AmpliTube X-GEAR User Manual.pdf

User Manual

EXPANDABLE GUITAR EFFECTS & AMP RIG

AmpliTube X-GEAR

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P L E A S E N O T E

AmpliTube® and X-GEAR™ are trademarks property of IK MultimediaProduction Srl. All other product names and trademarks are property oftheir respectiveowners,whichare innowayassociatedoraffiliatedwith IKMultimedia.ProductnamesareusedsolelyforthepurposeofidentifyingthespecificproductsthatwerestudiedduringIKMultimedia’ssoundmodeldevel-opmentandfordescribingcertaintypesoftonesproducedwithIKMultimedia’sdigitalmodelingtechnology.Useofthesenamesdonotimplyanycooperation

orendorsement.

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AmpliTube X-GEAR

I - Contents �

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Table of Contents

I Contents pag.�

II Interface pag.6

III License Agreement pag.8

Chapter 1 AmpliTube X-GEAR Overview pag.�� .� Introduction pag.�� .� DSMTechnology pag.�� .� BlockDiagram pag.�� .4 Plug-inArchitecture pag.�� .5 UsingtheInterface pag.�4

Chapter 2 Getting started with AmpliTube X-GEAR pag.�9 �.� AmpliTubeX-GEARandStompIORegistration/Authorization pag.�9 �.� StandaloneMode pag.�0 �.�.� LaunchAmpliTubeX-GEARStandalone pag.�0 �.�.� WindowsAudioConfiguration pag.�� .�.� MacintoshAudioConfiguration pag.�� .�.4 SpeedTrainer pag.�4 �.�.5 LoopTrimming pag.�5 �.�.6 WaveformDisplay pag.�6 �.�.7 TempoandPitchAdjustment pag.�6 �.�.8 ValuesIndication pag.�7 �.�.9 PeakMeter pag.�7 �.�.�0 Metronome pag.�7 �.�.�� StatusBar pag.�8 �.�.�� AutoStart-Up pag.�9 �.� Plug-inMode pag.�9 �.�.� StartingAmpliTubeX-GEARinyourhostapplication pag.�9 �.�.�.� ProTools pag.�9 �.�.�.� DigitalPerformer pag.�0 �.�.�.� Logic pag.�0 �.�.�.4 Cubase pag.�0 �.�.�.5 Nuendo pag.�� .�.�.6 Live pag.�� .�.�.7 GarageBand pag.�� .�.�.8 Sonar pag.�� .�.�.9 Acid pag.�� .�.�.�0 Tracktion pag.�� .�.�.�� RiffWorksStandard pag.�� .4 Hands-OnExamples pag.�� .4.� SelectingAmps pag.�� .4.� ChoosingtheCabinet pag.�4 �.4.� AddingEffects pag.�5

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AmpliTube X-GEAR

I - Contents

Chapter 3 Input/Output Interface pag.�7 �.� I/OInterface pag.�7 �.� ConnectingYourGuitarandAdjustingYourLevels pag.�7 �.� SelectedModulePanandVolume pag.�8 �.4 Phase pag.�8 �.5 Mix pag.�8 �.6 UsingNoiseGate pag.�9 �.7 Tune pag.�9 �.8 SelectedParameterDisplay pag.�9 �.9 Preferences pag.40 �.�0 Information(“I”) pag.4� �.�� Lock pag.4�

Chapter 4 Module Selector pag.45 4.� DualSignalPaths pag.45 4.� SelectingModules pag.46

Chapter 5 Preset Manager pag.47 5.� LoadingPresets pag.47 5.� OtherControls pag.48 5.� SavingaPreset pag.49

Chapter 6 AmpliTube X-GEAR Modules pag.5� 6.� TUNERModule pag.5� 6.� STOMPModule(StompEffects) pag.5� 6.� AMPModule(AmpHead) pag.56 6.�.� Introduction pag.56 6.�.� ModelComponents pag.57 6.4 CABModule(Cabinets+Microphones) pag.59 6.4.� Introduction pag.59 6.4.� SPEAKERMODEL pag.59 6.4.� MICMODEL pag.60 6.5 RACKFXModule(PostEffects) pag.6�

Chapter 7 Automation pag.6� 7.� LeftPane pag.64 7.� RightPane pag.65 7.� Assignmentprocedure pag.66 7.4 AssignmentSaveandRecall pag.69 7.5 AutomationwithStompIO pag.69

Chapter 8 MIDI pag.7� 8.� MIDIConfiguration pag.7� 8.� MIDIControl pag.7�

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting pag.75

Chapter 10 Support pag.79 �0.� UserArea pag.79

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AmpliTube X-GEAR

I - Contents

II - Interface6

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Module Interface.Mixandmatchover�50"PoweredbyAmpliTube"

guitar&bassgearmodels.

Input, Output and Tuner Interface.

Over 400 different guitar amp and effects presets readytogo.

II - Interface 7

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Five Modules:Amp-Heads,Mic’dCabinets,StompPedalboard,RackEffects,andTuner.

Two Guitar Rigs.ExperiencetheflexibleroutingsystemprovidedbyDualRigtechnology.

StompIO Control.ControlyourgeararsenalthroughStompIO.

III - License Agreement8

AmpliTube X-GEAR

License AgreementEND-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR IK MULTIMEDIA PRODUCT

Pleasereadthisdocumentcarefullybeforebreakingthesealonthemediapackage.Thisagreementlicensestheenclosedsoftwaretoyouandcontainswarrantyandliabilitydisclaimers.

Bybreakingthesealonthemediaenvelope,youareconfirmingtohavetakennoticeoftermsandconditionsofthisagreementandyouacknowledgeyouracceptanceofthesoftwareaswellasyouracceptanceofthetermsofthisagreement.Ifyoudonotwishtodoso,donotbreaktheseal.Instead,promptlyreturntheentirepackage,includingtheunopenedmediapackage,tothedealerfromwhomyouhaveobtainedit,forafullrefund.

�)DEFINITIONS

“EULA”meansthisenduserlicenseagreement

“IKMultimediaProduct”meansthesoftwareprogramincludedintheenclosedpackage,andallrelatedupdatessuppliedbyIKMultimedia.

“IKMultimediaProduct”meansthesoftwareprogramandhardware(ifany)includedintheenclosedpackage,therelateddocumentation,models,multi-mediacontent(suchasanimation,soundandgraphics)andallrelatedupdatessuppliedbyIKMultimedia.

“Notforresale(NFR)Version”meansaversionofIKMultimediaProduct,soidentified,isintendedforreviewandevaluationpurposes,only.

�)LICENSE

The“IKMultimediaProduct”isprotectedbycopyrightlawsandinternationalcopyrighttreaties,aswellasotherintellectualpropertylawsandtreaties.The“IKMultimediaProduct” is licensed,notsold.ThisEULAgrantsyoutherightsasspecifiedherebelow.AllotheractionsandmeansofusagearereservedtothewrittenpermissionoftherightholderIKMultimediaProductionSrl:

Applications Software.The“IKMultimediaProduct”maybeusedonlybyyou.Youmayinstallandusethe“IKMultimediaProduct”,oranypriorversionthereofforthesameoperatingsystem,onuptothree(�)computers,providedthat(a)eachcomputerisownedby(orleasedto)andundertheexclusivecontrolofthelicensee;(b)theprogram(s)shallNOTbeusedsimultaneouslyonmorethanonemachine,and(c)anycomputer(s)withIKMultimediasoftwareinstalledshallnotbesold,rented,leased,loanedorotherwiseberemovedfromthelicensee’spossessionwithoutfirstremoving(uninstalling)thelicensedsoftware,exceptasprovidedinParagraph4(below)pertainingto“SoftwareTransfer”.

Storage/Network use.Youmayalsostoreorinstallacopyofthe“IKMultimediaProduct”onastoragedevice,suchasanetworkserver,usedonlytoinstallorrunthe“IKMultimediaProduct”onyourothercomputersoveraninternalnetwork;however,youmustacquireanddedicateadistinctlicenseforeachuserofthe“IKMultimediaProduct”fromthestoragedevice.Anygivenlicenseforthe“IKMultimediaProduct”maynotbesharedorusedconcurrentlyorotherwiseondifferentcomputersorbydifferentdevelopersinagivenorganization.

�)AUTHORIZATIONCODE

The“IKMultimediaProduct”onlyfunctionswhenyouareinthepossessionofanauthorizationcode.Youwillreceiveanauthorizationcodeuponcomplet-ingtheauthorizationcoderequestprocedure.Onceyourauthorizationcodeisactivated,youmayusetheproduct.

Youagreetofollowtheauthorizationcoderequestprocedureandwillprovidetrue,accurateandcompleteinformationaboutyourself.Ifyouprovideanyinformationthatisuntrue,inaccurate,notcorrectorincomplete,orIKMultimediahasreasonablegroundstosuspectthatsuchinformationisuntrue,inaccurate,notcorrectorincomplete,IKMultimediahastherighttosuspendortorevokethelicense.

Theterminationofthelicenseshallbewithoutprejudicetoanyrights,whatsoever,ofIKMultimedia.

4)DESCRIPTIONOFOTHERRIGHTSANDLIMITATIONS

Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly.Youmaynot reverseengineer,decompile,ordisassemble the“IKMultimediaProduct”,exceptandonlytotheextentthatsuchactivityisexpresslypermittedbyapplicablelawnotwithstandingthislimitationofcomponents.The“IKMultimediaProduct”islicensedasasingleproduct.Itscomponentpartsmaynotbeseparatedforuseonmorethanonecomputer.

Not for Resale Version.Ifthe“IKMultimediaProduct”islabeled“NotforResale”or“NFR”or“EvaluationCopy”,then,notwithstandingothersectionsofthisEULA,youmaynotsell,orotherwisetransferthe“IKMultimediaProduct”.

Rental.Youmaynotrent,lease,orlendthe“IKMultimediaProduct”toanyparty.

Software Transfer.Youmaynottransfer,licenseorsublicenseyourrightsasLicenseeofthesoftwareoranyIKMultimediaproduct,aslicensedtoyouunderthisagreementwithoutpriorwrittenconsentoftherightsowner.ThecarrieronwhichtheIKMultimediaproducthasbeendistributedmaybetransferredorotherwisemadeavailabletoanythirdpartyonlywiththepriorwrittenconsentoftherightsownerandprovidedthat(a)theoriginalmedia

III - License Agreement 9

AmpliTube X-GEAR

andlicense(s)accompanythecarrierand(b)thepartytransferringthemediadoesnotretainacopyofthemedia.

5)UPGRADES

Ifthe“IKMultimediaProduct”islabeledorotherwiseidentifiedbyIKMultimediaasan“upgrade”,youmustbeproperlylicensedtouseaproductidenti-fiedbyIKMultimediaasbeingeligiblefortheupgradeinordertousethe“IKMultimediaProduct”.

An“IKMultimediaProduct”labeledorotherwiseidentifiedbyIKMultimediaasanupgradereplacesand/orsupplementstheproductthatformedtheba-sisforyoureligibilityforsuchupgrade.YoumayusetheresultingupgradedproductonlyinaccordancewiththetermsofthisEULA.Ifthe“IKMultimediaProduct”isanupgradeofacomponentofapackageofsoftwareprogramsthatyoulicensedasasingleproduct,the“IKMultimediaProduct”maybeusedandtransferredonlyaspartofthatsingleproductpackageandmaynotbeseparatedforuseonmorethanonecomputer.

6)DUAL-MEDIASOFTWARE

Youmayreceivethe“IKMultimediaProduct”inmorethanonemedium.Youmaynotloan,rent,lease,orotherwisetransfertheothermediumtoanotheruser,exceptaspartofthepermanenttransfer(asprovidedabove)ofthe“IKMultimediaProduct”.

