YouTube user, Cristian Jopia, had the original idea of creating a “VST pedalboard.” In the video we can see what appears to be a touch screen coupled with a Lenovo ThinkCentre mini PC (featuring 8GB ram and a Core i5.) A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is responsible for the audio processing, and a MeloAudio MIDI commander is used to control the software.
It would seem that Cristian has set up Reaper to act as a MIDI switcher, instantiating several VST’s like Guitar Rig and Bias FX and then changing between them with the MIDI commander foot pedal.
I think it sounds relatively okay, but not brilliant. The weak point is most likely the Focusrite interface, which doesn’t offer the same sound quality as some of the more expensive models. Also consider how Tim Pierce uses digital modelling – he combines it with an already gained up amp. This will probably achieve better sound results than what we are currently hearing in the video.
Cristian replied to a comment left on the video, stating: “I have the Headrush, the POD HD500x and an analog pedalboard, but something made by your own hands always has more value. I encourage you to go beyond what the market offers you.”
