Native Instruments’ guitar rack modelling standard is updated with newly modelled amps and effects. Is it seventh heaven asks Andy Jones?
Can it really be true that it’s nearly 20 years since the very first Guitar Rig from Native Instruments? This guitar amp and effect pedal modelling software is one of NI’s most successful releases, thanks largely to its incredible sound and ease of use. It now appeals to an audience way beyond its initial target of guitar and bass players. Indeed, such is the girth of what it offers across the board effects-wise, it has become one of the best sound design tools out there. But nearly two decades on, can there really be anything more worth adding to this mightiest of effects racks?
Seven up
Guitar Rig Pro was steadily updated with amps and effects up to version 5, but there was an almost decade gap between that and v6 which introduced NI’s Intelligent Circuit Modeling (ICM), with machine learning homing in on the exact sound of the original hardware being modelled – see the box for more detail on the technology. Guitar Rig Pro 7 features four new amp models (making 26 in total) with matching cabs, all modelled using ICM. There are 100 new presets – always one of the strongest features of Guitar Rig – plus a new Impulse Response loader.
Here you can load in any IRs from complete amplifier setups including cabinet, mic placement, the room impact and other effects. The library includes IRs from 3 Sigma Audio, Bogren Digital, and Lancaster Audio.
Also added is a new suite of lo-fi effects – another side of Guitar Rig that was already strong – and a looper, Loop Machine Pro, with which you can get all Ed Sheeran should you wish. For more on that, check out page 44 for our guide to embracing your inner Ed.
Finally on the big updates are a set of five new pedals that also utilise that ICM modelling technology. So how do all these extras sound? To the new amps first and you get Superfast 100, a high-gain tube-amp based on a Soldano with a classic rock lead sound. The Reverb Delight is exactly that, a lovely Fender Deluxe emulation with a beautiful and often subtle bluesy sound. Bass Rage delivers a big Ampeg style boost to your low end and is crisp and well defined, and finally AC Box XV is attempting to be a Vox AC emulator – again it’s very clean but perhaps a little understated.
The lo-fi effects are welcome additions, offering mechanical tape noise for your ‘too clean’ surroundings
The five new ICM effect pedals are fabulous additions. They include Seattle Fuzz, which has to be the simplest effect plugin ever: just dial in your harmonic grunge, set the volume and you are away. Kolor offers everything from subtle saturation to full-on drive using a
