$5,000 Guitar Rig vs BIAS FX Software!!

Ever wonder if Amp/FX modeling software can convincingly create believable guitar tones? Check out this comparison!
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Mesa Boogie was set to "British" EL-84 setting
BIAS FX was on it's similar '69 Plexi "British setting

Song 1: Hendrix Tribute - Eric Johnson
Song 2:Darrell Braun
Song 3: Raised by the Tide - Maylene and the Sons of Disaster

Enjoy!

[taurbaby]

the bias fx rig lacks one important thing for me...the fun of buying a new/used pedal every so often and then hiding it from my wife, while showing it off to my friends.

[artiefischel]

Here's a thought: buy the software, and with the $4800 you've saved, buy a really nice guitar! Or lessons. Because the question is not whether you can replicate some analog stomp boxes, it's whether you can create appealing musical tones with the tools you have. That was the point, wasn't it? Making music?

[lmmartinez]

I believe that this is a matter of what you want to achieve as a guitar player. I'm a twenty year old student. I won't make a living out of music, hell I can't even play some of the most iconic riffs ever. In addition, I can't afford all that gear. I'd go with the software 99/100 times.

[eloiseripley]

I think the software is great to help you decide what real gear you finally should buy

[robertsimpson]

All in all, it is hard to deny how impressive modern guitar modeling technology is, and how far it has come. BIAS really does sound phenomenal, and I am fairly certain that if you had tricked people by telling them that you were playing through your $5000 rig while playing through BIAS, they would not have known the difference. In the end, I love analogue gear, but I think the argument that it has superior sound and that programs like BIAS sound to 'digital' is an old and tired argument that is based more heavily on emotion than it is on sound or experience.

Great video, by the way!!

[Kimahrey]

I'm still a beginner (and a student) so BIAS FX was a no brainer for me. Sure, having a real amp is great but it's just not an option for me atm :)

[buzzcrushtrendkill]

Great comparison. But a blind test would have been better. Too many people bring their biases with them.

[RileyPPP]

Is there a difference? Yep. A ~$4, 800 difference? Hell no. The software kills real amps on value.

[mindfreak]

The app sure is usefull, but call me old fashion, I would chose a full rig over the app, it's more about the feeling of actually touching the prdals and the knobs and all that stuff, for me.

[angusyoung]

These comparison videos you do are great. Right up there with a very select few on YouTube.

My conclusions are...

1. I 'blind listened' and I preferred the software in every instance.
2. Super cool dog!

[leftymadrid]

Over one hundred thumbs down, seriously!!!??? They probably don't even play guitar!!!!

[GuilhermeSilva_]

there is clearly a difference. Sometimes the real gig had a warmer sound. I would definitely go with the bias fx tho, given the low buget + huge versatility.

[AstraVex]

I closed my eyes for the tests, and aside from the BIAS FX tones having a touch more Mid and presence, I'd say it's DAMN impressive for a $200 Amp Sim VST.

A really good solution for broke guitarists looking for endless professional tones! :D

[blakegiroux]

I personally prefered the analog route but I do see how the software would be easier for home recording and youtube content or just playing at home. But for me I like playing around with physical objects to get my tone and I love being able to stomp on a pedal or stomp box. It worked for a lot of my heros and it's how I learned to play. So its more of a feel thing for me. Again sounds are great, but the feeling of my own rig in front of me that I can play with is just better to me.

[hhaze]

I own this software and it sounds pretty darn good.  I also own a fairly decent analog rig.  The difference, to me, seems to be in the feel.  My choice for live gigs is still analog, though I may experiment in the future.  That being said, the BIAS FX software is really cool and fun to fool around with.  I find it is great for recording too.

[CoolspyGaming]

You're so happy in all of your videos, it's impossible to smile for 2 minutes straight for me xD

[Pedrohsc]

For mild gain and cleans the BIAS was amazing! But the high gain territory, the amp kicked ass

[rockproducer]

my vote for analog effects sound better in the high end and with more presence

[siddharthb]

It sounds nearly the same. Good alternative if you don't wanna spend 5000 bucks

[onielmelendez]

Thanks very much for sharing Darrell!

Jus bought the irig HD2, powerbridge, blueboard and m-audio expression pedal because of this video! Been a pedal and multieffects floorboard user for 10 years... but with bias fx, an interface, an ipad and a guitar, you just cant beat the price (a real no-brainer) and the portability and tonal possibilities... hands down!

Your videos are always concise and direct to the point...THANKS MUCH!