Universal Audio’s amp sim pedals are an affordable route to convincing tube amp sounds

The one factor to notice right here is that you could solely replace the pedals’ firmware utilizing the desktop app over USB. Which might be for the higher, since I’ve discovered that the Bluetooth connection to the cellular app could be a bit unstable. A current firmware replace improved the state of affairs, nevertheless it nonetheless drops from time to time.

The very last thing to say earlier than we transfer on to the sounds is the construct high quality. The UAFX modelers are simply absolute bricks. Whereas any stompbox price its salt goes to be fairly rugged and made out of steel (they need to survive being repeatedly stepped on, in spite of everything), these are in a category of their very own. They’re fairly a bit heavier than your common pedal, are forged from extraordinarily dense aluminum and would positively trigger some severe injury if dropped on an uncovered toe – barefoot gamers beware.

Alright, so we’ve established that they’re effectively constructed, function glorious connectivity choices (all three are stereo as effectively) and sound nice, however what’s it in regards to the sound that units them other than the remainder of the amp modelers on the market? Effectively, the brief reply is, the texture.

I do know, that’s a bit nebulous, however there’s one thing about the way in which these pedals reply to your enjoying that feels extra pure and genuine than many modelers, even these primarily based on impulse responses (IRs). An IR can get you a terrific sounding amp or cab sim, however as a result of they’re primarily based on audio information, they are typically much less dynamic than the true deal. The UAFX pedals clear up significantly in case you flip down the amount in your guitar, or play very delicately. And so they creep into break up as you begin enjoying tougher.

Additionally they take impact pedals extremely effectively, which isn’t one thing you possibly can assume in my expertise, particularly in the case of grime. My Fuck Overdrive and Part Garden fuzz pedals posed no problem, and actually the overdrive most likely sounded higher although the UAFX modelers than it does by way of my Blues Jr.

That is the place now we have to cease lumping the three pedals collectively, although, as a result of all of them sound extremely completely different from one another. Nobody is best than the opposite, however your private choice will dictate which is the only option for you. Would you like crisp clear tones that you could pair with iconic spring reverb and vibrato? The Dream ‘65 is the ticket. Want tremendous brilliant chimy sounds that be pushed into basic blues-rock crunch? Then it’s the Ruby you’re in search of. And in order for you darker, dirtier sounds, go for the Woodrow.

Personally, I’m into the Dream. Its cleans are pristine and wonderful. And when paired with the built-in spring reverb emulation it turns into an ideal machine for surf rock or extra ambient types the place your pedalboard is doing lots of the heavy lifting. It’s additionally a superb automobile for funk and soul the place you need one thing sharp that can minimize by way of the combo with out stealing the highlight.

Despite the fact that I’ve a board filled with fancy reverbs and a tremolo pedal I’m head-over-heels for, I truly nonetheless discovered myself turning to the built-in variations of the Dream fairly steadily. The spring reverb right here is as near the true factor as you’re gonna get. It drips and rattles identical to the spring in my Blues Jr and I don’t assume I may decide it out as a digital impact in a blind style take a look at. The vibrato (which, once more, is definitely tremolo) is equally nice. It has a heat classic really feel that’s nearer to the tube-power vibrato of yore, than my new-school tremolo.

I additionally assume that the three completely different increase channel choices and 6 completely different cab simulations provide the most tonal versatility of the three pedals. Pairing the inventory increase with the GB25 cab delivers glorious clear tones even at increased volumes. However flip to the lead mod and go along with the EV12 cab and you’ll rip a reasonably searing solo.

The pedal even begins to interrupt up a bit in case you hit it with too scorching of a sign. But it surely doesn’t clip the way in which that, say, a digital audio interface would. As an alternative, it sort of crackles identical to an actual amp would possibly. It’s these good little touches that make the UAFX pedals so convincing.