Tell us your IK story and win!
10 lucky winners will be selected to win over $17,000 super-prizes from IK Multimedia and partners. If you are interested in participating, simply tell us how your IK products have helped you in making music before January 31st, 2009*.
Entrees are pouring in. Below are excerpts of notable story submissions. See if yours made the cut!
Dylan, Virginia US
On Ampeg SVX
I'll never forget the first time I encountered an IK Multimedia product. It was back when I was a lowly bass player in a cover band, trying to get a growling 70's rock tone out of a solid state, 1x10 combo amp. Needless to say, it wasn't working. However, my guitarist had just received a DAW workstation as a present, which included Ampeg SVX, in addition to a Firewire interface. Within a half hour of encountering this miracle of technology, the combo was unplugged in the corner, and I was plugged into Ampeg SVX, pumping out earth-shaking bass lines. I instantly fell in love with the combination of the compressor, the SVT-PRO, and an 8x10. No more playing a noisy, cheap, toneless combo. I had pro-quality tone, without having to carry around hundreds of pounds and thousands of dollars of equipment. It was truly a dream come true. I bought the interface and plug-ins off of him that day.
...I put more effort into improving my technique, to take advantage of the newfound clarity and dynamics in Ampeg SVX. I learned finger tapping. We started writing original material, centered on my bass lines. I started getting that sound. The rest is history. It's fair to say that without Ampeg SVX, I would still be a mediocre bass player.
Makoto, Aichi Japan
On SampleTank
30 years ago,
There was a boy who liked playing with a toy miniature car.
He grew up a little.
He was very interested in The RED car made in Italy.
But it's too expensive; he was unable to buy it.
And he's just a kid.
He grew up not long before and became a man.
He came to like composing and playing with the guitar.
One day he bought The RED Virtual Sampler made in Italy.
It's called 'SampleTank'.
Now he is an owner of The Red Sampler.
When he make the hit records,
It's possible that he can get The RED car, Ferrari Testarossa.
After All,
This man is I.
Jonathan, Michigan US
On Total Studio Bundle
...After researching, I realized the best value for my money was to buy the entire (Total) Studio Bundle. Upon receiving and installing everything that came with that, I instantly became overwhelmed with the new tools at my disposal. I literally feared that if I sat down and started working on it, I'd look up and two weeks would have passed. Luckily I've overcome my fear and have been utilizing every product I have by IK to write and record and master new music. The quality I've gotten has far surpassed anything I've recorded in the past. The software is intuitive, easy to use, and most importantly great sounding.
...Thank you so much, IK. I will be a customer for life!
Tomasz, Kraków Poland
On ARC System
Back in 2000, I won a bet with my friend, who said that making music is only for 'chosen ones' and you have to put a fortune into a recording studio to produce a quality track... My funds were limited so I couldn't spend all my money on room-in-a-room solution but I knew that even the best close field monitors are worthless without a proper acoustic adaptation. I saw ARC System review in "Estrada i Studio" - the biggest polish magazine for musicians and sound engineers. The article conclusion was simple - this is a real breakthrough - it changes everything and shows you the truth about your mixes. This was a couple months ago... What has changed since that time? As article author said - everything. Now my studio monitors adapts perfectly to my studio 'ambience' - everything is now sharp, clear and simple. I can focus on every frequency and act as a surgeon without thinking about wall factory in my studio, bass-bounce-effect, corners etc. etc. For me it is the most innovative, out-of-the-box, cutting edge solution for millions of home musicians.
Ziad, Kuwait Lebanon
On IK Multimedia
I have been recording and composing songs for the last ten years but it wasn’t until I tested the IK Software and plug-ins that I realized that my music began to take a completely different shape and sound. The audio sound like it was recorded in a studio, the effects and mastering sounded more pro than real albums of real artists, this has changed everything for me. I’m currently a marketing supervisor working for IKEA and music was just a hobby, but now thanks to IK I’m taking music to the next level and I am quitting my job and applied to Berklee College of Music in order to pursue my dream. Thank you IK for making my dream come true.
Todd, Saskatchewan Canada
On AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, SampleTank 2.5 XL, Sonik Synth 2, Miroslav Philharmonik and CSR
The diversity of my collection is amazing and allows for so many possibilities that it boggles the mind... Whether it is running one of SampleTank or Sonik Synth 2's electric pianos through AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix for some nice authentic distortion or a beautiful string section from Miroslav Philharmonik placed in a magical CSR (Classik Studio Reverb) hall. Sky's the limit and I have barely left the ground!!!
Thanks for all of it and congrats on your milestone!!!!!
Johan, Skane Sweden
On T-RackS 3 Deluxe and SampleTron
First of - each time there's a new release from IK Multimedia, there's something greedy waking up inside my body. I just have to get it - unfortunately there's the wait... But, in some weird masochistic way, you can always sit and drool in front of the computer watching www.ikmultimedia.com.
Recently I bought T-RackS 3 Deluxe - Jesus Christ! The day after I got it I sold my TC Electronics Finalzer. I never thought software would get there but I was wrong. The T-RackS Deluxe 3 helps me master all my music in the way I've always wanted. And the really cool thing is that I do lots of different productions because I write music for games. It doesn't matter if I work on a full symphonic score or heavy metal - the possibilities of the T-RackS 3 Deluxe are infinite. The warmness I can get out of this thing blows my mind!
Another IK Multimedia product I use all the time is the SampleTron... It's a well-known fact that good sounds can help the creativity - since I've bought the SampleTron I feel like I've been as creative as Leonardo Da Vinci.
The best football league in the world, the best food and adding IK Multimedia, Italy must be one of the best places in the world. Especially for us who enjoy good football, pasta and sitting in front the computer - composing and producing music or awaiting the next product from our favorite developer.
Thank you IK Multimedia!
Yanick, Alsace France
On StompIO
Looking for the best way to make my guitar sound the way I wanted, I made up my mind to invest in a StompIO (and software included) after a trial period with AmpliTube 2. Motivated by the versatility of those tools, I have at last been able to record demos that were worth being broadcast.
Thanks to that, I have been welcomed by a fellowship of musicians to record and play with... Simple story, not a miraculous one, but that could motivate other musician brothers.
J. R., Harlingen US
On IK Multimedia
I love writing and recording music in my small home studio. It is absolutely amazing what you can do today with computers. As the sole breadwinner in my family, and because of budget restrictions, I have to carefully consider any studio purchases made. It's tough sometimes. I have found that IK plugs are not only bulletproof in their functionality, but also offer some of the best dollar for dollar values in the plug-in market. This along with your crossgrade and ‘customer loyalty special pricing’ has placed some awesome software within reach. Thank You.
Dave, California US
On T-RackS, AmpliTube and StompIO
T-RackS was my first purchase from IK Multimedia and I can't imagine recording without it. The tube emulation is so warm; I don't know why "Analog-People" still don't switch. I engineered and co-produced an album for a friend and T-RackS was the finisher on every mix-down. When the album was sent to an outside company for mastering, the engineer there said there was so little that had to be done to the final mixes, that it only took him a few hours to master the entire album.
I also used AmpliTube 1 on various guitar and bass T-RackS on the album to sweeten the sound and the results were amazing. I have since added all the versions of AmpliTube to my library and recently got a StompIO. I want to thank everyone at IK Multimedia for continuing to make quality products for those of us that aren't loaded with money but still want to make quality recordings.
THANK YOU IK!!!
Dave, James, California US
On AmpliTube, SampleTank, T-RackS and ARC System
Computers have certainly revolutionized the way we make music, and IK Multimedia has revolutionized the way I make music with computers-- I seriously can't remember the last time I did a project that didn't include an IK Product!! From the killer guitar tone that come from AmpliTube 2 (which, by the way, sounds great on more than just guitars), to the virtually limitless instruments created by SampleTank. Plus, I don't ever consider a track finished unless it shakes hands with T-RackS, which adds punch to the meanest rock songs and warmth to the most delicate ballads.
