Softube Amps

Introduction

The Softube Amp at the top and the Softube Bass Amp at the bottom

As from Reason Version 9, the Softube Amp and Softube Bass Amp replace the previously available Line 6 Amps. The Softube Amp and Softube Bass Amp are amplifier and speaker cabinet simulators based on the renowned modelling algorithms developed by Softube. The two devices feature accurate simulations of some of the most coveted vintage amplifier and cabinet models, that you can freely mix and match. Setting up a great amp tone for your guitar or bass is easy, regardless of what type of sound you are looking for.

In this chapter the two devices will be described together using the collective name “Softube Amps”. Where parameters differ between the two devices this will be duly noted.

In Reason the Softube Amp and Softube Bass Amp Rack Extension devices can be found on the Effects palette.

Basic usage

The Softube Amps can be used to process any signal but are best used “live”, i.e. as insert effects on the Audio Track Channel that a live instrument is connected to, so that you can monitor the effect as you play and record.

When recording electric guitar or bass, the basic tonal character of the amp/cabinet very much affects how the instrument responds, which in turn affects your playing. The Softube Amps allow you to set up a good basic tone with a minimum of fuss so you can start recording straight away!

Using a “real” amp requires that you set up the amp tone exactly right prior to recording, as you have very limited means of changing it afterwards. But as Insert FX are transparent in Reason (i.e. they are not a part of the recorded signal) you can tweak the tone, change Amp model etc., as much as you like after recording, right up to the creation of the final mixdown audio file (or Mixer Channel bouncing).

Important note about using the Softube amps as insert effects

•	To use a Softube Amp as an insert fx when you're recording an audio track, you need to monitor through Reason (see “Monitoring”) - otherwise you won't hear the sound of the Softube Amp during recording.

For this to feel comfortable you will want as low latency as possible (see “Buffer Size settings”). With good audio hardware and drivers, you can usually get down to a latency of a few milliseconds, which is about the same delay you'd get standing a meter from a real guitar amplifier.

Front panel

The Softube Amps front panel can be divided into two main sections; the display area with Patch/Amp/Cabinet selectors at the top, and a set of standard amplifier tone controls below. The Amp parameters (tone controls) are described in “Amp panel controls”.

Common effect device parameters

While the specific parameters for the Softube Amps are described later in this chapter, some features and procedures are common to all effect devices. Please, refer to “Common effect device features” for information about the Input meter, the Bypass/On/Off switch and Signal Flow Graphs on the Softube Amps.