- ToneX is the latest amp modeling software by IK Multimedia
- ToneX claims to be able to recreate any amplifier in the world
- Ik Multimedia’s Capture system allows anyone to create their own software amp tone
IK Multimedia’s TONEX Capture is a cutting-edge Tone Model builder, allowing you to effortlessly create a digital profile of any amplifier or pedal’s true-to-life tone!
- Cutting-edge
- Up to 1,000 tone models
- Allows you to model your own amp
What Is ToneX?
In a nutshell, ToneX uses AI machine modeling to (as IK tells us) model the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo, or pedal.
The software aims to allow anyone to play through emulations of some of the most sought-after gear in the world.
Similar to IK Multimedia Amplitube, ToneX has been specifically designed to allow you to get world-class sounds with basically zero effort.
If you’re a gear nerd, then there’s plenty for you to tweak to your heart’s content.
However, if you’re looking to search for the perfect sound instantly, then IK’s list of tone models, accessed through the new ToneX section of ToneNET allows you to search, filter, and download a huge range of sounds to try out.
Interestingly ToneX is available in various packages, meaning you don’t need to make a huge investment if you’re just looking to dip your toe into guitar software.
Equally, if you are a tone junkie, then you can go for the Tonex Max package, which has 1,000 included tone models, unlimited Tone Model creation, and unlimited user Tone Model downloads.
There is a free version to start you off, with prices of paid options ranging from around $100-400 (USD).
What makes ToneX unique is IK Multimedia’s ToneX Capture system.
Utilizing a pretty crazy AI system and machine modeling, you can actually capture the sounds of your own amp to be modeled later on within ToneX.
I’ll discuss that more later, but this is a unique and impressive feature.
We guitarists can be pretty precious about our own amp and its tone, so creating a software version of your own rig is exciting.
The Tonex Plugin
IK have clearly aimed for versatility with ToneX as you can either play through their plugin, accessed in your DAW, or through the standalone Amplitube5.
This can be particularly appealing for those who might not want to delve into recording, but still want a solid range of software guitar amps to play on headphones at home.
If you’ve used amp modeling software before, there are no surprises when first opening the ToneX plugin.
The software functions as you’d expect, with ToneX’s amp controls easily tweaked on screen with EQ, Reverb, Noise Gate, Presence, and Depth options.
There’s plenty to get you going with an easy option to cycle through amp types which range from the likes of Marshall, Orange, and Vox emulations.
There’s a handy set of presets as well, so if you’re not sure how to nail the tone you’re looking for, you can get into the rough ballpark by cycling through categories that break down everything into the character of the tone model (high-gain, clean, drive, etc.) and even the amp and stompbox the sound is based on.
There’s a really impressive list of cabinets to choose from, too. Far too many to count!
The great thing about ToneX is there is something for everyone, whether you’re an audiophile looking to match up the perfect amp/cab combo or just want to plug in and play.
The range of stompboxes is equally as impressive and easy to use, with emulations based on classics such as the Big Muff.
Again, you can cycle through presets until you find the tone you’re after (or at least get most of the way there).
How Does ToneX Sound?
As you’d expect from IK Multimedia, the sounds of ToneX are great straight out of the box (or, ‘in the box’ is more of an appropriate term, I guess!).
Most users will be drawn to the ‘drive’ options, with the software responding well and sounding pretty huge without much tweaking.
For high-gain users, ToneX comes equipped with a noise gate, and for those who prefer a cleaner style of playing, you’ll find the tone options are versatile but clean, bright, and crisp.
There are also compression and reverb options, although the customization of these is a little limited, but hey, ToneX is about the amps, cabs, and stompboxes, so to pick the software apart for this would be a little unfair.
Overall I felt the tone models were really impressive, and even spending just a couple of minutes cycling through presets, it was easy to get roughly to where I wanted to be.
This was aside from a few minor EQ, drive, and presence tweaks making the tone options super flexible.
What Is ToneX Capture?
ToneX Capture is where IK Multimedia has really set itself apart.
As mentioned, Capture is essentially a way for you to model your own amp to transform it into software form.
If you’re the kind of person who can sit in front of an amp changing settings for hours on end, then this is really for you.
The process is a little complex, but that’s to be expected from such a sophisticated system, so if you are just looking for a way to fire up your DAW and jam with minimal fuss, it might not be for you.
If this is the case, then ToneX’s standard tone models will do the trick, but for any tone junkies out there, then ToneX Capture will be exciting.
There are, of course, some downsides.
For example, you’ll only be able to capture your amp ‘as is’, meaning you won’t have the flexibility to tweak your channel’s EQ and gain.
You’d need to manually change your amp settings and repeat the process when you want to capture a different sound.
The other issue is it can take a fair bit of time to complete the process (both in terms of setting up to capture and the process of ToneX fully completing the modeling process), but again this is a complex task, so it isn’t something to turn your nose up at.
To be able to use the capture system, you would need the ToneX Capture accessory, which functions almost like an interface but is used to hook up everything you need to be able to start modeling your tone.
Of course, this means an additional outlay, but if you’re the kind of guitarist who is really into their tone, then it’s a solid investment that will only set you back around $200 (USD).
IK Multimedia’s TONEX Capture is a cutting-edge Tone Model builder, allowing you to effortlessly create a digital profile of any amplifier or pedal’s true-to-life tone!
- Cutting-edge
- Up to 1,000 tone models
- Allows you to model your own amp
Final Thoughts
What IK Multimedia have tried to do with ToneX is push the boundary of amp modeling by catering to anyone from the casual player through to more advanced guitarists who are passionate about tone.
The real selling point is the Capture system, but the amp, cab, and stompbox models are as impressive as you’d expect from IK Multimedia.
The fact that you can get going with a free version adds bonus points in my book!
If you’re looking for a solid option for amp modeling, whether that’s jamming at home or searching for a killer tone inside your DAW, I’d recommend checking out ToneX.