Gong Amp by AudioThing experimental gong amplifier plugin interface

AudioThing·Virtual InstrumentsFree trial

Gong Amp: Experimental Gong Amplifier Plugin by AudioThing Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (223 ratings)

Gong Amp is an experimental virtual instrument from AudioThing that emulates a gong-based amplifier. It is built around the resonant, overtone-rich sound of Maurice Martenot's early electronic music design.

VST3VST2AUAAXCLAPWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Gong Amp takes a gong-driven amplifier from the early history of electronic music and brings it into a plugin. The design draws on Maurice Martenot's 1932 invention, where a gong sat behind the amplifier circuitry instead of a paper cone or horn. AudioThing developed the plugin in collaboration with composer Hainbach, who recorded and measured a rare Metallik Resonator built by Eowave. The result is an instrument that combines resonance, overtones and sympathetic rattling in a single amp-style plugin.

Best for

Experimental sound design
Cinematic gong textures
Shimmering ambient pads
Arpeggiated resonant leads
Overdriven amp textures
Automated rhythmic movement

Developer: AudioThing
Category: Virtual Instruments
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Gong Amp emulation based on a rare Metallik Resonator
Three recording positions: mono mic, stereo mics, resonator
Dynamic control with two gain settings on the gong
Chains and pillow sets for sympathetic rattling and damping
Pitch, modulation and howl controls for extended sound design
Trip Mode for automated crossfading between positions
Resizable window and preset system with randomizer

03In depth

Gong Amp Sound Character and Recording Positions

The core of Gong Amp is its three recording positions: mono mic, stereo mics, and a resonator mode designed by Hainbach. Mono gives a more documentary perspective, while stereo adds width similar to ribbon microphones. The resonator mode feeds reverb into reverb for a denser, more layered tone.

Input overdrive adds overtones, and the soft clip control shapes output distortion. Dynamic offers two gain settings on the gong, so the sound responds to how hard you play. Howl lets the amp struggle audibly when overloaded.

Chains, Pillow Sets and Trip Mode Workflow

Chains can be added to the gong, drawing on techniques from experimental percussion. Thick and thin chains produce sympathetic rattling that ranges from soft shimmer to clangorous noise.

A pillow set dampens the long ring of the gong so fast passages stay clear, which the developer describes as making the amp arpeggio-friendly. Trip Mode adds automated crossfading between mono, stereo and resonator positions, with a spread control that sets the rhythmic shift. Pitch and modulation controls add further movement, including extreme pitch manipulation for cinematic effects.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	AudioThing
Type	Plugin
Category	Virtual Instruments
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Gong Amp?

Gong Amp is an experimental virtual instrument by AudioThing that emulates a gong-based amplifier. It is inspired by Maurice Martenot's early electronic music design and a rare Metallik Resonator recorded by composer Hainbach.

Which formats and operating systems does Gong Amp support?

Gong Amp is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and CLAP formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the macOS version is a Universal 2 Binary for Apple Silicon and Intel.