Using IR's is Cheating? | Mic'd Cab vs Reactive Load & IR's

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00:00 - Overview
01:39 - Setup
02:32 - Mic v Load & IR
03:28 - Thoughts
04:51 - Cab Load v Reactive Load
06:18 - More Thoughts
07:44 - Not All Reactive Loads Are Equal
08:38 - The BIG Advantage of Mic'ing
10:13 - Psychology & Workflow
11:57 - Conclusion
14:04 - Reveal

[@LeonTodd]

How are YOU recording guitar noises at the moment?

[@PaulNichollsPDX]

FM9 with Mesa 412 IR directly into a Presonus Audiobox and into Studio One -5 DAW. I did actually record an acoustic track with an overhead and a straight on mic the other day though.

[@nickagervasi]

Load boxes with IRs make for more consistency. I am recording all methods, whatever makes sense at the moment. Microphones on a speaker cab, load boxes with my own created IRs, and even 100% Helix. All sound great. Never had anyone listen to my music and say, "Did you record this with a loadbox and an IR?"

[@santiall73]

I used to record a 4x12 with mics and stuff back in the day to design amps, nowadays I pretty much just use some sort of load and IRs. It is repeatable and quiet so one doesn't get too tired or needs to be caureful with potential hearing issues. Stil the cabs are there for A/B purposes but I'd not say they are my main tool at the moment

[@blackstratblues]

Amps-->Suhr Load-->OX Stomp. Makes me want to play everyday which is a good sign.

[@castleanthrax1833]

​@nickagervasi Yeah, asking whether you used an IR or a mic'd cab is like asking a chef which knife he used to prepare a meal that you liked.

[@blackstratblues]

Excellent work mate...a sorely needed video. Btw "does it Schenk" should be a thing. Love those MSG riffs!

[@eds4754]

I use IR’s mostly (and I’ve made over 20,000 of them) but the MAGIC is a real amp driving a real cab and mic’d up. All the interactions, happy accidents, feedback, reflections, feel has no substitute. I think it also really helps a lot to hear the tone before its mid’d up, and then you decide how best to capture that - choice of mics/preamps/positions, how you blend, EQ etc. Approximating it with IR’s is fine but you ONLY ever hear the tone like that, never what it’s like before it’s mic’d. The freedom to mix and match and move things around is really where the joy of recording is. Check out Eric Valentines surf guitar tone video and how he captures that. You COULD try and emulate it digitally, but all of the fun of it is that it’s in a physical space. IMO the cab load tone sounds WAY better than the load box, the amp is moving and breathing how it was designed and it just sounds happier to me. I love load boxes, but the goal with load boxes and IR’s is to imitate the real thing - that’s always the reference point.

[@LeonTodd]

EV is my hero, love his enthusiasm and all around creativity. His vids are so much fun too.

[@roscius6204]

So much is down to your ears and the speakers you're listening on and where it needs to sit. The load box with the cab running sounded better for me.

[@NervousFlashlights]

Awesome! Thanks for the hard work on this Leon!

[@LeonTodd]

It's all just an excuse to play MSG riffs :p

[@NervousFlashlights]

@@LeonTodd you don't need an excuse to do Schenker riffs. You do need a V tho... I think having a V takes care of your impedance curves as it will make you too cool for people to notice the curves being different.

[@jasonalexander5253]

@@NervousFlashlights I think Leon playing a V would get him another 100K subscribers for sure. A Schenker covers band would be epic. I would cross the ditch for that 🙃

[@Simeon_Harris]

the difference between the load coming from the cab and the load coming from the box was very surprising to me, i wouldn't have expected that. how many times have we heard "it sounds like there's a blanket over the speaker" on the forum. the difference between the speaker and the IR was very small indeed. the extra low end from the cab could easily be dialled back in to the IR simply by changing the low frequency resonance in the speaker page, i imagine. appreciate you doing this, it probably took you a fair amount of time, but it's a great resource.

[@LeonTodd]

Poking around with the different speaker impedance curves in the Axe really made me want to do this vid - Cliff has done an amazing job matching amps with appropriate curves as a starting point IMO

[@kierenmoore3236]

I wouldn’t say the difference was small

[@robertmazurowski5974]

Remeber that he had the loadbox plugged in, and this loadbox allows for the impedance curve from the cab if connected. Harley Benton Loadbox does this as well, and recording with speaker connected sounded better. Harley Benton loadbox on it's own sounded and felt bad to play.

