Avid Pro Tools + Eleven Rack Reviews

4.7/5.0 based on 42 customer reviews

Sweetwater Advice

Nick Schenkel

I finally got an Eleven Rack for my studio last week. I had been blown away by the unit when it was first released, but had to wait for a bit to get one for myself. Even with other options that have hit the market since the Eleven Rack's release, I had no hesitation when purchase time came. The Eleven Rack is still at the top of the heap when it comes to amplifier modeling, and the Expansion Pack just makes it better. The reviews about the Eleven Rack "feeling right" are absolutely correct. The models respond to the dynamics of your performance the way that the real amps would thanks to True-Z Auto-Impedence Matching. The workflow from the front panel is simplicity itself. Put it into ProTools, and the value of this package becomes ridiculous. I shouldn't have waited so long on this one; neither should you.

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Customer Reviews

Tom McCann
from United States
May 16, 2013Music Background:
Performer

Great box, and a great package

The Eleven rack is just magnificent for guitar players, but we use it as a general-purpose recording input also. Haven't even begun to use all the functions in it, but the guitar / amp modeling is amazing. I haven't messed around with any of the custom settings yet, because the sounds that are in the box (plus the Sweetwater expansions) are more than I can deal with anyway.
Only issues I've had have been with Windows and Pro Tools - the Eleven rack and it's support in PT have been flawless.

R harrison
from Fay NC
May 7, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist

Players presets are great

Haven't been able to get to factory presets yet still stuck on the players presets . Do yourself a favor get this box now!!!

Sean Hanrahan
from
April 11, 2013Music Background:
lifelong disciple of the Stooges

Avid Eleven Rack with Pro Tools

The sound quality by this device is superb. It has turned my amp into a large paper-weight. Very easy to use and intuitive. I have played just about everything over the past 25 years. This is a perfect product.

Most importantly, gents: my wife calls it a relationship-saver. Get some nice headphones and you too can practice your doom-metal while the other members of your household knit sweaters and stuff.

I wish I had bought it sooner.

Jean Paul Schottborgh
from Orlando, FL
April 4, 2013Music Background:
Guitarist

Make me feel sorry for the competition.

Let's see, an awesome sounding guitar processor that doubles as an interface for your guitar/microphone/instruments/midicontroller that was designed to work seamlessly with the Pro Tools 10 software it comes bundles with? What's not to love?

Kevin Proctor
from Seattle, WA
April 2, 2013Music Background:
Engineer and Guitar Player

Man I love this thing!

This gear is awesome! I am an engineer and guitar player and this gets used in almost every step of the chain with either my live guitar rig or with pro tools. I use it as a digital front end digital effects unit with my tube amplifier in the studio and the violin player in my band uses the amp modelers to get a variety of tones for live use. Often times the sound guy doesnt know how to EQ or get the perfect amp sound from an electric violin and this allows the player to get complete control from gig to gig and not have to carry a huge amp. I havent used it as an interface, but with the usb to pro tools software program in pro tools, this thing has infinite possibilities. I've used it as an effects modeler for the input of a keyboard, vocal, violin, and guitar and they all work great. With the line level inputs, different setups to the amp(s) and all the different impedance inputs, it is a great product used in almost every situation. And it allowed me to upgrade my pro tools rig to 10, saving me a lot of money! I big time recommend this product

Will Cochran
from Mt PLeasant NC
March 31, 2013Music Background:
Aspiring Pro

Excellent

I bought this to replace my M-Audio USB interface with Pro Tools SE. First off the deal that Sweetwater has was crazy with the two for the price. It works great with Pro Tools 10. So far I am extremely happy with the unit. Only negative thing I can say is the USB cable it came with was bad. The sound during recording was perfect but during playback I experienced crackle. I did a little research and found the usb cable it shipped with was the problem. I went to Radio Shack and bought a replacement. Problem solved. All guitar players should be issued one of these. The sounds are out of this world. There isn't a preset in the thing that doesn't encourage creativity. Needless to say I love it.

Steve
from Edinburgh, IN
March 28, 2013

Much Better than Expected!

