Nux Amp Academy Stomp V2.0.5 - NuX listened
The NUX Amp Academy Stomp was already one of my favourite budget amp modelling units, but version 2.0.5 adds a couple of features that users have been asking for pretty much since launch.
And best of all? It’s free.
The thing that most Amp Academy Stomp users will be excited about is a brand-new modulation block, finally giving the the unit access to effects like chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, rotary and Uni-Vibe-style sounds.
Now, in the world of modelling units, it isn't exactly revolutionary, however it is something that a big proportion of the community have been asking for since day one. I understand why NuX didn't include it to start with (it is the Amp Academy, not Rig Academy - right?). That being said, you were relying on whatever outboard effects to bolster your setup. Now you can add modulation directly into the Amp Academy, so realistically this has now gone from the brain of your rig to potentially the entire rig itself. It is worth mentioning also, you can move the block around the signal chain too. This is a huge signal that NuX are listening to what people want from their units.
There are some familiar-sounding effects in there too. The phaser does exactly what you’d hope, particularly when paired with a bit of gain, while the rotary is genuinely lovely. The Uni-Vibe is another one where I’d probably crank the effect further than the default setting because, well, subtlety isn't always what we're looking for with a Uni-Vibe.
There's even a mono octave tucked into the effects section, with controls for up and down, which isn't something I heard many asking for, but it is a great addition to have. Although I'm not often an octave user, I found myself losing a good few moments getting lost in those thick octave down tones, adding weight to some simple rock riffs. Absolutely sublime.
And then there's shimmer reverb.
I'll be honest, I'm not the world's biggest shimmer reverb enthusiast, and the one included here isn't perfect. Your mileage may vary, as they say. But it is another option, and it's hard to complain when all of this has arrived as a free update.
Native NAM A2 Light support.
Let's face it, this is the reason that V2.0.5 has been getting a lot of attention.
Alongside the existing NUX amp models, you can now load native NAM A2 Light profiles, including profiles from Tone3000. I tried a few of them, including a Fender Deluxe Reverb, a Pink Taco and a Tone King Royalist, and the quality was really impressive.
The thing that stands out with these A2 profiles is how responsive they feel. Roll back the guitar volume and the amp reacts in a very convincing way, add to that the fact you can run the A2 profiles but still have access to the dual IR engine as well, we are getting some serious versatility.
And that's really the exciting part of this update.
The Amp Academy Stomp already offered some very good built-in amp models, but adding native NAM A2 Light means you've now got another route to some seriously convincing amp tones without needing extra hardware.
Key Takeaway
Let's be realistic: not every part of the update is perfect, and the shimmer isn't going to blow everyone's mind.
But native NAM A2 Light, a proper modulation block, rotary, Uni-Vibe, octave and more… all in one free update?
Yep. NUX did good.
If you'd like one of your own, consider using my affiliate link below:
Nux Amp Academy Stomp affiliate link https://thmn.to/thoprod/620898?offid=1&affid=2735
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