[@justsomerandomguyman]

I actually thought the difference was pretty obvious here. You could hear a lack of presence with the Fractal reactive load.

[@Simeon_Harris]

yes the difference between the load and the speaker was totally obvious (the bit at 4:52) the bit i was originally referring to, where there wasn't much difference, was between the speaker and the IR (at 2:38)

[@jcugnoni]

This is one of the best comparison video on the subject. Clear explanation and great methodology make it very valuable! I did a while back a comparison between the three load boxes : a cheap JetCity resistive L-pad attenuator, a Torpedo Live and a DIY reactive load based on Aitken's design. There is clearly a big difference between these loads. A purely resistive load without additionnal 'bright' switch puts a blanket on the highs and the lows are a bit sterile. The Torpedo Live is reported to be a resistive load but it sounds different, more balanced than the simple resistive load. Finally, my DIY load box sounds the closest to the real cab with much more pronounced highs and a better feeling of resonnance (but less than the real cab). But to be honest, by turning the Treble / Bass knob of my preamps , I could make all those sound pretty much the same. Just the feeling remains different.

[@LeonTodd]

The Aitken design is the basis for things like the Suhr and Fractal right?

[@TheGooseChaseMusic]

Awesome demonstration, understanding the impedance is definitely the key to getting the most out of a loadbox, with the mindset of preference over accuracy.

[@LeonTodd]

Absolutely!

[@scottpeters4401]

Reactive Load boxes and IR’s are the greatest thing to come along in years…I used to mic cabs and play LOUD,and it was great…but now,I don’t have the luxury of being able to do that…but I don’t miss it…IR’s sound just as good to me…and it keeps the neighbors happy..

[@LeonTodd]

Finally made great tone possible at any level

[@Doa616]

I just recently bought a boss gx 100 and love it ,, used the 4 cable method and used a send/return for a live show using my peavey ultra plus and man I loved it ,, I got some presets going and it sounds great

[@picksalot1]

Good, informative video. Guitar>HX Stomp>Computer DAW works for me. Good guitarists come up with all kinds of creative solutions to extend what's possible on the instrument. This is an important part of what makes the guitar so awesome and keeps it relevant. 🤘

[@PippPriss]

Hitting the nail in the coffin on the IR vs. mic'd cab subject. I am doing this exact test, but actually with this setup: - First, record the guitar track with conventional methods (Micing up the cabinet in the room) via ReAmping for A/B comparison - Capture the amp with the DI-Box measure, so the cab loads frequency response is baked into the profile created (using ToneX, have to say, and we all know the downsides of ToneX in that regard). - Capture an IR which is made with a proper solid state amplifier which remains mostly linear and does not add too much coloration (Harley Benton GPA100 in my case) - Create a track where you now use profile + IR that you shot, and A/B it against the ReAmped track. That way you have done your due diligence to capture the frequency curve of your load properly, and also avoiding having that curve double in your signal. The differences in my case are MINUTE. There are slight differences, but calling using that method "cheating" is embarrassing and hilarious. I will have to check out using NAM, and see if there are any differences at all. Could easily imagine there are even less than with the ToneX.

[@LeonTodd]

really keen to hear your findings with some NAM captures!

[@PippPriss]

