LePou LeXTAC: California Boutique in Your DAW
The LeXTAC plugin by LePou is the embodiment of the legendary California boutique sound, right in your digital audio workstation. Designed with attention to detail, this VST/AU plugin emulates the character and flexibility of a real tube amplifier, offering guitarists unprecedented control over their tone. With its multi-channel structure and intuitive controls, LeXTAC is an indispensable tool for creating professional guitar sounds in any style, from funk to metal.
Features and Controls
LeXTAC features three channels, each with a unique character and set of controls:
Channel 1 (Clean/Yellow)
Perfect for clean and slightly overdriven sounds. Controls include:
- Gain: Input signal level and overdrive.
- Bass, Middle, Treble: Three-band equalizer.
- Contour: Adjusting the mid-frequency profile.
- Power Amp Gain Volume: Overall output signal level.
- 3 positions Pre EQ: Normal, Bright, Brighter switch for adjusting brightness at the input.
- Gain Boost: Additional signal boost.
Channels 2 and 3 (Blue & Red)
Created for powerful crunch and high-gain tones. They share common controls:
- Gain: Overdrive level adjustment.
- Bass, Middle, Treble: Three-band equalizer.
- Contour: Shaping the mid-frequency profile.
- Power Amp Gain: Boost of the power amplifier section.
- Volume: Overall output signal level.
- 3 positions Pre EQ: Adjusting the brightness of the input signal (Normal, Bright, Brighter).
- Gain-Structure: A switch to globally reduce gain for these channels.
- Gain Boost: Additional boost for an even richer sound.
Advanced Tonal Capabilities
LeXTAC offers a range of unique features that expand its sound palette:
Pre EQ Switch
This switch (Normal, Bright, Brighter) affects the brightness of the signal before the main gain stage on all channels. Its effect becomes less pronounced at high gain levels, allowing for precise adjustment of high-frequency character depending on the overdrive level.
Gain Boost
Available on all channels (except Plexi mode), Gain Boost adds an additional level of gain. It can add density to a clean sound or provide an aggressive “push” for overdriven parts, ideal for solos or heavy riffs.
Gain Structure Switch (Channels 2 & 3)
A key element for adjusting high-gain intensity. In the upper position (ON), it reduces the overall gain level, offering a more controlled and articulate sound. In the lower position (OFF), the preamp operates at maximum gain, ideal for modern heavy genres where maximum saturation is needed.
Plexi Mode
This mode, which can be assigned to channel 2 or 3, emulates the sound of classic Plexi amplifiers. It has a lower gain level compared to the standard Blue/Red modes and provides a vintage, dynamic tone with a pronounced midrange. In this mode, the Structure and Gain Boost switches are inactive, emphasizing its classic character.
Compatibility and Conclusion
LePou LeXTAC supports VST and AU formats and is compatible with Windows (32/64 bit) and MacOS operating systems. This makes it an accessible tool for a wide range of users who are looking to achieve high-quality guitar sound without using physical equipment.
With its detailed modeling, flexible controls, and a variety of channels, LeXTAC by LePou is an excellent choice for guitarists and sound engineers looking for an authentic and versatile tube tone. Discover the rich palette of California boutique sound and take your guitar tracks to a new level!