7)LIMITEDWARRANTY

IKMultimediawarrantstotheoriginalpurchaserofthecomputersoftwareproduct,foraperiodofninety(90)daysfollowingthedateoforiginalpurchase,thatundernormaluse,thesoftwareprogramandtheuserdocumentationarefreefromdefectsthatwillmateriallyinterferewiththeoperationoftheprogramasdescribedintheencloseduserdocumentation.

8)WARRANTYCLAIMS

Tomakeawarrantyclaimundertheabovelimitedwarranty,pleasereturntheproducttothepointofpurchase,accompaniedbyproofofpurchase,yourname,yourreturnaddressandastatementofthedefect,orsendtheCD(s)tousatthebelowaddresswithinninety(90)daysofpurchase.Includeacopyofthedatedpurchasereceipt,yourname,yourreturnaddressandastatementofthedefect.IKMultimediaoritsauthorizeddealerwillusereasonablecom-mercialeffortstorepairorreplacetheproductandreturnittoyou(postageprepaid)orissuetoyouacreditequaltothepurchaseprice,atitsoption.

9)LIMITATIONSONWARRANTY

IKMultimediawarrantsonlythattheprogramwillperformasdescribedintheuserdocumentation.Nootheradvertising,descriptionorrepresentation,whethermadebyaIKMultimediadealer,distributor,agentoremployee,shallbebindinguponIKMultimediaorshallchangethetermsofthiswarranty.

EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE, IK MULTIMEDIA MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THIS PRODUCT. IK MULTIMEDIA DIS-CLAIMS ANY WARRANTY THAT THE SOFTWARE IS FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO A NINETY (90) DAY DURATION OF THIS LIMITED EXPRESS WARRANTY AND IS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. IK MULTIMEDIA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES, EVEN IF IK MULTIMEDIA IS ADVISED OF OR AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS MEANS THAT IK MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION SRL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR THE LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, OR FOR DAMAGES OR COSTS AS A RESULT OF LOSS OF TIME, DATA OR USE OF THE SOFTWARE, OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE EXCEPT THE ACTUAL COST OF THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL IK MULTIMEDIA LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THIS PRODUCT.

�0)CHOICEOFLAW

Youagreethatanyandallclaims,suitsorotherdisputesarisingfromyouruseofthesoftwareshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththelawsofItaly,intheeventIKMultimedia,ismadeapartythereto.YouagreetosubmittothejurisdictionofthecourtinModena,Italyforallactions,whetherincontractorintort,arisingfromyouruseorpurchaseofthesoftware.

��)GENERAL

ThisAgreementcontainsthecompleteagreementbetweenthepartieswithrespecttothesubjectmatterhereof,andsupersedesallpriororcontempora-neousagreementsorunderstandings,whetheroralorwritten.AllquestionsconcerningthisAgreementshallbedirectedto:

IKMultimediaProductionSrlViadell’Industria464��00ModenaItaly

©�008IKMultimedia.Allrightsreserved.

�0

AmpliTube X-GEAR

1 - Overview ��

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 1 AmpliTube X-GEAR Overview

1.1 Introduction

AmpliTube®X-GEAR™isasoftwareshell-hostthatallowsyoutoopen,instandalone and plug-in mode, any “Powered by AmpliTube” applications(includingAmpliTube®�,AmpliTube®JimiHendrix™,Ampeg®SVX™,andAmpliTube®Metal)inasingleinterface.

AmpliTubeX-GEARallowsyou tomixandmatchstomps,amps, cabs,andracksfromdifferent“PoweredbyAmpliTube”applications,andcontrolthemcompletelythroughtheStompIO.

Combining “Powered by AmpliTube” software/plug-ins + AmpliTube X-GEAR + StompIO allows you to build your own custom and expandablesoftware-based rigwith thewidest choiceof superiormodeledampsandeffects. The complete system integration is straightforwardand conceivedwithmusiciansinmind,toletyouplaythroughyourcomputerasifitwasahigh-endhardwarefloorprocessor.StompIOandX-GEARcreatethemostpowerfulguitarandbassprocessoryou'veeverdreamedof.

AmpliTubeX-GEAR'smainfeatures:

AmpliTubeX-GEARworksasa standaloneapplicationaswell asaplug-ininWindowsXP/VistaandMacOSX(UniversalBinary).SupportedPlug-informats:AudioUnits,VST,RTAS(MacOSX)–VST,RTAS(WindowsXP–Vista).Ultra accurate analog modeling with DSM™ technology, “PoweredbyAmpliTube”.HighestsupportedSamplingRate:96kHz.High-precisionTuner.Over �50 superior sounding, highly-sought, vintage and modern,analogmodeledguitar/bassgearincluded*.Up to5�Stomps, �6amps (with separateEQ,Pre, andPowerAmpdesign),��cabs,��mics,��rackeffectscanbeplayedon�rigswith�0insertableeffects*.Over�80,000possibleampcombinations*!It can be expanded and customized with more “Powered byAmpliTube”packages4,000fullyeditablepresetsforliveorstudiousage*.HostsequencerBPMsynchronization.AssignableDAWautomation.MIDIcontrol.SpeedTrainer™: imports anyWAV, AIFF, MP�, andWMA audio file(standaloneversion).Metronome(standaloneversion).

*OnlyvalidfortheStompIOpackage.ThisfeaturedoesnotapplyifyouboughtAmpliTubeX-GEARsep-aratelyanddonotownAmpliTube�,AmpliTubeJimiHendrix™,Ampeg®SVX,andAmpliTubeMetal.

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1 - Overview��

AmpliTube X-GEAR

1.2 DSM Technology

DSM™isanewandexclusiveIKMultimediatechnologyusedintheemula-tionofanalogcircuitry.DSMwasdesignedtoincreasetheresponsiveness,realism and playability of critical analog circuit models. Musicians haveoftenfeltthatdigitalemulationsofhigh-qualityanaloggear(suchasguitaramplifiers) lacked some of the "playability" and "musicality" that madeplaying through the real thing so satisfying. DSM has been designed toimprovethisaspect.

DSMdeliversspecialanduniqueresultswhenappliedtocircuitemulationswhere non-linearity is the main characteristic of the processor, such as indistortion,fuzz,oroverdrivestompboxes,tubeguitarpreamplifiersandpoweramps, and analog compressors and limiters. The DSMworking principle isbasedonanewapproachneverappliedtoDSP“analogmodeling”untilnow.

Analogcircuits,especiallyTubeandClass-Adiscreteones,arenotdynami-cally linear, butmany companiesmodel them as if theywere. An analogcircuit’scharacter isneverconstantlyshapedbutvariesdependingonlotsof parameters, first and foremost the strength, frequency, and harmoniccontentoftheincomingsignal.

DSMtakesthenextstep. Itcontinuouslyadapts the“shape”of theanalogcircuitinsteadofapplyingastaticsnapshot.Byusingmorecomplexmath-ematical functions, a more articulated and musical response is possible,makingDSMidealformodelingtubepreampsandtubepoweramps.

Traditionalemulationsareforcedto tradeoffbetween, forexample, thosekindofdistortionsproducedwhena�x6L6tubepoweramplifierisdriventoitslimit,andit'scleanersoundwhendrivennormally.

DSMdeliversadynamicresponsethatcontinuouslymorphsand“follows”theincomingsignal;inotherwords,thatismoreresponsivetotheplayer'sperformance.

ThisgivesDSMmodelsanaccuracythatcannotbefoundinanyothermod-elinghardwareorsoftwaretoday,onethatrespectsallthenuancesexactlylike a real analog circuit, with a grade of realism and musicality neverachievedbefore.

1.3 Block Diagram

figure�.�

1 - Overview ��

AmpliTube X-GEAR

1.4 Plug-in Architecture

AmpliTubeX-GEARissetupasatraditionalguitarrig.Thisensurespredict-ableresultsandrealworldflexibility.Whileitissimpletocomprehendandnavigate, the user interface allows for complex guitar rigs and advancedsignalrouting.

Theinterfaceisdividedinto5modules:

�)TUNER(figure�.�.�)�)STOMPeffects(figure�.�.�)�)AMP(figure�.�.�)4)CAB(figure�.�.4)5)RACKeffects(figure�.�)

figure�.�.� figure�.�.�

figure�.�.� figure�.�.4

figure�.�.5

Thisapproachmakesiteasytomovebetweenthedifferentsectionsofthegui-

1 - Overview�4

AmpliTube X-GEAR

taramprigandprovideseasyaccesstomodulespecificcontrolsandfeatures.

AmpliTubeX-GEARisdividedintotwosimultaneousguitarrigs(figure�.�).

figure�.�

Thismeanstherearetwoindependentstompeffects,amps,cabinet,andrackeffect signal chains. This lets you create a guitar rigwith two independentamplifiersetups,usethetworigsinanextensivesingleguitarampsetup,oracombinationofthetwousingtheflexibleroutingsystemprovided(figure�.4).

AmpliTube X-GEAR offers eight routing configurations presets, providingeasyaccesstosophisticatedeffectsandamppatching.Forexample;

allstompeffectsandrackeffectsintooneamprig.twoseparateampsetups.allstompeffectsandrackeffectsintooneamprigwithbothcabi-nets.allstompeffectsandrackeffectsintobothamprigs.twoseparatestompeffectssetups intooneampwith twocabinetsetups.twoseparateampsetupswithseparatestompsintotwoindepen-dentrackeffects.twoseparatestompeffectssetupsintotwoseparateamprigsintoalltherackeffects.twoseparatestompeffectssetupsintooneampsetupwithalltherackeffects.

Oneof theeasiestwaystogetstartedwithAmpliTubeX-GEARis toaudi-tion the included collection of presets. These presets have been skillfullyprogrammedby theAmpliTubeX-GEARdesigners toaccurately reproduceeachparticulartone.

1.5 Using the Interface

AmpliTubeX-GEARinterfacehasfourbasicsections:

�)PresetManager(figure�.5.�)

figure�.5.�

�.�.�.

4.5.

6.

7.

8.

figure�.4

1 - Overview �5

AmpliTube X-GEAR

�)ModuleSelector(figure�.5.�)

figure�.5.�

�)ModuleInterface(figure�.5.�)

figure�.5.�

4)Input/Outputinterface(figure�.5.4)

figure�.5.4

The SpeedTrainer (figure �.6) as well as the bottom interface area thatdisplaystheSpeedTrainerimportprocessstatusmessage(e.g.,Ready),theInputgainvalue,andtheCPUloaddisplay (figure�.7),areonlyavailablewhenAmpliTubeX-GEARStandaloneisused.

figure�.6

figure�.7

1 - Overview�6

AmpliTube X-GEAR

To control AmpliTube X-GEAR (standalone or plug-in version) with theStompIO,justpresstheStompIObutton(figure�.8).

TheStompIObuttonenables/disablestheStompIOcontrolfortheselectedAmpliTubeX-GEARinstance

If you have only one instance, this button will turn the StompIOcontrolON/OFF.If you have more instances, this button will allow you to choosewhichAmpliTubeX-GEARinstancetocontrolwithStompIO.AssoonasAmpliTubeX-GEARisopened, itwillautomaticallycon-necttoStompIO(ifitisconnectedandpoweredon).If StompIO is not present, not connected, or not powered ON,AmpliTubeX-GEARwillopenwiththeStompIObuttonoff.WhenconnectingStompIOwhenAmpliTubeX-GEARisalreadyopen,youwillneed topress theStompIObutton toactivate theStompIOcontrol. In this case, the StompIO Patch 000A (the first one that isloadedatStompIOpowerup)willbetemporarilymodifiedtoreflectcurrentAmpliTubeX-GEARstatus.Note that, as explained on the StompIOUserManual, you canuseStompIO to control AmpliTube X-GEAR plug-ins on DAW sessionsthatareusingotheraudiohardware,likeProToolssystems.

BelowabriefdescriptionoftheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterfacesections:

PRESET MANAGER:loadsandsavesAmpliTubeX-GEARpresets(figure�.9).

figure�.9

MODULE SELECTOR: is themain navigationmenu for AmpliTube X-GEAR(figure�.�0).Itdisplaysbothguitarrigs,selectsthemodules,bypassesandmutesmodules,andallowsyoutocontrolthesignalpathoftheguitarrigs.

figure�.�0

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figure�.8

1 - Overview �7

AmpliTube X-GEAR

MODULE INTERFACE: this is themain editing interface (figure �.��). Thisiswheremostoftheeditingtakesplace.Thisinterfaceshowsthedifferentmodulesandalltheirrelatedcontrols.

figure�.��

INPUT/OUTPUT INTERFACE: adjusts input and output gain, sets thenoisegate, adjusts thepan, volume,phaseandmixknobvalues for the currentAmpliTubeX-GEARpreset,anddisplaysthepreferencesandsysteminfor-mation(figure�.��).

figure�.��

As mentioned above, AmpliTube X-GEAR allows you to mix and matchstomps,amps,cabs,andracksfromdifferent“PoweredbyAmpliTube”appli-cations,andfullycontrolthemthroughStompIO.

Consequently, theselectableoptions/modelsavailablethroughthepop-upmenus will vary, according to the “Powered by AmpliTube” applicationsinstalledonyourcomputersuchasAmpliTube�,AmpliTube JimiHendrix,AmpegSVX,andAmpliTubeMetal.

In this section of themanual we refer as “models” to each “Powered byAmpliTube” application’s STOMP, AMP (Pre, EQ, and Amp models), CAB(SpeakerandMicmodels), andRACKmodels. Tohaveanoverviewof themodels included in each application, please check their respective UserManual.

1 - Overview�8

AmpliTube X-GEAR

When no additional “Powered by AmpliTube” products are installed,AmpliTubeX-GEARoffersthefollowingbasicsetofstomps,amps,andcabs,(noRackmodels):

Stomps:WahOverdrive

Amps:AmericanTubeClean�BritishTubeLead�

Cabinets:4x�0OpenVintage4x��ClosedVintage�

Microphones:Condenser4�4Dynamic57

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2 - Getting started �9

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 2 Getting started with AmpliTube X-GEAR

2.1 AmpliTube X-GEAR and StompIO Registration/Authorization

AmpliTube X-GEAR can be registered by using one of these two serialnumbers:

�. AXG�0-XXXXXXXX-XXXXX

This serialnumberenablesallAmpliTubeX-GEAR functionalitiesexcept the StompIO related ones. If you bought ONLY AmpliTubeX-GEAR(nottheStompIO),thisistheserialnumberthatyouhavereceivedandtheonethatyouneedtousetoRegisterandAuthorizeAmpliTubeX-GEAR.

�.STP�0-XXXXXXXX-XXXXX

This serial number enables all AmpliTube X-GEAR functional-ities included the StompIO related ones. If you bought StompIO(AmpliTubeX-GEARisincludedinthesoftwarepackage),thisistheserialnumberthatyouhavereceivedandtheonethatyouneedtousetoRegisterandAuthorizeAmpliTubeX-GEAR.

If you connect a StompIO to your system where AmpliTube X-GEAR isalready authorized with “AXG�0-XXXXXXXX-XXXXX” serial number youwillseethismessage(figure�.�):

figure�.�

BypressingOK,theProductAuthorizationWizardwillopen.Pleasefollowits instructionssoyouareabletoRegister/AuthorizeAmpliTubeX-GEARusingtheStompIOserialnumber(STP�0-XXXXXXXX-XXXXX).

BypressingCancel,youwillnotproceedwith thenewregistrationand theoriginalAmpliTubeX-GEARauthorizationwillberestoredassoonasStompIOwillbedisconnected.IfyoudonotdisconnectStompIO,youwillbeabletouseitbutAmpliTubeX-GEARwillemitarandomnoisefromtimetotime.Forthisreason,westronglysuggesttoclickOKandRegister/AuthorizeAmpliTubeX-GEARusingtheStompIOserialnumber(STP�0-XXXXXXXX-XXXXX).

Note:thissituationwillonlyoccurifyoufirstbought,installed,registered,

2 - Getting started�0

AmpliTube X-GEAR

andauthorizedAmpliTubeX-GEAR, andyouaddedStompIO later to yoursetup.

2.2 Standalone Mode

AmpliTubeX-GEARStandaloneversioncanbeusedtoperformliveorinarecordingstudiosituation,usingyourcomputerasanextgenerationmodel-ingeffectprocessor.Itallowsyoutoruntheprogramwithouttheneedofahostsequencerapplication.

When playing live it is strongly advisable to use the Standalone versionof AmpliTube X-GEAR with the StompIO, because the performance andAmpliTubeX-GEARintegrationhasbeenoptimizedontheStandalonever-sion.

Using AmpliTube X-GEAR with a �rd party DAW application when play-ing livewithStompIO ispossible,butsome featuresspecificallydesignedaround StompIO and the AmpliTube X-GEAR Standalone versionwill notbeavailable.

2.2.1 Launch AmpliTube X-GEAR Standalone

Onceyourhardwareisproperlyset-upyoucanlaunchAmpliTubeX-GEAR.TolaunchAmpliTubeX-GEARStandalonegoto:

Windows:Start\Programs\AmpliTubeX-GEARicon

Macintosh:Applicationfolder/AmpliTubeX-GEARicon

2 - Getting started ��

AmpliTube X-GEAR

2.2.2 Windows Audio Configuration

AmpliTube X-GEAR using StompIO as audio interface

If the StompIO drivers are already installed and StompIO is already con-nected and turned ON, your AmpliTube X-GEAR audio configuration willalreadybesetforStompIOwithouttheneedtosetupanythingontheAudioSetupwindowinAmpliTubeX-GEAR(figure�.�).

figure�.�

However,ifyouneedtodoanymodification,goto:Settings>AudioMIDISetup.

To change theSample rate, just selecta value from thedropdownmenu.TochangetheBuffersize,clickonPanelandselectavaluefromtheSizedropdownmenu.

NotesaboutSampleRateandBuffersize:

The AmpliTube X-GEAR default audio settings are optimized for lowlatency and good performance. The default audio settings for theStompIOaudiointerfaceonWindowsare:

Samplerate:48kHzBuffersize:�44samples

TheBuffersizevalueisrelatedtothelatencyyouwillhearduringper-formance.Abuffersizeof�44samplesshouldbefineonmostmodern

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2 - Getting started��

AmpliTube X-GEAR

computers,deliveringquiteafastresponse.

Ifyouexperienceaudiopopsorclickswhileplaying, try increasingthisvaluetothenextstep.Ifyourcomputerisreallypowerfulandthe�44valueisworkingper-fectly,youcouldeventrysettingthisvalueto��8or96foranevenfaster response.However, this isnot advisableonmost computers,andshouldnotbeusedasastandardsettingonliveshowsunlessithasbeendeeplytestedforreliability.

AmpliTube X-GEAR using any audio interface other than StompIO

ClickonSettings>AudioMIDISetup.

SelectASIOorDirectXfromthetopmenu.ASIOisthedefaultoptionbecauseitgivesthebestperformance.

InInputs,youraudiointerfacedriverwillbeautomaticallyselected.Ifnot,manuallychooseyouraudiointerfacedriver.

InChannel�(belowtheInputsmenu),selecttheaudiointerfaceinputintowhichyourguitarisplugged.Forexample,iftheguitarispluggedintothefirst audio interface input, you should select Channel �. However, if theguitar isplugged into the secondaudio interface input, you should selectChannel�,andsoon.

NOTE:sometimes,Channel�isidentifiedwithL(Leftchannel)andChannel�withR(Rightchannel).

InOutputs,selectyouraudiointerfaceoutputdriver.TheInputandOutputdrivershouldbethesame.

BelowtheOutputsmenu,selectyourdesiredoutputchannels.Forexample,(Channel�,Output�),(Channel�,Output�).

SampleRate:chooseyourdesiredsamplerate(AmpliTubeX-GEARwillsup-portsamplefrequenciesupto96kHz).

BufferSize:tochangethebuffersizeofanASIOdevice,clickthePANELbut-tonlocatedontherightofthebuffersizeselector,anditwillgiveyouaccesstotheControlPaneloftheaudiointerfaceyouareusing.

Adjustingthebuffersettingswillchangetheaudiosignallatency.Ingeneralsmaller buffer sizesdeliver a faster response, but extremely small valuescanoverloadyourcomputer,resultinginintermittentaudioclicksandunre-liable systemperformance.Usually, valuesbetween��8and�56give thebestperformance/reliabilitycompromise.

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AmpliTube X-GEAR

2.2.3 Macintosh Audio Configuration

AmpliTube X-GEAR using StompIO as audio interface

IfStompIOisalreadyconnectedandturnedON,yourAmpliTubeX-GEARaudioconfigurationwillalreadybesetforStompIOwithouttheneedtosetupanythingontheAudioSetupwindowonAmpliTubeX-GEAR(figure�.�).

figure�.�

HoweverifyouwanttochecktheaudiooptionsorsetupforanotherAudioInterfaceclickSettings>AudioSetuptoopentheAudiosettingswindow.

NotesaboutSampleRateandBuffersize:

The AmpliTube X-GEAR default audio settings are optimized for lowlatency and good performance. The default audio settings for theStompIOaudiointerfaceonMacOSXare:

Samplerate:48kHzBuffersize:��8samples

The Buffer size value is related to the latency you will hear duringperformance.Abuffersizeof��8samplesshouldbefineonmostmoderncomputersanddeliversquiteafastresponse.

Ifyouexperienceaudiopopsorclickswhileplaying, try increasingthisvaluetothenextstep.If your computer is really powerful and the ��8 value is workingperfectly,youcouldeventrysettingthisvalueto64.However,onlyaveryfastMacwithaperfectlyoptimizedconfigurationwilldeliverastableperformancewithsuchasmallbuffersize,sothisvalueisnot

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AmpliTube X-GEAR

advisableduringaliveshowunlessthereliabilityandperformancehasbeendeeplypreviouslytested.

AmpliTube X-GEAR using any audio interface other than StompIO

Selecttheaudiointerfacesyour’regoingtouseontheInputAudioInterfaceandOutputAudioInterfacesmenus.

YourChannelselectionhastomatchtheaudiointerfacechannelintowhichyourguitar isplugged.Forexample, if theguitar isplugged into the firstaudiointerfaceinput,youshouldselectChannel�,iftheguitarispluggedintothesecondaudiointerfaceinput,youshouldselectChannel�,andsoon.

The Output audio Interfacewill typically be the same as the Input audioInterface. Please select the output for AmpliTube X-GEAR under leftand right channel. Next, select a low Buffer Size value, and a SamplingFrequency (remember that this will be limited by your audio interface/soundcardcapabilities).

SampleRate:chooseyourdesiredsamplerate.(AmpliTubeX-GEARwillsup-portsamplefrequenciesupto96kHz).

