IK Multimedia Goes Physical: Here’s Why It Matters
IK Multimedia made its name with the AmpliTube plugin, a powerful amp and effects modeling suite used by countless guitarists and producers around the world. For years, it lived purely in the digital domain—an essential tool for studio recordings, home setups, and tone experimentation.
But now, IK has taken things a step further. With the release of the AmpliTube X-GEAR and TONEX pedals, they've brought their signature tone-shaping technology into the real world.
In this 2025 buying guide, we'll break down every pedal in the series, from overdrives and delays to the groundbreaking TONEX One, helping you decide which AmpliTube pedal belongs on your board this year.
Amplitube Pedal Line - In-Depth Review
IK Multimedia TONEX
The TONEX Pedal is IK Multimedia's flagship hardware unit for guitarists who want the full power of their Tone Model library on stage or in the studio—without needing a computer. It holds up to 150 Tone Models at once, letting you switch between your favorite amps, cabs, pedals, or full rigs with zero compromise in sound quality.
Thanks to AI Machine Modeling and VIR cabinet simulations, the realism is stunning—down to the feel and response of the gear it emulates.
Key Features
- TONEX MAX software and 1,000 premium Tone Models included
- USB audio interface with 24-bit/44.1kHz recording quality
- Seven onboard FX blocks, including modulation, reverb, and delay
- Full MIDI support and custom IR loading
- Aluminum chassis built for touring
- Headphone out for quiet practice
Who's It For?
This pedal is perfect for live performers, session players, and home producers who want studio-grade tones without hauling a full rig. Whether you're looking to consolidate your pedalboard, access rare amp sounds, or simply record directly with pro-level quality, the TONEX Pedal delivers unmatched versatility in a compact format.
IK Multimedia TONEX One
The TONEX ONE brings the power of IK Multimedia's acclaimed Tone Model technology into an ultra-compact, pedalboard-friendly format. Despite its miniature size, it delivers serious tone-shaping potential.
With 20 onboard preset slots (and 3 active at a time), this pedal gives you direct access to over 200 Premium Tone Models and more than 25,000 user-generated models via ToneNET. You can even capture your own rig with the included TONEX SE software, turning your favorite amp or pedal setup into a digital model.
Key Features
- Full USB audio interface with 24-bit/44.1kHz quality
- Onboard 3-band EQ, compressor, noise gate, and 5 stereo reverbs
- Dual performance modes for standard switching or A/B preset toggling
- Built-in tuner and headphone out for silent practice
- IR loader compatible with custom IRs and IK's VIR cabinets
Who's It For?
The TONEX ONE is perfect for guitarists and bassists who want pro-level tone in a minimalist setup. Ideal for gigging players with limited pedalboard space, home recordists, and players who want a grab-and-go rig, this pedal offers streamlined access to world-class tones in the smallest form factor yet.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube X-Drive
The AmpliTube X-Drive takes the distortion tones you love from IK Multimedia's award-winning software and puts them in a sleek, tour-ready stompbox. With 16 emulations of real-world overdrive and distortion pedals, this unit delivers everything from vintage grit to modern high-gain punch.
Built around powerful onboard DSP and audiophile-grade components, the X-Drive sounds great and feels incredibly dynamic under your fingers. No matter if you're running into a clean amp or going direct with its onboard cabinet sims, this pedal gives you massive tone-shaping flexibility and pristine signal quality.
Key Features
- 16 overdrive and distortion models from IK's AmpliTube software
- 24-bit/192kHz conversion and 123dB dynamic range
- 5Hz–24kHz frequency response for full-spectrum guitar tones
- Save and recall up to 300 user presets
- Built-in USB audio interface and AmpliTube 5 SE integration
- 5 onboard cabinet impulse responses for direct recording or live use
- Expression pedal input and full MIDI control
- Includes X-Drive plugin for Mac/PC
Who's It For?
The X-Drive is ideal for players who demand high-quality gain tones with studio-level clarity. Whether you're a gigging guitarist, a pedalboard minimalist, or a home producer looking for pro-level distortion with deep preset control, this pedal delivers the flexibility and fidelity modern players expect—without sacrificing feel or tone.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube X-Vibe Modulation
The AmpliTube X-Vibe delivers a full range of studio-grade modulation effects in a rugged, gig-ready pedal. Powered by IK Multimedia's acclaimed AmpliTube engine, it offers 16 finely tuned effects—including chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, rotary, and doubling. Each one sounds rich, dynamic, and incredibly realistic.
