Cab Impulse Response Megathread

[NoiseNinja]

I used a Dr. Bonkers IR file with the NUX Solid Studio I.R. & Poweramp Simulator for a short period in my "ampless" setup, and while that did sound great and that I can warmly recommend both Dr. Bonkers IR files and the NUX (which use about double the IR resolution as any other IR based cab sim in it's price range,as well as some higher end ones too), I eventually settled with a simpler, less detailed, but by that also less intrusive, faux EQ based cab sim, doubling as all the EQ I need, that I with some trial and error dialed in using an always on patch on my Zoom MS-70CDR consisting of 6 of the bass specific fully parametric 2 band equalizer, and then going into my Art Tube MP Project Series tube preamp with it's HPF, which is fixed at 40Hz, activated, as the 2 very last units in my setup before going into the poweramp/full range cab or PA.


The EQ/faux cab sim I use looking like this :

The BassParaEQ on the Zoom MS-70CDR:¨

[Freq=40Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=63Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=200Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=250Hz Q=1 Boost=+2dB] ; [Freq=300Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=400Hz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1kHz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1.2kHz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=4.5kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-2dB] ; [Freq=10kHz Q=1 Cut=-20dB] ; [Freq=20kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-20 dB]

+

Art Tube MP Project Series:

[HPF=40Hz]

 

[NoiseNinja]

I used a Dr. Bonkers IR file with the NUX Solid Studio I.R. & Poweramp Simulator for a short period in my "ampless" setup, and while that did sound great and that I can warmly recommend both Dr. Bonkers IR files and the NUX (which use about double the IR resolution as any other IR based cab sim in it's price range,as well as some higher end ones too), I eventually settled with a simpler, less detailed, but by that also less intrusive, faux EQ based cab sim, doubling as all the EQ I need, that I with some trial and error dialed in using an always on patch on my Zoom MS-70CDR consisting of 6 of the bass specific fully parametric 2 band equalizer, and then going into my Art Tube MP Project Series tube preamp with it's HPF, which is fixed at 40Hz, activated, as the 2 very last units in my setup before going into the poweramp/full range cab or PA.


The EQ/faux cab sim I use looking like this :

The BassParaEQ on the Zoom MS-70CDR:¨

[Freq=40Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=63Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=200Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=250Hz Q=1 Boost=+2dB] ; [Freq=300Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=400Hz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1kHz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1.2kHz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=4.5kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-2dB] ; [Freq=10kHz Q=1 Cut=-20dB] ; [Freq=20kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-20 dB]

+

Art Tube MP Project Series:

[HPF=40Hz]

Just fine tuned my EQ slightly, so it now looks like this in written form:

The BassParaEQ on the Zoom MS-70CDR:¨

[Freq=40Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=63Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=200Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=250Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=250Hz Q=1 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=300Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=400Hz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1kHz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1.2kHz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=4.5kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-2dB] ; [Freq=10kHz Q=1 Cut=-20dB] ; [Freq=20kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-20 dB]

+

Art Tube MP Project Series:

[HPF=40Hz]


The change resulting in a bit more focused and slightly more punchy tone.

 

[_HunterB_]

Thanks for the help with the Ampeg IRs. I downloaded the shift line pack and I really couldn’t be happier. Did some A/Bing with the videos on ampeg YouTube channel and I’m finally getting the sound I’ve been chasing

 

[dr bonkers]

Question to @dr bonkers :

Why do you only used strongely voiced mic's and someone actually playing bass when generating your samples?
I can understand the appeal for recording work.

But to run the cab model live, wouldn't it be better to send a clean chirp through a solid state amp into the cab and record that with a calibrated measuring mic, like cab builders do when evaluating actual performance vs software models, and generate the IR from that?

I am not sure I am understanding the questions being posed.

What makes you think that I don't use frequency sweeps to make the IR files? I do use two lengths of sweep as documented on every product page on my site.

I explained the answers to many of your questions, both in my FAQ page and Why Dr Bonkers? pages if you click on the grey tabs on both pages.

 

[OldogNewTrick]

I am not sure I am understanding the questions being posed.
What makes you think that I don't use frequency sweeps to make the IR files? I do use two lengths of sweep as documented on every product page on my site.
I explained the answers to many of your questions, both in my FAQ page and Why Dr Bonkers? pages if you click on the grey tabs on both pages.

Please don't be offended by my question.

