Cab IRs vs Cab simulations? Recab'ing to real cab/speaker?

[Elephone]

Hi. I've heard that IRs are more realistic than cab simulations. If so, what's considered the best software for cab IRs? Is Recabinet still highly regarded?

Also, what about recab'ing using real speakers? Aren't amp simulations only designed to be reproduced on domestic-sized speakers or studio monitors? Is there a specific difference with an actual guitar amp speaker apart from the size?

I've never been able to get a virtual B3 organ to pump & growl (and sound genuine in certain other ways too) although the cleaner tones sound pretty realistic. I've tried most of the top sims.

Is this down to a lack of real physics? I suspect a lot of strange things can happen with real vibrating speakers that would be impossible to attempt to simulate.

I remember listening to Hendrix at the Isle of Wight on my TV as a teenager and there was a bit where a unison string bend made the speaker produce a crazy interference pattern noise, like you can get sometimes playing sine tones of 80's keyboards.

I'd like to experiment with getting some actual physics to take place, yet have the convenience of virtual amps and/or instruments.

I've had some good results mixing real and virtual amps together, but I've never got around to combining real and virtual in other ways.

I'd like to hear your ideas.

Cheers.

[Dr Huge Longjohns]

Yes, I think cab IR's have the edge. I have a number of free ones but I'd highly recommend the Celestion ones. I use them in Logic's convolution reverb and they definitely sound fairly realistic to me if you get the right amp sound upfront, of course.

https://www.celestionplus.com/

[Elephone]

Apparently it's not a great idea to do this with Amplitube 4:

"AmpliTube's cabinet section uses both IRs and cabinet modeling in a way that is distinctly integrated into the rest of the chain. This is why there is no external IR loader available, as it isn't a matter of simply replacing an IR we're using inside of AmpliTube. There is great attention paid to the whole chain when using any component contained therein, so inserting something into that chain would be not only complex if not chaotic (due to simple IRs not including the modeling components we do with our cabs/speakers/rooms in that section) but would likely make it much more possible to end up with results that are detrimental to the sonic quality currently offered."

[ore_terra]

IR’s sound like a particular cab in a particular room, played with the particular amp/amp settings used to record the impulse.

Cab emulations are a different thing, as they seek to replicate de behaviour of the cabinet including the reactions to the upstreams load, and allowing you to play also with the mics, room, etc. This is achieved with diverse grades of success, of course.

I’ve tried both. My personal choice are emulations when they’re veeeeeery good (and veeeeeeeery expensive)

[Elephone]

I’ve tried both. My personal choice are emulations when they’re veeeeeery good (and veeeeeeeery expensive)

Like which ones please? Thanks.

Incidentally, I've tried bypassing the cabs in earlier versions of Amplitube (Fender) and it sounds as expected to me. Maybe it's just Amplitube 4.

[ore_terra]

UAD OX Amp (hardware)

Software wise I dont have much experience. I used to like Amplitube and I really like BIAS amp. But I think the OX amp plays in another league (unfortunately also in price, as I said)

[Elephone]

"The “problem” with impulse response for amp cabinet sounds"...?

https://medium.com/@Raaphorst/the-probl ... 716af1b2e1