Virtual gear for real musicians / Here are some great new ways to rock out at home

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Guitar Rig 3: Kontrol Edition

Cnet rating: 8.3 out of 10

(excellent)

The good: This hardware and software system package turns your computing machine into the ultimate guitar amplifier for place recording and aspirant rockers. The included bicycle board Acts as a high-quality USB 2.0 computing machine sound card and Midi interface.

The bad: Requires a fast computer. Live performing artists might waver to swear a computer-dependent product on stage.

The price: $500

The underside line: If your guitar and your chops are getting dusty, Guitar Rig 3 Kontrol Edition is an outstanding manner to rekindle your psychotic beliefs of stone stardom. M-Audio Session Music Producer

Cnet rating: 6.7 out of 10 (good)

The good: An inexpensive, Mac/PC-compatible home recording bundle that includes a high-quality microphone and easy-to-use software.

The bad: The mike can be connected only over USB, and the included base makes not insulate against noise very well. The included PC-only software system will work only when the mike is connected and makes not export MP3 files.

The price: $100

The underside line: A one-stop solution for recording, redaction and producing recordings using an included microphone. An exceeding value for podcasters, budding instrumentalists and voice-over actors. Elizabeth Cady Stanton T.90 USB Turntable

Cnet rating: 7.3 out of 10

(very good)

The good: Have most of the characteristics DJs are looking for in a professional turntable. The USB recording mathematical function and bundled software system are easy to utilize and bring forth great results.

The bad: This turntable is overkill for users who simply desire to digitize their vinyl group collection, and it may not be professional adequate for others looking for cutting-edge features.

The price: $435

The underside line: Although it's not a one-size-fits-all product, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton T.90 turntable is a great tool for today's modern disk jockey - seamlessly bridging the human races of analogue and digital sound - and come ups bundled with two programs, Audacity and Cakewalk Pyro 5. Synesthesia Mandala USB Drum

Cnet rating: 7 out of 10

(very good)

The good: This system turns your computing machine into a professional-quality electronic beat rig for an low-cost price.

The bad: Ugly software system that's difficult to install; no criterion Midi jack.

The price: $350

The underside line: The Synesthesia Mandala USB beat is a serious piece of gear wheel meant to defy the asperities of a touring drummer. The Mandala is a merriment merchandise that is both physically and technically solid. However, the software system interface and installing issues necessitate work, so technophobes and those with museum-worthy computers should remain clear.

These Cnet staff contributed to this report: senior editor Donald Bell, senior associate editor Jasmine French Republic and senior characteristics editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more than reappraisals of personal technology, visit www.cnet.com.