I was using software amp sims just for the portability and while some were decent, I wanted something better. Listening to the comparisons online made it seem the eleven rack would not sound much better. Taking into consideration the free Pro Tools 10 and reviews, however, I went ahead and purchased it. I am so glad I did. This unit sounds so much better than anything I heard online. The amp sims "feel" as good as they sound. I have Logic Pro and have always wanted to try Pro Tools, but I didn't want to shell out that much cash just to compare products. I really like the Pro Tools set up; especially with the integrated eleven rack screen. It makes adjustments to the eleven rack easier. The presets are what they are...presets. They are a starting point. There are a ton of great rigs posted online that you can download for free and load onto your eleven rack as well. Plus, I can still use it simply as an interface with any of the software programs I already have. Sweetwater had the best price around and shipping took only one day. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

Trent Harris
from Indianapolis, IN
March 26, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist, songwriter, guitar player

Amazing Technology

It had been a while since having a recording setup at home. When I talked with Brian and got his reccomendations I shocked to find out how reasonably priced this combo was. For anyone new to the DAW world as I was there is a bit of a learning curve.Once you get going there seems to be no limit to what can be done. Eleven Rack guitar sounds are really good. I'm excited to say the least!!

Steven L McGinnis
from kansas city, MO
March 4, 2013Music Background:
professional club musician

everything it claims and thats saying a mouthful

i have had mine about a month and have not done too much exploring with pro tools as of yet ...but that is also because im having to much fun fun just jamming thru the presets most of them are..incredible for lack of a better word...the variety of effects is not that large , but what they put in was a boutique collection of all the effects a working guitarist would really want and the versatility when tweaking a virtual "RIG" is extensive and intuitive..meaning its not that high of a learning curve..i honestly cant wait to get it into my live rig...great sound, great versatility and simplicity all in one package

Eric Gitlin
from MO, USA
March 1, 2013Music Background:
Guitar hobbyist

Eleven Rack system

I really enjoy the versatility of
Eleven Rack and Pro Tools 10. I can record straight in clean jazz guitar or use the different effects Eleven rack offers, hook a microphone up or other instruments. I have a little recording area so this is perfect.

Irshad
from Cleveland, OH
January 27, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist

I hate this thing!!

Man, it's just not fair. I spent over $3K on a tube amp, stomp boxes, cables, power supply, floor board, etc., etc. and then end up getting this thing to realize that my other stuff will gather dust. I may be a little over exaggerating but the tones and the sound are absolutely fantastic. I have this connected to KRK studio monitors and this is the first time that 95% of all presets are usable with no real tweaks. Sorry Line 6 but I am a convert. This is a great deal with the presets, and included software and plug-ins. If you like to record your guitar, then this is a fantastic option. Pro Tools is complex but the interface works great with Garageband (except I haven't figured out re-amping). I would highly recommend this. I have not tried this in a live rig situation so my other investment may be temporarily safe. No need for me to mic the amp for our recordings. Awesome! BTW - Sweetwater is the very best!

from Sarasota, FL
January 8, 2013Music Background:
Songwriter/Producer

Great deal

Great set-up, endless creative tools.

Shaun
from Buffalo, NY USA
January 8, 2013Music Background:
Live/Studio engineer since 1978, owner of audio post facility, guitarist/keyboardist/composer.

Eleven Rack is wonderful.

Although it is slightly prejudiced for Pro Tools LE (oops! We can't use the L word any more!) users, where it will be the primary/only audio interface, I found using my Eleven with Pro Tools HD as a guitar processor more than easy to set up. The routing flexibility is superb and logical, and the sound is simply perfect. I look forward to adding a MIDI controller for the volume and wah pedals, but for now I am using it every day.

The only slight glitch I have discovered is that when I first launch PT and input or record enable a track the digital output from the Eleven is glitchy and sounds unclocked. Although all the settings are correct, I have found that simply cycling the power on the Eleven after PT is running seems to cure the problem.

mario Iacovone
from
January 4, 2013Music Background:
musician / producer

love the rack eleven

great interface great service love the cataloge and really though Joel was a really good repersentation of what sweetwater is all about
courteous well spoken,very knollegable on the product over all i give him a 10 and I will do bussiness with you guys again

Bob King
from Desert Hot Springs, Ca.
December 24, 2012Music Background:
Noodler and Hobbyist

Too Good To Be True

Not only did I save a lot of money on a wonderful piece of gear,but I got Pro Tools 10 free ! I'm still waiting for the catch.
Do not hesitate to get the Elevin Rack. Easy to use and the sound and tones are extraordinary !
The support from the tech guys and from Paul in sales have been the best. Thank you.

