IK Multimedia have released Brown Sound 80/81, available for $/€99.00.
The Brown Sound 80/81 Signature Collection for TONEX is the second part of the limited TONEX Brown Sound series. Carefully crafted to match the recorded tones of two iconic early-’80s albums, this collection features 73 precisely designed Tone Models, along with several amp-only captures that can be used with IK or 3rd-party IRs or run through a real cab live on stage.
Offering both authentic recreations and thoughtful variations to reflect different theories about how these legendary tracks were recorded, the new Brown Sound collection captures the darker swagger and heavier edge that marked a milestone in the guitarist’s journey.
On the 1980 album, the tones are thicker, drier, and more saturated than on the second album, marking a return to a raw, aggressive sound that echoes the ferocity of the debut. It’s more in-your-face with a noticeable midrange punch, tighter low end, and more focused articulation. It reflects a shift toward a more modern, high-gain tone, hinting at the sonic direction that would influence the next generation of rock and metal players.
Compared to the raw brightness of 78/79, the 1981 tone is tighter and more controlled, with pronounced low-mids and a more percussive attack. There’s less of the spacious, open-air feel of the earlier records, replaced by a thick, almost claustrophobic intensity that matches the album’s darker vibe. The gain is higher, the reverb is dialed back, and the overall sound feels more focused, brooding, and polished, yet still unmistakable.
Brown Sound 80/81 requires TONEX.
For more information on Brown Sound 80/81, click here:
NOTE: Some of the links you click on may be affiliated. Clicking and purchasing using these links helps support and fund The Beat Community. Thanks for your support.
