Welcome to Zystrix...

What’s new at Zystrix? Read on… September 15, 2025 Re-amping Guitar Tracks in Your DAW (part one of two) In the last issue we looked at The Guitarist’s Nightmare -- Avoiding and Dealing with Tendinitis (click here for a refresher). This time we’re going to look at re-amping guitar tracks in a DAW (digital audio workstation). So sit back and relax. Welcome to Zystrix, the heartbeat of the universe. Where creativity and free-thinking have more value than conformity. Background Artwork The colorful artwork that surrounds the edges of this website is invisible to many cell phone users. It’s included here (with others) for your enjoyment. Multiple copies are tiled together for a cohesive and seamless background seen all around this page. Enjoy. Introduction to Re-Amping Guitar I never heard of re-amping guitars before I discovered it for myself by serendipity. I was using a 4-track deck at the time. Hell, I thought I had the world’s best kept secret until some months later I read about it in a recording magazine. Oh well. I guess that’s what’s called convergent evolution. It’s the old joke about having a great idea only to find out someone else just got back from a year-long book tour for the same idea. Damn. Then when digital recorders came out they made pristine sounding re-amping possible. I re- amped all the basses and guitars in all the bands I engineered at the time in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now days re-amping is done all the time, and it’s a great way to change or repair or add to a guitar tone. What Is Guitar Re-amping? Re-amping is basically recording the original guitar tone straight off of the guitar, sending this clean signal from the DAW into an external guitar amp effect (ie distortion pedals with an IR box, a Valetron GP-5 or any one of many modelers, an amplifier with a cab that’s mic’d, and many others), and then re-recording this signal back to the DAW. You can also record the clean signal from the guitar along with the mic’d signal from your amp and cab, or modeler, or guitar pedals with an IR pedal. And maybe you like the sound of your original mic’d guitar cab (or whatever you used and recorded). Good. But just like wearing suspenders and a belt, it protects you from losing control of your tone. Another nice thing is the clean track can be used for stacking guitar sounds. A cool example would be to flesh out your real amplifier sound with a plugin amp emulator. Another nice thing is that it’s easier to edit guitar that has no amplifier overdrive adulteration. Simply find the sweet spot for the guitar edit and this will also apply to the clean and mic’d (overdriven) signal. Do I need to purchase a high-to-low impedance guitar output box? No, not necessarily. However, some musicians use a high-to-low box to split the high impedance (guitar) signal (to the amp or modeler or whatever) and run the low impedance signal to the DAW interface. This method also gives you the option to run a longer guitar cable if the high-to-low box also has a low output for guitar. On the other hand, if you are using something like the TC Electronic Polytune 3 your signal is already low impedance and the high-to-low box is not needed. But you’ll need to split the signal, and passive splitters are cheap. And if you use the Joyo Cab Box (among many other stereo or dual output pedals) you already own a splitter. However, if your signal remains high impedance then your guitar cable should be no longer than about 10 feet (about 3 meters) combined length to your DAW interface to conserve the high end (high frequencies). For more details on the cable and impedance topic visit the first cables issue and it continues on into the second issue. If it turns out you do need to split your low impedance guitar signal, a cheap simple splitter will work fine if it’s shielded, and it won’t cost very much. Check the gear you presently own for ways to split your signal before spending money on a box that may not be needed. Do I need to purchase an output re- amp box? In a word, no. However, you must use your ears to find the sweet spot for something close to unity gain from the DAW output. You also need to know how many outputs your DAW interface has because this will make a difference in your re- amping wiring. As far as coming out of the recorder goes, the signal must match the voltage coming out of your instrument so you are not feeding line level voltage into an instrument level jack. Modelers sound especially horrible over- driving the input. Many instrument input level devices (amps, modelers, pedals, IR boxes, and so on) do not tolerate line level output at their input, so the line level must be adjusted to approximate instrument level to avoid a messy sounding re- amp. There are devices dedicated to do this, but I simply adjust it by ear to what I prefer. I have re- amped hundreds of guitars for many bands and I NEVER had to use a re-amp box of any kind. The only thing needed was to send the guitar signal to to a high-to-low impedance converter box (because the TC Electronic Polytune 3 was not invented yet) and split the low impedance signal to the recorder and the high impedance signal to the nearby guitar amp or emulator. The Sound is Behind, or the Guitar is Late There is going to be some latency (an amount of time from leaving the DAW to returning to the DAW), and this is easily fixed (if it matters to you) by shifting the re-amped guitar track by the time difference. You’ll need to compare the two tracks to figure out the latency time. So if it’s 2 milliseconds late simply move the re-amped guitar track ahead 