Native Instruments has announced Guitar Rig 3, the next generation of its digital guitar studio. This third version of Guitar Rig now offers more amps and effects, powerful new live features, a completely reworked tone library complete with improved preset handling, and a redesigned Rig Kontrol pedal board with optimized control and audio interface functionality. Both a "Kontrol Edition" with foot pedal and a software-only "Software Edition" of Guitar Rig 3 will be available.

Guitar Rig 3 offers four additional emulations of highly sought-after original guitar amplifiers, all based on Native Instruments' Dynamic Tube Response technology to provide the unique dynamics and full tonal charisma of tube amplification. New amps include the "Ultraschall", the"Tweed Delight", the "Citrus" and the "Hi-White". A new "Matched Cabinet" module now also provides a carefully matched combination of cabinet and microphones for every amplifier in Guitar Rig 3, and is especially straightforward and effective to set up and tweak.

The effects arsenal of Guitar Rig 3 has also been further expanded with six new units, including a sublime analog-modeled emulation of a legendary vintage tape delay. This outfits Guitar Rig 3 with a powerful arsenal of 12 true-to-life amps as well as 44 stomp boxes and effects, providing an immeasurable sonic variety to guitarists and producers.

The redesigned Rig Kontrol foot pedal included in the "Kontrol Edition" of Guitar Rig 3 offers immediate and intuitive control of the software at any time. Two additional buttons, integrated signal level indicators and concise button labeling all make sure that Guitar Rig can be controlled hands-free and away from the computer screen. The integrated audio interface has also been upgraded with studio-grade Cirrus Logic converters that provide pristine audio quality for all applications.

To provide guitarists and producers with a rich sonic resource right from the start, Guitar Rig 3 includes a new preset collection with more than 300 production-ready guitar tones that focus on highly playable amp sounds, spanning a wide range of musical eras and styles. Preset handling is more convenient due to the redesigned browser with improved search functions, new "bank categories" and a new snapshot feature that allows guitarists to quickly switch between multiple variations of a tone.

To further accommodate guitarists who take Guitar Rig on stage or to the rehearsal room, the new version also introduces a Live View feature that displays a large-scale full-screen view of the most vital parameters for live use. Preset lists, button and pedal assignments and tuner functions can now all be monitored through the Live View at a glance.

Guitar Rig 3 is also fully compatible with KORE, the advanced host system from Native Instruments.

Pricing and availability
Guitar Rig 3 will be available in October as "Kontrol Edition" and"Software Edition" for a suggested retail price of $559 / €499 and $339 / €299 respectively. Discounted updates and upgrades for existing Guitar Rig owners will also be available.

Upgrade offer from Guitar Combos to Guitar Rig 3
If you own one (or several) of the Guitar Combos, you can upgrade to the full-featured Guitar Rig 3 software for $169 / €149 (Software Edition). You can also get the new Rig Kontrol pedal for a further $289 / €249 as a further option.

New:

• Improved algorithms for reduced amp and stompbox noise.
• Added virtual Rig Kontrol view showing RK2 integration.
• Improved response of RK3 foot pedal.
• Multiple components can now be dragged and moved within the rack simultaneously.
• Metronome, tuner and loop machine can now be hidden in live view.
• Added option to choose external controller switch style.
• Added option regarding the handling of the pedal position when a preset is loaded.
• Added help hints for controller assignments.
• Updated operation manuals.

Important Bug Fixes:

• Loop machine dropout problem on mac fixed.
• Program change messages did not work until editor was opened.
• Fixed the lag on metronome start after tap tempo.
• Pedal position is now recalled correctly when loading up GR3 again.
• Several minor fixes and improvements for snapshots.
• Hide of sidekick does not end fullscreen mode.
• Global controls are not shown in the modifier menu.
• Fixed noise burst when deactivating bypass after switching HQ mode off.
• Using enter/tab on the search page now also works on mac.
• GUI freeze problem in ACID and Wavelab fixed.
• Controller assignments can now be saved under any circumstances.
• Shortened plugin scanning time.