Real World Application
Let’s talk recording. I decided to test this with Cubase 5.5 using the NI AC Combo package as a VST plug in. At first, it had some anomalies like a wavering tremolo noise in the background on most of the tones and very saturated. With a little tweaking, I was able to dial in a decent tone and recorded a few simple tracks with it. I wouldn’t put it up against the $100+ options, but it would do the job for someone on a budget or just trying to get an idea down. Not to say it’s bad as I felt it worked well to record simple tracks. I feel the NI software may have been the issue. NI has much better solutions like Guitar Rig, so no knock in NI as a whole. They make some of the best VSTs on the market. This is not one of their better releases. This gave me an idea.
I loaded up the built in VST named Amp Simulator that ships with Cubase. Problem solved. The signal was much better and the tones were crisper and much more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
In the end, it’s simply a USB device that carries a guitar, bass or mic signal to the amp simulator or DAW of your choice. The Hi – Lo selector comes in handy as it tends to send the signal pretty hot and create some saturation at times. With a little work, this is a non-issue. Pick the right amp simulator and you are on your way. For the price, it’s hard to beat. They need to package a better amp simulator to complete the package and push it over the top.
Rating – 4 out of 5 (only because of the choice in packaged amp simulator).
[…] If you have musical aspirations and are looking for a way to record your guitar, bass or vocals then the Behringer Guitar Link. This $ 65 device allows you to plug in an instrument as well as a pair of headphones in one end of the device, with the USB end going directly into your PC for recording and manipulation. The headphones ensure that you can hear what is being recorded as you are taking your amp out of the loop. Techware Labs takes you through the software, which includes an amp simulator from Native Instruments called AC Box Combo a freeware multi-track DAW tool called EnergyXT2. Check out the full review here. […]
[…] BEHRINGER Guitar Link @ TechwareLabs […]