Effects

Convolution technology has provided new levels of realism for plug-in reverb, but has been unable to capture non-linear or time-variant effects such as compression, tape saturation, distortion and flanging. Until now, that is...

Over the years I've owned more tape echo units than I can remember, from upmarket HH and Roland units to Watkins Copicats.

• IK Multimedia Amplitube Jimi Hendrix Amp & Effects Modelling Plug-in• Boss FDR1 & FBM1 Fender Amp-modelling Pedals

• Behringer iAxe393 USB Guitar • Digitech CF7 Chorus Factory

Combining multitimbral sample playback, loop tempo matching, synthesis, multi-effects and an 8GB sound library, is Plug Sound Pro the only software sound source you need alongside your DAW?

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something to learn about adding colour to your mix.

• Digitech RP250 Amp Modeller, Multi FX and Audio Interface • Tips: DIY Guitar Lube... plus news of TC Electronic's Classic Pedals.

Which effects and processing plug-ins do the Sound On Sound staff and product reviewers love the best? We asked, they answered...

Korg's tactile effects processor benefits from a major overhaul - so is the third generation the Kaoss Pad you always wanted?

Lexicon's MX200 offered the innovative ability to integrate with a sequencer host just like an effects plug-in. The updated MX400 goes one better - it does all that, but with dual effects-processing engines too.

The Boss GT Pro is more than just a guitar effects processor — in fact, with its dual COSM-based processing engines, it's two. But when it comes to guitar tone, does the GT Pro put Boss in charge?

The latest incarnation of Wave Arts' plug-in suite is a treat for the eyes and the ears.

The convolution revolution has left a gap in the market for a high-quality reverb based on more traditional room-modelling techniques. IK's suite of plug-ins looks to fill the void.

The latest box of tricks from Boss is a pedal-based Leslie speaker simulator with some cool flashing lights.

• Marshall Regenerator, Echohead and Reflector effects pedals • Technique: tuners and tuning stability

• Digitech EX7 Expression Factory • Electro-Harmonix 2880 Super Multitrack Looper • Technique: 'Re-amping' electric guitars

The former Wave Mechanics team set out to create the ultimate classic echo unit emulator, and ended up with a plug-in that does much more.

Line 6 Echo Park & Liqua-Flange Stomp box effects • Digitech EX7 Expression Factory • Terratec Producer Hi Jack Guitar preamp •Re-recording with Fishman Aura and D-Tar's Mama Bear

With version 2 of Guitar Rig, Native Instruments are taking amp modelling into the realms of modular synthesis.

We test another group of hot plug-ins: Universal Audio Dimension D • Ugo Rez, Texture, String Theory & Motion • TC Electronic VSS3 Stereo Source Reverb.

Line 6's latest products are USB boxes that turn your computer into a low-latency amp-modelling system.