The new Container module is a utility for creating multi-effects and custom channel strips. Assemble your processing chain, then assign the eight macro-controls to the key controls on any of the effects in the chain. It's a great way to get simple control over your sound, and an essential tool for performance.

Master FX is a highly useful feature that allows you to keep effects engaged while switching between presets. Put your global effects like reverb and delay into a Master FX module — this will stay at the end of your signal chain, regardless of what happens in front of it. This is extremely useful in live situations, where you might need to color your sound to suit a particular set, venue or mood.

The Split Module allows you to create parallel effects chains. Split the sound in two, process each stream with different effects and then mix the results back together at the end. The Split Module can be inserted anywhere in the rack.

The Crossover Mix device is similar to the Split Module but instead of splitting the signal into two parallel streams, it splits it into high and low frequencies. This lets you apply rich effects on the high frequencies only, for example, leaving the low frequencies untouched as a solid foundation for the sound.

GUITAR RIG 5 PRO offers a range of modifiers for both subtle and dramatic sound design:

LFO (low frequency oscillator) — With five waveforms and a choice of continuous or arbitrary modulation

Multi-Step Envelope — Graphical sound editing! The shape of the curve defines the modulation.

Step Sequencer — Up to 16 on/off steps for 'hard' triggering

Analog Sequencer — Up to 16 adjustable steps for more variable triggering

Input Level — An envelope follower that scans the volume of the input signal and transforms it into a control signal. Useful for dynamic response effects e.g. the louder you play, the more distortion you get.

Record a riff, loop it and solo over the top. Play a synth bassline and experiment with accompaniments. Or create complex multi-part vocal harmonies — everyone needs a Loop Machine. It's an essential tool for layering sounds, solo performance and general jamming around. This Loop Machine allows virtually infinite loop length and up to 99 loop layers, limited only by the space on your hard drive.

You can also sync the Loop Machine to the tempo of your host sequencer, and export either the layered loop or the individual layers. Best of all, there's even an 'Undo' function, for erasing fudged takes.

Neatly integrated and simple to use, the Tape Decks are a great tool for recording and capturing ideas. Never lose another riff! Use the integrated time-stretching to slow down a riff while practicing, for example, or use the pitch-shifting function to transpose a riff into a different key.

The Tape Decks let you play wave files and MP3s. Play along to the loops provided in GUITAR RIG 5 PRO, or load your own backing tracks.

Besides simple and precise tuning, the Tuner offers presets for common tunings, such as Chromatic, Bass, Open D / E / G / A, and DADGAD. A Cent mode and Strobe mode provide two different visual pointers, and the Mute mode lets you tune silently when you don't want to disturb your audience or band members. Additional features such as the variable reference pitch and the transpose function make this little helper one of the essentials of GUITAR RIG 5 PRO.

The Metronome is not only for keeping time — it also serves as the clock for all synchronized rack modules, such as modulation and delay effects. Easily adjustable and with numerous helpful features, Metronome will help keep your playing tight.