Tom Collins Jr.
from Baden, PA
December 23, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Avid Eleven Rack

First let me say I used to use Software(Guitar Rig and Amplitube) and also a Digitech RP 255 for Amp Modeling. I haven't had this for long but I have not been able to stop playing. I think the sound of this thing is fantastic and sits well in a mix. I have a blackstar tube amp and I really do feel like the amps on this unit behave similar to that of a tube amp. It is really easy to edit from the hardware and even easier from Pro Tools. It came with Pro Tools 10 and I have never used Pro Tools but I am ditching my previous DAW for it because the 11r integrates so well with it and it works great with Maschine and other plugins I have too. The artist presets are cool especially the Satriani ones. If you look around there are places to find tons of great presets too. It also came with a bunch of free plugins which is also great, so if you can get in on that deal before it ends I highly suggest it , just the Moogerfrogger bundle alone is worth ordering it now to get that. From what I read I thought with Windows 7 64 bit I would have a nightware with PT but it was a breeze even with the iLok. I really can't say enough about this, especially for what they charge. Thank you to my Sweetwater rep(JR Dahman) who steered me to this product. Buy IT!

Mark Patalita
from Fort Wayne, IN
December 1, 2012Music Background:
Lifelong musician

Great rig at a nice price

Avid quality with 104 Sweetwater presets and Pro Tools to boot. Great for a starter home recording DAW and fantastic live tone.

Brian Fox
from Louisville, KY USA
November 19, 2012Music Background:
Home Studio Hobbyist

Incredible Studio Tool

I'm far more than happy with my Eleven Rack. After years of frustration fighting with various amps and now since even various processors, the Eleven Rack is finally letting me do the one thing I've been missing the most - have fun playing music. I don't have to fight with it to find the tone I want. I've only had the unit for a few weeks now, and I've already discovered dozens of guitar and bass tones that work perfectly for me. Do I have a use for all of the sounds? No, but who cares? I've got everything I want in a unit for a reasonable price. Relative to an all analog rig, it's compact. I have full control over volume, which my wife and child find satisfying. Most importantly, I have no problem finding the sound I'm looking for.

I think the most important thing for me adjusting to the Eleven Rack is that I've found numerous presets that were at least 90% there for me. I've found in the past that most processors have presets that are mostly worthless. Either there are too dense of effects or the settings are terribly mismatched to any guitar I own. I'm not sure if it is the impedance matching, but I don't find the latter to be any problem. I also find there to be a great balance of effects depth across the presets. If I want an dense, ambient tone, there are presets for it. If I want a straight rock tone, it's there. When I want modern metal, the Saturation preset is ready for me. The hardware interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. I literally did not read a single word of any manual, and I found myself tweaking tones, adding effects, and losing myself in the sound.

The value is unbeatable. You get a versatile, powerful guitar processor, and as the icing on the cake, Pro Tools 10 is included. You can't really beat the Eleven Rack without shelling out exorbitant amounts of money.

Lee Olsen
from Cary, NC
November 15, 2012

Worth it!!!

I am sold on this piece of gear. I love the sounds that come out of this. It comes with protools 10 and easily integrates into the software. Some of the patches are just ok but you can work with those and tweak till you get something that sounds killer. Have found sevral patches that work for me and my sound. Do yourself a favor and get this now.

Steve Hodnett
from DeWitt, MI
November 13, 2012Music Background:
Songwriter/Producer

Eleven Rack takes the effects and processing into the 23rd Century

I have played guitar since I was ten. I have bought nearly every external pedal and processing unit made at some point. The Eleven Rack has put an end to that search for just the right sound. I love the presets installed from the factory, and the ability to even tweek those, if that so fancy's your style or sound. The capabilities and quality of sound are incredible. I have cut my stomp boxes to three, and only use those to send the Eleven Rack's sound over the edge for endings and solos. Eleven Rack is undboubtably the best investment I have ever made for GREAT SOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

George Mitchell
from Long Beach,Ca USA
October 31, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician,Songwriter,Producer,Engineer

Eleven rack

Awesome piece of gear if your'e a guitar or even a bass player you need eleven rack , it's the all in one solution for live,studio and recording. Very addicting it is hard to quit playing once you start. I'm very picky about my tone and this unit completely blew me away,then I added the mission expression pedal and I was in rock n roll heaven ,it sounds much better than the mbox that I used in the past , I will definitely use this as part of my live rig along with my bogner alchemist 112 just for back line . This unit alone or combined with an amplifier gives the tone and simplicity that I've been searching for years and years the modeling now adays is killer! There is no need for carrying around a half stack unless you're playing some type of arena, I believe you will be totally satisfied.

