ToneLib has released ToneLib GFX, a freeware guitar amp modeling suite in VST, VST3, and AU plugin formats for digital audio workstations on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
ToneLib GFX is an all-in-one guitar amp modeling software package with a wide range of amplifier, cabinet, and pedal simulations. Its interface resembles popular commercial software like Guitar Rig and AmpliTube but feels more lightweight and less cluttered. Considering the amount of included gear models, it is hard to believe that such software can be offered as freeware.
See also: Download Free NRR-1 Guitar Amplifier VST/AU PluginOne of the reasons why ToneLib GFX feels so lightweight and easy to use is that the developers chose not to create custom GUI designs for each amp model and guitar pedal. This results in a streamlined user interface with intuitive control layout and control parameters which are easy to identify. The sound quality is also very good, although I’d love to hear what some more experienced guitar amp software users have to say about this in the comments section below. I only use virtual guitar amps from time to time so I’m not the best judge of quality for this particular type of software.
It seems that ToneLib GFX was released some time ago but it went under the radar. In my humble opinion, it is one of the best freeware guitar processing plugins available on the market. Even if you’re not a guitar player, you might find it useful as a versatile multi-effects unit and a flexible distortion plugin with plenty of character.
To start using ToneLib GFX, simply download the installer package from the product page linked below and complete the installation process. There’s no registration nor software activation involved. Once installed, ToneLib can be used as a standalone application or a VST, VST3, or AU plugin in a compatible DAW.
ToneLib GFX is available for free download via ToneLib (24.8 MB download size, EXE installer, 64-bit VST/VST3/AU plugin formats for Windows, macOS, and Linux).
27 Comments
Pete
onI may finally have to retire my trusty old Boss GT-8!
KIM CHRISTOPHER MACHADO NEVES
onI will test, even comparing with others like Bias FX, Amplitube and Guitar Rig! Let’s see if we find a pearl!
Mntd
onThis is the best freeware in the market.
Tomislav Zlatic
onOne of the best freeware plugins for sure!
Alex
onThey did a wonderful patch editor for certain zoom multifx and highly looking forward to using it
Tomislav Zlatic
onYeah, looks like a useful piece of software, although I don’t own any Zoom pedals.
Tomislav Zlatic
onLooking forward to reading your thoughts on how ToneLib GFX compares with the big guys.
Angry Penguin
onI’ve been using Amplitube for a long time. ToneLib was impressive. Very for freeware. Amp sims, pedals, cabs, and reverbs all sound great. Most of the built in presets are very useable. Only slight drawback would be latency. The closest setting being 10ms. If they could get that down to around 6ms, it would be right there with the big dogs.
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks for your comment! Is the latency caused by the hardware or is it purely a software limitation in this case?
will
onat 64spls buffer, my latency is 3.2ms. no problems with that! I think it is a great plugin. I do, however, find it necessary to use an external impulse plugin for cab emulation. the internal sounds really bad. improve that an this plugin would be a 10.
Mike B
onWith my hardware, I get a latency of 3.0ms at 144 samples, which is the lowest option for me.
Dvae
onYou’ve made a slight mistake in the article Tomislav, GFX is 64-bit only.
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks for letting me know, I’ll fix it right away.
Al
onI’d be very unhappy if i’d shelled out for 200+ euros for something like Overloud (which is a great piece of kit btw) only for this to appear for free!
Best free guitar amp sim I’ve ever encountered – if i’d bought it, for say 150 euros, a few month back I’d have been touting it as excellent value for money.
And I haven’t checked the latencty at all – becasue I haven’t noticed any.
OnassissTHEgreat
onSeems pretty good so far – warm & good – sounding right in the box. Need to dig in a bt deeper though.
One suggestion would be an improved Noise Canceler – How about some Noise in between too?
So a few more controls like an Envelope – Follower, Ducking – Time or similar would be Great!
Animus
onTested it out with a strat plugged in through a tube preamp and lost a couple hours jamming with it. That’s a good sign. The responsiveness of the distortion feels very natural. The only effect i noticed that i don’t really dig is the room reverb. Great presets for the most part… (though the spirit in the sky one is way off).
Truly awesome for a freebie!
Tanget
onThe room reverb indeed does sound a bit cheap.
jonnymeanderer
onThe Vst is crashing Reaper every time and so I haven’t been able to try it unfortunately.
ZUB
onI’m using Win10 and installed Reaper 5.965. Tonelib-GFX VST/VST3 works as expected, no problems at all.
jonnymeanderer
onI am on Win 7. Had it working for awhile and it was sounding great but again crashing Reaper on start up. Dont think it plays well with some of the other vst’s and fx. Have not found the cause yet and or solution yet
di pro
onits time to add linux tag and make a catalog for linux users
Tomislav Zlatic
onWe actually do have a Linux tag, I just forgot to use it here. The article is now updated and you can find the Linux tag next to the other ones.
Carlos Who
onOutstanding !
I use S-Gear, Bias Amp 2, Brainworx, Kuassa – I’m getting some amazing tones with this.
It’s matching up well against its paid competition.
Thank you!!!!
Carlos Who
CrazyIVAN
onJust when me was about to get bored with this one (:
###
Changes in version 3.9.4:
Added: some DSP improvement (sounding more natural & musical);
Added: some CPU usage optimization;
Added: Standalone: metronome;
Added: Standalone: drum player;
Added: Standalone: recording ability;
Added: Standalone: backing track player.
###
Update: https://tonelib.net/downloads/
Oktavianus TB Sadewo
onno longer free or is it?
Tomislav Zlatic
onNo longer free. :(
Oktavianus TB Sadewo
onit’s a reasonable price though