AmpliTube X-GEAR X-DRIVE distortion pedal

It’s time to break free

Bring your perfect studio guitar sound onstage with the new AmpliTube X-DRIVE distortion pedal. This boutique pedal features 16 all-new overdrive and distortion effects leveraging IK’s latest AmpliTube technologies, accompanied by an exclusive virtual X-GEAR version of the exact same effects. Use the virtual version with AmpliTube 5 (SE version included) to record and tweak settings and save as presets on your X-DRIVE pedal for world-class tone anywhere.

AmpliTube X-DRIVE overview

Breakthrough software and hardware integration for guitarists
State-of-the-art DSP in a road-worthy anodized aluminum chassis
16 different algorithms, 50 factory presets (300 storable presets)
Distortion, overdrive, fuzz, compressor and more + cab emulation

Includes exclusive virtual X-DRIVE version for use in AmpliTube 5
USB port for preset management and use as a recording interface
Full MIDI implementation including control over AmpliTube 5
Designed and made in Italy for a lifetime of playing and gigging

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Best-in-show DSP

AmpliTube X-DRIVE leverages IK’s latest technologies for hyper-realistic emulations of real-world gear. The state-of-the-art DSP onboard offers 16 high-end algorithms, while a special X-MODE opens additional signal boosting features. Using 192kHz internal processing with 4x oversampling, X-DRIVE delivers amazing clarity to the stage with the realism and response that users love about AmpliTube 5.

16 high-end algorithms

MODERN

This overdrive adds pleasing harmonics for a tube-like sound. It recreates creamy saturation with a solid warm low end.

METAL

Based on BOSS® MT-2.
Inspired by one of the most favorite metal pedals of all time, perfect for extreme gain and sustain. Nothing compares to this pedal for pure distortion mayhem. It features punch, color and presence to sculpt the perfect high gain tone under your feet.

MONARCH

Based on Marshall® Guv'Nor.
This pedal is a model of a beloved '80s-era distortion pedal by a company known for making amps with amazing distortion.

CAT

Based on ProCo® Rat™.
One of the most beloved distortion boxes ever. From smooth, light crunch, to extreme shred sustain offering a fuzz-like flavor. This pedal has been a classic ever since its release in the early '80s.

ORANGE

Based on BOSS® DS-1.
This is one of the most versatile distortion boxes ever made. From subtle crunch to complete craziness, this pedal has been used by countless guitarists of all styles from classic rock to grunge.

YELLOW

Based on BOSS® SD-1.
One of the earliest and most collectible Japanese pedals, it’s one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. From subtle to over-the-top, it pushes amps harder without sacrificing attack clarity.

GREEN

Based on Ibanez® Tube Screamer.
This is a model of the classic overdrive/distortion pedal, which has become the go to overdrive pedal for some of the most influential guitar players of all time. It helps to boost the mid frequencies keeping great transient response.

DIODE

Based on MXR® Distortion+.
This model is perfect to pump up your amplifier from light overdrives to dense distortions.

BLUE

A very versatile model, which is the best fit for creamy jazz tones and crunchy blues lines.

BOOSTER

A booster to increase the level of the instrument going into the amplifier in order to add harmonics and increase the overall saturation for solo parts and whenever your instrument needs to come up over the others.

H-BOOST

A treble booster to increase the presence of the instrument in order to pump up the overall saturation and add some sparkling highs for solo parts and whenever your instrument needs to come up over the others.

CRUSH

This model alters the sound of the input signal by changing the sample-rate, cutoff frequency and by distorting it. This effect can produce very aggressive distorted sounds, more pronounced than overdrive stomp boxes. The low-pass filter is very creative when combined with high distortion levels.

OCTOFUZZ

Based on MXR® Blue Box™ Octave Fuzz.
This Fuzz/Octave stomp box adds a crazy fuzz to your signal and then duplicates it two octaves down. This is one of the most evil and overpowering models.

PURPLE

Based on Roger Mayer™ Octavia.
This effect was first used on the early Jimi Hendrix songs. It is a fuzz box with frequency-doubling circuitry that produces a second note an octave above the fundamental note. This was first used on “Purple Haze” and “Fire”.

FUZZACE

Based on Arbiter® Fuzz Face®.
This effect is modeled after a classic germanium transistor fuzz vintage effect. Typically used on lead guitar, this effect has remained a popular distortion effect throughout the years.

BIG-FUZZ

Based on Electro-Harmonix® Big Muff Pi.
An iconic distortion pedal that has stood the test of time. Capable of tones from smooth sustain & compression to heavy buzz-saw distortion, this pedal is perfect for indie and alternative rock.

Inside AmpliTube X-DRIVE

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MODEL Encoder
Turn the MODEL encoder to select the preferred X-DRIVE model among the 16 advanced algorithms available.
Push to go back when browsing in menus.

DISPLAY
Highly visible display for any stage, featuring eight 16-segment characters.
It can show the preset name, bank or program change number. When editing a parameter it shows its value.

PRESET Encoder
Turn the PRESET encoder to browse among the 300 presets available in the machine.
Push to save a preset and choose its name and bank position.

PARAMETER Encoder
Each model inside X-DRIVE has its own parameter set. Push the PARAMETER encoder to access the sub-parameters of the selected model.
Hold the PARAMETER encoder to access the global and preset setups.

MAIN PARAMETERS Knobs
Turn to edit the main parameters of the model.
Although these knobs are common to all X-DRIVE models their function is custom to each one.

