Impulse response cabs

[strangedays]

ive been digging recently now I have my head around things a bit more and noticed specially on the Andy Sneap forums a lot about Impulse responses on guitar amps and cabs, whats your view on them, whats wrong with them and whats you suggestions?


My first views are impressive, even though I would love to use the real amps, they sound pretty impressive.

[Audio~Geek]

They help a lot. I find I need a couple notch filters after them sometimes though.

What's wrong with them is that it's a static 'image' of the speaker at one level. It doesn't react to dynamics the same way a real cab does.

It's a great tool to have available if you don't have a lot of options for amps. It doesn't cost anything.

I run the impulses in TL Space.

Outside of Metal I don't think they're used much.

[meLoCo_go]

I find I need a couple notch filters after them sometimes though.
Not unlike cabinets, especially if you didn't have a shot recording them to your liking?

What's wrong with them is that it's a static 'image' of the speaker at one level. It doesn't react to dynamics the same way a real cab does.
Exactly!

It's a great tool to have available if you don't have a lot of options for amps. It doesn't cost anything.
Unless you use Waves IR-1 to run them)))

Outside of Metal I don't think they're used much.
Maybe because there's too much bedroom wankers in metal:lol:

Won't say that, impulse modelled cabs are parts of many respected clownf*cking software suites which I think are used a lot beyond metal (because, honestly, I believe most software sucks when it comes to gain required for metal).

[strangedays]

Metal music is always after consistancy, with most of the "human" element provided by the drummer (which is why adding programmed drums seems to be the worst thing you can do in my view). So impulses can help ive found.


But as Ive found you have to find a way to keep some of it dynamic and human sounding and if you use programmed drums then recording your own amp seems almost necessary -of course this depends on what you want at the end of it, im sure some stuff justs needs to sound 100% consistant.

not sure if its my use of impulses though or whether some of them are just badly done as I find I can get phase issues specially when adding room reverb.

[otek]

Metal music is always after consistancy, with most of the "human" element provided by the drummer (which is why adding programmed drums seems to be the worst thing you can do in my view).

I disagree with this on two levels.

a) Consistency does not equal lifelessness.

b) Whereas programming will always be a step down from human performance in terms of "organic" feel, it is not inherently worse to program drums than anything else. I'd rather have programmed drums than programmed guitars.

not sure if its my use of impulses though or whether some of them are just badly done as I find I can get phase issues specially when adding room reverb.

There is no reason why you should get phase issues from impulses when adding room reverb. Check your reverb return, make sure it is set to 100% wet.

As for the notch filters on cabinet simulations, I find there are mainly two types of problems on guitar cabs frequently addressed by notch filters: violent low end bumps near the resonant frequency of the cabinet, and phase anomalies inside the cone from bad mic placement.


otek

[Knastratt]

My cabs are kinda static as well, except for that one time they ran off to Mexico for a three day fiesta. I can assure you they're never gonna do THAT again.

I use them from time to time with my DI track. Don't think of them as REPLACING actual gear but COMPLEMENTING.

Here's a clue to engineering. As the cupped crusader probably would express in a way simpler and eloquent way: "Tools are tools. If they get the job done and you appreciate the sonic result - use them."

YMMVWV - Knas

[strangedays]

My cabs are kinda static as well, except for that one time they ran off to Mexico for a three day fiesta. I can assure you they're never gonna do THAT again.

I use them from time to time with my DI track. Don't think of them as REPLACING actual gear but COMPLEMENTING.

Here's a clue to engineering. As the cupped crusader probably would express in a way simpler and eloquent way: "Tools are tools. If they get the job done and you appreciate the sonic result - use them."

YMMVWV - Knas


I wonder if its when you know and understand the sonic results you're getting that you are for all intents and purposes an AE (im sure many will either challenge or add to this- please do)

I feel like im currently on the tip of the iceberg of getting into a real exciting side of things..... in terms of finally realising I can do what I want using my ears as a guide...

[eagan]

If you like the way something sounds, use it.

If you don't like the way it sounds, don't use it.

I think this theme has come up before. It's really not complicated.


JLE

[strangedays]

I know how right you are Eagan...

the difficulty is learning to trust your ears.. that seemed a lot harder than it should have been for some reason.

[Ashley Smith]

http://recabi.net/site/

^ = Awesome!!!!

[Saculus]

On Friday the website below is releasing a freeware set of preamps, impulses, and DI tools based on Soldano amps.
http://acmebargig.com/
A skinner also has a multitude of preamps and FX emulators including some included in the package above.
http://requietus.blogspot.com/

[shhpeaceful]

Just out of curiosity, how do you use these things?

For instance, I use Space Designer in Logic. Do you load an instance of the plug-in as an insert, call up the IR and set the mix for 100% wet signal?

[Audio~Geek]

That's pretty much it. Works great.

[billy_gimp]

What's wrong with them is that it's a static 'image' of the speaker at one level. It doesn't react to dynamics the same way a real cab does.

.

I wonder if this could be remedied. Perhaps if the impulse you sent through the cab to be used was a cresendo like sweep or something of pink/white noise... and then have a IR plugin be able to match the dynamic range according to the dynamic of the input source it reads...

I'm just thinking about it. that's all :Confused: