Sonuus musicport
1
The Bias Head Powered
isn’t just your average
600W solid state amp; it’s
also the physical front-end to
Positive Grid’s Bias Amp software,
which is free with the hardware and
available in both desktop and iOS
formats. This is possibly the most
complete amp modelling solution we
have ever tried. A fully gigable head,
tone-matching capabilities and an
online community for new sounds all
make for a smart purchase. For
around £100 less, you could go for
the ‘Processor’ version, but we’d say
save up your pennies and go for this
‘Powered’ version instead.
www.positivegrid.com
VerDICt 9.5
2
The third iteration of the
G2M is still monophonic
audio-to-MIDI, but with an
updated algorithm which has
certainly improved the tracking and
latency. It still must be said that
playing too loose and being out of
tune will just be a frustrating
experience for you. It’s definitely
worth re-stringing your guitar for the
best results.
www.sonuus.com
VerDICt 7.9
3
The i2M can send
USB-MIDI to up to six
channels simultaneously
and also doubles up as an audio
interface, with 44.1kHz and 48kHz
recording at 16-bit. Like the G2M,
the latency and tracking feel
workable, but this version just pips it
with the added flexibility.
www.sonuus.com
VerDICt 8.2
4
Once paired with either an
Android or iOS app, the
Roadie will need to calibrate
each string before getting stuck into
tuning your guitar to one of many
preset tunings, or any custom tuning
of your choosing. If you’re a producer
who works with guitarists get this in
your studio – visiting musicians will
love you for it.
www.roadietuner.com
VerDICt 8.9
5
Many producers will plump
for a UAD set-up for its
mixing and mastering
qualities, but let’s not forget the
large number of amp models and
guitar effects that are available on
the platform. Official plug-ins for the
likes of Marshall, Engl and Fender
sound incredibly authentic, but don’t
overlook the non-branded ones.
Softube’s Amp room bundle is
excellent value for money and
features high gain amps in the Metal
Room, classic tones fill the Vintage
Amp Room and the low-end is
catered for with the Bass Amp
Room. Be sure to check the site for
deals; at the time of going to press,
the bundle is only £135.
www.uaudio.com
VerDICt 9.0
6
On the same amp-modelling
scale as the Bias Head, is
Fractal’s AX8 pedalboard.
It’s the floor version of the
manufacturer’s famed Axe FX II rack
unit. As with PG’s offering, there are
plenty of presets here to sate most
recording situations and just like the
Bias Head, there is an online
community of other guitarists sharing
new models that can be downloaded
to your unit. It sounds amazing, is
more solid than actual rock, but for
the money it doesn’t stand up to the
Bias Head as an all-in-one solution.
www.fractalaudio.com
VerDICt 9.1
FM VerDICt
THE HIGH PERFORMER The Bias Head wins
by a good distance. The sheer flexibility in editing
means you can dial almost every tone imaginable.
THE BEST VALUE The Roadie is one of those labour-
saving devices you just need in your life. Many tuning
settings available and quick string-removal function.
5
6
UAD/Softube
from £598
Fractal Audio
Systems AX8
€1,699
Group Test | Reviews
105
FMU313.rev_grouptest.indd 105 30/11/2016 14:30