Amplitube Review
Amp and Effects Simulator by IK Multimedia
Review date: 03/02/2013 - by Gianca
This generation is playing guitar differently than the one before. Computers are replacing guitar amps with software in place of pedals.
Gig bags are getting lighter. Guitar learning software helps learn faster. It is fair to credit IK Multimedia Amplitube with all of this.
IK Multimedia Amplitube Review
IK's AmpliTube is utterly essential to any electric guitar player's toolkit.
Using one of IK's dongles to take input from your guitar directly into the computer via USB, AmpliTube emulates a full-featured amp and microphone setup with a complete pedal chain and a number of handy add-ons.
And the sound quality is fantastic. With the right speakers, those amps sound like the real thing . The pedals, too, are less emulations than facsimiles – the Chorus is clean, the Overdrive is crunchy, and any psych-rock sound can be teased out of a Delay-Flanger-Tremolo combination.
The pedals are easy to control, and the interface makes it easy to mute one or swap it out with a click.
Signal processing aside, AmpliTube's real value comes in its Speed Trainer . If you're trying to learn a tricky solo or even just training your hands to play a riff, there's no better way, period. Load in a song file from your collection, and AmpliTube lets you play over it, adjusting the song's speed as needed , gradually inching it up as you get better at the piece.
What's even handier is the ability to set a loop range on the song, so instead of rewinding it manually each time, you can keep your hands on the guitar, never breaking your groove.
If you're sitting in front of the computer with a guitar on you, the benefits of automating the rewind on a 20-second-long solo are staggering.
Speed Trainer facilitates the most efficient guitar practising experience available.
(another useful software to slow down music is Song Surgeon )
Plenty of different options
While it might not be clear what version of AmpliTube is right for your home studio , you certainly can't fault IK Multimedia for their lack of options.
Aside from the standard AmpliTube 3 package, they've got a variety of different flavors, from Metal to Fender ® to Jimi Hendrix .
If you can't still choose, there's also AmpliTube Custom Shop, which is free but encourages the purchase of individual pedals, allowing you to cobble together your own personalized setup .
Whatever your balance of needs, funds and time, AmpliTube seems to have an option for everybody.
In case your computer isn't portable enough to bring to a gig, there's AmpliTube iOS .
The basic program is free , and comes packaged with the iRig dongle which allows input through the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch's headphone jack.
AmpliTube iOS works on the same principle as the Custom Shop, providing a bare-bones setup with the option to easily purchase and download more pedals.
While it takes a bit of money to outfit your iPod exactly like your computer, the results are the same. You can take your guitar anywhere and produce the exact sound you want.
Prons and cons
That said, AmpliTube has always been glitchy.
The program frequently crashes upon opening (both Windows and iOS versions), sometimes crashes while playing or switching pedals, and the sound has a tendency to stutter when the processor is over-taxed.
While these problems are only minor inconveniences in a home practice setting, they could be fatal in the middle of a gig .
Overall, AmpliTube in all its forms is an astonishingly good piece of software , especially for the price.
Compared to the hardware it replaces, it'll easily save you hundreds of dollars .
However, if you're a compulsive spender, AmpliTube could be a dangerous thing for you.
The range of pedals available, and each one so cheap, can only be described as 'tantalizing.' But that's between you and your budget.
Pros:
- Terrific sound processing
- A product to fit anyone's musical style
- More pedals at your fingertips than you'll be able to afford
- Speed Trainer accelerates self-directed study
- Input dongles are cheap, bundled with software and easy to use
- Tuner and metronome included
- iOS version miniaturizes all benefits
Cons
- Software crashes unexpectedly and hogs processing power
- The temptation of new pedals is almost too much to resist
- IK Multimedia will not stop trying to sell you more products
- iOS version is a major drain on your device's battery
- No cross-platform capability on mobile devices
Useful links:
- Visit Amplitube homepage
- Another great guitar effects and amps simulator software is Positive Grid Bias FX2 .
FAQ
What is Amplitube and how does it change the way guitarists practice and perform?
Amplitube is a guitar amp and effects software designed by IK Multimedia that simulates a complete guitar rig, including amplifiers, microphones, and a pedal chain, directly on your computer or mobile device. It allows guitarists to replace bulky physical amps and pedals with software, making their gear setup lighter and more versatile, while offering a wide range of tones.
How does Amplitube simulate realistic guitar sounds and effects?
Amplitube works by connecting your guitar directly to your computer or mobile device via a USB dongle (or iRig for iOS). The software then emulates the characteristics of various guitar amps, speaker cabinets, microphones, and effects pedals. This advanced signal processing allows it to produce a wide array of authentic tones, from clean choruses to crunchy overdrives, making them sound like real hardware with the right speakers.
What is the 'Speed Trainer' feature in Amplitube and how can it help my guitar practice?
The 'Speed Trainer' is a powerful practice tool within Amplitube that allows guitarists to load song files and play along with them. It can adjust the song's playback speed, helping you gradually master difficult solos or riffs. Additionally, it offers a loop range function to repeatedly practice specific sections without manually rewinding, which significantly streamlines the learning process and keeps your hands on the guitar.
Are there different versions of Amplitube, and how can I choose the best one for my specific needs?
Yes, Amplitube offers various versions to suit different preferences and budgets. Beyond the standard package, there are genre-specific options like 'Metal' or artist-specific ones like 'Fender®' and 'Jimi Hendrix'. There's also the Amplitube Custom Shop, which is free to start and lets you purchase individual virtual pedals to build a personalized setup. For portability, Amplitube iOS is available for mobile devices, offering a free basic program with the option to expand by buying additional pedals.
What are the main drawbacks or potential challenges when using Amplitube software, especially for live performance?
While Amplitube offers great value, it can have some drawbacks. Users have reported that the software can be glitchy, occasionally crashing upon opening or during use, and may experience sound stuttering if the computer's processor is over-taxed. While these might be minor inconveniences for home practice, such issues could be critical and 'fatal' during a live performance, making its reliability a concern in professional gig settings.