About IR – Impulse Response – CAB IR
The defact standard of audio engineering.
What is an impulse response?
Impulse response, commonly abbreviated as IR, is a data file that can be inserted into amp simulators, processors, cabinet simulators, etc. It is an essential tool for modern-day music production.
IR files are not limited to cabinet simulations. The file can also hold data of a room’s characteristic ambience according to the space’s unique acoustics, and was used conventionally to create reverbs of concert halls. Common guitar simulations such as Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, the FM series、Kemper, and the Neural DSP Quad Cortex also use IR.
Common guitar simulations such as Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, the FM series、Kemper, and the Neural DSP Quad Cortex also use IR.
Most IR data is a wave created from a noise burst from 0.2-1second long. This file holds the acoustic properties of the cabinet, microphone, positions, cables, and the room acoustics.
DYNAX IRs are all created from actual cabinets in a professional recording studio with our own recording method.
The details of our production method can be found in the link below:
Our IR files are used to recreate the effect of guitar cabinets. There are multiple ways to do this.
As Guitar Effectors
The IR loader hardware is connected to guitar amp line outs or after distortion or overdrive pedals on a pedal board to add acoustic effects. This method is used in live concerts or rehearsals when a physical amp is preferred. The hardware is typically connected directly from the line out to the PA system. It is also useful when the stage is too small to bring amps or when performing together only with a vocalist.
The products below are the IR loaders we have:
Strymon Iridium
Moore CABX2
Insertion of IR into multi-effector pedalboards
There are some exceptional multi-effector pedalboards nowadays, and many artists regardless of pro or amateur use them. The Fractal Audio, Ampero Ⅱ Stomp, Quad Cortex all have high-quality IR loaders built-in. From creating the main sound, then passing it through the IR up to making final tone adjustments, they can complete a track.
IR Loader Applications
There is plenty of software available, both free and paid. Whether for DAW plugins or standalone IR loaders, the main use is for remixing on DAW or reamping.
IR loaders and Guitar simulators using editor software can further edit the track after applying the IR (EQ, mic simulation, power amp modeling, etc.). Of course, the tracks can be saved and are loadable, thus very useful when adding an instrument or re-recording parts of the track. We have more detailed uses in the link below.
>> About IR Use