Buffer Size: adjusting the buffer settings will change the audio signallatency. In fact, theamountof latencydependson several factors suchascomputer speed and sound card performance. Decreasing the buffer sizevaluewillreducetheamountofsignaldelay.So,theideaistogetthelatencyaslowaspossiblewithoutgettinganyaudioartifacts.Asastartingpoint,a �56buffer size value shouldwork fine.However, considering that eachsetupreactsinadifferentway,pleaseexperimentwithyoursettingsuntilyougetthebestresult.

2.2.4 SpeedTrainer

SpeedTrainer™ is useful to play alongwith songs, to practice your solos orrhythm,orjusttoenjoymakingmusicwithAmpliTubeX-GEAR!Itcanalsobeagreatlearningtool(figure�.4).

figure�.4

TheSpeedTrainerControls(figure�.5)includeOpenAudiobutton(figure�.6)toopenanaudiofile,filePlayandPausebuttons,andA/Bbuttonsforsettingalooppointwithintheaudiofile.

figure�.5 figure�.6


AmpliTube X-GEAR

AudiofilescanbesimplydraggedfromthesystemtotheSpeedTrainerwave-formdisplay.NOTE:youcandragonlyoneaudiofileatatime.

WhenyouopenordraganaudiofileintoSpeedTraineryouwillseeitswave-formprogressivelydisplayed.SpeedTrainerwillbeinLoadingstatus,untiltheentirefileisdisplayedintheWaveformdisplay.

WhentheSpeedTrainerdisplaystheReadystatusyouarereadytoplayyourfile.

A/B repeat (figure�.7).

BypressingAduringfileplayback,theLoopStartMarkerismemo-rizedandasignisplacedonthetimeline.TheAbuttonwillbehigh-lighted(figure�.8).

BypressingBduringfileplaybacktheLoopEndMarkerismemorizedandasignisplacedonthetimeline.Inthiscase,theBbuttonwillbehighlighted(figure�.9).

BypressingAandthenBjustafterhavingopenedanaudiofile,AandBmarkerswillbeautomaticallyplacedatthebeginningandattheendoftheopenedfile,tolooptheentirefile(figure�.�0).

figure�.�0

AssoonastheBpointisplaced,theplaybackwillimmediatelystartfromA,playinguptoBandthenreturningtoAuntilthePauseorPlaybuttonispressed(figure�.��).

PressingClearerasestheA/Bpointsanddisablestheloopplayback(figure�.��).

2.2.5 Loop Trimming

Afteryouset theA (LoopStartMarker)andB(LoopEndMarker),youareabletomakesmalladjustmentsbyholdingthemouseontopofthemarkersign,andthendraggingthemhorizontally(figure�.��).

figure�.��

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figure�.7

figure�.8

figure�.9

figure�.��

figure�.��


AmpliTube X-GEAR

IfyouclickonordragtheAorBmarkers,theirpositionwillbeshownintheTimeDisplay(figure�.�4),locatedbelowthefilename(figure�.�5).

2.2.6 Waveform Display

TheaudiofilepeakwaveformisdisplayedasanaverageoftheL&Rchan-nels. Thismeans that youwill see it as only onewaveform, even if youraudiofileisstereo(figure�.�6).

figure�.�6

Additionally,thereareHorizontalZoomInandOutbuttons.TheZoomIn(+)andZoomOut(-)arelocatedbelowthewaveformdisplay,ontheleftside(figure�.�7).TheZoomLevelrangeisfromx�tox��andisshownontheSelectedParameterDisplay(figure�.�8).

TheHorizontalScrollBarwillallowyou tomove the file into thedisplay.WhiledraggingtheHorizontalScrollBar(totherightorleft),thewaveformwill followyourmovements,withouthaving to release themouseclick toupdatethewaveformvisualization(figure�.�9).

2.2.7 Tempo and Pitch Adjustment

Through the AmpliTube X-GEAR SpeedTrainer, you are able to indepen-dentlychangetheTempoandPitchofyouraudiofile.

Whileyouareplayingyouraudiofile,movetheTempoknobfrom50%to�50%(figure�.�0).Increasingthe%valuewillspeedupthetempoandviceversa.TheTempodefaultpositionis�00%,atcenter.

Forexample,youcanextract theaudiofromyourguitarmethodCD,opena file,andchange the tempoofaparticularexercise. In thisway,youcanmeasureyourprogress,speedingupthe trackgradually,asyour technicalskillsincrease.

ThePitchadjustablerangegoesfrom–��semitones(oneoctavedown)to+��semitones(oneoctaveup),anditsDefaultpositionis0,atcenter(figure�.��).

In thisway,youareable topracticeyour favoriteartist’s songs in severalkeys, increasingyour transpositionskillsand improvingyoumusicianshipcapabilities,orquicklychangebetweensongswithouthavingtoretuneyourguitartoeachnewtrack.

NOTE:PitchandTempochangeswillnotalteryourstoredA/Blooppoints.

figure�.�4

figure�.�5

figure�.�7

figure�.�8

figure�.�9

figure�.�0

figure�.��


AmpliTube X-GEAR

2.2.8 Values Indication

AlltheSpeedTrainerControlsaswellastheMetronomeVolumevalueareshownontheSelectedParameterdisplaylocatedunderthepeakmeter.Forinstance,ifyoumovetheSpeedTrainerVolumeknob(figure�.��),itsvaluewillbereflectedinthisdisplay(figure�.��).

2.2.9 Peak Meter

The Peak Meter shows the audio file playback instantaneous peak level(figure�.�4).

2.2.10 Metronome

You can turn on the Metronome by clicking on the On button, and thenmodifyitsTempo(viaitsTempoknob)anditsvolume(throughitsVolumeknob),(figure�.�5).

Tempovaluesaremeasuredinbeatsperminute(BPM),anditsrangegoesfrom�0 to ��0BPM. Tempo values are shown in theMetronomedisplay.However, thevolumevaluesareexpressed in% (from0 to�00%) in theSelectedParameterdisplay.

NOTE: theMetronomeTempo is linked to the Tapbutton, but there isNOrelationshipbetweentheMetronomeTempoandtheSpeedTrainerTempo.

InAmpliTubeX-GEARStandaloneversion,youareabletochangetheBPMTempoin4differentways:

-InSettings/Preferences(figure�.�6):

figure�.�6

figure�.��

figure�.��

figure�.�4

figure�.�5


AmpliTube X-GEAR

�.TypingtheBPMvalueintheTempoboxandthenclickingOK.�.ClickingtheTapbutton(atleast5times)withasteadypulseandthen clickingOK. The recognizedBPM valuewill be displayed intheTempofield.

-InthemainAmpliTubeX-GEARwindow(youhavetoclosetheprevi-ouslyopenedPreferenceswindow):

�.OnyourcomputerkeyboardpresstheCapslockkeyandtaptheUPPERCASETkeyatleast5times.4. Hold the Shift key and tap the UPPERCASE T key at least 5times.

TIP: as a learning tool, you can use AmpliTube X-GEAR Metronome toincrease your technical skills. For the example, you can create a weeklyroutineanddesignaProgressRecord.

2.2.11 Status Bar

As aforementioned in Chapter �, the Status Bar (bottom area) of theAmpliTubeX-GEARinterfacecontainstheSpeedTrainerimportprocesssta-tusmessage(e.g.,Ready),theInputgainvalue,andtheCPUloaddisplay.

Import process status messageIn this portion of the bottom area, it will be displayed the SpeedTrainerimportprocessstatusmessage,e.g.Ready(figure�.�7).

Input gainThisparameterisglobalanditnotstoredtoeachAmpliTubeX-GEARpreset,so that you can switch instrumentwhileplaying livewithout theneed toretouchallinputsensitivityforallpresets.CheckTheStompIOUserManualforadditionaldetailedinformationonhowthisworksandhowitcanbesetfromtheStompIOpanelwhileplayinglive.

The Input gain value will be updated while changing its valuethroughtheStompIOpanel.If the StompIO is connected, the Input gain value can ONLY bechangedthroughtheStompIO.IftheStompIOisNOTconnected,theInputgainvaluecanbechangedfromtheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterface(justclickanddragitsvalue,from0to�4dB)(figure�.�8).

Asreference,pleasecheckthesesettingsformostpopularinstruments:

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figure�.�7

figure�.�8


AmpliTube X-GEAR

Instruments Input gain valuesActiveguitars/basses,orwithguitarshavingveryhothumbuckerspickups 0dB

Passivehumbuckerguitars,e.g.,Gibson®LesPaul® 5dBPassivesinglecoilguitars,e.g.,Fender®Stratocaster® 8dBExtremelylowoutputvintagepickupsequippedoninstrumentslikevintageStrats ��dB

NOTE: to quickly set the input levelwhile playing livewith the StompIO,pleasechecktheStompIOmanual.

CPU load displayPleaserefertochapter�.9(Preferences)fortipsonhowtomanagetheCPUload(figure�.�9).

figure�.�9

2.2.12 Auto Start-Up

WhenplayinglivewithStompIOitcouldbeusefulhavingtheComputertoautomatically launchAmpliTubeX-GEARatpowerup.ThiswillallowyoutouseStompIOwithoutusingacomputerscreenonstage,oramouse/key-boardsetup.

Windows: copy the AmpliTube X-GEAR icon to the Start-Up group in theStartmenu.

MacOSX:addAmpliTubeX-GEARtothecurrentUser“Log-In”itemslist.

ThiswillmakeAmpliTubeX-GEARtoautomatically launchandconnect toStompIOatcomputerpowerup.Whendoingthisremembertoalwayscon-nectandturnonStompIObeforeturingonthecomputer.

2.3 Plug-in Mode

2.3.1 Starting AmpliTube X-GEAR in your host application

2.3.1.1 Pro Tools

LaunchProTools®andcreateyournewsession. Ifplaying/recordinggui-tar, create a mono audio track. Go to Insert/Plug in/Harmonic and select“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”MonoorMono/Stereo.TheAmpliTubeX-GEARinter-


AmpliTube X-GEAR

facewillthenopen.IfyouareusingProToolsLE,whenthetrackisplacedintherecordmonitor,youwillbeabletoheartheeffectwhilerecording.

TIP:ifyouareusingProToolsTDMandrecordingaguitartrackwhilelisten-ingtoAmpliTubeX-GEAR,youshouldinsertaTDMplug-inlikeDigidesign’s“TRIM”beforeAmpliTubeX-GEARRTAS.Thiswill letyouhearAmpliTubeX-GEARRTASwhile recordingonaTDMsystem.OtherwiseProToolswillbypass theRTASplug-in (AmpliTubeX-GEAR in this case) as soonas thetrackisRECORDenabled.

2.3.1.2 Digital Performer

LaunchDigitalPerformer™(4.�ornewer)andcreateyournewsession.GototheMixerView.Onyouraudiotrack,selectyourAudiointerfaceInputandOutputs,andadd“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”asaninsert.TheAmpliTubeX-GEAReditwindowwillautomaticallyopen.Youwillbeabletoheartheplug-inontheaudioyou’rerecordingorplayingback.

TIP: inorder to takeadvantageof the stereo capabilitiesofAmpliTubeX-GEAR,suchascabinetpanningandstereorackFX,opentheplug-inasMonotoStereowheninsertedonmonotracks,oropenitonstereotracks.

2.3.1.3 Logic

LaunchLogic®. Insert “AmpliTubeX-GEAR”on thedesired track from themixer window. The AmpliTube X-GEAR edit window will automaticallyopen.

TIP: in order to take advantage of the stereo capabilities of AmpliTubeX-GEAR, such as cabinet panning & stereo rack FX, open the plug-in asMono->Stereowheninsertedonmonotracks,oropenitonstereotracks.

