Native Instruments Guitar Rig - WOW!

[maddmannmatt]

I just picked up a copy of Native Instruments (NI) Guitar Rig.

http://www.nativeinstruments.de/index.php?guitarrig_us

This is GREAT!

It is a software app that is basically a rack from hell, AND it lets you use several cab and mic emulators and set all of it up any way you like! It's SUPER easy and it takes very little time to learn and setup.

And compared to the computer-controlled solutions like jacking into ProTools or Logic Audio or some other software that was really meant for recording and editing, you get what you actually NEED. A Sound Processor. It even has a tape delay, with 2 banks!!!

It does come with an external MIDI foot controller, but I have already replaced that with a Behringer foot controller for more access.

And it sounds incredible! I have pretty much rid myself of all of my rack FX for this unit. All I have now is a laptop with a good sound card and an external USB MIDI interface. The even cooler thing about this is that I can also use the laptop for a MIDI synth.

Check it out!

[Fredrik]

It looks great!
Have you compared this software to the guitarport from Line6?

[maddmannmatt]

Originally posted by Fredrik
It looks great!
Have you compared this software to the guitarport from Line6?

Yes, but this seems to be more of a learning tool than a processor. Even though it does process (I don't know how well), just from seeing the featuers online, I think that NI's stuff kicks *** more than most other stuff out there, including the new Roland GS-10.

[Fredrik]

I'll check them both out here. My problem is that I don't own a laptop, just a monster pc. So I was thinking about a combo of pod xt and rifftracker. The pod is quite portable and thus a great plus for me. The rifftracker seems to be a neat way of working up compositions and I definately like the instant drummer feature as well.

I'll let you know when I've decided.

[thomact]

just out of curiousity, how much is the NI rig?

I've got a guitarport and, whilst it's not bad, it's not the greatest bass sound on earth without a fair amount of tweaking. Maybe this is an improvement.

Guitar sounds are pretty awesome though. (Slightly off topic but If you've got one, try the jcm800 model at near 0 drive - that's the perfect clean tone)

Thom...

[Fredrik]

What kind of guitar do you have tomact? I'm planning on using it with an 8 stringer, and also fear that bass strings will suffer. How's your bass sound ond the NI rig matt?

[James]

I have been interested to know how software amp sims compare in live situations. I had a go with IK Multimedia's Amplitube plug-in with my sequencer, but there wasn't any easy way to control it other than using the mouse. Looking at Guitar Rig's screenshots it certainly looks very comprehensive. Have you tried it in a live situation with your laptop?

Not sure how the foot controller works by transmitting signals through the audio jack cables (?). The two inputs will definately appeal to owners of stereo instruments. Is your Behringer midi control surface easy to customise on the computer?

Pat Mastlellotto has a laptop setup with his rig for playing drum patterns through a tracker. An alternative to using a laptop for gigging could be a Shuttle-type SFF PC, as they often make them with high spec for LAN gaming, or a rack-mounted case which would allow you to integrate it with your other effects and processors etc. and be easy to carry around. However, in both cases you'd need a monitor, keyboard and mouse

[Fredrik]

I've just bought a second hand Line6 pod xt pro. Will post some sort of review of it when I've tried it out on my tapper. Im downloading the (free) additional on screen edit program to be used on my pc. Also plan to purchase the rifftracker to record ideas and scetches. Will keep you posted.

F

[Fredrik]

The pod xt pro I bought from some guy was broken, and I recieved a brand spanking new pod xt live instead, from Line6 here in Norway. Thanx guys.

Anyway, the sound possibilities on this tank built box is nothing but awsome. I love the effects, and also many of the amps provided with it. For me this box does it all so far.

I know I've promised some recordings of my new tapper, and as soon as possible I will. Just need the Rifftracker first (and cant afford it this month...)

Fredrik

[DirkM]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new here but have been lurking a while. I recently purchased Guitar Rig2 with the Rig Kontrol. At first I had issues and it seems like the Mac folks are having problems.
But the sounds are even better now with Ampeg cabs and amps, also DI and on my 8 string the guitar cabs sound great. You can also split the signal now with a crossover that is way cool for processing the low end seperately.
Oh yeah also the new version has a looper built-in allthough I don't like it as much as Mobius for software looping.
You need a decent speed machine and a good amount of ram.
I sold most of my rack gear when I got used to GR1 now that GR2 is working better I don't regret any of it.
By the way I had an Eventide and 2 EDP's and a few Lexicons. I really think the future is software, but everyone has their opinions, and this one is mine.
Cheers,
Dirk