14 Best Bass Amp VST Plugins in 2025

Today I’m talking about some of the best bass amp plugins you can grab in 2025 and beyond, many of which come with trial/demo versions you can test right in your DAW!

There’s something oddly satisfying about chasing the perfect bass tone inside a plugin – that mix of warmth, punch, and presence that feels alive even without an amp buzzing in the room. Each of these amp sims brings its own flavor to the table, from the silky Motown thump of Brainworx’s Ampeg B-15N to the snarling power of Neural DSP’s Darkglass Ultra.

Some focus on capturing every nuance of vintage circuits, while others push into modern flexibility with detailed cab sims, impulse loaders, and parallel processing setups. What ties them all together is how real they feel under your fingers – the kind of plugins that make you forget you’re working in the box.

Whether it’s grit, clarity, or pure low-end authority, this lineup proves that virtual amps aren’t just emulations anymore – they’re instruments in their own right.

With that said, let’s start with a legend from Brainworx:

1. Brainworx Ampeg B-15N

Ampeg B-15N plugin delivers that unmistakable vintage bass tone that’s been a staple on countless records for decades. It captures that smooth Motown-style warmth where the low end feels full and supportive without getting muddy.

I really like how the two circuit options change the vibe – the ‘64 mode gives a softer, rounded tone, while the ‘66 setting adds a bit more punch and midrange bite.

Push it harder and it starts to snarl in a really musical way, giving DI bass tracks the kind of life and depth you’d normally only get from a real amp in a treated room.

• You get two authentic circuit models (1964 & 1966) that capture the tonal shift between the softer, cathode-biased 25-watt design and the tighter, fixed-biased 30-watt circuit. Perfect for switching between smooth vintage warmth and punchier modern grit..
• Dual 6L6 power section with Baxandall EQ, giving you that thick, musical low end and natural top-end roll-off that’s instantly recognizable from classic Motown and Stax recordings.
• Brainworx FX Rack integration featuring a Noise Gate, Power Soak, and pre/post high-pass and low-pass filters, letting you sculpt the amp tone with surgical control directly inside the plugins
• 42 studio-grade recording chains captured through a Neve-equipped room, offering ready-to-mix cabinet tones without ever needing to mic an amp or touch an EQ.

3. IK Multimedia AmpliTube SVX 2

After B-15N, here is another heavy weight. AmpliTube SVX 2 feels like a proper step up for anyone chasing real, responsive bass tone inside the box. The three new amp models and matching cabs give you that unmistakable depth and punch that’s hard to fake with generic bass sims. I like how the low end stays tight even when you push the gain, and the dynamics react naturally to your playing, just like a real rig.

It also slots right into the AmpliTube 5 environment, so you can build full signal chains and tweak mic positions with VIR technology for ridiculous realism. For bedroom producers recording DI bass, this collection gets you frighteningly close to the sound of a miked cab without needing to leave your chair.

• Three fully modeled bass amps (SVX-15N, SVX-4B, SVX-VR) with matching cabinets, capturing every nuance of the originals using IK’s advanced DIM™ technology for lifelike tone and feel.
• VIR™ Cabinet Section featuring up to 2,400 impulse responses per cab, allowing ultra-precise mic placement, realistic room interaction, and authentic speaker behavior.
• Seamless integration with AmpliTube 5, giving access to a fully configurable signal chain, parallel routing, and additional gear for complex bass processing setups.
• Standalone and plugin operation with full MIDI control, perfect for jamming, recording, or live tweaking using controllers like iRig Stomp I/O or BlueBoard.

2. Shreddage Amp XTC

Sometimes I just need an amp plugin that reacts like real tubes under my fingers, and Shreddage Amp XTC nails that feeling completely. It’s got that boutique German amp character – super dynamic, clean when you ease up, and full of rich harmonic bite when you dig in!

The built-in pedalboards are gold too, with everything from a Tube Screamer-style overdrive to a proper LA-2A-style compressor that keeps the tone glued together. Pair it with the dual-cab section and it easily goes from tight modern metal tones to warm, vintage crunch without ever leaving the plugin..

• Circuit-level modelingg of the original boutique German amp, capturing every transistor and tube stage for authentic touch response and dynamic behavior.
• Dual-channel design with separate gain and drive controls, plus Structure, Boost, and Plexi toggles for dialing in everything from glassy cleans to saturated modern crunch.
• Integrated modular pedalboard featuring 12 slots (6 pre-amp, 6 post-cab) loaded with essentials like Tube Screamer, Klon Centaur, LA-2A-style compression, BBD delay, chorus, EQ, and reverb.
• Advanced cabinet section offering 13 unique cabs with multiple mic options (SM57, U87, TLM103, R-121), on/off-axis positions, and the ability to blend or pan two cabinets simultaneously.
• Custom IR loader

4. Ampeg SVT-VR by Brainworx

I’ve used the Ampeg SVT-VR plugin a few times when I needed that unmistakable wall of low-end that only an SVT can deliver.

