This month, Roger Adler explored the world of digital amp and effect modeling with two cutting-edge programs, AmpliTube 2 and Guitar Rig 2. The effects created by these programs are nothing short of amazing, but you don''t have to take our word for it. Below are clips created from both programs, simulating a variety of tones, from sparkling clean to down and dirty. You be the judge.
Vox Sounds
 | AmpliTube 2 A Vox AC30 clean rhythm tone, using AmpliTube 2. The distortion is tweaked slightly to achieve that "jangly" AC30 sound. Flash is Required to hear this track |
 | Guitar Rig 2 A Vox AC30 in Guitar Rig 2, with various parameters tweaked to taste. This clip is a little less ballsy, a softer version of the Amplitube version. Flash is Required to hear this track |
Fender Sounds
 | AmpliTube 2 A replication of a blackface Fender in AmpliTube 2. There''s plenty of sparkle and twang in this simulation. Flash is Required to hear this track |
 | Guitar Rig 2 Another classic Fender simulation in Guitar Rig 2. This example isn''t as bright as the previous example, but the spring reverb is much more pronounced here. Flash is Required to hear this track |
Marshall Sounds
 | AmpliTube 2 A cranked Marshall lead tone, based on a JCM 900. This is a great recreation of the interplay between a EL34-packed Marshall and a 4x12 cabinet packed with Celestions. Flash is Required to hear this track |
 | Guitar Rig 2 Another simulation of a dimed Marshall. This is based off a plexi sound, with the bass cranked. Notice it sounds bigger than the last example, but that might not be what you''re looking for in a particular instance. Flash is Required to hear this track |
Auto Wah Sounds
 | AmpliTube 2 An Auto Wah sound in AmpliTube 2, put through a 50-watt Marshall. Notice that this wah fluctuates at a predetermined tempo - when the tempo is locked to the track you can get a cool, "in sync" sound. Flash is Required to hear this track |
 | Guitar Rig 2 Guitar Rig 2''s take on the auto wah - it is warm, sustained and would be great for a unique lead solo. Notice that the Guitar Rig wah follows the rhythm of the way each note is played. Flash is Required to hear this track |
Solid-State Metal Sounds
 | AmpliTube 2 AmpliTube 2''s take on a high-gain rhythm sound with a tight, focused bottom-end. Flash is Required to hear this track |
 | Guitar Rig 2 Guitar Rig 2''s take on the high-gain rhythm sound. This clip features a double stack of cabinets, and has a bit more midrange. Flash is Required to hear this track |
Mesa Boogie Sounds
 | AmpliTube 2 In this clip, AmpliTube 2 replicates a Mesa Boogie Dual Recto at full-tilt. There are more mids here and not as much bass as the previous solid-state examples, but still plenty of attitude. Flash is Required to hear this track It''s also easy to add effects to your sounds - in ten seconds, you can add a convincing Leslie effect to the simulation. Flash is Required to hear this track |
