IK Multimedia AmpliTube X-DRIVE User manual

AmpliTube
X-DRIVE
USER MANUAL

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Contents
2
Table of Contents
Contents 2
Front Panel Overview 3
Rear Panel Overview 5
Firmware update 7
Saving presets 8
External Control Setup 9
Expression pedal & single switch (creating macros) 9
Double switch 10
Expression pedal calibration 11
Distortion Models 12
MODERN 12
METAL 14
MONARCH 16
CAT 18
ORANGE 20
YELLOW 22
GREEN 24
DIODE 26
BLUE 28
BOOSTER 30
H-BOOST 32
CRUSH 34
OCTOFUZZ 36
PURPLE 38
FUZZACE 40
BIG-FUZZ 42
Global Setup 44
Preset Setup 47
Safe Mode 48
Temporary Mode 49
CAB SIM OUT & HEADPHONES out 50
Interface Mode 51
Included applications 52
MIDI Specifications 53
Features 54
System Requirements 55
AmpliTube X-GEAR series 56

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Front Panel Overview
3
Front Panel Overview
1
3
9
4 5 6
10
7 8
2
1. MODEL encoder
Turn the MODEL encoder to select the preferred X-DRIVE model among the 16 advanced algorithms
available.
Push to go back when browsing menus.
2. PRESET encoder
Turn the PRESET encoder to browse among the 300 preset slots available in the machine.
Push to save a preset and choose its name and bank position.
3. PARAMETER encoder
Each model inside X-DRIVE has its own parameter set.
Push the PARAMETER encoder to access the additional parameters of the selected model. The last edited
parameter is always available by pressing or rotating the parameter encoder.
Hold the PARAMETER encoder to access the global and preset setups.
4. DRIVE knob
The DRIVE knob increases the amount of clipping in the distortion circuit.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Front Panel Overview
4
5. BASS knob
The BASS knob boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
6. MID knob
The MID knob boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
7. TREBLE knob
The TREBLE knob boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
8. VOLUME knob
The VOLUME knob sets the output level.
9. A, B & C LEDs
Green if preset is active.
Amber if preset has been edited.
Blinking amber when browsing among banks.
Off if bypassed.
10. A, B & C footswitches
Press to engage or bypass preset of the current bank.
Hold while preset is ON to access the X-MODE for selected model.
Hold while preset is OFF to activate that preset temporary while the footswitch is held down.
Press A+B to select a lower bank.
Press B+C to select a higher bank.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Rear Panel Overview
5
Rear Panel Overview
3 94 5 6 7 821
1. INPUT
Plug your instrument in here.
2. OUTPUT
Connect to an amplifier or stomp box.
3. CAB SIM OUT
This is the cabinet simulator output that can be connected directly to a full range speaker, PA system or other
devices.
4. HEADPHONES
Connect a pair of headphones to monitor your sound quietly.
5. MIDI IN
Connect to external MIDI controllers to automatically browse presets and modulate parameters via control
changes.
6. MIDI OUT
Connect to external MIDI devices. Through this port X-DRIVE can send out MIDI messages anytime a switch
is pressed or a knob is turned.
7. EXT. CONTROL
Hook up an external expression or single switch pedal to control any combinations of parameters with a
single action.
Hook up a double switch pedal to easily move among banks or presets.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Rear Panel Overview
6
8. USB
Use this port to connect X-DRIVE to your Mac/PC as an audio interface and for using the Librarian app to
organize and load presets. It can also be used to send or receive MIDI signals.
9. POWER 9V DC
Power the pedal via a 9V DC center negative power supply.
At least 260mA.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Firmware update
7
Firmware update
Before doing anything with your X-GEAR pedal it’s highly recommended to hook it up to the X-GEAR Librarian
and check if any firmware update is available to make sure you are running the most updated and stable
firmware available.