However, nothing has enhanced my music more than ARC. Working in the box, I can make stunning sonic masterpieces from gentle love songs, to heavy metal arena rockers, to full orchestral productions, even in my lowly apartment studio; however, as soon as it enters the real world through my monitors, BAM! All bets are off... until ARC. ARC showed me the gross phasing and EQ inaccuracies in my room (including a horrific 8dB boost in my low end), and then fixed them. Now I can trust my mixes no matter where I play them back. ARC is the next best thing to an ear upgrade.
Thank you IK for all of your amazing products-- you've earned my business for life.
Peter, Queensland Australia
On Ampeg SVX and AmpliTube 2
As a songwriter, I need to be able to get ideas down fast, and with a sound that inspires me. AmpliTube 2 and Ampeg SVX allow me to get a fantastic tone, FAST!
In fact I just finished my new album (my second) and AmpliTube 2 is all over it. I also used a real Fender Princeton and a real Vox AC30, and its impossible to tell the difference between which is a real guitar amp mic’ed up and which is AmpliTube 2.
I mean that in all seriousness. The great thing about the AmpliTube 2 tracks is the tone can be adjusted right up to mixdown time.
Great products, and I use them everyday.
Scott, Nova Scotia Canada
On StealthPlug
Your products have changed my life literally!!
My whole life I have dreamed of making good sounding music my way to reflect how I am feeling. I'm 40 now however since the age of 4 I have spent my whole life in and out of hospitals with Diabetic related illnesses that have caused me to have 13 eye surgeries, Neuropathy in both legs, Retinopathy in both eyes, no Thyroid Gland, 4 Strokes and presently waiting for a new Kidney and Pancreas. It seems I live just to go to Doctors and Specialists. You’re probably wondering why I'm telling you this? Well I spend a lot of time in Doctors offices, waiting rooms and hospital stays and I get really bored there. So my church got me a good laptop that was donated to help spend the time while waiting for Doctors and I already had an ok electric guitar so last year for Christmas I got the "StealthPlug."
I use the laptop I got from the church along with your products to help me take my mind off my health problems and to write decent sounding songs for other patients along with thank you songs to all my Specialists and Doctors. When I feel pain from the Neuropathy in my legs I lose myself with your products and that tremendously takes my mind off the constant pain and the ongoing stress of day-to-day functions...
A lot of people are really impressed at what IK Multimedia software can do including my Doctors. I wrote a thank you song called, "Infected" for one of my doctors and was able to burn him a copy right there in the hospital so he could take it home. This is what IK Multimedia products do for me so thank you so much for creating something that really makes me believe in myself and which gives me purpose...
I absolutely love your products so much that I added myself to your mailing list just to anxiously see what you have created. My dream is to one-day buy a StompIO so I can have a full range of sound to use that’s portable...
Anyway "THANKS SO MUCH" again and congratulations on one million.
Joe, Texas US
On Total Workstation Bundle
After I bought SampleTank 2 XL, I excitedly previewed all the available samples. When I listened to the Choir samples, I was amused by the phrase samples "All My Soul" and "Lift Me Up". I couldn't imagine ever having the need to utilize those samples.
However, I contracted a sound design job for a Latino theater play titled, "Petra's Pecado". In the play, a statue of the Virgin Mary comes to life in different acts. In the opening scene, she dances with joy in the solitude of the church.
As I began composing the dance number, my thoughts drifted back to the SampleTank Choir samples. Perfect! I quickly sketched out my improbable choir.
The music was a hit and set the pace for the entire sound design! Thanks, SampleTank, for including these phrases in your library!
Please visit http://www.myspace.com/joebasquez to listen to the track. Select Track #10 titled, "Lift Me Up".
David, South Africa
On StompIO and Ampeg SVX
I am a recording sound specialist and a professional musician that plays live with various artists.
I use AmpegSVX live whenever I go touring because you never know what amp you'll be given when playing in various rig setups, this way I never have to wonder what my guitar really sounds like in the mix (it always sounds good!) and I always get astounding compliments from the very critics that have looked quite apprehensive when I walk on stage with my laptop and (Stomp)I/O unit in hand, The girth of the plug-in as a stand alone unit just cannot be beaten specially if they're recording the event Live all the amp guess work is nullified. No funny mic hums or feedback problems, just punchy bottom end that works so well with the drums to form a well oiled rhythm section. And to top it off the setup time is a couple of minutes, turning to the stage manager with one cable saying, "Here you go.." Brings new meaning to the phrase 'Plug and Play.'
Dimitri, Utrecht Netherlands
On SampleTank
Years ago I was only using hardware components for there sound library. All the software solutions where either taking too much of my CPU or were not sounding real. Then I received a demo version of the first version of SampleTank. Right away I was blown away by the sound of it and especially the drums. Weeks later I bought my own copy of SampleTank and been updating ever since. From that moment on I've been using SampleTank in every song that left my studio. Writing this down I now realize that I never did thank you guys for the way you changed my life. Thank you for a top of the bill easy to use straightforward realistic sounding sample workstation!
Hans, New York US
On T-RackS
...It was then time to master the album I went to a local studio to find out about mastering the album and contacted high-end mastering studio in CA and NYC but when I went to the local studio the owner showed me a sample of his work and he pulled out a yellow colored plug-in. He loaded in a warm comp preset and showed me a track with the plug-in and then bypassed it.... WOW!!!!! I sounded so great!!!
I went home and looked up T-RackS I contacted the guys at IK Multimedia by email asking them about if I should use the stand alone or the plug-in, I was told that if I got the plug-in I could use it to mix the songs so I went for it thinking the mix is done and I will use it to master the album. Well, I thought I could give it a shot using T-RackS on a mix. I started with the kick using the EQ and the compressor.... Holy cow!!!!! The sound was so amazing!!! I felt like I was in a real studio mixing with an analog board and tube compressors!!!!
...I was so happy because the sound is much better: warm and crisp. The mix was done and already sounded mastered. The wastering was so easy. IK is now my favorite brand of plug-ins, now I can't mix without it. I work mastering songs and samples for live bands that use their iPod to play piano parts.
Check www.grecomusic.com to hear the final mix.
Thanks IK Multimedia your products are priced cheap yet they are amazing and very CPU friendly!! I'm a happy customer.
Carlos, Buenos Aires Argentina
On SampleMoog, Sonik Synth, SampleTron and T-RackS
With IK products the band I am in improved a lot. We record mostly at home: DAW, home recording studio. With the vintage classic sound of our own through SampleTron, SampleMoog and the keyboards from Sonik Synth, it has really helped us get that pro classic sound.
For instance, now our recordings have a full body processed through T-RackS 3, and people can’t believe it is not from Abbey Road Studio 2. I would gladly always get my gear from IK Multimedia: your products are a must have.
http://www.myspace.com/lossalvajesgigolos
Andrew, Midlothian UK
On T-RackS 3, AmpliTube 2, SampleTank and Classik Studio Reverb
I recorded an album in a garage with a band called 300ft Gorilla. We did the whole thing with a budget of under £2000 (including pressing). Drums were recorded in a garage and the T-RackS suite were pressed heavily into use as the compressors and EQ, AmpliTube used to re-amp the guitars. I used T-RackS A LOT on the vocals to thicken them out. I used SampleTank for some of the keyboards, and the CSR reverbs. It's like having a huge bank of classic equipment for a fraction of the price.
Because the production was done in Scotland and England, we were able to call up the settings across the projects allowing us to work remotely and only come together when we had to. This would have been virtually impossible with hardware.
As a result this budgeted homemade CD was Sound on Sound, CD of the Month, and achieved 3Ks in Kerrang Magazine. Thanks to IK Multimedia, a home recording was good enough to gain public view and attention and no one noticed we did it all in houses, garages and bedrooms!
I'm now recording my own solo album and using T-RackS 3 heavily for the drum sound and AmpliTube 2 for the guitars. I LOVE your stuff. It saves me a ton of space for outboard gear and a ton of money and you CAN achieve professional results. Here is the proof of the pudding: http://www.300ftgorilla.com/reviews.html
Geo, Alabama US
On Miroslav Philharmonik, Ampeg SVX, T-RackS and SampleMoog
I remember when IK released the Miroslav library with the Philharmonik plug; I was like, whoa! I couldn't believe it, because for many years, I had wanted those samples- but they were so expensive! I was using hardware samplers back in those days. However, I was stunned to find IK offering the entire collection, optimized with a single advanced interface, and included FX! It was an interesting moment of clarity for me because it reinforced my thoughts about the future of the software/soundware market.
