review
Stomp IO
Guitar amp and effects modeling software has improved vastly in the past couple of years. IK Multimedia now offers a number of great sounding packages including AmpliTube 2, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, Ampeg SVX (bass), and AmpliTube Metal, which make it easy to access just about any tone imaginable using a computer and an audio interface. While these software packages are great for recording, they aren’t ideal for gigging due to the need to use a mouse or trackpad to change patches and settings. Stomp IO changes all that.
What You Get
Stomp IO is a combination foot controller and audio interface designed for live and studio use of the IK Multimedia “Powered By AmpliTube” software packages. It includes AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX, and AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, and AmpliTube Metal modeling software. All these software packages are accessed through the included X-Gear software, which is shell software designed to work with the Stomp IO. Stomp IO also includes one expression pedal.
Focus
This review will focus on the hardware side of things (with the exception of X-Gear.) I have completed in-depth reviews of AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix and AmpliTube Metal, and will be doing a review of AmpliTube 2 soon. Select the links to read those. Let me just say that all the AmpliTube software sounds great — which is probably the reason you are considering the Stomp IO in the first place.
The Unit
The Stomp IO unit features solid all-metal construction with a built-in handle. It has 10 metal switches for basic operation, plus six rotary knobs and four buttons for browsing, parameter setting, and editing. There is also a dedicated tuner button and volume knob. An LED display shows guitar level and bank/program number. A backlit 2 row X 40 character LCD display allows you to give descriptive names to patches or control parameters, editing, and settings. The display items align with the rotary knobs so you always know what you are editing. Editing functions can also be controlled using the metal switches for hands-free operation.
The LCD display allows you use Stomp IO live without needing to see the computer screen. You can tuck you laptop safely away in a rack unit and use only the Stomp IO for patch information. This is a vast improvement over the Guitar Rig 3 controller which requires you to see the computer screen while using it.
The Stomp IO is also a high quality audio interface via USB, although it uses USB 1.1 instead of the higher bandwidth USB 2 (which it is compatible with.) This really isn’t a problem since you can only send a single guitar signal anyway.
X-Gear
Stomp IO ships with X-Gear, a software shell application and plug-in that allows you to access all the software models and patches of the “Powered by AmpliTube” software (AmpliTube 2, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, Ampeg SVX, and AmpliTube Metal) from a single interface. It integrates tightly with the Stomp IO unit. If you make a change in one, it is instantly changed and reflected in the other. For example, if you turn on a Wah pedal in Stomp IO, the light on the wah pedal lights up in the X-Gear software and the on screen pedal moves as you rock the physical pedal. If you change the patch using the X-Gear software, it is reflected on the Stomp IO display.
Getting Started
Using the Stomp IO involves installing the included software and then registering and authorizing it. This is fairly painless process done via the internet. Windows user will also have to install XP/Vista drivers for the Stomp IO. Mac user don’t need to install drivers as the Mac OS handles this. Once the software is installed you can begin using the Stomp IO. A USB cable connects the Stomp IO to you computer. A fairly short power cable/wall-wart adapter powers the Stomp IO unit.
Computer Stuff
I tested the Stomp IO using a Mac PowerBook Pro laptop with a 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. With the buffers set at their lowest setting (64) and running in high-resolution mode, most patches ran in the 20% range of CPU usage, with a few extreme effects patches using around 50%. Running the buffers at a higher setting (256 is recommended by IK Multimedia) will improve performance substantially. You can also turn off oversampling to improve performance on slower computers. Needless to say, the faster your processor, the better, and individual results will vary.
I suspect most player will use laptops live, but it is also possible to use a compact computer such as a Mac Mini without needing to hook up a keyboard and monitor. If you set the computer to automatically log in and launch AmpliTube X-Gear on start-up, all other functions can be accessed via the Stomp IO alone.
The Stomp IO is a high tech setup requiring a computer for use. I didn’t encounter any software bugs or crashes during the time I reviewed the Stomp IO. It seemed quite stable. Still, as any computer user knows, computer and/or software problems are almost inevitable. The Stomp IO is built like a tank. I would be more concerned with the laptop being the weak link in the chain. If you can dedicate a laptop to Stomp IO use only, that would be best. Pros may be able to bring along a spare laptop, but us mortals may want to bring a small pedalboard or multi-effects as a backup just in case the laptop goes south.
Audio Setup And Routing - X-Gear Application
I was impressed with how easy it was to get up and running. Using X-Gear as a stand-alone application, all I had to do was go to the Audio/MIDI setup in the Settings menu and select Stomp IO as my audio input interface and my MOTU 828 (audio interface which is hooked up to my studio monitors) as my audio output interface. I was then able to play and monitor the results through my studio speakers.
You can also select the Stomp IO as your audio output interface — which you have to do for live use. The Stomp IO has jacks for powered monitors and a headphones jack. If you are playing live you can route the signal directly to a PA with the balanced output jacks or to an amplifier via the unbalanced jacks.
