Guitar Rig
Encyclopedia
Guitar Rig is a software effect processor
developed by Native Instruments
. Primarily designed for electric guitar
and bass
, the software uses amplifier modeling to allow real-time
digital signal processing
in both standalone and studio
(VST
/DXi/RTAS
/AU
) environments.
It was originally released in mid-2004. The latest version, Guitar Rig 5, was released on 1 September 2011.
system, providing capabilities for multiple amplifiers
, effects pedals and rack mounted hardware
. The software simulates a number of devices such as preamplifier
s, cabinets
and microphone
s under pseudonyms (such as renaming the Shure SM57 as the "Dynamic 57").
The system allows customisation of module parameters – either through manipulation of the graphical interface, use of a MIDI controller
or employment of the RigKontrol. Settings can be saved as preset
s and exported and shared with other users. Version 3 included a redesigned interface to allow improved preset categorisation and customised interfaces for "live" use.
Before version 3 was released, the graphical user interface
simulated amplifier logos and design construction. In version 3, this was replaced with a generic name in the default Guitar Rig typeface
.
. It contains an audio interface
and DI box, allowing integration with live sound environments.
The device can operate Guitar Rig using eight switch
es and an expression pedal
. Earlier versions of the device contained only six switches and an expression pedal, and did not support interfacing
functionality.
s, tape loop
s, step sequencers and low-frequency oscillators.
Software effect processor
A software effect processor is a computer program which is able to modify the sound coming from a source of sound in real time.-Principle of operation:...
developed by Native Instruments
Native Instruments
Native Instruments is a technology company that develops software and hardware for music production and DJing. The company has originally been identified mostly with software instruments, but has also expanded to various other music equipment segments in recent years.Current products of Native...
. Primarily designed for electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
and bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, the software uses amplifier modeling to allow real-time
Real-time computing
In computer science, real-time computing , or reactive computing, is the study of hardware and software systems that are subject to a "real-time constraint"— e.g. operational deadlines from event to system response. Real-time programs must guarantee response within strict time constraints...
digital signal processing
Digital signal processing
Digital signal processing is concerned with the representation of discrete time signals by a sequence of numbers or symbols and the processing of these signals. Digital signal processing and analog signal processing are subfields of signal processing...
in both standalone and studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
(VST
Virtual Studio Technology
Steinberg's Virtual Studio Technology is an interface for integrating software audio synthesizer and effect plugins with audio editors and hard-disk recording systems. VST and similar technologies use digital signal processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware with software...
/DXi/RTAS
Real Time AudioSuite
Real-Time AudioSuite is a format of audio plug-in developed by Digidesign, currently Avid Technology for their Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered systems, although they can be run on Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools TDM systems. RTAS plug-ins use the processing power of the host computer rather than...
/AU
Audio Units
Audio Units are a system-level plug-in architecture provided by Core Audio in Mac OS X developed by Apple Computer. Audio Units are a set of application programming interface services provided by the operating system to generate, process, receive, or otherwise manipulate streams of audio in...
) environments.
It was originally released in mid-2004. The latest version, Guitar Rig 5, was released on 1 September 2011.
Overview
The Guitar Rig environment is modularModular programming
Modular programming is a software design technique that increases the extent to which software is composed of separate, interchangeable components called modules by breaking down program functions into modules, each of which accomplishes one function and contains everything necessary to accomplish...
system, providing capabilities for multiple amplifiers
Guitar amplifier
A guitar amplifier is an electronic amplifier designed to make the signal of an electric or acoustic guitar louder so that it will produce sound through a loudspeaker...
, effects pedals and rack mounted hardware
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
. The software simulates a number of devices such as preamplifier
Preamplifier
A preamplifier is an electronic amplifier that prepares a small electrical signal for further amplification or processing. A preamplifier is often placed close to the sensor to reduce the effects of noise and interference. It is used to boost the signal strength to drive the cable to the main...
s, cabinets
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker is an electroacoustic transducer that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. Non-electrical loudspeakers were developed as accessories to telephone systems, but electronic amplification by vacuum tube made loudspeakers more generally useful...
and microphone
Microphone
A microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a telephone voice transmitter...
s under pseudonyms (such as renaming the Shure SM57 as the "Dynamic 57").
