Version 2 of Guitar Rig Announced at AES
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Rig Kontrol 2
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Rig Kontrol 2 Rear Panel
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October 8, 2005
Native Instruments has announced Guitar Rig 2, the next
generation of its digital guitar studio. The new version greatly
expands the sonic arsenal with additional emulated
classic amps and cabinets, a full setup of bass gear, an extended
selection of distortion pedals and effects units, a wealth of
intriguing modulation features, a powerful live looping module, and
more. Guitar Rig 2 also comes with the all-new Rig Kontrol 2, a
foot pedal unit that offers a multitude
of practical control and connectivity features. It even includes a
USB 2.0 audio interface for direct connection to the
computer, making Guitar Rig a true all-in-one solution for both
studio and stage.
Four new amplifier models, including a full bass setup
Based on NI's Dynamic Tube Response technology, the second
version of Guitar Rig adds emulations of four
sought-after amp classics, bringing the total number of included amp
models up to eight. The new Marshall JCM 800 emulation delivers the
powerful hi-gain tone that defined the sound of countless punk and
metal bands, while the Fender Bassman model adds a highly
characteristic vintage flavor for blues and classic rock. Also part
of the new amp arsenal is an emulation based on the Roland Jazz
Chorus, beloved for its pristine clean sounds by jazz and pop
guitarists.
Guitar Rig 2 also adds a full setup of bass gear, centered around an emulation of an Ampeg SVT bass head with its
signature bottom-end richness and sonic precision. A selection of
six bass cabinets ranging from 1x15 to 8x10 sizes as well as four
additional microphone models optimized for bass recording allow
Guitar Rig 2 to turn into a full-featured four-string studio
whenever the need arises.
More classic distortion and effect modules
Guitar Rig 2 brings the number of included
stomp box emulations and effect units up to 36. Three new
distortions pedals modeled after popular real-world units offer
additional crunch, overdrive and hi-gain flavors, while seven new
effect modules add further options to shape the tone.New additions
include a stomp compressor, a classic Autofilter model, and a
true-to-life emulation of the Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedal. One of the
most creative additions to the arsenal is the new Loop Machine, a
powerful and highly intuitive real-time loop recording delay that
allows musicians to record and overdub up to 99 layers of audio on
the fly.
Powerful modulation features
Guitar Rig 2 opens up new possibilities for creative guitar sound
design with the addition of a powerful suite of modulators
consisting of an envelope follower, a multi-breakpoint-envelope, an
LFO and two different step sequencers. Modulators can be inserted
into the virtual rack at any location, in any order and quantity,
and can be assigned to nearly any parameter of the setup. This
offers an unparalleled amount of flexibility for unique and
innovative guitar tones, from extremely dynamic distortion sounds to
complex, evolving soundscapes.
The modulation system in Guitar Rig 2 has also been expanded to a
full featured modulation matrix, allowing for total freedom in
assigning controller sources and targets among each other without
compromising the ease of use of Guitar Rig's unique parameter
control concept.
New multi-functional Rig Kontrol 2 foot pedal
At the heart of Guitar Rig 2 is the new Rig Kontrol 2, a
multi-functional and fully stage-ready foot pedal that connects
directly to the computer via USB 2.0. The pedal unit offers the
complete range of control and connectivity features that a guitarist
needs in the studio and on stage, and even includes a professional
stereo audio interface with pristine audio quality and special
low-latency response. No additional hardware is required for using
Guitar Rig 2 with any mobile or desktop computer that is equipped
with a standard USB 2.0 port.
The Rig Kontrol 2 integrates two instrument inputs, a balanced
stereo output and an adjustable headphone preamp. It also offers a
MIDI I/O and two pedal jacks to easily integrate additional MIDI
controllers and external foot pedals into the setup. As a foot
controller, the Rig Kontrol 2 offers six precise foot switches and a
high-resolution parameter pedal with a further associated button,
all of which can be made to control any parameter in Guitar Rig 2
with just the click of a mouse button.
Guitar Rig 2 will be available in November 2005 for for a suggested
retail price of $ 579/ 499 Euro from authorized dealers and in the
NI Online Shop. Detailed information about existing upgrade and
update offers for owners of Guitar Rig 1 are available on the NI
website.
For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com. | 