It nails that growling mid-punch and chest-rattling weight of the real amp, making it perfect when you want your bass to feel alive in the mix without fighting the kick.

• True 300-watt SVT amp tone: Faithfully models Ampeg’s iconic 300-watt tube head and 8×10 cab, delivering that thick, growling low end with authentic tube dynamics and punch. Faithfully models Ampeg’s iconic 300-watt tube head and 8×10 cab, delivering that thick, growling low end with authentic tube dynamics and punch.
• Dual-channel flexibility: Includes two channels (3-band and 2-band EQs) plus Ultra-Low, Ultra-Hi, and Bass Cut switches for detailed tone shaping.
• Brainworx FX rack tools: Adds a noise gate, Power Soak, Tight/Smooth filters, and 23 Neve-recorded chains for mix-ready bass tones.

5. Overloud Mark Studio 2

Mark Studio 2 brings the familiar Markbass tone right into the DAW with impressive realism and flexibility. It includes six genuine Markbass amp models and nine cabinets, covering everything from clean modern clarity to deep vintage warmth..

The built-in pedalboard adds practical tools like an octave, envelope filter, distortion, chorus, and compressor, which makes shaping tones quick and intuitive. I really like that you can choose from six microphones and even blend them for a more natural and roomy sound. It feels like working with a real rig in a studio, just without the noise, cables, or back strain.

• You get six authentic Markbass amp models: Includes TA501, R500, Classic 300, TTE500, Little Mark Tube, and MoMark, each accurately modeled to capture the signature Markbass warmth, clarity, and punch.
• Nine cabinet simulations: Features nine Markbass cabs ranging from compact 1×12 and 2×10 setups to the massive Classic 108 8×10, offering realistic mic’d cabinet tone for every playing style.
• Integrated pedalboard section: Comes with five essential bass effects including octave, envelope filter, distortion, chorus, and compressor, all optimized to work seamlessly within the amp environment.
• Flexible mic and signal routing: Offers six microphone choices, dual-mic blending, and adjustable balance between Direct, Line Out, and Mic outputs, providing precise control over tone depth and mix presence.

6. Nembrini Audio Bass Hammer

I’ve been using the Bass Hammer plugin when I want that focused, aggressive tone that still feels alive and dynamic. The Adaptive Gain Sculpting really changes how the mids react, giving me a lot of control over the punch and presence of the bass without losing low-end depth.

I also like how it lets me blend between four cabinet models, multiple mic options, and a D.I. signal with compression and reverb for a full, mix-ready sound.

• Adaptive Gain Sculpting (AGS): Dynamically reshapes the EQ curve and gain behavior to add harmonic richness and adjust midrange response for tighter, more expressive bass tones.
• Six-band graphic EQ: Offers precise tone control across 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz, making it easy to carve space or boost definition in any mix.
• Cabinet and mic simulation system: Includes 4 bass cabinets and 4 microphone emulations, plus a parallel D.I. channel with built-in compressor and ambient reverb for flexible tone blending.
• Dual impulse response loader: Lets you load up to two custom IRs, mix them together, and combine with the D.I. pre or post-processing for completely personalized amp and cab tones.

7. Neural DSP Darkglass Ultra

What I like about the Darkglass Ultra plugin is how it instantly gives me that tight, aggressive bass tone without needing any extra processing. It’s a faithful recreation of the B7K Ultra and Vintage Ultra preamps, so I can switch between modern grit and smoother vintage warmth in seconds.

• Exact emulation of two Darkglass preamps: Models both the B7K Ultra and Vintage Ultra, capturing their signature blend of clarity, saturation, and midrange control that define modern bass tone.
• Extensive tone shaping controls: Features Drive, Blend, Level, Attack, and Grunt parameters, plus a four-band EQ with selectable mid frequencies at 250Hz–1kHz and 750Hz–3kHz, allowing precise tonal sculpting.
• Advanced cabinet simulation module: Includes the DG210C cabinet with seven virtual microphones, a sub-kick channell, and a Tweeter knob for adjusting edge and brightness across different mic positions.
• Standalone functionality: Can run without a DAW, letting you plug in and play instantly for live use or quick practice sessions with zero setup hassle.

