Review: Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 3 KONTROL Edition |
|---|
February 5th, 2008 Music News | |
Now this is what I call software/hardware integration. For Wiser-Rocker’s full blown review of Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 3 KONTROL Edition click here.
Essentially, this Kontrol edition is fantastic only if you do not own the original Guitar Rig software, as you don’t want to be buying two sets of expensive software. Includes all the same features including 12 amps, 17 guitar and 6 bass cabs, 4 rotary speakers, and 9 microphones with adjustable positioning and 44 effects via your computer.
The real question is whether you can use this thing on the road or not. Depending on how powerful of a notebook computer you have, I would personally find this setup a bit clumsy for my simple guitar minded sole.
System Requirements
- Mac OSX 10.4.x, G4 1 GHz or Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz, 512 MB RAM
- Windows XP + Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista (32 bit), P III 1 GHz, Athlon XP 1.4 GHz
- 512 MB RAM
- USB 2.0
- Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 3 KONTROL Edition Features:
- Twelve supreme-sounding guitar and bass amps
- New matched cabinet module provides tried-and-true classic sounds in seconds
- 44 perfectly emulated guitar effects
- 17 guitar and six bass cabinets, four rotary speakers and nine microphones
- Includes Rig Kontrol 3 foot controller with Audio/MIDI interface
- Intelligent preset management for fast access to a huge selection of sounds for all styles
- Essential tools: Integrated tuner, metronome and two tapedeck modules for easy recording
- Premium special features include a loop machine and powerful modifiers
- Dedicated “Live View” for performing on stage
- Dynamic Tube Response Technology delivers a profound sonic quality
RIG KONTROL 3
- Sturdy foot controller with rugged, stylish black aluminum housing
- One metal pedal and nine ultra-solid switches (one under the pedal, e.g. to bypass a wah-wah effect)
- Each switch has a status LED indicating its status
- Bi-directional communication with the software
- 4-digit status LED displays current GUITAR RIG preset number
- Convenient assignment of parameters from within the software
- 24-bit/192kHz USB 2.0 audio interface (not backwards compatible with USB 1.1)
- Two 1/4″ TRS inputs with instrument pre-amps (regular line devices such as synthesizers can be used as well)
- Individual gain controls per channel and signal/peak LEDs
- Two balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs with high/low switch (full scale and -14dB, e.g. for guitar amps) and signal LED meters
- Headphone 1/4″ TRS output with individual level control
- Two 1/4″ pedal inputs for additional expression and volume pedals or switch-boxes
MIDI I/O with activity LEDs - It is possible to use the control features (switches, pedal, and displays) of RIG KONTROL 3 independently of the audio/MIDI interface
- The control data of RIG KONTROL 3 can be recorded to a sequencer automation track
- Powered via USB 2.0, no AC adapter or batteries necessary
- Dimensions: 14.1″ x 9.3″ x 4″
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
Interfaces
- Standalone, Audio Units, VST, RTAS under Pro Tools 7, ASIO, Core Audio, DirectSound