I have purchesed several cab packs (wav pack) from you. This file was included "Please Read Before Using Presets.pdf" - There ist says:
Dr Bonkers Bass Cab Classics
Volume 11: AGI2 8X10 Bass Cabinet IR
Collection
A note before using the presets:
Please note that all presets were built using stock electronics examples of a 1980
Rickenbacker 4003 bass, a 1973 Gibson Triumph Les Paul Bass, and a 2017
Fender Squier VM Jaguar SS. Basses were tuned both to standard tuning and drop-
D tuning when creating the presets that were matched with the cabinet mixes.


Coming back to my question.
You describe your selection of mics that you use very well. All of theme are highly respected in the recording studio for their voicing.
None of them would be considered for evaluating the response of a cab in the engineering process of a cab builder / manufacturer where a flat frequency response for the measuring microphone is paramount. A good example would be the beyerdynamics MM1.

A chirp recorded by a flat response measuring mic might not be to the taste of a recording engineer/producer but should be the most neutral representation of what that cab sounds like when loading the IR into a pedal for live use.

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

Yeah .. no

 

[dr bonkers]

Please don't be offended by my question.

I have purchesed several cab packs (wav pack) from you. This file was included "Please Read Before Using Presets.pdf" - There ist says:
Dr Bonkers Bass Cab Classics
Volume 11: AGI2 8X10 Bass Cabinet IR
Collection
A note before using the presets:
Please note that all presets were built using stock electronics examples of a 1980
Rickenbacker 4003 bass, a 1973 Gibson Triumph Les Paul Bass, and a 2017
Fender Squier VM Jaguar SS. Basses were tuned both to standard tuning and drop-
D tuning when creating the presets that were matched with the cabinet mixes.


Coming back to my question.
You describe your selection of mics that you use very well. All of theme are highly respected in the recording studio for their voicing.
None of them would be considered for evaluating the response of a cab in the engineering process of a cab builder / manufacturer where a flat frequency response for the measuring microphone is paramount. A good example would be the beyerdynamics MM1.

A chirp recorded by a flat response measuring mic might not be to the taste of a recording engineer/producer but should be the most neutral representation of what that cab sounds like when loading the IR into a pedal for live use.

I was just generally curious about your questions, but now I see where things became a little confused. Let me try to clarify things.

The document that you quote is for the Fractal Audio Presets that are included in some versions of the cab packs. Since the presets include amp sims setup for guitar or bass along with drive pedal, delay, pitch, and modulation effects, one needs to test them out using a variety of instrument pickup combinations to ensure a pleasant starting point for a user. You can't use a frequency sweep to accomplish that work.

I do use both 200ms and 500ms frequency sweeps for all the single mic impulse response file creation process. The HypeReal and Choice mixes use the 500ms frequency sweep source audio to create them, as the bass response seems more true to the real cabs when I compare them. Most hardware and software truncate the length of the mixes as needed, so there is no real concern with the mixes being too lengthy.

Why I don't use test measurement mics (other than an Earthworks TC20 in the most recent cab packs) is because most of the sounds that people heard recorded or in live performance use either the mics that I selected or tonal variations of them. Not many popular recordings or touring performances used test measurement mics to create the cab sounds, so using measurement mics really does not interest me to archive the sounds of cabinets in a way that most people never experience them anyways. There's other IR providers in the marketplace that use such mics and do a good job with that philosophical point of view.

As a business, I need to focus on what excites me both as a player and a recording engineer, rather than pursuing every trend in the industry or idea that users have.

 

[jcburn]

Guys I've just spent some time with the Seacow Cabs Darkglass 410 IR pack and it's really quite good.
I see it as split in 2 halves - divided by the preamp used. The Neve IRs are very mid focused and bright. The API IRs are a lot smoother, maybe a tad mid scooped but I can use both. The former for more aggressive tone, the latter for more general usage.
And then on top of that are some great mic options....EV RE20, Neumann U89i, Beyerdynamic M160, SM57 just to name a few.
I'm really digging the diverse tone but they are all very authentic and "amplike".
Each mics set of IRs is split A, B and C for bright, standard and dark. You then get 10 positions to choose from.
Great stuff.

 

[NoiseNinja]

I used a Dr. Bonkers IR file with the NUX Solid Studio I.R. & Poweramp Simulator for a short period in my "ampless" setup, and while that did sound great and that I can warmly recommend both Dr. Bonkers IR files and the NUX (which use about double the IR resolution as any other IR based cab sim in it's price range,as well as some higher end ones too), I eventually settled with a simpler, less detailed, but by that also less intrusive, faux EQ based cab sim, doubling as all the EQ I need, that I with some trial and error dialed in using an always on patch on my Zoom MS-70CDR consisting of 6 of the bass specific fully parametric 2 band equalizer, and then going into my Art Tube MP Project Series tube preamp with it's HPF, which is fixed at 40Hz, activated, as the 2 very last units in my setup before going into the poweramp/full range cab or PA.


