Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unlock a world of sonic possibilities with Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6, the ultimate amp simulator plugin that brings the sound of iconic guitar and bass gear right to your fingertips. Perfect for both professional musicians and hobbyists, this powerful music software offers an array of features to elevate your musical creations. With cutting-edge machine-learning technology, Guitar Rig 6 delivers unmatched sonic realism that captures the essence of classic amps and effects.
Dive into its expansive collection of 68 effects, including 16 exciting new additions, and explore your creativity by crafting intricate signal chains. Guitar Rig 6 introduces three all-new amplifiers: the responsive Chicago, the versatile Bass Invader, and the high-gain Fire Breather. These amps are designed to cater to a variety of musical styles, ensuring you have the perfect tone for every track.
Guitar Rig 6 also provides an ever-expanding set of artist presets from renowned musicians, offering you studio-ready tones that can serve as a foundation for your own unique sound. The restructured interface makes navigation intuitive and seamless, allowing you to focus more on your music and less on the technicalities.
Key Features:
- Three new amplifier models: Chicago, Bass Invader, and Fire Breather
- 68 total effects, including 16 new ones, for diverse sound shaping
- State-of-the-art machine learning for realistic hardware emulations
- Scalable interface with an improved workflow
- An ever-expanding library of artist presets from top musicians
- Enhanced cabinet modeling with top-tier IRs from OwnHammer and 3 Sigma Audio
Product specs
| Operating Systems | Mac, Windows |
Videos
Native Instruments
GUITAR RIG 6 PRO Walkthrough | Native Instruments
Reviews
PROS
-
Extensive range of amp heads, cabinets, and classic effects pedals
-
User-friendly interface, ideal for both beginners and experts
-
Accurate emulation of famous guitar tones and classic amps
-
Excellent clean amp modeling and reverb/delay effects
-
Creative tool for experimenting with sounds across various instruments
-
Portable solution, avoiding the need to carry around physical gear
-
Versatile use for multiple instruments beyond guitar
-
Extensive preset library covering diverse genres
-
Allows for advanced mixing with Control Room Pro feature
-
Free option available, making it accessible for budget users
CONS
-
Some amp models, like Marshall and Vox, sound subpar
-
Requires an external launcher, which adds complexity
-
Pitch and distortion effects can become muddy quickly
-
Limited updates and new releases in recent years
-
Additional amp and pedal variety would enhance the product
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
-
Guitar Rig 6 is noted for its versatility, with applications extending beyond guitars to include vocals, bass, and synths due to its diverse effects stack.
Source -
Guitar Rig 6 is used by some musicians to manipulate MIDI guitar tracks, giving them a unique sound compared to real guitars.
Source -
Guitar Rig 6's modulation tools, crossovers, and granular effects make it a powerful processor for various sound manipulations beyond typical guitar applications.
Source -
Guitar Rig 6 can leverage impulse response files to emulate specific amp/cab setups, enhancing its versatility for different soundscapes.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Guitar Rig 6 lacks a user-created preset community, unlike its predecessor GR5, which offered highly praised user-generated presets.
Source -
Guitar Rig 6 suffers from preset switching latency, making it less suitable for live performances where quick changes are needed.
Source -
Guitar Rig 6's presets require considerable tweaking to achieve desired sound quality, more than some competing software.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
Users report that while Guitar Rig 6 supports MIDI pedals, the MIDI mapping features were reduced from GR5, impacting the software's flexibility.
Source -
Some users experience issues with Guitar Rig 6 consuming resources if left running overnight, even with the audio engine turned off.
Source -
Guitar Rig 6 requires direct connection between the audio interface and active studio monitors or headphones for optimal sound quality.
Source
Value and pricing
-
The absence of a bundled foot controller with Guitar Rig 6 has prompted users to seek third-party MIDI foot controllers, impacting the perceived value.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Proper setup involves connecting the computer to the interface via USB, then connecting the interface to monitors or headphones to avoid quality issues.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 43 Reviews and 280 Ratings
37
Completely awesome!