I didn’t run into any problems with audio drop outs or clicks, etc. IK multimedia recommends using a buffer size of 128 to 256 but I was able to use 64 as my buffer size with no problems, making latency (signal delay) virtually imperceptible.
Audio Setup And Routing - Plugin
I tested the plugin version of X-Gear using Digital Performer 6 (DP6) as my DAW application. Stomp IO and X-Gear operate the same way they do in stand-alone mode, allowing you to control the plugin with the Stomp IO. When using Stomp IO as the audio interface, you can monitor the incoming signal using headphones or powered monitors hooked up to the Stomp IO. If you want to use your computer or audio interface to monitor the incoming guitar signal you need to do some signal routing with the audio setup on your computer and DAW.
In my case, I needed to go to the Audio/MIDI setup application on my Mac and create an Aggregate device that allowed me to use the Stomp IO as my input device and my audio interface (MOTU 828) as the output device. This worked but added to the latency of my guitar signal when playing. A better solution for me was to use my MOTU 828 audio interface for the incoming guitar signal (and to monitor) and then use the Stomp IO as just a plugin controller. I was able to get very low buffer settings with this method.
X-Gear Plugin
When using X-Gear as a plugin it runs as an insert effect (like reverb or delay.) This means X-Gear is affecting the clean guitar signal. The X-Gear "effect" (or tone) is not recorded with the incoming guitar signal. This makes it easy to change the tone of your track after recording (this is called re-amping.) But what if you want to record the X-Gear tone as you play? Every DAW works a little different, but I found an easy way to do this with Digital Performer 6 by bussing the incoming signal to a second track after the insert effect and then record enabling both tracks. This resulted in one track of clean guitar and one track of “X-Gear effected” guitar being recorded simultaneously. Click here to see how I set this up in DP6.
Stomp IO Operating Modes
Stomp IO has five operating modes for incredible flexibility. The default is 2STEP, which is a basic patch selection mode. You use the Bank Up and Down switches to select the bank and the Program switches (A B C D) to select the patch. Stomp IO has 1000 banks available, each with four program slots for mind-boggling total of 4000 patch slots. This allows you to be creative in your patch storing. You could created banks for studio use, banks for live use, banks for individual songs with four patch changes per song, banks for styles of music, or to organize set lists. It’s not likely you’ll outgrow the amount of available slots.
The next operating mode is STOMP mode, which turns each bank into a four unit pedalboard. So you can think of it as a box with 1000 four unit pedalboards. If you like to turn pedals on and off during a song this is a handy mode. But unlike traditional stomp boxes, each “pedal” can have up to four layers that the switch will cycle through. You could set a single distortion pedal to four different gain setting and cycle through them. Or set a delay for three different delay values and bypass. It’s really quite fascinating when you start to consider the possibilities. And since you can have up to 1000 “pedalboards” you could easily create one for each song, or organize pedalboards by effects type.
FIRST mode works like 2STEP mode except every time you change banks, the first program in that bank is automatically engaged. Similar to FIRST mode, CURRENT mode activates the currently selected program switch (A B C D) when you change banks.
Finally, SEQUENCE mode is a great way to program set lists. You can build up to 16 different sequences, each with up to 999 patches. You simply select existing patches one by one to create your set list. You then step through the sequence using the Bank up and down switches. This is very cool because you don’t need to move any patches around. You could have a sequence with a patch order such as 003A, 354B, 045C, 121D, etc. Once you finish building your set list the LED in SEQUENCE mode shows them as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. You still get the full descriptive patch name on the LCD display so you’ll always know if you are using the correct patch.
With 16 available sequences, you could save different sequences for different shows. This mode would work well for for the Broadway musical player who’s set list never changes, but plays different shows. It would also work well for the worship band player who’s set list changes every week.
Editing
Editing patches is easiest using X-Gear’s graphical interface, but you can edit every setting in a patch from the Stomp IO also. It requires more work as you have to change screens for amps, effects, cabs, etc., but the buttons and knobs on the Stomp IO make it fairly easy. If you are playing live you can use the footswitches instead buttons and knobs to make minor changes, like tweaking an effect, on stage without bending over. Ultimately, the best strategy is to create your patches using X-Gear’s graphical interface, and then control them (and tweak if necessary) using Stomp IO.
MIDI
Stomp IO lets you send and receive MIDI program and control changes. This allows Stomp IO to integrate with rack based systems.
Uses
Even if you never plan on using it live, the Stomp IO is a powerhouse studio tool. You can play guitar like you normally would, controlling things with your feet instead of a mouse, and save as many “rigs” as you like. The included audio interface eliminates the need to use microphones. If you take it on stage, you can run direct into a PA system and not need an amp at all. Of course, you could also run it into an amp (there is a quick and easy global command to turn off cabinet simulation) and use it as the king of all pedalboards in STOMP mode. The SEQUENCE mode is ideal for the church musician or anyone who needs a new set list every week, saving the hassle of moving patches around.