And what's been great is that IK Multimedia hasn't stopped there. They've continued to impress me time after time with their advancements in new products. For example, when SVX came out, I was excited because I had been needing a bass amp sim for awhile, but was never happy with the emulations included with some of my guitar amp sims. Needless to say, SVX has been a staple of many of my RNB style productions, as well as some of my more traditional rock sounding mixes.
What I'm most excited about now is T-RackS3 and SampleMoog. I've just started using them, and it seems like IK's stuff is better than ever. I'm highly impressed with what IK has done, and can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Marshall, Auckland New Zealand
On IK’s Sonik Instruments
I would be lost without IK products! We have just composed a score for a 13 part documentary series for Animal Planet in the USA, which was composed almost entirely using sounds from the wonderful Miroslav orchestral library and a whole raft of the other superb sounds from the SampleTank and Sonik Instruments. Easy to use and to play with some of the best and most useful sounds around - I recommend using IK products daily! Thanks team.
Mike, Florida US
On SampleTank and Miroslav Philharmonik
...My son is a wonderful little boy, now 8 years of age. But, at an early age, my wife and I realized he could not speak when it was obvious he should be able to. He was diagnosed with speech delay, poor motor reflexes and a minor form of autism, so we put him in therapy of all types and worked with him for years to help him progress and grow...
When he was in pre-kindergarten, I wanted to do something special for him and his other special needs classmates. I decided to create music for their naptime and used SampleTank 2.5 XL to create the sleepy relaxed music and fun tunes that would help them get some rest during school. The kids loved it and the teachers loved it. They still use the music to this day for all of their Pre-K and special needs children...
The next year I volunteered again and used Miroslav Philharmonik along with some 3D animations to show the kids how to score to video - my son loved it because he had the inside scoop on what I was doing and would plunk the keys trying to re-create the violin solos I was recording - to be honest, he wasn't half bad...
This year, he is now eight years old and has mainstreamed to become a normal, healthy 2nd grader with a 7th grade reading and vocabulary level. He is an avid reader and LOVES music. You know what else he loves? SampleTank! I will put on various presets and he plays them on my keyboard - he's going to be a musician for sure!
Rick, California US
On AmpliTube and T-RackS
I recently created and recorded a song called Vietnam (hear it at http://www.myspace.com/playrickloud) using IK AmpliTube for the lead and rhythm guitars. I did it in one weekend without having to pay any studio fee and also did not have to have all the pieces thought out before I sat down...
I'm sitting in my studio right now, getting ready to polish and edit the rest of the songs I have down already. I'm going to use T-RackS for the sound editing.
Be prepared for some amazing stuff! I am!
For the money, IK Multimedia products are the only products you need for virtual instruments and editing. I am in my first year of using DAWs. I feel extremely excited because the potential seems unlimited. I can finally record the things I hear in my head instead of compromising with what the demo studio engineer says is good. I know what sounds good... so do you! Happy creating and recording!
Felipe, British Columbia Canada
On Ampeg SVX and T-RackS
...(On Ampeg SVX) For an independent artist like me, being able to carry my favorite bass amp wherever I go without having to carry the actual amp is just awesome. Plus I can still change my sounds on the way to the show, without delaying the show.
...(On T-RackS) I'm a tube lover and having the chance to hear the warm sound of a tube compressor with just my laptop, make's it easier for a mastering engineer. It would be much easier to have a mastering studio, but again independent artist like me, are always on the run, and just being able to adjust your settings for a song and not have to pay additional time in a studio is just amazing.
Clint, Tennessee US
On ARC System and T-RackS
I'm a songwriter in Nashville and produce demos of my songs to pitch to major artists. I purchased ARC and T-RackS at the same time and witnessed a transformation in my demos... So much so that after utilizing your software, I've had 2 cuts by 2 major country artists in the same week... Both of which will be singles on national country radio.
Since bringing IK into the mix I've also been asked to produce some great new artists in Nashville. IK has helped to place me on the Nashville radar as an up and coming producer. I really feel like everything changed from my writing to production since incorporating IK into my career... A huge testimony of how sonic confidence can affect every aspect of creativity. Thanks for making me sound like I know what I'm doing :-)
Budi, Jogjakarta Indonesia
On T-RackS
I heard the name IK Multimedia when I was learning how to mix in 2004 with T-RackS version 1 at that time. The Tube Compressor gives a warm feel to my song. Also with T-RackS I can mix easily and the frequencies are manageable. After that it’s been a habit to put the T-RackS in the mixing process.
I mix in my friend’s studio even though it’s several kilometers away, I travel there to mix my songs with T-RackS. For the reason that my computer doesn’t have T-RackS installed. I only have an AmpliTube LE pack that I play with an electric guitar owned by the guitarist in my band. AmpliTube is the first guitar effects software that I have ever used...
AmpliTube provides choices. Sometimes when you lack inspiration, play the guitar and AmpliTube will provide ideas. This is a good habit to always repeat and repeat.
Even when mixing a song, if some tracks seem not too good, the first choice in the box is to insert this FX in your DAW.
So AmpliTube and T-RackS are choices for applications in my home recording. Crossgrade policy and the range of prices are attractive, providing a lighter burden in the creative process.
Paul, Canterbury New Zealand
On T-RackS
I was a happy customer to get an early copy of the great T-RackS 3 Deluxe after being a satisfied user of T-RackS for 2 years.
We've just released The Bats new album, "The Guilty Office" in New Zealand, which I mastered on T-RackS. It’s already getting rave reviews about the mix and mastering from other producers.
Billboard.com gave it a glowing review...
"Credit also goes to bassist Paul Kean, who scales back the twang on his bass (which helps differentiate this from a Bats record) and recorded and mixed the album. The sound he gets is intimate and soft but also captures the energy and verve of the performances. From start to finish Bounce Around is classic New Zealand pop..." (Here I must give thanks to the warmth and depth of T-RackS).
CMJ have play listed it on most of their 200 radio stations and it's had top 30 chart success on 32 stations. #3 on Bagel Radio!!
Cheers and thanks for T-RackS IK Multimedia.
David, Maryland US
On Sonik Synth 2
...So, we (David’s band) played a warehouse in Brooklyn and then loaded up the van. We went back in to the warehouse to check out the other bands and next thing we knew, our van had been stolen! The police recovered it a few days later but all the gear had been stolen! Luckily I hadn't put my backpack containing my laptop in the van. We decided to regroup and just move forward with less gear but more powerful software. After looking around and testing some out I fell in love with Sonik Synth! It had sounds that beat out my old synths and even more than I could imagine! Thank you so much for all that you do there and I am so happy to use this product every time I boot up my laptop!
Tony, Arizona US
On AmpliTube
My name is Tony and I have wanted to learn how to play guitar for over 25 years, which is around the same time I discovered Jimi Hendrix. However, I didn't have the means, equipment- or even an electric guitar. After my first deployment to Iraq in 04', I decided that I was finally going to learn how to play and bought a beautiful 50th edition American Fender Stratocaster. This year, I discovered AmpliTube and it has been the key to unlocking a treasure of music for me. AmpliTube's versatility kicked my desire to practice into overdrive. Now, I'm playing 3-4 hours everyday and can almost do some justice to "The Wind Cries Mary".
Thank you for a great product!!!
Chris, Georgia US
On AmpliTube
...My typical day at home would consist of coming home from high school and locking myself away in my basement and proceeding to get completely lost in all my musical projects. I spent hour after hour drooling over the sounds and the endless possibilities of digital recording. I could crank up my guitars and amps as loud I wanted and play until my fingers began to bleed. It was the life. Well...that was then. Back to reality, now (in college) I am living in what feels like a jail cell (college dormitory), and worst of all I do not have my music studio, EXCEPT for my laptop setup which allows me to still complete my musical projects on a daily basis. Since I am not able to have my microphones with me (in the dorm room), I record my guitar tracks solely through AmpliTube and AmpliTube 2. It has made my life a little more bearable while away from my studio. I can layer guitar tracks, create riffs. Jam out to my favorite songs all in the privacy of my cubby. I am constantly amazed at the amp models and sounds that I can attain just my turning a few knobs and clicking a few buttons. My roommate probably has no idea that I might be recording the next big rock hit of the century 8 feet away from him.
