STUDIO CABS: CONTENDERS ROUND 1 - Full Walkthrough with Nolly and Francesco Filigoi

Nolly and Francesco Filigoi guide you through the new GGD Studio Cabs release: 'Contenders Round 1'.
GET ' STUDIO CABS: CONTENDERS ROUND 1' HERE: ggd.news/studiocabscontenders
00:00 - Nolly's intro
01:00 - The story behind 'The Contenders'
04:36 - Amp VS Cab
06:08 - Cab list
08:52 - Microphone list
13:42 - V30 VS Greenback comparison
15:41 - Dark/Bright knob
18:01 - Microphone comparison
21:56 - Cab comparison
22:18 - MAR-TV cab
22:42 - MES-TRAD cab
23:11 - Nolly's ideal tone
23:41 - Real cabs VS Plugin
24:38 - 3VH cab
25:05 - Top VS Bottom speakers
26:22 - UBER cab
27:01 - Modern VS Old School tones
27:43 - FRIED cab
28:30 - MAR-AV cab
29:12 - ORNGE cab
29:56 - Cab construction
30:29 - ENG-XXL cab
31:19 - Master EQ switch
31:51 - Raw VS Mix ready IRs
34:47 - IR wav export feature
35:33 - Pan controls
36:39 - Francesco's presets
37:13 - Rhythm tones
41:18 - Lead tones
42:44 - Clean tones
43:39 - Artist presets
45:23 - Exclusive solo feature
46:23 - Closing statements
✅ A selection of 8 of the best recording 4x12s
✅ Seven independent channels to craft your perfect sound
✅ All IRs phase-coherent allowing you to combine microphones with no stress
✅ A choice of seven microphones with blendable bright and dark spectrum
✅ Export your unique blend of cabs and mics to use in other software and hardware
Introducing GGD Studio Cabs: Contenders Vol. 1. A collection of eight incredible, huge-sounding 4x12 cabs, each famed for their unique record-ready characteristics. Featuring several different speaker types, the cabs in The Contenders Vol. 1 each have amazing and distinct voices that can revolutionize your guitar tone, while offering endless possibilities to create fresh new sounds by blending different cabinet and microphone options together.
To capture these sounds, longtime GGD friend and contributor Francesco Filigoi left no stone unturned, obsessing over the minutest of details to bring you nothing but the absolute pinnacle of engineering applied to the best-sounding cabs in the world. With such high-quality sounds and variation The Contenders Vol. 1 will become your go-to cabinet modelling solution for your guitar recordings.
Stop scrolling endlessly through lists of files, and focus on your creativity. Let us handle the engineering.

[@GetGoodDrums]

If you want to listen and compare all the raw guitar tones in this video, you can download them here: drive.google.com/file/d/1CeEnGEz5bxsRBZDmK-zEyYPAmoo0pkBq

[@TobyKBTY]

First one i'm gonna jam on is the Ryan's Fav preset. Rest in Peace to an absolute legend. Miss your playing, Ryan!

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Glad you noticed ❤️

[@renopants]

I feel like so many of us watched him grow up here on youtube, then his transition into Polaris. Rest in power Ryan!

[@tylerm8145]

Oh fuck. You have my attention.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

For the ones who want to check it out, it’s at 38:45

[@RoccoPezzin]

Knowing the amount of work Francesco put into this project during the past couple of years, I knew these were going to turn out great, his attention to detail is something else! There's a certain rawness/directness about these IRs I haven't been able to find elsewhere, they all sound sick. ps loved that little tribute to Ryan ❤

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Fun fact: this guy up here was kind enough to provide his own FRIED cab for this product. It’s one of my absolute favourites ❤ Thanks Rocco!

[@Professional.Bro.777]

I don't even play guitar anymore, I'm just a huge fan of Nolly and your guy's products. Love the demos and everything

[@damonsasser8129]

I give it to this man for his ability to remember speaker names mic names mic models frequencies, that shows a dedication its own

[@RemBro6160]

I initially bought this pack mainly to support GGD as a "thank you" for all the things I have learned through the channel, they deserve every cent for the education they give for free. I didn't really need more IR's, I bought so many over the last years, and have quite some I am already super happy with. But after firing this one up, HOLY COW, it rips. It has a lot of character, and so many options, yet all of them seem ready to go in a full mix. I already updated my DAW template to have the Contenders permanently on. Fucking loving it, please don't stop what you're doing GGD!