I'm a novice musician who is trying my hand at keyboards, production, and guitars. I'm maybe a 2 out of 10 on guitar and that's what I'm best at. I have maybe 400 total hours of music experience and I'm 52 years old. I've always loved music and I guess since I'm older finally have (barely) enough patience to sit down and learn, so I've been spending 20 hours per week this year so far on learning keyboards, production, and guitar. I purchased a Macbook Pro, a Nord Piano 5 and I already had an EVH Wolfgang Standard, so I plan on putting forth a good effort at learning, hoping for this to be my hobby from now on. Anyway...I get so frustrated learning new technology, trying to understand why my Apollo Solo won't work well with my Ableton Live 11, or why I've tried a couple of guitar amp simulators and they sound so so at best. I've struggled with Amplitube wondering why their presets sound so horrible to me, wondering what I'm doing wrong. Even Apollo's simulators are a bit awkward to me and could get expensive over time. Last night, I figured I'd try this Guitar Rig 6 that I got free with something I purchased and the first preset features the Van 51!!! Omg...I grew up a huge Eddie fan and this is beautiful!!! I was thinking about getting an EVH lunchbox head and small cabinet just to get a decent sound because I gave up on online amp simulators, but this is just awesome. There's a Solo 51 preset that I just tried and I was smiling so hard at how wonderfully close it is to Eddie's tone that I had to leave this review. Very, very grateful for Guitar Rig 6!!!
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Solo 51!!!
955
Amazing software
This software is incredible. There's so much stuff in here- a ton of amp heads and a ton of cabinets, plus loads of classic effects pedals (Boss DS-1, Tube Screamer, Big Muff, Boss CE-1, etc). I love this program since I love trying to match a guitar sound exactly as I hear it in a song, so all the gear in here has made it really easy to do. It's pretty simple to use, as long as you know what each of the units is. I like to compare it to Photoshop- Photoshop is an amazing program where if you know what you're doing you can do some really cool stuff, but if you have no idea how to use it then it's going to look awful. GR5 Pro is the same way- if you have a good ear for getting the right guitar tone then it's perfect but if you don't know what you're doing then it will sound awful. It has a preinstalled bank of preset rigs and tones that can be pretty decent, but I like starting from scratch since I think it sounds better that way. The presets that are included are definitely diverse in genre (everything from metal to shoegaze), so there's a good selection. They have a great number of classic amps (Twin Reverb, Bassman, Dual Rectifier, JCM800, AC30, etc) and they're pretty accurate in matching/emulating the tone of the actual amp. I love it because it's essentially an entire Guitar Rig that fits in your laptop, that way you can get all your tones and gear without having to lug it around in a van. My only complaint is that they seem to have discontinued the Guitar Rig product line, so they should reissue a Guitar Rig 6 that would include additional amps and pedals. This software is really good at what it does, I just wish they continued making it because the people that use it really love it. So Native Instruments, if you're reading this, please continue making Guitar Rig software!
Version: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 540997
Good review, but I ahd such a different experience of guitar rig. I didn't think they captured many of the classic amps well at all. I have owned most of those marqee amps from plexis and 800s to deluxes, twins and bandmasters not to mention all the vox amps I still have. I thought that guitar rig just didn't sound like the real deal in the mix. It was better than a lot of software solutions, but I almost prefer amp sims that don't try to simulate anything specific so I am not let down....
120676
@jimmarchi1 I agree regarding some amplifiers - Tweeds and Twins were wonderfully made though!
1033
It's not too bad, but could use work.
This plugin, is actually really great. Better than I expected. Only problem is with some of the amps don't sound that great. (Especially the Marshall and the Vox style amps) Sometimes they just sound kind of, kind of bad. But some amps like: Citrus, Gratifier, Van 51, Hot Solo +, and Jazz Amp are really great! Even some of the effects, I am shocked by how great they sound. And even most of the presets are great, but some are just, eh. But there is one preset, the In Bloom (Kurt In Bloom) sound very close. Like very. This VST does need some work, but it almost passes Amplitube 5. Really great, even for the 30 minute demo you can renew every 30 mins (Or every few mins if you want to keep it going for awhile). The amps do really well in mixes. Exceptional VST, especially the free option.
