If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful iPhone-based guitar rig, the combination of the Line 6 SonicPort interface and Nembrini Audio Live Rig software—especially with the MP1 Amp model—is a solid choice.
Hardware: Line 6 SonicPort
The SonicPort remains one of the best low-latency audio interfaces for iOS users. It connects via Lightning, ensuring a direct digital signal without the noise or interference common in analog adapters. The sound quality is crisp, with 24-bit/48kHz conversion, and it handles both guitar and line-level signals well. However, its lack of a gain control knob might be a downside for some users who want on-the-fly adjustments.
Software: Nembrini Audio Live Rig
Nembrini Audio has built a strong reputation for high-quality amp modeling, and Live Rig continues that trend. It’s designed as a plugin host and virtual pedalboard, letting you load multiple Nembrini amp sims, cabinets, and effects. The UI is simple and intuitive, making it easy to swap amps and tweak settings without getting lost in menus. Latency is impressively low, making it viable for live performance.
MP1 Amp Model – A Classic Shred Machine
The MP1 amp model in Nembrini Live Rig is based on the legendary ADA MP-1, a late-‘80s preamp famous for its high-gain, tube-like saturation. It’s tight, articulate, and perfect for shredders, with a smooth, singing lead tone that nails that classic hair metal and early thrash sound. Paired with the right IR (Impulse Response), it can also do modern high-gain tones surprisingly well. The parametric EQ section is key to dialing in the right tone, just like the original hardware unit.
Performance & Verdict
Running this rig on an iPhone (especially a newer model with plenty of processing power) delivers excellent sound quality with low latency. The biggest advantage is portability—you can have a pro-level guitar rig that fits in your pocket. However, battery drain can be an issue, so a powered hub or an external battery pack might be necessary for long sessions.
Pros:
High-quality amp modeling (MP1 sounds fantastic)
Low-latency performance with SonicPort
Portable and easy to use
Flexible plugin host for future expansion
Cons:
No gain control on SonicPort
iPhone battery drains quickly with extended use
Requires external IRs for best cab tones
Final Rating: 9/10
If you need a pro-level, mobile-friendly guitar rig, this setup delivers. Whether you’re practicing, recording, or even playing live, it offers studio-quality tones in an incredibly compact package.