Onboard tools like X-Mode provide deeper tone-shaping, while tight AmpliTube integration lets you edit and store up to 300 presets directly from the software. A built-in USB audio interface, 5 cab IRs, and full MIDI support round out its stage and studio versatility.
Key Features
- 16 modulation effects from AmpliTube, including flanger, chorus, rotary, and more
- 24-bit/192kHz audio quality with audiophile-grade specs
- Pure analog dry path with true or soft bypass
- X-Mode function for additional tone-shaping possibilities
- 300 user preset slots for quick recall
- Includes AmpliTube 5 SE and X-Vibe plugin for Mac/PC
- Full MIDI implementation and expression pedal input
- 5 onboard cab IRs for direct-out and recording setups
- Built-in USB audio interface with intuitive control layout
Who's It For?
Ideal for players who want pro-level modulation in a compact unit, the X-Vibe suits those who need studio-quality sound and flexible routing on a pedalboard. It's a strong fit for live performers, session musicians, and anyone who values deep integration with a software workflow.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube X-Time Delay
The IK Multimedia X-Time delay pedal delivers a versatile palette of time-based effects straight from AmpliTube's powerful software engine. With 16 different delay types — from classic tape and slapback to ambient swells and ping-pong echoes — this DSP-powered unit brings studio-quality tones to your pedalboard.
Built with premium 24-bit/192kHz conversion and a wide 5Hz–24kHz frequency response, the X-Time captures every nuance of your playing with remarkable clarity. It also integrates seamlessly with AmpliTube software, allowing users to edit and store up to 300 presets for both studio and stage use.
Key Features
- 16 delay effects, including tape, slapback, ping-pong, reverse, and more
- 24-bit/192kHz conversion with 123dB of dynamic range
- Switchable true/soft bypass
- Deep integration with AmpliTube software and 300 preset slots
- USB audio interface, MIDI support, and expression pedal input
Who's It For?
X-Time is perfect for guitarists who rely on high-quality delay tones across multiple styles — from ambient soundscapes to tight rhythmic patterns. Its deep software integration and robust hardware also make it a great choice for studio players, producers, and performers seeking a flexible, modern delay solution with analog-quality feel.
IK Multimedia Amplitube X-Space
The IK Multimedia X-Space reverb pedal turns your board into a playground of immersive ambient effects. Featuring 16 reverb types pulled from AmpliTube's world-class engine, this stompbox covers everything from vintage springs and studio plates to shimmering textures, gated '80s ambience, and massive modulated halls.
X-Space also doubles as a studio powerhouse. With pristine 24-bit/192kHz conversion, a pure analog dry path, and full MIDI and USB integration, it's ready to handle everything from live gigs to DAW-based sessions. You can store up to 300 presets and even edit them directly in AmpliTube thanks to the included software and virtual plugin counterpart.
Key Features
- 16 reverb types including shimmer, spring, plate, hall, and gated
- Studio-grade 24-bit/192kHz conversion with 123dB dynamic range
- Switchable true/soft bypass
- Includes matching plugin and up to 300 recallable presets
- Built-in USB interface, expression pedal input, and full MIDI control
- 5 cabinet impulse responses for direct-to-PA or recording setups
Who's It For?
X-Space is ideal for players who rely on reverb not just for space, but as a creative instrument. Ambient guitarists, modern worship musicians, and studio producers alike will appreciate its tonal flexibility, studio-grade specs, and deep software integration. If you're looking for one pedal that can handle subtle room ambience and massive cinematic textures alike, this is the one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can These Pedals Be Used Without a Computer?
Yes, all IK Multimedia X-Gear pedals work perfectly as standalone units. While you can connect them to a computer for deeper editing and integration with AmpliTube, it's not required for normal operation.
How Do the Pedals Integrate With the AmpliTube Plugin?
Each pedal includes a matching AmpliTube plug-in, allowing you to edit parameters, save presets, and experiment with tones inside the software. Changes made in AmpliTube can be saved to the hardware and recalled later.
Can I Connect These Pedals Directly to a PA or Audio Interface?
Yes. Each pedal features cabinet impulse responses and professional-grade I/O, making them suitable for direct connection to a PA system, audio interface, or mixer.
Conclusion
IK Multimedia's X-Gear series brings the power of studio-quality effects to your pedalboard with unmatched flexibility and precision. Each unit combines high-end hardware with the trusted sounds of AmpliTube, giving players a reliable tool for both performance and recording.
With advanced features like preset storage, MIDI control, and USB connectivity, these pedals go far beyond standard stompboxes—delivering professional-grade tone shaping in a compact, road-ready format.
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Bonus: Use the code IASN10 at checkout for an extra 10% discount!