Version: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5116
Love the effects and amp modeling
Real guitar gear is known for its so-easy-a-guitarist-could-use-it simplicity, and yet virtual amp simulators continue to grow in complexity and capability.
Guitar Rig is easily one of the most feature-packed guitar/bass amp sims on the market, yet it remains one of the most user-friendly.
With this latest version, there are two new amp models, Control Room Pro for advanced mix-and-match cab/mic combos, six new effects, and a few crafty functional extras.
We're reviewing the software-only version here, but don't forget that there's the Kontrol edition too, bundled with the Rig Kontrol foot controller. The software comes as part of Komplete 8, too. It runs standalone or as a VST/AU/RTAS plug-in.
Initially, it might seem excessive that over a third of the GUI is given over to the (hideable) browser panel, but in our opinion, the most effective way of getting familiar with Guitar Rig is via the presets.
A lot of time has been put into these, and famous tones such as those of Satriani, Van Halen, Rammstein, ZZ Top, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC are all on hand. Joining the pre-existing 15 amps are the Van 51, which is clearly a Peavey 5150 emulation, and Hot Solo +, which appears to be a Soldano imitation, judging by the logo - the knob style and labels hint at Soldano's Hot Rod 50 model.
We found that these two new amps can be used together to great effect. The Hot Solo + provides an authentic mid-boosted AC/DC-style rhythm crunch, while soaring, shredding solo tones are effortlessly had with the Van 51.
Surprisingly, there's little difference in tone when switching between the rhythm and lead channel of the Van 51 once both pre-gain knobs are set to give similar drive. This is quite unlike both the real hardware and Peavey's official 5150 emulation in their ReValver software.
Version: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5284
I use this as an effect unit and for my guitars!
ill be quite honest with you i like mic'ing a real amp. it just captures more of the pure essence for my tone in a more crisper way but GuitarRig has saved my life a few times when theres those moments you just cannot go through guitar sounds with amps and mics due to being somewhere else, being in that creative quick pace where u just need to lay down the guitat melody and go... it has impressed me.
Version: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5138
Gute Option für Demos
Mit etwas Arbeit bekommt man echt gute Sounds raus, besonders aus der Rectifier Simulation. Auch der Vox lässt sich mit etwas Mühe gut benutzen. Man hat halt den riesigen Vorteil alles auch clean zu haben und im Nachhinein noch so bearbeiten zu können, wie man will.
3007
What has not been said before.
A great studio tool. Drop a guitar in and find the sound that best suits what you need to do. From AC30 to JCM 800. from Jazz Chorus to Triple Rectifier, Fender to 5150. 27 different emulated models ... and that's just the heads... match cabs or get creative, mic them up with 16 different microphones in almost limitless positioning (or presets to fall back on.), then drop in 54 effects, big muff to space echo, tube screamer to electric mistress, tape decks to jam along to loopers to back yourself, metronomes, tuners, modulators and more. Throw is preset tones generated to match the masters or just really show what this plug in can do and you may spend hours and days just clicking and strumming, simply because you cannot stop playing it.
Then drop keys, bass drums and vocals through the rig and you are making music!
Version: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5194
it's absolutely perfect!
of course, it does not naturally fill each gaps, but it is that should definitely be tried. is it very necessary software? actually idk.
984
good software, hate the launcher
as i said, good software, but i'll always knock off several points to software that requires some sorta external launcher ontop of your daw to be used. standalone vsts are fine, let's keep it that way.