George Mitchell
from Long Beach,Ca USA
October 31, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician,Songwriter,Producer,Engineer

Eleven rack

Douglass Brown
from Rockport Mass.
October 25, 2012Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Pro Musician

Eleven Rack

Impressive - should have got one years ago

from Florida, USA
July 31, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician

Eleven Rack

At heart, I'm a vintage / analog guy with a lot of blues guitar and bass under my belt.

I was looking for a solution to a more modern sound that still allows me to incorporate my Fender amp tone.

Not only does the 11Rack do this, but it gives seamless integration to ProTools and makes programming my live sound / effects very easy.

The tones on it are truly amazing. I can only imagine how much further along we'd all be if we would had access to something as powerful as this in the late 90's :)

Philip Cacayorin
from Santa Barbara, California
April 12, 2012Music Background:
Musician Since Age 4, Professional Producer/Engineer

This is completely crazy !

Crazy wonderful !! I am a former owner and operator of several major recording studios. I am also an International Directing Producer of Advanced Media and Multi-Instrumentalist. I've been producing music media professionally since the mid-seventies and I am here in a single room without a console, no amplifiers or racks of synthesizers (I used to work with 3-60 space racks of them). This is probably the most amazing experience I have had as an artist and creator, finally a studio in a box. I dealt with Dave Brow, he didn't oversell me; I got an amazing deal and I am really pleased with the Eleven Rack + Pro Tools beyond words; and that's rare.

Sam Roney
from Augusta, GA USA
February 15, 2012Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Pro Musician 35 years

GIGGING FOR 35 YEARS ON TUBES

I have tried unsucessfully to go digital for several years. I have two pods that I played around with for a week or so each, before using them for doorstops and going back to my tubes. I got this originally to make easy scratch tracks with. I now use it exclusively on stage. Not only do the amp models sound, feel, and act like the real thing, they do all that like a broken in vintage version of the real thing. Perfect sound, reactivity, bounce, and tone. The only issue I have is that the amp models which use tremolo or vibrato as part of the amp model have no easy way to control on/off of this feature with my fcb1010 and eurekaprom, they should have made the trem/vib a seperate effect like they did with the spring reverb so it could be midi controlled easier. anyone who is seriously old school and thinks that they can't believe the reviews written by these kids who dont understand how we feel about our tubes, can take it from me. I had know idea how to use anything midi 3 weeks ago and still don't ( had to buy a preprogrammed chip called eurekaprom for my midi controller). I hated all things digital just like you, until now.

Curtis Wells
from Richmond, VA, USA
February 5, 2012Music Background:
Recording Musician

Awesome deal!

If you are looking to get Protools-10 you might as well spen the extra $200 and get an Eleven Rack along with it! These go fast so don't wait like i did and order ASAP so you wont get stuck behind the rush. On top of that when I recieved my order I got deliceous candy with it to eat while I set it up. I am very pleased and Impressed with sweetwater, I am now a longterm customer.
Ontop of that. If you are like me and record at home with Guitars, Basses, and the sorts the eleven rack is a very good tool to have with you that is affordable. It works extremly well with my heavy instruments like the 5-String Bass and the 7-String guitar drop tuned for some awesome metal sounds. When out of the studio it doubles up as my Amp head and I get the same sounds live as in the studio with one tap of a button.

andrew strusowski
from gulfport, ms usa
February 3, 2012Music Background:
hobbyist

awesome

just recently purchased the eleven rack and pro tools. and yes it is awesome. i find myself getting carried away for hours just making new jams and messing with all the effects it has. awesome.

Scott Krueger
from St Clair Shores, MI
January 10, 2012Music Background:
Musician - Guitar

I am a Ex-Tube Snob. This thing sounds Great!

I was playing a Rig with 13 Tubes in it.
I was using a Rocktron Voodu Valve into a Peavey Classic 50/50
13 Tubes in all... My Rocktron replaced my previous JMP-1 and Mesaboogie Tri-Axis Into a GSP used only for Effects so I could have Marshall Tones and Mesa Tones... Lots of Tubes... Tons of Weight...

I tried Line6s, PODs, etc.. back in the 90s and thought they sounded terrible.
While in New Orleans on Business I heard several Bands using Line6 Amps, and a couple of other Modelers... After Much Research and Listening to Clips and YouTube stuff through good Headphones, I decided on the Eleven Rack over the AxeFX. I think the AxeFX 2 sounds better, but not $1500 better...
So with the Sweetwater 30 Day Guarantee and Artists Presets, I decided to take the Plunge.

