SHB-1
Key Features
- Dynamic 12AX7/ECC83 coupled triode stages modeling recreates authentic tube amp behavior with harmonic saturation and compression
- Selectable oversampling up to 8x delivers pristine audio quality at any sample rate with double-precision 64-bit floating point processing
- Versatile tonal range spans warm blues and tight funk tones through to aggressive modern metal distortion from a single-channel design
- Real-time playability with low CPU usage thanks to optimized C++ code solving non-linear differential equations from the original circuit
- Mono and stereo processing support with global input and output level controls for flexible gain staging
- Fully automatable controls integrate seamlessly into DAW mixing workflows for dynamic parameter changes
- Works standalone as a complete bass preamp without requiring a separate power amp plugin in the chain
Description
SHB-1 is a bass tube amplifier plugin from Ignite Amps, modeled after a real custom-built "Extreme Bass Head" created for Federico Fulceri, bassist of the Italian thrash metal band Subhuman. The hardware unit features six 12AX7/ECC83 triode stages paired with a 1300W Class D power amp, and every component in that analog signal path has been meticulously recreated in software.
The plugin uses state-of-the-art circuit modeling derived from non-linear differential equations solved in real time through optimized C++ code. This approach captures the dynamic tube response and harmonic saturation of the original amplifier while maintaining low CPU usage and real-time playability.
SHB-1 covers a remarkably wide tonal range for a single-channel bass amp, delivering fat round tones suited to blues and funk, tight focused sounds for rock, and jackhammer-like distortion for modern metal. Users consistently praise how it toughens up and rounds out the dynamics of DI bass recordings without altering the core character of the instrument.
Oversampling up to 8x is available for pristine audio quality at any sample rate, and the plugin supports both mono and stereo processing. All controls are fully automatable, making it easy to integrate into complex mixing sessions.
SHB-1 runs on Windows and macOS as a VST or Audio Units plugin, with both 32-bit and 64-bit builds available for Windows. Pair it with an impulse response loader like Ignite Amps' own NadIR for cabinet simulation to complete the signal chain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cabinet simulator with SHB-1?
SHB-1 models the amplifier head only, so pairing it with a cabinet impulse response loader is recommended for a complete tone. Ignite Amps offers NadIR, a dual IR convolver designed specifically for guitar and bass amp sims, which works perfectly in the chain after SHB-1.
Can SHB-1 produce clean bass tones or is it only for high-gain metal?
Despite being built for a thrash metal bassist, SHB-1 covers a surprisingly wide tonal range. Keeping the gain low produces warm, round tones suitable for blues and funk, while pushing it delivers tight rock crunch or full-on metal distortion. Many users find it excellent for simply adding warmth and presence to clean DI recordings.
What does the oversampling setting do and should I use it?
The selectable oversampling (up to 8x) processes the audio at a higher internal sample rate to reduce aliasing artifacts from the nonlinear tube modeling. Higher settings produce cleaner harmonics at the cost of more CPU usage. For tracking and live playing, lower settings keep latency minimal, while mixing and rendering benefit from higher oversampling.
Does SHB-1 work with guitar or only bass?
While SHB-1 was designed as a bass amplifier, some users run guitar through it for thick, heavy low-tuned tones. Ignite Amps offers dedicated guitar amp plugins like the Emissary and NRR-1 that are better suited for standard guitar use cases.