In conclusion, when I graduate in the coming years, I will always remember how I was able to survive college without my studio. For all those high school students who are concerned that you won't be able to part from your studios once you go off to college, I am here to tell you "YES YOU CAN, YOU WILL SURVIVE!"
Thank you IK Multimedia. You are my hero!
Robert, New York US
On AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, Classik Studio Reverb and T-RackS
...Some of my guitar friends have been so shocked by the Jimi Hendrix tune by tune patch recreations (I think I might have seen tears in one guys eyes) that they won't record anywhere else but with me.
...I could go on and on, the Classik Studio Reverbs are natural sounding, and easy to reprogram into some wild special effects. The T-RackS individually is easy to use and I get the sounds I'm looking for in a snap, but the idea of them being able to work together as an incredible channel strip is brilliant.
Anyway, to say that I'm happy with the IK line is an understatement. Your equipment has made it possible for me to recreate any sound or recording environment that I might have encountered in my days of traveling from one top NYC studio to another. This is key to my situation as because of my disability I'm unable to drag my instruments around like I did in the old days, when I would set up a dozen synthesizers in the control room of Electric Ladyland or The Record Plant. I'm sure that I will be able to achieve the recording projects of my dreams using the IK Multimedia equipment line. Thank you for making it a possible to still have these dreams come true.
Joe, Oxford UK
On AmpliTube
Many clients bring in real amps that have been on one too many car journeys and been gigged too little, or even, much too much. I mic them to keep the clients happy, but always take a DI, often tracking guides with it.
Recently a client wanted to use a real valve amp and none of that sim stuff. During the mixdown I faded down the AmpliTube track and brought up the valve amp track, the client wanted to know why the track wasn't cooking like it was when tracking the guitar parts. I explained I'd taken out the amp sim stuff, as they'd asked. "Oh, erm, can you put it back then?" was their rather sheepish reply. Once they'd let go of the idea that the sound was a sim and trusted their ears, we got the great track that everyone was after.
Marcel, Ontario Canada
On AmpliTube
...With the basic set-up recording studio that we have (in school), we are able to record bands from the Waterdown High School. Helping at risk kids with recording music will give them some freedom with creating their own music in our studio.
This software has been very successful, instead of buying big expensive guitar amps, the IK Multimedia software (AmpliTube) has created more opportunity to give kids a new way to experience new sounds with their guitars by being more creative in recording their songs.
This is an outlet for at risk teens by keeping them out of trouble.
Adam, Berkshire UK
On T-RackS, AmpliTube, Ampeg SVX and ARC System
I have been using IK products from the very start. The first was T-RackS, right as it came out. At the time, you couldn't really master your demos at home, and "proper" mastering was far too expensive for the kind of bands I was working with at the time. I used it for many indie singles with great success as time went on... The compressor especially in T-RackS is fantastic. When you turn those knobs, something HAPPENS vs. with some digital plug-ins!
Time went on, and I used an array of your products on numerous projects, working with people like Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Lily Allen, Kate Nash and Starsailor to name a few.
Recently I used both AmpliTube and SVX during the recording of British punk legends, The Damned's, in their brand new album "So Who's Paranoid" which is getting great reviews, and was released last week.
The latest IK purchase I've made is the ARC software. After moving, I put a small mix room into my house. I acoustically treated the room of course, but wanted to really be sure it was as accurate as possible for such a small space, as it was worrying me. I installed and set up the ARC System, and got to work. One of the first projects I did in my new room was mixing a single for an Irish band "The Saw Doctors", which then it went on to be a number one hit single in Ireland last month. So...it must work!
In the future I'm quite interested in trying the IK SampleTron plug-in, as I work with Julian Cope quite often, and it's proving a problem to get his real Mellotron 400's up the stairs!
Henrique, Algueirão Mem-Martins Portugal
On SampleTank XL
I purchased SampleTank XL and made a full album just with the sounds from this plug-in that you can hear at: http://www.henriquefernandez.com/Music.html.
The album's name is "Branco Nu Preto". Short time after I bought Sonik Synth 2 and have been using both in my productions for myself and other artists as well as for radio imaging. I think this is one of the best products around and of course IK Multimedia is probably one of the most complete company in audio production.
Yair, Israel
On AmpliTube and AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix
The story is about myself (Yair), an Israeli guy from Tel-Aviv and my good friend Abdul-Hakim (AH), a Palestinian guy living in the west bank. We met in 2007 through the Palestinian-Israeli Peace Forum project at the Peres Center For Peace...
...We talked about a possible music collaboration and decided to meet at each other’s houses regularly for practice sessions. Although it seemed a good idea at first we soon faced a major problem. How would we carry our gear with us across the checkpoints, which border between Israel and the west bank? It would be a real problem needing to dismantle the amplifiers, 2 keyboards and extra gear at the checkpoints (there are several along the way which necessitates taking the gear out of the car for inspection). It seemed as if our idea for collaboration would have to be postponed, maybe even indefinitely.
This is when I started getting interested in dedicated, reliable and affordable software gear to replace the heavy amplifiers and extra gear I would need to carry. IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 2 guitar amp and effects modeling software was one of the first names to appear as the perfect alternative for the real thing. After reading raving reviews in music magazines and participating in Internet forums I knew that I have found what I was looking for. I bought AmpliTube 2 along with the Jimi Hendrix model (X-Gear came free with that) and never looked back at the hardware amplifiers and stomp boxes. Everything is now set for me whenever I want, wherever I want, in an intuitive package that sounds like the real thing but weighs less than a tenth of that (basically only the weight of my laptop).
Needless to say I started going over to AH’s house in the west bank for practice sessions. Every possible sound I could think of I am able to reproduce with AmpliTube’s models... Truly an amazing software. I stopped counting the number of people opening their mouths with astonishment when they realize that what they’re hearing is actually software and not hardware amps and effects. If I’m not mistaken then 12 people have bought AmpliTube 2/JH software based on what they heard from me.
The only downside to my sonic wealth is that Abdul-Hakim is depressed that he’s left with his 2 hardware keyboards, which he now grew old of. I told him about the software possibilities that he can have with IK Multimedia’s keyboard based software like Sonik Synth 2, SampleMoog & SampleTron, and the almighty Miroslav Philharmonik. He drools at the thought of having all of this at his fingertips but unfortunately he cannot afford it. He is set on becoming a professional musician and is saving every Shekel for the Rimon College of music in Israel.
... Thank you IK Multimedia for helping bridge the gaps between some Israelis and some Palestinians and on a more personal level to make it possible for me to have such a huge arsenal at my fingertips, making it intuitive and great sounding.
Adrian, Victoria Australia
On Total Studio Bundle
...Having started out innocently enough with an old Tascam Porta 2 4-Track recorder in 1990 I have since worked my way up the technology food chain and feel like I finally got there when I purchased the IK Multimedia Total Effects Bundle. At last a suite of plug-ins that allowed me to capture and capitalize on the soul of my Mark 1 Fender Rhodes, my 1961 Hofner electric guitar, and the vocals recorded with my beautiful Neuman TLM103 condenser mic. There was no doubt I had great sounds going in, but it took the IK Multimedia Total Effect Bundle to transform it into great sounds going out.
In particular, effects like the CSR, Classik Studio Reverb, which gave colour and depth to my vocals in a way that places it into a different league from the other reverb effects I'd been using which were either too cavernous or too metallic. By contrast, CSR had all the warmth of a sunny day. And what can I say about the Ampeg SVX bass plug-in. I'm first and foremost a bassist and have a very nice Fender Jazz Bass so that side of the equation is balanced. But as for getting that fat, dense, solid bass sound I would hear on the great records of the rock pantheon, well it just wasn't happening. And then along came Ampeg SVX. And just to make sure, I recorded direct from my huge Peavey rig, then via mic’ing up the cabinet, and then direct from my Sans Amp Bass DI, before running a line direct from my bass through to my Fireface 800 audio interface and into the Ampeg plug-in. Suffice to say the Peavey rig and the Sans Amp are now e-Bay bound as I have no further use for them, the Ampeg plug-in has outshone them all.