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Thank you for the kind words, it really means the world 🫶

[@80s_kid]

After a few days of use, I can say on behalf of everyone that we are looking forward to Round 2. 🔊

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

It’ll come, not anytime soon, but it’ll be AT LEAST just as good as Round 1. I promise 🙏

[@80s_kid]

​@@FrancescoFiligoi Thanks for the work and the enthusiasm Francesco, as we can see it in this video as well. I also loved Nolly's enthusiasm, when they talked in detail about the cabinets and speakers for the GGD Cali and Goldstack. I'm glad that you confirmed what I guessed from the name: there will be Contenders 2. :) I'm sure something has already happened with the development of Contenders 2 but if it's possible, it would be nice if most of the cabinets were also 4x12. I think many people would welcome a concept where there are cabinets (even previously used cabinets) that are not loaded with the usual V30 and Greenback speakers. These could be other types of Celestions (G12T-75/G12T-75 vintage, G12M-65, G12 EVH, G12K-100 etc.), or/and manufacturers such as Eminence, Hesu. Perhaps there could be a cabinet where these other speakers would be mixed (x pattern) with the V30/Greenback speakers. These are just ideas on my part, I'm curious to see what Contenders 2 will bring us. 👍 (I'm mainly into the rock/metal sound if it comes to plugins and IRs.)

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

@@80s_kid It will be all 4x12 and there will be even more speaker variation with more cab/speaker brands being included

[@80s_kid]

@@FrancescoFiligoi Sounds great in advance, thanks! 👍

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

I’m biased, but I truly believe these are the best cab IRs in the world for Rock and Metal. Thanks GGD for turning my IRs into an amazing plugin 🥹🤍

[@Gregypo085]

I’m absolutely stoked to use these! Thanks so much for your hard work 🙏 the video sounds incredible.

[@dominikh9526]

Can attest that Francesco is absolutely obsessed with tone and worked himself to the ground for this over the last years. I am so excited for him and us that it is out❤️

[@TheHammersmashdave]

Without a doubt the best cab pack you guys have ever released

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Thank you so much ❤ It makes me incredibly happy it's being so well received!

[@dannysoletmusic]

Insane how good these sound. Just the thing I needed. Thank you!

[@fekiee]

Remember back in years when Francesco was one of the first people I heard using Fractal Tone match who with a Crazy aggressive Tone that melted my face, I still hear it on the sound cloud clip and get impressed after so long, and being honest my first thought was like, another IR plugin but still decided to purchase it and instant gratification after very short test, Well done, amazing job, Thanks

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Much appreciated ❤

[@katielowen]

What SoundCloud clip? I’d love to check that out 🥰

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

These all sound amazing! Super excited about this !!!

[@seanmorgan9020]

I've wanted something like this from you from a LONG while, a best of from around the world and you've done it! Diolch!

[@BenjaminEllisMusic]

Sounds amazing 🤩 Francesco & Nolly are a dream team for guitar tones!

[@dma917]

wow! sounds really amazing and love the simple interface

[@QuincyKane]

What an amazing plugin! Everything sounds so good!

[@aja2788]

Simply amazing. The level of detail and work put into this product for users to be creative with is incredible, appreciate all your guys hard work!🎉❤

[@ryanshook8284]

Excellent work

[@Blacklight_Music]

Francesco is a beast. Though short lived, I jammed Abiogenesis’ single for years. That dude knows tone and is just as much of a periphery fanboy as anybody. This is sick!

[@daysonduncan6100]

now all i need is a meshuggah themed sonor kit and i'll be all set 😉

[@onkel44lekno]

I'd give a lot for that! Kind of my biggest dream.

[@davidmultimedia2024]

I love the GGD philosophy. More options isn't always better. As much as I have a tendency to obsess about this kind of things, it's such a plesant experience to only mess with very usable tones instead of a massive IR library with every single mic position possible. I read a lot of people complaining about the Dark/Bright knob, saying they would prefer seeing the mic position instead of 2 words that actually define those IRs... and I seriously don't get that! What I would LOVEEEE to see implemented in a IR plugin is a LOW-MID and a HIGH-MID boost/cut knobs that would actually blend different IRs and/or mics that would simply add or substract those caracteristics, instead of having to experiment with different cabs and mics until we find the ''missing frequencies/focus'' we're looking for in a particular guitar tone. Finding the right Dark/Bright balance is very important, but Mids are just as important (if not even more), especially when you want to sculp a lead tone vs rhythm tone/clean tone vs dirty tone. Still, this is just a concept that I'm craving to see one day.. GGD Studio Cabs are still my favorite cab plugins at the moment! Thanks for the crazy awesome work you guys are doing!

