Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) v3.1.0 is a virtual instrument designed to bring the aggressive and versatile sound of the ESP Eclipse I guitar
into digital music production. Released as part of Ample Sound's version 3 series, it features a revamped engine that offers high realism for metal and rock genres. Key Features & Capabilities Realistic Articulations:
Includes Sustain, Palm Mute, Artificial Harmonic, Hammer-On, Pull-Off, Legato Slide, and Slide In/Out. Strummer & Riffer:
Features a specialized strumming engine and a built-in Riffer with a library of metal patterns that can be customized or exported directly to your DAW. High-End Amp Simulation: Comes with 7 classic amp heads (including Metal Double and Lead 800) and 8 guitar cabinets , each captured with 8 different microphones. Metal-Specific Features: Stroke Noise:
Adds a metallic harmonic attack during strumming for a more authentic feel. Drop Tuning: Supports tuning down to C G C F A D , standard for contemporary heavy music. Cycle Plus:
Triple samples triggered during fast repeated notes to eliminate the "machine gun" effect. Technical Specifications (v3.1.0) AmpleMetal Eclipse Review and Demo (ESP Eclipse I VST)
Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) v3.1.0 is a premier virtual electric guitar designed for modern heavy music, meticulously sampled from the ESP Eclipse I
. This version brings substantial engine improvements for both Windows and Mac users, emphasizing playability and realistic metal performance Core Technical Features Deep Sampling: Features a 3.5GB to 4.6GB library where every fret was recorded from the bridge pickup Articulations:
Includes 10 specific playing styles: Sustain, Palm Mute, Natural/Pinch Harmonic, Hammer On & Pull Off, Legato Slide, Slide In/Out, Pop, and Tap Drop Tuning Support: Optimized for contemporary heavy music with a default C G C F A D tuning, capable of reaching as low as Cycle+ Mode: Enhances repetitive fast passages by allowing up to 24 sample cycles
, effectively eliminating the "machine gun effect" common in virtual instruments Advanced Playing Engines A powerful sequencer that supports MIDI import/export
, a technique editor, and a dedicated string visualization system for complex riff creation
Specifically rebuilt for heavy music, this engine includes chord recognition and a rhythm library where you can drag and drop MIDI patterns directly into your DAW Tab Player: Native support for Guitar Pro
files (up to GP8), allowing the plugin to accurately interpret fingering, articulations, and performance data from standard tabs Sound Shaping & Effects Amp Simulation: The version 3 update includes a full amplifier section with seven amp models , eight speaker cabinets, and eight microphone options Contains essential processing tools including an , compressor, delay, and convolution reverb with various impulse responses Automatic Velocity Switching: Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 -WiN-OSX-
Intelligently switches between Sustain, Palm Mute, and Artificial Harmonics based on note velocity, reducing the need for manual keyswitches System Requirements Compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 (64-bit) Requires version 10.9 or higher
Available as VSTi, VSTi3, AAX, AU, and a standalone application import custom Guitar Pro tabs Review: Ample Sound Metal Series by Ample Sound
The FX page offers EQ, Compression, reverb with tons of included impulse responses, and echo/delay. covers the basics very well. Sample Library Review Review: Ample Sound Metal Series by Ample Sound
The "story" of Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 is the evolution of a niche virtual instrument into a powerhouse for heavy music production. It centers on the meticulous recreation of the iconic ESP Eclipse I six-string guitar. The Genesis: Sampling the Eclipse
Originally released around September 2015, Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) was the pioneer of Ample Sound's "Metal" series. The goal was to capture the aggressive yet versatile character of the ESP Eclipse I, a guitar favored by artists ranging from Metallica to Mastodon.
The Library: Developers recorded every single fret across a 3.5 GB library (later expanded to 4.6 GB) to ensure authentic tone.
Tuning for Heavy Music: Unlike standard virtual guitars, AME was built around a C-G-C-F-A-D drop tuning, the backbone of modern heavy metal. The Evolution to Version 3.1.0
By the time v3.1.0 was released in September 2020, the instrument had moved from a simple sample library to a complex performance engine. This specific version was part of a major overhaul that refined the core experience for both Windows and Mac users.
Humanization Features: It introduced advanced systems like Cycle+, which allows for up to 24 sample cycles for a single note, effectively killing the "machine gun effect" common in digital repetitive riffs.
Articulations: It perfected eight essential metal techniques, including Palm Mute, Artificial Harmonics, and Legato Slides, which could be triggered automatically based on playing velocity—meaning users didn't need complex keyswitches for realistic metal riffs.