To do so:
1. Install the X-GEAR librarian on your computer following the instructions found in the box.
2. Connect your pedal to your computer using the provided USB cable.
3. Launch the X-GEAR librarian and select the connected pedal.
4. Click the top right gear icon and click “Check for updates.”
5. If the librarian or the X-GEAR need to be updated, you’ll be asked to do so and by clicking “Update” you’ll
start the updating process.
After updating you can start using your X-GEAR pedal.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Saving presets
8
Saving presets
To quickly save a preset, hold down the PRESET encoder until the display shows SAVED.
The preset will be saved with the same name in the same location.
To change name or location when saving a preset:
1. Press the PRESET encoder to enter the saving process.
2. The first letter of the preset’s name starts blinking indicating the cursor’s position.
3. Rename the preset:
a. Turn the PRESET encoder to select a character.
b. Turn the MODEL encoder to change the cursor’s position.
4. Push the PRESET encoder to confirm the name.
5. The display shows a location (bank-number and slot).
6. Rotate the PRESET encoder to select the desired location.
7. Push the PRESET encoder to select the location an save the preset with the chosen
name in the chosen location.
N.B. When choosing a different location saving a preset will overwrite the preset that was previously stored in
that location and the new one gets copied over it.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
External Control Setup
9
External Control Setup
The EXT. CONTROL jack can be connected to various types of external pedals:
• Expression pedal
• Single switch
• Double switch
Expression pedal & single switch (creating macros)
An expression pedal and a single switch pedal can be assigned to a parameter or to various parameters to
create macros. A macro is an ensemble of parameters, which can be modulated simultaneously via the external
control.
To setup a macro on the selected preset using an expression pedal or a single switch pedal, do as follows:
1. Hook it up to the EXT. CONTROL.
2. Hold the PARAMETER encoder and choose GLOBAL SETUP.
3. Select EXT. CTRL and choose one of the following:
a. TRS EXP PEDAL: if you are using a TRS type expression pedal.
b. RTS EXP PEDAL: if you are using a RTS type expression pedal.
c. N.O. SWITCH: if you are using a normally open single switch pedal.
d. N.C. SWITCH: if you are using a normally close single switch pedal.
4. Press the MODEL knob to go back and choose PRESET SETUP.
5. In the PRESET SETUP menu, select ON from the EXT. CTRL option.
6. Come back to the PRESET SETUP menu, select EXT. LEARN and choose LEARN.
7. While LEARN A is being displayed, position the parameters of the preset as you wish they would be when
the external control is in position A, then press the PRESET encoder when the A setup is done.
8. While LEARN B is being displayed, position the parameters of the preset as you wish they would be when
the external control is in position B, then press the PRESET encoder when the B setup is done.
9. Once the SAVE button (PRESET encoder) is pressed, the pedal returns to its default behavior and the
macro is assigned to the external control.
N.B.
In a single switch pedal position A refers to the off status. In an expression pedal position A refers to the heel
status.
In a single switch pedal position B refers to the on status. In an expression pedal position B refers to the tip
status.
The only difference between a single switch or an expression pedal is that with the first one changing from
position A to position B is an instant transition (pressing the footswitch), while the second one is a smooth
transition (moving the expression pedal).

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
External Control Setup
10
Double switch
Connect a double switch pedal to browse among presets or banks more easily.
To setup a double switch pedal do as follows:
1. Hook it up to the EXT. CONTROL.
2. Hold the PARAMETER encoder and choose GLOBAL SETUP.
3. Select EXT. CTRL and choose N.O. DUAL SWITCH, if your double switch pedal is normally open or N.C.
DUAL SWITCH, if your double switch pedal is normally closed.
4. In the GLOBAL SETUP browse to DUAL SWITCH MODE and choose BANK, if you want to use your
double switch pedal to move among banks or PRESET, if you want it to move among presets.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Expression pedal calibration
11
Expression pedal calibration
If you feel that your expression pedal doesn’t work as expected, you may need to calibrate it to get its full
functionality.
To calibrate an expression pedal do as follows:
1. Hook it up to the EXT. CONTROL in the rear panel.
2. Hold the PARAMETER encoder and choose GLOBAL SETUP.
3. In the GLOBAL SETUP select EXP. CALIBRATION.
4. While HEEL is being displayed move your expression pedal to its heel position then press the
PARAMETER encoder to confirm.
