Presets vs Captures vs IRs: What's the Difference?

Presets, captures and IRs get mixed up all the time. Here's the simple version.

Capture (or profile/model)

A capture is a digital model of a real amp — its gain and character. Kemper Rigs, Quad Cortex captures, NAM and ToneX models are all captures.

IR (Impulse Response)

An IR is a snapshot of a speaker cabinet and microphone. It shapes the final EQ and 'air' of the tone.

Preset

A preset is the whole package: an amp/capture, a cab IR, and effects, saved together and ready to play.

How they fit together

Amp/capture + cab IR + effects = a preset. Buy a full preset for instant tones, or mix your own captures and IRs.

FAQ

Do captures include a cab? Some do, some don't — that's when you add an IR.

Is a preset device-specific? Yes — buy the preset made for your unit.