[@mattlance5208]

Super proud of my Italian mate ❤

[@chrisriffs]

What a time to be alive

[@MixReady]

Great insight! Another sick release by GGD 🙌🏼

[@splattergrind1]

Dammit GGD! I have all the other studio cab versions and this has so many awesome features, it's impossible to pass up. Especially with the intro price 👌

[@80s_kid]

After a short test, I think for metal & rock this is perhaps the most versatile of the GGD Studio Cabs, although I like them all. With the intro price, it's definitely worth a try.

[@Bigthoogs]

I see British baldness and i click. no questions asked

[@HIGHHOPES]

why are we hearing his lav mic when he plays? i just want to hear the direct sound of the cabs

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

The lav mic was actually just a backup, I used a SM7b for my vox. I edited the video - I can assure you can still hear all the different cabs/mics as I blended the string noise just a hint to the direct sound otherwise it would sound too disconnected from the rest. 90% is direct sound

[@zooby11isbambam]

The mes trad’s mids are flawless

[@gabrielbarbosa4366]

3VH = instant Gojira 🥵

[@leihnusz2455]

Great stuff! I'm blown away by this one. Francesco is a guitar tone guru! Is there any chance you guys would share the Archetype Nolly und Gojira presets? Best regards! And I love the tribute to Ryan. Another legend gone far too soon.. ❤

[@barnabaseros8878]

Guys, I think it's time to do an ampsim! With this knowledge, it would be a leading ampsim on the market. 🙂

[@MannyMo_]

Archetype - Misha Mansoor

[@yigit_kuru]

I liked them better then cali oversized. They are more useful tonewise imo. They sound great and Francesco did a great job recording and eq’ing the cabs.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Much appreciated 🙏

[@yigit_kuru]

@@FrancescoFiligoiYou are welcome! I can’t wait for round 2!

[@slayabouts]

Sounds great! What I love about the GGD cab packs are the ability to mindlessly blend cabs/IRs without really having to worry about phase issues. I'm excited to be able to blend completely different cab and speaker combos with this rather than different takes of the same thing like in the other cab packs. Any extra loyalty discount for those of us who've bought previous packs? As a side note, I think it'd be really awesome to get a universal loader so you could blend in something from the Zilla, Goldstack, or Cali Oversized along with this, although that would probably create option overload, so... nevermind

[@josuastangl7140]

Would've loved to hear a demonstration of some of those more unique artist presets mentioned. Anyways, sounds great!

[@thor_nay]

Just purchased. This is leagues beyond any other IR pack. Instant perfect sound, you just simply can't go wrong. AMAZING

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

🙏❤️

[@Velocity-Music]

So for the 3VH Cab, are they the G12 EVH speakers? I'm confused??

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Correct! G12 EVH is essentially a Heritage G12M Greenback

[@joshriggs4738]

What amp / amp sim are you using for the primary rhythm tones? I didn't see anything in the video, but maybe I'm dumb and I just missed it. 🤣

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Archetype Nolly (5150) for the 6 string RGD with Evertune, black baritone and 8 string Archetype Gojira X (5150III) for the white 6 string Archetype Petrucci (lead amp) for the lead sounds Archetype Plini X (clean amp) for the cleans

[@xsonicassassinx]

Did volume match make it into this plugin? Nothing quite as frustrating as turning a mic down and then having to compensate the level to fight “loud is better”

[@FedericoFavaro]

Hi, great video, currently considering to buy this fantadtic product. I have one question though: can these IRs be exported for use in software/hardware other than the VST itself? I'm a Fractal amp owner so I would love to mess around with IRs in the plugin, and then export the IR to my amp to use it live

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Yes! Check at 34:47

[@FedericoFavaro]

​@@FrancescoFiligoiI had conpletely missed that part! Grazie mille, non vedo l'ora di provare tutte le IRs!

[@ColinWrightson]

What amp head was he using for the majority of the rhythm sounds for context?

