Pricing and availability

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Plugin Boutique
$129.00 $34.99 $94.01 · All time low
Sweetwater
4.5 (21)
$34.99
Thomann
4.3 (30)
$33.00

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your inner guitar hero with the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin, a powerhouse of over 30 classic and contemporary guitar amplifiers and a treasure trove of effects that transform your computer into a full-fledged rig. Whether you're chasing the warmth of vintage tubes or the crisp clarity of modern tones, GTR3 delivers with precision thanks to its cutting-edge sampling technology. Dive into a world of sound with 30 custom cabinets and a selection of 25 stomps that cover everything from searing distortion to lush chorus effects. The intuitive Standalone ToolRack makes setup a breeze—simply plug and play to explore the vast possibilities.

The GTR3 isn't just about quantity; it's about quality. Featuring custom amps by Neil Citron, known for his work with legends like Steve Vai and Larry Carlton, this plugin offers a level of authenticity that will inspire both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. With six studio-grade microphones, you can experiment with various mic placements and combinations to capture your perfect sound. Whether you’re recording in a studio or jamming at home, GTR3’s realistic dynamic response and expert presets ensure you'll always find the right tone.

Experience unprecedented flexibility with drag-and-drop simplicity, real-time MIDI control, and sync-to-host BPM effects. Whether standalone or integrated into your DAW, the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin is your gateway to sonic exploration.

Key Features:

  • Over 30 guitar amps and 7 bass amps
  • 30 custom guitar cabinets
  • 25 stompbox effects
  • Six studio-grade microphones
  • Real-time MIDI control and sync-to-host BPM effects
  • Standalone or DAW integration
  • Custom amp models by Neil Citron

Product specs

Software Type Guitar
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.15.7 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit

FAQs

Is the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin compatible with my DAW?

The Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin is compatible with DAWs that support AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats, making it versatile for use with most popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin on a Mac?

To run the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin on a Mac, you need an Intel Core i7 or higher (with M1 support), at least 8GB RAM, and macOS 10.15.7 or later.

Can I use the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin on a PC?

Yes, you can use the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin on a PC with Windows 10 or later (21H2), an Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (with AVX support), and at least 8GB RAM.

What makes the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin unique compared to other amp simulators?

The Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin offers a wide range of amp models and effects, providing versatile tonal options for guitarists and producers. Its compatibility with multiple plugin formats enhances its usability across various audio production environments.

How is the sound quality of the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin?

The Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin is renowned for its realistic amp simulations and high-quality sound, making it a popular choice for achieving professional-level guitar tones in a digital setting.

Audio University

Audio University

How To Make DI Guitar Sound Good | Virtual Guitar Amp Plugins

Video thumbnail for How To Make DI Guitar Sound Good | Virtual Guitar Amp Plugins by Audio University

How To Make DI Guitar Sound Good | Virtual Guitar Amp Plugins

Audio University

Audio University

Video thumbnail for Guitar Amp software GTR3 - HD by Waves Audio

Guitar Amp software GTR3 - HD

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Waves GTR3 (Dial in a Guitar Amp) by Everything Music & Recording

Waves GTR3 (Dial in a Guitar Amp)

Everything Music & Recording

Everything Music & Recording

Video thumbnail for Waves GTR3 In-Depth Review: Oh, How Far We've Come by Plague Scythe Studios

Waves GTR3 In-Depth Review: Oh, How Far We've Come

Plague Scythe Studios

Plague Scythe Studios

Video thumbnail for Amp Sims Episode 4 - Waves GTR $30 Bargain?? by The Studio Rats

Amp Sims Episode 4 - Waves GTR $30 Bargain??

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for How I Use Waves GTR3 Amp for a THICK Bass Guitar Tone by The Indie Music Lab

How I Use Waves GTR3 Amp for a THICK Bass Guitar Tone

The Indie Music Lab

The Indie Music Lab

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 vs Waves GTR3 by Proficiency Music

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 vs Waves GTR3

Proficiency Music

Proficiency Music

Video thumbnail for Waves GTR3 VST Amp Simulator by Golden Productions

Waves GTR3 VST Amp Simulator

Golden Productions

Golden Productions

Reviews

PROS

  • Cost-effective solution for diverse amp and effects flavors

  • Easy to use interface and setup

  • Offers both DAW integration and standalone use

  • Wide variety of sounds from blues to metal to synths

  • Allows mixing two amps in stereo for unique sound creation

  • Includes numerous effects and pedals for flexible sound crafting

  • EQ pedal effectively mitigates tinny, scratchy tones

  • Affordable alternative to more expensive amp simulators

  • Provides authentic sound quality comparable to higher-end plugins

CONS

  • Lacks subtlety and nuance compared to real amps

  • Requires effort to replicate specific classic rock or blues tones

  • Impulse responses may not satisfy those seeking high-quality distortion

  • May not meet expectations of more experienced users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin.

