Amplitube is a popular guitar amp modeling software that allows users to create and customize their own guitar tones. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, Amplitube offers a wide range of features and tools that can help you achieve the perfect sound. In this article, we’ll provide you with a quick guide on how to get started with Amplitube, so you can start creating your own unique guitar tones in no time.
To begin, it’s important to set up your audio and MIDI devices correctly. This will ensure that you can hear the sound of your guitar and any effects you add to it. Once your devices are set up, you can start navigating through Amplitube’s various features, such as the Gear View Selector and the Rack Gear View. These features allow you to customize your guitar tone by adding effects, amps, and cabinets to your signal chain.
Recording in Amplitube is also a breeze, thanks to its intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls. With Amplitube, you can record your guitar directly into your computer, and then edit and mix your recordings to create the perfect final product. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional musician, Amplitube is a must-have tool for anyone looking to create their own unique guitar tones.
Downloading and Installing Amplitube
To get started with Amplitube, you’ll need to download and install the software. Here’s how to do it on Windows and Mac:
Windows
- Go to the Amplitube website and click the “Download” button.
- Follow the instructions to download the installer file to your computer.
- Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Mac
- Go to the Amplitube website and click the “Download” button.
- Follow the instructions to download the installer file to your computer.
- Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Once you’ve installed Amplitube, you’ll be able to launch the software and start using it right away.
Note that you may need to authorize the software before you can use it. If this is the case, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the authorization process.
With Amplitube installed and authorized, you’re ready to start creating amazing guitar tones and effects.
Understanding the Interface
Amplitube’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily navigate the software and access all of its features. Here’s a brief overview of the interface, including the GUI and menus.
GUI
The GUI, or graphical user interface, is the main window of Amplitube. It displays all of the controls and parameters for the selected amp or effect, allowing you to adjust settings and fine-tune your sound. The GUI is divided into several sections, including:
- Amp/Effector: This section displays the selected amp or effect and allows you to choose from a variety of presets or create your own custom settings.
- Knobs: These controls adjust various parameters of the selected amp or effect, such as gain, tone, and volume.
- Pedalboard: This section allows you to add, remove, and rearrange pedals in your signal chain.
- Tuner: The built-in tuner allows you to quickly and easily tune your guitar.
Menus
In addition to the GUI, Amplitube also features several menus that provide additional functionality and options. Here are some of the most important menus:
- File: This menu allows you to create, open, and save presets, as well as import and export settings.
- Edit: The Edit menu provides options for copying, pasting, and deleting presets and settings.
- View: This menu allows you to customize the layout and appearance of the GUI.
- Options: The Options menu provides access to various settings and preferences, such as audio and MIDI settings, buffer size, and more.
- Help: The Help menu provides access to the user manual and other resources for getting started with Amplitube.
Amplitube’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to quickly and easily create and customize your guitar tones. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Amplitube has everything you need to achieve the perfect sound.
Setting Up Your Equipment
Before you can start using Amplitube, you need to make sure your equipment is set up properly. This includes your audio interface, MIDI controller, and iRig Stomp I/O. Here’s what you need to know:
Audio Interface
An audio interface is essential for recording your guitar and getting the best sound quality possible. To set up your audio interface with Amplitube, follow these steps:
- Connect your audio interface to your computer or laptop using a USB cable.
- Connect your guitar to the input on your audio interface.
- Open Amplitube and go to the settings menu.
- Select your audio interface from the list of available devices.
- Make sure the input and output levels are set correctly.
MIDI Controller
If you want to control Amplitube with a MIDI controller, you can do so by following these steps:
- Connect your MIDI controller to your computer or laptop using a USB cable.
- Open Amplitube and go to the settings menu.
- Select your MIDI controller from the list of available devices.
- Assign the MIDI controls to the functions you want to control in Amplitube.
iRig Stomp I/O
The iRig Stomp I/O is a pedalboard controller that allows you to control Amplitube with your feet. Here’s how to set it up:
- Connect your iRig Stomp I/O to your computer or laptop using a USB cable.
- Connect your guitar to the input on your iRig Stomp I/O.
- Open Amplitube and go to the settings menu.