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Archetype Nolly (5150) for the 6 string RGD with Evertune, black baritone and 8 string Archetype Gojira X (5150III) for the white 6 string Archetype Petrucci (lead amp) for the lead sounds Archetype Plini X (clean amp) for the cleans

[@harrisonmoore9973]

Sounds great, but i wish GGD would address the insane CPU usage out of their cab plugins, Zilla and Cali at least are by far the most expensive CPU plugins I own and its hard to justify using them.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Zilla and Cali are using 500ms IRs which bumps up the CPU usage a bit - newer products like Goldstack and Contenders use shorter IRs (still more than enough length and detail) so they're lighter on the CPU. I'm positive a future update will make Zilla and Cali performance better!

[@CormacTunstead]

I was just about to address this also, can be a lil disappointing alright as its quite an insane CPU usage. Hoping a future update solves this issue as I really enjoy the tones from these IR's.

[@SteYellowcard]

👑🎸

[@TheRubenFuentes]

Wait a min! This the ex within destruction homie

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

🫡

[@onkel44lekno]

Please give us just one t-75 speaker in Contenders 2. I swear to ya'll it's an amazing speaker to blend with more popular ones like a V30 and a Greenback for example. (Given the right mics and mic placement). Heck, maybe even let Misha tweak a "Chaosphere" preset? Please just one t-75. Pretty please.

[@robjohnson5829]

Is there camera audio blended in when he’s playing? I can hear the raking of the pick over the strings.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

I blended just a little bit of camera otherwise it would feel disconnected on video - it's more audible on phones cause of their limited frequency range. Best to listen on proper speakers otherwise many nuances get lost!

[@mikernaut]

Can these be exported to be used in a Kemper?

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Yes! Check at 34:47

[@jeremyroberthickey]

@FrancescoFiligoi : What amp/sim(s) are you using in this demo? I know you mentioned the Petrucci plugin (assuming Neural DSP). I'm particularly curious about what you used when using your baritone and other extended range guitars: The sounds are unreal! I struggle with getting clarity with my baritone.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

• Nolly for the Evertune RGD, baritone RG and 8 string • Gojira X for the white RG • Petrucci for lead sounds • Plini X for cleans Although, what matters the most is not the ampsim but: • The way I pick • How in tune is the guitar • Cabs make it sound huge

[@jeremyroberthickey]

@@FrancescoFiligoi Thanks for the detailed reply :) And congratulations on a great product! I love GGD cabs.

[@ASJerrell]

For these demos, though I do enjoy the explanations in between comparisons, a back to back no gaps is more revealing. Try Team Viewer or some other software to allow Nolly to control the other persons computer while they play! Thanks

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Check the pinned comment to download all the tone comparisons

[@LesonDeson]

Is Francesco mic still open on the cab comparison or is that string piercing through the amp that much?

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

I blended in just a hint of camera audio, 90% is direct tone. If you want to listen and compare all the samples in this video just with direct tone, download the link in the pinned comment 🙏

[@LesonDeson]

@@FrancescoFiligoi Thank you I'm gonna open them in a protools session

[@PASHKULI]

What samplerate and bitdepth of those 'Contenders Round 1' IRs?

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

The original IRs have been captured at 48k/24bit but we used excellent sample rate conversion for the plugin, so when you export IRs from the plugin at other sample rates (44.1k or 96k for example) they still sound identical. To be more specific: IR wav files will be exported at the same sample rate you’re using in your DAW. Hope that helps 🙏

[@daniellichev]

what about low tuned guitars ? Drop E 8 string ?

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Drop E 8 string is at 39:42

[@daniellichev]

@@FrancescoFiligoi thank you 🙏 i will buy it

[@TOTO-nr8vu]

There is no trial version ???

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

As much as we would love to offer a trial, with IR products it’s just not possible - People would export/extract/reverse engineer all of the IRs and then not pay for the product. I’m positive this video does enough to showcase them properly, but I do understand your point

[@TOTO-nr8vu]

@@FrancescoFiligoi ok 👍

[@therichardnogginproject9012]

Are these compatible with Headrush?

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Yes! Just export from the plugin and import into Headrush

[@Andy_Chung]

It would be great if we could get some presets from Rocco Pezzin! I need to know how Rocco would dial some amazing hard rock tones with these cabs.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Me and Rocco are close friends, in fact the FRIED cab in this plugin is his personal one!

[@MontyVee]

I’m here after Mishas story

[@Mental_Clarity]

5:35 😂

[@sheldonswan45]

Aren't the EVH speakers rebranded Heritage Greenbacks??

