Brainworx bx_rockrack V3 guitar amp simulator: features and spec-based rating

Brainworx’s bx_rockrack V3 is a multi-amp plug-in made by studying amps such as AMPEG, GALLIEN KRUEGER, ENGL, Chandler and Mesa. It has 8 amp models and 40 recording chains (combinations of cabinet and microphone) recorded through a NEVE VXS72 console.

A guitar amp simulator recreates the sound of real guitar amps and effects pedals inside your computer. Even without an amp, you can shape a guitar sound and record.

In this article we compare bx_rockrack V3 with 18 guitar amp simulators and rate how well it serves its purpose on three criteria. The basis is official manufacturer information.

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Summary

Among the 18 guitar amp simulators, bx_rockrack V3 is rank C. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and C is the lowest. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5, with the one criterion that matters most for the purpose counted double) gives 2.2.

Things to keep in mind

• Range of tones (2 points): the choice of models is limited.
• Recording and practice (1 points): it has few features that help with practice and recording.

Who it suits: people who want to settle on a sound quickly with a small number of classic amps, from clean to metal.

Main features of bx_rockrack V3

Eight classic amps in one

bx_rockrack V3 brings together 8 amp models, from clean and crunch to metal, in one plug-in. It includes Clean 800 and Crunch 800, inspired by the JCM800 2210, the Clean, Lead and Jazz types based on the ENGL 530 preamp, Modern Rock based on the Mesa Boogie Rect-O-Verb, and Metal BX 666 designed by Brainworx.

40 recording chains

It includes 40 recording chains that combine a cabinet and a microphone. The manufacturer explains that the IRs were recorded through a NEVE VXS72 console at Brainworx in Germany and The Mix Room in Los Angeles.

Supports AAX DSP too

The manufacturer explains that Brainworx amps that used to be exclusive to UAD-2 can now be used in any DAW, including AAX DSP. It can also be used as an effect to add distortion in a mix.

Where it is useful

• Settling on a sound quickly, from clean to metal, with a small number of amps
• Adding distortion to sounds other than guitar in a mix
• Switching between cabinet and microphone combinations to compare the response

Rating by criterion

Range of tones: 2 / 5

We look at the choices of amps, cabinets, microphones and so on.

It has 8 amp models and 40 recording chains that combine speaker cabinets and microphones.

If “range of tones” matters most to you, AmpliTube 5 (5 points) is a better fit.

Recording and practice: 1 / 5

We look at features that help with home recording and practice.

A recorder, looper, tuner and standalone use are not described, so we gave a low score.

If “recording and practice” matters most to you, AmpliTube 5 (5 points) is a better fit.

Modeling technology: 3 / 5

We look at the technology used to recreate real gear.

The amps are made with Brainworx’s own modeling technology.

Also usable for bass: 3 / 5

We look at whether it includes bass amps and the like, so you can record bass with it too.

It is described as “8 amp models for guitar and bass.”

How we score (Guitar amp simulators)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Range of tones	Choices of amps, cabinets, microphones and so on	400 or more models, plus adjustment of microphone position, room and even your own IRs	Many amps and effects, plus loading your own IRs	Dozens of amps and effects can be combined	A small number of models (such as a free version)	—
Recording and practice	Features that help with home recording and practice	A recorder, a looper and a tuner are all included	Two or more, such as a looper and standalone use	Can be run as a standalone app	—	Not mentioned on the official page
Modeling technology	The technology used to recreate real gear	Has models made with machine learning or AI	Has its own IR (cabinet response) technology	Standard modeling	—	—
Also usable for bass	Whether it includes bass amps and the like, so you can record bass with it too	The official page states that it includes gear (amps and so on) for both guitar and bass	—	Stated to be usable for bass too (general-purpose processing)	—	No bass gear, or not mentioned

Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on how well the product serves one goal: recording guitar and bass through a line at home and making them sound like an amp. Scores follow the conditions in the table above, and the rank is based on an average in which "Range of tones" counts double. The basis is official manufacturer information. Sound quality and CPU load are not measured, so they are not scored; reviews from trade magazines are introduced in the articles for reference. Price is not part of the score. Features that cannot be confirmed from the manufacturer's or a retailer's description are scored as if absent. "Also usable for bass" is a criterion that answers the common search for "bass amp simulator". The "OBS (streaming)" column in the table shows whether the official page lists the VST2 format that the streaming software OBS Studio can use (○). OBS does not support the VST3 format. It is not part of the score.

bx_rockrack V3 system requirements and getting started

Operating system	Check the official page for detailed system requirements
Plug-in formats	Plug-in for DAWs, including AAX DSP
Standalone	Not stated
OBS (streaming)	Not checked

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on October 17, 2026.

Compared with other guitar amp simulators

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

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