IK Multimedia AmpliTube™ Live
I haven't had this much fun with a new piece of software since acquiring Bryce many moons ago — AmpliTube™ Live has really kicked me in the musical pants!

The factory presets give one a good range of musical styles to choose from and modeling your own presets is as easy as choosing an amp model, cabinet model and applying a mix of Ampiltube™ Live's integrated effects.

Take a look at the AmpliTube™ Live Live feature list...

• Choose from 3 amp models
  Clean, Crunch and Lead;
• Choose from 3 cabinet models
  Open Back, British 2x12 and Mod. Closed 4x10;
• Integrated Tuner;
• Integrated adjustable Noise Gate;
• Adjustable Spring Reverb and Distortion;
• 3 stomp-style effects
  Wah-wah, Delay and Feedback;
• Independent Bass, Mid, Treble and Presence controls;
• 9 amp skins

While most software licenses restrict you to use and install their product on one computer, AmpliTube™ Live gives you the opportunity to install on up to three machines right out of the box. This accomplised by generating a unique digital i.d. in the users area of the AmpliTube™ Live website for each Mac you'd like to use it on. Very nice! Jam at home with your impressive desktop array, take it to gigs on your PowerBook/iBook, install a copy at work and annoy the boss with endless finger-tapping and power chords on your lunch hour — just don't write to me if you get pink-slipped.

Using AmpliTube™ Live in place of some of my old twitchy foot pedals has quickly become a habit that I'd find difficult to give up. Everyone who's seen it in action on my iBook G4 (whilst perched upon my Crate amplifier) has taken a closer look, it definitely leaves an impression.

The only thing that takes a little practice is turning the knobs with a mouse/trackpad, sliders would have been much more intuitive for a quick grab and adjustment. But that's a small knock and easy to overcome with a little practice.

Overall I give AmpliTube™ Live a solid five out of five ResEdit Clowns for ease of use, fun and reigniting my desire to play more music, more often!

AmpliTube™ Live is $129 / €129 and can be purchased directly from IK Multimedia or a reseller like the Guitar Center.