IK Multimedia AmpliTube X-Space review

All of the pedals in the AmpliTube X-Series share the same three-footswitch form factor. So, like the X-Vibe modulation, and X-Time delay, the X-Space has both mono and stereo connectivity and full MIDI implementation. 

There are 16 algorithms and up to 300 storable presets that can be managed with the included librarian app and used in AmpliTube 5. Also, the necessary USB computer connection lets the pedal function as an audio interface for recording, with or without cab sim. 

While basically preset-based, the pedals have physical knobs to quickly adjust the main parameters, while several more are accessed with a push-and-turn parameter knob. Presets and banks are easily recalled for live use and you get some useful performance features, such as being able to add an expression pedal, and the X-Mode facility, which momentarily alters a parameter by holding down a footswitch.

Among the usual straight reverb types, Hall, Room, Chamber and Church give you the sense of dimensional space you’d expect.

The Plate and Spring emulations deliver the sonic flavour of the real physical thing and offer enough parameters to dial in the exact sound to sit well with your rig, the Plate having different damping parameters for the low, mid and high frequencies. You also get gated reverb, an ‘early reflections’ algorithm that’s useful for building the sound of very small spaces, a reverb that swells in, and a cool reverse reverb.

The rest are altered and enhanced reverbs. There are two types of Shimmer: one where a single shimmer pitch can be set; the next with two pitches so you can set up harmonies or discordances.

Most of the others have various modulation options to create movement and floaty ambiences and, with no tap tempo, you get instant footswitch access to three presets, rather than the two of the other pedals.

Specs

• PRICE: $329 / £299 
• ORIGIN: Italy
• TYPE: Reverb pedal
• FEATURES: Selectable True or Buffered bypass, librarian software and AmpliTube 5 SE included, Safe mode (locks knobs), cab sim, audio interface capability
• EFFECTS: Shimmer 1, Shimmer 2, Hall, Room, Chamber, Church, Plate, Spring, Swell, Gate, Reverse, Early Ref, Extreme, Ethereal, Bloom, Magnetic
• CONTROLS: Model/Back, Preset/Save, Parameter, Time, Pre-Delay, Color, Mod, Mix, footswitch A, footswitch B, C footswitch
• CONNECTIONS: Standard inputs
  (L/Mono, R), standard outputs (L/Mono, R), MIDI In, MIDI Out, Ext. Control, USB
• POWER: Supplied 9V DC adaptor 260mA 
• DIMENSIONS: 176 (w) x 144 (d) x 60mm (h) 
• CONTACT: IK Multimedia