Amped
ml-sound-lab.com
What it is
Amped is a guitar amp simulation product line for playing through amp sims on a Windows or macOS computer, as a standalone program or plugin. Its modeling approach combines analog component emulation with amp learning, and the interface is arranged around amp controls and a pedalboard. Amped Roots 2.0 has four amp simulations: 5034 Fluff, 5151 Fluff, Freeman Fluff, and Mega Fluff; the 5034 Fluff is included in the free plan. Roots 2.0 also includes a noise gate, compressor, drive pedal, chorus, analog delay, and reverb. Each amp has a selected cabinet, with an IR loader and an option to bypass the cabinet section for external cabinet simulation. Amped includes a guitar tuner, and the Roots standalone program can be controlled by MIDI. Plugin formats include VST3, AU, and AAX, with AAX support limited to Mac. The free plan costs nothing; the Amped Roots 2.0 Full License is listed at €5,999 as a one-time purchase. Purchasing requires installing the plugin's free trial and using its computer-specific Request Key at checkout.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Amped is ML Sound Lab's hybrid guitar amp simulation combining analog component emulation with amp-learning techniques.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Product
- Amped is a guitar amp simulation product line for playing guitar through amp sims on a computer.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- License
- The EULA grants a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license and prohibits modification, reverse engineering, copying, redistribution and resale.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Activation
- Purchasing requires a computer-specific Request Key generated in the trial or License Manager, after which the license is emailed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Amped ML5 features
- ML5 provides nine amp sims, two cabinets, four movable and angleable microphones, IR loading and six effects.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Amped Roots features
- Roots Free includes one 5034 Fluff amp, three additional amps in the paid version, a three-cab 3D simulator, four microphones, six effects, MIDI control and a tuner.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Amped Roots models
- Amped Roots 2.0 includes four amp sims: 5034 Fluff, 5151 Fluff, Freeman Fluff, and Mega Fluff; 5034 Fluff is free.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Cabinet section
- Each amp includes a selected cabinet, an internal impulse-response loader and the option to bypass the cab for an external simulator.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Cabinet simulation
- Amped includes a selected cabinet for each amp, an IR loader, and the option to bypass the cab section for external cabinet simulation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Company founded
- The registry gives 8 January 2019 as the registration date.Read 15 Oct 2026 · proff.fi
- Company headquarters
- The registry lists Parkkilaivankaari 34, Oulu, Finland.Read 15 Oct 2026 · proff.fi
- Company legal name
- The Finnish registry lists the maker as ML Sound Lab Oy, while the EULA uses ML Sound Lab Ltd.Read 15 Oct 2026 · proff.fi
- Company size
- The registry reports two employees and identifies Mikko Juha Eerikki Logrén as CEO.Read 15 Oct 2026 · proff.fi
- DAW formats
- The FAQ lists VST, AU, and AAX formats; AAX support is Mac only.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Developer integration
- The reviewed official pages document end-user plugin formats and MIDI control but describe no public API, SDK or self-hosting package.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Effects
- Amped Roots 2.0 includes a noise gate, compressor, drive pedal, chorus, analog delay, and reverb.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Formats
- Amped runs as a Windows or Mac standalone application and as VST3 or AU; AAX is supported on Mac.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Free trial process
- To buy a full license, users install that Amped plugin's free trial and use its computer-specific Request Key at checkout.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Hardware compatibility limit
- The FAQ says Amped cannot be loaded on Helix, Fractal, mobile phones or other third-party hardware.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Independent news
- The Beat Community reported Amped Block Letter on 24 August 2023 with six amp channels, 3D cab positioning, IR loading, six effects and PC/Mac plugin formats.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thebeatcommunity.com
- Installation
- Roots version 1.0.2 added an installer that explains file locations and creates desktop shortcuts; users must enable and rescan VST3 in their DAW.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- IR extensibility
- Users can load their own impulse responses, with newer plugins supporting blended IR workflows while older plugins use an IR control or dropdown.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Latency
- ML Sound Lab says Amped can run below 10 ms latency on older computers when configured with suitable buffers and drivers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- License delivery and support
