Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5 Getting Started
Getting Started
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Document authored by: Jeffrey Fisher
Document version: 1.0 (06/2011)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs,
but in making this a better product.
Disclaimer
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to GUITAR RIG ............................................................................................
1.1 What is GUITAR RIG? .................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 What’s New in GUITAR RIG 5? ..................................................................................................... 7
1.3 KOMPLETE Effects Powered by GUITAR RIG ................................................................................. 7
1.4 Safety Considerations ................................................................................................................. 8
2 Setup ........................................................................................................................
2.1 Activating GUITAR RIG ................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Quick Overview ........................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 Operation Modes ........................................................................................................ 9
2.2.2 Viewing Modes ........................................................................................................... 10
3 Using GUITAR RIG (Operation Modes) .........................................................................
3.1 Using GUITAR RIG as a Stand-alone Application ........................................................................ 14
3.2 Using GUITAR RIG as a Plug-in ...................................................................................................18
3.1.1 Audio and Midi Settings ............................................................................................ 14
3.1.2 Selecting a MIDI Control Device ................................................................................. 15
3.1.3 Latency Optimization ................................................................................................. 15
4 Tutorial .....................................................................................................................
4.1 Working with Rack Presets ......................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Changing Components ............................................................................................................... 23
4.3 Building a Rack From Scratch .................................................................................................... 26
4.1.1 Playing the Loaded Preset ......................................................................................... 22
4.1.2 Tweaking the Loaded Preset ...................................................................................... 23
4.2.1 Drag and Drop ........................................................................................................... 24
4.2.2 Hot Swapping Components ........................................................................................ 25
4.2.3 The Rack Module Column .......................................................................................... 25
4.3.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 26
6
9
14
20
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 4
Table of Contents
4.3.2 Setting Up an Amp .................................................................................................... 30
4.3.3 Basics of Rack-Building ............................................................................................ 31
5 User Interface Reference ...........................................................................................
5.1 User Interface (Overview) ........................................................................................................... 33
5.2 The Rack Tools ............................................................................................................................40
5.3 Controlling Parameters with the Rig Kontrol ............................................................................... 44
5.4 Presets ....................................................................................................................................... 44
5.1.1 Global Header ............................................................................................................ 33
5.1.2 Main Area .................................................................................................................. 34
5.1.3 Toolbar and Rack ....................................................................................................... 36
5.1.4 Virtual Rig Kontrol ..................................................................................................... 37
5.1.5 SideKick ..................................................................................................................... 38
5.2.1 Tapedeck Pre and Post .............................................................................................. 40
5.2.2 Tuner ......................................................................................................................... 41
5.2.3 Metronome ................................................................................................................. 41
5.2.4 Preset Volume ............................................................................................................ 42
5.2.5 Master FX .................................................................................................................. 43
5.4.1 The Preset Browser .................................................................................................... 45
5.4.2 How to Create Tags .................................................................................................... 46
5.4.3 Using Component Presets .......................................................................................... 48
5.4.4 Creating Component Presets ..................................................................................... 49
6 What’s Next? .............................................................................................................
33
51
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 5
Welcome to GUITAR RIG
What is GUITAR RIG?
1 Welcome to GUITAR RIG
Thank you for purchasing GUITAR RIG. We hope you enjoy using this product as much as
we did creating it!
This Getting Started guide provides you with the essential information needed to use GUITAR RIG and explains how to accomplish fundamental tasks.
The following documents are also available:
▪ The Setup Guide tells you how to install, activate and configure GUITAR RIG on your
system.
▪ If you want to dig deeper into GUITAR RIG and its possibilities, check out the GUI-
TAR RIG Application Reference. It explains every function of the platform in greater
detail.
▪ To learn about each and every parameter that controls the amps, distortion pedals
and other components for shaping and modulating GUITAR RIG'S sounds, refer to the
Components Reference.
