The current trend in guitar amplification is the use of virtual guitar amplification. These virtual amps emulate the sound of vintage and modern amplifiers. What is amazing about these products is their sonic possibilities and flexibility. They weren't readily accepted by the masses early on, especially by the purist community. In addition, the computer processing speeds that are needed to run these applications are high, so not everyone could enjoy their features.

When recording direct to disk, latency becomes an issue. Latency is the result of the time it takes for the signal from the guitar to pass through the A/D converter inside the audio interface, to the computer and the audio buffer setting in the software, and then to come back through the D/A converters. That journey causes a delay between the time when the guitarist hits a note and when the computer outputs the sound.

Today, however, computers are faster (aren't they always getting faster?)and software programmers are taking advantage of the faster processing power available to them. There are many of these products today and we'll take a look at them in all price ranges so that you can make your own informed decision.

FreeAmp2

Let's begin this section with something that is actually free! FreeAmp2, from Fretted Synth Audio (shown in FIGURE 17-7), is an amazing little hidden gem on the Web. All of the software on this site is free, and there is quite a selection to choose from. The software is only used as a VST plug-in for your host application. With more than 128 presets, FreeAmp2 even contains a built-in guitar synth — also for free. You can choose from seven different amps types and EQs. There are six different speaker types, plus bypass and adjustable-by-the-mic placement. There are too many features to list here, so you have a good excuse to go to the Web site yourself and browse around. The site is very Spartan looking, but it is updated regularly with new products and software revisions. Check out the site at www.frettedsynth.com.

Alien Connections ReValver

ReValver is an effect plug-in for Windows (98 to XP), with more than fifty chainable sub modules specially designed for guitar sounds. It has the distinction of being one of the first guitar-amp simulation plug-ins to be introduced to the market. The virtual racks you see are called modules. Each module represents a different virtual component, such as a preamp, a power amp, a speaker cabinet, a chorus, a flanger, an autowah, a delay, and so forth. Revalver is a user-configurable system. You can define the system by selecting signal-modeling amp modules. There are, however, certain restrictions concerning how the modules must be used and in what order. A maximum of sixteen modules can be connected at any given time. You can read more about ReValver at www.alienconnections.com.

IK Multimedia Amplitube 2

IK Multimedia's AmpliTube 2 offers more than 1,200 different combinations of preamp, EQ, and speaker configurations. It is compatible on both Mac and Windows machines and requires a fast processer to run well. AmpliTube contains Preamp and EQ models, as well as Power-Amp and Cabinet models.

In addition to the standard stomp-and-rack effects modeling, there are microphone models and a very detailed tuner. You can download additional presets at www.amplitube.com. The presets will help you get started with AmpliTube. There is also a standalone version of AmpliTube called AmpliTube Live, which as you can tell by the name is primarily for live stage use. You can read more about this product at www.ikmultimedia.com.

Nomad Factory Rock Amp Legends 1.01

Nomad Factory's Rock Amp Legends pay tribute to the early days of rock guitar amps. Developed with the help of former Aerosmith guitarist Jimmy Crespo, this plug-in will make the classic rock-and-roll purist very happy. Rock Amp Legends looks like a Marshall amp, and it sounds like one with classic lead and modern lead simulations. At the time of this writing, parameters in Rock Amp Legends responded to sequencer automation under all supported plug-in formats except for Audio Units. You can read more about Nomad Factory Rock Amp Legends online at www.nomadfactory.com.

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 2

Guitar Rig 2 is guitar amp modeling at its best (see FIGURE 17-8). This program runs as either a standalone application or a plug-in on both Mac and PC platforms. Guitar Rig's components may be arranged in any order. It also offers two digital-recording components called Tape Decks that are great for learning old and new licks and practicing to drum loops as well as songs. Guitar Rig comes with Rig Kontrol 2, a fully programmable outboard pedal with four footswitches and an expression pedal. Rig Kontrol 2 also functions as a preamp. This allows laptop users to use Guitar Rig as an effects pedal for live performance. The amp models are of very high quality. Guitar Rig can appear to be a little on the pricey side, but it gives you a programmable pedal board interface and a great piece of software. For more details on Guitar Rig 2, visit www.native-instruments.com.