As for my guitar tracks, I'd originally amassed a collection of noisy but charming BOSS pedals... but then along came AmpliTube 2 and suddenly the tracks came alive with the electric sound of the air crackling in front of the cabinet. And with effects as convincing as any of the original BOSS pedals but without the anxiety of not knowing when those damn 9 volt batteries were gonna sputter up and die on you. Finally, BIKM (before IK Multimedia), my finished tracks sounded dull and lifeless and nothing like the tracks you'd listen to on the radio in terms of their sparkle, clarity and punchiness. Then along came T-RackS. And suddenly, within seconds of trialing a few of the pre-sets, previously dowdy, flabby, frumpy mixes were worked out and toned up, then spat out the other end like catwalk models sizzling down the runway.
One of those watershed moments, where you don't make a sound, but every part of you is sitting there going, 'Ahaaa!' So as you can see the IK Multimedia Total Effects Bundle has totally overhauled and transformed what I can achieve from the home studio, this bringing me significantly closer to being able to produce what was one only possible in the Abbey Roads of the world. I wonder what Sir George would make of it?
Nicholas, Washington US
On AmpliTube
I was a 21 year-old Aircraft Commander of Huey helicopters in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. I have a total service-connected disability as a result of that war.
I was homeless and living on the streets ... I have stood on top my hills to climb ... I have seen my hopes and dreams shattered by the intrusions of "life", and I have counted each memory of my time on this earth as a gift earned as a young man ... my rights to be a proud American. I have been blessed in many ways...
So ~ life evolves and I end up with this really cool life; this really wonderful woman that I love ... and loves me back ... and I have a very fantastic home recording studio that is almost finished being put together. I have a Pro-Tools system, and in the process of choosing RTAS programs, Guitar Center recommended your AmpliTube 2 (for guitars) for my emerging recording studio. A couple of years ago, I was able to have my first group of songs professionally recorded. That is how I discovered the magic of Pro-Tools and ultimately, your RTAS AmpliTube 2. I'm totally impressed with your product...
Chris, Alberta Canada
On AmpliTube and SampleTank
...Sometimes I travel with a laptop and an interface (MOTU Traveler, MOTU DP 6) and don't have the luxury of cranking up an amp in a hotel room. AmpliTube lets me stay creative on the road, no matter where I am. I have done a couple albums that featured AmpliTube as the main guitar tone on some of the tracks. I currently own a Mesa Boogie Lonestar and a Vox AC 30 HH with a 2 12 Boogie cab. Sometimes it's just easier to track with AmpliTube than rig up amps and mics. Very quick on sessions (with people) who have limited time and budget.
My second experience with IK products is with SampleTank 2. We have 15 or so licenses at the college on iMacs in the music lab. SampleTank is a great resource for getting students experienced with sequencing virtual instruments and sampled sounds. They can also load up field recorded sounds and process them for their projects, which is awesome. We have a drama production coming up which requires a bunch of sound design elements played in real time. SampleTank will be great for that and will be our main sampler...
Robert, Michigan US
On Ampeg SVX and Miroslav Philharmonik
I have been playing guitar, bass, keyboards and drums for many years. But over the last few years I was forced to sell a lot of my gear I've accumulated... but I managed to keep my instruments and recording software (thankfully). Throughout much of my recording days I've always wanted 2 things...an Ampeg SVT Bass Amp and a Cello. On my budget I could never afford an Ampeg amp... and then I stumbled upon IK Multimedia and the Ampeg SVX plug-in. I plugged my Ernie Ball Music Man 5-String into this thing, and of course the bass sounds great by itself, but WOW! I never heard it sound so rich like it did through the SVX Plug-in. When I play the bass on live PA's or other amps it just sounds bland compared to the SVX.
Then about a year or two later I discovered Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition and instantly fell in love with it. When I played the sample of a Cello through IK Multimedia web site I was so excited! They were having a special on sale too! And not only do I have a Cello now but my own symphony orchestra through the plug-in!
Siku, Essex UK
On SampleTank
I am a graphic novelist and creator of the manga books- THE MANGA BIBLE, currently sold and translated for sale in 16 countries. We are about to launch another series and I had just convinced my publishers to attach an audio music CD. Much to my editor’s amusement (he found it incredulous that a graphic novelist should also be a music production artist), I will be co-producing and writing all the songs on the album.
Only a few years ago, after tiring from my experiments on my step sequencer and my EMU vintage module, I asked Paul White from SOUND ON SOUND magazine to recommend the very best module at replicating real instruments. He suggested SampleTank. I sank my teeth in music production with SampleTank. Unlike anything else on the market, the sounds are colourless and cannot be identified as any particular module. This is what I appreciate the most from SampleTank, its sheer ubiquitous arsenal from real instruments to synthesized sounds. It has afforded me the freedom to produce the softer Soul or Gospel sounds or harder Rock pallets.
Only a few years ago, I had to rely on other studios to produce my music, but they could never give me what I heard in my head. With the wide-ranging sound set and ease of use (works just like hardware sound modules without the downsides), I have been able to develop as a production artist. I am delivering what I hear in my head and my other musician friends keep asking me what modules I use (seeing as I have very little outboard gear).
Got my meeting with my editor. He heard our music. He’s not laughing anymore.
Antonio, Bari Italy
On SampleTank, T-RackS and AmpliTube
I've listened to a demo of the first SampleTank and T-RackS (I like also dinosaurs, as I was a child :-). When I had enough projects and had enough money I put up a recording studio and decided to buy them.
Some time after, I've discovered the pack with SampleTank 2XL, T-RackS VST and AmpliTube (I was looking for an amp and effects simulator for guitar!) and, as I had money to spend, I quickly bought it...
...Now I've to restore my violin (a real one) and to change pickups on my electric guitar, but the next steps are to buy ARC System, StompIO and the new T-RackS (at last someone have put a spectrum analyzer!)
Thank you.
Patur, Christianshavn Denmark
On T-RackS
T-RackS was from day one a powerful tool for the band, since we could take our demos to a higher level. People started taking us more serious, and today we work with big producer names in Scandinavia. Even though we don't mix/master our final releases ourselves, we use T-RackS every single day in the studio to give our recordings a finish that helps the creative flow.
Hroar, M&R Norway
On T-RackS 3 Deluxe
...I went to a presentation of new Waves and Sonnox plug-ins, and went to talk to both the Sonnox and Waves guys after the presentation was done, to ask them about why I should choose products they make instead of others, and so on. The Sonnox guy tipped me to download both Sonnox and other manufacturers plug-ins to demo them, and he told me how to test them to figure out what was the best product... and so I did.
After testing almost every mastering plug-in I could get my hands on, I was really surprised to find out that T-RackS was my favorite one... not because I didn't expect it to be good, but because it seemed to sound good even when I turned on knobs without paying attention to what I was doing or if I was doing too much of it. I realized that with most other plug-ins, I had to fine tune a lot to get a good result, but with T-RackS I could easily do a quick master that also sounded really good when all really needed to do was a quick preview for a band or for my own listening. And with fine-tuning, I could get an even better result when the song and mix was done. This tool is now my most important one, since I can do a mix with the final mastering in mind, without having to master it properly before the mixing starts.
Jyad, Beirut Lebanon
On ARC System
I spent so much money on the acoustics of my studios, and I never had the time to use them since they are always full with recording artists. When I discovered ARC, I finally made a home studio without spending much on acoustics. The only money well spent was my ARC System plug-in.
Scott, Tennessee US
On SampleTank
SampleTank works flawlessly, either standalone or as a plug-in thru Digital Performer. It has been the equivalent of a Swiss Army knife in my arsenal for some time now; from indie movie scores (Perry's Wait, Boxed Lunch, Gracie) to commercials for Icy Hot & Scholastic and the theme for the upcoming Student Academy Awards on Documentary Channel, it's 'in there'. Old Four Strings is my bass of choice, and Brain Damage is great for guitar demos and fattening up sounds. And the bandoneon sound is awesome! I used it for a tango I wrote recently called 'La Ultima Llamada' (The Last Call). Also, there's some banjo & mandolin on my music for the narrations in 'This Is My America', a 40-song tribute (by some of the best songwriters in the world) to the US and it's history due out this week.