▪ If you have obtained GUITAR RIG in a hardware bundle (Mobile/Session/Kontrol),
please read the Hardware Reference to correctly set up your hardware and software.
All manuals can be accessed through the program menu by selecting Help > Open Manual.
You can also visit the community forums at http://www.native-instruments.com/forum
where beginners and experienced users exchange knowledge on Native Instruments products every day.
But now let's get going…
1.1
What is GUITAR RIG?
GUITAR RIG is a powerful piece of software that can be used for creating guitar and bass
tones, as well as complex effect chains for virtually any musical purpose. It is like a room
filled with legendary amplifiers with endless arrays of cabinets, each with different microphones; any effect you desire or wish to create; a loop machine and other amazing tools
for crafting sounds at your immediate disposal.
GUITAR RIG comes in four different editions: Factory Selection, LE, Elements Selection,
and Pro — differing in the number of included components. But no matter which version
of GUITAR RIG you have, you can easily load it up using Powered by GUITAR RIG prod-
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 6
Welcome to GUITAR RIG
What’s New in GUITAR RIG 5?
ucts, expanding the selection of components for guitarists, producers and DJ’s too. Additional GUITAR RIG products will be released regularly in future. Please check the Native
Instruments website for the latest products.
1.2 What’s New in GUITAR RIG 5?
GUITAR RIG 5 implements many improvements to the software. Here’s what’s new in
comparison to older versions:
▪ Two new amps have been created for contemporary high gain lead sounds: the Hot So-
lo+ and the Van 51.
▪ A new Cabinets component has been created called Control Room Pro. This takes the
concepts of Control Room and the original Cabinets & Mics and expands upon both.
▪ In the Filters section, there is a new Filterbank, with which you can create entirely new
synth textures with any instrument.
▪ Resochord is a favorite effect borrowed from Native Instruments´ Maschine. It consists
of a bank of tuned comb filters which imprint their harmonic content on to any audio
signal.
▪ Stereo Tune widens the stereo field of your signal, making tracks come alive.
▪ Two new Reverb components are on offer: the Little Reflektor and Vintage Verb selec-
tions.
▪ Last, and certainly not least, is the new Container, a rack inside the GUITAR RIG rack.
It is perfect to create complex multi-effect-chains with an easy to use control interface, and brings a whole new level of functionality to Guitar Rig setups.
▪ Sidechaining is a whole new function that makes Guitar Rig even more useful for the
studio.
▪ Presets are now saved in separate User and Factory folders. User presets are now
saved under Documents > Native Instruments > Guitar Rig 5 > Sounds. Factory Presets
can not be overwritten but they can be removed from the preset browser.
1.3
KOMPLETE Effects Powered by GUITAR RIG
KOMPLETE Effects powered by GUITAR RIG can be used with all editions of GUITAR RIG,
including the free FACTORY SELECTION edition. These products must be activated via
the Service Center before use. After activation, new components can be found in the Component Pool under the according product library tab and in the relevant component category.
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 7
Welcome to GUITAR RIG
Safety Considerations
If you have purchased a KOMPLETE Effects powered by GUITAR RIG product, please activate GUITAR RIG FACTORY SELECTION before use, unless a higher edition of GUITAR RIG
is already activated on your computer.
For detailed information on KOMPLETE Effects powered by GUITAR RIG components please
refer to the product documentation.
1.4 Safety Considerations
GUITAR RIG in combination with headphones or amplifier-driven speakers can produce
output levels that may cause hearing damage. For your protection, set all volume levels to
a minimum before using GUITAR RIG. Gradually raise the volume controls while music is
playing to set the desired listening level. If you experience any hearing problems or persistent ringing in the ears, consult an audiologist immediately. For information on how to set
the correct volume, please read section ↑4.1.1, Playing the Loaded Preset.
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 8
Activating GUITAR RIG
2 Setup
This chapter will shed light on some fundamental aspects of setting up GUITAR RIG for
performance and music production.
