TH-U

TH-U is a guitar and bass amp simulation plug-in that combines amp modeling, captured rig playback and Fluid IR processing. TH-U Premium includes 89 guitar amplifiers, four bass amplifiers, 50 guitar cabinets, two bass cabinets and 18 microphone models, plus more than 1,000 factory presets. Its Rig Player provides access to more than 32,000 captured rigs. Premium also includes SuperCabinet with 1,728 Fluid IRs; a cabinet can be exported as a WAV impulse response, and conventional IRs can be loaded for processing. The software offers a MIDI-controllable polyphonic transposer and learnable MIDI controls. Desktop versions run as AudioUnit, VST and AAX64 plug-ins or as a standalone app, with listed DAW support including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and REAPER. Desktop compatibility is macOS 10.14 or later and Windows 10 or later; TH-U iOS supports iOS 13 or later. A 15-day trial is available. TH-U Premium costs €269.00 per once; upgrade prices and eligibility vary, including €49.00 per once for TH3 Full license holders.

TH-U brings amp models, captured rigs and Fluid IR tools together, with desktop plug-in and standalone options as well as an iOS version. The 15-day trial offers a way to review the software before purchase; upgrade pricing depends on license eligibility.

TH-U suits guitarists and bassists seeking amp simulation, captured rigs and impulse-response processing in a plug-in or standalone app. It is also available as an iOS app for compatible devices.

TH-U is a guitar and bass amp-simulation plug-in that brings amp models, captured rigs and cabinet processing into a single setup. It suits players who want a broad preset and rig library alongside desktop DAW integration; those who need only a free, lightweight starting point may prefer an alternative.

Its strongest case is breadth: TH-U Premium combines a substantial model set with access to more than 32,000 captured rigs and flexible IR processing. The trade-off is a paid product with upgrade prices that vary by existing license.

Overview

TH-U combines amp modeling, captured-rig playback and Fluid IR processing for guitar and bass. The full Premium edition includes 89 guitar amplifiers, four bass amplifiers, 50 guitar cabinets, two bass cabinets and 18 microphone models. More than 1,000 factory presets give players a large starting library, and monthly free preset additions do not require a subscription.

The Rig Player provides access to more than 32,000 captured rigs. That scale is valuable for players who want to explore many established sounds without building every signal chain from scratch, though the breadth may be more than a simpler practice or single-amp setup needs.

Key features

Cabinet and IR processing

SuperCabinet is included in Premium with 1,728 Fluid IRs, and users can export a cabinet as a WAV IR. TH-U also accepts conventional IRs and uses Fluid IR technology to reproduce dynamic and harmonic responses. This makes it a flexible choice for players who already work with IRs as well as those who want an included cabinet library.

Performance and control

A MIDI-controllable polyphonic transposer adds a practical performance tool, while MIDI assignments can be made by selecting an interface element and pressing a floorboard pedal. That direct mapping approach is useful for players building a pedal-controlled rig.

Desktop use is available as AudioUnit, VST and AAX64 plug-ins, as well as a standalone application. Supported DAWs include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and REAPER.

Pricing

TH-U is paid software, with a 15-day trial. TH-U Premium costs €269, paid once and includes TH-U Rock, TH-U Metal and TH-U Funk and R&B. The trial gives prospective buyers a short evaluation window before committing.

Upgrade prices depend on the license already owned: €49, paid once for TH3 Full, €119, paid once for owners of listed THU or TH3 editions, packs or SuperCabinet, and €149, paid once for TH2 Full. These lower prices are useful only to eligible owners; new buyers should compare against the full Premium price rather than assume an upgrade applies.

Platforms

The desktop versions support macOS 10.14 or later and Windows 10 or later. Mac support is native for both Intel and Apple Silicon. A license can be authorized on up to three computers owned by the user and one USB stick, through a one-click procedure without a hardware key.

TH-U iOS is available as a standalone app and AUv3 version, with iOS 13 or later required. The Premium demo installer is for 64-bit macOS and Windows; its limitations apply to the trial.

Who it's for

TH-U fits guitarists and bassists who want a broad collection of modeled amps, a large captured-rig library, and IR tools in a plug-in or standalone desktop workflow. Its multiple formats and DAW support also suit players who want to use the same amp-simulation software across different recording setups.

It is less compelling for someone seeking a free desktop option or a minimal amp simulator. The full edition’s breadth is the point, but buyers should weigh that against the one-time cost and the possibility that a narrower tool will cover their needs.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Premium combines 89 guitar amps, four bass amps, extensive cabinet and microphone models, and more than 1,000 presets, giving players a wide range of starting sounds.
• Pros: Access to more than 32,000 captured rigs and 1,728 included Fluid IRs makes the library unusually broad within the product itself.
• Pros: AU, VST and AAX64 plug-ins, standalone desktop use and an iOS AUv3 version cover several common workflows.
• Cons: The €269, paid once full price is a substantial commitment for players who do not need the complete model and library range.
• Cons: Upgrade pricing is license-dependent, so the lower prices do not apply to every buyer.
• Cons: The 15-day trial is time-limited, which gives a relatively short evaluation period for comparing a large library.

Alternatives

Guitar Amp Software is a useful category starting point for comparing amp-simulation options.

• Amp ONE is the better fit for iPad users who want a free app rather than TH-U’s paid, multi-platform product.
• GENOME offers a free Intro edition with four amplifiers, 14 pedals, five DynIR cabinets and four Studio FX, and a paid edition at $89.99, paid once. Choose it when a free entry point or lower stated full price matters more than TH-U’s larger model and captured-rig library.
• IK Multimedia ReSing is a different kind of tool: its free tier includes two voices, two instruments and one RVC import, while the paid version is $129.99, paid once. Consider it for voice and instrument modeling rather than amp simulation.
• Amp Locker offers a free download with extra modules purchased individually and owned outright. It may suit buyers who prefer to assemble a modular setup rather than buy TH-U Premium as a full package.
• Amped has a free Roots edition with one amp and desktop plug-in and standalone formats. It is a more limited free starting point for players who do not need TH-U’s breadth.
• Amplifikation 360 is another free-plan option for macOS and Windows users comparing amp software.
• Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst is a free real-time spectrum analyzer plug-in, not an amp simulator.
• Helix Stadium Native has a free, no-time-limit Intro tier with five Agoura amps, five cabinets and 15 studio effects; consider it if a free starting tier is the priority.

Verdict

TH-U is a strong choice for guitarists and bassists who want amp models, captured rigs and IR processing in one desktop-friendly package, with an iOS option for mobile use. Its main reason to buy is the breadth of Premium’s models and libraries; its main reason to look elsewhere is the full one-time price, especially if a free or narrower tool would do the job.