STR-X by Strix Audio (Free Guitar Amp VST)

STR-X

Currently Windows only! Mac OS version coming soon.

This is the STR-X by Strix Audio, a free guitar amp designed to be a simple digital option for guitarists who use plugins, emulations, etc.

The amp features three different modes which are functions of different multiband crossover point options. The multiband is placed prior to the preamp stage, so the Mode selection controls how the distortion is intermodulating. This allows for a pretty versatile range of tonal capabilities.

Thick sounds fuzzy and super fat at high gain, almost like a fuzz. Crossover @ 100Hz

Normal is less chunky, but with the crossover at 250Hz, it still produces a solid low end which works well for fast metal tones or rhythm tones with some body.

Open is designed to get that mid-forward, high-gain ready tone which can handle tons of chugging, but at low gain it also achieves a nice, bright sound which works well for cleaner, more modest styles.

Crossover @ 400Hz

Additionally, there is a pedal-style distortion stage, X, which works kind of like a one-knob Tube Screamer. I used the TS's filters as inspiration, and this stage produces symmetric clipping as well. It's designed so that it's fully bypassed when at 0, and smoothly starts to integrate as you roll the knob up.

In my opinion, the amp is geared well toward mid- and high-gain tones, although I've had pleasing results with low gain tones, as well as running single-coil pickups through it.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!