The EQ/faux cab sim I use looking like this :

The BassParaEQ on the Zoom MS-70CDR:¨

[Freq=40Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=63Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=200Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=250Hz Q=1 Boost=+2dB] ; [Freq=300Hz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=400Hz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1kHz Q=4 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=1.2kHz Q=2 Boost=+1dB] ; [Freq=4.5kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-2dB] ; [Freq=10kHz Q=1 Cut=-20dB] ; [Freq=20kHz Q=0.5 Cut=-20 dB]

+

Art Tube MP Project Series:

[HPF=40Hz]

So I experimented as bit with using my new Zoom B1 Four instead of the MS-70CDR, however doing so I was forced to simplify the EQ of my faux, EQ based, cab sim, as the B1 Four has max 5 effects per patch versus the MS-70CDR's 6, and that the parametric equalizer model in the B1 Four only got 1 band versus the MS-70CDR's 2.

On the other hand the parametric equalizer model in the B1 Four allows for Q adjustments down to 0.1 and a boost/cut frequency down to +/- 0.5, so you can dial it in a bit more precise.

However it was a huge success, overall making for a clearer and more well defined and articulated, but at the same time even more snappy and aggressive tone than before.


So my basic "clean" tone consists of this now ([bold blue underlined text] = faux, EQ based, cab sim) :

4 string 28,6" scale Ibanez GSRM20 neck + GSRM20B body Mikro Bass (equipped with a DiMarzio Model P, P pickup, wired directly to the output jack socket, and strung with gauge .95 - .75 - .55 - .40 D'Addario XL nickle roundwound steel core strings, tuned in F# standard tuning, 2 half steps above regular 4 string bass E standard tuning) ->>

->> Boss LS-2 [A+B Mix <-> Bypass] (always on, parallel effect loops mixer/switch) ={ [Loop A Send] ->> Joyo Orange Juice (always on low gain overdrive, really primarily used to enhance harmonic content, [Tone] set at about 11 o'clock (regular LPF/HPF tone control), [Voice] set to boost a wide curve around a 800Hz center frequency about +3dB pre gain stage, always mixed with the clean {bass+octave up} signal from parallel effects [Loop B])) ->> [Loop A Return] ->||<- [Loop B Send] ->> (empty effects loop used as clean {bass+octave up} signal blend for the Orange Juice overdrive in parallel effects loop [Loop A]) ->> [Loop B Return] ([Loop A] + [Loop B] mixed at an about 55/45 ratio) }=>>

->> Zoom G1Xon (always on parametric equalizer set to : [Freq=250Hz Q=1 Boost=+2dB])

->> Zoom B1 Four (always on parametric EQ, subtle spring reverb, and faux, EQ based, cab sim, set as follows : [Freq=63Hz Q=3.7 Boost=+1dB] -> [Freq=2kHz Q=0.7 Boost=+1.5dB] -> [subtle spring reverb] -> [Freq=10kHz Q=1 Cut=-19dB] -> [LPF : Freq=3.6kHz Slope=-11dB/Oct])

->> Art Tube MP Project Series (tube preamp with [HPF=40Hz])


Using the parametric equalizer VST in Reaper (my preferred DAW) I attempted a graphic representation of this faux, EQ based, cab sim (not including the Orange Juice mixed with clean signal, as I really don't have enough data on how that would actually effect the EQ, but I guess you could at least imagine a broad curve around the 800Hz center frequency being boosted just about 1.5dB as well), which looks something like this :

A more or less qualified guess on how it might look with the Orange Juice included (though in reality the Orange Juice would also effect the treble frequency spectrum slightly, boosting it a bit) :

 

[JKos]

@NoiseNinja ,
You could run a sweep through your setup and see what you really have for overall EQ.

- John

 

[jcburn]

So I experimented as bit with using my new Zoom B1 Four instead of the MS-70CDR, however doing so I was forced to simplify the EQ of my faux, EQ based, cab sim, as the B1 Four has max 5 effects per patch versus the MS-70CDR's 6, and that the parametric equalizer model in the B1 Four only got 1 band versus the MS-70CDR's 2.

On the other hand the parametric equalizer model in the B1 Four allows for Q adjustments down to 0.1 and a boost/cut frequency down to +/- 0.5, so you can dial it in a bit more precise.

