Eventually, this was bound to happen. We have seen traditional hardware companies in the musical instruments space trying to add software options for its stompbox effects pedals, or adding mobile apps to expand control, recording, or simply to offer additional processing capabilities. Meanwhile, leading software companies such as Positive Grid have long been bridging guitars and amplifiers with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, and the studio recording world, earning respect for its leading technology that is fusing the analog and digital worlds.
The California-based company was established by a small team of engineers and musicians and was originally focused on innovations of methods to learn and make music. Early products gave the company an head-start in the mobile app space, allowing Positive Grid to understand that there were no limits to what software houses can do for the hardware of an iPad or iPhone, while on the other hand, serious studio production could gain from using the same tools and technology on a desktop environment, maintaining interoperability with the mobile apps. That’s why they designed the original - and extremely successful - BIAS Desktop software for MacOS and Windows, back in 2014.
The company's range of interactive software products paved the way to current methods to create, record and share music. From the BIAS line of guitar processing software and apps, to the award-winning Spark smart practice amp and beyond, Positive Grid's current portfolio features some of the most advanced guitar technology solutions available.
Designed as a portable "creation station" the new RIFF is essentially a compact USB audio interface for guitarists, compatible with Mac, PC and iOS devices. Connected to a computer or mobile device, the device becomes the physical extension of a complete music creation and recording system. BIAS FX 2 works as a standalone guitar effects processing app that still generates all the qualities of the best analog gear in existence. It's also a convenient approach to jamming, practice and recording at home or on the go.
Design-wise the RIFF is minimalistic, combining a large, backlit, numeric display with IN/OUT meter and 3-color clipping indicator, a customizable control knob and onboard presets, in a portable package. Built with a sturdy metal chassis to withstand the rigors of the road, RIFF is USB powered and houses a 1/4" jack input that works as a high-headroom DI for instruments or stereo line level, with a 1/4" mono out for amplification, and a 1/8" headphones jack.
When connected to a guitar, musicians can immediately enjoy complete control of their sound and workflow with the deep integration with Positive Grid’s BIAS FX 2 software, for access to thousands of customizable guitar tones, plus an included recording and effects software bundle.
The large, customizable control knob provides instant, fingertip access to all functions. And RIFF is optimized for use with electric, acoustic and bass guitars managing latency depending of the application. The TONE mode allows players to enhance their sound with three legendary preamp and overdrive emulations to easily add warmth, classic analog boost, or beefed-up overdrive, while DIRECT mode allows for high resolution, zero latency practicing, jamming and recording.
Offering deep integration with Positive Grid’s BIAS FX 2 amp and effects software, RIFF takes full advantage of the powerful modeling and processing features found in BIAS. Plus, its control knob can be used to customize functions, access the onboard presets for tone shaping, and quickly change a variety of BIAS FX 2 presets, scenes and other settings. For immediate musical inspiration, RIFF comes bundled with BIAS FX 2 LE software, and a free copy of PreSonus Studio One Prime recording software.
The compact RIFF audio interface and music creation rig is currently available starting at $99 USD, which includes BIAS FX2 Standard software with 30 amps, 43 effects, 70 factory presets, 4 guitar emulations, looper/backing track player, plus access to 50,000 presets on ToneCloud. Multiple colors and software upgrade options are also available.
www.positivegrid.com/RIFF
