software

A few days ago I picked up this Line 6 GuitarPort Riff Tracker because I had no way to record ideas and burn them to CD to take to the rest of my band, who don’t exactly live close to me. Anyway…

For $190, this is actually a very impressive package. You get 16 amp models and 20 or so effects with the guitar port. Models range from tweed and black face fenders to modern rectifiers. Effects models range from gain pedals to wahs. Some of the amp and effects models are far from what I would desirable, there are others that in fact sound pretty decent. They may not sound exactly like the real thing, but the tone certainly is useable, especially if you are simply using the software as a means to record basic ideas. And like the PODs and other Line 6 products, additional models are available for download. Furthermore, I find the tones to be pretty great for bedroom volumes. How else can you get close to the tone of a tube screamer driven JCM800 and not wake up the neighbors?

The RiffTracker portion of the package is the recording software. I haven’t gotten too far into “building” songs in it, but for simple riff recording, the software is very easy to use. It even comes with a built in drum simulation (rather, sound bytes of actual studio kits) from which you can input the tempo, time signature, and number of bars you want the thing to play for. While the preloaded drum “moods” are not nearly enough to satisfy your drum needs, additional drums are downloadable (or so says the packaging, I haven’t gotten into downloading drums yet). Regardless, even the preloaded drums are much easier and less frustrating than working with a metronome.

All in all, I think it’s a pretty good package for the price. Again, not the best at anything, but it is more than effective for bedroom recording, easy to use, and the modeling features are adequate for recording of ideas. Great buy for someone like me who didn’t need the frills or expense of professional computer based recording and also needs an interface between guitar and recording (i.e., modeling). This is in no way going to replace my DSL50, but it may become my permanent solution for bedroom practice.

Cool review, thanks! The GuitarPort is a great tool for people like yourself who just want to record simple demos.