The system allows customisation of module parameters – either through manipulation of the graphical interface, use of a MIDI controller
MIDI controller
MIDI controller is used in two senses.*In one sense, a controller is hardware or software which generates and transmits MIDI data to MIDI-enabled devices....
or employment of the RigKontrol. Settings can be saved as preset
Preset
Preset can refer to:* Preset keys of a Hammond organ* Default , a setting or value automatically assigned to a computer program...
s and exported and shared with other users. Version 3 included a redesigned interface to allow improved preset categorisation and customised interfaces for "live" use.
Before version 3 was released, the graphical user interface
Graphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
simulated amplifier logos and design construction. In version 3, this was replaced with a generic name in the default Guitar Rig typeface
Typeface
In typography, a typeface is the artistic representation or interpretation of characters; it is the way the type looks. Each type is designed and there are thousands of different typefaces in existence, with new ones being developed constantly....
.
RigKontrol
The RigKontrol is a foot-operated USB and MIDI controllerMIDI controller
MIDI controller is used in two senses.*In one sense, a controller is hardware or software which generates and transmits MIDI data to MIDI-enabled devices....
. It contains an audio interface
Sound card
A sound card is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to external audio interfaces that use software to generate sound, as opposed to using hardware...
and DI box, allowing integration with live sound environments.
The device can operate Guitar Rig using eight switch
Switch
In electronics, a switch is an electrical component that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another....
es and an expression pedal
Expression pedal
An expression pedal is an important control found on many organs and synthesizers, as well as in the pedal steel guitar, that allows the volume of the sound to be manipulated...
. Earlier versions of the device contained only six switches and an expression pedal, and did not support interfacing
Interfacing
Interfacing is a textile used on the unseen or "wrong" side of fabrics to make an area of a garment more rigid.Interfacings can be used to:*stiffen or add body to fabric, such as the interfacing used in shirt collars...
functionality.
Components
Guitar Rig models the following pieces of hardware (pseudonyms are bracketed and italicised).Amplifiers
- Fender BassmanFender BassmanThe Fender Bassman was a bass amplifier introduced by Fender in 1952. Although it was originally designed for bass guitars, it was frequently used for normal electric guitar in rock and roll, blues, and country bands.-History:...
(Tweedman) - Vox AC30Vox AC30The Vox AC30 is a guitar amplifier manufactured by Vox and known for its "jangly" high-end sound. First introduced in 1958 due to the growing demand for higher-wattage amplifiers, it became an iconic amplifier for British musicians and soon for others....
(AC Box) - Marshall 1959Marshall 1959The Marshall Super Lead Model 1959 is a guitar amplifier head made by Marshall. One of the famous Marshall Plexis, it was introduced in 1965 and with its associated 4x12" cabinets gave rise to the "Marshall stack."-History:...
(Plex) - Roland Jazz ChorusRoland Jazz ChorusRoland Jazz Chorus is the name given to a series of solid-state instrument amplifiers produced by the Roland Corporation in Japan since 1975. Its name comes from its built-in analog chorus effect, and its "pristine, clean sound" was often used in 1980s music by, for instance, funk musicians.The...
(Jazz Amp) - Marshall JCM800Marshall JCM800The JCM800 series is a line of guitar amplifiers made by Marshall Amplification. First built in 1981, the JCM800 became a staple of 1980s hard rock music; notable users include "Anthrax, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and about any other '80s hard rock/metal band."-History:In 1981, Marshall finally...
Lead (Lead 800) - AmpegAmpegAmpeg is primarily a musical instrument amplifier manufacturer headquartered in Woodinville, Washington, though they also manufacture guitars to a small extent...
VT-40Ampeg V SeriesThe Ampeg V series was an array of tube amplifiers originally released during Magnavox's acquisition of the company in 1970 and produced until MTI's acquisition of Magnavox in 1980. The majority of the V series consisted of guitar amps in both head and cabinet and combo amplifier configurations...
