What Is an Impulse Response (IR) and How to Use It
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An impulse response (IR) is a digital snapshot of a real speaker cabinet and microphone. It's one of the biggest factors in a great modeled tone — often more than the amp itself.
Why IRs matter
Your amp block sets the gain and character, but the cab IR shapes the final EQ and 'air'. Swapping IRs can turn a harsh tone into a professional one instantly.
How to use them
- Buy or download IR files (usually .wav).
- Load them into your modeler's IR/cab block (Helix, Quad Cortex, Fractal, ToneX, Boss, Valeton and more all support IRs).
- Turn off the built-in cab if you're using an external IR, so you don't stack two cabs.
Get IRs
Explore our Impulse Response cabinet files — Mesa, Marshall, Orange, Soldano and more.
FAQ
Do IRs work on any modeler? Almost all modern units load standard .wav IRs.
IR or built-in cab? A quality IR usually sounds more realistic than stock cabs — use one or the other, not both.