S-Gear

User Interface

S-Gear is very easy to use and is visually rather pleasing. It is clear an the three main components are logically laid out. The chosen amp is at the top followed by the Delay and then the Speaker Convolution unit. Finally at the bottom are the basic selection controls. It really is simple to work with.

Sound

This is the killer feature. It sounds amazing. Each of the three different amps have their own character. The Duke is kind of Fendery whilst the Stealer has a Brit Rock thing going on and the Jackal adds a bit of Californian dirt into the proceedings. Now the most difficult thing for any amp sim is that area of break-up. S-Gear has this nailed and has feel by the bucket load. It responds to the volume control on your guitar very like the real thing. I can get the Larry Carlton thing going very easily. Something that is not usually so forthcoming. Added to this when you start experimenting with the type of Speaker ir's - well that is if you are lucky enough to have a set of Redwirez speaker impulse responses - you can experience a really wide range of tonal variation. I really had a big smile on my face playing with this baby. The Jackal has a wonderfully expressive drive sound and feels like playing molten liquid.

Features

The S-gear has the basic minimum to make it work. If you need a compressor you will have to add your own - likewise an overdrive pedal. However as I like to use my own favourites within a DAW this does not bother me at all.

I would like to see a tuner however.

Documentation

The on-line manual is excellent.

Presets

These are interesting but I never really use other peoples presets as I like to create my own sounds. However saving you own is easy. Hovever read the manual carefully otherwise it might be a bit confusing.

Customer Support

Mike Scuffham will reply almost immediately and is friendly and very helpful.

Value for money

I think it is one of the best sounding amp sims around. Some of the others may have loads of bits and bobs, but do they sound this good? Perhaps not. Plus it is actually rather cheap.

Stability

Excellent.