IK Multimedia Amplitube 2

Amplitube 2 brings even more effects and sounds that the original one did not have. It's more versatile than before, and you can program in more tones. To get it up, you get some sort of mic pre or interface, plug that into your computer, then plug your guitar into your computer. You can load it up as a stand alone application or in your favorite DAW for recording purposes. I never experienced any compatibility issues, so no problems there. I never read the manual, so I can't comment on that. Everything is pretty easy to use, so getting started up shouldn't be too much of an issue. There are some quirks in the program, but you should be able to figure out everything within a few minutes of clicking around.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I had some stability issues with this software, just like I had with the original. It would crash and cause some bizarre things to happen when I'd put it in the background. That's a big thing for me because I like to just sam with something in the background while I'm messing around with the web or something. Going back and forth seemed to cause some sort of glitch. It took a decent chunk of memory, but it was never anything too major. The biggest issue with this is that it doesn't sound all that great. The treble was harsh, and it felt just like a regular modeler feels. That's a big no-no for me as feel is the most important thing when it comes to playing. I couldn't get into using this program at all.

OVERALL OPINION

The effects and amp sims are decent, but decent is about as good as it's going to get. They're far from stellar, and there are better modeling solutions out there. If you're willing to try out some of the free programs, I recommend giving them a try. Just get some sort of impulse loader, and you should be good to go.

Getting set up and going with IK Multimedia Amplitube 2 only took a matter of minutes, as the whole process was pretty straight forward.  I just followed the step by step instructions for installation, like with all plug-ins and software, and was able to use the plug-in shortly after.  The interface of the software is a lot more in depth than the original Amplitube, which is definitely something that is welcome as I feel this one has a lot more to offer.  The interface is also more professional looking and has many more effects and features.  Everything is easily located, as I never felt lost at all inside of the interface.  Unless you're having technical issues related to installation or otherwise, I don't think that you need a manual for this plug-in.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I'm currently running IK Multimedia Amplitube 2 on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM.  I run the plug-in in Pro Tools LE 7.4 that runs with a Digi 002R audio interface, and can't say that I've had a lick of trouble with the software within this configuration.  However, I do tend to keep the plug-in within its limits, as it does take up a decent amount of processing power when compared to other plug-ins.  The reason for this is because of the size and because of everything going on, as it could really stand as software on its own.  I am however, able to run a few of these at a time within a single session, and would imagine that anyone with a decent system already running plug-ins of this caliber should be able to do the same...


OVERALL OPINION

Compared to the original version of this software, IK Multimedia Amplitube 2 is light years ahead across the board.  Not only is the interface more appealing and more versatile, but the sound quality is also vastly improved.  The best part about this is that the price hasn't really gone up and it is still an accessible plug-in for smaller studio owners on a budget.  While I generally like to get all of my guitar sounds at the source, this comes in handy for all sorts of things - guitar related and not.  I've used it on everything from vocals to keyboards, as the effects translate well to any instrument.  You shouldn't expect Amplitube 2 to give you everything guitar sound in the world in one place as it just doesn't have the sound quality to match, but it is a pretty good start...

This program installed without any problems. I didn't have any kind of compatibility issues with mine. It was okay to configure - there was one confusing thing where you have to tell it what your inputs are, and this step wasn't clear in the manual. You have to let the program know where your audio is coming from in the Settings menu. The manual is overall okay, but again it did skip over this step.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a Dell computer with an Intel processor, 2 GB of RAM, and I use Windows XP and Cubase for software. Amplitube works just fine with those specs. It doesn't use that much CPU power, maybe only 5 percent which is good when you look at how powerful this software is. It also seems pretty stable, I don't think it has ever caused any crashes or other problems.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using this software for about a year. There are really a huge amount of options for your guitar sound with this software. A short list of the things you can edit are amp head and cabinet, the mic used to mic the cabinet, EQ, compression and many other effects, stomp boxes, and there's even a "rack mounted" tuner! IK Multimedia provides a lot of good sounding presets to get you started on finding the tone you want. I found that this software stacks up very well with Guitar Rig 3, and it's less money. You can change your sound so much, it's hard not to be able to find what you need, and without it sounding overly harsh or digital. If I had to complain, I would say that the interface is a little but counter-intuitive. It can be hard to find what you're looking for. Say, if you select a preset and you want to remove reverb, that reverb could be coming from many places within the software, so it can be a pain to suss out problems. For the price, you are getting a great sounding, versatile amp sim though. I would definitely get this again.

Installation is quick, but the pain is at the Chill autorizations
software challenge-response:
I install and j'authorize first time OK
I plant my system and I have réinstaller.OK
I will ask a second registration key and I learn that I
have more than a little wild and then I'm good to throw my CD in the
poubelle.Pas OK at all.
Dismal when most publishers have begun to key iLock
or even a key owner, which in both cases can
sell its plug or keep more reliably over the
configuration changes (kind of RAM I add to the total renewal of
the machine)
Even line6 and complicated system keeps its software.
Me, when I buy software, I want to own, not just
tenant until I decided to change PC.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Sounds clear, untapped.
One has the impression that the level of my strat76 potentiometer is
blocked at mid-parcours.Aucune fishing, impossible to find the sound
Dire Straits, nor even to sound warm.
The rhythms are feeble and when triturated sound ca becomes artificial,
a peak.

Sounds crunch: Means in a rhythmic way British rock mix
Unusable in the blues, it is light years
of the original amps and it is very far from a pod or Gearbox, eg.

Distorted sounds: Good style though Satriani have trouble tapping sound.
Bad Queen in the genre, we do not find the sound of a Gibson
(My Paul is the latest, I will, but it still sounds good!)
Here's a little gadget.

Heavy sounds: it depends on the color you want.
it can go on the metal but you have to grind it sounds good, and use
other plug because the stomps are a little gadget.

I do not understand what they take in Ik, for the one foreshadowed a great result.
In comparison, the Line6 Gearbox explodes, even if it is almost double gold version,
and it is similar to Guitar Rig2, maybe a little less good.
It's better than an onboard multi-effects like zoom portable PS02
but it is far below a pedal 400Eu or even a Pod XT Pod1.
In fact there has been little progress in relation to AmpliTube 1, as it
additions are mainly but not terrible, especially the effects.
What a pity, I hope the Jimi Hendrix version we will prove that the guys who have been in IK precursors can match or even exceed the Gearbox.

OVERALL OPINION

I spent 3 months for crushing virtual buttons and I'm not satisfied.
I thought the first sense of disappointment that I had been trying feverishly
my new purchase would be forgotten in Bossant above but the problem is at the base of
treatment.
I tried GearBox Gold with a friend and I must say that I regret bitterly
for not seeing that kind.
And I also regret having sold my Pod XT.
The only advantage of this plug is that it benefits from the automation and Cubase
flexibility of computer music that I love in general ..
and allows to update its VST?
I hope that IK will wake up because the rest of its VST, Sonic Synth 2 notament
are good products.