Arno, Utrecht Netherlands
On T-RackS 3
Back in the days of OS9 on a Mac housing which has the same amount of horsepower of mobile phone nowadays, I ran a demo of T-RackS standalone and I couldn't believe it how with just a twist of the wrist, my sound turned into a professional Tower of Power. What was this magic under the hood? I just had come to grips with the concept of multiband-compression and mastering-chains and T-RackS showed me how it was done. I wasn't able to mimic or equal it's quality and T-RackS fit the bill for my tight budget. It was one of the first plug-ins I ever bought and it's the last one I bought: T-RackS 3.
Gunter, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany
On ARC System
Your ARC System is the perfect solution for my needs, because now I can trust my mixes and I don’t have to double-check them in my car or on other gear. Quick mixes on different locations are possible as well so it enables me to impress my clients.
AmpliTube 2 is the all-in-one re-amping solution. I don’t have to worry about a truckload of Combos and FX. Many guitar players are impressed by the sound and didn’t notice the synthetic source.
Kamil, Mazowieckie Poland
On T-RackS 3
Since I'm mixing in the box for few years now, I was always missing the "analog" touch in my mixes. I bought T-RackS 3 because I thought it would be an affordable emulation of Pultec and Fairchild for my tracks. When I first tried T-RackS 3 in on the whole mix and tweaked it for while I then realized this "missing" analog touch" in my music!
Marc, Michigan US
On AmpliTube and T-RackS
After getting things in order, and installing the software, my studio stands out from all the rest. With AmpliTube 1 & 2 I'm able to get any sound I want out of any guitar, and the Yamaha keyboard sounds I get just blows everyone’s mind. With your software and the help of IK Multimedia, my studio is working and is booked through 2009 and in these times I feel blessed. Mastering with T-RackS just bypasses more money getting shelled out for mastering (sessions). It's all there; it was just a matter of time till someone got heard. Now I'm mixing and recording with well-known musicians, and producers from the Detroit area. Without IK Multimedia in a recording studio, it’s like a fish without water.
Gary, New Mexico US
On AmpliTube
I used to record guitar tracks by micking the amp and taking a line in. Ever since I came across AmpliTube I have stopped doing this and have sold my Line6 Pod. I love how easy it is to make really great sounding tracks, and the fact that you change the sound afterwards!!!
You guys rock!
Thanks for helping me rock!
Pasquale, New Jersey US
On Miroslav Philharmonik and T-RackS
IK products have really improved my overall sound. I love the instruments in Miroslav Classik and hope to upgrade to the full version.
T-rackS allows me to give my sound the professional sheer it needs to compete in today's market. CSR lets me add extremely realistic reverb to any instrument.
I have been playing keyboard since I was 11 and writing music since I was 15. Music is very important to me and having the tools to improve my sound makes me proud to be a musician.
Kevin, Ohio US
On T-RackS 3 and Ampeg SVX
I've been producing tracks for a local artist the last 8 months, and the songs were really sounding good. I was using Ozone on the master buss, and Logic's Bass amp. The tracks sounded good, but when I loaded up T-RackS 3 and Ampeg SVX - WOW! I was completely blown away, and the client thought I had been working 24 hours a day on the tracks. I am very, very impressed. Keep up the great work IK; you have a loyal user here!
John, Tennessee US
On Miroslav Philharmonik
My studio partner Rodney Lawson and I have a company here in Nashville that specializes in creating songs and tracks to license to film, TV and advertising called Crew 22. (Our studio is on 22nd avenue). We really needed to improve the quality of our orchestrations, focusing on improving our string parts.
Philharmonik really fit the bill. However once we got into it we realized that the horns were really great too. The orchestral presets are really useful starting points. We modify them until they fit what we need. We used the trumpets and trombones in a song we wrote with Colleen McFarland titled "Somebody's Fool". That song was licensed to CBS Television for use in episode 13 of "Swingtown".
I also use Philharmonik as part of my live performance rig as plug in with Logic Mainstage. Artists are amazed at the quality of the orchestral sounds.
I'm really lucky to have found this software.
Ethan, New York US
On SampleTank and Sonik Synth
I wrote a children's musical a few years back which I submitted to a publisher. The initial submission included a script and a live recording in my living room of the songs (with just piano) with 2 singers.
The publisher contacted me and told me I they liked the script, but that I needed to get the music produced, I turned to SampleTank and SonikSynth to create a musical score -complete with acoustic pianos, strings, horns, bells, a tuba, wacky synth sounds, and more.
Using GarageBand as my sequencer host - SampleTank and SonikSynth were my main resource for the entire orchestral score.
You can listen at www.hitplays.com, find the musical "It's All In Your Mind" and listen to the audio clips - all IK Multimedia sounds.
Travis, Michigan US
On AmpliTube, SampleTank, T-RackS and AmpliTube Metal
...With AmpliTube I was able to dial in the tones I wanted, all on my PC. No noise issues, no physical amps or micing issues, etc. I eventually tried AmpliTube on my bass and have used a preset I created ever since. I still use AT1 for some guitar work as well with various presets I just can't let go of.
I upgraded my SE version of SampleTank to L and eventually XL and discovered the world of drum samples. I was able to trigger the various drum sounds with a keyboard (piano style) and eventually upgraded to a full E-kit. Again, I was able to do it all on my PC with no noise and minimal equipment.
I eventually bought T-rackS as well after demo-ing it. Now it's my go-to plugin after I mixdown. I'm so comfortable with it, I haven't upgraded to version 3 yet, but I'm sure I will.
That's how I got hooked on IK products. From there I've upgraded to AmpliTube 2 and recently acquired the metal version (since I play metal, this was a no brainer!) Through the years a ton of amp sims have come out and while I do own some of them, I ALWAYS use AT1 or AT2 in my songs. I've also explored SampleTank a lot more and have ended up using loops, orchestra samples, and sound effects plus the drum samples.
IK products are consistently top notch, fun to use, easy to learn, realistic, and affordable. I have enjoyed my years with IK products and look forward to the products in the future. Thanks.
Etienne, Beauport Canada
On IK Multimedia
I knew IK products for a while and had the chance to work with some at a friend studio before. But this summer, I had this "due for yesterday" type contract and needed to blow an amazing amount of tracks with good credible sounding orchestra instruments and also some with nice electric guitar and bass. I remember not finding anything useful and starting to see the clock running faster and faster. I had two choices: either I wait for the deadline and call my client to tell him I failed miserably, or I buy a good sounding professional product to fill the empty space in my sound banks. I opted for the latter! Since I already knew IK products were great performers under pressure, I went IK!!! It saved my life and reputation this day, and then saved it again and again from gig to gig after that. From this day on, I never looked forward! I often use IK's magic in my various projects and strongly recommend 'em to anyone in seek of the perfect libraries and the perfect control for the perfect price!
Thanks IK!
Rodger, California US
On AmpliTube
We were cutting guitar tracks at a friend’s studio. The track was slamming, but I couldn't really get into what I was hearing from the guitar. It wasn't what he was playing; it was his tone. He had brought some effects with him but nothing he did fit the track. I asked my engineer if he could do something from his end and he fired up his AmpliTube. After going through some tweaking here and there we got exactly what we needed and I was immediately sold!
Jeff, Burnaby Canada
On Miroslav Philharmonik, AmpliTube and SampleTank
There's no way I can imagine writing and recording my work without IK Multimedia products. I use them regularly as plug-ins within the ProTools platform and they are a mainstay in my digital musical toolkit.
My recent album release REFLECTIONS AT EVERY CORNER was a project that relied heavily on AMPLITUBE, SAMPLETANK and MIROSLAV PHILHARMONIK. AMPLITUBE was used as my virtual guitar amplifier and even to help process a backup vocal in one of the album‚s tunes. Various SAMPLETANK sounds were used throughout and when I wanted orchestration, MIROSLAV PHILHARMONIK was used exclusively.
It has always been a dream of mine to be able to write and record orchestration and choir parts in my music. Working within my small, limited budget, it would be impossible for me to hire an orchestra and choir, but the amazingly extensive and versatile MIROSLAV PHILHARMONIK has given me authentic orchestral sounds at my fingertips. A colleague (who was playing the devil’s advocate) once challenged me by asking, “Your use of such software puts orchestral musicians out of work.”
