AmpliTube for iPad: The Ultimate Guitar Amplifier App

With its vast array of high-quality effects models and intuitive interface, IK Multimedia's AmpliTube has quickly become the go-to choice for guitarists looking to achieve authentic studio-grade tones on-the-go. Now available in two versions - a free Lite edition (AmpliTube LE) and a paid-for CS version with additional features - we take an in-depth look at what sets this powerful amp simulator apart.

The main selling point of AmpliTube is, naturally, its incredible range of emulated guitar amps and effects pedals. Spanning everything from classic American Fender tones to the cranked British overdrive sounds made famous by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clarity, there's something here for every style of player.

The full version - available now on the App Store for $19.99 / £14.99 (or equivalent in your local currency) - includes access to all 45 AmpliTube models as well as a host of other features not found in the free edition. These include support for inter-app audio, allowing you to send signals from third-party apps directly into Ampli Tube; an effects chain with up to eight slots per track (double that when using multiple tracks); global effects on each individual channel; and even full MIDI control via external hardware controllers.

But it's not just about sheer numbers - IK Multimedia has clearly put a lot of effort into recreating the look, feel and sound of these iconic gear units down to every last detail. From the way you flip switches and turn knobs on an amp head or effects pedal through to subtle nuances like how quickly certain parameters respond when you tweak them with your fingers, AmpliTube sounds absolutely stunning.

Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning IK's impressive range of third-party developer tools - these allow other developers (and indeed talented hobbyists) around the world to create and release their own custom effects and amp models for use within Ampliuite. This opens up endless possibilities for users looking to experiment with new sounds outside what comes bundled out-of-the-box.

Overall, we'd highly recommend giving one of IK Multimedia's latest iOS apps a try - whether you're an established studio pro or just starting your journey into music-making on the move, there's something here that'll surely satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. And at under $20 / £15 for the full-fat version (plus whatever additional third-party packs catch your eye), it represents incredible value considering what else you get alongside this killer amp sim engine.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Pros:

- Impressive range of emulated amps and effects

- Intuitive interface makes it easy to achieve great sounding rigs quickly

- Support for inter-app audio and MIDI control via external hardware controllers

Cons:

Nothing major - although some users may find the price tag slightly steep compared to other similar apps on the App Store at this level.

Price: $19.99 / £14.99 (or equivalent in your local currency)

Availability: Download now from iTunes here

System Requirements: iPad 2 or later running iOS 7.0 or higher

Amplitube fender le full