IK Multimedia AmpliTube X-VIBE User manual

AmpliTube
X-VIBE
USER MANUAL

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Contents
2
Table of Contents
Contents 2
Front Panel Overview 3
Rear Panel Overview 5
Firmware update 6
Saving presets 7
External Control Setup 8
Expression pedal & single switch (creating macros) 8
Double switch 9
Expression pedal calibration 10
Modulation Models 11
CHORUS 80 11
CHORUS 1 13
CHORUS X 14
60 VIBE 15
PHAZER 9 17
PHAZER 10 19
PHAZER CL 21
FOX 22
STONE 24
ELECTRIC 26
DOUBLER 28
METALLIC 29
ROTARY 31
TREMOLO 33
STEP SLICER 35
STEP FILTER 37
Global Setup 39
Preset Setup 42
Tempo, BPM Mode and tap tempo footswitch 43
Safe Mode 45
Temporary Mode 46
Interface Mode 47
Included applications 48
MIDI Specifications 49
Features 50
System Requirements 51
AmpliTube X-GEAR series 52

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Front Panel Overview
3
Front Panel Overview
1
3
9
4 5 6
11
10
7 8
2
1. MODEL encoder
Turn the MODEL encoder to select the preferred X-VIBE 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-VIBE 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. SPEED knob
The SPEED knob sets the speed of the modulation. When the BPM SYNC is activated the SPEED parameter
allows you to select the available Time Signatures.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Front Panel Overview
4
5. DEPTH knob
The DEPTH knob controls the depth of the modulation.
6. BASS knob
Boosts and cuts the low frequencies.
7. MID knob
Boosts and cuts the mid frequencies.
8. TREBLE knob
Boosts and cuts the high frequencies.
9. A & B LEDs
Green if preset is active.
Amber if preset has been edited.
Blinking amber when browsing among banks.
Off if bypassed.
10. TAP LED
Blinking blue indicating LFO speed.
Blinking green indicating the current BPM.
Blinking amber means that the tempo is controlled by the MIDI clock.
11. A, B & TAP footswitches
Press A or B to engage or bypass preset of the current bank.
Hold A or B while preset is ON to access the X-MODE for selected model.
Hold A or B 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+TAP to select a higher bank.
Press TAP to tap the tempo of the modulation.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Rear Panel Overview
5
Rear Panel Overview
3 4 5 621 7
1. INPUT L & R
Plug your instrument in here.
If you have a mono instrument use only the left input.
2. OUTPUT L & R
Connect to an amplifier, stomp box, PA or other devices.
If you use X-VIBE with mono output use only the left output.
3. MIDI IN
Connect to external MIDI controllers to automatically browse presets and modulate parameters via control
changes.
4. MIDI OUT
Connect to external MIDI devices.
Through this port X-VIBE can send out MIDI messages anytime a switch is pressed or a knob is turned.
5. 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.
6. USB
Use this port to connect X-VIBE 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.
7. POWER 9V DC
Power the pedal via a 9V DC center negative power supply.
At least 260mA.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Firmware update
6
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-VIBE
Saving presets
7
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-VIBE
External Control Setup
8
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-VIBE
External Control Setup
9
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-VIBE
Expression pedal calibration
10
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-VIBE
Modulation Models
11
Modulation Models
CHORUS 80
This model is inspired by the different attempted versions that came out in the ‘80s to recreate complex stereo
chorus effects. This gives you the wideness and magic of the ‘80s rock sound.
Parameters
• SPEED: sets the rate of the chorus effect. When the BPM SYNC is activated the SPEED parameter allows
you to select the available Time Signatures.
From 0% to 100% or from 1/32 to 1/1T when BPM SYNC is ON.
• DEPTH: sets the intensity of the chorus effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• 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.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parametric 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.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet modulated signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE sets the Chorus to a deeper modulation with a higher rate for a temporary extreme
effect.
ON or OFF.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Modulation Models
12
CHORUS 80 Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
SPEED 21 0 – 127
DEPTH 22 0 – 127
BASS 23 0 – 127
MID 24 0 – 127
TREBLE 25 0 - 127
MID Q 46 0 - 127
MID FREQ 47 0 - 127
MIX 48 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-VIBE
Modulation Models
13
CHORUS 1
Based on Solina String Ensemble Keyboard Chorus effect
This vintage chorus is inspired by the widening chorus effect found in the Solina String Ensemble Keyboard that
can fit perfectly also in guitar tones.
Parameters
• SPEED: sets the rate of the chorus effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• DEPTH: sets the intensity of the chorus effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• 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.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parametric 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.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet modulated signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE sets the Chorus to a deeper modulation with a higher rate for a temporary extreme
