Atomic Amps has unleashed the Tonocracy amp simulator, now up for grabs as a complimentary download compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.
Predictably, the NAM (Neural Amp Modeler) trend has begun seeping into various products, and today’s featured freeware offering falls right in line with this burgeoning movement.
Introduced last year, Tonocracy initially spotlighted NAM captures among its arsenal of amp simulation features. Now, in a generous move, Atomic Amps has elevated the plugin to version 2.0 and made it accessible to all users without cost.
Delving into the update, you’ll uncover a plethora of enhancements that add significant value to this release.
Central to Tonocracy’s allure are its SchemAccurate amp captures, spanning a broad spectrum from the gentle nuances of breakup to the ferocious roar of high-gain behemoths. While I found these captures quite pleasing to the ear, I didn’t find myself reaching for them as frequently during my testing phase. Notably, the Orange Rockerverb capture, while enjoyable, failed to surpass other models in my estimation.
Dubbed ToneSnaps, the NAM captures integrated into Tonocracy are nothing short of stellar—hardly surprising for those familiar with the software’s capabilities. Among my personal favorites are the 6505, Fender Bassman, and Orange Micro Terror, readily available on ToneHunt.
Of course, an amp simulation wouldn’t be complete without authentic speaker emulation, and Tonocracy doesn’t disappoint in this regard. This gratis offering comes bundled with premium IRs designed to complement both SchemAccurate and ToneSnap amps, boasting selections from ML Sound, Amalgam Audio, and other esteemed providers, ensuring a rich diversity of sonic possibilities.
Although I found the ML Sound Lab IRs particularly impressive, I appreciated the seamless integration that allowed me to swiftly import my own IRs with a simple drag-and-drop action within the interface.
For those curious about how Tonocracy stacks up against the recently unveiled Genome by Two Notes Audio, I must admit a personal preference for Genome, particularly in its handling of captures for ProteusML, NAM, and AIDA-X.
Nevertheless, Tonocracy stands as a commendable free tool that can hold its own against premium counterparts like TONEX from IK Multimedia and Melda Production’s GuitarArchitect.
For interested users, Tonocracy is available for free download, though an Atomic Amps account is required for authorization. It supports various plugin formats—VST3, AAX, and AU—and is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.
