One of the most exciting things to happen for the native-workstation crowd is the recent explosion of high-quality guitar-amp effect-modeling software. Although high-end users have long had products like Line 6 Amp Farm and other TDM-only goodies, today's faster CPUs have finally caught up — so, now, everyone else can get in on the fun. Awhile back, Berlin-based Native Instruments seemed to come out of nowhere with a new product called Guitar Rig. Though a bit heavy on the CPU, Guitar Rig was clearly the front runner as the most realistic-sounding and feature-laden amp and effect modeler on the market. With Guitar Rig 2, what was great about the first version becomes even better. In addition to a slew of effect and amp models, bass amps and effects are now added to the mix. With Guitar Rig 2, you no longer have to commit to a guitar or bass sound until the final stages of a mix. Add to that a more robust, stompbox-style USB 2.0 interface, and you may never buy a guitar amp again. Visit www.native-instruments.com for more.