TONEX
TONEX: A flexible tone-capture tool with ToneNET browsing, DAW support and a free edition. Ranked #6 of 35 in Guitar Amp Software by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for AI capture and ToneNET model browsing.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAI capture and ToneNET model browsing
- Free planYes
- Standalone appYes
- Founded1996 · Modena, Italy
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- AI capture covers amplifiers, cabinets, combos and pedals
- Standalone app, DAW plug-ins and custom IR support
- ToneNET enables Tone Model discovery, downloads and sharing
Where it doesn't
- Built-in effects are limited to 12
- Paid editions have different currencies and model libraries
- Windows and macOS are the only listed platforms
Our verdict on TONEX
TONEX is guitar and bass tone-modeling software for musicians who want to capture, edit, organize and share the sound of amplifiers, cabinets, combos and pedals. It runs as a standalone application for playing, practicing and recording, or as a DAW plug-in using Audio Units, VST 3 or AAX. Its focus suits players, producers and recording users who want modeled gear alongside ToneNET browsing and sharing.
The published editions create a clear range, although the displayed currencies differ. TONEX CS is free and includes the standalone application and plug-in, 20 Premium Tone Models and 20 User Tone Model downloads. Special Edition costs EUR 99.99 one-time and adds 200+ Premium Tone Models with unlimited User Tone Model downloads. TONEX costs USD 199.99 one-time and includes 400+ Premium Tone Models with unlimited downloads. TONEX MAX is displayed at USD 99.99 one-time and includes 1,250+ Premium Tone Models with unlimited downloads. Each paid edition includes the standalone application and plug-in.
AI capture is the defining feature: users can model amplifiers, cabinets, combos and pedals, then browse and organize Tone Models and presets through ToneNET. VIR cabinets, custom impulse responses, and built-in compressor, noise gate, modulation, delay and reverb effects extend the workflow. Integration with TONEX hardware and AmpliTube 5 improves its fit within IK Multimedia’s ecosystem. TONEX is a strong choice for users prioritizing capture and model discovery; musicians seeking a larger built-in effects collection or platforms beyond Windows and macOS should consider alternatives.
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TONEX pricing
All 4 TONEX plans and prices →
TONEX fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Amp models | Not verified |
| Cabinet models | Not verified |
| Effects count | 12 effects |
| Plugin formats | Audio Units, VST 3, AAX |
| Standalone app | Yes |
| IR loader | Yes |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: ToneNET, AmpliTube 5, TONEX hardware |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | ikmultimedia.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
TONEX integrations
TONEX lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- ToneNET
- AmpliTube 5
- TONEX hardware
Alternatives to TONEX
- Helix Stadium NativeA wide-ranging guitar and bass plugin with strong hardware integration and a high full-license price.9.4
- AmpliTube 5A mature all-in-one desktop suite with broad modeling, routing, recording, and practice tools.9.2
- GENOMEA flexible cross-platform amp and tone-shaping platform with standalone and DAW workflows.9.1
TONEX vs the competition
- TONEX vs Helix Stadium Native
- TONEX vs AmpliTube 5
- TONEX vs GENOME
- TONEX vs BIAS X
- TONEX vs TH-U
- TONEX vs Helix Native
Compare TONEX with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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