In the world of virtual guitar amplifiers, there’s often a need to give the sound extra character, density, or simply increase the signal level before entering the emulator. This is precisely why the CharBooster plugin from AXP was developed – a specialized overdrive effect designed for use as a “booster” before any virtual amplifier model.
CharBooster is not just another distortion effect. It combines a pre-amplifier filter section, allowing you to shape the unique timbre of the instrument, and a saturation circuit that enriches the signal with harmonics, while trying to remain as transparent as possible. The plugin’s interface deviates from the imitation of physical pedals, instead offering convenient indicators and visualizations so you can see what’s happening to your signal.
The Heart of CharBooster: Control Sections
The effect control is divided into three main sections, each responsible for a specific aspect of sound shaping:
Character Section
This section is key to giving the signal a specific “character” or timbre using special filters. The following settings are available:
- Amount: Adjusts the intensity of the applied filtering.
- Character: Allows you to select one of the pre-set filter types:
- Shrill: Boosts the high frequencies, increasing the presence of the signal.
- Bright: Boosts high frequencies, adding clarity and brightness.
- Tight: Cuts low frequencies to reduce signal “muddiness,” especially relevant for high-gain amplifiers.
- Flat: Bypasses the filtering stage.
- Fat: Boosts mid frequencies to get the best high-gain tone.
- Warm: Cuts high frequencies (good for taming single-coil pickups).
Saturation Section
The saturation section adds harmonics and warmth to the signal, simulating the operation of classic analog equipment.
- Harmonics: Sets the number of harmonics added by this stage.
- Mode: Allows you to select the configuration of the saturation stages:
- Off: Bypasses the saturation stage.
- Tube: Imitation of a preamplifier based on a single 12AX7 triode. This model is similar to the one used in Softamp 3OD, but has a different circuit.
- Tape: A simple model of magnetic tape. This is a simplified model that only simulates a non-linear transfer function and a dynamic frequency response. Wow and flutter effects, as well as phase blurring, have been omitted to maintain low processor load. It is loosely based on the Ampex ATR-102 tape recorder.
- T-n-T: Sequential use of a tube preamplifier and a tape model.
Boost Section
This section is responsible for the output signal level.
- Level: Sets the output gain of the booster in the range from -6 dB to +24 dB.
In addition to the main controls, at the top of the plugin window there are additional buttons that allow you to: enable/disable the effect, activate stereo mode, enable 16x oversampling to improve sound quality and reduce aliasing, get information about the plugin, and check for updates.
CharBooster from AXP is a flexible and powerful tool that helps guitarists and sound designers add extra color and dynamics to their sound before entering a virtual amplifier, opening up new opportunities for creativity and sound experimentation.
