I upgraded GR1 to Gr2 6 months or so ago.
I don't use the outboard GR2 foot pedal or that soundcard, I still use the GR1 foot pedal just to switch things and for a wah/volume/parameters pedal.
I use an SB Audigy Platinum sound card and an external M-Audio firewire solo card. I get and get zero noise and 2ms latency with my sound cards.
I have recorded many tunes using Guitar Rig, it is the ultimate Guitar studiio tool. Not just for the amp tines but the multitude of effects are awesome too.
I have made everything from Camel belching noises to space ship sound effects using GR and my guitar.
The only real competitor to GR that I know of is Amplitube. A pod is not even close to having all the features and so I don't put them in the same category.
The only con I have is that Native Instruments is very lacking in customer service. Not that I need any service but people on the official GR2 forum always complain about NI.
Here's a link to the GR forum
Guitar Rig forum
