IK Multimedia’s TONEX is now 85% off at Plugin Boutique until October 12, bringing the price down from $199.99 to just $29.99. If you’ve been holding off on trying one of the most realistic amp modeling platforms around, now’s a great time to jump in.
TONEX is built around IK’s “AI Machine Modeling” technology, which accurately replicates the sound and response of real guitar amps, cabs, and pedals.
Out of the box, it already includes a massive tone library covering everything from pristine cleans to heavy, saturated distortion. You’ll find hundreds of modeled amps and pedals, each captured by IK’s engineers under ideal conditions.
To my ears, the Tone Models sound very authentic. I’m not a seasoned guitarist, but I frequently use virtual guitar amps in production, and I’ve developed an ear for distinguishing between good and bad amp simulations.
With this one, there’s real weight, punch, and dynamics that really sound and feel like the real thing. The sense of realism is what makes TONEX stand out, and the models really sound and react like genuine hardware amps.
The built-in library lets you get started immediately without ever needing to set up a capture. You can simply load a Tone Model, tweak the gain and EQ controls, and you’re ready to record or jam.
The included models cover a range of classic and boutique gear from Fenders and Marshalls to Mesas, Soldanos, and more. Each model is available in multiple voicings and mic setups.
TONEX also connects directly to ToneNET, IK’s online community, where you can download thousands of additional tones made by both professionals and other users. It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole scrolling through all the free models and discovering new amp flavors within minutes.
What I really like about TONEX is that it doesn’t require much effort to get an amazing sound. You can plug in your guitar, pick a model, and it just works. There’s no complex signal chain building or endless tweaking; instead, you get instant access to ready-to-play tones that sit naturally in a mix.
The included compressor, gate, and reverb add just enough polish to make each preset feel complete, whether you’re recording, practicing through headphones, or performing live.
Of course, if you want to take things further, TONEX also lets you capture your own amps and pedals. The process is guided through an intuitive wizard that plays test signals through your setup and “learns” its tone.
Once finished, you’ll have a custom digital version of your gear that sounds nearly identical but can be played silently at any volume. It’s a powerful feature, though for most users, the included models and ToneNET content already provide more than enough variety.
There are a few downsides, though. TONEX is not a full modular amp sim like AmpliTube or Helix Native. It captures static “snapshots” of specific settings, so you can’t drastically change the amp tone beyond basic gain and EQ adjustments.
You also need a proper re-amping setup (or IK’s Tonex Capture box) if you want to model your own gear. And while the interface is packed with features, I still find it a bit clunky or unintuitive in places. Still, once you get comfortable with it, the results speak for themselves.
TONEX runs on Windows and macOS (including Apple Silicon) and works as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin, as well as a standalone app. The 85% off sale at Plugin Boutique runs until October 12, 2025.
And speaking of virtual guitar amps, don’t miss the UAD Showtime ’64, which is still available for free.
Get the deal: TONEX (85% OFF until October 12)
Deal of the day 🔥: Get 70% OFF any SoundMorph product (starting at $14!)!
More:
Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
