Universal Audio rolls out its 'Anti' 1992 High Gain Amp Modeller, based on the original Peavey 5150 EVH Amp

So - following on from the Dream (DLX Reverb), Ruby (Vox AC30), Woodrow (Tweed), and Lion (Plexi) Amp Modellers, we now have a UAFX High Gain Modelling Amp - modelled on Eddie Van Halen’s original official amp - the 1992 block logo Peavey 5150 - which is still one of the most used metal distortion amps in its many derivations - including EVH brand, Peavey 5650, and Victory Kraken to name a few.

Controls - Pre Gain [Resonance], Presence [Gate], Output, CAB : UK V30 / CA V30 / White 75, Mode : [ALT] / Amp / Store, Channel : Rhythm / Crunch / Lead, Low [Overdrvive], Mid [OD Tone], High [OD Level], On Footswitch, Preset (1) Footswitch.

Bonus CABS : 2x12 cab with D65, 4x12 cab with C80, 4x12 Brown [upon registration]

Rear Ports - IN } 1/Mono, 2/Stereo, 9V DC, USB-C, OUT } 1/Mono, 2/Stero, Pair button switch (Bluetooth)

There are some interesting controls in the mix - beyond the classic 3-Band EQ, Pre Gain, Presence, Output, and 3-way Channel Types. You have the choice of different Cab Sims - which you can swap out using the UAFX Control App.

You also have a 3-controls Tube Screamer Overdrive onboard - via secondary knob functions for Overdrive (Gain), OD Tone, and OD Level.

Lots of great inclusions here with a broad and well thought-out feature set, while for me this platform’s lack of MIDI has always been a significant flaw - just the Strymon-style single Favourite Preset onboard. Also, the pedal offloads quite a few functions to the UAFX Control App - you certainly cannot access everything you need on the Pedal itself - and I feel that the Cab Sim switch should just have been one of those return-to-centre up/down type toggles - so you could accommodate many more Cab Sims on the pedal.

For the previous quartet of modelling amps the overall audience was probably relative attuned to that sort of ’limited’ featured set. But it’s a different story for the proper gigging Metal Guys - where they’re mostly used to deploying Axe FX and Quad Cortex and the like - which have serial presents and MIDI capabilities for rapid on-the-fly changes for a whole extended setlist of songs. I just don’t see the Anti as a good fit for that intended audience.

For my own purposes - I’m still looking to explore the Lion and Ruby models at some stage - while I have so many fantastic and blistering high gain pedals - especially the latest generation of Metal Distortion Pedals - those just sound extraordinary and immensely full-on! The UAFX Anti is larger than it needs to be, has no JFET section unlike that which Strymon and Boss regularly deploy in their devices - for more amp-liked dynamics and feel. These flagship UAFX pedals are slightly and unnecessarily over-sized for me - albeit beautiful to look at, and they’re somewhat pricey - at $399 / €429 / £379. I don’t understand why UAFX could not have kept to typical 1590BB dimensions?

I had an interesting conversation with Matt Knight today - where he was considering acquiring the UAFX Lion. And I told him to try out some of those Marshall types I covered in my recent Tuesday Marshall Rundown. There are some exceptional Marshall style pedals featured which sound incredible, and are smaller, more practical and with a more appealing price-tag.

I’m certain not anti the Anti - and you know that I frequently change my mind on these subjects. While currently I don’t see much justification in getting this Anti I have so many exceptional High Gain pedals - check my recent Full Metal Racket rundown for further details! You also have the pretty decent and recent TC Electronic 550 Modelling Amp which covers similar territory for just $150 / £135 - you certainly have options1

Key Features

• Comprehensive high-gain amp emulation pedal provides multidimensional distortions from landmark ’90s metal machines
• 6 cab and speaker pairings were captured via OX-derived Dynamic Room Modeling tech for unmatched depth and realism across iconic combo configurations
• UAFX dual-engine delivers robust, lifelike tones from the hallmark 120W tone titan that defined the era
  Includes TS-style overdrive, malleable boost, onboard noise gate, and TCE-inspired integrated preamp
• Delivers record-ready sounds
• Accompanying UAFX Control App (iOS/iPadOS/Android) opens a gateway to near-limitless sonic sculpting, customization, preset management, and input routing
• Rhythm Mode includes 3 options for expanded sound design
• Stereo Ins and Outs
• Bluetooth Sync Button on rear
• 4-cable mode augments tone-crafting potential via comprehensive interoperative integration tools
• MAP / RRP : $399 / €429 / £379

The UAFX Anti seems to be generally available across all the usual outlets - including Sweetwater, Thomann and Andertons to name but a few!