8. Nembrini Audio Bass Driver

What caught my attention with the Bass Driver Multiband Overdrive is how cleanly it separates and drives each frequency range without losing clarity. The three-band overdrive with parametric crossovers lets me dial in grit only where I want it, keeping the lows solid and the highs controlled..

On top of that, the built-in cab sims, impulse loader, and bass enhancer make it super easy to shape a full, mix-ready tone right inside the plugin.

• Three-band overdrive engine: Uses parametric crossovers to split the signal into low, mid, and high bands, allowing precise control over where the distortion is applied for a balanced, modern bass tone.
• Integrated cabinet and mic section: Includes 4 bass cabinets, 4 microphone models, and a parallel D.I. path with a console-style compressor and ambient reverb for flexible tone blending.
• Impulse loader and bass enhancer: Supports two external impulse responses with mix controls, plus a Bass Enhancer circuit inspired by the Little Labs Voice Of God for adding deep, controlled low-end power.

9. Audified GK Amplification 3 PRO

I like how GK Amplification 3 Pro includes three classic amps including the 800RB, MB150, and 2001RB, each with its own distinct tone, from gritty rock drive to clean articulate jazz tones.

The built in Smart Gate, Compressor, and Tuner make it easy to keep the signal clean and controlled while recording or practicing. On top of that, the cab sim and IR loader give me the freedom to experiment with mic setups and cabinet pairings until the tone feels just right.

• Three iconic Gallien Krueger amp models: Includes the 800RB, MB150, and 2001RB, each meticulously recreated to deliver authentic GK tone from punchy rock grit to smooth, mix ready clarity.
• Comprehensive tone control and utilities: Features an intelligent Smart Gate, a responsive Compressor, and a built in Tuner, helping maintain consistent dynamics and noise free performance during recording or live play.
• Cabinet and mic customization options: Offers three matching cabinets with woofer and tweeter variations, nine microphones with adjustable placement, and an IR loader for importing custom cabinet responses and refining tone depth.

10. Brainworx bx_bassdude

Let’s do one more from Brainworx.

The bx_bassdude reacts beautifully to how you play, staying smooth and clean at lower levels but breaking up with that gritty, tube-style crunch once you push it harder. I really like that it comes with 35 recording chains builtt through a Neve console, so dialing in vintage-style tones for both guitar and bass feels fast, natural, and studio-ready!

• Authentic 1960s amp emulation: Faithfully recreates the tone and response of the early 60s Blonde Bassman, known for its smooth cleans at low volumes and rich tube overdrive when pushed past volume 4.
• Extensive studio-grade recording chains: Includes 35 impulse responses captured through a Neve console, featuring real cabinets, microphones, and outboard gear for instantly mix-ready tones.
• Dual instrument flexibility: Offers both Instrument and Bass modes, making it equally effective for guitar or bass while maintaining the warm, rounded vintage character of the original hardware.
• Integrated tone-shaping tools: Adds practical studio effects like a noise gate, high and low pass filters, lo-fi delay, and Power Soak simulation to refine dynamics and saturation control.

11. Positive Grid BIAS Amp 2 Pro

BIAS Amp 2 Pro is one of those plugins that makes me forget I’m not playing through real hardware. The amp designer lets me mix and match tubes, transformers, and tone stacks, so I can literally build an amp from the ground up and make it respond exactly how I want.

The Amp Match feature is a lifesaver when I want to clone the tone of a specific track or amp without endless tweaking. What really keeps me coming back though is the ToneCloud integration, where I can grab or share custom amps made by other producers and players, which always sparks new ideas.

• Comprehensive virtual amp designer: Lets you fully customize your tone by mixing and matching preamp tubes, power amp circuits, transformers, tone stacks, and cabinets, recreating the feel and response of real tube amps.
• Amp Match technology: Uses audio analysis to replicate the sound of any real amp or recorded track, providing up to 100 factory Amp Match presets and the ability to create and save your own matched tones.
• Advanced cabinet and mic modeling: Features a redesigned cabinet module with dual-mic setup, open and closed-back options, and full control over mic placement and blending for authentic studio realism.
• ToneCloud integration: Connects directly to the Positive Grid ToneCloud, giving access to thousands of artist-made and community-shared amps, as well as cloud storage for your own custom designs.

12. Aurora DSP Mammonth

What makes Mammoth stand out for me is the parallel processing setup,, which lets me blend clean lows with distorted highs to keep definition even when things get heavy.

The four drive models cover everything from vintage warmth to full-on metal grit, and the built-in maximizer and IR loader make it quick to dial in a finished, mix-ready tone without needing extra plugins.

