Hi folks
 
I need to invest in a means of processing electric guitar and at the moment I'm torn between a software sim like Guitar Rig 5 or a hardware-based solution like the Boss GT 001. Has anyone used the latter specifically? I'd be eternally grateful for any advice/pros/cons etc.!
 
Thanks
 
YC 

I haven't used it, but there is a subforum on vguitarforums for the GT100/GT001. You can ask over there.
 
http://www.vguitarforums.com/
 

If you're considering a GT-100 I suggest you also consider the Line6 HD500X. I've used both and sold the Boss unit. The boss unit has more flexibility, allowing you to tweak everything, but this also makes it more complicated to use. I am computer savvy. I love to tweak things. But this was so complicated I felt I had to learn it all over again each time I got it out. The Line6 unit is much more streamlined and straightforward. I spend time making music, not figuring out how it works. You can get great tones out of either unit. But usability was much more accessible with Line6 for me.
 
Please don't forget, both of the options you mention are really software simulators. The HW boxes run on their embedded DSP. The software ones run on the PC's CPU. There is very little "real" hardware involved in the HW boxes other than IO, knobs, switches, and a selectable input impedance. The "tone" is all due to software in both cases (granted, the selectable input impedance can have an effect as well).
 
I am big fan of the HW units for live performance. And, since I'm so familiar with it, I also use it for recording. But if I were to start now and only use something for recording, I'd go with the software option. The HW boxes are limited by HW. How much memory, how fast the CPU, etc. They are virtually impossible to upgrade. With the software simulators you have tons of RAM, tons of processing, and the upgrades are plentiful. They have a lot more potential for higher quality in my opinion.

I have NI Guitar Rig for recording, and love it.  Along with the range of products in it, i like that it's flexible - i can dial in the settings I want, but then adjust them as the song evolves.
I have a Boss GT-8 (not the 001, i know, but a similar hw system) that I sometimes use for live work.  I have 3 or 4 user presets that I'll use. 
I like the HW gear for a performance, it's a simple setup with easy switching.  But for recording I'll take Guitar Rig anyday - If I recorded with the Boss unit, I'd be stuck/ committed to the original guitar sound.
 
Different tools for different jobs, IMHO.

Slugbaby
I like the HW gear for a performance, it's a simple setup with easy switching.  But for recording I'll take Guitar Rig anyday - If I recorded with the Boss unit, I'd be stuck/ committed to the original guitar sound.
 
Different tools for different jobs, IMHO.

This!

I don't know if it's in budget, but if you're looking for the best sounding guitar processing, I'd checkout the big three:

• Axe-FX
• Kemper Profiler
• Helix

All three are IMO significantly better sounding than any (current) software plugin.
You can get great sounds out of all three...

You don't need to spend much on this. I have/had Fractal Axe Fx2, Vox Tonelab Le, Digitech 1101, Amplitube 3, Guitar Rig5 and TH3/TH2. Eventually sold Fractal, trying to sell Digitech, will keep Vox for its wahs.  IMO TH2/TH3 is a winner, AT3 comes close. Also check Rosen IRs, that I sometimes put in place of  stock TH2 cabs. Unless you play a lot live you don't need (expensive) hardware.

I've owned and used the Kemper, Axe-FX XL+, and Helix extensively (live and studio).
 
I've got a Bogner Ubershall (heavy crunch) sound that I've put together in Helix.
The distortion, dynamics, and response to picking and guitar volume is exceptionally good.
I've yet to find that level of detail in any software plugin.
 
Though not an inexpensive solution, Helix isn't outrageously expensive.
It's about the cost of a decent Tube head.
It's a whole lot easier to cart to gigs than a 60-lb head and 75-lb cab.
The Helix UI is super easy to use, it's extremely flexible with I/O, and the form-factor is great when playing live.

yellowcake64
Hi folks
 
I need to invest in a means of processing electric guitar and at the moment I'm torn between a software sim like Guitar Rig 5 or a hardware-based solution like the Boss GT 001. Has anyone used the latter specifically? I'd be eternally grateful for any advice/pros/cons etc.!
 
Thanks
 
YC 

I have GR5 and a GT-001
 
Something to keep in mind about the GT-001.  It's a USB interface as well.  The re-amping feature requires it to be connected via USB.  This is problematic with ASIO as you can only have a single USB audio device selected.
 
So you'll end up using the audio outputs.
 
I've had several including POD, Digitech RP-7, RP-1000, GR5, Amplitube3/4, ReValver, TH2/3 and most recently picked up GTR as part of Waves Gold.
 
For now I'm quite content with GTR.  It's right there, efficient, sounds great ... for special times, I fire up my Laney IRT Studio and feed the direct out of that to GTR or one of the others for cab/mic emulation and effects.
 
IMO any of these can sound great or awful.  It's all how you tweak them and what you're mixing them with.
 
I'm NOT a Pro
 
 

I spent a few hours in a Music store trying a bunch of hardware sim pedals and amps. I bought the Blackstar ID15 TVP for around $250 Can. I give it 5 stars for tone. 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ID15Combo
 
I wanted it originally to see if I could simplify my live rig and pedal board for the rock band I was playing in. I didn't expect it to be so loud on stage! My plan was to just use it at rehearsals and double it up with my beloved Princeton at gigs.  It keeps up as well as any 30 or 40 Watt tube amp I've owned. I soon started leaving the Princeton at home.  It's all worked out perfectly for me and I removed all but 3 must have pedals from my 8 pedal board set up.
 
I didn't buy it for recording but this is actually one of it's strong points. It has a master volume so you can shut the speaker off and just use the stereo line out to the Daw. It has almost totally replaced my old Fender Princeton and after 1 year of gigging and getting banged around is still going strong. 
I bought the Blackstar because out of all I tried that day, it seemed to get "tone" right for me. Of course we all have a different sound in mind but this amp does all of my favorites.