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Why I hate guitar gear that requires software! – I don’t want anymore apps!
Introduction
Time for another rant post! (If you haven’t seen our last one, you can check it out here.) We’ve got something else bugging us, so we thought it was time for another rant article! This time, it’s about something I’m seeing more and more: guitar gear that requires software to function. And frankly, it’s starting to annoy me!
So, let’s dive into the issue—what it is, why it’s a problem, and why I think more people should be concerned about it. I also believe that companies should move away from this trend.
So, what’s the issue? Guitar gear software! What is it, and why do I hate it?
Why do I hate Gear software?
So, what’s the issue? It’s companies releasing products and gear that rely heavily—or even entirely—on external programs! I have a problem with this, but we’ll get into that shortly. To explain further, there are many products out there that you pay a medium to high price for, but to access 80% of the features, you’re forced to use some form of software. This could be an iPad app, a phone app, or even software on a computer.
More and more, we’re seeing products where their main selling points are locked behind an app or “external” program. Will the product work without it? Yes! But does it require software to make adjustments or function properly? Absolutely! Some examples of this are the ToneX pedals, many UAD pedals, the Spark amp lineup, and most digital or emulation products.
Now, to clarify, I don’t have an issue with products that use software built into the device itself (like most modelers), but we’ll touch on them later since they still have their flaws. However, what we’re really talking about here is guitar gear (mainly pedals) that requires software to handle basic functions!
Why Is This Bad?
Why is this bad? Well, as someone who has spent years in the tech business, surrounded by tech and software, I can tell you that updates and continued development are major concerns. If your product requires an iPhone app to function, you’d better hope that app is always available! What if it gets taken off the App Store? Or worse—I’ve seen this happen—what if Apple releases a new iOS update that causes your pedal’s app to crash and stop working? Suddenly, you’re left with a bricked device until a fix is rolled out. That’s not too bad if you’re jamming in your bedroom, but it’s a different story if you’re on tour!
Some of you might think I’m exaggerating, but just consider how many variables there are with software and hardware. The software could get corrupted, the input jack could fail, the operating system might stop supporting it, or—what’s most likely—the company could just stop developing updates. Eventually, the app disappears, and your pedal is useless.
"Both companies have a wide range of products across different sectors, so if one product isn’t selling, it’ll likely get axed, along with the app and/or software that supports it"
Doubting my Rant?
Think this won’t happen? When Apple released their Studio Display, they pushed out a software update that bricked the entire screen, making a £2000 display completely unusable. The only way to fix it was to send it back to Apple! And Apple is a trillion-dollar company. If you think your smaller pedal company won’t face issues, think again!
I think of companies like ToneX and Universal Audio. Their pedals rely heavily on software—computer software and iPhone apps. How long will they continue to develop these apps? Once the hype around their pedals dies down and sales drop, will they keep pouring money into software development? Who knows! Both companies have a wide range of products across different sectors, so if one product isn’t selling, it’ll likely get axed, along with the app and/or software that supports it.
My final gripe with software is a bit personal, but I know many players will relate. I just don’t like having to use it! I hate buying a product, only to be forced to download yet another app, give my details to another company, create another account, and learn how to use yet another app—sometimes for pedals from the same company! It gets annoying. I’m all for modern and digital gear, but not when it comes at the cost of endless apps and accounts! Or worse, buying an expensive pedal and being stuck with half-baked software to run it. If you’re going to force me to use software, at least make it good!
What’s the Fix?
Don’t rely on software! It’s that simple. I don’t hate the idea of software, but don’t make it essential for a device to function. You know who gets this right? Boss! Take a look at the Katana amp. You can plug it in and access a ton of features using the software, but you can also use the amp perfectly fine without ever connecting it to a computer. If the software disappears, you still have a fully functioning amp! Or take their ME Modeller range—powerful units that don’t rely on software to operate.
Recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to buy gear that doesn’t depend heavily on software. Most of the equipment I use—whether digital or analog—contains some software, but it only requires updates. This means that even if the company stops supporting the product or rolling out updates, the gear will still work! My advice is to be mindful when making purchases and ask yourself, “Will this product still work in five years?” or “Is there anything that could stop me from using it in the future?” If you can think of any reason the product might become unusable down the road, you’ll have to decide if it’s really worth buying.
Thankfully, I’m seeing more and more comments online from people noticing this trend—and not liking it! It’s encouraging to see. I think people are starting to get fed up with having to download and register apps just to use their gear. If we want to get really cynical, data breaches happen—even to large companies—so having to register your personal data just to use a reverb pedal, for example, might make some people uneasy!
Conclusion
So that was just a quick rant about the state of software in guitar products! I’d really like to see a shift away from relying so much on software, especially external software. I just don’t trust companies to maintain or update their software as quickly as it might need to be.
How do you feel about guitar gear and software? Do you enjoy it, hate it, or see it as a necessary evil to unlock certain features? Personally, I’d love to talk to a U.S. church performer. I know they use high-end pedals all the time, and it would be interesting to hear how they manage with pedals and software when performing several times a week!
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