Amplitube5 - Release Date 15-16/12/2020

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

I've purchased the new AmpliTube editions as they've been released, always getting them at the introductory price. Even though I got what I consider to be a fair price for the new gear, I have paid more than I would have if I had not bought them as they came out, and instead waited until AmpliTube 5 MAX. The price difference would be even greater if I never bought any AmpliTube gear and just jumped in for the first time with AmpliTube 5 MAX. But the savings would be even better still if I wait another 5 years until AmpliTube 6, or 10 years for AmpliTube 7. I could just wait until I die and really save some money. Maybe I could give up music for accounting while I'm at it.

But instead, I have purchased the AT gear all along, and I have used it, for years now. And I think I have gotten value for my money over those years. And when I upgrade to AmpliTube 5, I will be getting more value for my money. And I am totally fine with that. I'm not going to be petty. I've been happy to have it, and I think it is reasonable for a company to charge for an upgrade that they've put a lot of work and time into. The paid upgrades I see from other companies don't come close to what IK has brought to the table with VIR, and those other ampsims don't come within a country mile of what AmpliTube 5 will be offering, in terms of the number of models, the quality of the DSP, or the sheer versatility of the cabs. 140,000 cab impulses. That's insane. That is exponentially larger than the next closest competitor. No one else is going to be able to touch that. So am I going to pitch a tantrum and storm off to some lesser ampsim with a dozen IRs because IK has the audacity to charge for a massive upgrade? Nope. I'll go with what is going to continue to bring me the best results and the most value, as I have done.

Thanks for the insight there, sounds like you'd be best served with AmpliTube 5 or AmpliTube 5 SE (the latter if you don't want all of the new gear but it seems like you'd have picked it up along the way after anyway so AmpliTube 5 is likely the best option for you and would be a good deal for what you get additionally and what benefits your existing set of AT gear).

Yes, we are charging for what is as you describe a massive update. I know you haven't been 100% satisfied with some previous IK offerings so I'm happy to see we've hit the mark for you here. If you need any other information or have specific questions, feel free to PM me in case I miss any while ducking the flying shoes and assumptions here.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

This video on MusicRadar may shed some light on how the full version of AmpliTube 5 vs. free CS is going to work.

AmpliTube 5 exclusive tech talk at MTS 2020

At about 2:30 into the video, Cedric demonstrated the new VIR Tech. There's a "VIR Tech" button that turns it on and off and accesses the new VIR mic placement page. So I suspect that if you click this button in the free version of AmpliTube 5 CS, you will get an alert telling you that you need to upgrade.

The demonstration gives a sneak peek at what to expect from VIR.

Correct that CS will not have the full VIR™ tech implementation of the full versions (SE and higher). CS will have the more "click and drag" cab functionality like AmpliTube 4 CS and will not have the massive 600+ IRs per cabinet. It will have a resizable GUI thankfully (I know that took a while to get with T-RackS 5 but it's there from the start with AT5 because of that experience). It will be similar to AmpliTube 4 CS in functionality/limitations. I expected to see full information about this on the site today, will find out what happened to that in the morning.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

CS is the same AT4 soundengine with the AT5 browser and AT5 UI. When you go from CS to SE the sound is supposed to improve due to the new Power Amp and Cab code You can load the same expansion like Orange or Mesa inside AT3 and the AT4 to hear a sonic difference. Same concept with AT5 CS.

Apparently this might not be true. We need to now wait for CS to get released and for some people with AT 4 collections to confirm that upgrading to AT 5 SE does in fact allow you to use those collections that you own in A5. It's all looking like you need to get at least AT5 to get the upgraded sounds of those AT 4 collections in AT5 otherwise what it is is they just open up and sound the same as AT 4 just a new GUI and interface. Its all very werid.