- The maker says full licenses are emailed after purchase and directs users with license problems to its contact form.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Limit: Audiofanzine CB4
- The CB4 reviewer calls MIDI implementation nearly nonexistent for pedalboard users and hears a recurring ML Sound Lab sonic signature.Read 15 Oct 2026 · fr.audiofanzine.com
- Limit: Audiofanzine Roots
- Users note the free version lacks a clean channel, assigned cabinets cannot be freely selected without extra packs, and one reviewer found the reverb overly sensitive.Read 15 Oct 2026 · fr.audiofanzine.com
- Limit: Cubase overload
- A Steinberg forum user reported every Amped plugin overloading Cubase 13's audio engine on Windows 11; another user linked the problem to ASIO Guard and suggested disabling it per plugin.Read 15 Oct 2026 · forums.steinberg.net
- MIDI and tuner
- Amped Roots 2.0's standalone program is MIDI controllable, and the Amped platform includes a guitar tuner.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Mobile and hardware limit
- The maker says Amped is compatible with Windows and Mac as standalone programs and plugins, and cannot be loaded on third-party devices such as mobile phones.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Modeling
- The maker describes its amp simulation as combining analog component emulation with amp learning.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Pedalboard
- The platform places its effects on a pedalboard interface and the company says the pedal selection is expanding.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Praise: Audiofanzine CB4
- The CB4 reviewer praises its simple interface, useful six-effect chain, third-party IR support, mix placement and dynamics comparable to leading amp plugins.Read 15 Oct 2026 · fr.audiofanzine.com
- Praise: Audiofanzine Roots
- Users describe the free Roots version as complete, effective for saturated tones, easy to run on older Macs and useful with third-party IRs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · fr.audiofanzine.com
- Praise: Bonedo
- The review praises sound quality, the cab block, price, practical design and intuitive scalable interface, with no listed cons.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bonedo.de
- Pro Tools limit
- The maker says Amped supports Pro Tools AAX on Mac, while Windows AAX support is unavailable.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Rating on Audiofanzine CB4
- 5.0 out of 5 from 1 user review.Read 15 Oct 2026 · fr.audiofanzine.com
- Rating on Audiofanzine Roots
- 4.0 out of 5 from 2 user reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · fr.audiofanzine.com
- Rating on Bonedo
- 4.5 out of 5 from 1 editorial review.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bonedo.de
- Refund policy
- The EULA states digital purchases are final and non-refundable under Finnish law.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Security and compliance
- The opened Amped product and FAQ pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Security and permissions
- On macOS, users may need to grant microphone access; the FAQ also warns that outdated operating systems can cause authorization failures.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Updating
- Updates are emailed, and full-license owners update by installing the free Roots build while retaining their license.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- User experience
- The interface is designed around amp knobs and a pedalboard to reflect playing through a real amplifier.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- VST2 limitation
- Amped is VST3-only because Steinberg discontinued new VST2 licensing, according to the FAQ.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
- Windows AAX limitation
- The FAQ says Pro Tools AAX support exists for Mac but not for Windows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ml-sound-lab.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Standalone program and plugin formats are listed.
- Free plan includes the 5034 Fluff amp.
- IR loader and cabinet bypass are included.
- Roots standalone program supports MIDI control.
- Includes six listed effects.
Limits
- AAX support is Mac only.
- Cannot be loaded on third-party devices such as mobile phones.
- Full license costs €5,999 as a one-time purchase.
- Purchase requires installing a free trial first.
Who it suits
Amped suits guitarists who want to use amp simulations on Windows or macOS, either standalone or within a supported plugin host. It may also suit users who want MIDI control or external cabinet simulation.
Amped in depth
Read the full write-up
Amped is guitar amp simulation software for guitarists who want a focused amp-and-pedalboard setup on a computer, either standalone or inside a DAW. Its free Roots edition makes it easy to start with one amp; the full license is for players who want all four Roots models and can work within its platform and plugin-format limits.
Overview
Amped combines analog component emulation with amp learning, presented through amp-style knobs and a pedalboard. That familiar layout suits players who want to shape a guitar sound around an amplifier rather than navigate a broader production environment. Amped also includes a tuner, and Roots 2.0’s standalone program can be controlled by MIDI.