5. While TIP is being displayed move your expression pedal to its tip position then press the PARAMETER
encoder to confirm.
6. When the display shows DONE, the calibration is set.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Distortion Models
12
Distortion Models
MODERN
This overdrive adds pleasing harmonics for a tube-like sound. It recreates creamy saturation with a solid warm
low end.
Parameters
• DRIVE: increases the amount of clipping in the distortion circuit.
From 0 to 10.
• BASS: boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• MID: boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• TREBLE: boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• VOLUME: sets the output level.
From 0 to 10.
• COLOR: controls the tone of the distortion.
From 0 to 10.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parameter EQ from narrow to wide.
From 0.2 to 3.
• MID FREQ: changes the center frequency of the mid parametric EQ.
From 80 Hz to 5000 Hz.
• EQ POSITION: sets the tone EQ pre or post clipping.
PRE or POST.
• NOISE GATE: turns the noise gate ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• NG THRESHOLD: adjusts the sensitivity of the gate’s threshold.
From -100 dB to 0 dB.
• NG RELEASE: adjusts the time of the gate’s release.
From 20 ms to 1500 ms.
• NG DEPTH: adjusts the gate’s deepness.
From -20 dB to -100 dB.
• COMPRESSOR: turns the compressor ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• COMP SENSITIVITY: sets the sensitivity of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• COMP OUT: sets the output level of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• CAB SIM: selects the cabinet simulator.
CAB 1, CAB 2, CAB 3, CAB 4, BASS, OFF.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
Distortion Models
13
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet distorted signal. By default, the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE boosts the output signal to achieve more volume in certain parts during the
performance.
ON or OFF.
N.B. If you also want the Cab Sim when the pedal is bypassed, the BUFFER BYPASS MODE is required.
MODERN Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
DRIVE 21 0 – 127
BASS 22 0 – 127
MID 23 0 – 127
TREBLE 24 0 – 127
VOLUME 25 0 - 127
COLOR 46 0 - 127
MID Q 47 0 - 127
MID FREQ 48 0 - 127
EQ POSITION 49 0 - 127
NOISE GATE 50 0 - 127
NG THRESHOLD 51 0 - 127
NG RELEASE 52 0 - 127
NG DEPTH 53 0 - 127
COMPRESSOR 54 0 - 127
COMP SENSITIVITY 55 0 - 127
COMP OUT 56 0 - 127
CAB SIM 57 0 - 127
MIX 58 0 - 127
X-MODE 13 0 - 127
When a parameter range is not linear its values are equally divided among the 128 steps of a Control Change
value.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
14
METAL
Based on BOSS® MT-2
Inspired by one of the most favorite metal pedals of all time, perfect for extreme gain and sustain. Nothing
compares to this pedal for pure distortion mayhem. It features punch, color and presence to sculpt the perfect
high gain tone under your feet.
Parameters
• DRIVE: increases the amount of clipping in the distortion circuit.
From 0 to 10.
• BASS: boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• MID: boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• TREBLE: boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• VOLUME: sets the output level.
From 0 to 10.
• PUNCH: boosts the low frequencies.
From -15 dB to 15 dB.
• COLOR: enhance the mid-frequency response.
From -15 dB to +15 dB.
• COLOR FREQ: selects the mid-frequency for the COLOR parameter.
From 300 Hz to 6000 Hz.
• PRESENCE: boosts the high frequencies.
From -15 dB to +15 dB.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parameter EQ from narrow to wide.
From 0.2 to 3.
• MID FREQ: changes the center frequency of the mid parametric EQ.
From 80 Hz to 5000 Hz.
• EQ POSITION: sets the tone EQ pre or post clipping.
PRE or POST.
• NOISE GATE: turns the noise gate ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• NG THRESHOLD: adjusts the sensitivity of the gate’s threshold.
From -100 dB to 0 dB.