I am no longer a Tube Snob. In Fact I just ordered some QSC K8 Powered Monitors so I can Run "Stereo FRFR"
FRFR= Flat Response Full Range.
This is because I turned off my Peavey 50/50 and Marshall 2x12 and the P.A. alone was knocking my Socks off.
After more research I settled on QSC K8s which I got a good deal on used.

I am never looking Back. Many of the Presets need tweaking here and there, but the Knobs work like amp Knobs for the Most part.
I have a Tone that is a Dead Ringer for Angus Young.
I have a Tone that is a Dead Ringer for Pantera.
I have a Tone that is a Dead Ringer for the Clean in Pull Me Under by Dream Theater.
I have Mesa, Marshall, Vox, Bogner, Fender. They all sound awesome.

I did find some of my Favorite Presets with Youtube Research, Forum Research and Downloads from ElevenRackPresets website which is great since you can Load Patch after Patch Easily with a Laptop and the Included ProTools 10

Some Helpful Hints:
PC Install you need
DriverSetup.exe
iLokClientHelperSetup.exe
LicenseSupportSetup.exe with your XXXXXX-XXXXXXXXX-XXXXXXX License Code
Pro_Tools_10_Installer (Setup.exe)
Eleven Rack Expansion Pack.exe

Saving Presets
Right click the name of the preset and there are Options to Save 1 Preset or ALL.

Loading Presets
Right click the name of the preset and choose "load from computer". next find the preset file you just saved from this site and click on it.

SW1 will cycle through 4 Display Modes.
Default - has Name and Some Amp Controls
Simple - Name Really BIG
Detalis - All Included Effects Amps and Enabled Status
Outputs - VERY Helpful for Balancing from Preset to Preset
Outputs Mode "To Amp 1" "To Amp 2" Rear and Front Amp Out, Rig Vol is XLR outs which are usually to the PA, AMP OUT is the Volume of "To Amp" and "Rig Out(PA)" - This will allow balancing from 1 Preset to another so Your different Patches can be equal in the Mix.
So the First thing I did was Balance my Patches for PA and Onstage Amplifier Volume. Then I balanced while Jamming with the Band for Volume in the Mix. Always best to Finalize this with your Band, because a Patch with a Middle Bite will cut through the Mix more and will not Balance the Same when playing on your own, this is true of any Multi-Channel or Preset Amp of course.

Ryan Mulroy
from Las Vegas, NV
December 8, 2011Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Pro Musician

Perfect for live music!!!

Lets face it, if you are a local band (or one of the openers) then the sound guy generally doesn't put very much effort into your sound. My guitar rig used to consist of a mesa cab and dual rectifier tuned perfectly for my style of music... So why do I bother buying 2 grand worth of professional gear when the sound guy "hangs" an sm58 in front of the cab not even near a usable part of the speaker???

My rig is eleven rack -> Sonic Maximizer -> crown xti1002 so I am still able to have my cab on stage. I just have the sound guy take a direct out of the eleven rack and man does it sound good! Keep the volume at 5 or 6 and you won't have to use a DI box (expecially since there is a ground lift on the back). Granted I don't think that it sounds as good as my mesa rig, finely tuned and mic'd up with good mics and preamps, but it def sounds better in a live setting!!!

Best part of this is that you get protools as well :)

Mongo
from Raleighwood
November 3, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist

Believe The Hype!!!

I cannot remember the last time I purchased a product that was hyped up this much and lived up to it's promise. This is one fantastic unit.

The presets are very usable. Much like a real amp, this unit really responds and behaves according to what you send in to it. It's true for your guitar's volume knob(s) just as it's true for how hard or soft you strike a chord or note. Remember, an amp won't play Jazz until you tell it to. On the flip side, the scorching tones are all over the place on this thing.

A few days after getting this, I spent a few hours playing my Fender tube amp before getting on to my Eleven Rack. I dialed up a Sweetwater pre-set that used the Fender Twin Reverb as it's inspiration. It took about 15-20 minutes to dawn on me the fact that I was playing the exact same way as I was with my tube amp and getting the exact same behavior and tones. That thing about it "feeling" like the real thing? It's true. I couldn't believe it. This thing lived up to it's hype.

In closing, no matter what your musical tastes are, I can't recommend this Eleven Rack enough. It's worth the money all by itself. Add in some recording software with gobs of headroom compared to the cheapies that I've been using and I feel like I cheated someone out of some serious functionality.