I came back with, “Are you kidding? I would never be able to hire an orchestra in the first place, so you tell me how is it that I’m putting anyone out of work?”
He thought, looked perplexed, fell silent and had no comeback. I had made my point.
Chad, West Virginia US
On T-RackS 3
I, personally, didn't think that the PC was the greatest recording instrument in the world. I always stuck with the "Personal Studio" types. I currently own an Akai DPS24 MKII and love the sound that it gives and the ease of the mixing. My problems came about when making our first CD by the Christian rock band, TEN:NINE. I would record, mix, and do a so-called mastering job and would come out with so-so productions. Everybody was complaining about how it just didn't sound right. After weeks and weeks of frustration, I finally started looking into mastering software suites. Checking out products such as the Steinberg Waves setup, and Sony's products, I finally decided to give T-RackS 1 a try. I downloaded T-RackS 3 after getting the 1st version because I wanted to see what this "stand alone" thing was all about. I tried it out for a few days and couldn't help myself. I purchased the full version 3 and didn't look back. Our music went from sounding like it was recorded in a basement (where it actually was recorded) to sounding like we spent thousands of dollars in a studio and forked out the money for a mastering job. Other bands that actually did go to a studio have asked where we got our stuff mastered. We proudly say that we did it ourselves! Our CD's are loud, clear, punchy and precise. Every nuance of every song was brought out to clarity. For the 1st time in 25 years of playing music, I was TRULY proud to say that I had done the recording, mixing, and mastering of my music. It's been a long journey and it's a great feeling to get where you've been going for so long.
Eric, New Jersey US
On T-RackS 3
I came across a promotional advertisement online about the T-Racks 3 the Mastering Software from IK Multimedia, which I own the earlier version the promotion grabbed my attention because I knew from my past purchases of other IK Multimedia products this had to be good. I went to my user page I took my time and viewed all the demo videos about the T-RackS 3 and from that point on I was sold, but there was a little problem it wasn't out on the market yet so I called my favorite online shop and asked when would it be out. I was told it would be out in two weeks, so I waited and two weeks passed and by that time I was had the shakes like a fiend, LOL. But check this out my favorite online shop didn't have it but I know that IK had released it for the public to buy and I really wanted the T-RackS 3 for my recordings studio because of it's rock solid performance vintage EQs, Limiters and Compressor's, and most of all the original but new approved sleek look. Oh and did I mention the price "Wow." To top it off IK was having a buy one and get one free deal, by this time I was calling my online shop asking them "Did They Receive It Yet "almost every other day.
Finally they received it and shipped the T-RackS 3 out to me, the world's happiest IK Multimedia Customer.
John, Connecticut US
On ARC System, Total Guitar Bundle and T-RackS 3
For the last 16 years I’ve made a living teaching and playing guitar. Within the last two years I became interested in music production. Over those two years my mixes have had one common ingredient: mud. Yes, each and every mix seemed to end up as a bass heavy, treble lacking ‘mudfest’ that would sound equally bad on every system it was played on excluding my DAW.
After purchasing every book and magazine that had to do with mixing, I came to the conclusion that perhaps the problem was room acoustics. I’m a renter, so I can’t alter the mixing room physically. Then I found ARC. Trust me- just buy it. No really, just buy it. I’ve actually gone from cowering when my mixes were played on a new system to being proud. The mud is gone. As it turns out, my room was eating a great deal of the bass, so I was overcompensating with gigantic amounts of bottom end.
Okay, so that’s it? No. An IK promotion allowed me the T-RackS download with my purchase of ARC. This is no lie, the very first day I tried T-RackS, it replaced all of the mastering software I had been using. I found it to be simple, user friendly, and far more transparent in my mixes than the software I had been using.
And the saga continues so I had installed ProTools this year, but never bothered to install any of the extra software until recently. A version of AmpliTube happened to be on the disc. After installing it and trying it for the first time, I was kind of mad. The opening preset on this basic version of AmpliTube was a more convincing guitar sound than most of the presets in Guitar Rig, which I had just purchased.
Let’s just say I’m now a new owner of Total Guitar & Bass, SampleTank, and Miroslav Philharmonik. I’m sure the list will be growing.
Lastly, I did have a problem getting once piece of software to work since it’s an accepted rule that men don’t read instruction/installation manuals. IK Multimedia support responded within 5 minutes of my first email. Yeah five minutes. Shortly thereafter the problem was fixed.
IK Multimedia: you keep making them, I’ll keep buying them.
Michael, Florida US
On Classik Studio Reverb
It was the end of my senior year of college and I had one more project left to go for my recording class before I was done with everything I needed to do to graduate...
I started mixing that night at about 11 PM and quickly realized that I was missing an extremely important tool. Although I had augmented my home ProTools rig with a couple of different plug-in compressors and EQ's, I did not have a high quality reverb, something that was critical for me to put my dry classical recording into a nice room. That late at night there weren't many options available to me so I went on my favorite gear site, gearslutz.com, and searched for peoples' opinions on reverb plugs. CSR came up again and again as people's favorite so I downloaded the demo (you can't imagine how glad I was at IK's generous demo policy) and fired it up. I was instantly amazed. It took me very little time to use that plug-in to dial in a convincing, natural sounding reverb that perfectly complemented and enhanced the voices of the acapella quartet I had recorded.
The project came out really well, and I ended up getting an A+ on it. My teacher was actually pretty surprised when I confessed to him that I had mixed that song ITB, using only plugins, and I give CSR full credit for that. I absolutely could not have achieved the level of quality I did in that mix without CSR. One of the first things I did when I graduated this past May was to purchase the full version of CSR, and I couldn't be happier. Although I"m just out of school and still fairly new at this, IK keeps giving me new and better software that really help me strive to reach my full potential as an engineer.
Bret, South Carolina US
On AmpliTube
The band I play in got book at an outdoor party at this old farm in the country near Charleston, South Carolina.
We had everything we needed that uses power/ac and we were ready to jam.
...We had about 200 of our closest friends and we also were taking a collection of money to give to one of our friend’s kid who has leukemia to kinda help out with medical bills. Anyway, about and half an hour before we started to play, one hell of a thunderstorm arrived and knock out the power. This could have put a damper on the party but being the anal retentive person I am and my real job is that of a video/film sound mixer, I bring everything with me. This being my 17inch Mac Book Pro that has AmpliTube 2 Live on it and of course my StealthPlug. I also have these battery power playback speakers that I use on music video production. So to make a long story short the band didn't play but we were able turn a bad situation good. I hooked up my Les Paul via StealthPlug and AmpliTube, took the output and plug into my battery powered mixer and that into my speakers, plug-in my mic and we changed the party to a karaoke type scene. People took turns playing my guitar and singing. IK Multimedia products turn what could have been a bust into a winner and we were able to raise about $2000 for the kid’s medical bills. Rock On Guys. I love your products.
Michael, Maryland US
On AmpliTube
Honestly, my Marshall is collecting dust. I haven’t turned it on for something like 6 months. A year ago I entered the world of digital recording. I had a lite version of AmpliTube and was amazed and the sound. Was this possible from software? I knew I had to upgrade. The feature, the flexibility of ampliTube 2 blew me away. I was like a kid in a candy store moving through the pre-sets. Everything and anything I ever needed in an amp, AmpliTube provided. With AmpliTube I’m always plugged in. When an idea hits me. I just pick up my guitar and play. Amplitude is always there for me. Always ready to go. No waiting for an amp to heat up. All the while the Marshall just sat there...
Greg, Wisconsin US
On Sonik Synth
November 2005 I was diagnosed with a serious health condition that required immediate and ongoing treatment over the next 2 years. Health costs piled up high! I became very depressed and stressed, I had to sell all my music studio gear such as computer, guitars, keyboards, sound modules, several hardware effects + racks, amp, mixing console and monitor speakers.
2007 - after ongoing treatment my health improved but left me in financial crisis, at one point I was almost sued in court over a health bill not paid but I managed to pay the health bill one week before appearing in court.
