IK Multimedia has unleashed the second instalment of their legendary Brown Sound series with the 80/81 Signature Collection, capturing the darker, more aggressive tones that defined early-'80s rock.
This meticulously crafted Brown Sound 80/81 collection delivers 73 precision-engineered Tone Models that nail those iconic album sounds, complete with amp-only captures for maximum versatility through your favourite IRs or live rigs.
Working alongside tone guru Jim Gaustad, IK has dissected every nuance of these legendary recordings, offering both authentic recreations and thoughtful variations that reflect different theories about how these tracks were originally laid down.
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1980: Raw Power Unleashed
The 1980 models capture a return to ferocious, in-your-face aggression with thicker, drier saturation than its predecessor. Expect serious midrange punch, tighter low-end response, and razor-sharp articulation that hints at the high-gain revolution to come. This is the sound that influenced an entire generation of metal players.
1981: Controlled Chaos
Moving into 1981 territory, these models showcase a more controlled approach with pronounced low-mids and percussive attack. Gone is the spacious feel of earlier recordings, replaced by thick, claustrophobic intensity that matches the album’s brooding atmosphere. Higher gain, reduced reverb, and laser-focused polish define this era.
“The ONE” Amplifier
At the collection’s heart sits “The ONE” – a Marshall-style amp model built to exact specifications of the infamous 1968 Super Lead serial #12301, complete with crucial modifications that capture the authentic Brown Sound DNA like nothing before it.
For more information and to get your hands on the Brown Sound 80/81 collection, head here.