Once the installation and activation process is complete, you will find the GUITAR RIG directory on your hard drive. It contains the GUITAR RIG application and the documentation
resources.
If you want to know in greater detail what GUITAR RIG has to offer or if you need assistance
in understanding a particular feature, please read the Application Reference.
2.1 Activating GUITAR RIG
In order to use GUITAR RIG software without limitations, you need to activate it. When you
start GUITAR RIG for the first time, a splash screen will open and provide you with a convenient way to start the Activation procedure: Click the Activate button on the splash
screen. This will launch the separate NI Service Center application. During the Activation
procedure, the NI Service Center will ask you to enter your GUITAR RIG serial number. If
you have downloaded GUITAR RIG from the NATIVE INSTRUMENTS website or bought a
KOMPLETE Effects powered by GUITAR RIG product, you should have received this serial
number. If you have bought a product that includes GUITAR RIG, the serial number
should be printed on a registration card. If you do not have a serial number for GUITAR RIG already, you can request one from the NATIVE INSTRUMENTS website.
Setup
For detailed information about Activation please read the Service Center’s Setup Guide,
which is installed with Service Center.
2.2 Quick Overview
2.2.1 Operation Modes
Before you start GUITAR RIG for the first time, it’s worth explaining that there are two basic modes of operation:
▪ In Stand-alone mode GUITAR RIG will work independently of any other software.
▪ In Plug-in mode GUITAR RIG will run as plug-in of a host application.
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 9
Start the application in Stand-alone mode by double-clicking the "Guitar Rig 5" shortcut
on your Desktop. Alternatively, you can double-click the program file in the Installation
folder.
2.2.2 Viewing Modes
In both Stand-alone and Plug-in modes GUITAR RIG can be used in two different streamlined viewing modes:
▪ Standard view: In Standard view, GUITAR RIG is a laboratory giving you all the options
to build and organize your presets. Stack up and combine the countless effect units,
prepare live gigs, record tracks or experiment with effect chains to create new sounds.
▪ Live view: In Live view, GUITAR RIG hides all the sound creation tools, but puts the
most important performance features into a clear layout — perfect for on-stage use.
▪
Click the LIVE button on the Global Header, or hit F1 to switch between the Live view
and the Standard view. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the two different views.
Setup
Quick Overview
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 10
Standard View
Setup
Quick Overview
GUITAR RIG in Standard view
In Standard view, GUITAR RIG is made up of five main areas: The Global Header (1) assembles the main input and output controls, as well as the system performance. The SideKick (2) displays different content, depending on which of the tab buttons (Browser, Components or Options) is activated. The Toolbar (3) provides access to all Rack Tools and
other frequently used features. The Rack (4) holds all components that are processing your
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 11
sound — giving a clear overview of the signal flow. Virtual Rig Kontrol (5) is a graphical
representation of the RIG KONTROL foot controller, indicating which functions are assigned to its buttons and the foot pedal.
Live View
Setup
Quick Overview
Guitar Rig in Live view
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 12
In Live view, GUITAR RIG is made up of five main areas: The Global Header (1) consists of
the main input and output controls, as well as system performance; the Preset List (2) is
defined in the Preset Browser; a large Virtual Rig Kontrol (3) with all assignments from the
Preset; the name of the selected Preset (4) with its relevant information; the Metronome,
Tuner, and Loop Machine (optional) (5).
Setup
Quick Overview
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 13
Using GUITAR RIG (Operation Modes)
Using GUITAR RIG as a Stand-alone Application
3 Using GUITAR RIG (Operation Modes)
The following subchapters provide information on using GUITAR RIG as a Stand-alone application, as well as on running it as a Plug-in in a host application.
3.1 Using GUITAR RIG as a Stand-alone Application
As a stand-alone application, GUITAR RIG turns your computer into a ready to use guitar
rack all by itself — change components, build presets, practice to backing tracks, record
ideas or play gigs without needing anything else.