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

Yes, I’m mentioning this at 6:43

[@sheldonswan45]

@@FrancescoFiligoiright, but you say they aren’t greenbacks just “Heritage”

[@karolkozak64]

Ryan

[@Cornelixx]

39:55 Damn, Drop P? Tuned so low they reversed to the end of the full alphabet

[@Ryan_Switzer_of_MTS]

Shut up and take my money

[@tylerbrittan593]

I’m sure these IRs are sick. But, the tone that is being used is killing it for me. It’s like all scratchy 3-4k grossness and it sounds like the tone knob is turned up all the way on the tube screamer.

[@osnad]

Well, that's the digital signature sound for you right there. I have yet to hear an IR that actually sounds like it's hardware counterpart in the case of its low oomph and tamed highs. All digital IRs just sound harsh and have no realistic low end

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

@@osnadthis is factually untrue - These IRs sound absolutely identical to my real cabs, I have plenty of A/B tests to prove it. Can’t post links here but I’ll gladly send them over if you hit me up

[@osnad]

@@FrancescoFiligoi Sure why not! :) I'd be really happy if there are actually IRs out there that don't have these ugly 3-4k spikes and an actual low end that sounds true to their real cab counterparts. In most A/B comparisons it's pretty simple to guess which cab is the real one, since the IR mostly sounds fuzzy and thin. The tonal characteristics might be close, but the subharmonic information is truly lacking.. So, like I said in the beginning, I'm not doubting that it's possible to create realistic IRs, I've just not come across them, yet.

[@FrancescoFiligoi]

@@osnad what the original comment refers to is probably due to string noise being added to the raw tone in the video, or perhaps he just doesn’t like my tone which is completely fair. Also, any guitar tone is gonna sound thin on phone speakers, which is what 90% of people use on YT There is a specific reason why most IRs out there don’t sound right, but I don’t wanna go too deep into nerd talk. I’m just gonna say that if captured properly, IRs can and will sound identical to real cabs and real mics. In my case I did something to make them arguably even better - Will happily provide more infos privately if you’re interested 🙏

[@osnad]

@@FrancescoFiligoi I think I get what the OP had in mind, because I tend to agree with him: most IRs produce a harsh sounding tone that needs a major cut around the 3-4k Hz frequencies, because a lot of whistling is being caused. To me this was always the "nature" of an IR, something that always comes with it. Like I said, I've yet to find an IR that sounds as full and rich with proper low end as the real mic'd up cab. Also - at least in my case - I'm always listening with my DT1990's. I have no clue what's going on behind the scenes in regards to creating impulse responses (yet ;)), but I do have good ears (I think)

[@lordgraga]

Really missing some left/right arrows in the UI. Either at all boxes, or just the last touched one.

[@andrewapte9981]

This is nice, it's funny to me how recording heavy metal has transitioned from a bunch of kids not knowing to what they're doing, to middle aged professionals honing in on what's important about the entire process. I don't think any of us when we were first picking up our guitars would have imagined how mature and professional this music would really become, where the people at the forefronts of it aren't "cool", they are just as boring as anyone else who really knows what they're talking about (no offence, I'm certainly not cool either).

[@You-ud2fp]

Cabinetron clears

[@anthonyclass6600]

To me they all sound almost the same...

[@adilsonobelard9690]

at least you should offer 14 dd try

[@kimseniorb]

I’d mute the room pick noise. unpleasant

[@ireness1233]

outsourced 👎

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

This is such a dumb comment lol. GGD is actually like a publisher for this release and it makes this stronger in the long run.

[@ireness1233]

​@@LucasLeCompteMusic I'm allowed to have an opinion on how I spend my money. Please move along.

[@talaynt2656]

​@@ireness1233learn to have fun my guy

[@colinmitchell1287]

​​@ireness1233 use your ears. If it's just that nolly didn't do the captures, you have a very narrow mindset If you dont want disagreements with your opinion, dont give them.

[@ireness1233]

@@colinmitchell1287 Your the one who is narrow minded. Making a fuss on the internet over an opinion that I am allowed to have. Just move along. edit: Disagreeing with my displeasure is one thing. Making it personal and defending a company that just wants to take your money in an oversaturated market is silly. What's wrong with not feeling comfortable with an outsourced product? There is no demo, we'll just have to take their word for it. They aren't inexpensive. Just don't use it and move on, right? I'm here because I obviously enjoyed their other products. I stated why I can't impulsively jump on this. Please move along.