2.3.1.4 Cubase

LaunchCubase®.Click on the audio or instrument track youwish to addAmpliTubeX-GEARto.Intheinspectorwindowontheleft,clickonthedarkbluebarthatsays“Inserts”orclickonthe“e”buttonbesidethetracknameatthetopoftheinspector.

Once the inserts are visible (under the insert menu on the Inspector, orontheleftsideoftheaudiochanneleditorwindow)clickonemptyinsert.Select“AmpliTubeX-GEAR.”Atthispoint,ifyouplaybackaudio,youshouldbeabletoroutesoundthroughyourAmpliTubeX-GEARplug-in.

TIP: inorder to takeadvantageof the stereo capabilitiesofAmpliTubeX-GEAR,suchascabinetpanning&stereorackFX,insertitonastereotrackorstereogroupstracks.


AmpliTube X-GEAR

2.3.1.5 Nuendo

LaunchNuendo®,openanewproject,thengotoProject/Addtrack/Audio,select youraudio track configuration (mono/stereo)and clickOK.Clickon“Inserts” toexpandthemenu,andthenclickonthedarkblueareabelow“i�”toseetheavailableplug-inlist.SelectAmpliTubeX-GEARsoitopens.Toopen/closeitsinterfaceclickonthe“e”button.

TIP: inorder to takeadvantageof the stereo capabilitiesofAmpliTubeX-GEAR,suchascabinetpanningandstereorackFX,insertitonastereotrackorstereogroupstracks.

2.3.1.6 Live

LaunchLive®andclickononeoftheaudioorvirtualinstrumenttracksinthe“MixerDropArea.”Noticeinthe“TrackView”(bottomwindow),thetext“DropAudioEffects”appears.

Now,inthe“BrowserWindow”(windowonthelefthandsideofthescreen),click thePlug-inBrowserbutton (it looks likeanelectricplug).Browse to“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”andclick/dragitintothe“TrackView.”OnceAmpliTubeX-GEARloads,itwillappearasa“Device”withanXYcontrolleronit.

Toopen/closetheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterfaceclickthe“editplug-inpanel”(smallwrench)buttonatthetopoftheDevicewindow.

2.3.1.7 GarageBand

LaunchGarageBand®,andgo to Track/NewTrack. Set up thiswindow inthefollowingway:clickonRealInstrument,MonitorOn,ExpandtheDetailsmenu,andUnchecktheEchoandReverbeffect.Select“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”fromthe�rdor4theffectsdropdownmenu,checkitsleftbox,andclicktheCreatebutton.

Play your guitar - you should now be able to monitor it. To open theAmpliTube X-GEAR interface, double click the track (the track info win-dowwillpopup)andclickonthepencil iconlocatedtotheright,andtheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterfacewillopen.

2.3.1.8 SonarLaunchSonar®andcreateyournewsession.Open theConsole (pressingALT+�)and locate theaudiotrack towhichyouwishtoaddAmpliTubeX-GEAR.Right click into the FX Insert Area (the dark square located in theAudiotrack’supperarea)andchoose“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”fromtheAudioFXsub-menu.TheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterfacewillthenappear.

2 - Getting started��

AmpliTube X-GEAR

2.3.1.9 Acid

LaunchAcid™, and go to Insert\Audio track. Then go to Insert again andselectAssignableFX,doubleclicktheVSTfolder,select“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”andthenclickonAdd/Ok.TheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterfacewillopen.

2.3.1.10 Tracktion

LaunchTracktion®,openaprojectanddrag the“new filter” from the toprightareatotheselectedaudiotrack.Whentheplug-inslistappears,select“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”soitsinterfacewillopen.Tomonitoryourguitar,click“R”fromyourselectedtrackinputdevice(leftarea).

2.3.1.11 RiffWorks Standard

LaunchRiffworksStandard®,andclickontheHardwarebutton(locatedatthebottomoftheinterface)toturnitoff.ThenclickonthelittleAMPdownarrowandselect“AmpliTubeX-GEAR”fromthe“other”category.

2.4 Hands-On Examples

Nowthatyou’velearnedthebasicconceptsaboutAmpliTubeX-GEARstand-alonemodeaswellashowtoinsertitasaplug-ininyourhostapplication,let’sstartwiththefollowinghands-onexample:clickonthePresetsSelectorandchooseonepreset.

2.4.1 Selecting Amps

Now, let’s change theampand its components. Clickon theAMPmodulebuttonlocatedbelowthesignalchaindisplay(figure�.�0).

figure�.�0


AmpliTube X-GEAR

Select another amplifier from the Pre Model menu, e.g., AmpliTube JimiHendrix/AmericanVintageT(figure�.��).

figure�.��

Then,turnofftheEQModel’sMatchswitchandselectAmpliTube�/BritishTube�0TBpreset(figure�.��).

figure�.��


AmpliTube X-GEAR

To change the PowerAmpModel, turn off theAmpModel’sMatch switchand select AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix / Tube �00W 6L6 D (figure �.��), forinstance.

figure�.��

2.4.2 Choosing the Cabinet

To explore the speaker cabinet options, click on the CAB module button(figure�.�4), turnoff theMatchswitch,andnavigate throughthespeakermodels using theUp/Down arrow keys. Select Ampeg SVX / SVT – 8�0E,(figure�.�5),forexample.

figure�.�5

Afterthat,experimentwithdifferentmicrophonesettings.SelectAmpliTube

figure�.�4


AmpliTube X-GEAR

JimiHendrix/Ribbon�60fromtheMicModelmenu(figure�.�6)andmodifyitspositionand/oritsdistanceusingtheOn/OffAxisandNear/Farswitches.Toadjusttheamountofroomambiencethatismixedwiththemicrophonesignal,movetheAmbienceslidertothedesiredposition.

figure�.�6

2.4.3 Adding Effects

You canexpand the sound spectrumof your rig by addingeffects via theSTOMPandRACKmodules.

ClickontheSTOMPmodulebuttonfromtheModuleSelector(figure�.�7).ClickonthefirstselectableeffectslotandchooseAmpliTube�/Wah.ClickonthesecondselectableeffectslotandselectAmpliTubeJimiHendrix/Octa-V.Click on the third selectable effect slot and choose Ampeg SVX /Overdrive(figure�.�8).

figure�.�8

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figure�.�7


AmpliTube X-GEAR

Afterthat,youareabletoadd�morevirtualstompsinordertogetyoursignaturesound.

Toaddaneffectat theendof thechain,clickontheRACKmodulebuttonfromtheModuleSelector(figure�.�9).

Thereare4rackunitsavailableperrig,thismeansthatifyouareusingadual-rigconfigurationyoucansetupto8effectssimultaneously.

Toloadarackeffect,clickthedisplaytotheleftsideoftherack(figure�.40)andselectfromthedropdownmenu,orclicktheUp/Downarrowstoscrollthroughtheeffects(figure�.4�),e.g.,AmpliTubeJimiHendrix/RotarySpeaker.

figure�.4�

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figure�.�9

figure�.40

3 - Input/Output Interface �7

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 3 Input/Output Interface

3.1 I/O Interface

The Input/Output interface provides more than just volume controls. Itincludes a noise gate, a selected parameter display, an integrated tunerdisplay, independent volume and pan, phase andmix knobs, and plug-inparametersandversioninformation(figure�.�).

figure�.�

3.2 Connecting Your Guitar and Adjusting Your Levels

Using AmpliTube X-GEAR and StompIO

Plugyourguitar/bassintoStompIOIn(Rearpanel)Read StompIO manual about how to set the Input level. This is aGlobalsetup,notstoredtothePatches,andyouonlyneedtochangeitwhileswitchinginstruments.TheInputgainvaluedisplayedonAmpliTubeX-GEARinterface(bot-tomarea),canONLYbechanged/updatedthroughStompIO(whenitisconnected).To change thePreset Input level, use theAmpliTubeX-GEAR Inputlevelknob,locatedontheI/OInterface.

Using AmpliTube X-GEAR with an Audio Interface other than StompIO

Plug your guitar/bass into a Hi-Z input, Instrument input, or aMicrophone XLR input (ONLY if you are using an active DI BOXbetweentheguitar�/4”PlugandtheMicXLRinput).DoNOTuseRegularLineinputs.NEITHER-�0dBnor+4dBinputscanbeusedforyourguitar.TherearetwooptionstooptimallysetupyourGlobalInputlevel:

DecreasetheAmpliTubeX-GEARInputGainvalueto0dB(justclickanddragitsvalue)andincreasetheaudiointerfacegainknob up to the point where the clipping LED starts blinking(usually, when you play extremely hard, e.g., doing strongdownstrokes).After,decreasetheaudiointerfacegainlevelalittlebitsoyoucanavoidclipping.Keep the AmpliTube X-GEAR Input Gain value at +6 dB(default)andmodifytheaudiointerfacegainknobaccordingly,toavoidclipping.

To change thePreset Input level, use theAmpliTubeX-GEAR Inputlevelknob,locatedontheI/OInterface.

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AmpliTube X-GEAR

Tosummarize:

IfyouareusingAmpliTubeX-GEARandStompIO,theGlobalInputLevelisdeterminedbytheStompIOrelatedsetting.

IfyouareusingAmpliTubeX-GEARwithanotheraudiointerface,theGlobalInputLevel isdeterminedby theaudio interfacegainplus theAmpliTubeX-GEARInputGainvalue.

ThePresetInputLevelisdeterminedbytheAmpliTubeX-GEARInputlevelknob(locatedontheI/OInterface),independentlyoftheaudiointerfaceinuse.

3.3 Selected Module Pan and Volume

Foradded flexibility, youareable to control thevolume foreachselectedmodule (figure �.�). The Volume control fine tunes the output level onanymodule. ThePan control adjusts thepanposition on stereomodules.However, only theCABandRACKmodules canbepanned.Usually, thesecontrolsshouldbekeptattheirdefaultcenterposition.

3.4 Phase

ThePhasecontrol (figure�.�) isnormallysetatzero(center),consideringthatcouldbeapositiveornegativevalue.

TodelaytheDirectsignal,adjustthePhaseControltonegativevalues.TodelaytheCabinetsignal,adjustthePhaseControltopositivevalues.

Asanexample,youcanusethePhasecontrolwithdualCabinetssetupstocreatestereosoundsbydelayingoneCabinet(adjustthePhaseControltopositivevalues)byafewmillisecondsinrespectoftheotherone.Inaddi-tion,youcanusethiscontroltoexperimentwithdelaybetweentheDirectandCabinetsoundsonbasssounds.

NOTE:thiscontrolhastobeusedinconjunctionwithMix.

3.5 Mix

TheMix control (figure �.4) is normally set at zero as itmixes the signalcapturedbytheCabmodelmicrophonewiththedirectsignaltakenfromtheStompsoutput.Thisismainlyusefulwithbassampstomixthedirectsignalwiththecabinetone,butcouldbeinterestingalsooncertainkindofguitarsoundsaswell.

NOTE:thiscontrolhastobeusedinconjunctionwithPhase.

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3 - Input/Output Interface �9

AmpliTube X-GEAR

3.6 Using Noise Gate

ThroughtheNoiseGate,youareabletominimizetheamountofunneces-sarynoise,especiallyifyouareusinghighgain(figure�.5).

THRESH. (Threshold):setsthethresholdlevelforthesignal.Whenthesignaldropsbelowthesetthresholdlevel,thenoisegatesilencesthesignal. Usually, keep the threshold level at the lowest possible value(fullycounterclockwise)andset ithigheronlywhenyouneedtoacti-vatethegate.

REL. (Release):setsthegatereleasetime.Highervalueswillresultinagatethattakesalongeramountoftimetocloseagain,whentheinputsignaldropsbelowthethreshold.