When you launch the stand-alone version of GUITAR RIG for the first time, you need to
select an audio device and enable all MIDI devices you want to use.
The settings described in this chapter only apply to the stand-alone version of GUITAR RIG.
When GUITAR RIG is running as a plug-in, the host software handles all audio and MIDI input and output. Please refer to the documentation of your host software for audio and MIDI
configuration details.
3.1.1 Audio and Midi Settings
In order to listen to the sound GUITAR RIG generates, you need to configure your audio
hardware device (i.e., your soundcard or external audio interface) for use with GUITAR RIG.
Use Low-Latency Drivers
Whenever possible you should use low-latency drivers while working with GUITAR RIG.
GUITAR RIG works with two types of low-latency drivers:
▪ ASIO
▪ Core Audio (only on computers running Mac OS X)
These technologies have been developed to ensure an efficient data transfer between software and audio hardware and should provide a latency that is suitable for live play, if not
unnoticeable.
Native Instruments recommend you always use the latest drivers for your audio hardware.
Please refer to the manufacturer for more details.
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 14
Using GUITAR RIG (Operation Modes)
Using GUITAR RIG as a Stand-alone Application
Configuring Audio and MIDI Settings
When you launch the stand-alone version of GUITAR RIG for the first time, the Audio and
MIDI Settings dialog should open automatically.
To select or change your audio device at a later stage:
1. Open the File menu (in Windows XP/Vista) or the Guitar Rig 5 menu (in Mac OS X).
2. Go to Audio and MIDI Settings… (in Windows XP/Vista) or Preferences… (in Mac OS X).
3. Select your audio device and driver from the relevant drop-down menus.
4.
Click OK to confirm.
3.1.2 Selecting a MIDI Control Device
If your MIDI device has knobs, faders or other control sources, you can use those to control individual component parameters. GUITAR RIG will automatically detect a MIDI device and receive control messages from it.
The MIDI tab of the Audio and MIDI Settings dialog provides a list of all MIDI inputs and
outputs that have been found on your system. These are ports of physical MIDI interfaces
connected to your computer, but also any virtual MIDI ports that may be provided by drivers or other applications to facilitate inter-application MIDI usage.
To select or change your MIDI control device:
1. Open the File menu (in Windows XP/Vista) or the Guitar Rig 5 menu (in Mac OS X).
2. Go to Audio and MIDI Settings… (in Windows XP/Vista) or Preferences… (in Mac OS X).
3.
Select the
4.
Select the In tab.
5.
Select On in the Status of the MIDI control device you want to use.
6.
Click Ok to confirm.
MIDI
tab.
3.1.3 Latency Optimization
Real-time audio processing — like recording a guitar with GUITAR RIG live into your computer — requires an audio device to convert the analog signal into digital data in a very
short time. The on-board audio devices of some computers are not always suitable for the
task because their drivers are not optimized for fast signal processing. The result is an audible delay from the moment you play a note on your instrument until you hear the output
from your speakers. This delay is measured in milliseconds and is called latency.
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 15
Using GUITAR RIG (Operation Modes)
Using GUITAR RIG as a Stand-alone Application
Large amounts of latency can be difficult to work with. By adjusting the output latency of
your audio hardware you can control how quickly the audio signal generated by GUITAR
RIG becomes audible after you have played your instrument. The minimum amount of latency that can be achieved without inducing crackles and other noises depends on how
much CPU power is available for audio processing. On a modern computer that has been
set up correctly, there should be no perceptible delay. Older computers may require a
more relaxed latency setting. The way the latency is adjusted from within GUITAR RIG differs depending on the operating system you are using.
Windows
1.
Click the ASIO Config button in the Audio and MIDI Settings… dialog to open your audio
hardware's control panel.
GUITAR RIG 5 - Getting Started - 16
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