NeuralDSP’s John Mayer Amp & Effects Model Sounds Incredible
▼ Summary
– The author, a user of amp modeling software, appreciates the convenience and quality of current options for clean to mid-gain guitar tones.
– NeuralDSP has released a new software package, Archetype: John Mayer X, which uniquely models John Mayer’s specific hardware and settings.
– The software models three of Mayer’s actual amps and their cabinets, offering detailed microphone and room tone controls.
– The author tested the software and was impressed, noting it provides welcome variety from NeuralDSP’s recent focus on metal amp simulations.
– While ideal for emulating John Mayer’s sound, the article questions the software’s value for players not seeking to replicate his style.
The world of guitar tone has been transformed by software, offering players an unprecedented array of authentic, studio-ready sounds without the physical and financial burden of traditional gear. For those seeking pristine clean tones and expressive mid-gain, the market is rich with excellent options. NeuralDSP’s new Archetype: John Mayer X, however, raises the bar by meticulously modeling not just a category of gear, but the exact legendary amplifiers and effects used by the artist himself. This package captures the specific hardware units and the precise settings John Mayer employs both in recording sessions and during live performances, even including presets he personally designed. While it’s a dream for fans aiming to replicate his signature sound, the real question is what it offers guitarists with broader musical ambitions.
After extensive testing, the plugin delivers far more than a simple tribute. NeuralDSP has built a strong reputation in recent years, particularly within the high-gain metal community, making this focus on nuanced, dynamic amplification a refreshing change of pace. The suite is built around three iconic amplifiers central to Mayer’s tone: a 1964 Fender Vibroverb, the elusive Dumble Steel String Singer #002, and a prototype Two-Rock amplifier not yet available to the public. Each amp model is paired with an accurate representation of its matching speaker cabinet. A highly flexible microphone section allows you to place up to two virtual mics anywhere in front of the cabinet, providing deep control over the tonal character and the ambient room sound to craft anything from a tight, focused recording to a spacious, live feel.
The included effects pedalboard is equally comprehensive, featuring models of Mayer’s actual pedals. You get a versatile overdrive, a dynamic compressor, a rich analog-style chorus, and a lush tape delay unit, all designed to integrate seamlessly with the amplifier models. This isn’t just a collection of generic effects; they are the specific tools that shape his playing. The result is a plugin that feels incredibly responsive and musical, capable of producing everything from sparkling, bell-like cleans to singing, sustained lead tones that feel alive under your fingers. It proves to be an exceptional tool not only for capturing a specific artist’s voice but for discovering and crafting your own unique tones within a framework of proven, professional-grade gear.
(Source: Ars Technica)