A, B, C LEDS
Green if preset is active.
Amber if preset has been edited.
Blinking amber when browsing among banks.
Off if bypassed.

A, B, C FOOTSWITCHES
Press to engage or bypass preset of the current bank.
Hold to access the X-MODE for selected model.
Press A+B to select a lower bank.
Press B+C to select a higher bank.

MODEL Encoder
Turn the MODEL encoder to select the preferred X-DRIVE model among the 16 advanced algorithms available.
Push to go back when browsing in menus.
DISPLAY
Highly visible display for any stage, featuring eight 16-segment characters.
It can show the preset name, bank or program change number. When editing a parameter it shows its value.
PRESET Encoder
Turn the PRESET encoder to browse among the 300 presets available in the machine.
Push to save a preset and choose its name and bank position.
PARAMETER Encoder
Each model inside X-DRIVE has its own parameter set. Push the PARAMETER encoder to access the sub-parameters of the selected model.
Hold the PARAMETER encoder to access the global and preset setups.
MAIN PARAMETERS Knobs
Turn to edit the main parameters of the model.
Although these knobs are common to all X-DRIVE models their function is custom to each one.
A, B, C LEDS
Green if preset is active.
Amber if preset has been edited.
Blinking amber when browsing among banks.
Off if bypassed.
A, B, C FOOTSWITCHES
Press to engage or bypass preset of the current bank.
Hold to access the X-MODE for selected model.
Press A+B to select a lower bank.
Press B+C to select a higher bank.

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INPUT
Plug your instrument here.

OUTPUT
Connect to an amplifier, stomp box or other devices.

CAB SIM OUT
Designed to replicate the frequency response of the different cabinets, via the CAB SIM OUT, X-DRIVE can be connected to a full-range system like a PA.
This acts as a secondary output independent from the main OUTPUT.

HEADPHONES
Plug your headphones in here to monitor the CAB SIM OUT and practice quietly.

MIDI IN
Connect to external MIDI controllers to automatically change presets and parameters via control changes.

MIDI OUT
Connect to external MIDI devices. Through this port X-DRIVE can send out control changes anytime a switch is pressed or a knob is turned.

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.

USB
Use this port to connect X-DRIVE to your Mac/PC as an audio interface and for using the Librarian app to organize and load presets.

POWER 9V DC
Power the pedal via a 9V DC center negative transformer.

INPUT
Plug your instrument here.
OUTPUT
Connect to an amplifier, stomp box or other devices.
CAB SIM OUT
Designed to replicate the frequency response of the different cabinets, via the CAB SIM OUT, X-DRIVE can be connected to a full-range system like a PA.
This acts as a secondary output independent from the main OUTPUT.
HEADPHONES
Plug your headphones in here to monitor the CAB SIM OUT and practice quietly.
MIDI IN
Connect to external MIDI controllers to automatically change presets and parameters via control changes.
MIDI OUT
Connect to external MIDI devices. Through this port X-DRIVE can send out control changes anytime a switch is pressed or a knob is turned.
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.
USB
Use this port to connect X-DRIVE to your Mac/PC as an audio interface and for using the Librarian app to organize and load presets.
POWER 9V DC
Power the pedal via a 9V DC center negative transformer.

Hardware that stands out

For AmpliTube X-DRIVE we went all out to guarantee your tone stays as pure and pristine as possible, no matter how simple or sophisticated your signal chain becomes.

Ultra-low noise, 24-bit/192kHz converters for class-leading sound quality
5 Hz–24 kHz frequency response to capture the full scope of your guitar’s sound
123 dB dynamic range provides whisper-quiet operation at any gain setting
Selectable true or soft bypass for maximum control

Industry-leading integration

AmpliTube X-DRIVE includes a matching virtual version for Mac/PC and a copy of AmpliTube 5 SE. Open any version of AmpliTube 5 and you’ll find your virtual X-DRIVE pedal available as a stomp for use within the program. Adjust any of your pedal settings with the convenience of AmpliTube’s award-winning workflow and save them as presets. The X-GEAR Librarian lets you move presets between X-GEAR pedals and AmpliTube and easily reorganize them on the hardware pedal. You can store up to 300 presets per pedal.

All-in-one recording

With AmpliTube X-DRIVE there’s no need for any other gear when it comes to recording guitar. We’ve put a USB audio interface and some must-have recording features right onboard.

5Hz to 24kHz frequency response to record the full range of your guitar or bass
Versatile routing options let you send the wet and/or dry signals to your DAW

Stereo out for monitoring sound between the X-DRIVE pedal and your computer
Full MIDI implementation to map control of AmpliTube and/or any compatible DAW

From soundcheck to final encore

When it’s time to play out, AmpliTube X-DRIVE holds everything you need to perform at your best. In fact, you can even leave your amp and cab at home, if you want to.

Fast, intuitive interface and control knobs to tweak your sound on the fly
High-contrast LED display keeps you informed on everything, indoors and out
Expression pedal input adds additional control over any parameter you choose

Full MIDI implementation is built-in for even the most complex setups
5 cabinet impulse responses and a CAB SIM out to connect directly to the PA

With great tone comes great portability

With its open architecture for future updates, AmpliTube X-DRIVE will empower you no matter where you are and for years to come. Experience the freedom of moving between the studio and stage seamlessly, confident that you and the audience hear your sound exactly as you created it to be.