AmpliTube CS for iPad 4+

Awkward first time user experience, annoying UI

I bought an iRig HD 2, which includes access to a pro version of AmpliTube. The audio quality is good, but the setup UX leaves much to be desired, and the pedal selection tool is annoying.

Complaint #1:
I followed the getting started guide that came with the hardware, and was disappointed by my initial experience with the app. After far too long, I discovered that I was not signed in to for the pro version. An indication that I was on the free tier would have saved me some trouble. Even better would be if the app had detected the device, read the serial number, and automatically signed me in. This brings me to complaint #2.

Complaint #2:
Once I signed in, I had to manually enter the serial number. It was easy to copy-paste from the website, but this should have been auto-detected. This sort of gaffe is okay in a startup, but IK Media is too mature for this sort of sloppy work. Fix it.

Complaint #3:
I cannot see which pedals I have purchased and which I have not until I click on them. This is annoying. A lock/unlock icon or a way to list only those effects which I have purchased would reduce this friction.

Once the app is running, I am happy with the audio quality, but I cannot forget how annoying it was to set up. I am reluctant to buy new effects due to the clunky pedal selection tool. The hardware is great, but I am on the hunt for a better app.

The work ikMutimedia put into the app has really started to show...

I bought this app in 2015 & upgraded it to the full version in 2016. I’m writing my review on this CS version since I can’t write it on the full version. After getting the Slash, Hendrix & Orange packs I liked Amplitube, but preferred ToneStack from Yonac. The tones were okay but just too fizzy & digital for my tastes. I saw Greg Koch demo the Fender 2 collection on the desktop version of Amplitube and immediately wanted it for this iOS version. When it arrived I was blown away how far the emulating tech had come, and using the Fender 2 pack is a joy. I’m not saying the older amps aren’t usable; there are several amp/pedal combos from the earlier packs I’ve made good presets with. But the Fender 2 stuff is just in a different league. As I write this in mid April 2018 there’s a bundle sale going on, if you haven’t tried the app or Fender 2 I really recommend it. I’m no cork sniffer when it comes to amps, i.e. they must be tube, 50 years old, wrapped in tweed, etc. but I have a late ‘60’s Deluxe that this app comes very close to the ballpark indeed. Especially just a SM57, close mic’d rhythm tone that cleans up with some volume backed off...they’ve really captured that mic’d guitar amp tone. Highly recommended.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your review! Glad you are enjoying the new Fender 2 Collection! :)

- IK Multimedia Team

Keep an open mind here

I have read a number of reviews complaining about the cost of the stompboxes and effects and that the company just wants your money. Keep an open mind when trying an app like this. You get all kinds of great functionality for pennies compared to what it would cost in real hardware. There is no comparison. I like Fender amps so I bought a bundle of them. I needed a set of the typical effects (delay, chorus, overdrive) and was set with about $15 out of pocket. I needed an octave pedal, got one for another $4.
Also, do yourself a favor and check out the videos of pros using the app. There is a good one for the Stomp IO that gives away a couple tips that are worth your time. For example: dime the volume on a Fender Twin Reverb and get all the tone and gain w/o killing your ears or your audience’s ears. I always complain that I can’t get my amp up loud enough to really get the tone I want. Well, now I can.