UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby: Which One is Right for You?

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If you’re looking for premium amp simulation plugins, Universal Audio (UAD) is one of the best in the game. With their Lion ’68 Super Lead and Ruby ’63 Top Boost plugins, UAD offers two distinct flavors of guitar tone: one rooted in high-gain rock history and the other in British chime and vintage warmth. But how do they compare? Which one is right for your style? Let’s dive into this UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby battle.

What is the UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby?

Universal Audio has a reputation for modeling classic amps with pristine accuracy. Their UAD amp plugins use high-end DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to replicate legendary tones, providing guitarists with studio-quality sound without needing a physical amp.

Ruby ’63: The British Chime King

Overview of Ruby ’63

Ruby ’63 Top Boost is UAD’s take on the Vox AC30, the iconic British amp that shaped the sounds of The Beatles, Queen, U2, and countless others. Known for its jangly cleans and warm overdrive, the AC30 is a staple for rock, pop, and indie musicians.

Key Features of Ruby ’63:

Modeled after the Vox AC30 Top Boost – one of the most famous amps in rock history.
Clean to mid-gain sounds – excels in articulate clean tones and smooth overdrive.
Classic British EQ – gives your tone that signature chime and brightness.
Speaker & Mic Modeling – provides options to tweak cabinet and mic placements for a more personalized sound.

The Ruby ’63 is perfect for guitarists who rely on dynamics, pick attack, and expressive playing. It’s a dream come true for players looking to achieve classic rock, pop, or bluesy tones without excessive distortion.

Lion ’68: The Roaring Rock Beast

Overview of Lion ’68

On the other hand, Lion ’68 Super Lead is a completely different animal. It’s modeled after the legendary Marshall Plexi Super Lead 100, a staple in hard rock and blues since the late ’60s. Think Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC – that’s the kind of tone this plugin delivers.

Key Features of Lion ’68:

Based on the Marshall Plexi Super Lead 100 – known for its thick, aggressive tone.
Crunchy Overdrive & High-Gain Power – perfect for rock and blues shredding.
Authentic Cabinet & Mic Modeling – lets you dial in room-filling amp tones.
Rich Harmonics & Saturation – captures the organic warmth of tube-driven distortion.

If you’re a guitarist who loves cranking the amp and digging into powerful riffs, the Lion ’68 is the right tool for the job. It delivers that unmistakable Plexi growl and sustain, making it a go-to choice for rock and hard blues players.

Tone & Sound Comparison

The core difference between UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby is their approach to tone:

Ruby ’63: Clean, bright, and jangly. Best for vintage-inspired music, indie rock, and rhythm guitar parts.
Lion ’68: Gritty, aggressive, and harmonically rich. Best for leads, power chords, and high-energy rock.

In clean settings, Ruby offers sparkling highs and a more rounded bass response. Meanwhile, Lion is noticeably warmer and darker, with more midrange push. When you turn up the gain, Lion dominates with thick distortion, whereas Ruby retains clarity and doesn’t get as dirty.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby depends on your playing style and genre:

If you play classic rock, pop, blues, or indie, Ruby ’63 will be your best friend. It’s great for dynamic playing and pairs well with modulation effects like chorus and delay.
If you love hard rock, blues-rock, or heavier tones, the Lion ’68 is the way to go. It excels at powerful overdrive, soloing, and crunchy rhythm guitar.
If you’re looking for versatility, you might consider both! A combination of Ruby’s cleans and Lion’s overdrive could cover almost any genre.

FAQs About UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby

Does UAD Ruby ’63 Work for High-Gain Sounds?

Not really. Ruby ’63 is designed for clean and mid-gain tones. It shines in classic rock, blues, and indie music but doesn’t handle high-gain distortion well.

Can I Use UAD Lion ’68 for Clean Tones?

While Lion ’68 is mainly a high-gain amp, you can dial down the gain and get warm, vintage clean tones. However, it won’t be as chimney and bright as Ruby ’63.

Do I Need a UAD Interface to Use These Plugins?

No! UAD now offers native versions of their plugins, so you can use them without UAD hardware. However, if you have a UAD interface, you’ll benefit from lower latency and better DSP processing.

Which Plugin is Best for Studio Recording?

Both! If you’re recording rhythm parts, bright cleans, or vintage sounds, go with Ruby ’63. If you need gritty leads, power chords, and rock solos, Lion ’68 is the better choice.

Can I Use Both Lion ’68 and Ruby ’63 Together?

Absolutely! Many guitarists use Ruby for cleans and rhythm sections, then switch to Lion for solos and heavier parts. Using both gives you a versatile tone palette.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby

At the end of the day, both Lion ’68 and Ruby ’63 are outstanding amp simulations, faithfully recreating the sonic characters of their real-world counterparts. If you want bright, chiming cleans, go with Ruby. If you crave raw power and aggressive tone, Lion will satisfy your rock & roll needs.

Whether you choose UAD Guitar Plugin Lion vs Ruby, you’ll get some of the most realistic amp modeling available today, making either plugin a worthy addition to your digital rig.