Waves GTR or NI GuitarRig (or BlueTubes amp legends)?

[rydan]

Hello there!

I think we all agree that Nigel isn't going to get you the guitar (or in my case synth) sounds you're after, at least if the sound you're after is a high gain, heavy distorted sound (think heavy metal or industrial, think Rammstein...)

So, the question. Which one is the better of NI GuitarRig and Waves GTR, and more importantly why? (Waves demand iLok for the demo, which is a bit annoying...)

Any comments on the NomadFactory AmpLegends guitar plugs (or the Nomad plugs in general?)

 

[Akis]

I've got great results for the purpose you describe with either TC Electronic Tubifex (Powercore) or iZotope Trash.

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

Have you looked at the AMT Rammstein pedal (now called the Du Hast)? I don't know how well it compares to Rammstein's sound but it's one of the better high gain amp emulators I've used. It's really only good for direct recording due to the built-in speaker emulation that can't be switched off.

 

[Richard H.]

NomadFactory AmpLegends sounds worse than the other two.

Seriously, micing amp is the best way. You may get yourself an 1 x 12\" guitar amp + SM57. But if you have neighbor or roomate issue, Rocktron Prophesy, POD or similar device might work ok.

 

[rydan]

So, you're saying that a pod (or, in my case it would probably be a pod pro) sounds better than Waves/NI software?

 

[Herbesh]

One advantage with an external modeller like a pod is you don't have to worry about latency.

To be able to play a CPU based one in real time you need a low latency and if you've already got a few tracks with modellers/effects your computer can start struggling when you try to overdub another.

Of course this all depends on how you work.

I use a mix of amp micing, Bass Pod and Amplitube.

Can't really comment on Guitar Rig as I only used the demo briefly and wouldn't be able to give much of an opinion.

 

[Richard H.]

So, you're saying that a pod (or, in my case it would probably be a pod pro) sounds better than Waves/NI software?

For heavy distorted sound, yes. But not as good as micing a real 1 x 12" amp.
Rocktron Prophesy has the most similar sound I can find so far comparing to micing an amp.

I haven't had chance to check out Amplitube 2. It might be fine.

I also have heard some good things about Boss GT8. You might want to check out the quality of its amp simulator in your local dealer/store.

 

[Herbesh]

Just like to add that I did try the Waves GTR and it sounded really good.

Don't know if I was trying to achieve the sounds you are after though as I'm not usually trying to get those super heavy sounds these days.

The only thing that put me off buying it is that it only comes with a dedicated DI, and owning an Avalon U5 I didn't think I needed an extra piece of hardware.

 

[Richard H.]

Hi Herbesh,
the GTR sounds really good in low gain overdrive / crunch. I quite like it when playing blues.

But it starts to become ugly when you increase distortion levels.

 

[neil wilkes]

I've found the Blue Tubes amp to be very usable.
Another one that is often overlooked - and as it has been discontinued can be found for silly money now - is the Steinberg Warp VST, all based on 3 heads & 3 cabs.
Does exactly what it says on the tin too.
Okay, no large bundles of useless \"effects\", just a straight amp/cab sim.
After all - the effects can - and should - be added later.
If you need to record with the FX, then there is still no substitute IMHO for real boxes & real amps with a mic in front of the cab - plus there is no latency, & no CPU drain.

 

[Richard H.]

By the way,
Recently I've heard some good things about DAMAGE CONTROL from one of my friend.

http://www.damagecontrolusa.com/

I have checked their demo on webiste.
The Demonizer and Womanizer are very impressive.
The direct line-out sounds really good. The distortion is amazing too. This is really the best direct out ever.

Rydan, you may want to check it with Samash. Their local store near your area might carry them. You can also find them on zzounds.com or other online store for $299.

 

[Eric Dahlberg]

The Demonizer sounds pretty good direct in. It colors the sound too much for me in front of an amp but other people seem to like it. The H&K Tubeman & AMT pedals are other ones that sound good direct in but terrible (to me) in front of amps.

I've been lusting after a Blackstone Mosfet Overdrive 2s lately:

http://www.mindspring.com/~j.blackstone/

It's a distortion box, not a direct recording device, but I like the fact that people say it excels when placed in front of a perfectly clean amp, making me think it'd sound good going into an amp modeler set clean. The Barber LTD & Banzai Cold Fusion pedals I use live work best when boosting an already overdriven tube amp so they don't work in a digital environment at all.

 

[ChrisMilne]

I've found the Blue Tubes amp to be very usable.
Another one that is often overlooked - and as it has been discontinued can be found for silly money now - is the Steinberg Warp VST, all based on 3 heads & 3 cabs.
Does exactly what it says on the tin too.
Okay, no large bundles of useless "effects", just a straight amp/cab sim.
After all - the effects can - and should - be added later.
If you need to record with the FX, then there is still no substitute IMHO for real boxes & real amps with a mic in front of the cab - plus there is no latency, & no CPU drain.

I never cared for the Warp too much. I think those free plugins (names escape me) blew those away. The people that made those were making all new ones but its been years and no news...pity.

Someone i know had the Guitar Rig 2 and something else by them...Guitar Combos. I thought the guitar combo's was pretty darn good (unless you're looking for something like a rectifier sound)...they should make something along the lines of Ecstacy with that technology. Guitar Rig may be as good but i only tried the presets which i didnt like...it has so many features its a bit intimidating (but i guess versatile). Never tried or herad the new Amplitube, wasnt overly crazy about the first one.

Of course these have their place and are great for practicing (or playing in a condo with headphones)...but for something that really focuses on a guitar part...amps and micing are still the way to go.

 

[Sparky2]

I really want to find a great amp simulator...I have a JD-10 which I think sounds killer going direct clean..the distortion is great too, but I put a ToneBone in the chain using the JD-10's amp sim and it sounds good too...but...that \"space\" and \"depth\" from a mic'd amp is still missing...Using that Blackstone pedal would be great if one had a killer, dedictated amp simulator...

I have great sounding guitars and pre-amps and effects...just need something to simulate the mic'ing cuz I have neighbours and no really good sounding amps!

 

[Akis]

I have great sounding guitars and pre-amps and effects...just need something to simulate the mic'ing cuz I have neighbours and no really good sounding amps!

Get a good power amp and a Palmer PGA-04. :wink:

 

[Akis]

All right,

I've just uploaded a 3:40 sample of me wanking with my Les Paul, my Marshall JTM45 and a Palmer PGA-04. You'll hear:

- The aforementioned combo
- The same setup with a Marshall Guv'nor (original) pedal engaged
- A BOSS DS-1 in place of the Guv'nor
- An Electro Harmonix muff fuzz in place of the DS-1
- No distortion pedal - only a BudWah

I've played with both pickups on all the different combos.

Sorry for my bad playing, just hit record and started playing. Hope it helps to get an idea of the sound. Oh, of course, totally dry and unprocessed - I didn't even normalise the file. Turn your speakers up, if you want.

You'll find the sample @ http://www.soundclick.com/akisk -> music -> Palmer

 

[Sparky2]

Yep'ers Akis...This Palmer thingy could very well be what I have been looking for! SOme pretty good reviews at harmony-central too...Now I just have to pony up the $$$!

-Curt

 

[Tarekith]

Anotehr vote for the Pod method, I still think it sounds better than Waves, NI, or Blue Tubes.