Audio Assault Black Sun Review: Free Guitar Amp Sim for Metal & Rock

Black Sun Amp Sim: Your Free Heavy Tone Solution

Guitarists seeking professional metal tones without spending hundreds face a real challenge. After analyzing this Audio Assault Black Sun demo, I believe it solves that problem. This free plugin (available until December 1, 2022, during recording) offers shockingly versatile high-gain sounds, pristine cleans, and built-in effects. You get VST/VST3/AAX/AU compatibility across Windows, Mac, and Linux—though it’s 64-bit only. Let’s break down why it deserves space in your plugin folder.

Core Tone Capabilities

The Black Sun excels in three critical areas:

• Clean Tones: Engage the "Low" switch for Fender-style sparkle. The "High" mode delivers brighter, cutting cleans ideal for funk or pop.
• Crunch & Rock: The built-in screamer pedal tightens mid-gain tones beautifully. Think AC/DC to hard rock saturation.
• Metal Distortion: Aggressive high-gain settings handle djent, thrash, and modern metal with articulate string separation.

Key Insight: Unlike many free sims, the cab section uses authentic IRs. The default Blackstar 4x12 with Celestion V30s pairs perfectly with the amp’s voicing.

Essential Features Breakdown

Stompbox Section

• Noise Gate: Always-on for tight chugs
• Booster: EQ-focused with low/high frequency controls
• Screamer: Tube-screamer style drive for tightening high gain

Dual Cab Loader

Mix two microphones (SM57, MD421, U47, etc.) with position controls. This rivals paid plugins. Pro Tip: Blend an SM57 (attack) with an MD421 (body) for massive tones.

Built-in Effects Suite

• Graphic EQ: Sculpt post-amp tone
• Chorus: Thickens cleans
• Delay/Reverb: Space-creating ambience

Performance and Workflow Advantages

Testing reveals near-zero latency even at 4x oversampling. The interface is intuitive—drag knobs or type values. Presets like "Haunting" showcase its versatility instantly. Critical Note: While the 64-bit requirement excludes older systems, it ensures stability with modern DAWs.

Where Black Sun Excels and Falls Short

Strengths:

• Authentic High-Gain Tones: Compares favorably to Neural DSP
• Zero CPU Drain: Efficient even with all effects engaged
• Free IR Library: Quality impulses included

Limitations:

• No built-in tuner (contrary to video claims)
• Limited clean amp voicings
• Linux support less tested

Actionable Tone Tips

1. Metal Rhythm: Screamer ON → Drive 10% → Tone 60%
2. Clean Ambience: Chorus + Hall Reverb → Mic U47 @ 2" distance
3. Rock Crunch: Boost lows → SM57/MD421 blend → Oversample 8x

Final Verdict

The Audio Assault Black Sun punches far above its price tag. For free metal/rock tones, it’s a must-download. While newer sims exist, its cab flexibility and low CPU use make it ideal for quick tracking. Pair it with free IRs from York Audio for even more versatility.

Question for You: When dialing in high-gain tones, do you struggle more with fizz or mud? Share your approach below!