Hello and welcome Fretless31,
Here another new GTL user trying to help ;)
1- It will be useful dedicated outputs for tic and bypass input... but meanwhile I can recomend you start with prerecorded loop in Master group as audible tic for everyone. If your first loop is solo audio or beatbox etc... "Fake it until you make it" since crowd expects music over performance the most of the time.
The workflow step by step:
- Record the initial loop in home
- Go on stage and play the loop with the Cello
- Press Global start at the end of the loop
- Start recording the rest of the song you need.
- Enjoy your first perfect loop and stop worrying about "miss the first shot"
This is how I worked with old hardware which didn't sincronize well with midi clock make me search for workarounds. Simplify the most you can and focus in Music.
2- You have a "Audio Input" tab in Options where you can add some fx from the fx panels at the right side and also you can select "Inter-app Audio" which could route another app inside GTL. As it seems you know it can also be possible open GTL in AudioBus output slot which make it available as input in GTL.
I understand that the included fx didn't suit your needs/tastes...
Your soundcard isn't compatible only with Amplitube app? Has the app somekind of dongle soundcard approach? I remember use IK apps without dedicated hardware but maybe I'm missing something...
Anyways talking about good fx apps for eq/compression I recomend Kytmatica apps (the same developer of AUM)
AUFX:Push por Kymatica (Jonatan Liljedahl)
https://appsto.re/es/1O4g5.i
AUFX:PeakQ por Kymatica (Jonatan Liljedahl)
https://appsto.re/es/AeIMU.i
And also Mastering tool Final Touch
Final Touch - Audio Mastering, Post Production and Mixing por Positive Grid Inc
https://appsto.re/es/CGZfX.i
Or Bias (not tested by myself but seems ok)
BIAS FX por Positive Grid Inc
https://appsto.re/es/yi_43.i
BIAS Amp por Positive Grid Inc
https://appsto.re/es/j3CzQ.i
Hope it helps you and broke a leg (best wishes) for these gig!