- Select your iRig Stomp I/O from the list of available devices.
- Assign the pedalboard controls to the functions you want to control in Amplitube.
With your equipment set up, you’re ready to start using Amplitube to create amazing guitar tones for your live performances or recordings on your Mac or PC.
Choosing Your Gear
When using AmpliTube, one of the most important aspects is choosing the right gear to get the sound you want. Here are some tips on selecting the right amps, pedals, and cabinets.
Amps
AmpliTube offers a wide range of guitar amps to choose from, including models from Marshall and Fender. When selecting an amp, consider the type of music you play and the sound you want to achieve. For example, if you play heavy metal, you may want to look for an amp with high gain and distortion. If you play blues or jazz, you may prefer an amp with a warmer, more mellow tone.
Pedals
Pedals are an essential part of any guitar rig, and AmpliTube has plenty to choose from. Whether you need a distortion pedal, a wah pedal, or a chorus pedal, AmpliTube has you covered. When selecting pedals, consider the sound you want to achieve and the type of music you play. For example, if you play rock, you may want to look for a distortion pedal with a lot of gain. If you play funk, you may prefer a wah pedal to add some funkiness to your sound.
Cabinets
Cabinets are another important part of your guitar rig, and AmpliTube offers a variety of cabinets to choose from. When selecting a cabinet, consider the size of the speaker and the type of wood used in the construction. For example, if you want a bright, crisp sound, you may prefer a cabinet with a smaller speaker. If you want a warmer, more mellow sound, you may prefer a cabinet with a larger speaker.
choosing the right gear is essential to getting the sound you want from AmpliTube. Take some time to experiment with different amps, pedals, and cabinets to find the combination that works best for you and your music.
Creating Your Signal Chain
Setting up your signal chain in AmpliTube is a crucial step in achieving your desired sound. In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your signal chain using AmpliTube 5.
Chain
The first step in creating your signal chain is to select your chain type. AmpliTube 5 offers three chain types: mono, stereo, and wet-dry-wet. Choose the chain type that best fits your needs.
Once you’ve selected your chain type, you can start adding modules to your chain. You can add up to 57 modules across stomps, racks, amps, and cabs. To add a module, simply drag and drop it onto your chain.
Rack A
Rack A is the first rack in your signal chain. It’s where you’ll add your preamp, EQ, and other effects. To add a module to Rack A, simply drag and drop it onto the Rack A slot.
You can reorder your modules by dragging and dropping them to a new position. You can also bypass a module by clicking on the bypass button.
Rack Effect
Rack Effect is the second rack in your signal chain. It’s where you’ll add your time-based effects such as delay and reverb. To add a module to Rack Effect, simply drag and drop it onto the Rack Effect slot.
You can adjust the mix, time, feedback, and other parameters of your time-based effects by clicking on the module and adjusting the knobs.
By following these steps, you can create your own custom signal chain in AmpliTube 5. Experiment with different modules and settings to find the perfect sound for your music.
Using Presets
Amplitube comes with a variety of presets that you can use to get started quickly. Presets are pre-configured settings that you can use to achieve a specific sound or style. You can use presets as a starting point and then tweak the settings to your liking.
Search
Amplitube also has a ToneNet feature that allows you to share and download presets created by other users. You can access ToneNet through the Custom Shop. In the Custom Shop, click on the ToneNet button to access the presets. You can search for presets by artist, genre, and more. Once you find a preset you like, you can download it and load it into Amplitube.
Custom Shop
The Custom Shop is where you can purchase additional gear, amps, and effects for Amplitube. You can also access ToneNet through the Custom Shop. In addition to downloading presets, you can also purchase presets created by VIP artists and brands.
When you purchase a preset, it will be added to your account and you can download it from the Custom Shop. You can then load the preset into Amplitube and start playing.
Using presets is a great way to get started with Amplitube. It allows you to quickly achieve a specific sound or style and then tweak the settings to your liking. With ToneNet, you can access a wide variety of presets created by other users and VIP artists. The Custom Shop also allows you to purchase additional presets and gear to expand your sound.
Recording with Amplitube
Recording with Amplitube can be done in various ways depending on your preference and setup. In this section, we will explore the different options available for recording with Amplitube.