Both CS and SE will unlock your gear. However, CS will have the limitations I posted above, most notably the VIR™ technology and 600+ IRs per cabinet with the AmpliTube 4 CS style "click and drag" view vs the full tech view you see in the VIR™ video demo highlights and screenshots. CS will definitely have resizable GUI just to restate that for those that doubt that (and rightfully so, as mentioned T-RackS 5 CS experience would have bred that justifiable doubt).

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Here's in the promo:

In addition, any customer who purchases AmpliTube 4 or any IK hardware package that includes AmpliTube 4 after October 15, 2020, will automatically receive an upgrade to AmpliTube 5 SE.

I wonder if this includes Total Studio 2 MAX. If I bought Total Studio 2 MAX now, would I get the upgrade to AmpliTube 5 SE for free?

That’s a good question. It doesn’t specify if that applies to AmpliTube MAX or Total Studio, though both “includes AmpliTube 4.”

Hopefully we can get some official clarification.

According to a post on another site the answer is no. Upgrades only apply to AT bought standalone not in a bundle,

Does that include AmpliTube MAX?

Anyone have a link to that info?

It is for those who purchase AmpliTube 4 (including Deluxe or MAX) individually or included with hardware per the AmpliTube 5 news and press release:

In addition, any customer who purchases AmpliTube 4 or any IK hardware package that includes AmpliTube 4 after October 15, 2020, will automatically receive an upgrade to AmpliTube 5 SE.

[jamcat]

Thanks Peter. Can you answer these specific questions?

1) Will AmpliTube 5 CS use the old cab impulses from AmpliTube 4, or will it be using a subset of the new AmpliTube 5 impulses? This is important to know for continuity.

2) Can you purchase AmpliTube 5 with Gear Credits in the Custom Shop? I don't see a pre-order link there like AT Joe Satriani had. Elsewhere someone said IK was ditching Gear Credits and pointed out that one of the AT5 videos showed the Silver Plate 50 and VHandcraft4 amps in the custom shop, but there was no button for "Use Gear Credits." So what's the deal? Are we no longer going to be able to use our Gear Credits?

[Echoes in the Attic]

1) Will AmpliTube 5 CS use the old cab impulses from AmpliTube 4, or will it be using a subset of the new AmpliTube 5 impulses? This is important to know for continuity.

Curious about this as well.

Plus..

Will it be possible to hide presets that have gear we don't own?
Does CS have the same routing options?
And does CS have the power amp improvements?

[jamcat]

Really cool video for IK to consider, regarding: a) Tony Iommi's gear. b) Dimed amp "ghosting" (starting around 5:50 minutes in.)

[glokraw]

If I’m being honest with myself, I really want the Fulltone effects collection. I realize that I could just use the custom shop version and buy the Fulltone collection for that. It just seems like if I’m going to commit to A5 on any level, I might as well go all-in and explore everything else that it has to offer. On the other hand, it isn’t like I’m dissatisfied with the Helix hardware in any way. I suspect I would end up running synths through all the guitar amps and cabs in A5, and stick with the Helix for guitar. I do like the overall interface of A5 better than the Helix software, but they’re both perfectly usable.

The thing I love about Fulltone, is firing up a really good distortion, chorus and delay that are made for each other, just puts you in the mood to play. The variety of Amplitube amps, and the flexibility of the board/rack, is icing on the cake, but for instant gratification, Fulltone with the free custom shop is hard to beat. With your gear and experience, replicating a fulltone-like setup wouldn't be that hard, but time is money, and they both are known to run out at the wrong moments That said, I did get the MAX, and am glad I did. I appreciate getting surprised by the amps, and saving those special combos
Cheers

[deastman]

If I’m being honest with myself, I really want the Fulltone effects collection. I realize that I could just use the custom shop version and buy the Fulltone collection for that. It just seems like if I’m going to commit to A5 on any level, I might as well go all-in and explore everything else that it has to offer. On the other hand, it isn’t like I’m dissatisfied with the Helix hardware in any way. I suspect I would end up running synths through all the guitar amps and cabs in A5, and stick with the Helix for guitar. I do like the overall interface of A5 better than the Helix software, but they’re both perfectly usable.

