Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0: The Ultimate Virtual ESP for Metal
Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) v3.1.0 is a high-performance virtual instrument designed to bring the aggressive, precision-heavy tone of the ESP Eclipse I guitar to digital audio workstations (DAWs). As the flagship of Ample Sound's Metal series, it is meticulously sampled to handle everything from bone-crushing low-tuned riffs to searing leads with absolute realism. Core Sound and Sampling
The heart of AME lies in its deep sample library, recorded using the bridge pickup of an ESP Eclipse.
Massive Library: It features a 3.5 GB to 4.6 GB sample pool (depending on the specific sub-version and library install) that covers every single fret.
Standard Metal Tuning: The default tuning is set to C G C F A D, the industry standard for modern heavy music.
Expressive Dynamics: It utilizes "Cycle+" technology, which triples the number of sample cycles to eliminate the "machine gun effect" during fast, repeated notes. Advanced Articulations & Performance
Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 includes 10 essential articulations to replicate authentic guitar techniques: Sustain & Palm Mute: The bread and butter of metal rhythm.
Natural & Pinch Harmonics: For those iconic "squeals" in leads.
Legato Slide, Hammer-On, & Pull-Off: Enabled by a polyphonic legato smoother for realistic transitions at any speed. Pop & Tap: Adding modern technical flair to solos. Key Features of the v3 Engine
The v3.1.0 update brought significant workflow enhancements to the Ample Sound ecosystem: YouTube·In the DAW Ample Sound Metal Eclipse Quick Look
and I just thought I would take a look at this and show you how I actually like to use it because we have a full video going over. YouTube·HIFIMIDI AmpleMetal Eclipse Review and Demo (ESP Eclipse I VST)
Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) is a virtual electric guitar instrument by Ample Sound modeled after the ESP Eclipse I
. Version 3.1.0, released in late 2020, significantly updated the engine to improve performance and compatibility across amplesound.net Core Sound Library Source Instrument
: Based on high-quality bridge pickup samples of an ESP Eclipse I. Sample Quality
: High-gain metal library with 3.5 GB to 4.6 GB of 24-bit 44.1 kHz samples. : Default drop tuning is C G C F A D
, widely used in modern metalcore and djent, though it supports regular tuning as well. amplesound.net Performance Features 10 Articulations
: Includes Sustain, Palm Mute, Natural Harmonic, Hammer On & Pull Off, Legato Slide, Slide In/Out, Pop, Pinch Harmonic, and Tap. Polyphonic Legato
: Features a "Slide Smoother" for realistic legato across any interval or speed.
: Increases sample cycles up to 24 to eliminate the "machine gun effect" during fast, repetitive metal riffing. Automation : Supports CPC (Customized Parameters Control) , allowing any knob or button to be controlled via MIDI CC. amplesound.net Integrated Tools
: A MIDI editor featuring both Piano Roll and Guitar Tab views, allowing for intuitive programming of complex techniques like fingerings and articulations. Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 -WiN-OSX-
: Provides 14 strum notes and 28 ways to play every chord, with a sequencer and rhythm library specifically designed for heavy music. Tab Reader 4
: Directly imports Guitar Pro files (up to GP8) with full preservation of articulations and performance data. AMP & FX System
: Includes 7 classic metal amp heads, 8 cabinets with multiple microphone options, and built-in effects like EQ, Compression, and Convolution Reverb. amplesound.net System Requirements : Windows 7 to Windows 11 (64-bit only). : macOS 10.15 or later. : VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, and standalone versions.
