Blue Cat’s Free Amp is exactly what the name promises: a completely free guitar amp simulation plugin that doesn’t feel compromised.
Built using the same modelling engine found in Blue Cat’s premium tools, it delivers a focused selection of usable amp tones with a clean workflow and zero barriers to entry. No accounts, no licenses, no restrictions.
At the core are three amp models, each inspired by classic real-world designs.
Classic Clean covers vintage-style clarity and headroom, Classic Drive moves into crunchy breakup territory, and Modern Drive pushes into saturated, high-gain tones suitable for heavier styles. Together, they span everything from early electric guitar textures to modern distortion.
Tone shaping is intentionally familiar. A straightforward EQ and drive control behave much like a physical amp, making it easy to dial in sounds quickly without menu diving or unnecessary complexity.
Since version 1.1, Blue Cat’s Free Amp supports custom impulse responses, allowing you to load your own cabinet, microphone, or room IRs. This significantly expands its tonal range and lets the plugin slot easily into existing guitar workflows.
Whether you prefer vintage cabs, modern mic chains, or experimental spaces, IR loading turns Free Amp into a surprisingly adaptable tool.
The plugin is lightweight, zero-latency, and efficient. CPU usage drops to zero when idle, making it ideal for large sessions or live monitoring.
Full MIDI control and automation are supported, and the interface can be resized and customised to suit different setups. It’s designed to stay out of the way and let you focus on playing.
A stripped-back amp sim with professional foundations.
Yes. While simple, the modelling quality and IR support make it perfectly viable for recording and mixing.
Yes. You can load your own IRs for cabinets, microphones, or spaces.
No. It’s fully functional and completely free, with no time limits or feature locks.
No. The plugin runs with zero latency, making it suitable for live playing and tracking.