Amplitude 2 - A Review
Stomp Effects, Cont'd
Everything you could want is here. Choose from a number of modulation effects, delays, filters like wah and envelope, pitch shifters, distortions including a fuzzface, dynamics and EQ. You've got six slots to fill with any combination of stomp boxes and another six if you are using the second channel. You can save your selections as separate presets for recall with any other amp combinations. This is really where to "Stomp I/O" interface controller comes into it's own - using a mouse to turn stomp box effects on and off is really not what you want.
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With Amplitube 2 it sounds exactly like you are going through a pedal - instantly satisfying.
So how do they sound? Exactly as you'd expect. With these boxes you turn them on and they sound like guitar effects. So many regular plug-ins, like a simple chorus for instance, suffer from having too many controls and parameters and it's a struggle to find the same sort of sound you do going through a real guitar pedal.
With Amplitube 2 it sounds exactly like you are going through a pedal - instantly satisfying. The Opto-Tremolo is gorgeous, so soft and warm, pumping the sound deliciously either locked to tempo or set by hand (as with any of the time based effects). The auto mode on the wah-wah is superb which is a great relief if you are without decent foot based MIDI control.
The distortion section contains some of the best software models I've ever heard. The "Fuzz Age", modelled on the germanium transistor based fuzzbox of the mid 60's, is smile triggeringly dirty with the odd harmonics modulating the crunch in a very pleasing way. The background noise has also been kept well under control. The Overdrive and Overscream deliver with real bite while the "Crusher" does exactly what it says on the tin.
Amps
The Amp head is split into three sections: pre-amp model, EQ model and power amp model. You can mix and match as much as you like, using say a Marshall style pre-amp running through a Fender Style EQ and ending up powered by a Vox style power amp.
Alternatively, click the "Match" switch and as you change the pre-amp so the other two models follow with the correct choices. The interface graphics change and vary in texture in colour depending on your choices, which definitely enhances the feel of the software. In addition you have an inbuilt spring reverb, which is a nice touch and sounds completely right.
The two American Tube Clean amps, based on the Fender SuperReverb and DeluxReverb respectively, are nicely warm and subtle and they make a remarkable difference to the sound that you only appreciate when you bypass the amp. These amps are perfect for use with the stomp boxes as the amp is adding minimal colouring but lots of warmth to the tone.
Combining the 16 cabinets and 6 microphones with the 14 pre-amps, 14 EQ models, and 7 power amps it gives you a whopping 20,000 possible combinations.
With the first amp adjusting the input level and output of the power amp brings in some nice dirt and produces some respectable crunch when given a bit of oompf. If you click on the grill on the amp head it vanishes to reveal a bunch of valves that glow as you increase the level - it's a bit silly really but we like it.
The Modern Tube Lead amp, based upon the Mesaboogie Double Rectifier is pure Foo Fighters with its unmistakable deep rumble and sustain. Skipping through the less inspiring but solid Fender Bassman and Supro models we find ourselves at the ubiquitous Vox AC-30 or British Tube 30TB as IK call it. Although you have to drive it quite hard to get that kick back crunch, in fact add an overdrive pedal and you are straight into classic Brian May territory, the warmth and tone of this little old amp is really good.
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The Amp head is split into three sections: pre-amp model, EQ model and power amp model.
Ride the treble and cut a bit and that top end starts to bleed through. You're also reminded how good that spring reverb really is. The British Tubes 1 & 2 are your classic Marshall JCM800 and 900. The 800 has the comforting warm wall of 80's hair metal sound, the 900 is a nasty piece of work that wants to sustain and feedback forever.
Next up is four models of IK's own creation, not based on any particular piece of hardware but rather modelled to give the best sounding virtual tone creations they can. There's a Modern hi-gain, and a solid state clean, fuzz and lead. They are all good solid tones although I'm not sure the solid state clean adds anything beyond the excellent Fender models.
Bringing up the rear is the quirky THD BiValve which I confess to not being familiar with at all and a bass amp model - just in case, although IK have recently released a dedicated bass amp modelling plug-in called the Ampeg SVX.
Cabinets
As if you weren't overwhelmed with choice already we haven't even begun to mess with the cabinets.
Combining the 16 cabinets and 6 microphones with the 14 pre-amps, 14 EQ models, and 7 power amps it gives you a whopping 20,000 possible combinations. This really starts taking us in to the world of the guitar geek. You've got all the cabinets to match the amplifiers from Fender, Marshall, Vox, Mesa and THD.