Amplitube 2 Hits-n-Misses

[MickGael]

I'm using an old Strat, but this is beyond that kind of noise. Again, it's most likely my DI setup.

What's your exact setup there? You are going into a hi-z input right? Also have you tried jiggling the cable a bit once in? The cheap pre's on my M-Audio Omni are a little shot and the hi-z input requires some cable finessing to get the noise down, I'm wondering if that's the problem. Also make sure to turn the monitor off and spin around the room some to find the quiet spot for the single coils.

I'm really annoyed I can't demo AT2 myself as I don't have the dongle, but please, let's not have this conversation here, I'm just briefly venting.

FWIW, I use a Trident S40 for my DI into an RME Multiface, and some of the presets are so noisy they are almost useless...

[SJ_Digriz]

Oh, I forgot another MISS.

Scroll wheel support for setting parameters.

[NoBrain2k]

I use my Ibanez RG7321 straight into the front of my Motu 828mk2 Firewire and apart from the earthing problems with my guitar which i need to sort I find the general noise of AT2 to be a great improvement over AT1

[gadget_inspector]

Oh, I forgot another MISS.

Scroll wheel support for setting parameters.

This, reminded me, is there a quick way to set a parameter without using the knobs. For example, if I want to set the delay to 340ms, I find it difficult to accurately hit this with my laptop touchpad as the control surface.

I expected to be able to click on the dial and then directly enter the parameter value in the display field. But this did not work. Is there some special key combo that I am missing? This seems like a basic feature to expect.

Thanks!

[sharkytowers]

Question for the people who've spent some time with this thing, how well does it do that breaking up AC30 or Fender rhthym sound and how good is the JCM800?

The JCM800 model SMOKES the GR2 model. Its a reasonable facsimile of a JCM800. Why they included a 900 is beyond me.

Just make sure you have a good DI and some decent conversion or amp sims sound AWFUL.

[SJ_Digriz]

Oh, I forgot another MISS.

Scroll wheel support for setting parameters.

This, reminded me, is there a quick way to set a parameter without using the knobs. For example, if I want to set the delay to 340ms, I find it difficult to accurately hit this with my laptop touchpad as the control surface.

I expected to be able to click on the dial and then directly enter the parameter value in the display field. But this did not work. Is there some special key combo that I am missing? This seems like a basic feature to expect.

Thanks!

I guess the miss is a lack of input options.

*No MIDI Learn
*No Scroll Wheel support
*No direct param input

These are all pretty standard features.

[Hink]

I use my Ibanez RG7321 straight into the front of my Motu 828mk2 Firewire and apart from the earthing problems with my guitar which i need to sort I find the general noise of AT2 to be a great improvement over AT1

what's up with the guitar? Perhaps I can help ypou get it sorted...

[NoBrain2k]

I use my Ibanez RG7321 straight into the front of my Motu 828mk2 Firewire and apart from the earthing problems with my guitar which i need to sort I find the general noise of AT2 to be a great improvement over AT1

what's up with the guitar? Perhaps I can help ypou get it sorted...

Hey Hink, Cheers. It just buzzes a lot, unless i stick my finger on the metal bit that surronds the jack so its definately an earthing problem. I think I need to open it up and see if i can find a loose connection. what do you reckon?

[Squids]

Funkaroo, I think you'll like the AC30 model. The only thing of course is that almost every AC30 in hardware sounded a little different from another. But, apart from that, it generally gets that Beatlesque 60's JMI AC30 sound pretty nicely.

Some very constructive and valid points made. Nice thread. I agree that stand alone mode would be awesome. I do know that there is a very special stand alone mode coming that integrates with the Stomp IO. For now you can run it in stand alone simply by hosting it in something like Chainer which as a demo version (full functioning as a stand alone host) is free www.xlutop.com I use that all the time. I love that little Chainer! There's other ones (also one for the Mac from someone).

As for the gate, there is a gate (a basic one). What other features are you looking for in a gate? Curious. I suppose something like a Drawmer would be nice. Although that's more of a higher end outboard rack effect. The typical gates guitarists have in pedals are pretty basic.

In terms of comparing to AmpliTube 1 it is a LONG list of things I think are HITS compared to the previous version. One of the biggest is the flexible configuration of the amps and effects. I think with AmpliTube 1 it was more about the amps and the effects were sort of bonus extras to complete the rig. AmpliTube 2 on the other hand is equally strong as a multi-effect unit (not even just for guitarists) as it is an amp modeling plug-in. I mean, being able to configure up to 12 well modeled stomp boxes plus 8 rack effects is really useful.

The other thing that AT2 hits on that I have to say that I haven't heard in ANY other digital sims (and that includes GR, AT2, Pod etc.) is the break up saturation that DSM provides. There's just something about digital sims that is a little tedious on the ears which some variation in the harmonics (especially dynamically) can cure. DSM gets the closest to that. The real thing in hardware still has that magic (especially depending on the amp) and there will always be something special about each one, because each one will have different characterics all their own (talking subtle differences but those are appreciated too). However, in a generally across the board kind of way I find that listening to tracks run through AT2 sound pleasing to the ear and have a professional "album" quality to them. I think it has to do with the variation in the harmonics you get from DSM. It's more animated than you usually hear except from certain great hardware amps.