(Bass VT) - BognerBognerBogner is an American guitar amplifier manufacturing company founded by Reinhold Bogner in 1989 in Los Angeles, California, best known for the Shiva, Ecstasy, and Überschall guitar amplifiers.-Models:*Ecstasy 100A and 100B:...
Überschall (Ultrasonic) - Orange Overdrive OD120 (Citrus)
- HiwattHiwattHiwatt was a British company that manufactured amplifiers for electric guitars and electric basses. Starting in the late 1960s, together with Marshall and Vox, the company contributed to the sonic image popularly termed "British sound"....
DR-103 (High White) - Fender Tweed DeluxeFender Tweed DeluxeThe Fender Tweed Deluxe guitar amplifier was produced by Fender during the 1950s from approximately 1955 to 1960. Model 5B3/5C3, one of the earliest versions of the Deluxe, was produced between 1948 and 1952. It is often referred to as having a TV Front appearance because the wide panels around the...
(Tweed Delight) - Fender Twin Reverb (Twang Reverb)
- Mesa/BoogieMesa BoogieMesa/Boogie is a company in Petaluma, California that makes amplifiers for guitars and basses. It has been in operation since 1969....
Dual Rectifier (Gratifier) - Peavey 5150 (Van 50)
Microphones
- Royer R-121Royer LabsRoyer Labs is a microphone company that some consider to be one of the foremost manufacturers of ribbon microphones. The reasons most often cited for this opinion is that Royer has combined the traditional warmth of vintage ribbon microphones with modern output levels. While older ribbon...
(Rib 121) - Shure SM57 (Dynamic 57)
- Neumann U47 (Con 47)
- Neumann U67 (Con 67)
- SennheiserSennheiserSennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is a private German audio company specializing in the design and production of a wide range of both consumer and high fidelity products, including microphones, headphones, telephony accessories, and avionics headsets for consumer, professional, and business...
MD421 (Dynamic 421) - SennheiserSennheiserSennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is a private German audio company specializing in the design and production of a wide range of both consumer and high fidelity products, including microphones, headphones, telephony accessories, and avionics headsets for consumer, professional, and business...
MD441 (Dynamic 441) - Electro-Voice RE20 (Dynamic 20)
- Heil PR 40 (Dynamic 40)
Distortion
- Boss DS-1Boss DS-1The Boss DS-1 is a distortion pedal for guitar, manufactured by the Roland Corporation under the brand name Boss since 1978. The first distortion unit made by Boss, it has become a classic effect, used by many notable guitar players. Boss produced a successor, the DS-2.-Circuit design:The DS-1 has...
Distortion (Distortion) - Boss MT-2 Metal Zone (Metalzone or MeZone in Guitar Rig 4)
- Pro Co RATPro Co RatThe Pro Co "The RAT" is a guitar effects pedal produced by Pro Co Sound. The original RAT was developed in the basement of Pro Co's Kalamazoo, Michigan facility in 1978...
(Cat) - Ibanez TS-808 Tube ScreamerIbanez Tube ScreamerThe Ibanez Tube Screamer is a guitar overdrive pedal, made by Ibanez. The pedal has a characteristic mid-boosted tone popular with blues players...
(Skreamer) - Electro-HarmonixElectro-HarmonixElectro-Harmonix is a New York-based company that makes high-end electronic audio processors. The company was founded by Mike Matthews in 1968. They are most famous for a series of popular guitar effects pedals introduced in the 1970s and 1990s....
Big Muff Pi (Big Fuzz) - DunlopDunlop ManufacturingDunlop Manufacturing, Inc., known colloquially as Jim Dunlop, is a manufacturer of musical accessories based in Benicia, California. Originally founded in 1965 by Jim Dunlop, Sr., the company has grown from a small home operation to being a large manufacturer of music gear for over 40 years.- Way...
Dallas ArbiterDallas ArbiterDallas Arbiter is a company formed by the merger of John E. Dallas and Sons musical instrument company and Arbiter Electronics. Dallas Arbiter Ltd. produced a number of guitar effects which changed the ordinary sound of the electric guitar into something more noticeable...
