Version 2 brings a brand-new interface and many tweaks and fixes to the audio processing. It runs better, sounds better, looks better and supports more formats. Still completely free and open source.
A new interface
The interface has been rethought around the way you use the amp, with clearer control groups and scaling from 75 to 150 % to suit your screen.
Artwork rendered from a detailed 3D model gives the controls their depth, lighting and brushed-metal finish. Efficient GPU rendering keeps the visual work separate from audio processing.
Browse your sounds with the preset arrows, or open the preset menu to load, save or import presets. Your selected preset is remembered with the session, and a dot beside its name shows when you've changed it.
Your DAW's playback controls and keyboard shortcuts keep working after you adjust the amp.
Refined sound and more consistent levels
The tone stack models the response of the amplifier circuit more accurately, and the tube stages have smoother transitions into clipping. The cabinet has a lower noise floor and keeps its intended response across common sample rates.
Automatic oversampling improves fidelity by reducing unwanted high-frequency artifacts from distortion. Auto chooses the setting for your sample rate, or you can select 1×, 2× or 4× yourself.
Drive, Power Drive and Grit keep the volume more consistent as you explore different amounts of distortion. Grit offers a usable range all the way to its highest setting. Smoother changes to Input, Output and drive levels make adjustments and automation cleaner. The default output level leaves more headroom for strong playing.
The ten factory presets have been revoiced on real guitar recordings and balanced for more consistent levels when switching sounds. The balance still depends on your guitar: driven presets can sound louder than clean ones with single-coil pickups.
More ways to play
Version 2 supports VST3 and CLAP, an Audio Unit for Logic Pro and GarageBand on macOS, and a standalone app. It runs natively on Apple silicon and Intel Macs, and on 64-bit Windows.
The plug-in supports mono and stereo tracks, including a mono input feeding a stereo output.
A more responsive standalone app
The settings panel gives you quick access to input and output switching, including the input channels you want to use. Your choices are remembered for next time. Buffer size is available in the Settings menu, and the panel helps you choose another interface if one is disconnected.
The standalone app keeps input and output closely in step for responsive playing. On Windows, use your audio interface's ASIO driver for low-latency audio.
The app asks you to choose an input on first launch, and fades the sound out when you quit.
Smoother operation and easier support
Audio processing is more robust during long sessions and when another plug-in sends unexpected input. The interface also opens faster after its first use on Windows.
The information panel puts the manual and support links within reach. Copy diagnostics gathers the system and plug-in details needed for a support request. A notice lets you know when a newer release is available.
Bringing your presets and projects forward
Version 2 imports your version 1.4 presets automatically on first run. You can also import them from the preset menu. Your original files stay untouched, and existing version 2 presets are kept.
Imported presets have their tone controls adjusted for the new voicing. They may need a little adjustment to get the sound you want. They retain their Output setting, so presets with the drive turned up may play louder. Lower Output as needed when trying them.
Version 2 installs alongside version 1.4. Keep version 1.4 installed for existing projects and its original sound.
The Swanky Amp Free name
Version 2.0.1 adds Free to the plug-in, app and installer names. Sessions, presets and settings from version 2.0.0 carry over.
On macOS, choose the same installation scope as your previous version 2 installation: all users or your user only.
Requirements and licence
Requires macOS 11 or later, or 64-bit Windows 10 or later, and a working graphics processor for the interface.
Swanky Amp Free is free and open source under the GNU General Public License v3 or later. No account or activation is required.