Features and functionality

  • GTR3 is versatile, allowing users to dial in a wide variety of sounds suitable for both guitar and bass applications.

    Source
  • GTR3's Marshall-style overdrive is praised for its vintage feel, closely mimicking the classic analog sound of bands like Queen and Joan Jett.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to AmpliTube, GTR3 offers a less growly and muddy bass tone, which some users prefer for a cleaner sound.

    Source
  • Many users find GTR3's interface less polished compared to newer plugins like BIAS FX and Helix Native, though it remains functional for those familiar with it.

    Source
  • Users find GTR3's distortion tones more authentic and analog-feeling than modern plugins like Amplitube 5, despite the latter's higher audio resolution.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find GTR3 suitable for clean tones with decent reverb and chorus, especially at its low price point.

    Source
  • GTR3 is considered suitable for creating tones similar to San Holo and Andrew Belle, especially for users focused on reverb-heavy guitar effects.

    Source
  • GTR3 is favored for emulating the iconic rock tones from the 70s and 80s, capturing the essence of songs like "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest turning off GTR3's cab sim and using the amp section as a drive pedal feeding into another amp sim for enhanced sound quality.

    Source
  • Bypassing GTR3’s cab simulation and using an IR loader with modern IRs can significantly enhance sound quality, providing a "hi-fi" effect without altering the amp's core tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find GTR3 easy to use within DAWs like Reaper, particularly for low-gain applications.

    Source
  • Some owners believe that while GTR3 may not match newer plugins in sound quality, it remains capable when paired with quality impulse responses (IRs).

    Source
  • The sense of realism and analog warmth in GTR3’s tones is appreciated, even if achieving a modern, polished sound requires additional processing and plugins.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $29, GTR3 is considered a hard-to-resist purchase, even if just for its clean tones.

    Source
  • At $50, GTR3 is perceived as a budget-friendly option, especially for users who are looking to experiment without investing in high-end alternatives.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • ProQ3's EQ matching feature can be used with GTR3 to replicate the tonal characteristics of other amp sims, offering a tailored sound enhancement.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ed Sheeran uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

Ed Sheeran

Singer, Guitarist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on the guitar for Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself", as stated by Purpose mix engineers Josh Gudwin and Andrew Wuepper in this May 2016 Sound on Sound interview about the mixing of the title track and others. An image of the settings can be found here.

“Ed’s original guitar was quite noisy and buzzy. It sounded like he was on the road and had just plugged in quickly to get an idea down. So I selfishly wanted a cleaner guitar sound and had a couple of guys coming in to replay the guitar part, but it never sounded anywhere near as good. It just kept sounding too different and without the right feel. So I decided to go with Ed’s guitar and treated it with the Waves NS1 noise suppressor, the Waves GTR plug-in, and filtered it with the FabFilter Pro-MB, and an Avid EQ, taking out around 3kHz."

See how Ray Toro uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Toro shows work for his upcoming solo album, using GTR.

See how Noah "40" Shebib uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

Noah "40" Shebib

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"'Outro40lead' is my keyboard part, which is a synth lead. I used an instrument in Xpand! 2 and then the GTR Solo plug-in preset and, again, some Lo-Fi."

See how John Cummings uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

John Cummings

Guitarist, Music Producer

Mogwai

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Guitar Rig is a pretty good effects rack, but it's the Waves GTR3 that we would go to for usable amp sounds

See how The Midnight uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

The Midnight

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Sonic Academy

Tim uses this throughout the series.

See how NEW_ID uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

NEW_ID

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

On the right of NEW_ID's screen showing their DAW session, you can see the letters "GTR" for the Waves GTR3 Amps plugin.

See how Colin Newman uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

Colin Newman

Singer, Guitarist

Wire

...
Verified via Photo

Newman's website lists GTR as a plugin he's currently using in his ~SWIM studio.

See how Daijiro Nakagawa uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

Daijiro Nakagawa

Guitarist, Composer

JYOCHO

...
Verified via Photo

In a reply to a YouTube comment, Daijiro Nakagawa mentions using the Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin.

See how Neil Citron uses Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin

Neil Citron

Guitarist, Music Producer

Quiet Riot

...
Verified via YouTube

A user of the software, Citron did a five-part video series for Waves advertising GTR3 during its release.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves GTR3 Amps Plugin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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