Blue Cat Audio has released Blue Cat’s Free Amp 2.0, a major update to its free guitar and bass amp simulation plug-in. The company has also updated its complete collection of seven additional freeware plug-ins with expanded MIDI control, preset management improvements and user-interface enhancements.
Blue Cat’s Free Amp 2.0
Free Amp 2.0 introduces a new generation of amp models built using technology from Blue Cat Audio’s Destructor V2 amp-modeling and distortion system. The update also adds a dedicated bass amp model and integrated reverb derived from the company’s Axiom multi-effects and amp-processing software.
Free Amp can now operate as a standalone application in addition to running as a plug-in within a DAW or other compatible host.
Blue Cat Audio has retained the original V1 amp models for compatibility with existing sessions. Version 2.0 also provides smoother transitions between presets, particularly when switching between presets using impulse responses and modeled cabinets, along with redesigned 3D HD graphics.
Free Amp 2.0 highlights include:
- New amp models based on the Destructor V2 engine.
- New dedicated bass amp model.
- Built-in reverb based on technology from Axiom.
- Standalone application in addition to plug-in operation.
- Original V1 models for compatibility with existing projects.
- Smoother preset transitions, including switching between IR and modeled cabinets.
- Updated 3D HD graphics.
Blue Cat’s Gain Suite 3.6
Blue Cat Audio has also expanded the linking capabilities of Gain Suite 3.6.
The suite now supports up to 26 link groups, compared with nine in previous versions. Plug-in instances can also be linked across mono and stereo tracks, and the stereo version can now be used on mono tracks.
This makes it possible to control considerably larger groups of Gain plug-in instances simultaneously across a mix.
Updates Across the Freeware Collection
Blue Cat Audio’s other free plug-ins; Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, FreqAnalyst, Triple EQ and Freeceiver have also received updates.
MIDI control has been expanded substantially. Plug-in parameters can now be controlled using MIDI notes, pitch bend, NRPN, 14-bit MIDI CC, aftertouch and channel pressure, in addition to standard MIDI CC messages.
A new “learn once” MIDI mode automatically exits learning mode after a parameter has been assigned. The plug-ins can also transmit Bank Select and Program Change messages when presets are changed from the user interface, allowing external MIDI controllers to remain synchronized.
Preset management has been improved as well. The currently selected preset is easier to locate within menus, presets can be revealed directly in macOS Finder or Windows Explorer, and users can choose to cycle through presets within the current bank only.
Windows users gain multitouch support, allowing several controls to be manipulated simultaneously on compatible touchscreen systems. Blue Cat Audio has also made a variety of accessibility, host zoom, text editing, undo and general interface improvements.
Free With No Registration
All eight Blue Cat Audio freeware products remain completely free. No registration, hardware dongle or mailing-list subscription is required, and the software is not being offered as part of a limited-time promotion. Some of Blue Cat Audio’s freeware plug-ins have now been available free of charge for more than 20 years.
The plug-ins are available individually or as part of the Blue Cat Audio Freeware Pack.
System Requirements
macOS: Intel or Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 10.9 or later.
Windows: PC running Windows Vista or later.
More information and downloads are available from Blue Cat Audio.
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