I also have to shout out for my Sweetwater Sales Engineer, Mark Stein. I was going out of my comfort zone with some of my other purchases on this order and he spent gobs of time with me explaining options, answering questions and allowing me time to do some research and make decisions. He did so without pressuring me to buy on the spot. As a result, I've got my little hobby studio all stocked up with new gear and cannot be more pleased than I am, and this Eleven Rack is at the center of it all.

Tom Graham
from Fairfax, VA United States
February 21, 2013Music Background:
recording and live sound engineer, and gigging musician.

amazing writers tool and so much more.

Awesome tones. Tones on tones on tones. Its not quite moving air like a cabinet would but damn its close and sometimes just what a record needs. My guitarist uses it live cause nothing he owns can touch it. And as an all-in-one writers tool, it simply can't be beat. Amazing fully fledged protools rig to really get the album sketched and then so much more. An amazingly flexible and powerful tool. Every guitarist I work with that's used this is amazed and I'm able to get amazing takes. WIN!

Rob L.
from White Plains, NY
December 20, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Highly Recommended!

I've currently own a few Marshall tube amps and have owned other brands like Mesa over the years, but wanted something for direct recording and as an alternative. This unit covers all the bases. I had some issues installing it on my computer, but the support from Sweetwater was amazing. I have it going into a Rocktron Velocity 300 Power Amp and a 2x12 with V30s. I am familiar with Pro-tools so the learning curve was minimal for me. I've had the Eleven Rack for about 2 weeks and I'm finally fully up and running on it to the point where I think I understand 90% of it. I was initially confused with some of the routing options. Its a very versatile piece of gear. I'd use it live without hesitation. I love it for direct recording. With some tweaking, the amp models sound amazing and the effects are superior to most multi-effects units I've had. I haven't A/Bed it with the amps it emulates, so I don't know if its dead on, but if you just want a versatile unit that sounds awesome, get this. There are no digital or fake sounding tones here. When I play this through my 2x12, it sounds like a regular tube amp. I also purchased a Tech 21 MIDI Moose which works great with it.

Nick
from NY
November 24, 2012Music Background:
Musician, Home recording engineer

This thing is awesome!

I bought this on a whim, I was looking for something to record guitar with without having to mic my amp. I have the line 6 pod x3 but I don't feel it's great for serious recordings, it's great for recording demos but that's a whole other conversation. I came across the eleven rack and saw all the rave reviews and started researching and ended up purchasing it. My sweetwater engineer reinsured me saying that he hasn't miked any amps since he got this. The amps on this unit are great, they all sound authentic and you don't have to crank up the gain all the way to get a good sustained amp tone. It has a switchable effect loop that is a big plus so you can actually patch in your pedals. The reamping this does is what makes it great. Once you get the hang of it it's so easy to reamp by running a recorded track through it and try out all different amps before making a decision. By the way I do not use pro tools with this. I know pro tools is the "industry standard" and all but I'm a cubase user and yes it does work great with cubase. It was a bit of a learning curve considering all the literature shows it incorporated in pro tools. My only complaint is that you can't use the app that let's you control the eleven rack on your computer unless you use pro tools. All and all this was a great purchase. If you're trying to decide about getting it and you're serious about recording and don't want to mess around setting up an amp for every recording and making the neighbors angry, then just get it.

Joseph Ballew
from United States
August 31, 2012Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Professional Musician

Tweeker

I have never bought any modelling amp that you did not have to tweek. After I created my stage setting from scratch, I was blown away. it didn't have a tone of amp models in it but most of what I needed. I tweek the unit by having a tone that I like as a reference as a wave file, use the spectrum analyzer from Waves to capture the EQ curve, then use the parametric and graphic EQ to recreate the exact tone. I only use both to create sounds you can not recreate without extensive work. The clean sounds in this unit is the best I have heard in any unit. I have a Strat with Custom Shop 69 pickups and use the Fender amp models and it is amazing. You can nail Stevie and Hendrix. Not only can you nail the sound but the responsiveness and spank by how hard you pick. You pick lightly and you have the belltones you are looking for and pick hard to ad a little grit, just like a Fender Amp. My clean sound is very important to me. It has the Vox AC30 and good delays to do all the U2 Edge vibe. The Marshall amp model were spot on except you did not get quite as much gain as the original. I was very disappointed at first, but I experimented using several stomp box crunch to stack the gain and could nail anything I was looking for. The reverb is better in this unit than any other modeler. The leslie is also better than any other modeler.You can re-amp with this unit and interface with Protools. I had an AxeFX Ultra for a year and sold it. I tried a Line 6HD500 and returned it. To me, the HD500 is not as good as My Line 6 X3 Live. The Eleven Rack is better than all of these units. Now for what I think is missing in the Eleven Rack. It needs a harmonizer section where you can use detune or custom harmonization. I like being about to program each of the 12 notes in the scale and be able to do this twice for a three part harmony. Both the Axe FX and Boss GT 10 does this. There are many solos I do that need this and it is really missed. It would also be nice to have an editor not associated with Pro Tools. Nobody wants to take a dongle out and risk losing it. At home it is great to be tied to Pro Tools, but out live, there needs to be a Windows and Mac editors for easy tweeks live.