Riffer and Strummer: The v3 engine integrated the "Riffer," a dedicated MIDI editor for stringed instruments that allowed producers to "dice" up new patterns or import Guitar Pro tabs directly. Technical Milestone
Version 3.1.0 solidified AME as a cross-platform standard (WiN-OSX), supporting VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. It addressed long-standing stability issues from the early years, offering a more efficient engine and an updated UI that mirrored the high-end aesthetic of the physical guitar it modeled. amplesound.net Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) v3
Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0: The Ultimate Virtual ESP Eclipse for Metal
Ample Metal Eclipse (AME) is a premier virtual electric guitar guitar plugin
specifically engineered for the aggressive demands of heavy metal and hard rock. Based on meticulously recorded samples of an ESP Eclipse I Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
, this version 3.1.0 update brings significant enhancements to its engine, offering a highly realistic and expressive playing experience for both Windows and Mac users. Core Sound and Sampling
At the heart of Ample Metal Eclipse is a 4.6 GB sample library captured from the bridge pickup of an ESP Eclipse I. The library features:
High-Gain Precision: Designed for styles like Progressive Metal, Metalcore, and Djent.
Articulations: Includes 10 essential techniques: Sustain, Palm Mute, Natural Harmonic, Hammer-On & Pull-Off, Legato Slide, Slide In/Out, Pop, Pinch Harmonic, and Tap.
Extended Range: Supports drop tuning down to C1 (standard for contemporary heavy music).
Realistic Nuance: Features authentic left-hand performance noises and a "Stroke Noise" system that adds a metallic harmonic attack when strumming. Advanced Engine Features
The v3.1.0 update utilizes the powerful Ample Guitar 3 (AG3) engine, introducing several creative tools:
Riffer 4: A specialized MIDI editor for plucked instruments with a "Dice" random generator to spark new song ideas. It offers dual views—Piano Roll and Guitar Tab—allowing for seamless editing.
Strummer: Optimized for heavy music with power chord defaults and 28 play styles per chord. and musicians who demand high-gain
Tab Reader 4: Supports importing Guitar Pro files (GP3 up to GP8) with full preservation of fingering and technique data.
Polyphonic Legato: Enables realistic slides and legato transitions across any interval and speed, preventing the "machine gun" effect on repeated notes. Built-in AMP and FX System
Ample Metal Eclipse includes an integrated processing suite, eliminating the immediate need for external plugins:
AMP Simulator: Features 7 classic amp models (e.g., Metal Double, Metal Treble, Lead 800) and 8 cabinets, each with 8 microphone options.
FX Rack: An 8-band EQ, compressor with visual feedback, 6-tap echo delay, and convolution reverb for deep spatial control. System Requirements and Compatibility Specification Requirement Operating System Windows 7–11 (64-bit); macOS 10.15 or later Plugin Formats VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone CPU Intel i5 or higher; Apple Silicon native support (v3.5+) Disk Space 20 GB recommended (SSD preferred)
Whether you are a seasoned producer or a songwriter needing professional-grade guitar tracks, Ample Metal Eclipse remains a top-tier choice for achieving authentic high-gain tones without picking up a real instrument. AmpleMetal Eclipse Review and Demo (ESP Eclipse I VST)
One of the standout features of v3.1.0 is the upgraded Strummer. This pattern-based sequencer allows users to create complex rhythm guitar parts with a few clicks. You can select chord voicings, strum direction (down/up/alternate), and velocity dynamics. The 3.1.0 update introduces:
The engine intelligently handles fretting positions and capo logic. If you play a chord, the engine determines the most physically playable position on the neck, avoiding the "robotic" sound of standard samplers.
Ample Sound has long been a dominant force in the world of virtual instruments, bridging the gap between MIDI programming and realistic guitar performance. With the release of Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0, they have raised the bar for metal production. This instrument is designed for producers, composers, and musicians who demand high-gain, aggressive guitar tones without the hassle of setting up amps, microphones, and real guitars.
Absolutely. For any metal producer working in-the-box, this virtual guitar is indispensable. While no sample library can fully replace a live guitarist’s soul and nuanced dynamics, the Eclipse v3.1.0 comes closer than ever before. The combination of the LTD EC-1000’s legendary tone, the Riffer’s advanced articulation control, and the new native Apple Silicon support makes this a must-have.
Whether you are writing a demo, a full-length album, or a film score with industrial metal elements, Ample Sound Ample Metal Eclipse v3.1.0 -WiN-OSX- delivers the punch, clarity, and realism that modern music demands.
Final Score: 9.3/10
Lost points only because no virtual instrument can perfectly emulate a great guitarist’s feel—but for 95% of use cases, you’ll never notice.
