AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop
Key Features
- 42 permanently free gear models spanning stompboxes, amps, cabinets, microphones, rooms, and rack effects
- VIR (Volumetric Impulse Response) cabinet technology using up to 600 IRs per speaker for three-dimensional mic placement modeling
- Drag-and-drop signal chain supporting up to 57 simultaneous models in series, parallel, and wet-dry-wet configurations
- Built-in mixer with 19 T-RackS 5 effects for blending multiple cabinets, mics, and DI signals
- 72-hour try-before-you-buy demos on 400+ gear models from brands like Fender, MESA/Boogie, and Orange
- 8-track recorder, looper with unlimited layers, and precision tuner accurate to 1/100th cent
- ToneNET integration for browsing and sharing presets with a global community of guitarists
Description
AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop by IK Multimedia is a guitar and bass tone studio that delivers 42 permanently free gear models, including 10 stompboxes, 5 amps with matched cabinets, 6 additional cabinets with selectable speakers, 3 movable microphones, 6 rooms, and 6 rack effects. It runs as a standalone application or as a plugin inside any major DAW, giving guitarists and bassists a complete signal chain for practice, recording, and live performance.
The plugin uses IK Multimedia's proprietary VIR (Volumetric Impulse Response) technology, which captures up to 600 impulse responses per speaker to model the three-dimensional interaction between cabinets, speakers, and microphone positions. This delivers cabinet simulations with noticeably more depth and realism than standard IR loaders.
AmpliTube 5's drag-and-drop signal chain supports up to 57 simultaneous models in series and parallel configurations, with wet-dry-wet routing options. The built-in mixer blends multiple cabinets, microphones, and DI signals using 19 effects ported from T-RackS 5, allowing polished studio-quality tones without leaving the plugin.
The Custom Shop storefront lets users demo any of the 400+ available gear models for 72 hours before purchasing, including officially licensed models from Fender, MESA/Boogie, and Orange. Additional tools include an 8-track recorder, a looper with unlimited layers, and an ultra-precise tuner accurate to 1/100th of a cent.
The fully resizable interface scales to any display size, and integration with IK's ToneNET community provides access to thousands of shared presets and tone configurations from other users worldwide.
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Tips
- Experiment with different signal chain configurations to discover unique tones.
- Use the Custom IR loader to import and tweak your own impulse responses for personalized cabinet sounds.
- Take advantage of the built-in mixer to blend multiple cabs, mics, and DI signals for a polished studio sound.
- Utilize the looper to layer tracks and create complex soundscapes.
- Explore the Custom Shop regularly to demo and purchase new gear models that can enhance your sound.
- Save and organize your favorite presets using the new preset browser for quick recall during sessions.
- Integrate AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop with AXE I/O or AXE I/O Solo for improved connectivity and control.
- Use the 8-channel DAW within the plugin to record and mix your tracks without needing an external DAW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear models are included in the free version of AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop?
The free version includes 42 permanent gear models: 10 stompbox effects, 5 amplifiers with matched cabinets, 6 additional cabinets with 4 selectable speakers each, 3 movable microphones, 6 room simulations, and 6 rack effects. IK Multimedia also runs periodic promotions that add bonus models to the free tier.
How does AmpliTube 5's VIR technology differ from standard impulse responses?
VIR (Volumetric Impulse Response) captures up to 600 IRs per speaker, 1,200 for a 2-speaker cab, and 2,400 for a 4-speaker cab. This creates a detailed 3D map of how sound interacts between the speaker, cabinet body, and floor, allowing continuous microphone repositioning rather than choosing from a handful of fixed IR snapshots.
Can I load my own impulse responses into AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop?
Yes. AmpliTube 5 includes a custom IR loader that lets you import third-party impulse responses alongside the built-in VIR cabinets. You can adjust mic position and distance parameters on imported IRs to blend them with the rest of your signal chain.
Does AmpliTube 5 Custom Shop work with ASIO on Windows?
Yes, and an ASIO-compatible sound card is required on Windows for low-latency monitoring in standalone mode. Inside a DAW, latency is handled by the host's audio driver settings. On macOS, Core Audio is supported natively without additional drivers.
