Positive Grid Bias X: The Guitar Plugin for AI-Assisted Tone Hunting
Prompt in, pedal board out!
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Positive Grid Bias X: The Guitar Plugin for AI-Assisted Tone Hunting · Source: Positive Grid
Positive Grid Bias X is a new guitar software that brings AI-assisted tone modeling, which we’ve seen in Spark 2 to DAWs and recording workflows. The idea is to use a sample song or prompt, from which the plugin automatically creates a signal chain of pedals and amps that matches the guitar sound as closely as possible.
Positive Grid Bias X: AI Tone Modeling in Your DAW
Just so we’re on the same page: AI as in neural networks being used to model amp sounds has long been in the guitar world. Kemper, Neural DSP, and the open-source format NAM (Neural Amp Modeling) are all based on this technology. Positive Grid Bias X takes a different approach on AI, namely automatically re-creating the guitar sound of a song.
Because, let’s be honest, for most of us, besides practicing and learning riffs, licks, and songs from our idols, one of our big missions is to get as close as possible to the sound of Jimi, Kirk, and all the other heroes. And for quite a few, that’s a big part of being a guitarist. Endless forum discussions, pedal mods, and esoteric amps, it’s what we live and breathe!
But then there is also a no less significant guitar (and bass!) faction that simply wants to plug in and start playing. And that’s exactly who Positive Grid Bias X is aimed at. And then, there are those who are still at the beginning of their tone hunting journey. They might feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information and effects available. For them, Bias X might be the perfect starting point.
What does Bias X Include?
Before we get to the AI part, let’s take a look at the hard facts. Positive Grid Bias X includes 33 amps and 63 pedals. It comes with many classics, often with a very similar look and name compared to their famed originals. An IR loader and various impulse responses are also included.
You can use these to build effect chains in the plugin, as you would with plugins such as Amplitube or Guitar Rig. And similar to Amplitube, Bias X also allows parallel effect paths for even greater tonal diversity. It also features useful tools like an adaptive noise gate and a tuner.
A doubler, which doubles the signal (familiar from some Neural DSP plugins), is also part of the plugin. The software can be used as a plugin in all common DAWs, and also in standalone mode. When loaded into a DAW, Bias X can be synchronized with the host tempo.
Instant Pedal Chains via Prompt or Audio
What makes Bias X special is its AI engine, which generates ready-made presets from prompts and audio samples. It has been trained with over a million different guitar sounds. If you enter a prompt such as “California sunset” or “high-gain hair metal with gated reverb,” Bias X automatically generates a suggestion.
You can also use audio material to make Bias X create an effects channel. It must be between 10 seconds and 15 minutes long and in a common audio format. After uploading, the AI will prompt you to select the section of the recording it should focus on during the analysis.
AI Everywhere
Positive Grid Bias X’s AI is also set to evolve in the future based on the user’s workflow and sound preferences. The manufacturer emphasizes that user privacy is a top priority. Presets and recordings always remain offline. However, it is worth noting that an internet connection is required for the AI functions.
Since there is no demo or trial version yet, there is no way to see how the AI handles prompts that mention artists and bands. This is worth mentioning because, in comparison, generative AI (which does NOT apply to Bias X) such as Suno or Udio blocks prompts like “Metallica song” or “Bob Dylan soundalike.” It remains to be seen whether Bias X is different in this respect and, for example, whether “Master of Puppets riff” will create us a corresponding signal chain.
How much does Positive Grid Bias X Cost?
You can purchase Positive Grid Bias X at Thomann* for $147 / £132 / €149.
More on the new Plugin from Positive Grid
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
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