspect.
CPU usage is another animal, though. I use a lot of amp sims, but if something is using a ton of CPU I often replace it immediately. Even if it's a good sim, if you're on a budget and your computer itself can't handle running 4+ instances of the same program, there are better, cheaper alternatives.
+Fushiryuu amp sims sound way better than the real thing if you dont know how to mic properly. Many famous bands today use them but they are not telling you (for obvious reasons).
I love the Engl E530 preamp, so I decided download the free version, it sounds sick. Then I went to buy the actual version so I can use it properly and here I am waiting for over an hour now for them to send me a link so I can download the software I paid for.....what a great way to treat your paying customers aye.....
Can't believe I'm saying this, cos usually I'm not the most critical. But this actually sounds like a plugin.
Very cool plug (and great demo/track).
love it.
I have an E530 which I really love.
Better than the Mini Rectifier which I couldn't get a normal sound at home with.
So fun seeing the guitar I use in other people's videos.
What was that guitar? I was thinking it was a Schecter? It's been awhile since I've set foot back in the guitar arena.
+SuomiPerkele Nice! Thanks!
Schecter SLS c-1
Back when I used amp simps I would always freeze tracks because the cpu usage with multiple instances would become crazy no matter what.
Hey fluff love your vids!! How about the question "how do you use the analog frequency's of a wireless in a gigging setting without risking interruption and al that shebam?"
Mine starts flopping on x8 uggh. How do you save your clean settings independently from the dirty channel with this plug-in. So I don't have to repeat and also to save multiple tone ideas. Thanks
I don't know if it's Fluff or me, but this thing sounds better than my real E530. I've tried every possible permutation of it's controls (along with the E840/50 power amp controls) and can never get it to sound this smooth.
+Dimitar Proynov Use NadIR with your 530 and download some good cab sims for great recorded tone. The 530 can have really chimey cleans and great modern metal tones with the right tubes and impulses.
I've got JJs in mine and experimented with the high gain mode. The lead channel on high gain mode is OK, at last. The trick is to attenuate the "treble" knob when using a poweramp with presence control. Otherwise it gets into beehive territory.
hi Fluff. So i downloaded and installed the U530 plugin but i can't seem to open it. Tried it with Reaper and Cubase and it says U530 Free.dll is not a valid Windows image :( HELP!
bought it for halloween spesh at 39.99 today after watching this Fluff. Also a computer music demo version arrived today too, i know right so crazy!
Rick Duff cm version is amazing also. limited features but still more than capable
What are your thoughts on octave pedals? With all the low tunings and bass on guitar amps as well, do you think the bass guitar is becoming more over-looked and will be obsolete soon?
I have a problem where everytime I use an amp sim it ends up sounding muddy and horrible whenever I try to enter metal territory gain wise. I'm using a lexicon alpha USB interface
I think it's pretty decent!
Nice sound.
Had a little problem with the free version. It would freeze and wouldn't let me move the dials from 12 o'clock. Anyone have suggestions to fix this? Will a simple uninstall/reinstall do the job? Thanks
I've noticed that you don't use the JimmyClip on all of your guitars these days. Do some of your guitars suffer from sympathetic ringing more than others?
Fluff, what kind of situation would you use a Kemper/Fractal? If so, why? Cheers to the great videos!
Hey Fluff, thoughts on Waves plugins? Thinking of getting the Gold Bundle as my first addition to stock and free plugins. Cheers for your time!
Fluff, have you ever used/tested Peavey's REVALVER 4? Curious to hear your thoughts on it.
hey Fluff what tuning, string gauge and brand are you using on that 6 string ? I noticed your G string is not wound yet it seems you're somewhere between A and B on the low string? I used to have a C7 ATX in drop A I had to sell (cash for the rent) but I still have a C1 exotic I'd like to tune down to drop A but can't find a decent set of strings for doing so, cheers
Fluff! What do you think of ORANGE cabinets?
I have to agree. save your money for something better
+Jonathan Walker They can brighten up any home studio and they look good on stage.
Hey Fluff, question for you. When you're recording direct using a plugin like U530, how high do you have the gain on your interface's input?
fluff, what about the selection of "fast" and "precise"? isn´t precise better since it will use more of your processing power? not that cpu is a real limitation nowadays
I don't have this plugin in particular but I have found that when using a sim for tracking you should use the fastest settings possible, because latency will kill your recording (and yes even modern CPUs have this issue). After you're done tracking you can put it on the higher settings.
What kind of guitar is that?
i like that song a lot!
What's your signal path?
Is the CPU usage on single core or does it spread out evenly?
What's the model of this guitar?
Hey Fluff - what pickups are you using in this Schecter?
Hey what is the source for your drums?
anyone happen to know if the cab simulation can be bypassed in order to use stuff like the WoS plugin or custom impulses?
not sure if you're still looking for an answer but yes, top right there's a CAB button to bypass the internal cab simulation and use wall of sound or whatever. I tried it with the demo and was pretty impressed.
The low end slams
Dayum, the good ol' Schecter
can you review guitar rig 5?
Hey fluff when you do these do you just go Guitar > Interface > Plugin?
+Chris Probably a DI box or something.
Yes you'd line in through an interface.
+Chris He uses Two Notes stuff doesn't he?