3.7 Tune

TuneprovidesasmallrepresentationoftheTUNERmodule,makingiteasytotuneupwithouthavingtochangethemoduleyouareworkingon.

Itdisplaysthedetectednotename,andalsoprovidesyouwithagraphicalrepresentationofthefinetuning(figure�.6).

WhentheOKarrowlightilluminates,thetuningiswithin+/-4cents.

3.8 Selected Parameter Display

Every time that you adjust a STOMP,AMP, CAB (Ambience only) orRACKparameter,theactualvaluewillbedisplayed(includingtheunitmeasure-mentwhenitisnecessary)intheSelectedParameterDisplay.

Forexample,ifyouincreasetheAMPmodulelevel,adB(Decibel)abbrevia-tionwillappearontherightofthevalue(figure�.7).

Also, if you tweakany Input/Output Interfaceknobsuchas Input, Thresh,Rel, Pan, Level, and Master, their values will be shown in the SelectedParameterDisplay.

figure�.5

figure�.6

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3 - Input/Output Interface40

AmpliTube X-GEAR

3.9 Preferences

ThroughthePreferencesmenu(figure�.8),youareabletoenable/disablethefollowingoptions(figure�.9):

figure�.9

Stomps,Pre,andAmpOversamplingHighResolutionCabinetGlobalBypassTempoSource:Host/GlobalorPreset

Stomps, Pre, and Amp Oversampling

Enablingoversampling improves thesoundqualitysignificantlywhenthesignal isheavilydistorted.However, itwill increaseyourCPU load. Ifyouusehighgainsoundsand thedistortionobtainedbyusingapreamplifiersuchasthe“BritishLeadS�00,”wesuggestenablingthePreOversamplingoption.

Oversampling is enabled by default on preamplifiers, and disabled onstompsandpoweramplifiers.

TIP:youcandisableOversamplingwhenworkingonasessioninreal-timeandactivateitjustbeforebouncingthefinalmix.

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3 - Input/Output Interface 4�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

High Resolution

Enabling“HighResolution”willimprovethedynamicandmusicalresponseofthepoweramplifiers,buttheCPUusagewillbesomewhathigher.PleasedisableHighResolutiononlyifyourcomputerdoesnothavesufficientCPUpowerforthecurrentsession.

HighResolutionisenabledbydefault.

Cabinet Global Bypass

This option allows you to enable/disable the AmpliTube X-GEAR speakeremulation.Forexample,whenyouplayliveusingStompIOwitharegularguitar cabinet youmaywant todisableall speaker emulations inside theAmpliTube-XGEAR rig.Disabling CabinetGlobalBypasswill force all CabmodulesintoBypass,despitewhatiswritteninthePresetorPatch.

ThisoptionisalsoselectablefromtheStompIOpanel.

Tempo Source

This option allows you to select between Host/Global and Preset Temposource.

Host/Global:theBPMSyncTemposourceistheHostApplicationTempo,(thetempooftheapplicationintowhichAmpliTubeX-GEARisinsertedasaplug-in).

TheHost/GlobalBPMvalueisdisplayedontherightsideofthePresetselectorin“Gray”color(figure�.�0).

figure�.�0

WhenyouuseAmpliTube-XGEARasstandalonewiththeStompIO,thedefaultGlobaltempois��0BPM.YouwillfindthistempowhenturningontheStompIOinGlobalTempomode.

TheLEDontheStompIOPanelontopoftheTAPfoot-switchwillblinkatthecurrentTemporate.

Preset:theBPMSyncTemposourceisthevaluesavedwiththePreset.TheStompIOTempowillbeupdatedwhenloadingtherelatedPatch.

3 - Input/Output Interface4�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

ThePresetBPMvalueisdisplayedontherightsideofthePresetselec-torin“Red”color(figure�.��).

figure�.��

TosaveaBPMvaluetoaparticularPreset,clickPreferences>enablethePresetoption>andclickSave.PutthemousepointerbelowtheBPMvalue,deletethecurrentvalue,insertanewone,andclickSave.

TheLEDontheStompIOPanelontopoftheTAPfoot-switchwillblinkatthecurrentTemporate.

Inbothcases,whentheStompIOisconnected,theTempocanbeoverwrittenbyTAPPINGontheStompIOTAPfootswitch.

3.10 Information (“I”)

ToopentheInfopage,clickonthe“I”button(figure�.��).Youwillfindtheproductname, its versionnumber,and the related copyrightnotes (figure�.��).

figure�.��

figure�.��

3 - Input/Output Interface 4�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

3.11 Lock

If you are running the software in demo mode, and you click on theLock button (figure �.�4), the Product Authorization Wizard will appear.However,ifyoualreadyregisteredandauthorizedyourproduct,clickingonthe Lockbuttonwill showyou theproduct SerialNumber,Digital ID, andAuthorizationCode(figure�.�5).

figure�.�5

Important note: the amount of gear models that AmpliTube X-GEARwilldisplay isbasedon the“PoweredbyAmpliTube”applications installedonyourcomputer.So,pleaseRegisterandAuthorizeeachof thembeforethe�0daysdemoperiodexpires,soyoualwayshavetheentiresetofoptionsavailable.

figure�.�4

3 - Input/Output Interface44

AmpliTube X-GEAR

4 - Module Selector 45

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 4 Module Selector

TheModuleSelectorperformsmultiplefunctions(figure4.�):first,itallowsyoutoselectthedifferentmodulesinAmpliTubeX-GEAR;second,itdisplaysthe dual signal paths, third; it allows you to select eight different signalpaths.

figure4.�

4.1 Dual Signal Paths

AmpliTubeX-GEARprovides two discrete signal paths; each one contain-ingSTOMPbox,AMP,CAB,andRACKmodules.Throughtheeightavailablepresets, these two signal paths can be configured in multiple variationsallowinga tremendousamountof flexibility.This isavery important fea-turebecauseitallowsyoutorouteyourguitarsignaltomultipleamplifiersor cabinets; create twoseparate six stomppedal setupsor createonebigtwelvepedalsetup.

ThePresetbuttons locatedto the leftof theModuleSelectorallowyoutochangethesignalpathoftheguitarrig(figure4.�).

Clickingontheindividualbuttons(from�to8)orusingtheUp/Downarrowswillallowyoutoselectdifferentsignalpaths.

Theavailableroutingsare:

allstompeffectsandrackeffectsintooneamprig.twoseparateampsetups.allstompeffectsandrackeffectsintooneamprigwithbothcabi-nets.allstompeffectsandrackeffectsintobothamprigs.twoseparatestompeffectssetups intooneampwith twocabinetsetups.twoseparateampsetupswithseparatestompsintotwoindepen-dentrackeffects.twoseparatestompeffectssetupsintotwoseparateamprigsintoalltherackeffects.twoseparatestompeffectssetupsintooneampsetupwithalltherackeffects.

�.�.�.

4.5.

6.

7.

8.

figure4.�

4 - Module Selector46

AmpliTube X-GEAR

4.2 Selecting Modules

Oncethesignalpathfortheguitarrigissetup,youcaneasilynavigatethedifferentAmpliTubeX-GEARmodulesvia theModuleSelector. To selectaparticularmodule,justclickonit(figure4.�).

figure4.�

Thisoptionallowsyoutoeasyaccesstoanymoduleoneitherofthedualsignal path. Clickingon themodule buttonsbelow (TUNER, STOMP,AMP,CAB,andRACK)selectsthefirstmoduleofthetwoavailableinthechain.

5 - Preset Manager 47

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 5 Preset Manager

ThePresetManager (figure5.�) allowsyou to controlAmpliTubeX-GEARpresets.

figure5.�

5.1 Loading Presets

Toloadapreset inAmpliTubeX-GEAR,clickonthePresetSelector(figure5.�)andchoosefromthedropdownmenu,orclicktheUp/Downarrowsandscrollthroughtheavailablepresets.

figure5.�

5 - Preset Manager48

AmpliTube X-GEAR

5.2 Other Controls

FOLDER: opens thePresetsFolder for immediatemanual interventiononlocation,grouping,naming,andbackupofthepresetfilesviastan-dardOSwindow(figure5.�).

figure5.�

SAVE:savesthecurrentsetupasapreset.Infact,itwillsavetheparam-etersforallthemodulesinAmpliTubeX-GEAR(figure5.4).

figure5.4

SAVE AS:functionsliketheSAVEbuttonbutalwayspromptsforanewnameinthesavedialogue(figure5.5).

figure5.5

5 - Preset Manager 49

AmpliTube X-GEAR

DELETE:deletesthecurrentlyselectedpreset.Rememberthatthiscom-mandcannotbeundone,sobecareful(figure5.6).

figure5.6

5.3 Saving a Preset

ClicktheSAVEbutton(figure5.7).Ifyoujustlaunchedtheprogram,apopupwindowwillappear(figure5.8).

figure5.8

At the topof thiswindow,you can specifya folderwhereyouwould liketosavethepresetorcreateanewfoldertosavein.Inthemiddlefieldonthispopupwindow, type thenameof thepreset.ThebottomfieldmakesAmpliTube X-GEAR auto overwrite when you click SAVE. This will allowyoutosavequicker,butbecareful,asyoucouldunintentionallyoverwritepresetsthatyouwantedtokeep.

ClicktheSAVEbuttoninthepopupwindow.YourpresetisnowsavedanditwillimmediatelyappearinthePresetSelector(figure5.9).

figure5.9

figure5.7

5 - Preset Manager50

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Now, if you click the SAVE button again, the “Are you sure you want toreplace (name of the previously saved file will appear here)?” messagewillappear(figure5.�0).ClickYEStoreplacetheoldpresetwithyournewchanges,orclickNOtopreservetheoriginal.

figure5.�0

If youwant to keep several versionsof aparticularpreset, clickSAVEASandrenametheactualpreset,e.g.“presetname”�,“presetname”�,“presetname”�,etc.

6 - Modules 5�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 6 AmpliTube X-GEAR Modules

AmpliTubeX-GEARincludes5modules:TUNERSTOMPAMPCABRACK

ThroughtheAmpliTubeX-GEARSTOMP,AMP,CAB,andRACKmodules,youareabletomixandmatchallthegearmodelsincludedineach“PoweredbyAmpliTube”application,andcontrolthemfullywithStompIO.

Specifically,youareabletomixandmatchmodelsinthefollowinglocations:

STOMPModule:effectsslots,whereitsays“empty”(figure6.�).

figure6.�

AMPModule:PreModel,EQModel,andAmpModel(figure6.�).

figure6.�

CABModule:SpeakerModelandMicModel(figure6.�).

figure6.�

RACKModule:rackdisplay,whereitsays“empty”(figure6.4).

figure6.4

For additional information about each stomp, amp, cab, and rack modelas well as their controls, please read their respective User Manual. Forexample,ifyouwanttoexpandyourknowledgeabouttheUni-Vstomp,gototheAmpliTubeJimiHendrixUserManual,Chapter7.

�.�.�.4.5.

6 - Modules5�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.1 TUNER Module

ThefirstmoduleinAmpliTubeX-GEARistheTuner(figure6.5).

figure6.5

Toaccessthetuner,clicktheTUNERbuttononthemoduleselector.Thistunerisafullyautomaticchromatictuner,meaningthatthereisnoneedtomanuallyselectthenoteyouaregoingtotune.Thetunerwillautomaticallydetectandshowwhichnoteyou’replaying.OntheleftthereisanOn/Offswitchforthetuner(figure6.6).SettingtheswitchtotheONpositionwillturnontheTuner.

