Guitar Rig Session and Guitar Rig 3 XE announced

Hi all,

We just announced two upcoming new Guitar Rig products. These are Guitar Rig 3 XE (which is basically an entry-level version with a smaller selection of components) and Guitar Rig Session (which combines the XE version with the new "Session I/O" audio interface and some additional software).

You can check out the details here:

http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=guitarline

If you have any questions about these products, feel free to ask them here!

Regards, Thomas

 

Hello Thomas,
are there more specific technical informations available concerning the hardware:
latency?
drivers: asio ? wdm drivers ? direct sound ?
software mixer with assignable in / out routing?
full duplex?
is it possible to use the unit as a full replacement for a computer soundcard?

Thanks for any info

Cheers

 

Hello,

the hardware latency is dependent on the host computer and the same as with our other audio interfaces like the Rig Kontrol and the Audio Kontrol 1.

Drivers are available for ASIO, Core Audio and DirectSound.
Of course they are full duplex.

The Session I/O is a computer soundcard and can be used for all general audio computing purposes.

best regards,
André

 

This is great news!
GuitarRig have aquiered some 'growing pains' in trying to keep its ease of use intact while answering professional's demands too. I hope this means GuitarRig as the 'moter application' now can open up for even more versatility, flexibility and heavy tweaking ... and the unavoidable complexity that comes with such development. I think many experienced users now are ready for a more complex GuitarRig. The new products will cater for newcomers. I think it's a wise choice.

 

I hope that is does result in the full GR being more developed and not less. I worry that NI will spread itself to thin support these other applications.

I am really happy that NI also announced 3.1.1 I really need that pedal calibration fix!

 

3.1.1?

Where or when is that available?

 

Personally....
I hope this doesn't mean a super duper tweakable GR3. I hate tweaking. I just want to plug and play.
I like the way GR is going. I'm not sure though if the session price is that competitive? I guess when factoring in the soundcard you are getting, but I would think it would be still another $20-40 dollars cheaper than it is?

 

I don't think they could really go cheaper with a sound card.

 

True, but I think that for $50 more you get a soundcard (AK1) with more features, and you get cubase and guitar combos.

The XLR input makes a big difference, but it should really only cost $199. That way you get more folks in the door with that appealing "Best under $200" category.

 

No need to worry about that. Technically, the XE version is identical to the full version, only with a reduced number of components. So it's essentially still only one software version that needs to be maintained.

The AK1 might have an additional stereo output and the controller elements on top, but the Session I/O has dual instrument (Hi-Z) inputs instead of one, and a much more compact footprint going for it. Also, the Guitar Rig XE software is way more capable than the Guitar Combos.

 

What about preset compatibility?

 

this is damn good news for all of the guitarists in south america. most players have never been able to afford any of these amplifiers (the market is mostly dean and peavey), and with this affordable product they finally have an opportunity to work on their tone

this might change the sound of the whole thrash metal scene for sure, at least here, in Colombia.

keep up the good work, NI!

 

Well NI it's a step in the right direction but I cant believe there is no midi in and out on the session I/O. Ever since I bought GR3 I've been asking for a little breakout box that was GR specific. Low and Behold you've built one, but you left off the most important part. AND no guys that doesn't make it a an AUDIO KONTROL 1. Close but not the same thing. Can someone from NI (not a general forum user) explain why it's not there? What was the logic behind that decision.

 

You know, I think Midi ports are kinda useless in this day and age? There are lots of midi-usb devices to make older midi protocol devices operate, but sitting at my workstation here, I don't have a single thing plugged into my... 4 available midi ports. I think that exclusion of midi to keep costs down on this little thing isn't such a bad idea.

 

I know you didn't ask for my answer but here it is, the reason a guitar player might want session I/O with midi would be to connect their own foot controller. For people who want a foot controller NI has an option that I'm sure they want you to buy.

 

MRzosonp, Your exactly right and that's my point. I do in fact own Rig Kontrol 3 and while its awesome in my studio it's just not really exactly what I need Live. Live my FCB1010 is a better option. And Yes I can connect the 1010 through the RK3 but then I'm bringing a big bulky RK3 to the gig in addition to the 1010. Just not smart. How much better would it be to just Pop the Session I/O into the rack with my PA and plug it into the mixer, put my Laptop up next to the mixer and run 1 midi cable to the 1010. (GTR signal is wireless) it's a freaking no brainer. Then NI gets my money for both the RK3 AND the Session I/O AND GR3 Is on the Stage for EVERYONE to SEE!
By leaving the Midi ports out they just shot themselves in the foot. I'm leaving GR3 at home.
Let me give you one more seniaro. Im a working guitarist who isn't convinced that a software solution is the right way to go. So I'm Not going to spend money if it means I've got to add specific controllers etc. Ive already got enough crap, I don't need any more. But If NI has an entry level solution that allows me to be frugal with my spending and utilize some of the equipment I already own. I'm thinking I'm going to be much more inclined to by the software. Once I have that software and i realize just how great it is I'm going to want to start upgrading. Thus spending more and more money at NI.
JayT - to your point. I don't have a single midi cable plugged into my home studio either, but then I don't spend all my time in the studio. I hit the stage at least 3 times a week. I need a more versitile solution.
The bottom Line is the ports would have added options and therefore generated more sales for NI . So again I ask
Can someone from NI explain the logic behind the exclusion of 2 ports that might increase the cost of the unit by say....$5?
It just doesn't make good logical sense to me, so I'm hoping someone from NI can bitch slap me straight so I can wrap my head around this one.

 

actually only MIDI In would be good enough, ain't it?

 

Is there upgrade path planned from Guitar Rig 3 XE to full version?

 

This decision was made to maintain the small size of the Session I/O and the low price of the overall package. It's expected most GR Session users will not rely heavily on a foot pedal (otherwise they would probably go for GR 3 Kontrol Edition in the first place). And for those who do, they can always complement their setup with a cheap dedicated MIDI interface.

Yes, both from GR 3 XE and from GR Session there will be an upgrade to GR 3 Software Edition for 199€ / $229.

 

Do I understand correctly? If I have guitar rig 3 kontrol edition all I would need is the hardware / session. I don't need guitar rig 3 XE?