Well well, I did my tests, but hard to find a final conclusion - with more testing I eventually can make a video, but for now text has to do: TL;DR: When keeping IR captures at lower levels, differences between mic'd signal and using a proper loadbox+IR are very minimal/subtle. Captured IRs with my solid state amp. I did one IR sweep with the cab super loud, one where the volume was very controllable, a nice volume that could make mom hit the broomstick against the ceiling, but allow you to play comfortably without ear-plugs. Let's call them IR-Loud and IR-quiet. Then I made 6 reamps of the same riff: One time with cab, one time grabbing the signal off of the DI BOX between amp and cab, one time from Amp to loadbox. Let's call them CABRIFF, DIRIFF and LOADRIFF. I did this recording one time pretty much the same volume as the low volume IR, and one time pretty loud (Bugera 6262 on Master volume=4). When comparing IR-Loud vs IR-Quiet, I found that IR-Loud introduces a massive mid-honk which is not reflected in both CABRIFF volumes. I have the theory, that the solid state power amp when driven highly brings this dullness to it, but I have to do further testing on that matter. When using IR-quiet and adjusting for volume, then my CABRIFF sounds very similar to both DI-RIFF and LOADRIFF, especially DI-RIFF and CABRIFF are nearly spot on. Between LOADRIFF and the others, there is just a tad of broad mid-scoop needed (around 1.5 dB at ~250-400 Hz) as well as a nice bump of 3dB on the low-end around 80-120Hz. End of story: when properly setting up the IRs, there is no difference which could justify any criticism on using IRs. So using a loadbox+IRs is an absolute valid way to showcase an amp, and does not obscure anything really. I will have to conduct more testing on driving the solid state and how the IRs become more mid-focussed, that peaked my interest. Hope this was an interesting read!

[@PippPriss]

​@@LeonTodd Basically, what I wrote below is very much adaptable to the recordings, which are very similar to your test you have done. But yeah, you can replicate a very realistic "capture" of your mic'd tone by making a NAM capture with the Speaker load and grabbing the signal from a DI Box and then pairing that with an IR shot with a solid state power amp which is not driving the speakers too hard/doesn't have volume too much cranked. There certainly is a sweet spot for the IR shooting which I have not reached yet, the IRs in themselves are a tad on the hairy side, perhaps due to the missing emphasis on the low end by the tube power amp driving it accordingly.

[@ringchamp6543]

Yo Bro, just want to say thanks for doing what you do, love your stuff. Much respect from the east coast.

[@LeonTodd]

I appreciate that man. Always nice to know this stuff is useful :)

[@HotRats73]

Great work man!

[@LeonTodd]

Appreciate it!

[@thecaveofthedead]

I've been playing live with my 1974X 1x12 blackback combo clone for about ten years. Recently I've stuck a NuX solid studio in the back and I run the amp through it to the speaker and take a line out to front of house. I now predominantly play to a floor wedge with that IR sound and I personally far prefer this way of playing and hearing myself. The IR sound is fantastic and it's _consistent_ compared to micing (it used to drive me mad when someone would hang a 57 over the front of the cab). The amp actually has a variable voltage resistor so I have the power backed way off and run the loudspeaker really quiet and let the PA do all the lifting. Basically it's just a 20kg tone shaping device. I think it's fantastic to have gear nerds who are absolutely all about doing things the hard way. Those people end up creating the sounds often that everyone else is copying. But for most of us it really isn't necessary and will have no effect on the sound we bring to our audiences and recordings when we use these incredible modern tools.

[@LeonTodd]

That's my favorite part about running direct. No one can trip over an IR on stage 🤣

[@nickagervasi]

This 100%. It all comes down to consistency. More than once I have had a performance, both live and in the studio, be ruined by a mic being bumped, kicked, tripped on, etc.

[@paulbradshawguitar]

great subject Leon and well laid out, the differences in Reactive Loads is a huge subject in itself and how they affect the response/feel, i myself settled on a Suhr Reactive Load as i liked the response i got from it (based on a Greenback cab apparently) the psychological aspect is somewhat akin to the whole haptic feedback of real world interaction and tonally there is a difference, (the same IR sounded 'tighter' i guess ) ultimately it's just a sound and which is better suited to your mix and what you're doing will be down to you, and doubt the audience will really be able to spot the difference in a full mix the convenience of IRs/load boxes cannot be understated, it's also enabled a lot of us to record amps at high volumes in places where you'd probably be evicted if they were going through a real cab😄

[@LeonTodd]

Haptic feedback - big time!

[@rhoydotp]

totally agree with your assessment, it’s all about having fun and making guitar sounds you enjoy! another great video 🤘

[@LeonTodd]

Absolutely!

[@SeanAsheOfficial]

hearing the load box vs cab load was very enlightening. I have spent a fair bit of time trying to match the axe to my amps loaded down.. turns out the whole time I should have been trying to match my amp to the axe fx! 😅

[@LeonTodd]

🤣

[@JustinHawkinsMusicPerth]

Currently using the FM9 as a pedal board into my Friedman Small Box 50. The SB50 has a line out post power amp so I go out of that back into the FM9, IR, EQ block to tweak, delay, verb, out to FOH. Clean and consistent.

