Think a traditional amplifier is unbeatable in the studio? Think again. Here are 12 albums that were recorded using amp sims…
- 12 Albums Recorded With Amp Sims
- 1. Spiritbox – Eternal Blue
- 2. Scar Symmetry – The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph)
- 3. Intervals – Circadian
- 4. Invent Animate – Heavener
- 5. Thornhill – The Hollywood Death Star
- 6. Steel Panther – On the Prowl
- 7. Resolve – Between Me and The Machine
- 8. Novelists FR – Déjà Vu
- 9. Bleed From Within – Shrine
- 10. Twelve Foot Ninja – Silent Machine
- 11. Chimp Spanner – All Roads Lead Here
- 12. Animals as Leaders – Self-Titled
- Wrapping Up…
Amp sims often spark heated debates among guitarists. Purists might scoff at digital emulations, swearing by the warmth and feel of tube amps. But here’s the kicker: some of your favorite records may have been crafted using amp sims.
From bone-crushing djent riffs to searing solos, amp sims are no longer just for bedroom players. They’re shaping the sound of modern music.
Let’s take a look at 12 killer albums recorded using amp sims. You might be surprised by who’s on this list.
12 Albums Recorded With Amp Sims
| Band | Album | Amp Sim Used |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritbox | Eternal Blue | Archetype: Nolly |
| Scar Symmetry | The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) | Omega Granophyre (rhythms), Archetype: Plini (leads) |
| Intervals | Circadian | Archetype: Cali (leads), Archetype: Nolly (likely rhythms) |
| Invent Animate | Heavener | Archetype: Gojira |
| Thornhill | The Hollywood Death Star | Archetype: Nolly |
| Steel Panther | On the Prowl | Archetype: Gojira |
| Resolve | Between Me and The Machine | Omega Granophyre |
| Novelists FR | Déjà Vu | Archetype: Plini, Archetype: Gojira |
| Bleed From Within | Shrine | Fortin Cali Suite |
| Twelve Foot Ninja | Silent Machine | Line 6 Pod HD500 |
| Chimp Spanner | All Roads Lead Here | Line 6 Pod HD Pro |
| Animals as Leaders | Self-Titled | Line 6 Pod XT |
1. Spiritbox – Eternal Blue
Amp Sim: Archetype: Nolly
Spiritbox’s debut full-length album made waves with its impeccable production and jaw-dropping riffs. Thanks to the Archetype: Nolly plugin, they achieved a blend of clarity and brutality that’s hard to beat.
2. Scar Symmetry – The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph)
Amp Sims: Omega Granophyre (rhythm), Archetype: Plini (leads)
Scar Symmetry’s futuristic metal is as intricate as it gets. Their use of Omega Granophyre for rhythm and Archetype: Plini for lead guitars highlights how amp sims can nail distinct tones.
3. Intervals – Circadian
Amp Sims: Archetype: Cali (leads), Archetype: Nolly (likely for rhythms)
Aaron Marshall of Intervals creates progressive masterpieces with tonal precision. The shimmering leads on Circadian are proof of Archetype: Cali’s versatility.
4. Invent Animate – Heavener
Amp Sim: Archetype: Gojira
When heaviness meets ethereal beauty, you get Heavener. The Archetype: Gojira plugin captured the depth and aggression of Invent Animate’s sound.
5. Thornhill – The Hollywood Death Star
Amp Sim: Archetype: Nolly
This album takes a cinematic approach to modern metalcore. Archetype: Nolly added the punch and precision Thornhill needed for their guitar tones.
6. Steel Panther – On the Prowl
Amp Sim: Archetype: Gojira
Glam metal legends Steel Panther recorded On the Prowl entirely with the Archetype: Gojira. If it’s good enough for these seasoned rockers, it’s good enough for anyone.
7. Resolve – Between Me and The Machine
Amp Sim: Omega Granophyre
Resolve’s crushing guitar tones on this record come courtesy of Omega Granophyre, a staple in the modern metal world.
8. Novelists FR – Déjà Vu
Amp Sims: Archetype: Plini, Archetype: Gojira
For Déjà Vu, Novelists FR mixed the dreamy tones of Archetype: Plini with the ferocity of Archetype: Gojira. The result? A perfect blend of emotion and intensity.
9. Bleed From Within – Shrine
Amp Sim: Fortin Cali Suite
Bleed From Within proves that amp sims can deliver savage tones without compromise. The Fortin Cali Suite powered the guitar tones on Shrine.
10. Twelve Foot Ninja – Silent Machine
Amp Sim: Line 6 Pod HD500
The quirky Australian metal outfit embraced digital technology early on. The Line 6 Pod HD500 was instrumental in shaping their innovative sound on Silent Machine.
11. Chimp Spanner – All Roads Lead Here
Amp Sim: Line 6 Pod HD Pro
Paul Ortiz, aka Chimp Spanner, is a one-man prog powerhouse. His album All Roads Lead Here was crafted entirely with the Line 6 Pod HD Pro, demonstrating just how versatile amp sims can be.
12. Animals as Leaders – Self-Titled
Amp Sim: Line 6 Pod XT
Tosin Abasi’s groundbreaking debut album as Animals as Leaders blew everyone’s minds—and it was recorded using a Line 6 Pod XT. Who needs a wall of amps when you’ve got chops like these?
Wrapping Up…
If you’ve been hesitant to jump into the world of amp sims, these albums should give you plenty of inspiration.
From Archetype plugins to classic Line 6 gear, amp sims aren’t just for practice—they’re for serious studio work.
✅ Here’s the 8 best amp sims we recommend right now
Whether you’re chasing pristine cleans, gut-punching rhythms, or searing leads, there’s an amp sim out there that can do the job.
Fun Fact: Want to dive deeper into amp sims? Check out this review of the STL Amphub to see why it’s a favorite among guitarists.
FAQs For The Road…
Q: Are amp sims good for professional recordings?
A: Absolutely. As this list shows, many acclaimed artists use them for studio-quality results.
Q: Can amp sims replace real amps live?
A: While they’re fantastic for recording, using them live depends on your setup. Check out FRFR speakers if you’re going digital on stage.
Q: What’s the best amp sim for metal?
A: It depends on your style, but plugins like Archetype: Gojira and Omega Granophyre are top contenders.
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