AmpliTube Brian May guitar amp and effects plugin interface by IK Multimedia

AmpliTube Brian May: Guitar Amp and Effects Plugin for Brian May Tones

AmpliTube Brian May is an amp simulator plugin from IK Multimedia that models gear used by guitarist Brian May, including amps, cabinets, stompboxes and a Red Special stomp. It runs as a 64-bit VST3, AU or AAX plugin on Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

AmpliTube Brian May is a guitar effects and amp modeling plugin built around the rig Brian May used for Queen's guitar sound. IK Multimedia developed the package with May and his techs, covering his treble booster, his three-amp VOX AC30 setup and a selection of his effects. The plugin includes 10 new models split between amps, cabinets and effects, and it works as an add-on to the AmpliTube Custom Shop. No previous version of AmpliTube is required to run it.

Best for

Queen guitar covers
Classic rock tones
Harmonized lead guitar
Tribute recordings
Vintage clean tones

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: Amp Simulators
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Brian May's BM 30 and BM DK amp models
Three cabinet models including 2x12 BM 30 Blue and H70
Seven stompboxes including Red Special and Treble Booster
Two rack effects: Analog Chorus and Harmonator
Six microphone models for cabinet placement
Wet-Dry-Wet signal path mode based on May's setup
Breakthrough DIM technology for modeled realism
Works with the AmpliTube Custom Shop updates

03In depth

Brian May's Gear and Sound in AmpliTube

The package includes two amps, the BM 30 and the BM DK, along with three cabinets: a 2x12 BM 30 Blue, a 2x12 BM 30 H70 and a 1x6 BM DK. Seven stompboxes cover the signal chain, among them Chorus-1, FOX Phaser, Harmonator, May Wah, Red Special, Star Gate and Treble Booster. Two rack effects, an Analog Chorus and a Harmonator, add further processing.

The package also includes six microphone models for positioning the cabinet sound. IK Multimedia says the plugin unlocks a Wet-Dry-Wet signal path mode to mirror May's setup. Its DIM technology is presented as a source of realism in the modeling.

The developer describes the Red Special stomp as a model of the custom guitar May built with his father in the early 1960s. It is meant to reproduce the tone and controls of that instrument.

Who Should Use AmpliTube Brian May

AmpliTube Brian May suits guitarists who want to reproduce Brian May's tones for covers, tribute recordings or studio work. The presets and signal chain are built around specific Queen-era sounds, and the developer notes that dialing in a preset gives access to tones used on songs such as Hammer to Fall, Bo Rhap and Killer Queen.

The plugin is also useful as a set of effects for building custom rock tones, since the stomps and rack effects can be adjusted freely after loading a preset. Brian May himself endorses the sound, and the developer states the tones are sound-certified and approved by him.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	Amp Simulator
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does AmpliTube Brian May support?

AmpliTube Brian May is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It is a 64-bit plugin.

Which operating systems can run AmpliTube Brian May?

The plugin supports Windows and macOS. On Windows, it needs Windows 10 (64 bit) or newer and an ASIO compatible sound card. On macOS, it needs macOS 10.15 or newer, with macOS 11 or newer required for Apple Silicon processors.

What do I need to use AmpliTube Brian May?

You need at least 8 GB of RAM, 3 GB of hard drive space and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter. An internet connection is required to authorize the application and access ToneNET.