By Pierce Case

Native Instruments has done a great job on making something that works great even better. Having been a Mac user, I wanted to find out how the newest version of Guitar Rig works. Having already reviewed previous models of Guitar, I was expecting an modest improvement. But this time around the people at Native Instruments got it right.

Since the transition to Intel processors, using Guitar Rig has become a pure joy. Guitar Rig arrives with a user manual as well as a software CD (though the latest drivers can be found online from Native Instruments' web site). Along with a new black stainless steel Rack Control Board, one thing you will find when using the Guitar Rig for the first time is that they have completely overhauled both the software and hardware, giving you 12 high quality amps, 17 guitar cabinets, six bass cabinets and over 40 high quality effects.

Using Guitar Rig 3.1.0 for the first time answered some of the annoying problems of the past versions. What they did was make it "NOISE FREE". All the amplifiers and stompboxes are noise free "thanks to a new set of algorithms." The result is now you don't have the noisy guitar amp sounds you had before. It doesn't stop there. Additional improvements to the LIVE VIEW include changes to the foot pedals including a new 192 khz, 24-bit USB 2.0 stereo interface.

As a result, it's amazing to find Native Instruments refining Guitar Rig to the point it makes sense to add it to your arsenal when recording guitars, bass and even vocal effects. What I discovered as a Mac user is that it's easy to download from the NI site, but what really sold me is how easy it was to integrate into Apple's Logic Pro, making it easy to use as a plugin. The software also integrates well with Garageband and is extensible from there.

The bottom line is that I found the sound from Guitar Rig 3.1 so mindblowing that you just have to try it out. It's that good.

Truly Guitar Rig is something special. I tested it out in a live situation going straight to the board and it worked amazingly well. Also from time to time you get guitars sharing their own custom settings on the Native Instruments web site.

I propose that NI should create a site for custom settings so that the musical community could expand on something already great. Guitar Rig is currently priced at US$499.00 (which includes the pedal board). The software version goes for US$299.00.

In conclusion, Native Instruments has improved on something that works great with the Intel Macs. Guitar Rig 3.1.0 is less CPU-intensive, but what really impresses me is that the company is continually improving upon it, making it one of best products for guitarists who want more and get more with the Guitar Rig 3.1

If you've tried the latest Guitar Rig or have a favorite instrument program of your own, let us know in the comments or forums.