I've read a few reviews of this Software, where the reviewers have marked the product down or trashed the software when comparing the sounds the software produced against the real thing
Missing The point I think.
If we all had an infinate amount of money and a house set in its own grounds. Then surely we would all just buy the real thing, crank it up and live happy ever after.
Unfortunately for most of us this is a wonderful dream - but not an option.
The point is this -
The software provides for a limited outlay (and a house with thin walls and/or fussy neighbours) a very good usable amp simultor with lots of wonderful and interesting effects and sounds.
Its never going to please the purist Amp anorak who believes that everthing authentic and retro is great and everything else sucks. But then it was never aimed at this type of person.
If youre into home recording and need an Amp that sounds, something like an AC30/Marshall or Orange
for a bit of lead work or just some crunching chords then this package is excellent.
If you can talk for more than a minute about the difference in quality between the valves of a 1963 and 1964 ac30 amp, then this probably isn't for you.
Enough said.

The first thing that struck me on opening the box, was how well constructed the Kontrol is. Very rugged and looks like it is built to last. I like the black as well.

Once you have software installed, connected the Kontrol via USB 2 cable (essential) and have set up the Kontrol with the necessary audio cables, you can start enjoying the sounds coming from your guitar.

The only teething problem I had was running it with a DAW, in my case Cubase 4.1. The problem did not occur in Standalone mode, but with Cubase there was crackling with every note. After checking cables, and sample rates etc, I found that the problem seemed to be the input level was too high in the Guitar Rig software. After adjusting it, the crackling disappeared, for a while.

Eventually the solution appeared: I had to make sure that Guitar Rig is turned on AFTER Cubase. Then the crackling stopped. Perhaps Native Instruments could be more comprehensive in its manual. (Many manufacturers seem to assume that the customer already knows a lot, which is a little unfortunate. It could save a lot of time consuming phone-calls and emails to support lines and forums, if more information was provided.)

Now I am free to enjoy the product thoroughly. The only problem I have now, is there is so much to explore, and so many possible creative opportunities to mix and match (and maybe mix and mess) that I wonder if I will ever fully exhaust its possibilities.

Of the many effects available I feel I should mention 'Space Echo', which I have been using as a plugin from Universal Audio. On Guitar Rig it is certainly impressive, and compares very well with the UAD plugin. How it compares to the original 'Space Echo' is a question I cannot answer.

I look forward to plugging in my Guitars and Basses and spending many a happy hour/day. Guitar Rig 3 certainly fills the gap in my studio, and will be the first product I will turn to, once I have started up Cubase, that is!!