Waves GTR3

I bought this as recording my guitar direct to my DAW (Ableton 10) sounded too flat and dry and this was a cost effective way to introduce different amp and effects flavours when I don't have time to set up a mic or pedal-board and just want to record some ideas.

The amp sounds and the stompbox varieties are useful but lack subtlety I find - they're very distinct sounds and it's hard to dial in the nuances you might be able to with a real amp - that said it's a great plugin with an easy interface and can add some really useful textures within the mix.

I recommend it if you're starting out but appreciate that there are likely better options for the more experienced.

I've been playing for 50 years and have used several well known amps and with my vintage Strat. For home recording I've used amps and amp sim devices but recently I noticed GTR3 software was selling very cheap and decided I'd didn't have much to lose. I was looking classic rock and blues tones, think Ritchie Blackmore on Machine Head. GTR3 doesn't seem to do so well in reviews compared to it's more expensive competitors, but there's good amp tones to be had. It does take work though, especially if you have specific sounds in your head to replicate. There's enough amps and pedals included to cover most requirements. I've found all software amp sims can sound tinny and scratchy but adding the GTR3 EQ pedal with it's mid-boot preset before the amp fixed that. I also tried adding it before the free versions of Revalver4 and Amplitude 5 with the same results. In fact I also managed to get near identical Marshall amp sounds to those two in GTR3 (and for a lot less money!).
By mixing two amps in stereo mode unique amps sounds are also possible. A lot can be achieved, read the short manuals to get the most out of it.