[@chrisdover8507]

Great vid uncle Leon

[@LeonTodd]

Much appreciated!

[@alguitarchristie]

Since I got the Two notes Captor x I don't use a mic! Because normally at gigs the engineer puts a 57 on the cab. But I can use a royer blended with a 57 and get a richer sound and spent some time getting the sound I want. Now I have the same sound at every gig!

[@matthewblake2258]

like you said, its what youre playing matters the most!

[@StudioAmpCaptures]

Speaker load sounds better to me. But you cant tell unless your really trying or the one playing usually. Awesome video, thanks!

[@Velranius_Ghodrim]

using 2 two notes torpedo captor 16 for marshall 9200 in stereo, sounds killer.

[@lyricbread]

“LT TV Mix 7” for life!!!

[@LeonTodd]

😍😍

[@TuckRob]

Funnily enough I commit to the sound of IRs. But that's because I can't really achieve volumes suitable for micing in my apartment and I use Celestion IRs of the speakers in my actual cabinets. There is so much opportunity to tweak and change in other areas of signal chain which I find effective that I set and forget IRs (Torpedo Wall of Sound) and don't cripple myself with infinite choices of virtual mic placement. But I would love to be able to crank it up given the chance.

[@Durkhead]

Only thing i know is if you take an ir wav file and fade in from the begining of the ir it will add a sort of room reverb that sounds really good the longer the fade in the more of the effect you get

[@jameslugo]

Thanks for the video. My cabs just sound the way I like. IRs never do it for me when I’m recording. I have tried every possible box.

[@LeonTodd]

Your amp/cab/mic setup always sounds glorious bro

[@jameslugo]

@@LeonTodd Thing is you always make it sound so good. There may be a glitch' in my matrix...lol

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Oh this was super interesting, with you switching between, it was subtle difference...but both sounded really good...with this technology nowadays, I suppose all ways work it just depends on your current situation. I've always had cheap amps my whole life, so now playing with digital last 3 years, all I know is I'm having the time of my life🤘🎸🥰

[@LeonTodd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jstephenrussell6443]

Sounds more live with the cabinet.

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

I wish i could try an ox box or waza tube expander versus my two notes. Would love to see if the extra price tag is worth it to me

[@John_2Much_Coffee]

Super great video. This must have taken some time. Thank you for sharing. They both sound great! An update on my new guitar, PRS SE CE 24 Satin - Charcoal, I have it now, it is amazing, everything high quality, don't know how they make it for $669 CAD, then the store sold their last one to me for $645 CAD and free shipping, the come with PRS Gig bag too, crazy value. Yours is big brother of mine, how would you describe the feel of the Satin body Leon. To me it feels "soft" which is strange in my mind for solid wood! Your playing inspires me and also your love of PRS. I'm practicing even harder now, making some guitar noises, one day beautiful guitar noises. But it loud and sounds great to me! Thanks for all your content. Cheers!

[@LeonTodd]

That's awesome. PRS gig bag is the best one out there. The satin finish is definitely forgiving!

[@andrus108]

I have decided to be content with Two Notes' Wall of Sound software. They're not stiff IRs, they allow me to tweak the sound akin to moving a real mic on a real speaker, but virtually. That is out of purely practical considerations of course, like when playing live. Their CAB M(+) essentially is a tweakable speaker level direct box. For recording, use whatever gets you the result you want.

[@michaelmarchei8539]

With youtube sound compression... does it make a difference ? In person maybe

[@kierenmoore3236]

Hi Leon. Have you tried an Aracom, an Iron Man II, or even a Power Station?

[@hummer222]

Just what I was looking for thanks for sharing. In case I missed it, what is if any the difference in pick attack / response between the cab and IR? I sometimes find the digital ir sims to be lacking in this regard.

[@LeonTodd]

Any change in the response was coming from changing the speaker impedance loading.

[@RyanAmplification]

I would love the x load but I would have to buy an ir loader in addition, which is why I like the boss tae. Any ir loader suggestions that don’t cost so much that it would make better sense to get a tae or a fryette product?