DAW
One of the most common ways to record with Amplitube is by using it as a plugin within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This allows you to use Amplitube as an effect on a specific track or multiple tracks in your project. To use Amplitube as a plugin, simply load it onto your desired track and start recording.
Standalone App
Amplitube can also be used as a standalone application, which means you can use it outside of your DAW. This is useful if you want to record without having to open up your DAW or if you want to use Amplitube as a practice tool. To use Amplitube as a standalone app, simply open it up and start recording.
Recorder
Amplitube also comes with a built-in recorder, which allows you to record your guitar directly into Amplitube. This is useful if you want to quickly record a riff or idea without having to set up a track in your DAW. To use the recorder, simply click on the record button and start playing.
When recording with Amplitube, it is important to keep in mind the number of tracks you are recording and the quality of your recording setup. Amplitube provides a variety of options for customizing your recording settings, including sample rate, bit depth, and recording format.
Tuning Your Guitar
Tuning your guitar is essential to ensure that you get the right sound from your Amplitube software. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Tuner
The first step in tuning your guitar is to use a tuner. Amplitube comes with a built-in tuner that you can use to tune your guitar quickly and easily. To access the tuner, click on the “Tuner” button located on the bottom left of the Amplitube interface.
Once you click on the tuner button, you will see a meter that displays the pitch of the string you are playing. The meter will show whether the string is in tune or not. If the meter is pointing to the left, it means that the string is flat, and if it’s pointing to the right, it means that the string is sharp.
To adjust the pitch of the string, turn the tuning pegs on your guitar until the meter is pointing straight up. Repeat this process for all the strings on your guitar.
Using a tuner is the most accurate way to tune your guitar. However, if you don’t have a tuner, you can also tune your guitar by ear. Here’s how:
- Start by tuning the low E string to a reference pitch. You can use a piano, a tuning fork, or another instrument to get the reference pitch.
- Once you have tuned the low E string, tune the other strings relative to the low E string. For example, tune the A string to the fifth fret of the low E string, the D string to the fifth fret of the A string, and so on.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your guitar is in tune and ready to use with Amplitube.
Exploring Collections
Amplitube offers a wide range of collections that allow you to emulate the sound of your favorite guitarists. Here are some of the most popular collections:
Jimi Hendrix
The Jimi Hendrix collection includes models of the amps, cabinets, and effects that Hendrix used throughout his career. With this collection, you can recreate the iconic sounds of songs like “Purple Haze,” “Voodoo Child,” and “All Along the Watchtower.”
Joe Satriani
The Joe Satriani collection features models of the amps, cabinets, and effects that Satriani has used on his albums and tours. With this collection, you can get the sound of his signature songs like “Surfing with the Alien,” “Satch Boogie,” and “Always with Me, Always with You.”
Brian May
The Brian May collection includes models of the amps, cabinets, and effects that May used with Queen. With this collection, you can get the sound of his signature guitar tones on songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love.”
Slash
The Slash collection includes models of the amps, cabinets, and effects that Slash used with Guns N’ Roses and his solo projects. With this collection, you can get the sound of his signature guitar tones on songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “November Rain,” and “Anastasia.”
Dimebag Darrell
The Dimebag Darrell collection includes models of the amps, cabinets, and effects that Darrell used with Pantera and Damageplan. With this collection, you can get the sound of his signature guitar tones on songs like “Cowboys from Hell,” “Walk,” and “Cemetery Gates.”
Collections are a great way to explore different guitar tones and styles. Whether you want to recreate the sound of your favorite guitarist or experiment with new sounds, Amplitube’s collections have got you covered. So, go ahead and explore the collections to find your favorite guitar tones!
Purchasing Additional Gear
AmpliTube comes with a wide range of gear, but if you want even more options, you can purchase additional gear through the AmpliTube Custom Shop. In this section, we will cover how to purchase additional gear and the different types of bundles available.
Purchase
To purchase additional gear, you will need to access the AmpliTube Custom Shop. From there, you can browse through the available gear and select the items you want to purchase. Once you have made your selection, you can proceed to checkout and complete the purchase. The gear will then be added to your AmpliTube library.
