TONEX amp simulator plugin interface by IK Multimedia

TONEX: AI Machine-Modeled Amp and Pedal Plugin by IK Multimedia

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (69 ratings)

TONEX is an amp simulator plugin from IK Multimedia that uses AI Machine Modeling to recreate the sound of amps, cabinets, combos and pedals. It is available as VST3, AU and AAX for Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

TONEX is built around AI Machine Modeling, a technology that IK Multimedia says can model an amp, cabinet, combo or pedal and turn it into a plug-in. The developer describes the modeled tones as close to the originals, including accurate high-frequency content. Beyond modeling, TONEX works as a tone player, editor and browser, with a library of Tone Models, presets and custom IRs. It runs inside your DAW as a plug-in or as a standalone application.

Best for

Guitar amp modeling
Bass tone capture
Recording guitar tones
Live guitar rigs
Sharing custom tones
Pedal and cab modeling

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

02Key features

What you get

AI Machine Modeling of amps, cabinets, combos and pedals
Model multiple gear elements together in one rig
Built-in assistant guides you through hardware connection and modeling
Selectable accuracy levels for Tone Model creation
Custom skins and keywords for Tone Models
Cab block supports Tone Models, VIR cabinets and custom IRs
Seven effect slots with 15 effects including reverb and delay
Access to Tone Models and presets on ToneNET

03In depth

Modeling amps, cabinets and pedals with AI

The Modeler section of TONEX lets you build a Tone Model from your own rig. Amps, cabinets, combos and pedals, including distortion, overdrive, fuzz, EQ and boost, can be modeled individually or combined into a complete signal chain.

IK Multimedia says the process uses a prepared audio file of real guitar and bass signals rather than test tones. A neural network then computes the model. The developer lists training times of 5 to 10 minutes on suggested computers, and an optional NVIDIA GPU is recommended on Windows to reduce training time.

Finished models can carry a custom skin and keywords and can be shared with other users on ToneNET.

Player, library and effects

TONEX Player gives you one place to play, practice and record guitar and bass tones. From the home screen you can adjust parameters and add effects including modulation, delay, reverb, compression, noise gate and EQ.

The cab block accepts Tone Models, VIR cabinets and custom IRs. TONEX also offers 15 effects across seven slots, covering chorus, tremolo, phaser, flanger, rotary, digital and tape delay, spring and room and plate reverb, compressor and noise gate.

Tone Models can also be used inside AmpliTube 5 alongside other gear, and the free TONEX Editor can edit presets on a TONEX Pedal or TONEX ONE in real time.

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 TONEX support?

TONEX is available as VST3, AU and AAX plug-ins. The standalone application is also supported on macOS and Windows.

What do I need to run TONEX?

On Mac with Intel, you need an Intel Core i3 (Core i5 recommended for the Modeler), macOS 10.15 (macOS 11 Big Sur for the Modeler), 4 GB of RAM and 6 GB of hard drive space. Apple Silicon Macs need an M1 or later, macOS 11, 4 GB of RAM and 6 GB of storage. On Windows, you need an Intel Core i3 or equivalent, Windows 10, 4 GB of RAM and 6 GB of storage. An internet connection is required to authorize the application and access ToneNET.