Fuzz FaceFuzz FaceThe Fuzz Face is an effects pedal used mainly by electric guitarists, and by some bass players. It is a stompbox designed to produce a distorted sound from an electric guitar. This "fuzz" sound is sometimes compared to the sound of a damaged speaker...
(Fuzz Ace) (Not Present in Guitar Rig 4) - Tech 21Tech 21Tech 21 is a New York based manufacturer of guitar and bass effect pedals, amps, and DI boxes which allow the user to emulate the tone of many popular guitar amps and record those sounds directly into a mixer....
SansAmp GT2 (TransAmp) - MXRMXRMXR, also known as MXR Innovations, was a manufacturer of guitar effects units, co-founded in 1973 by Keith Barr and Terry Sherwood . MXR was based in the United States in Rochester, New York. MXR Innovations, Inc. was incorporated in 1974...
Dime Distortion DD11 (Demon Distortion) - Marshall Jackhammer JH-1 (Sledge Hammer)
Modulation
- TC ElectronicTC ElectronicTC Electronic is a Danish audio equipment manufacturer.Its current product ranges include guitar effects, bass amplification, computer audio interfaces, audio plug-in software, live sound equalisers, studio and post production equipment, studio effect processors and broadcast loudness processors...
Stereo Chorus + Flanger (Chorus + Flanger) - Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (Ensemble)
- Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (Electric Lady)
- MXR Phase 90MXR Phase 90The MXR Phase 90 is a phaser effects pedal originally designed in the 1970s by MXR.-History:The Phase 90 was released in 1972. It was the first pedal sold by MXR and helped launch the company. The original came in a simple orange enclosure with MXR's "script" logo. In 1977 MXR changed its logo to...
(Phaser Nine) - Electro-Harmonix Small Stone (Stoned Phaser)
- moogerfooger MF-102 Ring Modulator (Ring Modulator)
- Boss OC-2 Octave (Octaver)
- DigiTech WH-4 WhammyDigitech Whammy-Overview:The WH-1 Whammy pedal, the original whammy, first engineered and manufactured in 1989 by IVL Technologies and discontinued in 1993, remains the most sought-after.-Controls:...
(Pitch Pedal) - Electro-Harmonix Micro Synthesizer (Harmonic Synthesizer)
Delay
- Roland RE-201 Space EchoRoland RE-201The Roland RE-201, commonly known as the Space Echo, is an audio analog delay effects unit produced by the Roland Corporation.A tape echo device records incoming audio to a loop of magnetic tape, then replays the audio over a series of several playback heads before it is erased again by new...
(Tape Echo) - Electro-Harmonix Memory Man (Delay Man)
Filter
- DunlopDunlop ManufacturingDunlop Manufacturing, Inc., known colloquially as Jim Dunlop, is a manufacturer of musical accessories based in Benicia, California. Originally founded in 1965 by Jim Dunlop, Sr., the company has grown from a small home operation to being a large manufacturer of music gear for over 40 years.- Way...
Cry BabyDunlop Cry BabyThe Dunlop Cry Baby is a popular wah-wah pedal, manufactured by Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. It is the best selling guitar pedal of all time. The name Cry Baby was from the original pedal from which it was copied, the Thomas Organ/Vox Cry Baby wah-wah. Thomas Organ/Vox failed to register the name as...
(Cry Wah) - Real McCoy Custom RMC-1 (Real Wah)
- Boss AW-3 Dynamic Wah (Autofilter)
Other
Other modeled hardware includes Leslie speakerLeslie speaker
The Leslie speaker is a specially constructed amplifier/loudspeaker used to create special audio effects using the Doppler effect. Named after its inventor, Donald Leslie, it is particularly associated with the Hammond organ but is used with a variety of instruments as well as vocals. The...
s, tape loop
Tape loop
In music, tape loops are loops of prerecorded magnetic tape used to create repetitive, rhythmic musical patterns or dense layers of sound. Contemporary composers such as Steve Reich and Karlheinz Stockhausen used tape loops to create phase patterns and rhythms...
s, step sequencers and low-frequency oscillators.