Dear KMI folks,
I'm interested in using the StringPort + Guitar Rig, on a Macbook running Snow Leopard, to replace my VG-8EX.
I mainly use the VG-8EX to allow me to switch tunings in the middle of a song (sometimes triggered by footswitches, sometimes by sequencer automation), and to provide FX and amp modelling. I figure the StringPort - or at least, plugins operating on the hexaphonic signal the StringPort would input to the Macbook - could handle the tunings, and Guitar Rig could handle the FX and amp modelling. This would be a weight off my back, and it would probably also provide better integration with my sequencer.
This raises a couple of questions:
1. In order to simply input a hexaphonic guitar signal into my sequencer, would the StringPort without bundled software be adequate to work as described above? (At least, assuming I could use a VST pitch shifter on each string's signal, where necessary, to create alternate tuning patches.)
2. If not, then:
A. Would I be able to switch patches in the StringPort software from my sequencer?
B. Is it possible to disable all parts of the StringPort software except the minimum necessary for alternate tunings, to reduce the load on my Macbook's system resources?
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On a slightly different note, I would want to be able to have slightly more I/O going into & out of my sequencer (Cubase or Reaper), while using the StringPort, than the StringPort provides on its own. I haven't settled on my main interface yet, but it will probably be a PreSonus FireStudio Project. This brings up more questions:
3. Is it OK to have another audio/MIDI interface running simultaneously with the StringPort?
4. If so, would it be better to have a FireWire or USB interface?
5. Are there any problems to be aware of (e.g. sync problems between the clock of the StringPort and the clock of the other interface) and if so, how would you suggest solving them?
Many thanks in advance for your help!
- spk