Ace
Key Features
- Models a small 1950s American all-tube 5W tweed guitar amp.
- Feedback and grid-stopper controls add two common amp-modification options alongside the original-style sound.
- Input gain can add up to 12 dB before the modeled amp stages.
- Impulse-response cabinet simulation can stay on or be bypassed for an external cabinet loader.
- Selectable 2x, 4x, and 8x oversampling balances processing quality against CPU use.
- Focused controls support quick live, re-amping, and in-the-box guitar workflows.
Description
Ace is Shattered Glass Audio's emulation of a small 1950s American 5W tweed tube guitar amp. It focuses on straightforward vintage clean-to-crunch tones, with a modeled all-tube circuit, adjustable input level, feedback control, grid-stopper option, and optional impulse-response cabinet simulation.
The compact interface is designed for getting an amp sound into a session quickly rather than building a large virtual rig. Its input boost reaches 12 dB, and the feedback and grid-stopper controls let you move away from the original-style circuit behavior without losing the core tweed character.
The cabinet stage can be bypassed when you prefer a separate cabinet or impulse-response loader. Selectable 2x, 4x, and 8x oversampling provides a quality-versus-CPU choice, while the developer describes the plug-in as suitable for live use and re-amping.
Ace remains listed as version 1.1.0 on Shattered Glass Audio's current product API, where it is explicitly marked free and has current Windows and Mac installer links. It is an older VST2/AU plug-in, so confirm that your DAW still supports those formats before relying on it in a project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of amp does Ace model?
Ace models a small 1950s American all-tube tweed amp with a 5W output. Its design is aimed at vintage clean and low-gain crunch guitar tones rather than a large modern high-gain rig.
Can I use my own cabinet impulse response with Ace?
Yes. Ace includes an impulse-response-based cabinet simulation that can be switched off, so you can route its amp sound to a separate cabinet or IR loader.
What do the feedback and grid-stopper controls do?
They model two common amplifier modifications included by the developer. Both can be disabled when you want the original-style amp behavior instead.
Which formats and systems does Ace support?
Shattered Glass Audio lists macOS 10.7+ with VST2 and AU support, plus Windows XP, 7, and 8 with VST2 support. These are legacy formats and operating-system requirements, so test them in a current compatible host before a session.
