Guitar FX Software

Atheraal

I've got my guitar and computer set up so that the guitar plugs into the mic input, and I can record what I play with Windows Recorder, Audacity, or whatever. So, what I'm looking for is a program (or a few) that makes the computer work like an amplifier/effects pedal, and plays the sound as I'm playing it, hopefully with the option of throwing in some crazy effects. Being able to record as well would also be handy. Any takers?

TheMorningStar

Guitar Port from line6 is the closest thing to what you're taking about that I know of. But that requires extra hardware. And sucks complete balls.

The Cheese

With just software your best bet is something like Amplitube 2 or Guitar Rig 2. The first versions of these were pretty lousy IMO but the second are pretty good for what they are. They both offer a pretty big range of tones and effects (Guitar Rig moreso, although I think Amplitube sounds better)

Or you could get a PODXT: http://line6.com/podxt/

I don't have one, but Bob The Monkey does and some of his recordings from it sound pretty good. Line6 also make a cheaper thing called a TonePort although I don't know if that's any good.

Any way you go you're going to have to spend some cash to get this going.

Also, just plugging your guitar straight into the line-in on your sound card won't really do. You need some kind of direct input box. Both Amplitube and Guitar Rig have a pedal setup that plugs into your computer with USB2.0 and the PODXT will as well.

shrouded

I'm not a serious musician, but I've experimented with Guitar Rig 2 quite a bit. With a proper sound card, it rocks. It is likely that your sound card is adequate for recording, but for using it as an amp/processor you'll get annoyed without a decent sound card. With most cards both the drivers and hardware aren't made for processing signals that quickly, and you'll be introducing 500ms or more of lag. Imagine strumming a string, and not hearing the sound until 1/2-second later. It'll screw with you.

I picked up a Tascam US-122 (which works wonderfully) USB sound card for $100 at a local shop. Musiciansfriend.com has it here for $150. If you expect to play with recording or modeling on your PC, its worth every penny.

Homestar Gunner

Whatever you do, do not download a program called GuitarFX, it is made by communists (AKA a Russian guy) and comes bundled with spyware.

I say this from experience. Luckily, what it does to your computer is really easy to remove. And now, I don't even need that program anyway.

Hlubocky

I don't know about software solutions, but I bought a pretty inexpensive (compared to good equipment) hardware device a few months back by a company called M-Audio. Here is the url:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MAudioBlackBox-main.html

It works pretty well for my needs, but I admit I am not a serious musician.

corcorigan

The Line6 GuitarPort stuff is good. Not exactly cheap though. But you can sound like Metallica with minimum effort!

I've always had trouble plugging guitars directly in, they never sound too good because of all the amplification issues.

xzzy

http://reaper.fm/

Really, that's all you need. Amazing program.