ThereisaMutecontrolaswell(figure6.7).Thismakesitpossibletosilencetheguitarsignalwhiletuning,averyusefulfeatureforliveperformance.TheseBypassandMutecontrolsarethesamecontrolsthatappearonthetoprightsideoftheAmpliTubeX-GEARinterface(figure6.8).

UndertheOn/OffandMutecontrols,TUNEdisplaysthetuningreferencebeingused.Thedefaultreferenceis440Hz.Thiscanbeadjustedbyclickingonthedisplay.Acursorwillappear:usebackspaceandcursorbuttonstomoveandeditthevalueenteringnumbers.Thestandardandmostcommontuningrefer-enceis440Hz,andthepossiblerangeisfrom4�5to455Hz(figure6.9).

Therightsideofthetunerdisplaysthedetectednotevalueandthefine-tuningincents(figure6.�0).ThisisalsovisibleontheI/OInterfacesectionwiththefine-tuningshowngraphically(figure6.��).

Themain feature in the tuner is thegraphical tuner interface (figure 6.��).Basedonahigh-endrackmounttuner,AmpliTubeX-GEAR’stunerallowsforpreciseandeasytuning.

figure6.��

figure6.6 figure6.7

figure6.8

figure6.9

figure6.�0

figure6.��

6 - Modules 5�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.2 STOMP Module (Stomp Effects)

ThesecondmoduleinAmpliTubeX-GEARistheSTOMPmodule.

ToaccesstheSTOMPmodule,clicktheSTOMPbuttonontheModuleSelector(figure6.��).

figure6.��

TheSTOMPmoduleflexibilityallowsyoutofreelyconfiguresixstomppedaleffectsatatime.Infact,youcanusetheSTOMPmoduleastwoindependentsix pedal stomp setups (figure 6.�4) or as one twelve pedal stomp setup(figure6.�5).Thisisconfiguredbyselectingtheappropriateroutingpresettotheleftofthesignalpathdisplay(figure6.�6).

figure6.�6figure6.�5figure6.�4

6 - Modules54

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Thesixstompeffectslotsaredisplayedinthemoduleinterfaceas“empty”slotsonawoodenpedalboard(figure6.�7).

figure6.�7

To select a stompunit, clickoneachof the six stompslots (where it says“Empty”),selecta"PoweredbyAmpliTube"application,andchooseoneofthestompmodels(figure6.�8).

figure6.�8

Another navigation option is to scroll through the different stomp boxesusingtheUp/Downarrows(figure6.�9).

figure6.�9

6 - Modules 55

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Like the actual gear itself, each stomp effect’s controls are displayed onthe stompbox (figure6.�0).Whenyouadjust a rotaryor slide control onthe stompbox, that control’s value isdisplayed in theSelectedParameterDisplay(figure6.��).

figure6.��

figure6.�0

6 - Modules56

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.3 AMP Module (Amp Head)

6.3.1 Introduction

ToaccesstheAMPmodule,clicktheAMPbuttonontheModuleSelector.Therearetwoseparateamplifiermodulesthatcanbeaccessedindependently(e.g.AmpAandAmpB),orparalleledfordualampsetups.Justselect�ofthe8routingpresetslocatedtotheleftofthesignalpathdisplay(figure6.��).

To facilitate the amplifier models navigation, please read the followinguniversalcontrolsdescriptions:

BYPASS:thiscontroldisablestheAMPmodulefromtheplug-in’ssignal(figure6.��).

EQ MATCH:thiscontrolautomaticallyselectstheassociatedEQsectionfor thepreampthat isselected (figure6.�4).This isveryusefulwhentryingtoquicklyselectaspecificguitarampwithitscorrectEQModel.

figure6.�4

figure6.��

figure6.��

6 - Modules 57

AmpliTube X-GEAR

AMP MATCH:theampmatchcontrolselectstheassociatedpowerampstagefortheselectedpreamp(figure6.�5).

figure6.�5

Thesecontrolssimplifyselectingcompleteguitaramps.Theseareveryuse-fulwhentryingtouseaspecificvintageorboutiqueguitarrig.

6.3.2 Model Components

TheAMPmoduleisdividedintothreeseparatemodels:

PREEQAMP

Thisallowsyoutocreatecustomamps,choosingdifferentcomponentsfromeach“PoweredbyAmpliTube”application.

Thanks to AmpliTube X-GEAR, you can choose a PRE model included inAmpliTube�,andanEQmodelfromAmpliTubeJimiHendrix.

PRE MODEL:thefirststageintheAMPmodule(figure6.�6).Thissectionmodelstheinitialpreampanddrivestagesofthevariousamplifiers.

figure6.�6

�.�.�.

6 - Modules58

AmpliTube X-GEAR

EQ MODEL:theEQstagefollowsthePREModel(figure6.�7).Now,itispossibletodesigntop-notchcustomguitartones.

figure6.�7

AMP MODEL:thefinalstageoftheamplifiermoduleistheAMPmodel(figure6.�8).Asdifferentpowerampdesignsaffectthesoundofagui-taramplifierdifferently,itisextremelyvaluabletohavethispartoftheamplifiermodeledseparately.Now,youcanuseaFender-stylepowerampsectiononaMarshall-stylepreamp.

figure6.�8

6 - Modules 59

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.4 CAB Module (Cabinets + Microphones)

6.4.1 Introduction

ToopenuptheCabinetmodule,clicktheCABbuttononthemoduleselector.There are twomodels in theCABmodule: theSPEAKERMODEL) and theMICMODEL.

6.4.2 SPEAKER MODEL

TheSPEAKERMODEL(figure6.�9)featuresseveralspeakercabinetemula-tions,aplug-inbypasscontrol,andacabinetmatchswitch.

figure6.�9

SPEAKER MODEL:allowsyoutoselectthedifferentcabinetmodels.

BYPASS:bypassestheCABmoduleoftheplug-in.

MATCH:automaticallyselects thecabinet tomatch thepreampthat isselectedintheAMPmodule.

6 - Modules60

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.4.3 MIC MODEL

TheMICMODEL(figure6.�0)featuresseveralmicrophoneresponsemodelswithPosition(On/OffAxis)andDistance(Near/Far)options.

figure6.�0

MIC MODEL:throughthisselector,youareabletoselectthemicrophonemodeltouse(figure6.��).

figure6.��

POSITION:throughthisselector,youareabletochangethepositionofthemicrophoneinrelationshiptotheconeofthespeaker(figure6.��).

ON AXIS:On-Axismeansthatthemicrophoneisinthecenterofthespeaker(figure6.��).Typically,OnAxispositiondeliversamorepres-enttonalbalancewithmorehighfrequencies.ThiscanbetoobrightorharshforsomeAmpsettings,inthiscasetrytheOffAxisposition.

OFF AXIS:Off-Axismeansthatthemicrophoneispositionedattheoutside edge of the speaker (figure 6.�4). This delivers a darker,sweetertonethanOnAxis.

figure6.�� figure6.�4

figure6.��

6 - Modules 6�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

DISTANCE:viathisselector,youcanchangethedistanceofthemicro-phoneinrelationtothespeakercabinet(figure6.�5).

NEAR:nearisobviouslyclosetothespeaker.Usually,Nearpositiondeliversmorebasspresenceduetotheproximityeffect(figure6.�6).

FAR:positionsthemicrophonefurtherawayfromthespeakercabi-net,deliveringalighterbassresponse(figure6.�7).

figure6.�6 figure6.�7

TIPS:If youwant toobtainmorepresentanddetailed clean sounds,youcanvirtuallymicupyourCABusingtheOnAxispositionandClosedistancesettings.Now,ifyoufeelthatthesoundistoobigforyourmix,changethemicdistancetoFar.Ingeneral,extremelyhighgainsoundsmatchwelltogetherwithan Off-Axis position and Close distance settings, (especially ifyouareusingabrightmicrophoneliketheDynamic57).

AMBIENCE:adjuststheamountofroomambiencethatismixedwiththemicrophonesignal(figure6.�8).

TIP:ambienceisSTEREOsotocompletelytakeadvantageofthisfeaturebe sure to use AmpliTube X-GEAR on a stereo track or bus, or use a“MonotoStereo”AmpliTubeX-GEARinstance.

•

•

figure6.�5

figure6.�8

6 - Modules6�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.5 RACK FX Module (Post Effects)

Toaccess theAmpliTubeX-GEARRACKmodule, click theRACKbuttonontheModuleSelector.TherearetwoindependentRACKmodulesfeaturing4stereorackeffectseach.Theycanbeusedindependentlyortogetherforatotalof8rackeffects.

To select a rack unit, click on each of the 4 racks displays (where it says“Empty”), (figure 6.�9) and choose one of the available options or scrollthroughthedifferentrackeffectsusingtheUp/Downarrows(figure6.40).

figure6.40

figure6.�9

7 - Automation 6�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 7 Automation

AmpliTubeX-GEARhaslotsofparameters,morethanwhattypicallyaudiosequencers(DAWs)cansupport.Forthisreason,AmpliTubeX-GEARhasitsowninternalAutomationParameterassignmentwindow(figure7.�).

figure7.�

TheAutomationwindowincludestwopanes.TheLeftPaneiscalledPlug-in,andtheRightPaneiscalledDAWAutomation.

7 - Automation64

AmpliTube X-GEAR

7.1 Left Pane

TheLeftPanedisplaysAmpliTubeX-GEARGlobalandModuleparameters,aswellasalltheStomp,Amp,Cab,andRackModulesgearineachPoweredbyAmpliTubeapplicationinstalledonyourcomputer(figure7.�).

figure7.�

OnLeftPane,youwillbeabletoselectwhichAmpliTubeX-GEARparameteryouaregoingtoassigntoAutomation.

BecauseofAmpliTubeX-GEARdualrigsetup,eachModuleislistedseparatelyasStompA,StompB,AmpA,AmpB,CabA,CabB,andRackA,RackB(figure7.�).

figure7.�

Inadditiontothat,youcanassigntoAutomationeveryparameterofeverymodel in each Powered by AmpliTube application installed on your com-puter!Thisgivesyounearlyinfinitecreativepower!

7 - Automation 65

AmpliTube X-GEAR

7.2 Right Pane

TheRightPaneliststhe�6AutomationparametersthataredeclaredtotheDAW(figure7.4).

figure7.4

Theseparametersnames(Param�toParam�6)arefixedbecausemostDAWsdonotsupportautomationparameternamechangeswhiletheplug-inisopen.

ThroughtheRightPane,youwillbeabletoselectwhichDAWAutomationparameter#you’regoingtousefortheAmpliTubeX-GEARparameterprevi-ouslyselectedontheLeftpane.Forexample,ifyouselectedaChorusontheLeftpaneandthenclickADD,theRightPanewilldisplay:

Param�:Chorus-�(AT�)AChorus(figure7.5).

figure7.5

7 - Automation66

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Thismeans:

Param 1:DAWAutomationparameter#Chorus-1:theselectedStompModel(AT2):nameabbreviationof thePoweredbyAmpliTubeapplicationthatincludestheselectedStompModel.Inthiscase,AmpliTube�.A:RigAChorus:nameoftheparametertobeautomated

7.3 Assignment procedure

ToassignanAmpliTubeX-GEARparametertooneofthe�6DAWAutomationparameters,pleasefollowthesesimplesteps:

�.ClickonAutomation(figure7.6).

figure7.6

�.OnLeftPane,selectwhichAmpliTubeX-GEARparameteryouaregoingtoassigntoAutomation(figure7.7).

figure7.7

•••

••

7 - Automation 67

AmpliTube X-GEAR

�.OnRightPane,selectwhichDAWAutomationparameter#youaregoingtousefortheAmpliTubeX-GEARparameterpreviouslyselectedonstep#�(figure7.8).

figure7.8

4.ClickADDtoestablishtheactualassignment(figure7.9).

figure7.9

7 - Automation68

AmpliTube X-GEAR

5. Click OK to save the setup and close the Automation window (figure7.�0).

figure7.�0

Toremoveaparticularassignment,pleaseselectitandthenclickREMOVE(figure7.��).

figure7.��

Toremovetheentireassignments,clickREMOVEALL(figure7.��).

figure7.��

7 - Automation 69

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Tomoveup/downanassignmentclicktheMOVEUP/MOVEDOWNarrows(figure7.��).

figure7.��

Forexample,ifaWahisassignedto“Param�”,youcanmovetheWahto“Param�”byselecting“Param�”andclickingontheMovedownarrow.Thisisaveryusefulfeaturebecauseitsavesyoutoremovetheassignmentfrom“Param�”andcreateanewassignmentfor“Param�”.