ViperDoc
from
December 21, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist

The next level.

I've only begun dialing in tones with my new Eleven Rack and I'm already blown away by its versatility. There are amp mods for everything from old school twang to epic chainsaw death metal...I'm having a great time with it. I'm using a Tech 21 Power Engine for re-amping and it works quite well. I've been previously recording with an old Roland 2480, which I've always enjoyed using, but ProTools only takes 30 seconds to show me what I've been lacking all these years. I only put 4.5 stars because I've found it hard to replicate some of my favorite guitar tones in my VOX Tonelab, but hopefully we'll get that figured out. I enjoy being able to manipulate the rack from ProTools, and being able to save so many presets as files on my iMac. To boot, the guitar tone settings can be embedded in your tracks for instant recall, so you're always consistent when re-recording or patching tracks. The Eleven Rack gets a huge thumbs up from me. Good luck!

Vinny Carrion
from VA
January 28, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist

Incredible Value

When it comes to modeling amps I've never really been to happy.

I've had the chance to own and play many different types of these units and none have ever come close to making me happy.

Make no mistake.. the Eleven Rack still can not compare to my Mesa Boogie.. but then again.. my Mesa can't really compare to this either.

What you do get from the Eleven is an immense value with it being bundled with Pro Tools 10 and, when I purchased it, about 1k worth of plugins.

This allows for amazing flexibility when writing, practicing, and recording.

For years I have had tons of musical ideas that I never fully tracked because of how much of a pain it was.

And even after I did track, because I am not a recording engineer, the finished product was always lack luster.

That is what I love about the Eleven!!!

I can get a really convincing tone that goes from my ears directly to my tracks!!

Seriously, if you spend some time to dial up some great sounds from the Eleven you will have a great sound when you record.

Even better than that.. this thing allows simultaneous recording of a dry signal which allows you to re-amp it later down the road.. so truthfully in the very end you have an amazing sounding recording with minimal hassle.

You get a really good feeling saturated tone out of this at any volume.

I simply love the Eleven as a recording medium and it is now the center of my, "project studio".

That being said I would never ever use this on stage in my live rig.

Sure, there are guys out there who currently play an amp with a cheap Zoom or Digitech processor in front of it.. and for them this would be a huge upgrade.

I am not knocking those guys.. as I used to be one of them... but as my ear developed and I started using pure tube amps.. well I guess I got spoiled.

If I had to compare this to anything I would compare it to the Line 6 series.. and it crushes them.

Still, Live there are limitations which include a noticeable delay when switching patches and also an abrupt change due to the fact that there is no effect spillover or bleed such as what is found in my TC Electronics G-major.

In summation, if you need a tool to start recording and want to have it sound really good this is the ticket.

Live.. I just feel there are better options.

John Emerson
from Charleston,SC
January 24, 2013Music Background:
Guitarist

Eleven rack responds just the way my amps do.

Although my main reason for purchasing the Eleven Rack was to provide a direct studio to live transfer of tones, I have been using as a live solution. I doesn't do delay spillover and there is a pause when switching between patch switching which may turn off some people, but the sounds I get from this unit are amazingly realistic. I am using it along side a Pod Hd and route switch between them. I can have any tone I want with either of these units.

Juan
from NJ, USA
January 18, 2013Music Background:
Choral harmony

Guitar Tones

Eleven Rack to me is just the answer i was looking for in getting quality guitar tones.

Steve
from Fayetteville,NC
January 14, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist

11 Rack is more flexible than it seems

Had about 10 days with it. So far I'm pretty impressed at the ability to the system to work across platforms. Yes it works with Pro Tools, but as more of a hobbyist guitar player I don't need all that mess. It works with garage band too and I imagine any of the other mac music inputs. I got a TC-300 pedal board to go with it and have been happy at how easy the 11rack is to use. Once I figured out how to manage the outputs I was able to model some pretty cool effects that I'm still getting to know. Overall I liked it. I could care less about pro tools but as a rack mounted effects system I think it works well

Bryan harvey
from pocono, pa
March 28, 2013Music Background:
Engineer

Decent

I had to give it a higher rating. I don't Sweetwater allows lower ratings to post on products they sell. I sent in this review more than a week ago and it never posted. However, I've seen a few post since mine... so I will give it slighter higher rating this time to get my review through to help those looking to buy it.