effect.
ON or OFF.
CHORUS 1 Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
SPEED 21 0 – 127
DEPTH 22 0 – 127
BASS 23 0 – 127
MID 24 0 – 127
TREBLE 25 0 - 127
MID Q 46 0 - 127
MID FREQ 47 0 - 127
MIX 48 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-VIBE
Modulation Models
14
CHORUS X
Based on Roland RS Series
This is a very versatile model based on the chorus effect of the RS series of synthesizers by Roland that also
became one of the preferred choruses for guitarists all over the world.
Parameters
• SPEED: sets the rate of the chorus effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• DEPTH: sets the intensity of the chorus effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• 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.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parametric 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.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet modulated signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE sets the Chorus to a deeper modulation with a higher rate for a temporary extreme
effect.
ON or OFF.
CHORUS X Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
SPEED 21 0 – 127
DEPTH 22 0 – 127
BASS 23 0 – 127
MID 24 0 – 127
TREBLE 25 0 - 127
MID Q 46 0 - 127
MID FREQ 47 0 - 127
MIX 48 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-VIBE
Modulation Models
15
60 VIBE
Based on Univox™ Uni-Vibe™
This model offers two working modes: chorus and vibrato. Its legendary chorus mode is a chorus/rotating-
speaker simulator that was introduced in 1969. This created a swirling effect quite similar to a rotary speaker
cabinet, but with the addition of a continuous speed control.
Parameters
• SPEED: sets the rate of the effect. When the BPM SYNC is activated the SPEED parameter allows you to
select the available Time Signatures.
From 0% to 100% or from 1/32 to 1/1T when BPM SYNC is ON.
• DEPTH: sets the intensity of the effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• 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.
• MODE: selects between the Chorus or Vibrato mode.
CHORUS or VIBRATO.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parametric 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.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet modulated signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE sets the effect to a deeper modulation with a higher rate for a temporary extreme
effect.
ON or OFF.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Modulation Models
16
60 VIBE Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
SPEED 21 0 – 127
DEPTH 22 0 – 127
BASS 23 0 – 127
MID 24 0 – 127
TREBLE 25 0 - 127
MODE 46 0 - 127
MID Q 47 0 - 127
MID FREQ 48 0 - 127
MIX 49 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-VIBE
Modulation Models
17
PHAZER 9
Based on MXR® Phase 90
This effect is one of the most popular phase pedals of all times. Used by a wide range of first-class guitarists,
this unit can add a little bit of shimmer to your solos or generate a smooth, watery effect while playing chords
and muted strumming.
Parameters
• SPEED: sets the rate of the phaser effect. When the BPM SYNC is activated the SPEED parameter allows
you to select the available Time Signatures.
From 0% to 100% or from 1/32 to 1/1T when BPM SYNC is ON.
• DEPTH: sets the intensity of the phaser effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• 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.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parametric 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.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet modulated signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE sets the phaser to a deeper modulation with a higher rate for a temporary extreme
effect.
ON or OFF.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Modulation Models
18
PHAZER 9 Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
SPEED 21 0 – 127
DEPTH 22 0 – 127
BASS 23 0 – 127
MID 24 0 – 127
TREBLE 25 0 - 127
MID Q 46 0 - 127
MID FREQ 47 0 - 127
MIX 48 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-VIBE
Modulation Models
19
PHAZER 10
Based on MXR® Phaser 100
A model of a classic analog phaser that offers 4 different modes characterized by their different intensity and
shape.
Parameters
• SPEED: sets the rate of the phaser effect. When the BPM SYNC is activated the SPEED parameter allows
you to select the available Time Signatures.
From 0% to 100% or from 1/32 to 1/1T when BPM SYNC is ON.
• DEPTH: sets the intensity of the effect.
From 0% to 100%.
• 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.
• MODE: selects one of the four different phaser modes.
From 1 to 4.
• MID Q: sets the bandwidth of the mid parametric 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.
• MIX: regulates the amount of the dry and wet modulated signal. By default the mix is set to 100% WET.
From 0% to 100%.
• X-MODE: the X-MODE sets the phaser to a deeper modulation with a higher rate for a temporary extreme
effect.
ON or OFF.

AmpliTube X-VIBE
Modulation Models
20
PHAZER 10 Control Changes
Parameter Control Change # Values
SPEED 21 0 – 127
DEPTH 22 0 – 127
BASS 23 0 – 127
MID 24 0 – 127
TREBLE 25 0 - 127
MODE 46 0 - 127
MID Q 47 0 - 127
MID FREQ 48 0 - 127
MIX 49 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.