IK Multimedia AmpliTube Custom Shop

Amplitube Custom Shop is a software application to be used in conjuction with IK Multimedia Amplitube 3. It provides an interface for the user to 'try' and 'buy' gear to be used in AT3. Custom Shop is easy to install. After opening the program, it is necessary to log in with your IKM account. Then it is pretty easy to get around. I've found some of the navigation is a little inefficient. For instance, if you want to select a couple of different cabinet models to try out, you have to navigate from the home screen to the cabinet section, then select one of the cabinets you want to try. A new screen will come up and say you can 'demo' this cabinet. Next, if you want to select another cabinet, you have to return all the way to the home screen rather than being able to simply return to the last screen where you left off. Minor complaint, but nonetheless a little frustrating.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I was pleasantly surprised that the software worked as well as it did when it first was released. I haven't really come across any 'bugs' since I have been using it. I got to give IKM for having a reliable system on there end of things because this program has to connect to their servers for use, and I have never experienced any down time. I have no complaints about this at all.

OVERALL OPINION

Custom Shop is an innovative idea. Virtual or 'modeled' gear has been around for a long time, it was only a matter of time before someone took the analogy a step further by creating a virtual or 'modeled' shop to purchase the gear from. There are many people that complain that they don't want to use Custom Shop, they would just rather only have AT3. I suppose if your computer cannot connect to the internet then Custom Shop could be a hassle. I typically turn off the internet connection when I am using my computer for music, but just turn the internet on when I need to authorize some gear.
The 'gear credits' aspect of Custom Shop is another big complaint. Many people complain that they should be able to use their money to buy gear, rather than use their money to buy credit which is used to buy gear. Regardless, my opinion is that you should never gear credits at full price. It is a better idea to wait until IKM is having a 'group buy' for credits. In this case you can typically get 4x the credits for the amount of money you spend.

Installing Windows 7 32-bit, no particular concern. For product installation Custom Shop test for 3 days this is also done in a few clicks. For the purchase of additional equipment must be some manipulations, but it's still simple.
I also updated the app to the latest version without any particular concern.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Intel Core I3 / 4 Gigs of Ram HDD at 7500 rev / min, DELL laptop.
What is also important is the sound card, I have a Steinberg UR22, baffles and monitoring low-end (one Samson Media 4A).
No worries performance, it takes a few seconds to start the app, and it works after impeccable. No need for stability and it's been almost a year that I use regularly.
The software operates in Standalone, VST, and probably other format plugins.

OVERALL OPINION

Installed on my PC for 2 years for testing, I used regularly for about a year, ever since I have a good sound card and monitors correctly.
I had before the Line 6 Podfarm, I used a lot, but I do not use more.
I also have a version of GTR3 and Revalver HP, and I tested as Guitar Rig 5 and some software Freeware.
So what pleases me the most compared to the other is that for zero euros were 2 clean amp like Fender, Marshall and a rare thing a bass amp. There are also some effects pedals.
And that all sounds correctly, especially with respect to the dynamic Line 6 is very good. The personality of the guitar is also respected, we hear the difference between my Strat and my Les Paul. For everything is free, I find all the amps good, pleasing to the ear. I have no idea if the sound is identical to the emulated amp, but it sounds. Against by the sound effects, but no more (overdrive, chorus, delay).
To use the Custom Shop you need to buy credits. The prices are in euros HT so it feels a little scam. In fact over the years there has regular specials at 50% and there prices are reasonable, otherwise it is not really given (amp + cabinet for a 25 euros). You can test all the gear Custom Shop that you want, you choose an amp or effect, and you can use it for 3 days (the only constraint is to leave the window open Custom Shop).
What's in the Custom Shop sounds much better than what was free. For example I took the Fulltone OCD and TS-9 copy and it buries the diode overdrive. But right after that is everyone's tastes, I tested some fuzz and it did not convince me. On the other hand I do not like the fuzz. I also took two Ampeg, Ampeg few speakers, and there it looks good. I also had a coupon thanks to a double rectify ringing the fire god (and I'm not a fan of metal). Note that like any simulation of this kind we are left with so much gear it takes a very long time before any master. Just playing on the type of cabinet, the type and placement of microphones, we are left with a whole lot of possibilities.
It should also take the time to reflect on the following problem: buying amps and effects separately it will cost a lot more expensive than taking the Amplitube Fender 3 pack or pack. So if you know what you want and only need 3 or 4 amp and some effects, the Custom Shop is good. Otherwise packs Amplitube 3 / Fender / Orange are studying.
Once you put the fingers in the Custom Shop is difficult to get out, especially with the loyalty system JamPoints can also have discounts up to 50%.
The value for money is excellent, but be careful as soon as we put one foot in the Custom Shop is the downward spiral, if you are about to mistrust GAS!
Otherwise the tuner works well, there is a choice between several solutions routing effects and amps, there is even a recorder MP3/WAV player for those who want to play on playback.A also noted that there may several times to the same effect in its config, I put two TS-9 series and it does! (SRV inside!).

In conclusion I would say that this is a great product, and above all a very good value for money. What is free is good, but not really the point of his original view, and according to your tastes you'll find many amps or effects that are worth (For me OCD, TS-9, the Ampeg SVT, the Bassman 59 and a few others ....

Installation is easy. No inconsistency. No need to book.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a i7 with 12 GB RAM / Win 7 Vubase 64 + 5.5 64. It is therefore normal that the software runs properly. Nothing to clarify this below.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for three days without stopping ... I can tell you that I tried and owned every amp simulation models in the market.

Frankly, that's great pleasure to find the true interface to your amp as in the real world. But from his side, I am very disappointed. It lacks warmth and realism.

I think this is just a stroke of marketing IK M to meet sales competition. That said, aside from the Fender amps Amplitube who are really good, others are disappointing. And the more you add to the distortion, the more it becomes disappointing. Revalver, Kuassa Cream and TH2 are light years before the noise level. Anyway, here you buy the image of the amp, but not his signature sound. Since we are musicians, the most important should be sound, right?