Depending on which you choose, you’ll end up with several, or up to as many as 125, pre-loaded IRs. Neural DSP, for instance, includes what they call a ‘Cab Sim’ section in each of their amp simulators. Software amplifiers generally include IRs as well as a loader within the plugin itself. There are dozens of choices preloaded into the Axe-Fx. The ‘Cab’ block in the Axe-Fx, for example, is actually an impulse response. They all have built-in ways of loading impulse responses, and they also include their own. Modeling amps like the Kemper or Axe-FX are great examples of how you’d use an IR. Most IR manufacturers have some sort of standalone loader to use them. Whether you’ve purchased IRs or downloaded some free ones, you can then load them into any compatible hardware or software to make your tone. You can even make your own IRs should you feel so inclined. Lots of different companies, producers, and artists put out their own impulse responses which allow you to recreate their sound. Impulse responses are typically saved as generic WAV files.

Related: Blending Real Amps with Modelers and Cab Sims.

The idea is the same with guitar cabinet and microphone IRs an engineer can capture the sonic fingerprint of a physical rig and then reproduce it digitally. Taking an IR of actual acoustic environment, convolution reverb plugins then digitally recreate the sound of that space. Convolution reverbs have been using impulse responses for quite some time to generate their sounds.

In very general terms, an impulse response (IR) is the measurement of an output reacting to a short burst of input signal (the impulse). You can use them both for live shows and in the studio to retain the essential qualities of your tone. You can dial in the most scorching sound on the planet, and it will sound different 1) through various cabinets, and 2) on different mics with variable positioning.įrom a practical standpoint, impulse responses let you instantly recall your favorite speaker/mic/room combo.

Speaker cabinets and mic selection are the two biggest factors influencing your tone post-amplifier. But it is becoming increasingly popular for capturing the sound of a unique speaker cabinet, microphone, and room for guitar.īeyond your amp settings, there’s a whole lot more that affects your recorded tone. Collecting impulse responses isn’t necessarily new tech.

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