IK Multimedia announced AmpliTube Brian May for Mac/PC, iPhone and iPad. Both feature precise models of the exact live and studio gear used by the Queen guitarist—all recreated in collaboration with Brian May himself.
From May's treble booster to his three-amp live setup and carefully curated effects selection, guitarists can enjoy new amp, cab and stompbox models in a convenient package, along with presets covering his discography. Each model was created with the supervision of Brian May and his long-time technical team, to carefully replicate his rig.
A key element of Brian's distinct sound comes from his Red Special guitar that, famously, he hand-built with his father in the 1960s from spare parts and household materials. Because the guitar is such an integral part of his rig, IK's engineers even created a new stompbox effect that helps simulate the Red Special's tone and controls. This offers guitarists a more authentic musical experience that pays homage to this living legend.
Inside AmpliTube Brian May
Available in a desktop app and plug-in for any DAW, AmpliTube Brian May offers up to 11 new models including 2 amps, 3 cabinets, and up to 6 stompbox effects.
Included are offerings such as a new pedal modeling Brian's Red Special guitar and a model of the one-of-a-kind, home-built "Deacy" Amp (with user adjustable battery power) originally created by Queen bassist John Deacon, after modifying an old radio. Other highlights incorporate his triple-amp live setup; tone-shaping effects; and even a harmonizer for nailing those Queen stacked leads in a single take.
Amplifiers
Based on the classic triple VOX® AC30™ setup, the BM 30 offers three amps with the effects chain in a Wet-Dry-Wet configuration to match Brian May's iconic setup. The BM DK is a model of the small "Deacy" amp that became the trademark sound of many Queen songs.
Cabinets
The 2x12 BM 30 Blue (named the 2x12 BM1 in the Brian May collection for iOS) is a triple cabinet based on the cab section of a VOX AC30 equipped with Celestion™ Alnico Blue speakers. The 2x12 BM 30 H70(2x12 BM2 in the Brian May collection for iOS) is with Celestion G12H Anniversary speakers. In addition, the 1x6 BM DK provides the cabinet section of the BM DK amp, featuring a 6" speaker.
Stompboxes
The Red Special, created from a detailed study of Brian May's famous guitar, helps add the unique tonality and controls of the Red Special itself. Based on the original KAT® Treble Booster, the Treble Booster enriches guitar tone similar to Brian May's by boosting it before it reaches the amp.
May Wah was based on a rackmount Dunlop® Cry Baby® wah, modeled in the exact configurations Brian May uses to shape his tone, while the FOX Phaser was based on the unique and distinctive sound of the fOXX® Foot Phaser.
Star Gate is a noise gate that helps clean up the signal chain, minimizing the noise feeding Brian's unique amp and pedal setup.
The iPhone and iPad version, the Brian May Collection (which is inside the existing AmpliTube app) also adds the 30—a 30-band Graphic EQ, with +/- 15 dB boost per band and a+/- 15dB Level control, to help craft a more exact match of Brian's tones. This pedal is already included for free in AmpliTube Custom Shop for Mac/PC.
Discography presets
A full set of song-based discography presets were compiled by Jamie Humphries, guitarist for the official Queen stage production "We Will Rock You," who has also performed with Queen and Brian May. These presets allow users to dial up their favorite Brian May tones instantly and were constructed under May's personal supervision.
Modeling Technology
IK's latest Dynamic Interaction Modeling™ was used to deliver realistic sound when modeling Brian May's gear. DIM™ models the behavior of every component in the circuit. Applied to May's rig, it delivers the same sound and feel as his real gear.
Easy connection to AmpliTube
AmpliTube connects with AXE I/O, IK's audio interface. AmpliTube is also compatible with IK's iRig Stomp I/O, iRig Micro Amp, iRig HD 2, iRig Pro I/O and iRig Pro Duo portable audio interfaces.
Options, pricing and availability
AmpliTube Brian May (for Mac/PC) runs inside AmpliTube Custom Shop, a free download available to all. The new models are available now for purchase as a bundle from the Custom Shop, the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $/€99.99 (excl. taxes).
No previous purchase of AmpliTube is required. The new models will show up as an optional purchase for existing users of AmpliTube 4 upon updating to the latest version.
The Brian May Collection (iPhone and iPad) is available via in-app purchase from within AmpliTube CS for iPhone or iPad, for $19.99. Individual models may also be purchased a la carte (Stomp FX - $3.99 each; amps - $6.99 each). All models are also part of IK's All-In Bundle 2019 collection, which is available for in-app purchase.
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