Beginning of 2008 I started to slowly rebuild my studio, a cheap keyboard and PC. Added just one instrument plugin.... IKMultimedia SonikSynth.2.1 and having used just that one plugin I recorded my first song "Spirit in You", after the song was published online within one week it hit #2 on Soundclick music chart and #1 on Hot SoundClick (Chart Movers). Then out of the blue I received an Email from the vice president of WAMI she was so impressed she wanted my band to perform at various venues! Hehehe I don't have a band yet but WAMI said that's OK and to contact them when the band was ready...
David, Washington US
On AmpliTube
I first started using AmpliTube in my online classes at Berklee college of music. It was required for one of my class. But I liked the tones so much I used it in all my classes. Even when I wasn't using guitar on a track I used it on vocals and other instruments. The reverb is so deep I used it all the time. I really like the quality of AmpliTube tones and the depth they produce.
Daniel, Texas US
On IK Multimedia
30 year Veteran Producer, never liked plug-ins. I have Waves and Bomb Factory and had given up on digital plug-ins. IK Multimedia was recommended to me. I am now a believer!
Kiltau, Kelowna Canada
On ARC System
Prior to using the ARC System in my home studio the sounds that came out of the speakers were at best Black, White & Grey. Now I have the Rainbow pumping out of my speakers! Absolute gods send for the project studio!
Jon, Arizona US
On SampleTank
I'm a media composer part time. I have a full time job teaching game design and audio. What that means is what ever is left after household needs get funneled into my passion for making music.
I'm constantly on the lookout for something affordable with great sound quality. For a while it seemed that the two were mutually exclusive. That was until I came across the Sample Tank Free download about four years ago. Granted it was a limited set of sounds but the user interface friendly and the sound quality was amazing. My radar was now targeted on a cool company called IK Multimedia...
I then came across software called Expansion Tanks that were #1. affordable, #2. targeted to specific musical genres and #3. were made by the very company that impressed me four years ago...
I must thank you guys for coming up with software that is user friendly, affordable and sounds fantastic.
Bravo!
Craig, Texas US
On IK Multimedia
IK products are the heart of my home studio, I feel that I can create full sounding professional mixes for the first time in the 10 years I've been recording fully computer based!
Arnold, Massachusetts US
On SampleTank, SampleMoog, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube and T-RackS 3
How long ago was it that I was using a 4 track cassette recorder? 10 years? 15 years?
It doesn't seem so long ago. I was lucky to be able express my musical ideas with those four, noisy tracks. Now a decade later with the help of my IK products like SampleTank - I have a whole band ready, at any time of the day whenever I feel that a need to express my self musically.
I have my virtual Moog synth, my rocking Ampeg SVX and AmpliTube and to polish up my tunes my T-RackS 3 EQ.
Now I can make music when I want and how I want and it sounds great! Much better than my old 4-track cassette recorder!!!
Because of IK the only limits to my personal creativity is time.
Terry, California US
On IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia changed my life as a film composer. Inspiring me like no other audio software has its propelled me to be as creative in scoring to picture more than anything else has. Every moment when I'm flexing my creative muscles in the studio IK media products are a mouse click away. Thanks IK!
www.music4theMovies.com
David, Maryland US
On AmpliTube 2
I was using Line 6 Gear Box with my Pro Tools M Powered setup, but after hearing AmpliTube 2, I quickly switched. Effects sound much better than Line 6 after being bounced to a disc.
Kevin, Texas US
On T-RackS 3
I have been writing music for 25 years, however 4 years ago I entered the computer home studio world. I love it then I got T-rackS for Christmas in 07. Wow I could not believe it. Incredible, I first used it on some old songs and just with the presets alone. It was day and night difference. I’m still learning and I’m ready for the deluxe version, I also must say that with the T-racks plug-ins I've never encountered any problems, not even a hiccup.
Don, Colorado US
On T-RackS
Used to have my albums mastered by a Grammy-Award-winning lab in the Denver area. I've found I can get the same results in my own studio with T-RackS and some good monitors!
Matthew, New Jersey
On Total Effects Bundle
I'm an effects junkie, but I still aspiring and up and coming, ie mostly broke. But the Total Effects Bundle opened up a world of possibilities for me and my creative process. Without the Bundle and the advent of computer modeling, I'd be relying on my guitar to sound like a guitar every day... This product changed the way I make music and opened up much broader horizons for my creative process.
Ingo, Sau Paolo Brazil
On AmpliTube 2 and T-RackS 3
IK Multimedia has made it possible for people who live in countries such as Brazil can have access to professional quality equipment. It is hard and it is only possible to a few people with a deep pocket, to "live through music". With plug-ins like AmpliTube 2 and T-RackS 3 I have the security to produce and deliver to my clients a High Quality, High Fidelity professional sound that have only been accessible a few years ago for those of us who started the dream of producing, with just a computer and a pair of earphones...
John, California US
On Total Studio Bundle and ARC System
I have been using IK products now for about five years, and very pleased with the results. In my Project Studio I find myself using your plug-ins from start to finish, tracking, mixing, mastering. Starting with Studio Bundle version 1, I have also added Sonik Synth 2, CSR, Ampeg SVX, ARC System. For me these tools are indispensable, I can't imagine doing a session without them.
The analog modeling is excellent, and the SampleTank engine makes working with samples a snap. I layer my samples until I have the sound that will sit in the track just right. The sample libraries are extensive, and high quality, easy to use, it just doesn't get any better then this...
Another tool that always finds it's way to my sessions is Classik Studio Reverb. I mainly use the Plate Reverb and the Room Reverbs, for Drums, Guitar, and Vocals. The Plate Reverb is great on beefing up the snare, it's like putting the snare in it's own room just built for it, very cool. The Room Reverbs I use on Guitar and Vocals, making custom Rooms so that they set right, in the Mix. It's so simple, you roll back the low and high ends to get rid of the Mud and the high sizzle, play with the room size you want, extend the stereo image a little, and you have great sounding rooms that just work.
The last thing I'd like to talk about is the ARC System. Wow! What a difference this plug-in has made in my mixes. I knew I had a problem in the low end of the spectrum, you know the typical small room stuff. So I tested the room with a FFT spectrum analyzer, a 1/3 Octave spectrum analyzer, on an Omni-directional measurement mic, a Digital Sound Pressure dB Level Meter, Pink Noise Generator and found problems 55Hz and 110Hz, right where the kick and the bass sit. I mapped out my problem areas and applied some bass trapping, and a 31 Band EQ to the monitors, and found the best location for the Mackie subwoofer. But still couldn't resolve the problem enough, until you guys at IK came up with the ARC System. I just leave it on the 2 Buss and forget it. I record, mix, and master, with it. The only time I need to turn it off is when you bounce to disk. What an idea! I can clearly hear things I couldn't hear before, the boom and the smearing are gone. The ARC System has made the impossible, possible for Project Studios to obtain a good listening atmosphere in a situation less than ideal. Thanks guys, good job.
Well, I guess that about wraps it up for me. I want to thank you, and the entire IK Multimedia Team for their insight and ability in creating such fine Professional Tools in an ever-changing DAW recording world. I must say, you guys are making a difference, Thank you!
John, Tennessee US
On SampleTank
I had invested a lot of money into another sample player. Through the years I had amassed quite a library of sounds that I constantly use. Recently I saddened by the demise of this product and then realized in terror all the sounds and money I had in the system. After some research I found SampleTank, and with the help of a conversion program I can happily say my sounds are intact and my system has a future. Thank you for allowing me not to lose those thousands of dollars in sound library investments that are so vital in my production and recording arsenal.
Evan, Rhode Island US
On SampleTank
SampleTank was one of the first software synthesizers I ever experienced, and after hours of excitement in discovering the massive amount of sounds that could easily be coaxed out, I realized that a professional studio was closer within my reach than I previously thought possible. Whole string sections, rich atmospheres, and classic synth sounds were all available to me, without spending thousands. This influenced me to free up more to work on my recording skills and well as fine-tune my keyboard playing to heights! Many thanks to IK Multimedia for expanding the sounds in my studio as well as my mind!
*NOTE: By submitting an entry, you are allowing IK Multimedia to publicize your written work.
< back to 1 Million Installation Celebration home