USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick

April 1, 2014, Fort Wayne, Indiana – It’s a common problem among guitar players: a thin pick sounds best for rhythm strumming and funk. But a heavy pick works well for lead playing. A small teardrop pick facilitates virtuosic shredding, while a larger pick lets you dig in and get those fat blues tones. But who wants to carry a bunch of different picks to a gig or session – it’s a plectral nightmare, with all those picks weighing down your gig bag. Plus, how do you find the one you want when it’s time for your big solo?   For several generations, guitar players have struggled with this dilemma. But now, Sweetwater’s Research & Development Department, creators of such popular audio solutions as the Virtual Front Man, the Talent plug-in, the Guitar Racket, Minute Audio, and the Octaviser, has solved this problem with the announcement of their latest addition to the Sweetwater family of professional music tools, the USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick.   The USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick offers proprietary Plectrum Profile Emulations (PPE) of seven pick shapes, 10 pick weights (derived using cutting-edge PDX – Pick Depth eXamination), and 14 pick materials to provide modern guitarists the wide variety of plectral options required for performing and recording. “While other software and hardware products do a good job of emulating the tone and tuning of acoustic and electric guitars, they haven’t been able to capture the critical sound and feel of the pick,” said Sweetwater Executive Vice President of Marketing Michael Ross. “It’s amazing that this vital element of a guitarist’s sound hasn’t been addressed until now.” Onboard controls allow you to dial in the PPE pick shape of your choice; select among regular, sharp, teardrop, wedge, stubby, triangle, and even thumb. In addition, you can choose among PDX pick weights ranging from extra-light to extra-heavy. With USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick’s Advanced Materials & Density Modeling (AMDM), the specific tone and response you require can be dialed in. No longer are you limited to plain old plastic. AMDM supports True Vintage Tortoiseshell, High-Polymer Delrin, and more, including esoteric types such as stainless steel (brushed or glossy surfaces) and East Indian and Brazilian rosewood.   Craft the exact Plectrum Profile you want for your tone and touch – even choose different pick types for different musical styles – or Kross-Pick (TM) for exploring new horizons – want to use a country pick for death metal? With USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick Kross-Picking, it’s a breeze! And, for those playing in tribute bands, the USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick allows you to duplicate the plectrums of legendary players, finally achieving that last bit of true authenticity.   In MIDI mode, the Modeling Guitar Pick lets you choose merged output or route strumming and alternate picking to separate MIDI channels – or even split down picking and up picking. Built-in quantization options include Strict, Triplet, Swing, and Garage. For players who spend too much time with a metronome, there is also a Humanize option.   If you’re a shredder or mandolin player, there’s no need to be concerned with whether the USB HD Modeling Pick can keep up with your speed picking. Using USB 3.0, the pick can track up to 1,920 Picks Per Minute (800 PPM when connected via USB 2.0).   “The USB HD Modeling Pick does everything your pick can’t do,” explained Project Manager Ron Daniel. “It’s the only guitar pick that can be EVERY guitar pick in the world!” The included PlectrApp interface plug-in supports Mac and PC under VST3, MAS, and Audio Units formats, and gives complete access to all parameters, including pick orientation (tip, edge, inverted); right-handed or left-handed operation; Scale, Chord, Economy, or Sweep picking modes; and Pick Grip – thumb and index finger, thumb and middle finger, index and ring fingers; and more. An AAX version is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2014; 64-bit compatibility will be addressed in an upcoming free update.   The USB HD Modeling Pick comes complete with a stylish Pick Sack gig bag. (Pick Vault hardshell carrying case available for extra charge.) An optional accessories kit includes pick stand, pick hanger, pick polish, and specially voiced USB cable.   With the Sweetwater USB HD Modeling Guitar Pick, truly, the only limit is your imagination!   Related Article: Check out our roundup of great guitar picks!