McDSP CHROME TONE

I originally started with the Demo download of McDSP Chrome Tone from the website to see if I liked it. They let me have a 14 day trial in which I used it just about every single day. I love the layout and interface of Chrome Tone because everything can be done right from the main interface and there are no sub menus or hard to read text. It is one of those plug ins where there are just knobs to turn, and I was even able to MIDI the knobs with my keyboard controller so I had a real hardware like experience.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Installing the plug ins was quick and easy, I loved the distortion plug in because I had full control over how it sounded and it was easy to operate. There was even an EQ section at the bottom of it to tweak out what I didn’t want. I mainly used these plug ins in Pro Tools, they ran smoothly and glitch free.

OVERALL OPINION

Chrome Tone was not just another one of those plug ins that have all of the same sounds that most all of its competitors have. There are some really good presets to add to any sound to breathe life into it. I have used some of the Mod effects on all sorts of synths and even piano patches to give them some depth and make them feel real. Most of the standard sounds that come in Production Software Programs need to have effects like the Chrome Tone before the sounds are actually usable because they are very simple, dry and plain.
I would not choose Chrome Tone over Guitar Rig though, but I did end up buying it anyways because it was affordable and it had some presets that I was very fond of at the time. I do not use it a lot anymore but I still have it installed and wouldn’t think twice about purchasing it again if I had to.

The McDSP Chrome Tone amplifier simulator was easy to install and to get up and running. It was transfered to my ilok and I was able to use it within minutes of installing. The configuration and interface of the plug-in is easy to figure out and is laid out smartly. There are a bunch of different sections - noise gate, distortion, input, equalizer, compression, and output. Each has its own parameters to control, giving you a wide array of possibilities and sounds. Since I bought this electronically, I don't have a manual and can't speak to if it is helpful or not.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I am running Chrome Tone with a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I am running it in Pro Tools LE 7.4 and a Digi 002R audio interface. I haven't had a problem running it on this at all, however, I have only had a need for running one or two of these at once. Beyond this I don't know how well it would run, but since it is a big plug-in with a lot of parameters, running a bunch of them at once would probably slow your system a bit.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the McDSP Chrome Tone amp simulator for about six months. I have found it to be a useful tool not only for guitars but for all types of instruments. Since it has so many parameters, it is versatile and that makes it capable of a number of different uses. The price of this can't be beat, as I bought it in the Project Studio LE bundle for quite a cheap price. I would compare this to something like Line 6 Amp Farm or IK Multimedia Amplitube. While it is not as in depth as Amp Farm, it will cost you much less and it is probably a better comparison to Amplitube in terms of price and overall capabilities. For those looking for a plug-in of this nature, this is definitely worth a look.