89
Almost a perfect product
I use guitar rig for finding sounds to use on my collection of pedals. For most of the sounds I want to create it works excelently, however I find that the pitch pedals and the distorted pedals or amps always seem to break up or sound muddy fairly fast. but the clean amp modelling is fantastic, and so are pedals such as reverb and delay. but i would recommend real pedals for distortion and pitch.The other thing I love about this program are the transpose and tempo features.
Version: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5Artist usage
Add artistIn this picture you can see the guitar rig opened. On his project Imaginary friends.
At 8:22 of this video, the Ableton dialog box says "VST Guitar Rig 2; VST plug in could not be found."
"Guitar Rig is a guitar player's dream. Stacks of amps, loads of pedals and multiple mics at the flick of a mouse. I love it !!!!"
"You chose to use Reaktor rather than Guitar Rig?
Well, eventually Guitar Rig worked its way into the process. Sometimes we'd make a very clean patch that only utilized the amp simulators or different arrays of speakers and then take whatever we might be using as the front head and run it through the amp simulator in Guitar Rig." - via the archived NativeInstruments.com
"But I'll tell you what I started doing about two years ago, is recording DI and using software guitar amplification, primarily because I thought if I put in a performance that's a once-in-a-lifetime performance on this particular song, I'm going to want to keep it. And I don't trust doing it here at home. But if I record it direct, it'll sit there in the session and then when we get to a real studio and we've got the real band recorded with microphones and a big room, we can re-amp that performance, and re-record it. And that's what we did quite a bit for the Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards record. There are quite a few songs that I had recorded using SansAmp or Guitar Rig, but they were all recorded DI. I would monitor those software patches at home, and then when we got to Skywalker, we either used a combination of those software guitar patches, or we would send the DI out into Marshall amps and different speakers and mic them anyway we want based on what we had captured from the band."
In his reddit AMA, Madeon says he processes his synths using Guitar Rig.
In a separate interview he says "Guitar Rig...has been used on so many of my songs that it's a little bit ridiculous!"
“I like NI Guitar Rig as an effect on things like vocals[...] I do that quite regularly. It’s great running things through the amps, and even if I’m not using much distortion you can get some really cool, different sounds."
In the video titled "Paul Meany - Twenty One Pilots - Next Semester - Production Peek" by 1PM Music on YouTube, at 0:34, Paul Meany demonstrates the use of Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 on the channel strip for the song "Next Semester." Later in the video, Meany mentions that Tyler Joseph, the artist, is fond of using Guitar Rig.
"Guitar Rig is a little box of audio dynamite! There will be many amps, cabinets and effects out there getting jealous over this one! I love this machine!"
In a livestream titled "4.5.20 - Quick CoronaJam!" on his YouTube channel, Mike Shinoda uses the Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 plugin.
"I use Guitar Rig a lot to process a whole host of things, not just for distortion but every type of modulation really, it's actually my favorite reverb as well, one of the verb units within it, so I use that a lot."
Original Q&A found here.
Album Usage
The Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 has been featured on the following albums:
Neon Medusa
The Midnight (2021)
Spacetime
Andrew Huang (2021)
Free Fall EP
Pierce Fulton (2020)
Mother
Charlie Puth (2019)
Orchestral Symphony
Xenokrypt (2019)
Echoes
Ben Duffy & Kove (2019)
Wanderlust
Throttle (2018)
Visceral
Getter (2018)
Savage (Songs from a Broken World) [Expanded Edition]
Gary Numan (2018)
Drive
Youngr (2018)
Interstellar
Andrew Huang (2016)
Don't Let Me Down
The Chainsmokers & Daya (2016)
Rattlesnake
Rogue (2015)
Edge EP
Neonlight (2015)
Love Will Never Let You Down
Eddie Thoneick & Abel Ramos & James Walsh & Michael Brun (2014)
Max Ammo
Firebeatz (2013)
Morning After
Herobust (2012)
Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards
Joe Satriani (2010)
Diamond Eyes
Deftones (2010)
Details
Frou Frou (2002)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Native Instruments Amp Simulator Plugins
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Amp Simulator Plugins
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jeffreymmviiiGear IQ 1991
-