NAMM 2018: Blue Cat Audio intros Axiom virtual amp and multi-FX suite
A new amp simulation software package enters the market
Blue Cat Audio has been in touch to tell us about Axiom, a new suite of multi-effects and amp simulation software. With tech based on its existing Destructor product, the first list of specs sounds impressive: two virtual amp channels, hundreds of preset amp models, 32 plug-in slots that can host external plug-ins and 30 included plug-ins such as built-in versions of the Destructor distortion and Late Replies echo tools.
Axiom
The Axiom virtual amp is available either as a standalone application or plug-in in VST, VST3, AAX, Audio Unit flavours for Mac and Windows, covering just about any DAW needs you should have.
The basic concept is to offer two amp sim channels, both with pre and post effects available, that can be mixed together or used alternately. You can also choose between hundreds of onboard presets or you can make your own with the built-in amplifier editor, which is based on their existing Destructor software.
Additional input and master sections let you adjust the tone at the input and the output sections of the Axiom signal path. Four effect slots are available on each of these, plus a brick-wall limiter to stop you overloading the output section.
Effects
Axiom sounds like it has a pretty extensive effects section built-in as well as a very flexible effect routing path. Also featured is the ability to load up third-party effect plug-ins, which is handy for people that have a good collection of tried and tested plug-ins that they like to rely on.
Ease of use
The key thing will be how easy it is to use, as well as the sound. We will have to wait till we hear some reviews and read some reports after the show, but on paper, it sounds pretty decent. In an already crowded virtual amp market where companies like Native Instruments, IK Multimedia and Line 6 have invested heavily in this sector of music software, I wonder how much of a dent Axiom will make in their profits.
With an introductory 20% discount available to existing users of Blue Cat’s Destructor and Late Replies plug-ins, this new software amp sim could be worth a punt, though official pricing has not as yet been revealed.
Blue Cat Audio will be presenting this at NAMM this week on booth #16300, with a release slated for in Q2 2018.
RRP – TBC
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