Think compressing your CD collection into MP3s is the business? Try shrinking 10 huge guitar amplifiers into your PC. Line 6's GuitarPort does just that, plus it packs the tools that any guitar player can rock to. See guitar legend Joe Satriani hone his jaw-dropping licks with a GuitarPort this week on "Fresh Gear."
Line 6's GuitarPort combines hardware and software to simulate classic amplifier and cabinet setups. The hardware consists of a box with a DAC (digital-to-analog) conversion chip that connects to your PC through USB. Launch the included GuitarPort software, plug in your guitar, and away you go.
Signature sound
Do you crave that sound found only in expensive, hard-to-find amplifiers or with the right combination of effects pedals? Not a problem. With a tweak of the software you can add reverb, delay, and compression to about 80 preset guitar tones. If you want an even more specific tone, say the fuzzy guitar on Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady," you can download it through the GuitarPort Online service, which offers hundreds more tones from dozens of artists. Pay $7.99 per month for the service and you also get guitar lessons, tablature, and tracks for you to play along with (minus lead guitar parts) from such greats as Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Guitarist's fantasy
Even if you don't pay for the GuitarPort Online features, it's still easy to get happily lost in the software. Each amplifier you select looks like the real thing, complete with adjustable knobs for volume, treble, midrange, and bass. You also get a surprisingly accurate guitar tuner right at your fingertips. And if you have trouble learning a cut from your favorite CD by ear, simply rip the song to WAV format and use GuitarPort's looping and half-speed (which also retains original pitch) features to help you catch all the notes. While GuitarPort Online readily offers tons of guitar tablature, you can probably find it online for free with a little effort.
Armed with 24-bit digital-to-analog conversion and 32-bit processing, GuitarPort offers flexibility for recording as well as outputting music. Along with two outputs (standard RCA and 1/8-inch) GuitarPort is compatible with PC-based
Amp Farm plug-ins for
Pro Tools, meaning you can record what you play using software from Sonic Foundry, Steinberg, or TechTV Labs' favorite free audio production software, Pro Tools LE.
Summary: GuitarPort is a fun, easy-to-use learning tool for anyone who's ever plucked a six-string.
Pros: Good recording software compatibility; good interface; amazing online track support.
Cons: No support for the Mac; initial instability while running in XP (problem was solved with driver update).
Company: Line 6Price: $230 list, $170 street
Available: Now
Requirements: USB port; Windows 98 SE/Me/2000; PII 400 MHz or higher; 128MB RAM recommended.