However it was a huge success, overall making for a clearer and more well defined and articulated, but at the same time even more snappy and aggressive tone than before.


So my basic "clean" tone consists of this now ([bold blue underlined text] = faux, EQ based, cab sim) :

4 string 28,6" scale Ibanez GSRM20 neck + GSRM20B body Mikro Bass (equipped with a DiMarzio Model P, P pickup, wired directly to the output jack socket, and strung with gauge .95 - .75 - .55 - .40 D'Addario XL nickle roundwound steel core strings, tuned in F# standard tuning, 2 half steps above regular 4 string bass E standard tuning) ->>

->> Boss LS-2 [A+B Mix <-> Bypass] (always on, parallel effect loops mixer/switch) ={ [Loop A Send] ->> Joyo Orange Juice (always on low gain overdrive, really primarily used to enhance harmonic content, [Tone] set at about 11 o'clock (regular LPF/HPF tone control), [Voice] set to boost a wide curve around a 800Hz center frequency about +3dB pre gain stage, always mixed with the clean {bass+octave up} signal from parallel effects [Loop B])) ->> [Loop A Return] ->||<- [Loop B Send] ->> (empty effects loop used as clean {bass+octave up} signal blend for the Orange Juice overdrive in parallel effects loop [Loop A]) ->> [Loop B Return] ([Loop A] + [Loop B] mixed at an about 55/45 ratio) }=>>

->> Zoom G1Xon (always on parametric equalizer set to : [Freq=250Hz Q=1 Boost=+2dB])

->> Zoom B1 Four (always on parametric EQ, subtle spring reverb, and faux, EQ based, cab sim, set as follows : [Freq=63Hz Q=3.7 Boost=+1dB] -> [Freq=2kHz Q=0.7 Boost=+1.5dB] -> [subtle spring reverb] -> [Freq=10kHz Q=1 Cut=-19dB] -> [LPF : Freq=3.6kHz Slope=-11dB/Oct])

->> Art Tube MP Project Series (tube preamp with [HPF=40Hz])


Using the parametric equalizer VST in Reaper (my preferred DAW) I attempted a graphic representation of this faux, EQ based, cab sim (not including the Orange Juice mixed with clean signal, as I really don't have enough data on how that would actually effect the EQ, but I guess you could at least imagine a broad curve around the 800Hz center frequency being boosted just about 1.5dB as well), which looks something like this :
View attachment 4199532

A more or less qualified guess on how it might look with the Orange Juice included (though in reality the Orange Juice would also effect the treble frequency spectrum slightly, boosting it a bit) :
View attachment 4199580

Any chance of sound clips of this set up man?

 

[Roxbororob]

If anyone here is in the NY or NJ area and has the Acoustic 361/371 cab with the original Cerwin Vega 18 inch in good condition, please PM me. I would love to rent it from you to do captures.

Hi Doc. I just saw the promo come out for your IR Files Cab Pack Tribute to Acoustic 301 and snatched up a copy right away.

I have one but I’m too far away to lend you mine and am too amateur to make my own files. Besides yours are great.

Edit for typos

Thanks!

 

[Hypocrite]

I'm still Jonesing for some kind of Ashdown ABM 10 inch IR (410/610/810). I realise most don't think of Ashdown cabs as "classic", but I find their live tone to be balanced, not hyped low end, no mid scoop, and nice (if slightly tamed) highs. I really like these cabs (the 610 and 810 are sealed and tweeterless and sound grand).
I'm still really digging this thread. I think my next journey with Dr. Bonkers will be around the Aggie 810 and 412.
My favourite IRs are still the Redwirez DB115 and the Shiftline Sunn 215 i think as simply plug and play with no extra EQ needed.

I feel you, my Ashdown MAG 4x10 is one of the best cabs I've ever played through, especially with some dirty Darkglass distortion. Tight, solid low end, punchy and consistent mids, and a snarling, clanking top end perfect for my metal needs.

Have you found any IR, or even a blend of two, that get close to that Ashdown sound?

 

[jcburn]

I feel you, my Ashdown MAG 4x10 is one of the best cabs I've ever played through, especially with some dirty Darkglass distortion. Tight, solid low end, punchy and consistent mids, and a snarling, clanking top end perfect for my metal needs.

Have you found any IR, or even a blend of two, that get close to that Ashdown sound?

