Bias FX 2 by Positive Grid transforms your computer into a virtual rig. Premium amp models, effects, and even guitar emulations make it one of the most comprehensive amp sims out there. We’ll have a closer look at all Positive Grid Bias FX 2 has to offer; and whether it could be the software solution for all of your guitar and bass needs!
What is Bias FX 2?
If you’ve ever considered amp/effects software, surely you’ve heard of Positive Grid’s Bias before. If you haven’t, it’s an award-winning platform for building out complete virtual rigs for guitar, bass, and acoustic guitar. Bias FX works as a standalone app for practicing, jamming, or quickly building presets without having to open your DAW.
Bias FX provides a huge collection of meticulously modeled amplifiers and effects for the discerning ‘analogue’ guitarist looking for a convenient, modern solution to their tone needs. In this Bias FX 2 review, we’ll determine what makes the software such a fierce competitor in the virtual rig world.
Pricing and Features
Bias FX 2 includes up to 100 amp simulations; up to 122 different effects; up to 20 models with Guitar Match technology; and up to 18 outboard rack processors based on analogue studio gear. Positive Grid’s three-tiered pricing structure breaks down like this: Standard, $99; Pro, $199; Elite, $299. Naturally, pricing is subject to change (as of writing, they’re running a 40% off promotion!).
The Standard license is an introduction to the platform, providing 30 amps and 43 effects. This alone might be enough for most users—there’s just enough features and usability without being overwhelmed by options paralysis. The Standard version also comes with 4 guitar emulations, which are said to ‘magically turn your guitar into another.’ Want your Ibanez RG to sound like a ’57 Goldtop Reissue? You can do it with Bias FX 2’s Guitar Match functionality.
Moving up in tiers introduces more amps, more effects, more guitar models, more analogue-emulated plugins, and more features. Even the Elite license is pretty affordable in the grand scheme of things. If you think about it, individual amp plugins by other developers can run well over $100 and won’t include nearly the amount of features as Bias FX 2.
Guitar Match and Dynamic Amp Engine
The most unique feature we’ve uncovered in this Bias FX 2 review is Positive Grid’s Guitar Match technology. It’s exactly as it sounds, and like we mentioned above, it can turn whatever guitar you have into another ‘target guitar’ by emulating tone woods, pickups, and more. Guitar Match is an excellent feature for anyone who doesn’t have an extensive collection but wants to experiment with the variety of sounds you’d get out from a large ‘guitarsenal.’ Initial setup can be a little fussy, as the software needs to analyze your instrument. Overall, though, it’s simple enough to get going quickly and painlessly.
Positive Grid’s industry leading amp engine is perhaps the most important feature of Bias FX 2. Without a doubt, guitarists are immediately turned on or turned off by how well a digital emulation reacts to their playing in the same way a real tube amp would. Luckily, Bias FX 2’s amp engine is one of the best there is; it meticulously strives to recreate the authentic touch response of a physical amplifier, and does so impressively. Crystal clean, searing high-gain, rumbling bass, and even acoustic amps are all included in the Bias FX suite.
No amp sim is complete without a cabinet/mic emulator. That’s an incredibly important part of the signal path and a huge contributor to the overall tone. The software comes with a vast collection of cabinet, speaker, and microphone emulations, as well as officially licensed Celestion impulse responses.
Is Bias FX 2 Worth It?
Anyone shopping for a software guitar rig should look no further than Bias FX 2. For our money, it’s one of the most comprehensive collections of amps and effects there is, all at a very reasonable price—even at the highest tier. The amps and effects are among the best emulations you can get these days.
The Guitar Match feature is unique, albeit somewhat gimmicky, but it’s still a mind-blower. You might find that it becomes an integral part of your virtual rig! If asked whether it’s worth purchasing in our Bias FX 2 review, the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ If you’re on the fence, Positive Grid offers a free trial so you can see for yourself whether it’s right for you.
Conclusion
Amp sims are already the norm for lots of guitar players, and Bias FX 2 is clearly blazing the trail ahead. For an all-in-one solution to guitar, bass, and acoustic tones, it’s hard to do better than Bias FX 2!