Each amp comes with a selected cabinet, giving players a ready-made pairing. An IR loader and the option to bypass Amped’s cabinet section add flexibility for those who prefer their own impulse responses or external cabinet simulation.
Key features
Amps, cabinets and effects
Amped Roots 2.0 includes four amp simulations: 5034 Fluff, 5151 Fluff, Freeman Fluff and Mega Fluff. The free edition includes the 5034 Fluff, so players can begin with one of the full line’s models before deciding whether the other three warrant the upgrade. The amp-and-cabinet approach is focused rather than expansive; the IR loader and cab bypass help accommodate players who want to shape the cabinet stage themselves.
Six effects are included: a noise gate, compressor, drive pedal, chorus, analog delay and reverb. This covers several useful stages of a guitar signal chain, but the set is a defined collection rather than an open-ended effects suite.
Pricing
PlanPriceIncludesAmped Roots FreefreeOne amp, 5034 Fluff; Windows and Mac; standalone, VST3, AU and AAX for MacAmped Roots 2.0 Full License€5,999 as a one-time purchaseFour amp sims; Windows and Mac; standalone, VST3, AU and AAX for MacThe free plan is a sensible choice for players who need one amp and want to use the standalone program or a supported plugin format. The full license adds three amp models, making it the relevant upgrade for players who want the complete Roots set. Amped offers a free trial, but purchasing a full license requires installing that plugin’s trial and using its computer-specific Request Key at checkout. Full licenses are emailed after purchase; license problems are handled through the maker’s contact form.
Platforms
Amped runs as a standalone program or plugin on Windows and macOS. The FAQ lists VST, AU and AAX, while the Roots plan formats include VST3, AU and AAX for Mac. Pro Tools AAX is supported on Mac, not Windows. Amped cannot be loaded on third-party devices such as mobile phones, so it is not a fit for guitarists seeking a mobile setup.
Who it's for
Amped suits guitarists who want amp simulation with a familiar control layout, a compact set of effects and the choice of standalone or DAW use. The free 5034 Fluff model is a low-commitment starting point; players who want three additional Roots amps can move to the full license. Windows users who require AAX, and players looking for mobile compatibility, should choose another setup.
Pros and cons
Pros: The free plan includes a full amp model and supports standalone use plus multiple plugin formats, giving players a practical way to start without buying the full set.
Pros: A selected cabinet for each amp, an IR loader and cab bypass accommodate both ready-made and external cabinet setups.
Cons: The free plan has only one of the four Roots amps; the other three require the full license.
Cons: AAX support is Mac-only, and the software cannot run on mobile or other third-party devices.
Cons: The full-license purchase process requires a computer-specific trial key, an extra step before checkout.
Alternatives
Guitar Amp Software is a useful starting point for comparing options across the category. Choose GENOME instead if you want its free plan’s four amplifiers, 14 pedals, five cabinets and four studio effects, or need iOS support. Helix Stadium Native offers a free Intro plan with five amps, five cabinets and 15 studio effects on Windows and macOS, making it worth considering for a broader free setup. Choose Neural Amp Modeler if you want a free, open-source option that also supports Linux and web use. Amp Locker is another free-plan option on Linux, macOS and Windows, with extra modules available individually. IK Multimedia ReSing is a voice-and-instrument tool rather than a guitar amp simulator. Consider TH-U if you are comparing a paid alternative with a free trial. AIDA-X is a free alternative with Linux and self-hosted support. AmpForge is a free, open-source plugin for Linux, Windows and macOS.
Verdict
Choose Amped if you want a focused Windows or macOS amp-simulation setup, particularly if the free 5034 Fluff model is enough to start and you may later want the rest of Roots. Its combination of amp, cabinet and pedalboard controls is the main draw; look elsewhere if you need Windows AAX, mobile use or more than one amp without buying the full license.
Verdict
Amped combines amp simulations, effects, cabinet options, and standalone or plugin use on Windows and macOS. Check the platform and format limits, and follow the trial-based license process if purchasing the full license.
Where Specifiction places it
- Guitar Amp Software#1 of 359.3