2 milliseconds. Sometimes this makes an audio difference and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it adds an interesting lag. The main thing to remember is to make sure the guitar phasing is matched so your massive amp tone doesn’t sound like a mosquito. To repair any guitar phasing issues I prefer the Waves InPhase, although the Melda MAutoAline is also quite good and it’s a little easier and cheaper. And if you prefer absolutely no lag time or you don’t want to bother setting it up yourself (and you use Reaper as your DAW) simply use the plugin called ReaInsert and it automatically repairs lag times. A beautiful thing. Should Pedals be Recorded before Re-Amping? If you are the type of guitarist who plays their chorus pedal, or plays their fuzz pedal, or who plays their wa-wa pedal (and who doesn’t?), then I would say, yes, record those pedal sounds to your original clean signal. The reason being you’ll never be able to exactly copy what you played before and it will come off sounding artificial with the feel all over the place. But what if you also play your guitar volume knob? That’s a tricky question because sometimes the volume doesn’t track properly, or sometimes the knob jumps in volume or crackles, or sometimes the guitarist isn’t accurate or needs more practice. I have had better luck with not adjusting the volume knob on the guitar and drawing in the volume swell on the DAW before the re-amping begins. This way it’s consistent and free from weird artifacts. Conversely, some guitarists are clever and pull it off very well. Once again, it’s all about using your ears. Conclusion Guitar Re-Amping Part One Re-amping is commonplace in studios today. And it sure helps with finding the correct guitar sound(s). And it’s also great for repairing guitar playing mistakes because the recorded guitar is unadulterated. And if you like layered guitars it’s cool as hell. Also consider the Mimiq. But before the re- amping comes the performance repair. And don’t forget, bring your phasing meter. Don’t touch that dial… Stay tuned next time… In part two, the final guitar re-amp issue, we’re going to explore the signal flow in re-amping guitar in a DAW (digital audio workstation), and we’ll make our first re-amp. Maybe I’ll see you then. I never let my education get in the way of my ignorance.

Zystrix = a source, shaman, or library disseminating secret or lost knowledge, art, or music.

ZYSTRIX POPULAR FREE DOWNLOADS The Best Free Synthesizers of 2024 It’s another epic issue, and there’s lots of FREE downloads here. And the Honorable Mention Synthesizer List might surprise you. This list is long, so prepare yourself. And if it seems like too much to take in, I warned you. Click here for the official list of The Best Free Synthesizers of 2024. The Best Free Mastering Plugins Your DAW (digital audio workstation) will be so happy. And so will you. Here are the best of the best for EQ, compression, limiting, tube and tape emulation, reverb, delay, and honorable mentions. This list is a must have with lots of downloads. Check out The Best FREE Plugins for Mastering 2024. Here’s a free download of almost one and a half hours of original neo-classical solo piano by Dangerous Neighbors. This full length album called Piano Top to Bottom consists of 18 original piano pieces with the final piece in two movements. There is a bonus track making 20 files total. This download comes in three format options: the first option is a single file MP3 containing all the tunes in one chunk similar to tape recordings. The second download option is a folder with all of the separate MP3 piano pieces named and arranged in album order similar to a CD or MP3 player. The third download option is similar to videos found on “ZooTube” with the names and times on the screen. There is also a fourth surprise version made only for “ZooTube” and it is edited down to less than 15 minutes long because of their telephone number required rule. Basically it just guides the listener here. To download any or all of these options simply click here. Enjoy. Free Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses Introducing the next generation in guitar cabinet impulse responses. Try the new Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12. All of these cab IR files are based on old, new, and boutique 4x12 cab curves. All are recorded in beautiful 24-bit 48K mono and will work on most free and paid digital convolvers. Hear the guitar IR breathe fire with pure attitude. Don’t be suckered in with high-dollar sales pitches, there ain’t no guitar IR downloads better than these. Choose from many cab sound recording styles: cone, edge, angled, arm away, inside cab, back of cab, or back of room. Djammincabs is the world leader in guitar cab IR invention -- no other guitar IR company can imitate these. Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12 makes it easier for you to design your own personalized sound -- even your own Metal IR pack. If you can’t find a cabinet or combination you like here, then you don’t like 4x12 cabinets. This guitar IR download also includes a Tactical Munitions Manual with suggested uses and detailed cab combinations. This is the best free guitar impulse download available anywhere. Djammincabs Maxxx 4x12 “Murder Your Competition.” I feel brave. I want to try them now. Here’s my email... Djammincabs for Guitar Free Guitar Impulse Responses This is the original Djammincabs guitar cabinet impulse response collection that started it all. Click here to download over 200 Free Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses. Djammincabs for Bass Guitar Download Free Bass Impulse Responses Click here to download over 200 Free Bass Guitar Cabinet Impulse Responses. Best Free Guitar Impulses. The Top 11 Best Free Guitar and Bass Cabinet Impulse Responses for 2022 (in alphabetical order…) Find, download, and test the best free guitar cabinet impulse responses for 2022. FREE BASS LOOPS SAMPLES DOWNLOAD ROYALTY FREE BASS LOOP SAMPLES FREE BASS LOOPS Over 200 samples are included in the collection Download the complete collection of 24-bit bass loops here. NOTE: This download size is approximately 369 Megs. Free Pendulate Synthesizer Presets Original Newfangled Audio Pendulate synth patches/presets Click here to download over 240 Free Pendulate Synth Presets (patches) Synapse Audio Dune Synthesizer Download Over 200 Free Synapse Audio Dune 2 and Dune 3 Synthesizer Patches and Presets Click here to download over 200 FREE Synapse Audio Dune 2 or Dune 3 synthesizer patches or presets. NOTE: This synth patch download is slightly over 1 Meg in size. Free Reverb Impulse Responses This is our most popular download page. Choose from hundreds available in 48K 24 bit WAV format including many new original reverbs. CabSpace Over 400 Guitar Isolation Booth Reverbs Download over 400 Free Zystrix Original Reverb Impulse Responses, and over 200 Free Zystrix Original BONUS Reverb Impulse Responses. Download all the Alesis MIDIVerb 4 reverb impulse responses. Download all the Lexicon MPX-1 reverb impulse responses. Download all the Alesis Wedge reverb impulse responses. Download over 50 Reverb Relics from the past including oil cans. Click here to download free reverb impulse responses. Free Drum Samples Only Available from Zystrix Free Gong Samples and Sounds Free Snare Drum Samples and Sounds Free Bass Drum Samples and Sounds Free Oriental Cymbal Samples and Sounds Free Oriental Bells Samples and Sounds The Ultimate Original Drum Sounds List Download over 2000 original slammin’ rock bass drums. Download original Gongs, Cymbals, Broken Cymbals, and Bells. Download Over 200 Free Original Bass Drum Sounds and Samples. Download over 200 Original Free snare drum sounds. Click here to download Drum Kit Sounds. Dangerous Neighbors The SW Michigan Rock Band Power Trio. Free Rockin’ Music Downloads Download tunes from the 80s to today. Use the special codes on the Embalmed for Life page (see the DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO BOOKS link below) and get free downloads for the complete album and the free horror audio book The Fluid - Embalmed for Life. Click here to download various music from the rock band Dangerous Neighbors. Download Free Synth Samples for Intros, Interludes, and Endings Listen to example #01 by clicking here (MP3 Sample) Download FREE professional quality stereo sample packs that slowly evolve over time. All samples are in 48K 24 bit WAV format and are about 20 seconds long or more. If you like suspense, psycho, outer space, or terror then this collection is for you. These range from paranoia to sci-fi, cinematic gore to strange industrial horror, and creepy creatures to insane laboratories. Click here to download all the synth Intros, Interludes, and Endings. DOWNLOAD FREE AUDIO BOOKS The Fluid, Embalmed for Life There are Free Audio Book codes for Audible downloads (must sign up). There are also free sample downloads of the book reading. There are free downloads of music samples. There is a free “Look Inside” download of the paperback. There is a free glossary of the largest list of mortuary slang in the world. The Free Dangerous Neighbors Album The Fluid, Embalmed for Life comes included as part of the audio book and parts are available here as a free download. The paperback book is available for sale at Amazon dot com. I have no control over these sales; because of the Amazon agreement I cannot offer complete paperback or complete audio books here. And for some reason most book sales go to Japan. Who would have thunk it? Click here for free audio books, book reading samples, music samples, etc. Take me back to the top of the page. Zystrix Privacy Policy THE FINE PRINT: Zystrix is a world leader in personal privacy and we take your privacy very seriously. We do not store, sell, give away, or barter with any of your personal or private information including your email, IP address, links clicked, location, habits, tastes, online activities and behaviors, or anything else considered personal or private information. We never have. Zystrix is not and has never been a participant in any advertising program including but not limited to the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Sweetwater, Reverb, or any other affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees from readers by click-through advertising and linking to the aforementioned or any other companies. Zystrix does not allow companies like Doubleclick, Clickbank, Zedo, Linkbucks, Hubspot or any other related clandestine personal privacy internet problems to occupy space or have any presence on or in the Zystrix website. Zystrix does not and has never used Google Analytics, therefore this site is not required to have those annoying cookie agreement popups. Zystrix has no links associated with the sale or offer of any products, and we do not allow this. Unlike so many other websites similar to this one, this Zystrix privacy policy keeps our reviews dead honest, cuts out any unnecessary middle man, and keeps this website free from cookies and the influences of Google and the many other unethical purveyors of your digital exhaust and personal information. Open source, private, and honest. It’s our mantra.