NI Guitar Combos - I'm intrigued

[aMUSEd]

So are these models all taken from Guitar Rig?

[feyshay]

I agree. Save your cash for something like Vox Tonelab or PodXT Live (the last time I recommended this, I was reminded that it is merely software in a casing). True, but with that you get foot control, IMHO great amp simulations (like 36), like 30 different effects, different cabs. 128 presets. You can run it into your amp and run things without having to hook up the computer, etc. Easier for practice.
If that stuff doesn't matter to you, I think Guitar Suite is very good but if you want numerous amp options, then...

[cptgone]

last time I recommended this, I was reminded that it is merely software in a casing

OK this time you get the tar and feather treatment!

Just kidding.

Seriously, it's only software in a casing you know!

[Spiggy]

I agree. Save your cash for something like Vox Tonelab or PodXT Live (the last time I recommended this, I was reminded that it is merely software in a casing). True, but with that you get foot control, IMHO great amp simulations (like 36), like 30 different effects, different cabs. 128 presets. You can run it into your amp and run things without having to hook up the computer, etc. Easier for practice.
If that stuff doesn't matter to you, I think Guitar Suite is very good but if you want numerous amp options, then...

I've spent quite a few years looking for the perfect amp-sim on a PC to replace all my hardware but, having tried a lot of them out, the results are still pretty poor. NI's Guitar Rig has great effects but the harder overdrives/distortions are, frankly, dreadful. As far as the hardware goes Tonelab ain't bad, POD's are mushy - but yet again is it a case of trying to put too many things in one box? The best preamp I've tried that isn't in the loony price range is the Sansamp PSA-1.

Advantages : 50 amps in a 1U rack that actually sound like amps. MIDI controllable w/instant patch changes.

Disadvantages : no effects. Suits me as I'd rather use Rocktron/TC/Lexicon for that!

Looking forward to Amplitube 2 tho' - hopefully it'll raise the bar.

[MickGael]

... then again GUITAR COMBOS is Guitar Rig broken down and no pedal.

I could be wrong, but I do not think that is the case.

Guitar Rig offers an extremely broad and impressive array of options: speaker type and size, mic type and placement, even amount of room air, not to mention the fx...

I don't think you get any of that with the combos. And my guess would be that the combo kit (or whatever they are calling the package containing all 3 combos) is NOT Guitar Rig minus the controller - which is what I want ot be able to buy.

The only plus (for some) might be the fact that the combos will be available as downloads by the end of the week: something rare for NI.

[Lawnmower Of The Damned]

POD's are mushy - but yet again is it a case of trying to put too many things in one box?

Ah well. Different strokes for different folks.

I think one of the Pod's biggest problems is that a lot of people don't realize how often it's updated. Most people understand that a Pod 1 or 2 is a far cry from a Pod XT. Still, many aren't aware that the Pod XT has been completely revoiced and sounds much more like a Vetta II then it used to.

Have you played a Pod XT within the last couple of months?

The Pod XT can even be upgraded to having all 72 amp models from the Vetta II now. The last word I would use to describe my Vetta would be "mushy".

[feyshay]

POD's are mushy - but yet again is it a case of trying to put too many things in one box?

Ah well. Different strokes for different folks.

I think one of the Pod's biggest problems is that a lot of people don't realize how often it's updated. Most people understand that a Pod 1 or 2 is a far cry from a Pod XT. Still, many aren't aware that the Pod XT has been completely revoiced and sounds much more like a Vetta II then it used to.

Have you played a Pod XT within the last couple of months?

The Pod XT can even be upgraded to having all 72 amp models from the Vetta II now. The last word I would use to describe my Vetta would be "mushy".

I was going to say the same. I was going to ask what "mushy" meant, since I would not describe the sound as such. True--everybody prefers a different sound. I have been nothing but happy thus far with the variability of sounds you get get with PodXT Live.

[Stupid American Pig]

I would buy them if they were direct download like they keep advertising, but I dont see anyway to directly download it when you go to their shop.

[Lunch Money]

Of course a PodXT would be a better option. At roughly 8 times the price I paid for the GDI21.

I'm quite loving the GDI now that I've had a few days to play with it, actually. It does what it's supposed to do quite well, with the only thing lacking being a nice and "clangy" amp like the AC30.

I've tried Amplitube 1's demo and I kind of disliked it to be honest. I'm willing to give it a second go because the LE will be coming with Tracktion 2; however, I wasn't blown away.

Any other option that costs $300 or more is simply NOT an option for me. If I had an extra $300, it would mean I was having a successful stream of savings and I'd probably just save up for an amp.

I'm still looking forward to Midiworks' amp. If it does what it seems it will do, and depending on price point, it might fill in the gap nicely.

Greg

[Stupid American Pig]

<shameless plug>of course I have a pod pro for sale if anyone is interested, I'll do 289 plus shipping</shamelessplug>

[MickGael]

I would buy them if they were direct download like they keep advertising, but I dont see anyway to directly download it when you go to their shop.

Hey S_A_P,
I already asked NI about that and they say they will be ready for download by the end of the week (Frdiay).

[Spiggy]

Ah well. Different strokes for different folks. I think one of the Pod's biggest problems is that a lot of people don't realize how often it's updated. Most people understand that a Pod 1 or 2 is a far cry from a Pod XT. Still, many aren't aware that the Pod XT has been completely revoiced and sounds much more like a Vetta II then it used to. Have you played a Pod XT within the last couple of months?

Mixed someone who was using a XT Pro live recently - and whether it was down to them (or me - lol) it just didn't cut through without getting fizzy. Like you say tho' different strokes mate - I just didn't like the bottom end, the mids or the highs As for the advantage of updates they're certainly handy if it's a case of adding new features - something you can't really do to an amp/guitar without solder/screwdriver experience

The Pod XT can even be upgraded to having all 72 amp models from the Vetta II now. The last word I would use to describe my Vetta would be "mushy".

Hey there's nothing better than a guitarist who likes his sound - they're few and far between! Haven't tried a Vetta but have heard good things about it - what differences are there between running the models on it's own hardware compared to the XT?

[MickGael]

If anyone cares, despite being told in an earlier e-mail that Combos would be available as downloads today (friday), I just got another an e-mail from NI saying:

As of now, the Guitar Combos are not available for download, only as CD's that will be shipped to you.

Screw it, really. Would probably have picked one up as an impulse buy, but I've no plans to order the box.

Not that anyone asked.

[Ned Bouhalassa]

I was going to pick up the AC Combo on an impulse buy as well, but I can't wait a week (it's for a deadline), and am unwilling to pay 22 US for fast shipping. C'mon NI, such a small FX package should be a download.

[gentleharp]

C'mon NI, such a small FX package should be a download.

Agreed.

Anyone try the demo yet? What are the demo limitations (I know I could download for myself, but I'm curious to know if it's worth the install -- don't care for the *beepy* demos on stuff like this)