[@fabiol.9161]

Reactive loads fill the gap between real amp and modeler in my opinion.. Finally you can use the real deal with the cab or with ir which how you showed do an excellent work. The next step to me is to add to the boxes the ability to select the specific cab impedance curve as for example in fractal.. Anyway you can request to have a load box with a specific one as i did.

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

This video pleases tojb. GREAT job!

[@LeonTodd]

Waiting for your 1 hour video comparing different cab loads :D

[@RiloRox]

when you did the chuggs there was a significant drop in low end when you switched. I like to believe that the real cab provides that huge lowend. from experience I know that the MD421 is definitely capable of providing that as well. But I have no idea if im correct, gonna edit when you reveal🤘🏻

[@roscius6204]

The mic position is like a physical EQ.

[@williamphillips24]

If it sounds good in the mix, that's all that matters. No one will know or even care. I've been using IRs into the PA for a while now, only get compliments on the sound.

[@LeonTodd]

Exactly! Good tone is good tone

[@dannyd.8860]

I can't really get into the IR thing. I'm old and like a simple, repeatable workflow. Recording direct, using plugins for amp sims (personally really dig Mecurial stuff) then reamp once the track is finished.

[@BigMikeGuitar]

The big thing with the development of early load boxes was rolling-off too much high-end. My understanding is that’s one thing the introduction of “reactive” loads was supposed to address, and remains a primary benefit when successful. The Fryette units seem to garner near universal praise. It cannot be overstated that the inclusion of an FX loop on the load box is a game changer for Plexi-style amps. Alternatively, if you’re happy with an amp+cab sound in a room, the challenge is selecting mics and placement that preserves the integrity of the sound your hearing transferred faithfully onto the recording - the industry standard being a single well-placed SM-57. Lately, I have been enjoying a 5150 block letter “with everything dialed-in at 6” over a Vintage 30 4x12 cab set to a low bedroom-level volume, pushing firmly with an SD-1 overdrive, and embellishing with TC Electronic pedal reverb+delay in the loop. Cheers from Washington State~

[@LeonTodd]

I really need to invest in a power station soon

[@900dr34u]

Armed and Ready! Hey Leon, quick question. I use something called 'Chicken Salt' and I noticed that it's an Australian Tradition. Do you use it? I've been pretty stoked with it!! Thanks in advance, take care! Just noticed your question...I'm using an Axe FX2/mixer/Focusrite/MacBook with Ableton.

[@LeonTodd]

That stuff is like crack. I always order it on fish and chips but at home I prefer a chicken stock powder so I can control the salt ratio a bit more

[@900dr34u]

@@LeonTodd Nice! Same here, I add it to veg broth to get a chicken flavor, also watching my salt intake. Cheers

[@NickGranville]

Alway makes me laugh when people say anything in music is cheating. There’s no such thing, whatever gets the job done is all that matters. Good comparisons you’ve done here, lots to think about

[@LeonTodd]

Distortion! That's a paddlin'

[@Burkhimself]

💪🏼

[@mcclain63]

At the end of the day.If it sounds good, no matter what you use to make a great guitar sound It's GOOD!!!!!!!

[@jstephenrussell6443]

I like the cabinet sound better.

[@eduardwilliams1245]

Interesting.

[@Allan-ts1ux]

Impedance depends upon both reactance and resistance as I remember from my electronic class.. never thought much on IR length but to me it seems the same as what resistance is in non load boxes as in cab speakers mic and even length of guitar cable but maybe we should ask Lupins opinion since he had a lot to say tonight about it and all he cares about is that it's not louder than his cat calls.. good little added groovy information mate from your best fan .. 😺 😺😺 lupin and that tail of his ! Let's attach that little bell to his tail and give him the tiny tambourine sound part being the conductor when you are Rockin...he is quite a talker.. you got a real Rockin cat Leon 😺..sure miss Rockin it up with mine on my knee , she loved that air hitting her with every engulfing sound pulsating and eminating from the cab as much as me and would dig those claws in.. cats seem to operate with completely different instincts fom dogs .. keep up with yours mate and you'll be amazed daily by their loyalty.. it's no wonder some ancient kings had big cats as their own personal guardians protecting them while staring at you like your just food .. they are special ...alrighty mate heres to enjoying your Fryday with Lupin. 🥂

[@LeonTodd]

You got it. Lupin sends his regards as he's meowing at me right now!

