UAD Lion '68 Super Lead Amp
Customer Reviews
UAD Lion '68 Super Lead Amp
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R. Khan
An improvement over the Softube version
I own the Softube made Marshall Plexi SL plugin too, and my initial impression is that the UAD Lion is a definite improvement over that version. Although I def love the interface on Softube's design, the amp sits front and center with all the dials. Although, the way the rest of the menu is hidden away, kind of takes away a bit from that, and that's where this version from UAD is superior. Though purely cosmetic, I wish that once you select an amp and cab in Lion, that you could bring it front and center in a big way, WITH the cab. There's just something visceral about seeing an amp in front of you...especially a Marshall. I am aware that you can change the size of the entire window of the plugin, but that's not what I mean, I'm talking about a different visual where the rest of the interface disappears, with just the Amp and Cab remaining in all its glorious worn edges and look, with the light on as you use the plugin, and off when you turn it off. And with the possibility of tweaking the dials, without having to fiddle with the rest of the options such as reverb, gate, and even the cab. Another additional interface, albeit, more cosmetic, and less about function. Just the amp/cab in all its black and golden glory!
The most important thing however, is the sound, and there's a def improvement there too. Whereas Softubes version has harsher Treble notes, they cut, but not always in a nice way, and you can get that on this UAD too, but I like that the icy sharp highs can be managed better here, none the least for the addition of the BOOSTERS which allow you to shape the sound even more. That's a BIG bonus with Lion. It's like getting extra pedals free! From UAD especially, that's more bonus points for them.
The cabs in Lion have been whittled down to a few good options, including going direct, which is also an improvement over Softube which has a huge amount of other cabs, but only as options from a drop down menu. You don't actually always know what the actual difference is, you just have to go by your ears, which takes forever with 99 options. That's where I like this far more focused option from UAD Lion. This adds to the sense of realism as well.
Overall I wanted to give it 4.5 stars, but they're getting 5 since I don't see an option for halves. Really great plugin, I may have to go for the Ruby now...
B. Ward
Lion needs Unison 68+
Fast and simple to use for clean and crunchy guitar sounds. Easy to keep in the track for adjustments when mixing. There should be a Unison version included.
C. Peñaranda
Thanks again UA!!!
The work they are doing with guitar amp emulations is incredible! I was previously a fan of another well-known company until I tried Lion and Dream 65. Please UA keep an eye on high gain amps
シ. クヌギ
Marshall sound without hesitation
If you turn up the gain, you can travel back in time to those days. I was surprised by the fat and glittering sound, so much so that I lost track of time and played it over and over again.
J. Hirata
Amazing
This Lion plugin is amazing.
For starters, I thought running it as an effect plugin in my DAW would cause a problem with latency. There is no problem here. I'm using an M1 Studio, Logic, 44.1k and 64 sample buffer and 2.7ms output (10.7ms round trip). I cannot hear any latency at all. Sounds just like it's plugged in as a unison effect. So I can play it and listen in my headphones (or FRFR) and it sounds like a live amp. For the haters, yes, it takes some adjustment compared to unison plugins. If you are A/B'ing Lion and the Plexi Super Lead on the same input channel, you will have to do some inconvenient muting and switching of input monitoring. It would be nice if Lion could be plugged into the unison slot, but it's not a deal breaker.
This plugin sounds different than the other Marshall unison plugins, including the Plexi Super Lead 1969. To my ears, the Lion sounds MUCH better. The Plexi has this cry or wine that I've never really enjoyed or learned how to mange. The Plexi 1969 also sounds really bright/harsh and distorted on almost any setting.
I feel bad for those that bought the pedal and had to buy this "again". Doesn't seem fair to me. Maybe some sort of discount would have been reasonable? With that said, if you buy at the right time or with the right bundle, you really don't have that much to complain about. You can get this plugin for a price that is not only reasonable, but an absolute steal considering what you get.
When you start playing this plugin, it's immediately pleasing. This amp has an amazing characteristic where it has "clear" distortion. It's hard to explain, but it's bright, but not harsh. Warm, but not muddy. Distorted, but not over compressed. You can easily sound like some of your favorite guitar players, but even better, you can take that same tone or something similar and add it to your style of playing and you get something perfect for you. We are so fortunate that we live in a time where you can have access to Lion, Ruby and Dream 65 for a small fraction of the cost of owing one of these physical amps. Plus the software doesn't fill up your room with huge amps. LOL
The only thing I do not like about his plugin is not a problem with Lion itself, but all UA amp plugins (including unison). I'd like to be able to change the "Power soak" or final master volume of each factory preset so the volumes match. As I scroll through presets, some are too quiet and some jump out as super ear piercing loud. Some are set so high, they clip the Console output. Without changing the sound or any other setting for a factory preset, I'd like to change and save an output level (or the power soak) of a factory preset. I'd like have the option to easily reset it back to default too. I'm sure it could be done.
Yeah, I'm a bit of a UA fanboy, but if this amp was not great, I would not give it a great review. It is truly great! Just buy it!
B. Wardwell
UAD Lion 68 Marshall
Thousands of dollars worth of virtual Marshall amps for a fraction of the cost. Software Engineers at UAD executed superior work performance to create Lion 68. Phenomenal tone.
R. Weissauer
Quo vadis UAD ... new guitar plugins native
The new native guitar plugins are smart, especially the Lions "Marshall" one. However, why should I buy such a plugin if a cannot use it with Apollo in unison mode. For me, all this does not make sense, unless it is true that UAD gradually attempts in the long run to leave the Apollo hardware line. If this, sadly, should be the case, they betray their confident hardware customers. Hope, that early enough they wake up and recognise, where this journey leads to finally. Besides that ... I like the new guitar plug-ins. I would buy two of the new guitar plugins if they were Apollo-enabled (and not only native). But it does not make sense for me to buy them without this ability. I love Apollo , but the native versions are just a (sometimes very) conveniant add on to it.
S. Broka
It's the sound
Probably the best iteration on that "plexiglass panel" sound that defined rock and roll for over a decade.
M. Murphy
Impressive!
Closest I've ever heard to a real cranked Marshall. Glassy Hendrix/Vaughan tone is there is spades. I haven't heard the stomp version so can't compare but this is the best in the box guitar amp I've played.
S. Fowler
Go get your Lion '68 Plugin
Loving the versatility and range of the new Lion '68 plugin!
C. Nedohin
Best Digital Plexi Out There
Long Time Helix user here. I've never been able to get a good Pelix tone from Helix. The Lion is tone perfection right out of the box. I can finally get all the brilliant Plexi tones I've always wanted.
U. Sabiniewicz
Very good
Appeared suddenly in my Spark subscription and yes, very full nice sound.
O. Amberg
What a beast of an amp!
The Lion is roaring if needed or gives you a gentle lady tone. The playability is great and it really feels like a real amp. The presets are a great starting point as well. I wish the Lion could be played without a DAW. And I miss a decent tuner. But these points are no reason not to give 5 stars.