I must comment that I do like Sweetwater a lot. Their customer service is excellent.... but I do think I will place less value on their reviews if they are in fact hiding lower ratings to better promote products they are selling. My guess is that this will never post.

It sounds like a respectable DSP amp with a respectable amount of options. My disappointment is perhaps based on the over hyped reviews I read on many different sites before I bought it. This is promoted as truly tube (or amp modeling) like sounding accurate with the feel of analogue tube amps. I was very much expecting to like it more than I did though.

Compared to the tube amps I do own, this doesn't come close to the dynamics and "feel" if you know what I mean. DSP, or digital modeling, has done very well to reproduce sounds and effects, but when playing something seems always missing and the one playing can almost always hear digital artifacts (i.e. square shape curves, roll off, etc). To others listening to it the feedback was very positive to what I played through it.

I am actually very disappointed in overall "feel" when playing. When playing through it I do not get any impression that is like playing on a tube amp. I really wish it did as I expected it would. On some of the settings with fuzz or gain you hear this left over scratchy remnant... kinda like a fly buzzing around your beer. It just takes away from the goodness. I may try removing those effects and running some of my pedals into it to see what happens. It has an effects look and an adjustable impedance for the front end inputs. That is very cool and should give me some options. The built in effects are average at best.

Will I keep it... at this point yes. It is a good deal with Pro Tools 10 (full edition) and the guys at Sweetwater are great. Old fashioned type of service... a good thing. I will use it for easy recording when I want a reasonable track without the headache or amps, placement, changing tubes, mics, wires, and people screaming about the noise level. Yes.. the Eleven Rack has it place... respectable sounds and lots of convenience. Just not something I would play for the fun of it.

I have not recorded to Pro Tools as the setup has given me some issues I have not figured out yet. Pro Tools sees the Eleven Rack, but does not "hear" it. I am sure I will get this resolved though and if not I know the guys at Sweetwater are there to help. I have only played through other amps and headphones. It does have some nice features that let you remove the amp, and cab and speaker effects and adjust levels.... So you can plug into monitors, various types of amps (tube, clean, dirry, etc) and adjust what does through without having to completely redo the effect setting. This is a very nice feature.

So... in conclusion... it is decent. Not great. Worth $700... maybe, but for me only for the recording and convenience factors. I won't be selling my other amps anytime soon. I was hoping this would prompt me to do that as I have way too many amps and cabs. I was hoping to hear some sounds that said "Go ahead and sell some of the bulky gear you've got laying around. I'll handle those needs for ya." But regrettably the Eleven Rack did not speak to me that way.

Pino M.
from Montreal
December 30, 2011Music Background:
Recording Engineer/Hobbyist

Better off with Gtr rig...

The clean gtrs sound good but once you get to the distortions thats when this is a huge let down. Bought it and sold it 2 weeks later, not recommended. If your looking for a way to record gtrs quick and easy for the same price you can get Native Komplete which included gtr rig which sounds WAY better. OR for 100$ you can stick a 57 infront of your cab and it will still sound better.

inSync Review

Karl Long
8-23-2010

Whether you're playing guitar in your bedroom or in a world-class studio, the Eleven Rack has the sound you're looking for. The Eleven Rack lets me get the range of tones I want without having to use a studio full of equipment. I can sit at my desk at home and make music that stands up against commercial recordings.

The number one benefit of the Eleven Rack is that it allows you to move at the speed of thought. The creative flow is unbelievable. You don't have to worry about writing down settings or setting up a separate DI box. Everything comes in the box. I can plug in my guitar, arm two tracks, and move on to the next track instantly. If I ever need to go back and redo a track, the settings are just two clicks away!

Being able to integrate this unit into my existing Pro Tools setup is a huge perk as well. It's great to run it through another interface, yet still be able to control it through software. However, you don't even need to plug it into the computer. It's great as a stand-alone practice or gigging unit as well. I know people who actually sold all their amps and now gig exclusively with the Eleven Rack!

Avid Pro Tools + Eleven Rack

Pro Tools Interface and Guitar Effects Unit with Pro Tools DAW Software and Eleven Rack Expansion Pack Bonus Content