• NG RELEASE: adjusts the time of the gate’s release.
From 20 ms to 1500 ms.
• NG DEPTH: adjusts the gate’s deepness.
From -20 dB to -100 dB.
• COMPRESSOR: turns the compressor ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
15
• COMP SENSITIVITY: sets the sensitivity of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• COMP OUT: sets the output level of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• CAB SIM: selects the cabinet simulator.
CAB 1, CAB 2, CAB 3, CAB 4, BASS, OFF.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet distorted signal. By default, the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE boosts the output signal to achieve more volume in certain parts during the performance.
ON or OFF.
N.B. If you also want the Cab Sim when the pedal is bypassed, the BUFFER BYPASS MODE is required.
METAL Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
DRIVE 21 0 – 127
BASS 22 0 – 127
MID 23 0 – 127
TREBLE 24 0 – 127
VOLUME 25 0 - 127
PUNCH 46 0 - 127
COLOR 47 0 - 127
COLOR FREQ 48 0 - 127
PRESENCE 49 0 - 127
MID Q 50 0 - 127
MID FREQ 51 0 - 127
EQ POSITION 52 0 - 127
NOISE GATE 53 0 - 127
NG THRESHOLD 54 0 - 127
NG RELEASE 55 0 - 127
NG DEPTH 56 0 - 127
COMPRESSOR 57 0 - 127
COMP SENSITIVITY 58 0 - 127
COMP OUT 59 0 - 127
CAB SIM 60 0 - 127
MIX 61 0 - 127
X-MODE 13 0 - 127
When a parameter range is not linear its values are equally divided among the 128 steps of a Control Change value.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
16
MONARCH
Based on Marshall® Guv’Nor.
This pedal is a model of a beloved ‘80s-era distortion pedal by a company known for making amps with
amazing distortion.
Parameters
• DRIVE: increases the amount of clipping in the distortion circuit.
From 0 to 10.
• BASS: boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• MID: boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• TREBLE: boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• VOLUME: sets the output level.
From 0 to 10.
• COLOR: controls the tone of the distortion pedal.
From 0 to 10.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parameter EQ from narrow to wide.
From 0.2 to 3.
• MID FREQ: changes the center frequency of the mid parametric EQ.
From 80 Hz to 5000 Hz.
• EQ POSITION: sets the tone EQ pre or post clipping.
PRE or POST.
• NOISE GATE: turns the noise gate ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• NG THRESHOLD: adjusts the sensitivity of the gate’s threshold.
From -100 dB to 0 dB.
• NG RELEASE: adjusts the time of the gate’s release.
From 20 ms to 1500 ms.
• NG DEPTH: adjusts the gate’s deepness.
From -20 dB to -100 dB.
• COMPRESSOR: turns the compressor ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• COMP SENSITIVITY: sets the sensitivity of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• COMP OUT: sets the output level of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• CAB SIM: selects the cabinet simulator.
CAB 1, CAB 2, CAB 3, CAB 4, BASS, OFF.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet distorted signal. By default. the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
17
• X-MODE: the X-MODE boosts the output signal to achieve more volume in certain parts during the
performance.
ON or OFF.
N.B. If you also want the Cab Sim when the pedal is bypassed, the BUFFER BYPASS MODE is required.
MONARCH Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
DRIVE 21 0 – 127
BASS 22 0 – 127
MID 23 0 – 127
TREBLE 24 0 – 127
VOLUME 25 0 - 127
COLOR 46 0 - 127
MID Q 47 0 - 127
MID FREQ 48 0 - 127
EQ POSITION 49 0 - 127
NOISE GATE 50 0 - 127
NG THRESHOLD 51 0 - 127
NG RELEASE 52 0 - 127
NG DEPTH 53 0 - 127
COMPRESSOR 54 0 - 127
COMP SENSITIVITY 55 0 - 127
COMP OUT 56 0 - 127
CAB SIM 57 0 - 127
MIX 58 0 - 127
X-MODE 13 0 - 127
When a parameter range is not linear its values are equally divided among the 128 steps of a Control Change
value.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
18
CAT
Based on ProCo® Rat™
One of the most beloved distortion boxes ever. From smooth, light crunch, to extreme shred sustain offering a
fuzz-like flavor. This pedal has been a classic ever since its release in the early ‘80s.