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Armed ad Ready yaay

[@peterharvin2775]

Cheating. Hmm. I suspect the great masters of the acoustic jazz and classical era considered using an amp to be anathema. Pardon the platitude, but things change and evolve. For me, here's the golden statement: "Really it's all about liking the sound at the end of the day," whatever you use to get there.

[@LeonTodd]

"It it sounds good, it is good" - EVH

[@ebb8870]

Haven't touched a physical amp in over and year and use Leon's IR, I reckon it sounds good even better than other cab sim/model stuff but I could be mistaken because I got it for free 🤔🤔🤔

[@LeonTodd]

It makes me so happy to read that you're digging that IR!

[@jakestewartmusic]

Excellent video Leon! I think this tonal 'cheating' thing comes from insecurity. Players that have spent years developing their sound the 'old way' are seeing advancements in gear/tech that are giving us better results in a way that's cheaper, easier, and faster. I can understand being fearful or insecure that the sound you've refined over years can be matched on newer technology. This fear, while understandable, is also a bit irrational. The tone isn't just a collection of stuff you plug into, it's the sound in your head and the way you use your playing, settings, and creativity to achieve it. In fact, if we look back at even the earliest rock guitar heroes, they were all adopting new technology of the day and using it to their advantage. From Hendrix to Gilmour to Page to Townshend, they were all using effects that were new at the time or even having effects and amps specially built to meet their needs. Using the technology of today, if anything, is continuing this legacy of tonal exploration. I just wanted to address anyone that might be reading this that looks down on others for using IRs, load boxes, modeling, etc. Take a deep look inside and ask yourself why

[@LeonTodd]

YES! As humans we're creative at our core so given a set of tools we're going to find fun new ways to make the noises we hear in our heads.

[@jakestewartmusic]

@@LeonTodd 100%, and I think we've lost sight of that if we're too concerned with what other people are using. Use what you've got, use what you've like, and maybe we can all be less quick to judge others for what gear they choose to use! Great stuff man!

[@Hagstrom4ever]

They're almost identical, I notice a difference in gain only, a slight difference.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

No such a thing as cheating brother when it comes to making music I think since music is subjective and supposed to be fun. Whatever helps with that fun that doesn't hurt anyone else is okay. God that time is so good! I could not really hear any differences that came thru my Pixel without headphones so to me it was perfect if you ask me. ❤ I agree. What you're playing is what matters I believe sir . ❤ Great stuff sir. Man, you're a force of nature brother. ❤😂. I wish I had half of your energy. 😂... I used to.. Enjoy it while you can brother. 😂❤ Just drinking my first cup of wonderfully strong coffee ❤ .. Did you happen to see all the stuff Dweezil Zappa is selling in guitar magazine? Man, he has some killer custom Gibsons and pedals and amps for sale if you're into strange pedals especially.. 😂.. Great player though like his father ❤ Be well brother. I'm hoflashing my other Ibanez S series with a low pro edge trem from 1993. I have to install some Dimarzio pickups as well in it to make it late 80s and early 90s worthy❤.. Have a great day my friend and be safe❤ God speed man ❤

[@LeonTodd]

Send me some pics when that's done, love holoflash!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@LeonTodd I will absolutely do that. Yeah. Holoflash rocks. !

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

i record with plugins. helix native or NAM. just convenient. dont have the space or the ability to make a tonne of noise to mic a cab.

[@newrockorder]

if it´s easier and doesn't sound shit it´s good.

[@justsomerandomguyman]

The real speaker cab load sounded better to be me here. The reactive load was lacking treble. With that said, all reactive loads sound different from each other too. So, it could just be the Fractal unit here. The Fractal sounds different from the Suhr, the Suhr sounds different from the RedSeven, and the RedSeven sounds different from the Driftwood, and so on.

[@LeonTodd]

Yeah there's so many factors going on!

[@Cpt_Adama]

I'm surprised that a Two Notes reactive load coupled with their DynIR is not an accurate representation of the actual cabinet sound. Hmm, I thought that was the whole point. Are you sure your method of testing the Axe-Fx vs the tech of Two Notes is accurate?