Made For Lefties?
One thing that struck me as odd was having the guitar input on the left side of the unit. Since the guitar jack is on your right side when playing (for right handed players) it means you have to run your guitar cable the across the entire rear length of the Stomp IO unit to plug it in. I guess left handed players will rejoice that someone finally built something for them!
My Dream
The Stomp IO is so rugged and such a powerhouse that I can’t help but wish that IK Multimedia had taken the next step and built an Intel processor and solid-state drive (or essentially a laptop minus the keyboard and screen) into the Stomp IO itself. This would allow the software to be loaded into the Stomp IO and eliminate the need for a computer at all during live use. The USB jack could then be used to sync to the X-Gear software when you plugged into your computer, back home, after the gig. There are probably a a dozen technical or economical reasons why this is not feasible, but I can dream can’t I?
Final Thoughts
The Stomp IO is incredibly flexible and lends itself to many situations. It is a powerful solution for recording thanks to the built-in audio interface and huge number of amp and effects models included. It also excels as a live tool with the various operating modes such as 2STEP, STOMP, and SEQUENCE. The fact that you can use it without seeing a computer monitor is a real plus in my opinion. It has an enormous capacity — 4000 patches! — that you are not likely to outgrow, and is built like a tank.
While it is not cheap, if you bought all the included software individually, you would pay more than the Stomp IO costs, making it a great value for those considering the AmpliTube line of software — which sounds great. If you already own one or more of the AmpliTube packages you can get the hardware only version of Stomp IO at a discounted upgrade price. The only down side I can find (besides entry price) is the need to use a computer live. But if you are cool with using a laptop in a live setting, the Stomp IO will reward you with mind-boggling tonal and operational flexibility.
Reader Comments
Better Guitar encourages your input. Agree with this review? Think I’m crazy? If you have used Stomp IO, email me your comments and I’ll post them below. The more opinions we have available, the better our buying decisions will be.
stats
- Controller
- • 10 metal foot switches with LEDs
- • 6 rotary encoders with knob
- • 2x40 character LCD display for menus/presets/values
- • 4 digits large LED display for patch number
- • 3 LED input level meter
- • 4 buttons for easy, fast navigation
- • All software parameters can be controlled by foot
- • Tap Tempo
- • MIDI IN/OUT
- • Volume knob
- • Headphones OUT
- • Rugged metal enclosure
- • 6 optional external controllers, pedal/switches
- • Size: 22 x 12 x 3.5 inches (562 x 305 x 79.5 millimeters)
- • Weight: 11.9 pounds( 5.4 kg)
- Audio Interface
- • Class A discrete input preamp
- • High end A/D - D/A stages
- • USB 2.0 compatible
- • Ultra-low audio latency (2ms ASIO buffer size)
- • Unbalanced STEREO OUT
- • +4dBu Balanced Output, +20dBu max Output level
- • Digital S/PDIF OUT
- • 24 bit A/D and D/A conversion
- • 44.1 or 48 kHz operation
- • >107 dBA SNR A/D
- • 110 dBA SNR D/A (Bal Outputs)
- • Can be used as recording interface with all DAWs supporting Core Audio/ASIO drivers
- Software
- • Includes 5 software packages: AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube Metal, AmpliTube X-GEAR
- • 51 stomps, 26 amps, 33 cabinets, 11 mics and 23 rack effects models
- • Dual rig audio routing
Positives
- Incredibly flexible - 5 operating modes; huge capacity - 1000 banks/4000 patches; solid metal construction; massive, great sounding software library included - good value; hands-free operation of software using switches; includes expression pedal.
Negatives
- Requires computer for live use; costly; doesn't control X-Gear SpeedTrainer.
Rating
- Features: 10
- Performance: 9
- Sound Quality: 9
- User Interface: 10
- Value: 10
- Overall: 9.6
Ratings Key
- 0 = Worthless
- 10 = Excellent
Approximate Street Price
- $899
Available At Guitar Center
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IK Multimedia StompIO Amplitube Stage Controller And Audio Interface Standard
Company
- IK Multimedia
-
Video Demos
- At IK Multimedia
Related Links
- AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix
Related Links
- AmpliTube Metal
System Requirements
- Intel Based Macintosh
- Minimal: 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo processor, 512 MB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later.
- Suggested: 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 1 GB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later.
- Supported Plug-in formats: AU, VST, RTAS.
- PowerPC Based Macintosh
- Minimal: 866 MHz G4 processor, 512 MB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
- Suggested: Dual 1.25 GHz G4 or G5 processor, 1 GB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
- Supported Plug-in formats: AU, VST, RTAS.
- Windows Based PC
- Minimal: Pentium 1GHz / Athlon XP 1.33 GHz, 512 MB of RAM, Windows XP.
- Suggested: Pentium 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 1.33 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, Windows XP.
- Supported Plug-in formats: VST, RTAS.