Not Just the Classics! Experience Unique Options with IK Multimedia Amplitube

Greetings! This is Mark, a rookie writer.

Today, I’d like to talk about IK Multimedia’s renowned amp simulator plugin, Amplitube.

While its newer sibling, TONEX, has been getting much of the spotlight lately, the value of Amplitube is still going strong.

In terms of ease of use, sound quality, number of official collaborations, and price, I don't think there's any other plugin that clearly surpasses Amplitube.

Now, Amplitube is not just a collection of officially modeled collaborations or classic vintage gear. It also includes a variety of quirky, lesser-known effects and amps that many younger players might not even be aware of.

Today, I'll introduce some of my personal favorite plugins within Amplitube, including some unique ones. I’ll also provide additional tips for using these plugins, especially where the usage isn't immediately clear, so feel free to use this as a reference!

■ AmpliTube Brian May "Red Special"

The additional content, “AmpliTube Brian May,” includes a special effect that’s quite unique. (It can be purchased separately and is also included in AmpliTube 5 MAX.)

Now, this effect... it transforms the sound of an ordinary guitar into something that mimics the iconic tone of Brian May’s Red Special guitar. Pretty amazing, right?

Red Special
This is the original guitar that Brian May crafted in collaboration with his father, Harold May. Completed in the 1960s, it has remained Brian's beloved instrument ever since. Official replicas of the guitar are available, with one of the most affordable models sold at Sound House.

BRIAN MAY GUITARS / Red Special – Brian May Model.

The Red Special is unique not only because of its body, but also because its pickups and entire electrical system were handmade by Brian May and his father. This craftsmanship results in a sound unlike any commercially available guitar.

Being able to digitally recreate Brian May’s signature sound and the tone of the Red Special through plugins like AmpliTube is exciting, not just for fans, but for guitar enthusiasts in general.

Here’s a breakdown of the UI features and how they function: (Include UI descriptions here).

The Red Special guitar's pickups are arranged from left to right: rear, center, and front, each with a corresponding switch above and below.

- Upper switches control the on/off state of each pickup—0 is off, and 1 is on. Since the pickups in the Red Special are wired in series, turning on more than one pickup results in a unique, powerful sound, different from a standard blend.

Brian May’s go-to setup is having the rear and middle pickups switched on.

- Lower switches are the phase switches. Flipping a switch upward reverses the phase of that particular pickup, giving it a reverse-phase sound.

This feature allows you to experience that famous out-of-phase sound, well-known from guitars like the Mustang, using the three single-coils.

- The switch at the top of the body lets you select the type of pickup for the sound you're converting from. If you're using a single-coil guitar, switch to the left. For humbuckers, move it to the right, and for the Red Special, set it to the center.

- The controls at the bottom of the body are straightforward: the left knob is for volume, and the right is an on/off switch.

To replicate Brian May’s typical setup, simply turn on the left (rear) and center (middle) pickups. This is a great starting point for experimenting with different configurations. It’s an incredibly versatile effect, useful not only for Queen songs but for a wide range of music!

■ AmpliTube Brian May "Star Gate"

The additional content, “AmpliTube Brian May,” includes special effects that replicate the iconic sound of Brian May’s gear. (These effects can be purchased separately and are also included in AmpliTube 5 MAX.)

Brian May's collection includes an original noise gate that’s optimized for his specific effects and amps.

While it features a simple one-knob design, this noise gate does more than just set a threshold. It has an intelligent response, meaning it adjusts dynamically to your playing, providing a smoother experience. If you find standard noise gates don't quite do the job, this one might be just what you need—I've personally made it my go-to noise gate!

■ AmpliTube Brian May "BM DK/1x6 BM DK"

The “AmpliTube Brian May” additional content includes amp simulators and cabinet simulators that faithfully replicate Brian May’s signature gear. (These can be purchased individually and are also part of AmpliTube 5 MAX.)

This is a modeled version of the Deacy Amp, which was created by Queen's bassist, John Deacon.

Deacon, who had a background in electrical engineering, repurposed the circuit from a Supersonic PR80 (a tabletop radio) and connected it to a cabinet housing two Elac British speakers. The result was a 9V battery-powered guitar amp, known as the Deacy Amp.

It eventually became a key component of Brian May's signature sound, especially when used with the Red Special. In fact, the iconic tone heard on the legendary track “Bohemian Rhapsody” was created with the Deacy Amp.

This plugin is a highly accurate digital recreation of the Deacy Amp’s characteristics.

- There are no controls for gain or volume. Instead, a 9V battery (specifically a larger PP9 type) is visible next to the amp.

- The knob above the battery lets you adjust the "battery wear."

Believe it or not, audio equipment can change in tone depending on the quality or type of power source.

In the case of simple analog circuits like the Deacy Amp, this effect becomes more pronounced. Some musicians even prefer the sound of a slightly drained battery, finding that it produces a warmer or more desirable tone. The BM DK plugin simulates this battery wear effect, letting you dial in that sweet spot where the voltage has dropped slightly for that authentic tone!

The cabinet settings screen is also specially designed. The graphic shows the amp and battery placed on a table. This playful detail is one of the charming features of IK Multimedia.

■ AmpliTube Joe Satriani "Boston 100"

The additional content, “AmpliTube Joe Satriani,” includes amp simulators that replicate the legendary guitarist's signature gear. (These can be purchased individually and are also included in AmpliTube 5 MAX.)

This is a model of the Rockman X100.

Rockman was a brand created by Tom Scholz, the leader of the band Boston, under his company SR&D. The X100 was one of the manufactured under this line.

Despite being a portable amp, the X100 was used in numerous professional recordings and is still sought after by players today, whether as replicas or well-maintained originals. In Japan, Tak Matsumoto from B'z is a notable user of the X100.

The X100’s controls are very simple:

- On/off switches for echo and chorus effects
- Amp mode switching
- Output level selection
- Power on/off

The Boston 100 model added an input level switch (the original unit required changing jacks).

Despite being released in 1984, the X100 delivers an impressively amp-like sound, and its unique combination of effects is a standout feature. When both the echo and chorus are activated, it produces a rich, fresh tone that’s instantly captivating.

The addictive sound is hard to put down. When I purchased AmpliTube Joe Satriani, I ended up playing this amp for the entire day! (laughs)

While replicas of the X100 are available from various manufacturers, they tend to be expensive. This plugin offers a perfect and affordable way to experience the X100's charm.

The cabinet settings screen for the Rockman X100 is also specially designed. Since the original is a headphone amp and not a traditional amp with speakers, there’s no option for microphone placement. Instead, a fun touch has been added—Joe Satriani’s signature sunglasses are placed in the scene.

■ Use Plugins to Explore the Unknown

Multi-effects units and amp simulators often highlight well-known models from famous brands, but some products feature unique and lesser-known gear like the ones we've discussed.

Instead of always targeting specific, familiar equipment, I recommend digging through plugins to experience gear you may not know. It’s a great way to discover new sounds and broaden your musical palette!

IK MULTIMEDIA / AmpliTube 5 MAX v2 (Download Version)

■ AmpliTube 5 MAX Bundle Products

IK MULTIMEDIA / AXE I/O + AmpliTube 5 MAX + TONEX MAX Bundle

IK MULTIMEDIA / Total Studio 4 MAX (Download Version)

(A comprehensive product that includes IK Multimedia’s popular software, including AmpliTube 5 MAX.)

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