A great interest in both technology and music led to the creation of swedish audio software company Softube in 2003. Since then, the company has created some of the best sounding plug-in amplifier simulations, effects and compressors out there. For example, their Amp Room bundle sounds awesome and contains everything from warm vintage to evil metal amps. Ihavesynth met up with Softube’s Oscar Öberg to hear what the secret behind good sound is.

How did it all start?

Me and a friend, who was very much into guitars, were studying computer science at Linköping University (Sweden). For our master thesis project we wanted to simulate a Marshall amplifier and make something that sounded better than the POD. Eventually this led to the creation of Softube.

How do you combine nerdy stuff like computer science with something as un-nerdy as Marshall amps?

Well, our company has an academic background, and I think that is a great advantage. We have the tools, knowledge and methods that let us be more detailed and exact when it comes to simulating for example amplifiers. But in the end, you can only go so far with science. You have to have an ear for it as well.

I guess you must have heard your share of guitar sounds, do you have any favourite amp, guitar or ”sound”?

No, there are too many good ones to choose just one.

Is it hard to be a company in a small city as Linköping, in a small country as Sweden when it comes to making it in an international business as music software?

Not really. Sweden is a small market, but I guess Swedish music technology has a good reputation, both hardware and software. Take Clavia and their Nord series for example, or a company like Propellerheads. Our products have had a great reception all over the world, especially in Germany for some reason, they seem to love us down there.

Your products are very guitar-orientated. Since this is a synth site. I have to ask you – When are you going to make something for synthesizers?

Well, our effects plugins go well with synthesizers, like our Tube Delay or Reverb. And we have plans to expand our business in the future, we just haven’t got the time right now. I am actually a synth owner myself.

Ok, what synths do you have in your collection?

Ensoniq Mirage, Alpha Juno 2, Access Virus B, Clavia Nord Micro Modular, Yamaha DX200, Roland SH-101, Yamaha TX81z and the first one I ever got – the Roland TR-707.

So, whats new for 2010?

Lots of stuff – secret stuff. We have a big surprise for this year’s NAMM, so be sure to check out our booth January 14-17 (Hall A, Booth 6624).

Thank you Oscar, and keep simulating those amps!

Be sure to check out Softube's products here.