Off Topic Guitar Software

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I finally got an audio interface and am hoping to lay down some guitar tracks pretty soon but, am not certain on which guitar software would give me damn decent tone, alongside of having a great selection of effects.

I have Garageband, that came standard with my Mac and have heard good things about it but, was wondering if theres something better out there? I hear Toontrack is really awesome. I wanting as close to Petruccis tone as possible.

I dont care if I have to drop a couple hundred on a good program.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[banjoplayer]

Guitar Rig
I like it but don´t know others. Plenty of Amps and Effects. Good Quality. Easy to use. Killer is the control room where you can set, adjust and mix several Mikes in front of your amp(s)

 

[Muffin Man]

Check out the ReValver MK III from Peavey. I read somewhere that there is a new version coming out. I had the MK II and it was really good. Bad thing was the presets were crap and if you wanted to get something good you had to do a lot of tweaking. Also, I found some custom made presets online that were really good.

ReValver

 

[beej]

I like S-Gear. It's very good and inexpensive to boot.

 

[ksandvik]

I use Logic's amps (Garageband has the same) and Guitar Rig, think I have Amplitude parts also on my system but the two first ones covers all my needs. I did a collaborate album recently just using Logic's guitar amp simulators (and plugins) and got all done this way.

For Petrucci sounds you need the Rectifier style amps, both Logic and Guitar Rig has those, just look at the aluminum panel amps as the SW vendors usually can't spell out what amp they are simulating with specific settings.

 

[AnotherNoob]

+1 for guitar rig. I enjoy the tones for a headphone rig, great for practice.

 

[damirpuh]

I've tried them all and I like Guitar Rig best. It's got that "mix-ready" tone that sits well with other tracks. If you want raw, unprocessed sound and more of that "amp in a room" feel, Peavey ReValver would be a good choice. If you really care about your tone, I would recommend getting some good IRs (RedWirez are my favorite) and use them in conjunction with the amp software. Just turn off the cab simulation in the software and use the impulses instead.

Most of the amp simulation software lacks in the cabinet simulation department. I think they figured out how to recreate the sound of an amp, but they can't reproduce the effect of the cab pushing air yet. ElevenRack and Axe FX are the only units that that come very close to reproducing that feel (I haven't tried Kemper yet).

 

[beej]

S-Gear has an excellent convolver and some good RedWirez IRs. You can also use any third party IR (Ownhammer, etc.) with it.

 

[fsmith]

beej,
what are you using as the interface for your guitar into your computer and S-Gear?

 

[CountOfTuscany]

I have used a few including guitar rig and line6's own software, but I have to say that Toontrack EZ mix is by far the best for me! Especially with the Andy Sneap add on pack. Lead/clean tone gallore !

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I'm really liking the interface of the Guitar Rig software. I've been watching a lot of tutorials online and to be honest a lot of the stuff is way over my head!

I hope I can make sense of it all when actually using it! Looks like a lot of fun though!

Are there pedal boards on the market that would allow me to change channels on my computer while playing? That would be too cool.

 

[GoKart_MoZart]

Guitar Rig

Can you lay down basic rhythm tracks, too (meaning piano, drums)?

 

[ksandvik]

I'm really liking the interface of the Guitar Rig software. I've been watching a lot of tutorials online and to be honest a lot of the stuff is way over my head!

I hope I can make sense of it all when actually using it! Looks like a lot of fun though!

Are there pedal boards on the market that would allow me to change channels on my computer while playing? That would be too cool.

You could get pretty far by just using any of the presets they include, per genre, or famous songs, or amp setup-wise. Then you could start tweaking them as you wish.

You could configure any MIDI pedal system to trigger patch changes.

 

[MrJJoncas]

I use Overload TH2, IMO it's really killer !!! I tried a few one and I like it better !!

Here's a test I made: https://soundcloud.com/jeremiejoncas/test-2-1

 

[beej]

beej,
what are you using as the interface for your guitar into your computer and S-Gear?

Hey Fred- I'm running out of my pedalboard (buffered) into a Focusrite 18i6. Sounds great.

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

 

[MrJJoncas]

Lol good one !!!

 

[Stratty316]

Devin, I would just mess with garage band for simple tracks. Learn what you are doing and what works for you then look at outside programs that fit your need and comfort level. It really is an easy program, built for beginners and it came with your Mac. That's what I would do

 

[ksandvik]

Logic Pro X could open GarageBand projects so you could take it to the next level if needed this way.