Video by Plugin Boutique via YouTube
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Welcome to the definitive video guide, the only and most official amp shootout, the Blackstar Amps vs the Blackstar plugins showdown featuring the good people from Blackstar themselves!!
Note: Pro Tools session panning of the room mics was corrected in post-production using original audio source.
In this video, Steve from Blackstar Amps UK collaborates with Plug In Boutique to showcase the Saint James plugin vs the real Saint James amps. He begins by introducing himself and the real amps he has on hand for comparison. Alex G from Blackstar also joins in to provide insights into the plugin’s development.
They start with the Saint James 6XL6 clean channel, demonstrating its tone and features. Alex explains the setup with two mics for recording and has the plugin loaded onto the DI track. They experiment with different settings, including adding sag for clean tones and adjusting EQ for mid-range emphasis. As they delve deeper, they explore adding effects like compressor, stereo reverb, and harmonic tremolo to enhance the sound. Alex highlights the flexibility of plugins, allowing for post-production tweaks not possible with real amps.
Moving on to the Saint James EL34, they compare the vintage tone with less gain, suitable for pedals. Steve details the amp’s front panel layout and its replication in the plugin. They proceed to demonstrate clean and overdrive tones, toggling between the real amp and the plugin to show their similarities. Throughout the demonstration, they adjust settings such as compressor blend, EQ, and room size to fine-tune the sound. They note differences in mic placement between the real amp setup and the plugin, discussing how the plugin’s flexibility compensates for such discrepancies.
As they explore the overdrive channel of the EL34, they continue to tweak settings to achieve desired tones. Steve emphasizes the benefits of plugins for experimentation and adjustment post-recording. They conclude by discussing the differences in mic characteristics and how the plugin allows for compensatory adjustments. Alex expresses a preference for the plugin’s tonal characteristics and the ability to refine the sound further in post-production. Throughout the demonstration, they emphasize the plugin’s versatility and its ability to replicate the nuances of real amps while offering greater control and flexibility.