Guitars form a key part of a wide range of musical styles, offering a huge pallet of sounds.
A lot of people ask us to comment or compare the sound and features of various guitar related software and hardware. With our reviews, we give you the chance to see and hear what they can do before you consider buying them.
If you are considering a new guitar emulation software package or any guitar related hardware for your studio then check out these reviews...
The elusive ingredient we all always seem to be searching for is the perfect emulation of analog circuit components and characteristics. Hear for yourself if True Iron by Kazrog fills the need.
In this extended video review Pro Tools Expert team member Julian Rodgers looks at Amber, a virtual acoustic guitar instrument from UJAM, examining the interface and auditioning the instrument both in isolation and in context with other instruments.
In this review for Production Expert, Technical Editor, James Ivey takes a look at another of the new plug-in in the Universal Audio UAD 9.5 software release, the A/DA Flanger by Brainworx.
In this video review for Production Expert, Technical Editor, James Ivey takes at the new Buxom Betty guitar amp simulation for the Universal Audio Apollo interfaces and the UAD-2 platform by Brainworx.
The Helix Native introduces the Line 6 hardware HX Modeling technology in native plug-in format. This guitar processing suite includes a vast collection of vintage and modern guitar amps, cabinets, speakers, stomp box effects, dynamic processors, EQs and microphones.
In this video review, Pro Tools Expert Deputy Editor Dan Cooper takes a look at Sparkle By Virtual Guitarist. Sparkle is an electric guitar rhythm VI that enables users to quickly get guitar parts down in a mix.
In this review for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the Torpedo Studio by Two Notes Audio Engineering. This amazing 2U rack unit makes recording guitar amplifiers really straightforward by allowing you to plug your amp or amp head directly into the unit and having it deal with the power soak issues.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a close look at the Vox AC30 HW2X.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at the new distortion / amp simulator plug-in by Blue Cat Audio - The Destructor.
In this video Julian takes a look at the new Ampeg B-15N bass amplifier plug in. With Unison technology and four different cabinets and various mic options this plug in offers everything from deep and rich to clanky distortion.
In this review Paul Drew looks at the Antares ATG-1 Guitar floor processor. This unique floor controller uses technology developed by Antares, to change the pitch and model of the pickups on your guitar.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper reviews The Brian May Special Guitar. The BMG Special is an affordable replica guitar based on the iconic Red Special guitar built by Brian May and his Dad in the 1960s. Dan made this his "Find Of The Week" in Podcast 206. Watch the video to hear how it sounds and to find out what Dan thinks.
This video, which accompanies the J entry of the A-Z of UAD series on Pro Tools Expert, Julian looks at the new Marshall JMP 2203 plug-in.
Paul Drew Reviews the Avid Eleven Mark 2 and compares it to the Eleven Rack.
Paul Drew takes a look and listen to the new Universal Audio UAD Marshall Bluesbreaker 1962 guitar amp plugin
In this video James is joined by guitarist Luis Correia and bass player Ben Hearn to put the new updated versions of Universal Audio's Apollo series into real life session action. James sets the challenge of using no real amps or outboard gear so all the sounds you hear are generated by the quad versions of the UA Apollo 8 and new 8P.
In this video James takes a look and listen to the new Ampeg SVT-3 Pro bass amp simulator plug-in by Brainwork for the Universal Audio UAD-2. James takes you on a quick tour of the GUI and gets down and dirty with the amp presets. This is one of the most iconic bass amplifiers in modern music and to have this thick punchy amp at your musical disposal is a must.
In this video James takes a look at the new Brainworx bass amp simulator the Ampeg SVT-VR for the UAD-2 platform. He talks you around the GUI and plays some of the presets. The teams at Universal Audio and Brainwork have done a great job at recreating this classic amp. It is great to see more and more amp models coming in UAD-2 format and great to see some bass amps as well.
Paul Drew takes the new iLok licensed version of the Scuffham S-Gear guitar amp simulation pug-in. Since w last looked at it they have added the A Wayfarer Amp, a Custom '57 Amp and a precision tuner. Check out this review and see how Paul got on with this plug-in from Michael Scuffham.
In this video James takes a look and a listen to the new Marshall amp emulation from Softube. The Plexi Super Lead 1959 is an amazing recreation of the classic rock and roll guitar amp. James takes you around the UI and gets down and dirty with this fantastic sounding plug-in.
In this extended video review James gets to grips with the Voicelive 3 from TC Helicon. Showing off its vocal processing, stunning guitar effects and super powerful multi-part looping. Sit back and get your Pink Floyd loop on with this one.
Russ takes a look at the Sound Machine Wood Works Plug in For UAD Platform. Can it really take an acoustic guitar recorded using the piezo pick-up and make it sound like it has been mic'd up? Russ shows it in action on several sources, so see and hear the results for yourself.
In this video James takes a look at the new Friedman amps for the UAD-2 platform by Brainworx and Universal Audio. "LETS ROCK" and get some serious heavy tones going.
Dan Cooper takes this acoustic guitar VI for a spin and likes what he finds. Watch and see in this show & tell review how he is able to use the key features of this AcousticSamples VI. If you would like to buy a copy of Sunbird then Digistormers are offering it a a special price. http://www.digistormers.com/store/p143/Acoustic_Guitar_Vsti_%28RTAS%2C_AAX%29.html
In this video James looks at the Line 6 Amplifi 150 to find out that it is much more than just a guitar amp.
Russ takes the new Positive Grid BAIS Desktop amp modelling plug-in for a spin.
Positive Grid claim that BIAS Desktop is not only a great amp modelling plug-in for guitarists, but with the added options to tweak to your heart's content, grab new sounds free from the community Tone Cloud and also model your own sounds right from within the plug-in.
Does it live up to all the claims, Russ takes it for a spin in this extended review. Find out what he thinks.
Example audio to accompany Julian's review of the Blackstar ID:Core 10 amplifier.
In this video James shows how using just one plug, Toontrack EZMix 2, can turn a track from dull and lifeless to fat and energetic. He shows the EZMix2 in action and the Classic Amp Pack on guitars, bass and drums and then finally on the entire mix.
In this video James takes a look at the new GAV19T guitar amp plugin. He shows you around the amp and shows how real this thing sounds.
In this review James takes a look at the AT-200 guitar by Peavey and Antares.