Dream '65, Ruby '63 and Woodrow '55 pedals offers a range of classic U.S. and U.K. tones, with modern modeling technology and flexibility
Looking for an amp-in-a-box that is also your favorite amp-in-a-box? Look no further than Universal Audio’s new UAFX Guitar Amp Emulator pedals. The range consists of three units – the Dream ‘65 Reverb, Ruby ‘63 Top Boost and Woodrow ‘55 Instrument – that emulate the most iconic and celebrated guitar amps of all time, with authentic tube amp tones courtesy of the company’s UAD modeling technology and dual-engine processing.
The Dream ‘65 Reverb offers up luscious U.S.- style spring reverb and vibrato, while the Ruby ’63 takes you into classic U.K. tube territory that recalls artists like Queen and U2. The Woodrow ‘55 Instrument, meanwhile, is a “tweed-y” delight.
“What‘s instantly fascinating with these pedals,” points out Guitar World Tech Editor Paul Riario, “is that Universal Audio has decided to go a different route when it came to modeling amps. Whereas most modeling stompboxes or modeling processors tend to model numerous amplifiers, UA decided to focus on one classic amp per pedal for the Dream and the Woodrow, and in the case of the Ruby, two classic amps – a ‘61 non-Top Boost AC30 and a ‘63 Top Boost AC30.”
In addition to nailing precise sounds, each pedal offers a number of speaker cabinet, mic and room tone pairings, derived from Universal Audio’s award-winning OX Amp Top Box. There’s also amp-specific extras that include custom boosts and circuit mods, tube reverb and vibrato, and an additional UAFX mobile app provides next-level tone-tweaking ability.
(Image credit: Universal Audio)
These are truly amp-in-a-box pedals, that are, Paul says, “unlike anything I’ve ever heard or played through. Not only do they give you the sonic authenticity of vintage tube amps along with some custom features and options, but they are also uncanny in their ability to deliver the same sweet sounds, dynamics and touch sensitivity of the original amps they emulate.”
What’s more, he continues, “with the UAFX mobile app for iPhone and Android, you get even more versatility and customization for saving presets, accessing stellar artist presets and tones, personalizing footswitches and many more additional features.”
Paul’s verdict?
“There is nothing quite like Universal Audio’s Dream ‘65 Reverb, Ruby ‘63 Top Boost and Woodrow ‘55 Instrument amplifier stomp boxes,” he says. “The classic amplifier emulations found in each pedal are nothing short of extraordinary. And once you factor in that each pedal comes loaded with hot rod preamp boosts, classic speaker and cab swaps, plus free additional downloadable cabinets and mics and flexible customization options from the mobile app, you have the most powerful amp in a box pedal available.
“These UA FX guitar amp emulators really do offer inspiring album-ready sounds whether you wish to capture these tones live or in a studio. So much so that I’m blown away by how close to the real thing these stompboxes can get.”
To check out the UAFX Guitar Amp Emulator pedals for yourself, head to Universal Audio.
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