[@nicopoppe4838]

The axe fx was just the ir loader... the difference wasn't that big... the difference could be pour acustic treatment for the extended low end. Now load Box vs cab Load can't be easily replicated due to Electronic (resistor) tolerances. +5/10% normally.

[@nicopoppe4838]

I mean RLC circuits in parallel like a cab... capacitance + inductance = impedance (the formula it's obviously more. Omplicated than that)

[@Cpt_Adama]

@@nicopoppe4838 At 7:45 Leon states that the Two Notes and Ox-Box "impedance curves don't really look like a real speaker cabinet" while the Axe-Fx does? I find that quite interesting because I'm invested in the Two Notes system while under the assumption that they do replicate the sound of a speaker cabinet as close as possible. Now I've never tested these myself and was influenced by reviewers such as Pete Thorn and the such. Not that I've ever not liked the Two Notes Cabinets because they sound great to me but Leons statement implies that they are not exact equivalents and that the Axe-Fx IR are closer to the real thing. I would find it strange that a company like Two-Notes one of the innovators of IR's is not at the forefront of almost exact replications of a cabinet.

[@LeonTodd]

I'm referring to the loads, not the IR's. The two notes reactive load impedance curve doesn't exhibit the same low resonant peak that a real cab or a design like the Fractal x-load or Suhr reactive load does. The impedance behavior (load) AND the frequency response (which the IR captures) taken together are important parts of the entire "micd up some and cab" emulation.

[@LeonTodd]

See this for reference forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/the-two-notes-captor-impedance-curve-comparison.169430/

[@robertmazurowski5974]

I literally use 1 year and I commited :)

[@aivoryuk]

If you watch the recent Rick Beato video with Vai and Satch - they are doing less of the recording commitment with cabs and are tweaking post recording - but they did say in general it can make the recording process longer. The other point with loadbox and IR is what do you tweak first amp or IR? With a cab in the room you can tweak the amp to how you like it and then capture that sound with a mic as best as you can.

[@LeonTodd]

Good point. I probably could have turned up the presence with the load to get it brighter like the cab for instance.

[@justsomerandomguyman]

Just because you are micing up real cabs doesn't mean you have to be married to the result. People have been recording DIs and later reamping the DI tracks for decades now.

[@aivoryuk]

@@justsomerandomguyman well nowadays you can record both the direct and the mic'd sound. - best of both worlds

[@justsomerandomguyman]

@@aivoryuk You could always do that since the invention of DI boxes and reamp boxes. People were doing that like 2 decades ago. That's what I was saying.

[@robertdouble559]

Anyone bitchin' about "cheating" has too much time on their hands and needs to shut the F up and go play their guitar.

[@sherbuel]

So much gain..... and hard rock/metal riffing..maybe noodling on crunch blues riff would be..clearer to argue and listen between the real cab vs static ir ?

[@indivisibleman]

There's no such thing as "cheating". You either wrote a great song and played it great or you did not. The people will decide. If getting a great sound means standing on the roof, on your head, while birds sit on each foot? Go get the ladder.

[@Cpt_Adama]

Cheating, LOL. Use whatever tools you need to achieve what ever tone or sound you are looking for. Who cares if it's easy or takes less effort than another method as long as the sound is exactly what your looking for. Only each person can determine if the old school method is any better or worse than a modern "easier" way. And if someone doesn't like newer tech because "it's too easy" then they are just idiots.

[@ExpatZ266]

BTW, been using a Webber 100W coil loaded attenuator for 10 years now, it 'feels' right and sounds pretty good. At least I used to use it before I just went into thhe box altogether and started having more fun.

[@ExpatZ266]

1: Does accuracy even matter? I mean are you trying to sound like you are using a specific speaker instead of just sounding good? In that case you should get a gig selling that speaker because you are a true believer. 2: Is it cheating? It's music, it is ART, it is not a competition or video game. If it sounds good it is, that is it, there is nothing else, those that fester over whether that great tone doesn't sound like some amp or speaker that they think it should sound like is ridiculous nonsense that I am sure sucks all the fun out of playing for them. Playing should be fun. IR's are fast and fun and a quick way to change it up whenever you get bored with a speaker curves sound. As for you A/B, yes, I can hear subtle diffs but lets be real, the second the band strikes up that is lost for eveyone. Sublty is not a thing with a band. Just 2 cents from the 80's.