Amp modelers and generic names

An amp and a microphone

One of the most frustrating parts about being a self-taught n00b when it comes to amp modeling (whether it be in a $100 NUX box or a bit of Fractal kit) is trying to decipher the different fake names the modelers have for the different pieces of kit, especially if you’re not already steeped in guitar tech. Like, the Jazz Clean NUX amp is (I understand) modeled after the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. The Class A30, the VOX AC30, “a legendary British tube amp known for its jangly cleans, warm overdrive, and chimey tone that’s been a staple in rock, pop, and indie music.” Etc.

Sometimes, there’s no hint. Using Fractal’s DynaCabs, for instance, you get a choice of four microphones for the Cab Impulse Response (IR) block. They’re helpfully</sarcasm> identified as Dynamic 1, Dynamic 2, Condenser, and Ribbon. 

If you read the Wiki, those map to the Shure SM57 and SM7B, the Soyuz 023, and the Royer 121 – but that knowledge seems to be tribal, not supported in any official literature. (I don’t think it’s a trademark issue; you’re allowed to use a trademark in a descriptive sense (“this microphone simulator was made using a Shure SM57...” would be non-actionable nominative fair use. Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft v. Douglas D. Church, 411 F.2d 350 (9th Cir. 1969). (Though that may be mostly a 9th Circuit thing? It’s been a minute since I studied this stuff.)

Sigh. Minor kvetch. But it makes following along with GenAI suggestions for tone settings, harder than it has to be. (“Don’t make me think!” – Bender (probably).)

Edit: I picked up a new-to-me very used, cheap, EC-300 from like 25 years ago. It plays nice, and I wanted to, well, play it. At midnight. Break out the Spark Neo. Playing around, I decided to see if I could dial in something akin to Dave Mustaine’s tone on Symphony of Destruction. GenAI suggested, as it almost always does, starting with a “JCM 800” or “Brit 800” amp. Except, even against that generic a description, there’s nothing that matches. (I ended up with a “Plexiglass” centered build, and it actually sounds pretty damned good.) They do in other products (“British Lead 800”). But the Neo, for whatever reason, omits this relatively ubiquitous model. Huh. (Maybe there’s a patch I can load?)