Effects Processor Articles
Controlling Guitar Effects with a Computer |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 13 2008 |
With the advent of inexpensive laptop computers and software recording studios, guitar players have much more choice in terms of thinking outside the ‘box’ – that is, outside the standard pedal oriented effects and multi effects processors that have traditionally dominated the market. With software guitar effects processing effectively removing the physical limits of a hardware device and allowing musicians to experiment with thousands of different effects, amp simulations and presets, there are even fewer barriers between a guitarist and the chances of finding their dream tone.
What has made some players resist moving fully to software processing is the perceived difficulty in controlling effects in a live environment. The idea of having to move over to a laptop in order to adjust settings or change effects programs is not appealing to most guitarists in the middle of a blazing solo or complicated set. The traditional method of foot controls has a strong cultural grip in the guitar world, and it remains the most practical method of handling effects changes while your hands are busy playing.
Software effects processing leaders Native Instruments realized early on that if they wanted to secure a larger share of the live guitar processing market, they would have to develop a foot control for their popular Guitar Rig software. The result was Native Instruments Guitar Rig Kontrol Edition. Now in its third iteration, Rig Kontrol offers 6 programmable buttons on a floor panel that also features an integrated expression pedal for use with wah type or roll on/off effects. The buttons can be used either to turn effects on and off, or navigate through the Guitar Rig interface on your computer screen without interrupting your playing. The device connects to a PC via a USB cable. Interestingly, Rig Kontrol can also be used a MIDI interface and soundcard, allowing musicians to route sound directly through balanced quarter-inch line outs.
Some people are looking for more than just foot control, however. MIDI instruments, synthesizers and effects have long been the province of keyboard or pad-oriented instruments. However, companies like Blue Chip offer devices that transform a standard guitar into a MIDI controller. The AX100SB, for example, allowed you to take complete control over your MIDI sound environment, giving you the ability to trigger effects and sounds through the fret board. You can even divide the fret board into zones that map to specific effects and control more than one software device at a time. The interface can also be programmed to apply different effects to your signal depending on where you are picking, effectively opening up a broad range of creative tonal possibilities.
Whether you are looking for a better way to manage your current software effects onstage or wanting to see just how far you can stretch your guitar sound through MIDI, hardware control of software guitar processing has advanced to the stage where it is no longer a barrier between the musician and their performance. Guitarists should feel confident adding this type of processing to their sonic palette and enjoy the flexibility that software processing has to offer.
Last changed: Feb 13 2008 at 8:11 AM
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