It is worth noting that some gear may be available for free, while others will require a purchase. Additionally, some gear may only be available for a limited time or as part of a bundle.
Bundles
If you are looking to expand your gear collection quickly and easily, you may want to consider purchasing a bundle. Bundles are collections of gear that are available at a discounted price compared to purchasing each item individually.
There are various bundles available, such as the Fender Collection 2, which includes a range of classic Fender amps and cabs, or the Total Studio 2 MAX, which includes all of the gear available in AmpliTube and T-RackS. Bundles can be a great way to save money and get a wide range of gear at once.
Updating and Authorizing Amplitube
Update
To ensure that you have the latest version of Amplitube, you can check for updates within the application itself. Simply open Amplitube and click on the “Custom Shop” button. From there, click on the “My Products” tab and look for any updates available for Amplitube. If an update is available, click on the “Update” button to download and install it.
Authorize
To use Amplitube, you need to authorize it first. There are different types of authorization depending on the version of Amplitube you have.
Amplitube 5 Full Version Authorization
To authorize the full version of Amplitube 5, you will need to activate it using the Authorization Manager. This is a one-time process that requires an internet connection. Follow these steps:
- Open Amplitube 5 and click on the “Authorize” button.
- Click on the “Authorize” button again in the Authorization Manager.
- Enter your serial number or unlock code and click on “Activate”.
- Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.
Amplitube 5 Custom Shop Authorization
If you are using the free version of Amplitube 5 from the Custom Shop, you do not need to activate it. However, you will need to sign in to your IK Multimedia account to use it. Follow these steps:
- Open Amplitube 5 Custom Shop and click on the “Sign In” button.
- Enter your IK Multimedia account details and click on “Sign In”.
- You can now use Amplitube 5 Custom Shop.
Amplitube 4 Authorization
To authorize Amplitube 4, you will need to activate it using the Authorization Manager. This is a one-time process that requires an internet connection. Follow these steps:
- Open Amplitube 4 and click on the “Authorize” button.
- Click on the “Authorize” button again in the Authorization Manager.
- Enter your serial number or unlock code and click on “Activate”.
- Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.
It is important to note that you can only authorize Amplitube on two computers at a time. If you need to switch to a new computer, you will need to deactivate your authorization on the old computer first. To do this, open the Authorization Manager and click on the “Deactivate” button next to the computer you want to deactivate.
That’s it! You are now ready to use Amplitube. If you have any issues with updating or authorizing Amplitube, you can contact IK Multimedia’s support team for assistance.
Advanced Features
Amplitube has several advanced features that can take your guitar playing and recording to the next level. In this section, we will discuss some of the most useful advanced features of Amplitube.
Looper
The looper feature in Amplitube allows you to record and loop a section of your playing. This feature is especially useful for practicing and experimenting with different guitar parts. You can set the loop to repeat a specific section of your playing, and then play along with it to create new ideas and riffs. The looper feature in Amplitube is easy to use and can be a great tool for any guitarist.
Volumetric Impulse Response
The Volumetric Impulse Response (VIR) feature in Amplitube is a powerful tool that allows you to create realistic and accurate guitar tones. VIR technology captures the sound of a real guitar cabinet in a specific room, and then reproduces that sound in your recording. This feature is especially useful for recording guitar parts in a home studio, where you may not have access to a real guitar cabinet. The VIR feature in Amplitube is easy to use and can be a game-changer for your recordings.
Control Panel
The control panel in Amplitube is where you can fine-tune your guitar tone and effects. The control panel allows you to adjust the EQ, gain, and other parameters of your guitar tone. You can also add and adjust effects such as delay, reverb, and chorus. The control panel in Amplitube is easy to use and can help you create the perfect guitar tone for your recording.
Amplitube has several advanced features that can help you take your guitar playing and recording to the next level. The looper feature can be a great tool for practicing and experimenting with different guitar parts. The Volumetric Impulse Response feature can help you create realistic and accurate guitar tones. And the control panel allows you to fine-tune your guitar tone and effects. Try out these features in Amplitube and see how they can improve your guitar playing and recording.
