Neural DSP and John Mayer: A Revolutionary Collaboration with Archetype: John Mayer X
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Neural DSP has teamed up with guitar legend John Mayer to introduce Archetype: John Mayer X, a revolutionary plugin that brings Mayer’s signature guitar tones to musicians everywhere in a digital format.
This launch is poised to be one of the most impactful gear releases in recent memory. On one side, we have John Mayer, a modern guitar icon celebrated for his exceptional tone and notable collection of vintage and boutique amplifiers and pedals.
On the other side stands Neural DSP, a frontrunner in the amp and pedal modeling industry, known for its innovative plugins and collaborations that have transformed the amp modeling landscape.
A Surprising Partnership
At first glance, the partnership may seem unexpected, especially considering Mayer’s strong preference for vintage analog equipment and tube amplifiers. His meticulously crafted tone, which has inspired countless guitarists and content creators, is derived from a carefully curated rig featuring Two Rock, Dumble, and vintage Fender amps, along with a pedalboard that consistently includes a Klon Centaur.
For Mayer to endorse a plugin marks a pivotal moment in the world of modeling technology, signaling to hesitant players that this digital approach can indeed deliver authentic sound.
Embracing New Technology
This collaboration also reflects Mayer’s willingness to embrace modern technology, akin to his innovative work on the Stratocaster for his signature Silver Sky model.Neural DSP’s advanced software has successfully convinced an analog enthusiast to trust in its capabilities.
Signs of this collaboration were evident long before the official declaration. Mayer utilized a fractal unit for some guitar parts on his album Sob Rock,and he was seen using a Quad Cortex during a guest appearance at Coachella,where he also praised a Worldwide audio amp modeler.
Features of Archetype: John Mayer X
Archetype: John Mayer X showcases models of mayer’s most cherished gear, which has contributed to some of the most influential guitar recordings in the last two decades.
The plugin includes three primary amp models that form the foundation of Mayer’s clean tones: a 1964 Fender Vibroverb, a Dumble steel String Singer #002, and a Two Rock prototype signature #83.
Additionally, the plugin features a versatile Three-In-One amp that replicates Mayer’s live and studio multi-amp setup, blending and routing the amps just like his personal rig.
Each amp is paired with its corresponding cabinet, including Mayer’s Fender combo with a 15″ CTS speaker, his Dumble cabinet with a vintage EVM12L, and the Celestion G12M Greenback from his Two Rock cabinet.
Five essential pedals from Mayer’s collection have also been meticulously modeled. These include the Justa Boost, a version of his Keeley Katana compressor; the Halfman OD, which replicates his beloved Klon Centaur; and the Millipede Delay, a recreation of his Way Huge Aqua Puss.
Moreover, the plugin features the Antelope Filter, inspired by his EHX Q-Tron, crucial for tracks like I Don’t Trust Myself (Loving You), and the Tealbreaker, a dual-drive effect that combines the Ibanez TS-10 and Marshall Bluesbreaker pedals.
The plugin also includes Dream Delay, modeled after Mayer’s favorite Providence Chrono-Delay, along with an additional compressor and EQ. A redesigned user interface, requested by Mayer himself, enhances usability.
In essence, this plugin is a complete tool that fulfills every need of a dedicated Mayer fan eager to capture his signature sound.
The journey to Creation
Neural DSP’s CEO, Douglas Castro, shared insights about the plugin’s development, revealing that the collaboration with Mayer began in 2022, with work on Archetype commencing earlier this year.
“After a brief conversation with John, where we outlined our capabilities, he became genuinely enthusiastic,” Castro recalls. “That’s how our partnership began.”
The project was spearheaded by François Barrillon, Neural DSP’s Plugins Product Manager, who noted the unique nature of this collaboration, which involved transporting all their modeling equipment from Finland to Mayer’s studio.
The outcome has been remarkable, with Mayer already showcasing his signature plugin live on his radio show, Life with John Mayer.
“Many still question the validity of digital amp modeling,” Barrillon reflects in an upcoming interview. “While I’m not here to convert anyone, if it’s good enough for john Mayer to use on stage and to collaborate on a full plugin, it should be more than sufficient for any guitarist.”
“I believe even the most dedicated tube amp enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised by the warmth and authenticity of this plugin.I’ve encountered tube amps that sound far less dynamic and lifeless compared to this.”
“I vividly remember sending John the first prototype,” he adds. “I was anxious, hoping it would meet his expectations. Just two days later, he sent me a video of him playing the solo from Slow Dancing in a Burning Room through the plugin, and it sounded just like the original recording. That’s when I knew we had achieved something special.”
“John’s sound has inspired countless guitarists globally, and it was an honour to work closely with him to recreate the rig that defines his tone,” Castro stated in a press release. “capturing the intimate response of his rig-how it breathes, opens up, and conveys emotion-was one of the most meaningful projects we’ve undertaken.”
Archetype: John Mayer X, which is also compatible with Quad Cortex, is now available for €199.
For more details, visit Neural DSP, and stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Guitar World discussing the making of this monumental gear collaboration.
