People report good results with the AxeFx rigs. If you just want "interesting noises" the VST plugin FuncShaper from Met-RS works great for adding distortion.

People report good results with the AxeFx rigs. If you just want "interesting noises" the VST plugin FuncShaper from Met-RS works great for adding distortion. It's a lifesaver on direct bass tracks. Pipe that thru a convolution of a good impulse response from a nice amp and you can't tell the difference easily.