Guitar Rig Session COM Full Audio Interface Native Instruments Although computer-based recording has experienced a huge boom in recent years, for many the process can seem like an obstruction to being musically creative. There's a reason for the existence of engineers and producers: they allow musicians to focus on their performance without being preoccupied with how it will sound on tape (or disc, as the case may be in the digital world). Having pioneered world-class guitar and bass tone in a software package with the Guitar Rig titles, it only makes sense that Native Instruments would take it one step further and create a complete hardware and software solution that makes it easy for musicians to record their songs. That solution is Guitar Rig SESSION. The heart of this package is the compact, brushed aluminum SESSION I/O interface. Its 4-3/4" x 4" footprint fits in the tightest spaces, yet this little box has all the connectivity a singer-songwriter needs to record guitar, bass, and vocals over a fast USB 2.0 connection. Channel 1 has both an XLR and 1/4" input, and another 1/4" input is offered for channel 2. Both channels' inputs can be set to either mic or line level (selectable with the push of a button), and each has an independent gain control. 48V phantom power is also provided if you use a condenser mic. Two 1/4" outputs allow you to plug in your monitors, or if you're on the go, there's a headphone jack on the front. As a bonus mobile feature, SESSION I/O is bus-powered, so you don't need to haul around a wall wart. Sound quality is superb as the SESSION I/O handles up to 24-bit/192kHz audio and uses high-quality Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters for pristine recordings. If you've been feeling a bit bewildered trying to get your head around computer-based recording, it's understandable. Modern DAW software is designed to be a "studio in a box," and few of us are engineers as well as musicians. With Guitar Rig SESSION, Native Instruments has taken the software essentials needed for great tone and high-quality recording and combined them with a no-nonsense, portable hardware interface. This package makes it easy to hold on to your inspiration and turn your ideas into fleshed-out songs, without getting bogged down with the technical aspects of recording. If you've been waiting for that "all-in-one" computer recording bundle that's simple to use and delivers studio-quality sound, your wait is over. USB 2.0 bus-powered audio interface with sturdy aluminum casing 24-bit/192kHz quality, Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters Includes Guitar Rig 3 XE, Kore Player, Pop Drums Soundpack, and Steinberg Cubase LE 4 2 balanced inputs: 1 mic/line/Hi-Z (phantom power supplied), 1 line/Hi-Z 2 - 1/4" outputs Headphone out Individual gain controls with activity and clip LEDs Software: System Requirements: Mac: Mac OS X 10.4/10.5, G4 1.4GHz or Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz, 512MB RAM PC: Pentium III or Athlon XP 1.4GHz, 512MB RAM USB 2.0 interface, DVD drive Guitar Rig 3 XE: 6 supreme-sounding guitar and bass amps, emulated in stunning detail 21 effects: meticulously modeled stompboxes, distortions, volume pedals, and other popular units Essential tools: integrated tuner, metronome, and two tape deck modules for easy recording Kore Player: Intuitive sound module with 300MB sound library Includes sounds ranging from synths to acoustic instruments to drums Sound library can be instantly expanded with downloadable Kore Soundpacks KoreSound Browser finds any sound by desired musical characteristics 8 knobs and 8 buttons make complex tweaking actions a breeze Up to 8 sound variations per sound with unique sound morphing Automation and Total Recall in the audio host/sequencer Knobs and buttons can be controlled via any MIDI controller box Pop Drums Soundpack: 20 KoreSounds Quick-use versions of each kit Selection of MIDI grooves Guitar Rig SESSION also comes with loads of killer software that will have you recording great-sounding guitar, bass, drum, and vocal tracks in no time. Guitar Rig 3 XE is a "best of" collection of tones from the full version of Guitar Rig 3. There are five guitar amps to get you startedGratifier, Lead 800, Citrus, AC Box, and Twang Reverbeach with a familiar look and control set, as they are based on some of the world's most popular vintage and modern amps. The Bass PRO bass amp is a juggernaut of low-end growl, complete with three-band EQ and mid-shelving knobs. The new Matching Cabinet function takes the guesswork out of finding the right cab, making for an easier setup of your virtual rig. 21 superb effects are also at your fingertips, from distortions and overdrives to flangers, phasers, delays, and everything in-between. Just as in previous versions of Guitar Rig, there's a digital rack tuner and metronome onboard, as well as two virtual tape decks for recording and playing back your performances, or incorporating loops and other sound files.