Guitar Cab IRs Explained: How to Choose the Right Impulse Response

The cab IR is often the biggest factor in a great modeled tone. Here's how to choose the right one instead of guessing.

Match the cab to the genre

• Metal: a 4x12 with V30 speakers for tight, aggressive low end.
• Classic rock: a Greenback 4x12 for warmth and midrange.
• Clean/blues: a 1x12 or 2x12 open-back for sparkle.

Mic and position matter

An SM57 close to the cone is bright and cutting; moving toward the edge or blending a ribbon mic warms it up. Try a few — small changes make a big difference.

One cab, not two

Turn off your amp's built-in cab when using an external IR, or you'll stack two cabs and lose clarity.

Get IRs

Browse our Impulse Response cabinets — Mesa, Marshall, Orange, Soldano and more.

FAQ

How many IRs do I need? A handful of great ones beats hundreds of average ones — pick per genre.

Do IRs work on every modeler? Almost all modern units load standard .wav IRs.