: Intel i5 or higher CPU, at least 2 GB RAM, and over 10 GB of disk space (SSD recommended). amplesound.net programming tips for this specific plugin? amplesound.net
The prompt refers to Ample Metal Eclipse (AME), a virtual instrument (VST) by Ample Sound that samples the iconic ESP Eclipse guitar. While the technical version number (
) suggests a software release, here is a "story" of how this digital beast brings the heavy metal spirit to the workstation: The Soul of the Eclipse
The story begins in a professional studio where a dark, mahogany-bodied ESP Eclipse is plugged into a high-end Mesa Boogie amplifier. Every palm mute, every screeching harmonic, and every thunderous power chord is meticulously recorded. Engineers capture the "Eclipse" sound—not just the notes, but the resonance of the EMG pickups and the weight of the strings. The Digital Rebirth In version
, the Eclipse underwent a metamorphosis. It wasn't just a collection of sounds anymore; it became an intelligent performer. The software "learned" how a real guitarist’s hand moves across the fretboard.
The Riffer: A new engine allowed composers to write complex metal riffs by simply dragging and dropping blocks of MIDI, turning a blank screen into a wall of sound.
The FX Rack: The update brought a polished pedalboard, allowing users to saturate their tone with heavy distortion, compression, and spatial delays without leaving the plugin. The Artist's Journey
Imagine a bedroom producer in a quiet apartment. They can't crank a real amp to "11" at 2 AM, but with Ample Metal Eclipse, they have a stadium-ready rig in their headphones.
The Spark: They load the "Heavy" preset. The first chord vibrates with the authentic grit of a 24-fret monster.
The Composition: Using the Strummer and Tab Player, they import a complex death metal solo. The software handles the legato and slides so naturally that the "robotic" feel of digital music vanishes.
The Result: A track that sounds like it was forged in a legendary Swedish studio, all created from a single software window on Windows or OSX.
Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 is the bridge between the analog legacy of heavy metal and the limitless potential of modern digital production.
Title: A Game-Changing Metal Guitar Plugin for Music Producers
Rating: 4.5/5
Overview: Ample Sound's Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 is a powerful and versatile metal guitar plugin that has revolutionized my music production workflow. As a music producer and guitarist, I was blown away by the plugin's exceptional sound quality, intuitive interface, and robust feature set.
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Verdict: Ample Sound's Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 is an outstanding metal guitar plugin that's a must-have for serious music producers. Its exceptional sound quality, customization options, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable addition to any DAW. If you're looking to elevate your metal productions and achieve authentic, professional-grade guitar tones, Ample Metal Eclipse is an excellent choice.
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Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with Ample Sound's Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to upgrade their metal productions with exceptional guitar tones.
The "story" of Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 is the evolution of a niche virtual instrument into a powerhouse for heavy music production. It centers on the meticulous recreation of the iconic ESP Eclipse I six-string guitar. The Genesis: Sampling the Eclipse
Originally released around September 2015, Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) was the pioneer of Ample Sound's "Metal" series. The goal was to capture the aggressive yet versatile character of the ESP Eclipse I, a guitar favored by artists ranging from Metallica to Mastodon.
The Library: Developers recorded every single fret across a 3.5 GB library (later expanded to 4.6 GB) to ensure authentic tone.
Tuning for Heavy Music: Unlike standard virtual guitars, AME was built around a C-G-C-F-A-D drop tuning, the backbone of modern heavy metal. The Evolution to Version 3.1.0
By the time v3.1.0 was released in September 2020, the instrument had moved from a simple sample library to a complex performance engine. This specific version was part of a major overhaul that refined the core experience for both Windows and Mac users.
Humanization Features: It introduced advanced systems like Cycle+, which allows for up to 24 sample cycles for a single note, effectively killing the "machine gun effect" common in digital repetitive riffs.
Articulations: It perfected eight essential metal techniques, including Palm Mute, Artificial Harmonics, and Legato Slides, which could be triggered automatically based on playing velocity—meaning users didn't need complex keyswitches for realistic metal riffs.