The thing I love about Fulltone, is firing up a really good distortion, chorus and delay that are made for each other, just puts you in the mood to play. The variety of Amplitube amps, and the flexibility of the board/rack, is icing on the cake, but for instant gratification, Fulltone with the free custom shop is hard to beat. With your gear and experience, replicating a fulltone-like setup wouldn't be that hard, but time is money, and they both are known to run out at the wrong moments That said, I did get the MAX, and am glad I did. I appreciate getting surprised by the amps, and saving those special combos
Cheers

Thanks for the insight. I’m also basically lazy, so I like the idea of quickly being able to fire up an Amplitube instance and run sound sounds through a full effect chain. Sure, I could more or less replicate the Fulltone effects elsewhere, but I probably wouldn’t bother.

[easyrider]

I see you found somewhere you could do the muddying yourself and try to hurt IK's business, how's that working out for you? VI-Control didn't seem to give a rat's backside for your noise.

I'm flattered,

I'm amazed that a company thinks one person on a forum has this much influence...

Genuine questions have been raised and not answered...The data is clear...The responses from the buying public profound. Confusion, frustration is the feeling amongst the people posting questions about the new IK release. Not just me.

Go back and read the questions across the forums. And address peoples concerns after already spending hundreds of dollars/ eruos whatever on IK Products.

You should be professional in your conduct. If you can't respond in a manner that supports customer service you're in the wrong job.

[Burillo]

no updated/better Whammy still

[SLiC]

I assume that if I buy A5 MAX as a cross grade from say Sample Tank it doesn't involve my A4 MAX licence so I can sell A4 MAX (saves a lot of duplication).

[kovacs]

I'll continue to answer legitimate questions and concerns. Thanks!

Hi Peter.

Two questions. Apologies if already asked, but there are 23+ pages here now...

1) Upgrade price
AT5 Max includes:
Fender® Collection 1 & 2
AmpliTube SVX 1 & 2
AmpliTube Orange®
AmpliTube Mesa/Boogie®
AmpliTube Slash
AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™
AmpliTube Brian May
Dimebag Darrell CFH Collection
AmpliTube Joe Satriani
Fulltone® Collection
AmpliTube Leslie®

I have all of these except the Satriani one.

The upgrade price is listed as €299. Is that an introductory price from any version of Amplitube? Or is that a price quoted to me at the IK site because I have AT4 Max?

Edit: I see that it is the same if I log out. So there is no benefit from owning Max when upgrading.

2) Resale rights
I bought the Axe I/O last year. It is a fantastic interface and I am very happy with it.
I have also upgraded Amplitude to AT4 Max recently.

But I understand that if I choose to sell my Axe I/O eventually, I will not be able to transfer the software to a new owner.

Is this for perpetuity? So if I upgrade my AT4 Max to AT5 Max it is somehow tied to my Axe I/O and can't be resold?

(I have never resold any of my IK stuff, I just like to know where I stand).

[SLiC]

The upgrade price is listed as €299. Is that an introductory price from any version of Amplitube? Or is that a price quoted to me at the IK site because I have AT4 Max?

There is no 'upgrade' route from any version of Amplitude specifically, you just have to buy (what ever version) again like a new user. The 'cross grade' prices for IK users who have registered any IK products worth $/€99.99 or more (doesn't have to be Amplitube)

Also Amplitube 4 MAX is now part of Total Studio 2 MAX which is cheaper to buy that just Amplitube 4 MAX on its own! Also if you but hardware (say the DI box for £130 inc VAT if you shop around) you get AmpliTube 5 SE free, so you are basically getting free hardware if you do it this way from a shop not IK Directly...

Don't try and understand it!

[zvenx]

Hmmm.. I would consider the SE one as the upgrade from any previous version (that is you will get your old gear with all the new improvements/changes).
rsp