Guitar effects software?

Zefan

Zefan

Zefan

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I'm looking for some software (preferably free) that I can use to create effects for my guitar which I've now plugged into my PC. After the usual distortion, delay, overdrive etc. Total noob to this so any sort of help is greatly appreciated, but please go easy on me!

I also have the feeling this was asked a while ago, but I can't find the thread!
 
There are several effects types. I expect you want a stand-alone realtime processor, so it'll feel like your playing through a normal pedal? I don't actually know of any like that (for free), but suspect latency is often an issue. A real pedal (multi-effects or traditional analogue one) is bound to be best for that.

Anyhow, here are some good quality free vst effects (these can run in programs like cubase etc, I have them running in ejay too!):

http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php

Never tried them in realtime, always applied to recorded channels but they may work :confused:

Here are some more:

http://www.kvraudio.com/get.php?mod...in=1&free=1&sf=0&receptor=&de=0&sort=2&rpp=15
 
Zefan - How have you plugged your guitar into your PC?

Just used an adaptor and then plugged straight into the sound card?
 
Just an adaptor straight into the souncard.

I think latency is going to be just way too large seeing as it's just onboard sound :o
 
Straight into the card isn't ideal as its line level not instrument level. Your probably getting either a very quiet signal or a lot of hiss on it?

I'd always suggest a pedal board. I know it isn't free, but its neat and no-hassle to use (good for live work too). It is possible to use a laptop though as our music tech teacher did. He had "guitar rack" or "virtual guitar amp" or something and didn't seem to get latency (was a mac powerbook I think).
 
Zefan said:
I'm looking for some software (preferably free) that I can use to create effects for my guitar which I've now plugged into my PC. After the usual distortion, delay, overdrive etc. Total noob to this so any sort of help is greatly appreciated, but please go easy on me!

I also have the feeling this was asked a while ago, but I can't find the thread!
Click to expand...

I know you said "preferably free" but £80 will get you a Guitarport with endless Amp/Cab combinations and loads of different effects and it removes the need to plug your guitar straight into your PC. A really worthwhile investment.
 
Yes, that is an option. However effects boards can be bought for similar prices, all these are under £80:

Behringer X V-AMP
Korg AX3A
Zoom G2
Zoom 504 MK2

And with a simple cable these can connect to the PC (at the correct level). The difference is the effects are in-built rather than on the PC which eliminates any potential problems like latency and makes gigging easier. Really it depends what you need it for. If it's for quality recording, the Guitarport should be the better option (though i'd always use post-fx on the recorded channels in the program, so they can be modified afterwards). If you want it for practise and gigging i'd go with the pedalboard :)
 
What you need is to get a low latency ASIO driver so that you reduce the delay when effects are processed in real time. If you look on the net for "ASIO4ALL" you'll find it gives standard soundcards a low latency driver that can be used for all software that can utilise an ASIO driver.

Getting the right software is important too. These are the most common ones that i have come across that can be used in real-time, or for later processing after a clean tone has been recorded (such as in Cubase for example)

1) Amplitube v2

2) Guitar Rig 2

3) GT Player

All of these cost quite a bit, but they are all recommended. If you get certain M-Audio products you get a free copy available of GT Player Express which is a cut down version of the standard GT Player, but still has a lot of the functionality.
 
I can't seem to get any input with any of the programs I use.

I have the guitar plugged straight into the blue socket using the jack to 3.5mm adapter.

I have ASIO, and the input/output is running.

Still no input. :confused:
 
Tried Guitar Rig, GT Player, and another program.

Using on-board sound from my Asus A7V600 mobo. (I'm guessing this is the problem)
 
Longbow said:
Tried Guitar Rig, GT Player, and another program.

Using on-board sound from my Asus A7V600 mobo. (I'm guessing this is the problem)
Click to expand...

Go into your volume control, Click options and then propertie, Click recording.


make sure there is a tick in, Line In and Microphone, and then click ok. Then Tick Line In, and bring the volume up to an adaquate level. THats how I got mine working many moons ago. If it still doesnt work, Let me know. But I had to do some fiddling aswell. I'm using onboard too.
 
Still nothing...

gsu.jpg
 
After suspecting hardware issues, I tested all the equipment and found the problem is the adapter :o

I tested this..

Guitar > Cable > Adapter to 3.5 > Adapter from 3.5 > Amp

Which doesn't work, however, just going straight from the cable to amp does.

However, both adapters work when I use them my with headphones to hi-fi. :confused:

I've ordered another 6.3mm > 3.5mm adapter anyway.
 
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