• Parallel bass processing engine: Splits the signal into low and high bands with a variable 20Hz–800Hz crossover, letting you blend clean low-end power with distorted high frequencies for tight, modern bass tones.
• Four distinct drive models: Includes Green (classic preamp), Red (V4 head), Purple (AC30 bass head), and Blue (B7K preamp), giving a wide range of tonal options from smooth saturation to brutal metal crunch.
• Built-in tone and cabinet shaping tools: Features a 3-band EQ, Bass Maximizer, Growl control, and IR loader with three Aurora-designed cabinet simulations, plus the ability to load custom impulses for complete tonal flexibility

13. Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro

Native Instruments made complete effects and amp suite built for musicians who want flexibility without overcomplication. Guitar Rig 7 Pro combines realistic amp modeling with creative effects, letting me jump from clean, detailed tones to experimental sound design in seconds..

The new Intelligent Circuit Modeling amps respond beautifully to dynamics, giving them a lifelike feel that’s hard to find in most amp sims. I really like how it now includes lo-fi processors, perfect for adding texture to guitars, synths, or even drum loops.

The Ozone Maximizer is a nice touch too (yep, you are reading right!), making it easy to polish a mix or control dynamics right inside the plugin. Add to that the new cabinet impulse loader and IRs from engineers like Jens Bogren and Kristian Kohle, and it honestly feels like having a professional studio chain inside my DAW.

• Intelligent Circuit Modeling (ICM) amps: Features four new amp models including Super Fast 100, Reverb Delight, AC Box XV, and Bass Rage, each built with machine learning to replicate real hardware tone and response with incredible accuracy.
• Expanded creative tools and effects: Adds four new lo-fi processors such as Tape Wobble, Noise Machine, Vintage Vibrato, and Kolor, plus the Ozone Maximizer limiter for professional polish and loudness control.
• Advanced cabinet impulse response loader: Includes a redesigned IR loader with curated IRs from top producers like Jens Bogren, Kristian Kohle, Lancaster Audio, cabIR, and 3 Sigma Audio, offering realistic cabinet depth and tonal variety.
• Enhanced workflow and usability: Introduces a new signal flow sidebar, context help system, and Loop Machine Pro, making it easier to build complex chains, experiment live, and keep creative flow uninterrupted.

14. Waves Voltage Amps

Voltage Amps is one of those plugins that just makes it easy to get a great tone without getting lost in menus or endless tweaking. I really like how the seven amp models cover everything from clean sparkle to full-blown metal, while still feeling balanced and musical. The Focus control is surprisingly useful too, letting me match each amp perfectly to my guitar and pickups for tighter, clearer tones.

With over 400 presets from producers like Butch Vig and Dave Mustaine, it’s hard not to land on something inspiring within seconds, whether I’m working on guitars, bass, or even synths.

• Seven detailed amp models: Includes five guitar amps and two bass amps, covering a full range of tones from clean and jangly to high-gain and aggressive, each modeled after classic American and British designs.
• Smart Focus control: Lets you fine-tune the amp’s tonal response to match your specific guitar and pickups, helping balance muddy humbuckers or sharp single coils for a perfectly focused sound.
• Extensive preset library: As mentioned, Voltage Amps comes with over 400 artist-designed presets from top producers like Butch Vig and Dave Mustaine, plus 100 plugin FX chains, giving instant access to professional tones across rock, pop, and metal styles!

Bonus: Softube Amp Room: Bass Suite

This plugin gives you everything you need to shape professional bass tones without the usual struggle. The amps feel dynamic and full, and the cabinet options react naturally when you start moving the mics around. Amp Room: Bass Suite really stands out for how it combines classic warmth with modern flexibility, making it easy to blend clean and driven tones.

I like how quickly it gets to that polished, mix-ready sound that usually takes a chain of different plugins to achieve..

• Three detailed amp models: Includes the Bass Standard Line V8, Supernova Parallel Channel 300W, and The Cardinal 100W, covering everything from vintage tube warmth to tight, modern bass punch.
• Flexible cabinet and mic system: Offers five cabinets with moveable microphones and authentic IR captures, giving full control over mic type, placement, and tonal depth.
• Built-in DI and tone shaping tools: Features a Direct Input module inspired by the Softube Focusing EQ, with adjustable low-cut, high-cut, and tone controls for sculpting clean or fat DI tones.
• Extensive effects and utilities: Comes with ten stompboxes, thirteen studio-grade effects, and additional tools like a parametric EQ and preset library for crafting mix-ready bass sounds quickly.