All In the tests

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This nice sampling job done with a real Strat, even if it can’t compete with gigantic libraries, allows you to meet the needs of most scenarios, whether it’s creating rhythmic backgrounds or creating solos. The strength of this plug-in is undoubtedly it’s versatility and flexibility thanks to the trigger zone concept. Bends, mutes, repetitions, slides, hammer-ons and other playing techniques are perfectly implemented and triggered. The versatility of the groove library also allows you to quickly pick up a pattern, and then make all kinds of changes, with a whole set of commands and variations. Anyway, this plug-in’s strong point is in the creation of rhythm. This time, no demos, but we invite you to check the editor’s site where you’ll find audio and video examples.

It’s really hard to find something to criticize: Both concept and technical achievement are near perfect. RealStrat does what it is supposed to do perfectly without any bugs. The sample library may sound a bit cold, needing the help of an amp simulator. Fortunately, MusicLab has partnered with IK Multimedia and offers Amplitube Duo. RealStrat can also benefit from experimentation with various plug-in combinations, since the samples are really raw. You will need some practice to achieve convincing real time performances as well as to program personal patterns.

Before concluding, let it just be said: RealStrat will never replace a sensitive, inventive musician and his guitar... Having said that, RealStrat is unquestionably the best virtual instrument dedicated to a Strat electric guitar. It’s a real instrument, playable, modifiable, and not just a simple loop player or sample library. You can use it to quickly record background tracks, to easily lay down rhythmic ideas or the basis of a song, and even final tracks if you take the time to refine your sequences.

Concept
Stability
Ease of Use
Powerful and accurate chord recognition algorithm
Strokes
Floating Fret
Total automation
Realism of the sound and of the playing techniques
1250 MIDI Patterns
Amplitube Duo as a bonus

May sound a bit “cold”
Needs an amp simulator (luckily, there is one...)
No finger-picking samples
No new MIDI patterns