I am more of a vintage kind of guy when it comes to effects processing. Even on Wurlitzers, Clavs and Rhodes I like to run them through MXR phasers, Boss CE-1s and maybe an amp (would love a really great Leslie sim though). When I record guitarists I like to be able to have complete flexibility in the mix so the sound can really blend with the rest of the track. AmpliTube 2 is incredibly useful as a tool in that regard.

There's always going to be things that we wish a product had. It is good to hear what people think. Obviously there are so many great things about it for the money that even if it doesn't have EVERYTHING (nothing does), it is still worth getting I think (well, each person decides for themselves on that one). Features like scrollwheel support, midi-learn are nice though. Maybe they'll be added in future updates. I know a few things that haven't even been mentioned that are already planned for an update.

Oh by the way, on the CPU usage. Yes, the sheer amount of possibilities and DSP do take up some CPU. You can always experiment with some of the settings such as the resolution in the preferences to get more. Of course, if you have a super fast system and can run it to the max and maybe bounce it to audio that can also be an option. Personally, I am willing to take up some CPU % if it is for quality and quantity of effects in a system like this. That said, I am sure that future updates will optimize CPU in different ways (like the pref options offer now) so that people with all kinds of different computer systems can get the most out of it.

whew... squids mega post of the day.

[Hink]

I use my Ibanez RG7321 straight into the front of my Motu 828mk2 Firewire and apart from the earthing problems with my guitar which i need to sort I find the general noise of AT2 to be a great improvement over AT1

what's up with the guitar? Perhaps I can help ypou get it sorted...

Hey Hink, Cheers. It just buzzes a lot, unless i stick my finger on the metal bit that surronds the jack so its definately an earthing problem. I think I need to open it up and see if i can find a loose connection. what do you reckon?

tbh I would do just that to start, but depending on the age I might go for the complete electronics change except for pick-ups, I mean why not if you already have it open )...I would also get some copper shielding tape and shield the entire cavity and ground the shield and bridge, most guitars have the bridge grounded anyhow though but not shielded. Make sure the back of your pick guard or cavity cover (depends on how you guitar is set up) has shielding and when you shield the cavity overlap the top so when it's in place they make a connection. Switches can get old and short out causing ground problems, as well as jacks. Does it do it with all switch combos?

[SJ_Digriz]

Some very constructive and valid points made. Nice thread.

Hopefully, we can stay on topic. As you note further below, there is a lot to like about AT2. So I don't want to be flame only.

I agree that stand alone mode would be awesome. I do know that there is a very special stand alone mode coming that integrates with the Stomp IO.

I'll repeat that I think this is a huge mistake if they limit stand alone to Stomp IO users. The idea that I have to launch a second app to use an amp sim is rediculous.

I'm assuming that easy parameter assignment will also be contained within the Stomp IO. Again, if it is limited to just that box interface it is bad bad bad. Proper MIDI learn would be a big selling point. Even GR2 has it wrong although they did at least put in a minimal version.

As for the gate, ....a Drawmer would be nice.

The gate that is in AT2 needs an attack setting, not just a threshold and the release needs to be at least trippled in length. I have a POS (piece of crap) Boss stomp gate from the 70s that works better and has a cleaner/longer decay.

Since this is the age of get the good stuff in software, then why NOT do a drawmer like gate?

In terms of comparing to AmpliTube 1 it is a LONG list of things I think are HITS compared to the previous version. One of the biggest is the flexible configuration of the amps and effects.

Just to make sure this isn't flame only, I 100% agree with this. The interface is excellent. Putting together a rig is easy. I have a few very minor quibbles like you don't always know when the pan is a viable control for the currently selected edit screen. etc.. But for the most part this is the easiest to navigate interface of any of the guitar sims that I have used. Even if you want to talk the GSuite stuff with the default interface, you have to navigate multiple instances for the effects and such. So this is WAY easier.

AmpliTube 2 on the other hand is equally strong as a multi-effect unit (not even just for guitarists) as it is an amp modeling plug-in. I mean, being able to configure up to 12 well modeled stomp boxes plus 8 rack effects is really useful.

Indeed the MAJOR win portion of this so far is that the effects are outstanding. If UAD hadn't done the Boss Chorus emulations I would classify these as the best ones to date. However, they are giving the UAD a run for the money.

The other thing that AT2 hits on that I have to say that I haven't heard in ANY other digital sims (and that includes GR, AT2, Pod etc.)

Well, I can't get anything distorted to sound good yet so I can't comment( I hope you had the time to look at my query in the other thread). This isn't a flame, I just don't seem to get a signal to AT2 that works.

I am more of a vintage kind of guy when it comes to effects processing. Even on Wurlitzers, Clavs and Rhodes I like to run them through MXR phasers, Boss CE-1s and maybe an amp (would love a really great Leslie sim though). When I record guitarists I like to be able to have complete flexibility in the mix so the sound can really blend with the rest of the track. AmpliTube 2 is incredibly useful as a tool in that regard.