7.4 Assignment Save and Recall

ClickingOKwillsaveandclosetheAutomationwindow.

IfyouareusingAmpliTubeX-GEARasplug-in,theautomationassignmentmapwillbestoredandrestoredtoandfromthesessionyou’reworkingon.

EachAmpliTubeX-GEARinstance is independent fromtheothersandcanhavedifferentAutomationassignmentssetup.ThismeansthatsavingyourDAWsession,will saveeach theautomationsetup foreachAmpliTubeX-GEARinstance.

7.5 Automation with StompIO

AStompIOswitchorpedalactioncouldbewrittentoyouraudiosequenc-er (DAW) automation ONLY if StompIO controls are assigned to activeAmpliTubeX-GEARparameters.

For example, if you are playing a StompIO patch that includes a WahcontrolledbyaStompIOpedal, youneed toassign theWahparameter toautomation(byusingtheAutomationwindow),andsetyourDAWtorecordautomation. In thisway, youwill be able to record yourWahmovements

7 - Automation70

AmpliTube X-GEAR

throughtheStompIOpedal,byactuallyrecordingtheWahparametermove-mentstotheDAWautomation.

8 - MIDI 7�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 8 MIDI

AmpliTubeX-GEARbasicfunctionscanbeMIDIcontrolledviaCC#(ControlChangenumber)MIDImessages.

8.1 MIDI Configuration

MIDIcanbesetup forusinganexternalMIDIcontroller forVolume/Wahchanges, turningeffectsOnandOff,andpreset changes. In thebottomoftheAudioMIDISet-upwindow,selecttheMIDIinputthatisconnectedtotheMIDIcontroller.Now,theLearnbuttoncanbeusedtoassignMIDIcontrollermessagestoeachoftheselectedAmpliTubeX-GEARparameters.

8.2 MIDI Control

To controlAmpliTubeX-GEARbasic functions throughMIDIplease followtheseeasysteps:

�.ClicktheMIDIbutton(figure8.�).

figure8.�

�.Clickontheparameterthatyouwanttocontrol(figure8.�).

figure8.�

8 - MIDI7�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

�.ClicktheLEARNbutton(figure8.�).

figure8.�

4.FromyourMIDIFootControllerorMIDIKeyboardController,selectafader,knob,sliderorswitchandmove/pressit.

5.IntheMIDIControlwindow,theStompASlot�parameterithasnowaspecificCC#valueAssociatedtoit,inthiscase“80”(figure8.4).

figure8.4

8 - MIDI 7�

AmpliTube X-GEAR

6.ClickOK to save theassociationandclose theMIDIControlwindow,orCANCELtoeraseit(figure8.5).

figure8.5

TocontrolmoreAmpliTubeX-GEARparametersthroughMIDI,pleaserepeattheaforementionedsteps.

Note: if you are planning to set several AmpliTube X-GEAR parameters /MIDICC#associationsatthesamemoment,it isnotnecessarytoclickOKaftereachassociation.JustclickOKafteryoufinishallyourassociationsandtheywillbeautomaticallysaved.

TodeleteaparticularAmpliTubeX-GEARparameter/MIDICC#association,selectit,andclickCLEAR(figure8.6).

figure8.6

8 - MIDI74

AmpliTube X-GEAR

TodeleteallAmpliTubeX-GEARparameters/MIDICC#associations,clickCLEARALL(figure8.7).

figure8.7

NotethatAmpliTubeX-GEARMIDIimplementationdescribedhereistotallyindependent anddifferent fromStompIOMIDI, (that is fully describedonStompIO User Manual), and it works independently from StompIO MIDIports.

9 - Troubleshooting 75

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting

Where can I find my IK product Serial Number?

TheSerialNumber iswrittenon theRegistrationCard (includedwithyour IKproduct, inside the licenseenvelope). In the snapshot; pleasecheckitsexactlocation(figure9.�).

figure9.�

�)YoucanfindyourSERIALNUMBERhere

�)AtthebottomoftheregistrationcardalegendhelpsyouidentifythecharactersinyourSERIALNUMBER

Forclearcharactersidentification,pleaseanalyzethelegend.IMPORTANT: the number zero can easily be identified in your SerialNumberbecauseitiscrossedbyaline.

Why is the Wizard rejecting my Serial Number?

Probablybecauseitfoundatypo,sopleaseanalyzethecommonerrors:*Typinga0(“zero”number)insteadofanO(“o”letter)*Typing�(“one”number)insteadofanI(“i”letter)*Typing�(“two”number)insteadofanZ(“z”letter)*Typing5(“five”number)insteadofanS(“s”letter)*Typing8(“eight”number)insteadofanB(“b”letter)*Typinga“.”(point)insteadofa“-”(minus)

9 - Troubleshooting76

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Suggestions:

Wheneverispossible,pleaseCopyandPastetheinformation.Cutoffalltheleadingandtrailingspaces.Please type all codes UPPERCASE during the Installation andRegistrationprocess.Check that theSerial number that you are entering ismatches theproductinstalled.

During the Product Registration process I received this message: The Serial Number is already registered...

Remember that you are able to register your product only once. So, ifyou are trying to get a newAuthorization Code, please go to our FAQpageatwww.ikmultimedia.com/faqandreadthe“HowcanIgetanewAuthorizationCode?”FAQ.

Where can I find my Digital ID?

TheDigitalIDisdisplayedintheAuthorizationwindowofyourIKproduct(figure9.�).

figure9.�

•••

•

9 - Troubleshooting 77

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Why is my Digital ID being rejected during the Online Registration process?

There probably is a typo on it. Remember that theDigital ID hasNOletter“I”and“O”,onlythenumbers“�”(one)and“0”(zero). Inorderto prevent any furthermistakes, please Copy the Digital ID from theAuthorizationFormtotheRegistrationForm.

Where can I find my Serial Number, Digital ID, and the Authorization Code of a registered IK Product?

In your IKproduct interface, locate theAuthorizationbutton (theonewithasmall lockon it)andclickon it. IfyourproductversionhasnoAuthorizationbutton,loginintotheUserArea,andclickAuthorizations.You will be able to check your product Serial Number. Then clickon Request New. You will be able to check the Digital ID and theAuthorizationCodeinformation.

How can I get a new Authorization Code?

PleasegotoourFAQpageatwww.ikmultimedia.com/faqandreadthe“HowcanIgetanewAuthorizationCode?”FAQ.

I have already registered my product online, but I did not get an Authorization Code.

Usually, this happens because the Digital IDwas not submitted dur-ingtheregistrationprocess.InordertogetanewAuthorizationCode,pleasegotoourFAQpageatwww.ikmultimedia.com/faqandreadthe“HowcanIgetanewAuthorizationCode?”FAQ.

I need to log in into the User Area but I forgot my User Name and Password. What should I do?

Pleasegotowww.ikmultimedia.com.OnthenavigationbarclickUserArea.Onthetopleft,pleaseclickonthe"Iforgotmyusernameand/orpassword"link,locatedbelowtheloginbutton.

I have already installed, registered, and authorized my IK product in my main computer. What do I have to do to use my IK product in other computers?

You need to install the program and get a new Authorization Code.PleasegotoourFAQpageatwww.ikmultimedia.com/faqandreadthe“HowcanIgetanewAuthorizationCode?”FAQ.

9 - Troubleshooting78

AmpliTube X-GEAR

I just bought an IK product. What should I do to register and authorize my new product?

Visitourwebsitewww.ikmultimedia.com IntheSupportArea,clickontheProductRegistrationlink.

In the Serial Number field of the Product Registration Form, pleaseinsert the Serial Number written on the Registration Card (includedwith your IK boxed product, inside the license envelope) or the onethathasbeendeliveredtoyou(e.g.Onlinepurchase,suchasaDigitalDelivery,orupdate).

CompletetheRegistrationFormandclickSubmit.

RegardingtheAuthorizationprocess,ifyoualreadytypedyourDigitalID while filling the Product Registration Form, you will receive anemailfromuswithyourAuthorizationCode.Ifnot,afteryoulaunchtheprogramtheProductAuthorizationWizardwillappear.Pleasereadandfollowtheinstructionsprovidedineachofthewizard’swindowsandgetanAuthorizationCode.

10 - Support 79

AmpliTube X-GEAR

Chapter 10 Support

Foranyquestionyoumayhave,pleaserefertotheFAQwebpageat:www.ikmultimedia.com/faqHereyouwillfindanswerstothemostcommonquestions.

TosubmitaTechnicalSupportForm,goto:www.ikmultimedia.com/Support.php

TocontactUSTechSupportServicebyphone,pleasecallat(954)846-9866

ForotherrequestssuchasProduct,Sales,orWebinfo,pleasegoto:www.ikmultimedia.com/ContactIKForm.php

10.1 User Area

TheUserArea isaspecialsectionofourwebsitespecificallydesignedforourusers'needs.

ThroughtheUserArea,eachmemberofourregisteredusersdatabasewillbeableto:

EdityourPersonaldataManageyourproductsAuthorizationCodesDownloadthelatestproductsupdatesandfreecontentTransferyourLicense

ToaccesstheUserAreagoto:www.ikmultimedia.com/userareaor go towww.ikmultimedia.com and clickUserArea from thenavigationbar.

To enter to the User Area for the first time, you have to Log in with theUsernameandPasswordthatyou’vereceivedfromusviaemailafteryourfirstIKproductregistration.IfyouhavealreadychangedyourUsernameandPassword,pleaseuseyourmostcurrentinformationtoLogin.

••••

10 - Support80

AmpliTube X-GEAR

AmpliTube®,AmpliTube®�,AmpliTube®Metal™,andAmpliTube®X-GEAR™aretrademarksorregisteredtrademarkspropertyofIKMultimediaProductionSrl.AMPEG®isaregisteredtrademarkofLOUDTechnologies,Inc.usedunderlicense.SVX™isatrademarkofIKMultimediaProductionSrl.JimiHendrix™nameusedunderlicenseofAuthenticHendrix,LCC.AuthenticHendrix™isatrademarkof©AuthenticHendrix,LLC.Allotherregisteredtrademarksand

trademarksarepropertyoftheirrespectiveowners.www.amplitube.com/x-gear

IK Multimedia Production Srl,Viadell’Industria46,4��00,Modena,Italy.Phone:+�9-059-�85496-Fax:+�9-059-�86�67�

IK Multimedia US LLC,��5�SawgrassCorporatePkwy.Sunrise,FL��Phone:(954)846-9�0�-Fax:(954)846-9077

www.ikmultimedia.com

Allspecificationsaresubjecttochangewithoutfurthernotice.

Documents

AmpliTube X-GEAR User Manual.pdf