+Chris Thieblot he does. But it has nothing to do with this. The torpedoes just emulate a cab while taking a load from a head.
Furthermore, all a di box does is convert your signal to line level.
Shadoe Crossland Gotcha.
thanks fluff
Does this plug straight into my amp? You don't have to use a computer for this right? Also do they have something like this for my keyboard to make better synth and piano sounds?
MICHAEL DAVIS you trolling nigga?
dude. demo the kraken by victory amps
Yo Ryan I have no clue to what I need to play electric guitar through my computer, all i need a usb plug and a sound card right?
+Choiven Just get a well reviewed audio interface like a Focusrite Scarlett solo/2i2/2i4, Steinberg UR12/22, or Roland Dual/Quad Capture.
Thanks man!
Choiven No problem. Most of the well reviewed budget interfaces come with some form of DAW (Probably Cubase Elements/LE), but if not just download the trial for Reaper. It's is an infinite trial, but it's nice to support the devs. The paid version of Reaper is what, $60? Easily worth it unless you don't enjoy the workflow of Reaper.
So would you say tones you get out of this are similar in quality to what you can get with BIAS? Can i get an UN BIAS opinion? Zing!!!!!!!
10 times better than bias
isaac thrash Nah dude a million times.
What exactly is oversampling? i've seen it used in a lot of the free amp sims, but still, i'm not sure about it
+DANxTHExGUITARxMAN Basically Anti Alias, more precise tone/image of recreation.
Thank you so much! have a nice day!!!
+DANxTHExGUITARxMAN Same to you, Sir!
Illusia Productions Thanks sir!
+DANxTHExGUITARxMAN Try reasearching the "nyquist frequency"
In what tuning is your guitar in this video, dropped C#?
Drop B flat I think
+LHS Buster The low string is definitely a B flat.
This guitar is in the PRS Archon vid and is listed in the description as drop A#
+matt krusic you can tune a guitar you know
+matt krusic and B flat and A# are the same thing
Try as I might, I am unable to get very high quality sounds from most virtual amp sims, even Bias Desktop, but I fear it is my 2i4 interface. I'm not sure what your perspective on it is, but I find it difficult to get a quality DI input that an amp sim works well with.
+Coen Drexler same here, sadly.
+Coen Drexler I use the 2i4 and Bias Desktop (on a mac mini no less) with awesome results. Are you using monitors or desktop speakers? I also use a DI box instead of just plugging in direct.
A friend of mine has the same problem and iit is the interface because with mine (focusrite 18i8) you can get great tones with the bias. I use the kemper for guitars and bass but the bias with the 18i8 works great. The mic preamps of your interface aren't as good as the 6i6, 18i8 or 18i20. Try to upgrade the interface and you will be able to tell the difference. An other thing that could upgrade your sound quality is an art mpc preamp. It's cheap, has a ecc83 tube to warm the sound (it's a cheap chinesee valve) and d.i. output. But with time you will have to upgrade the interface as well so...
a lot of interfaces don't have the headroom to truly support plugging in direct. i got a new interface myself because of this. it was especially useless for bass. from what i remember with those focusrite interfaces, some models have good headroom and some don't. I'll get back to you with what values to look for
so the headroom on my interface is +15dbu which is perfect I've found for going direct. i believe a direct box would get you the same results. the LINE input on your focusrite is +26dbu which should work fine but may be a bit weak. the INSTRUMENT input is only +3dbu which is definitely not enough. it says it goes up to +13dbu with the PAD button engaged, that may just work. my previous interface had +10dbu tho and it wasn't enough. good luck!
Today on wrist spirits and gear...
Fluff, those are some fat sounding drums, what are you using?
Well, that sounds tasty as f*ck.
Sweet
I can imagine Vincent singing to this (: (the track)
Now compare it to TSE X30 which has been free ever since.
+Herrdesrings From personal use, this definitely blows away X30, including the paid version that comes with TSE x50. Much more realistic
i read it as marshall
Hello there boys and girls, gather around.
What is oversampling rate?
please, fix your clipping toms
Don't know why it bother me, but Mercuriall using the same font as Marshall.....just seems weird...
He has a cool beard... but he's Not amon amarth. good bye ima go home.. in my longboat
better then bias? well so is guitar rig 5
+dre brose lul
+dre brose I agree, bias is pretty overrated. The only department it wins in is graphics and the amount you can tweak. I think real amps are still the best option with modeling amps being close behind just due to ease of use for recording. Plugins have there place but I'd rather use a free one just to record a demo quick than some expensive software that doesn't sound any better.
you got it. thats why Fluff daddy has so many amps. can't beat the pure tone.
These things all sound the same.
Clean tone seems to be a lot digital and fake. IMO this is the major problem of all AMP sims
check out bias, they have a lot of great clean tones. i use their tweed deluxe model the most
+Petar Bogdanov I'll check it out, thanks guys!
First
$60???!!!
I don't know if they'll gonna win customers with that kind of absurd pricing tbqh
That's actually really cheap for a VST. I've seen VSTs that are double, if not triple the price.
big problem with the demo of this sim is that you can't alter any knobs. that needs fixing if I am to consider buying it, how else can I coax tones out of it when it's that limited?
+stupidusername38 That's how they get you to buy it. They let you download it see what it is, but if you want to change anything you got to pay.
+DomSchu I'd prefer the momentary audio drop out version