Yep, I love the concept, now if I can just feed it properly, we'll see.

There's always going to be things that we wish a product had. It is good to hear what people think. Obviously there are so many great things about it for the money that even if it doesn't have EVERYTHING (nothing does), it is still worth getting I think (well, each person decides for themselves on that one). Features like scrollwheel support, midi-learn are nice though. Maybe they'll be added in future updates. I know a few things that haven't even been mentioned that are already planned for an update.

I hope this thread comes acrossed as constructive criticism instead of "You guys suck". If you would be kind enough to pass these suggestions on I would appreciate it.

Oh by the way, on the CPU usage. Yes, the sheer amount of possibilities and DSP do take up some CPU.

Well, think about the number of actual emulations involved and it isn't so bad. I ran a dual rig full resolution every slot filled with effects and was at around 60% on my FX-53. I didn't really do a CPU test when I demoed GR2, so I can't compare there.

[NoBrain2k]

I use my Ibanez RG7321 straight into the front of my Motu 828mk2 Firewire and apart from the earthing problems with my guitar which i need to sort I find the general noise of AT2 to be a great improvement over AT1

what's up with the guitar? Perhaps I can help ypou get it sorted...

Hey Hink, Cheers. It just buzzes a lot, unless i stick my finger on the metal bit that surronds the jack so its definately an earthing problem. I think I need to open it up and see if i can find a loose connection. what do you reckon?

tbh I would do just that to start, but depending on the age I might go for the complete electronics change except for pick-ups, I mean why not if you already have it open )...I would also get some copper shielding tape and shield the entire cavity and ground the shield and bridge, most guitars have the bridge grounded anyhow though but not shielded. Make sure the back of your pick guard or cavity cover (depends on how you guitar is set up) has shielding and when you shield the cavity overlap the top so when it's in place they make a connection. Switches can get old and short out causing ground problems, as well as jacks. Does it do it with all switch combos?

I have had it for about 5 years i think, from new. Yeah it does it on all switch combos.. what I should REALLY do is save for a better guitar I would want something inbetween a strat and a more modern metal guitar.. I gues a les paul is the obvious choice but im not overly keen on them.. PRS? I wish, can't afford it

[grandaddy]

Amplitube is getting a big thumbs up from me. I really like the smaller amps, the supro, bassman and ac-30.

As squids states the way they break up is excellent and appears more natural to me than guitar rig 2 (I am having fun using the stomps from GR2 with AT2 though)

One small miss for me is preset navigation appears less intuitive than GR2.

[Linz]

Well I have to say I'm tearing my hair out with AT2 at the moment!!! I stumbled across this post in my search for info on its midi capabilities and I'm glad it's not just me finding the lack of standalone functionality and midi learning a bit off-putting.

First off I'd like to say I absolutely love the AT2 sound. I chose AT1 after using trials of GR2 and the Waves GTR plugins and I found AT to be so much more responsive.

However, my aim was to integrate AT into a live rig and getting it up and running with a midi pedal board (ART x-15) is just a nightmare! So far I've discovered the following pitfalls:

Firstly I mapped 3 on/off switches to Chorus/Overdive/Delay stomps using the cubase generic remote. I quickly discovered IK's obsession with 'bypass' rather than "on/off" - the switches worked but the off message turns the bypass off...thus the LED goes out on the X15 but the effect is active. I had to route the message through a midi filter to invert it so at least now the LEDs report the correct state.

Secondly I set out to map a couple of switches to activate A and B amps individually. For some insane reason IK have neglected to allow automation of the Amp A/B bypass switches. The whole point is so I can run a dual amp setup if I want but save a bit of CPU power with bypass rather than simply turning down the volume (then up to MAX)- they NEED to add this.

Third was the worst of all - I cannot find a way to change presets with a midi pedal...It's just not possible! There's no automation data for the AT2 built in presets and the VST preset section has room for.....1 whole preset!!! That's it - I've been through the plugin info and AT2 is one of the only plugins with 1 solitary program slot. This renders AT2 entirely useless for my intended live rig.

I've sent an email to IK in the hope that I've missed something but I'm pretty sure a major update to the control system is needed. They've gone overboard with automation capabilities (Cubase shows 434 available parameters!!!) but left out some of the most important functions - it's just beyond belief that they could leave things out after such a long release delay! I also sincerely hope that they don't 'con' us by offering these functions in the Stomp IO but not the plugin itself.

On the topic of the noise gate; I have to agree that we need a better one. It should be an expander of some sort. I have an ART SGX-2000 and I used to think it was noisy as hell 'til I discovered the expander - it just cleans everything up beautifully!! I've tried Floorfish but not enough to know if it compares to the SGX yet.

As I said, I love AT2's tone and overall feel and I'm really enjoying being able to record the raw signal with great amp/effects but change it all afterwards - I just think it needs improving...although after the wait we had between 1 and 2 I won't hold my breath!!!

[SJ_Digriz]

Linz, I can't check until Friday..but I'm pretty sure the presets are available from the SX automation lanes. So that can be mapped with GR.

Now just wait till you add a control or a track and your entire GR map that took hours to create is trashed. YAY!!