I don't know if they are still in production but hardware existed for many years. I think they are currently more oriented to virtual instruments than processing tools like amp simulators.

Do a search on hardware vst players. you might have some luck ;)

Thanks for the tip, pcrecord. Getting good hits for this.

I don't know if this would be a route you'd want to go, but I've heard great things, from colleagues whom I respect, about iPads and iRigs, which allow you to load VST "stomp boxes" into the iPad - it even looks like a pedal board, but instead of your foot, you'd mount the ipad on a mic stand, and tap which stomp boxes you have loaded in with your finger. I'm sure there is a pedal board available to use as a remote for this as well, although I have no idea as to the cost.

The apps are cheap... in some cases, $4 per "stomp box" from manufacturers like IK Multimedia (Amplitube)...

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id373750924?mt=8

http://www.4pockets.com/iPad/stompbox.php

FWIW

It's great. But ... I need to run Guitar Rig 5 live.

Gotta have it. It's got my signature tone. Worked hard on it.

Well my friend, I believe you've answered your own question. "Gotta have it." = Gotta have a laptop.

Sorry, no free lunches.

I would go on to add, not only will you need a computer, maybe something like a Surface Pro that has a low profile, but a decent interface with a good analog out to go to the PA and a MIDI foot controller to switch your sim rigs, and a VST host (like Ableton Live).

Gonna be hard to find low a grade computer that will run these simulators. Just recording audio and some EQ/compression takes very little processing power. I run a live recording rig, 16 channels, on a very low end laptop with no issues, but all of the mixing I use a more powerful computer. Therefore, you will need a decent rig to get this all to work.

I only need to run one plugin - that's Guitar Rig 5.

I was thinking something dual-core Win7-64 with a stripped down OS install.

If I remember, Guitar Rig works in stand alone mode so you don't need a DAW to make it work.

Going back to the OP looking for a hardware solution to host vst effects, here is a few options : http://itchytastyre…

But John, I wonder if it wouldn't be cheaper and more stable to recreate your sound on a Line6 Pod HD or something similar
http://line6.com/po…

Yes, GR5 has a standalone module that gives all the functions. And that module has a "Hi quality" button I can click to turn on/off oversampling.

The title read VST, so I went with that thought. It should read, how to run an application ... It can run as a VST as well. You should do some research to see how well it performs on a dual core, if that is the only thing running, it probably wold be fine. The biggest issue that requires more research is latency.

I didn't read it all, but this might give you some useful information: https://www.native-…

Read that thread.

GR5 can run standalone, but there are some VST-players on the market in the EU. vPed is the one I was interested in:

http://www.virtones.com/

But I can't get it in the US. It would be perfect - stomp box format, runs VST plugins natively, connects with my studio computer as needed, etc.

That Line6 POD may be the answer. Live sound is expected to be different than studio sound anyway.

Line 6 POD has a really good reputation, very stable, plenty of preset storage, I think it will get you close to the sounds you want and a lot less hassle.