IK Releases Brown Sound 80/81 Signature Collection

IK Releases Brown Sound 80/81 delivering the dark and moody tones of two iconic albums.

IK Multimedia releases the Brown Sound 80/81 Signature Collection for TONEX, the second part of the limited TONEX Brown Sound series. Carefully crafted to match the recorded tones of two iconic early-'80s albums, this collection features 73 precisely designed Tone Models, along with several amp-only captures that can be used with IK or 3rd-party IRs or run through a real cab live on stage.

Offering both authentic recreations and thoughtful variations to reflect different theories about how these legendary tracks were recorded, the new Brown Sound collection captures the darker swagger and heavier edge that marked a milestone in the guitarist's journey.

1980 Tone Models

On the 1980 album, the tones are thicker, drier, and more saturated than on the second album, marking a return to a raw, aggressive sound that echoes the ferocity of the debut. It's more in-your-face with a noticeable midrange punch, tighter low end, and more focused articulation. It reflects a shift toward a more modern, high-gain tone, hinting at the sonic direction that would influence the next generation of rock and metal players.

1981 Tone Models

Compared to the raw brightness of 78/79, the 1981 tone is tighter and more controlled, with pronounced low-mids and a more percussive attack. There's less of the spacious, open-air feel of the earlier records, replaced by a thick, almost claustrophobic intensity that matches the album's darker vibe. The gain is higher, the reverb is dialed back, and the overall sound feels more focused, brooding, and polished, yet still unmistakable.

The Amp: "The ONE"

At the heart of the Brown Sound 80/81 collection is "The ONE" - a meticulously crafted Marshall-style amp built from the ground up with the exact same spec as the infamous 1968 Super Lead serial number #12301, including crucial mods that capture the DNA of the early brown sound like no other amp model.

Ready to Play

As with all collections in the series, these Tone Models were crafted using period-correct gear and capture techniques to recreate the middle two albums of that era genuinely. Each Tone Model reproduces the recorded album tone in exquisite detail, offering an ideal foundation for adding time-based effects-either within TONEX or through a favorite pedal.

Pricing and Availability

The Brown Sound 78/79 Signature Collection is now available via ToneNET and within any version of TONEX for Mac/PC at $/€99.99.*

TONEX Brown Sound 78/79 – $/€99.99* - Includes 50 Tone Models.
TONEX Brown Sound 80/81 – $/€99.99 – Includes 73 Tone Models.
TONEX Brown Sound 82/84 – $/€79.99 pre-order (reg. $/€99.99) – Includes 77 Tone Models. Coming soon.
TONEX ONE Brown Sound Limited Edition – $/€249.99 – Available in white, red, or yellow. Includes Brown Sound 78/79 and a choice of one other Brown Sound collection (a $/€199.98 software value). Existing Brown Sound 78/79 users will receive a $/€50 discount at the IK store.
TONEX Brown Sound Anthology Collector's Limited Edition – $/€599.99 – Box set includes all three colors of TONEX ONE (white, red, and yellow) plus all three Brown Sound Signature Collections (78/79, 80/81, and 82/84). Limited to 200 units worldwide. Shipping soon.

*Pricing excluding taxes.

For complete details and information about the Brown Sound Anthology collections and pedals, and to hear the tones, visit: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/tonex-brown-sound









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