Parameters
• DRIVE: increases the amount of clipping in the distortion circuit.
From 0 to 10.
• BASS: boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• MID: boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• TREBLE: boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• VOLUME: sets the output level.
From 0 to 10.
• COLOR: controls the tone of the distortion.
From 0 to 10.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parameter EQ from narrow to wide.
From 0.2 to 3.
• MID FREQ: changes the center frequency of the mid parametric EQ.
From 80 Hz to 5000 Hz.
• EQ POSITION: sets the tone EQ pre or post clipping.
PRE or POST.
• NOISE GATE: turns the noise gate ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• NG THRESHOLD: adjusts the sensitivity of the gate’s threshold.
From -100 dB to 0 dB.
• NG RELEASE: adjusts the time of the gate’s release.
From 20 ms to 1500 ms.
• NG DEPTH: adjusts the gate’s deepness.
From -20 dB to -100 dB.
• COMPRESSOR: turns the compressor ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• COMP SENSITIVITY: sets the sensitivity of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• COMP OUT: sets the output level of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• CAB SIM: selects the cabinet simulator.
CAB 1, CAB 2, CAB 3, CAB 4, BASS, OFF.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet distorted signal. By default, the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
19
• X-MODE: the X-MODE boosts the output signal to achieve more volume in certain parts during the
performance.
ON or OFF.
N.B. If you also want the Cab Sim when the pedal is bypassed, the BUFFER BYPASS MODE is required.
CAT Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
DRIVE 21 0 – 127
BASS 22 0 – 127
MID 23 0 – 127
TREBLE 24 0 – 127
VOLUME 25 0 - 127
COLOR 46 0 - 127
MID Q 47 0 - 127
MID FREQ 48 0 - 127
EQ POSITION 49 0 - 127
NOISE GATE 50 0 - 127
NG THRESHOLD 51 0 - 127
NG RELEASE 52 0 - 127
NG DEPTH 53 0 - 127
COMPRESSOR 54 0 - 127
COMP SENSITIVITY 55 0 - 127
COMP OUT 56 0 - 127
CAB SIM 57 0 - 127
MIX 58 0 - 127
X-MODE 13 0 - 127
When a parameter range is not linear its values are equally divided among the 128 steps of a Control Change
value.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE
20
ORANGE
Based on BOSS® DS-1
This is one of the most versatile distortion boxes ever made. From subtle crunch to complete craziness, this
pedal has been used by countless guitarists of all styles from classic rock to grunge.
Parameters
• DRIVE: increases the amount of clipping in the distortion circuit.
From 0 to 10.
• BASS: boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• MID: boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• TREBLE: boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
From -6 dB to +6 dB.
• VOLUME: sets the output level.
From 0 to 10.
• COLOR: controls the tone of the distortion.
From 0 to 10.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parameter EQ from narrow to wide.
From 0.2 to 3.
• MID FREQ: changes the center frequency of the mid parametric EQ.
From 80 Hz to 5000 Hz.
• EQ POSITION: sets the tone EQ pre or post clipping.
PRE or POST.
• NOISE GATE: turns the noise gate ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• NG THRESHOLD: adjusts the sensitivity of the gate’s threshold.
From -100 dB to 0 dB.
• NG RELEASE: adjusts the time of the gate’s release.
From 20 ms to 1500 ms.
• NG DEPTH: adjusts the gate’s deepness.
From -20 dB to -100 dB.
• COMPRESSOR: turns the compressor ON or OFF.
ON or OFF.
• COMP SENSITIVITY: sets the sensitivity of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• COMP OUT: sets the output level of the compressor.
From 0 to 10.
• CAB SIM: selects the cabinet simulator.
CAB 1, CAB 2, CAB 3, CAB 4, BASS, OFF.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet distorted signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.