Oval - Crafted IR's - Blue/G12H55 Edition
Oval - Crafted IR's - Blue/G12H55 Edition
These aren’t your typical IR’s. Starting with a meticulously built Oval back diagonal 2x12 cabinet, I loaded it with a hand selected pair of speakers that offers incredible and versatile tones- a Celestion Blue and a Celestion G12H 55HZ. Rather than stuff this amazing cab in a small, dead room, I went big and used a live room at a world class recording facility. These characteristics give this collection a unique sound and feel. With plenty of options to suit your tonal needs- but slightly limited to help with “option paralysis”- they come in industry standard formats to work with all major modern modelers and IR loaders. You can expect balance, clarity, and richness like you’ve not heard in other IR collections.
The Cab
Built to the specs of a legendary builder, this cab is like nothing you’ve ever heard. In an oversized 2x12 configuration, this cab provides an incredible balance of low end and definition using a carefully tuned open oval back.
The Speakers
After testing numerous speakers and combinations, I chose a Celestion Blue and a Celestion Heritage G12H 55hz for this release. From the Blue you get sweet chime and richness while the G12H provides some low end extension and a slightly darker sonic foot print. Combined you get an incredibly rich and versatile pair.
The Sound
There was one word that was almost unanimous from initial testers - Clarity. These captures and blends provide incredible mid range clarity and top end. In A/B comparisons, testers chose these over some of the top names in the industry. They cited better definition and depth, less mush, and great presence with a lack of harshness. Another unique aspect is a very subtle amount of “air” or room sound. This is due to the capture process and is heard more so in the longer, 500 ms samples. Ultimately, this contributes to a very realistic and open sound.
The Capture
These IR’s were captured in a world class studio using a selection of industry standard microphones into BAE Neve Style preamps. Rather than placing the cab into a smaller amp room or vocal booth, we went with a large live room. This does a few things - it cuts down on odd reflections and resonances that can occur with high volumes in a small space; but it also gives it a touch of “air” and room sound that helps them not feel “dead” or lifeless.
The IR’s
There are 2 categories of IR’s included - Raw and Blended/EQ’d at 200ms and 500ms lengths in all common file rates (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96). The “Raw” options are flat captures of different microphone/speaker combinations in different positions. Positions are labeled P1 through P4, with P1 being the brightest and P4 being the darkest. There is also a “Back” position for the SM57 and M88. The Blended and EQ options are custom mixes of different mics and/or gently EQ’d options that are closer to a finished sound. While there is no way to know exactly what your rig and needs are, my hope is that these options get you a better tone, faster! Beta testers loved these and generally stuck with these as their go-to IR’s.
“New IR’s are top drawer man. Used them for a studio session yesterday with a Dr.Z amp and the artist was blown away. Great job putting them together!”
“Tons of clarity without being brittle. The midrange is nice and balanced without being stuffy yet still present.”
