Neural DSP Darkglass Ultimate: The Definitive Bass Plugin Is Here (And It’s a Free Update)

Neural DSP has officially raised the stakes for low-end aficionados with the release of Darkglass Ultimate. This isn’t just a minor polish of their previous offerings; it is a total expansion of the Darkglass ecosystem, transforming two legendary preamps into a comprehensive, all-in-one signal chain for the modern bassist.

In a move that’s sure to win over the community, Neural DSP has confirmed that Darkglass Ultimate is a free update for all existing Darkglass Ultra users.

Two Icons, One Plugin

At the heart of Darkglass Ultimate are digital recreations of the two pedals that defined the modern “glassy” bass tone:

• The B7K Ultra: The gold standard for contemporary, aggressive “super-aggro” tones. It’s designed for players who need a controlled low end paired with enough bite to cut through a dense metal or prog mix.

• The Vintage Ultra: For those who prefer a “warm, rounded” character, this preamp mimics the soul of classic tube amps, offering a full-throated growl that feels organic and timeless.

Neural DSP previously captured these in their “algorithmically perfect” Darkglass Ultra plugin, but “Ultimate” takes the concept further by surrounding these preamps with a professional-grade production suite.

Total Signal Chain Control

Darkglass Ultimate isn’t just about the dirt. Neural DSP has integrated a full suite of tools to ensure you never have to leave the plugin window:

• Pre-Effects: A powerhouse quartet featuring a Compressor, Auto-wah, Octaver, and Fuzz.

• Post-Effects: Dedicated Chorus and Delay pedals to add depth and space to your tone.

• Precision Shaping: A 9-band graphic equalizer specifically voiced for the frequency range of the bass guitar.

• Virtual Cabinets: The DG210C (2×10) and DG810ES (8×10) simulations come with free microphone placement tools for surgical tonal control.

• Utility Suite: Includes a metronome, tuner, and a transposer—perfect for switching tunings on the fly without reaching for a different bass.

“This release brings more of that process into the same place, so you can experiment, refine, and carry a sound further without stepping outside of it,” says François Barrillon, Lead Product Manager at Neural DSP.

Pricing and Availability

Darkglass Ultimate is available now. To celebrate the launch, Neural DSP is offering an introductory sale:

Frequently Asked Questions

I already own the Darkglass Ultra plugin. How do I get the update?

If you own the previous Darkglass Ultra plugin, the “Ultimate” version is a free upgrade. Simply log in to the Neural DSP website or use the Neural DSP downloader to access the latest installer.

Can I use the effects without the preamps?

Yes. The plugin offers full signal-chain flexibility, allowing you to bypass the preamp sections and use the compressor, octaver, or cab sims as standalone tools.

Does this include a transposer?

Yes! Much like their recent Archetype releases, Darkglass Ultimate includes a high-quality transposer to shift your pitch without losing clarity or introducing significant latency.

The Verdict

Darkglass Ultimate is a masterclass in software evolution. While many developers would have charged for a “Version 2.0,” Neural DSP’s decision to offer this as a free update to existing users is a massive win for player loyalty.

Whether you are a metalhead chasing that percussive “clank” or a session player needing a warm, vintage DI sound, the inclusion of a transposer, octaver, and comprehensive cab sims makes this the most versatile bass plugin on the market today. If you don’t own it yet, the €59.50 introductory price is an absolute steal for a professional-grade bass studio-in-a-box.