IK's StompIO: the software amp without all the software dependency

USB-based musicality is great and all, but sometimes you want to cut the cord and play live. IK's StompIO USB stomp box is apparently the ticket to such a life of freedom, since it packs in a good amount of software amps and software controllable switches and the like, but it also does all its own amp modeling when away from the computer. The bad news is that freedom comes at quite the price: StompIO is available now for $1,050.

[Simo @ Jan 24th 2008 3:32AM]

Line6's Pod X3 Live looks like a much better bet, and half the price. The old Pod XT Live was great so hopefully the new X3 version is even better!

http://line6.com/podx3live/index.html

[Zoesch @ Jan 24th 2008 5:02PM]

I use an XT Live for live performances and rehearsal and Guitar Rig at the studio, the IK stuff is usually quality (Except perhaps Amplitube) but this is way too expensive for what it does, the Pod XT Live, X3 or the Roland GT8 are much better options and a lot cheaper.

[gfunk @ Jan 24th 2008 3:47AM]

Wow are you in third grade?

Anyways, Amplitube works fantastic as a VST plugin... if they're keeping up to their standards they've won a new customer.

[ug @ Jan 24th 2008 5:23AM]

For that price, this is a better bet. No PC required, and can do a lot more:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=849

[Kappy @ Jan 24th 2008 2:01PM]

Unfortunately that's not a stomp box so it wouldn't really be suitable for live performances in most cases. Line 6 makes something similar called the Pod that is quite a bit cheaper.

-kap

[ug @ Jan 24th 2008 2:21PM]

How is it not a stomp box? If you mean it doesn't have pedals, you can add the FC-300. And if you want you can go straight in rather than use the 13-pin. The ribbon controller and D-beam are ideal for live performance.

[Eh @ Jan 24th 2008 6:05AM]

Their amplitube software is amazing, I just wish theyd come out with a new version already.

[JJ @ Jan 24th 2008 7:30AM]

IMO,
Guitar Rig 3 is MUCH better and his less than half the price of that ugly beast of a footboard.

[Johnnyg0 @ Jan 24th 2008 8:29AM]

GR3's effects are super nice, but the actual amplifier and speaker simulation are really bad. It looks like Native Instruments wanted to get into the "virtual amps" games too quick... IMO of course.

[BoxOfSnoo @ Jan 24th 2008 9:25AM]

For an "Amplitube replacement" Check out FreeAmp3 at http://frettedsynth.home.att.net/ You still need the computer, but some great free software amp modeling.

[Dave Dave Dave @ Jan 24th 2008 9:30AM]

I agree with Johnnyg0... honestly, guitars effects are hard to mess up these days, but the amp models put out by IK have always been sub-par. I don't expect amp models to be carbon copies of their tangible counterparts, but IK's are way off compared to the offerings by Line 6, Roland, and even the older Yamaha stuff.

The box looks workable, but at that price for bad sound, why bother?

[LdC @ Jan 24th 2008 9:31AM]

"it also does all its own amp modeling when away from the computer"

this is incorrect – the product is a controller and audio interface, with no DSP capability. you need to have it hooked up to a computer to use, although you don't need to look at the computer screen to use it, as you can access and configure everything via the pedal itself.

the package does come with a load of amplitube software, though, which costs a fair bit on its own

[Dave Dave Dave @ Jan 24th 2008 9:48AM]

also, why the hell is this on engadget? Listening to them review a piece of audio gear is like listening to Simon Cowel review presidential candidates based on their policy stances. Stick with the stuff you know something about engadget, like your (not so) veiled Mac fanboyism, and cleverly caustic headlines about Sir Richard Branson's cute spaceships and the like. =)

[Joe @ Jan 24th 2008 11:23AM]

My $99 GuitarPortXT FTW!

[Kappy @ Jan 24th 2008 2:05PM]

I just got a GuitarPort XT a couple weeks ago and I'm loving it (although I kinda regret not researching the toneport as well as I'd like to have the XLR input and I don't use the online stuff much). I'm really a newb when it comes to getting a good tone, I used to just turn on the amp and play so I'm on system overload with all the different amps and setups.

-kap

[tb @ Jan 24th 2008 3:09PM]

bad description, it's just a controller, no dsp onboard a la pod xt live or x3
you NEED a computer to use that, basically it's jsut a glorified soundcard

[o2k2 @ Jan 24th 2008 10:47PM]

I believe that Line 6 is the company to watch for the type of tone emulation. They emulate not only stomp box tones but vintage guitars and amps. You can also drag and drop tones that other users have created from an online library into your pedals. What they do lack is Mac Leopard support on their Gear Box software and I think that blows! They make a wide variety of products at a reasonable price. Remember that there is nothing better than playing the original gear, but we can't own them all, so I think of Line 6 as a great tool to get an unlimited amount of quality tones.