Riffer and Strummer: The v3 engine integrated the "Riffer," a dedicated MIDI editor for stringed instruments that allowed producers to "dice" up new patterns or import Guitar Pro tabs directly. Technical Milestone
Version 3.1.0 solidified AME as a cross-platform standard (WiN-OSX), supporting VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. It addressed long-standing stability issues from the early years, offering a more efficient engine and an updated UI that mirrored the high-end aesthetic of the physical guitar it modeled. amplesound.net
Introduction
Ample Sound's Ample Metal Eclipse is a popular virtual instrument plugin designed to emulate the sound of electric guitars, specifically metal and hard rock styles. The latest version, v3.1.0, promises to deliver even more authentic and versatile tones for metalheads and producers alike. In this review, we'll dive into the features, sound quality, and overall performance of Ample Metal Eclipse on both Windows and macOS platforms.
Features and Installation
The Ample Metal Eclipse plugin is available in VST, AU, and AAX formats, making it compatible with most digital audio workstations (DAWs). Installation was straightforward on both Windows 10 and macOS Catalina, with the plugin recognizing the Ample Sound account and authorizing without issues.
The plugin itself offers a vast library of high-quality samples, with over 6 GB of data, covering various metal guitar tones, from chunky rhythms to screaming leads. The user interface is intuitive and well-organized, with easy access to essential parameters such as volume, tone, and effects. Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3
Sound Quality
The sound quality of Ample Metal Eclipse is exceptional, with detailed and responsive articulations that accurately capture the dynamics and expression of a real electric guitar. The plugin's sound engine utilizes advanced scripting technology to simulate the behavior of the guitar's pickups, amp, and cabinet, resulting in a convincingly authentic tone.
We found the plugin to be capable of producing a wide range of metal sub-genres, from classic heavy metal to modern djent and progressive metal. The guitar tones are robust and punchy, with an excellent attack and sustain that makes them perfect for both rhythm playing and lead lines.
Effects and Customization
Ample Metal Eclipse includes an impressive array of built-in effects, such as a versatile amp simulator, convolution reverb, and a host of stompboxes (distortion, overdrive, delay, etc.). These effects are highly customizable, allowing users to craft their ideal tone with ease.
The plugin also features an extensive library of presets, which serve as a great starting point for exploring the plugin's capabilities. Users can browse through various categories, such as rhythm, lead, and acoustic, to find the perfect tone for their project.
Performance and Compatibility
In our testing, Ample Metal Eclipse performed flawlessly on both Windows 10 and macOS Catalina, with minimal CPU usage and no noticeable latency. The plugin was also stable and didn't crash during our testing sessions.
Conclusion
Ample Sound's Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 is an exceptional virtual instrument plugin that delivers authentic and versatile metal guitar tones. With its advanced scripting technology, extensive sample library, and intuitive interface, this plugin is a must-have for metal producers, guitarists, and composers.
The plugin's compatibility with both Windows and macOS platforms makes it a great addition to any DAW-based workflow. Overall, we highly recommend Ample Metal Eclipse to anyone seeking high-quality metal guitar tones for their music productions.
Rating: 4.5/5
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To understand the plugin, one must first understand the wood and wire behind it. Ample Sound didn’t just sample "a metal guitar"; they sampled a specific archetype of tone. The library is based on the ESP Eclipse, a guitar that has become the workhorse for modern metal.
While visually reminiscent of the classic single-cutaway blues axes, the Eclipse is a different beast entirely. It typically features a mahogany body with a maple top, but it is loaded with high-output humbuckers (often EMGs or high-gain Seymours) and designed for one thing: driving an amplifier into saturation.
Ample Sound captured this instrument with the specific goal of replicating the "chug." This isn’t a jazz box; it’s a rhythm machine. The sampling sessions focused on the low-end resonance required for drop-tuning metal riffs, capturing the aggressive attack that defines genres from Metalcore to Djent.
While the library sounds great clean, v3.1.0 comes equipped with Ample Sound’s custom amp simulator and FX rack. This saves system resources by allowing you to process the guitar directly within the plugin. Authentic Sound: The plugin's sound is incredibly authentic,
While the direct DI (Direct Injection) signal is pristine, Ample Sound has integrated a comprehensive FX rack modeled after classic metal rigs:
In v3.1.0, the cabinet loading time has been reduced significantly, and a new IR loader allows you to import third-party WAV impulses.