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* EDIT: Up-to-date information is available in Yek's Guide to the Fractal Audio Amplifier Models *
Brit Brown and FAS Brown: Fractal Audio custom amp models
Eddie van Halen’s legendary “Brown sound“ probably still is the most sought-after guitar tone. A Marshall Super Lead Plexi, perhaps modded, with a Variac to run at lower than normal voltage, a 4x12, reverb and some EQ-ing magic at the mixing table. The sound on those early Van Halen records is immediately recognizable.
So why is it called “Brown Sound”?
Well, the Brown Sound is a very low frequency sound that, when produced and heard by human beings, forces the listener(s) to shit their pants relentlessly.
Huh? … wait a minute … no, wrong explanation.
Supposedly Eddie himself said this: “There is a difference between being just loud and having what I call a warm, brown sound, which is a toney sound." Another story it that the term “brown sound” originally was used to describe Alex Van Halen’s drum sound. More background information on the Brown Sound.
The Brit Brown and FAS Brown models are Cliff’s takes on that pure, raw guitar sound.
Cliff:
The “Brit Brown” model was created on the Axe-Fx II. It’s a popular model.
The “FAS Brown” model was created in the Axe-Fx Standard/Ultra period, named Brown at that time. Initially it was not included in the Axe-Fx II firmware. After people requested it, it was ported to the Axe-Fx II. It sounds similar to Brit Brown, a bit more bright and lower in volume.
The Brit Brown model has the Saturation parameter (simulating the Jose Arrendendo mod)) turned on, for that aggressive tone. The FAS Brown model doesn’t.
Eddie used to crank all controls on his amps. But since that sound is already modeled, you don’t have to do that. But there are no rules. I keep the Brit Brown controls pretty much at default, only increasing Input Drive and Presence.
If you listen to the isolated tracks below, you’ll hear that the early Eddie Van Halen didn’t use that much gain, and that his tone was very bright.
For authenticity select Marshall cabs with G12M speakers on this page. He also used V30s until he had custom speakers.
A selection of isolated guitar tracks:
Brit Brown and FAS Brown: Fractal Audio custom amp models
Eddie van Halen’s legendary “Brown sound“ probably still is the most sought-after guitar tone. A Marshall Super Lead Plexi, perhaps modded, with a Variac to run at lower than normal voltage, a 4x12, reverb and some EQ-ing magic at the mixing table. The sound on those early Van Halen records is immediately recognizable.
So why is it called “Brown Sound”?
Well, the Brown Sound is a very low frequency sound that, when produced and heard by human beings, forces the listener(s) to shit their pants relentlessly.
Huh? … wait a minute … no, wrong explanation.
Supposedly Eddie himself said this: “There is a difference between being just loud and having what I call a warm, brown sound, which is a toney sound." Another story it that the term “brown sound” originally was used to describe Alex Van Halen’s drum sound. More background information on the Brown Sound.
The Brit Brown and FAS Brown models are Cliff’s takes on that pure, raw guitar sound.
Cliff:
“Brit Brown is my personal take on what the ultimate "Brown" plexi should sound like. It's based on a 100W SLP with Arredondo mods and a few little voicing tweaks.”
“The Brit Brown was built by ear.”
The “Brit Brown” model was created on the Axe-Fx II. It’s a popular model.
The “FAS Brown” model was created in the Axe-Fx Standard/Ultra period, named Brown at that time. Initially it was not included in the Axe-Fx II firmware. After people requested it, it was ported to the Axe-Fx II. It sounds similar to Brit Brown, a bit more bright and lower in volume.
The Brit Brown model has the Saturation parameter (simulating the Jose Arrendendo mod)) turned on, for that aggressive tone. The FAS Brown model doesn’t.
Eddie used to crank all controls on his amps. But since that sound is already modeled, you don’t have to do that. But there are no rules. I keep the Brit Brown controls pretty much at default, only increasing Input Drive and Presence.
If you listen to the isolated tracks below, you’ll hear that the early Eddie Van Halen didn’t use that much gain, and that his tone was very bright.
For authenticity select Marshall cabs with G12M speakers on this page. He also used V30s until he had custom speakers.
A selection of isolated guitar tracks:
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