I haven't mate. Maybe the closest is one of the experimental Shiftline IRs (the EV EFM12 sounds kinda close, but has a lot more in the treble response.....maybe a Redwirez DB115 with an EV RE20 mic 2-3 inches back on the cone?).
I'm happy with the IR files I have, I'd just like there to be an official set of files representing the Ashdown 10 inch blueline drivers. Plenty of rock guys use this cab, it just doesn't seem to get much kudos.

 

[Hypocrite]

I haven't mate. Maybe the closest is one of the experimental Shiftline IRs (the EV EFM12 sounds kinda close, but has a lot more in the treble response.....maybe a Redwirez DB115 with an EV RE20 mic 2-3 inches back on the cone?).
I'm happy with the IR files I have, I'd just like there to be an official set of files representing the Ashdown 10 inch blueline drivers. Plenty of rock guys use this cab, it just doesn't seem to get much kudos.

Cheers, the EV from the Shiftline pack is actually one of my preferred IR's at the moment, especially blended with the Mesa 215.
If push comes to shove I might just borrow some mics and make my own Ashdown IR

 

[claudel]

Hi Doc. I just saw the promo come out for your IR Files Cab Pack Tribute to Acoustic 301 and snatched up a copy right away.

I have one but I’m too far away to lend you mine and am too amateur to make my own files. Besides yours are great.

Edit for typos

Thanks!

I'm a sucker for 18" cab grabs and there are at least a few really good ones in this pack.

 

[drnct]

I feel you, my Ashdown MAG 4x10 is one of the best cabs I've ever played through, especially with some dirty Darkglass distortion...
...Have you found any IR, or even a blend of two, that get close to that Ashdown sound?

There are some Ashdown MAG 4x10 IRs here, haven't tried them out yet:
Soundwoofer - Impulse Response Library

 

[jcburn]

There are some Ashdown MAG 4x10 IRs here, haven't tried them out yet:
Soundwoofer - Impulse Response Library

Appreciate the heads up man. I've tried a bunch of IRs from that link and noine of them sounded very authentic or "cab-like" to me.
And I would like Ashdown ABM cab IRs specifically. The ABM series and MAG series sound quite different.
Sounds like I've replied just to shoot you down - that's not the case!!

Edit - there is an Ashdown ABM 115 + 210 cab IR on there but it sounded weird to me when I tried it.

 

[jcburn]

Just thought I'd report - I'm definitely settled for a vintage overdriven P bass sound. As a bit of context below I'll add a pic of my signal chain - it is fairly basic;
Bass - tuner - EBS Billy Sheehan Deluxe (provides mild low-mid growly overdrive and enough compression to smooth very loud spikes and make the front end of each note attack punch a little more) - Darkglass B7K (literally to add a little EQ, I don't dig the overdrive) - Shiftline Cabzone X for cabinet emulation.

The bass is a P bass with EMG Geezer Butler pickup - volume and tone. Tone rolled off to maybe 60-70%

The best cab IRs I have found are the following, which give some old school thump, tamed top end (but not dull) and enough overdrive to provide low mid growl and just a bit added harmonic content to give the attack of each note some crunch.

Redwirez Aguilar DB115 mic'd with a U47FET 3 inches back, cap/cone edge
Dr. Bonkers SULA 215 (Choice mix Avantone CV12/Avantone CV12)
Dr. Bonkers SULA 215 (Choice mix Audiotechnica AT4033/AKG C451)

I'm sorry - I don't have the time at the moment to record sound samples but I'll try at some stage.

I really am set one these cabs for my P Bass tone. Next hunt is for a cleaner, slightly mid scooped J Bass tone. I'm thinking something with a 10 inch speaker (Aguilar 810/GK 410/SWR 410/Mesa 810 etc.). Happy for any suggestions. I've tried a bunch of SVT 810 IRs and don't like them (too boomy usually and I don't like the top end). I tried the Bonkers Marshall 810 pack and haven't found a response in there I like but thinking I might try his Aguilar and Mesa 810 packs.

Anyone have experience with these who could comment on how they sound?

 

[5StringPocket]

This is a new area for me. I was wondering how many IR formats are out there and what interface they require? The two main players I’m aware of are Dr. Bonkers and Two Notes and from what I’ve read they use different formats. I’d rather not buy more hardware but am open to software plugins. I have a MacBook Pro with Garage Band and OS X 10.11

My Atomic Bass Box accepts 3rd party wav files. I assume there is a pretty good assortment of them? I’d like to get the Mesa Subway cabinet collection but it looks like that is Two Notes and might not load into my Bass Box.