LOADER for IRs
A List of all Guitar Impulse Response Loaders.
This list includes loaders from Impulse Resonsive, as well as guitar cabinet simulators and software that can be used to create and/or export IRs.
aIR Impulse Rack
(no longer available)
Information still available at:
- sampleshome.com
- thebeatcommunity.com
- plugintorrent.com page 1 and plugintorrent page 2
- YouTube Video 1 and YouTube Video 2
Features:
- Unlimited IR slots for blending multiple impulse responses.
- Serial/parallel processing for complex signal chains.
- Tweakable modules like EQ, delay, filters, and a visualizer.
- An IR export function to save custom blends as standalone .wav files.
- Inclusion of a free library of over 100 IRs.
Note: Audio Assault offers the free Amp Locker software, which can be used as an IR Loader.
Free Guitar amplifier effect plugin with a variety of sound shaping features as well as convolution cabinet modeling, gate, and reverb modules. Produces a nice minimalist sound, best for rock music.
- Speaker cabinet simulation
- Real-time guitar processing
- Stereo convolution processing
- Guitar reverb effect
Also see:
- Loader & Guitar Cabinet Simulator
- Browsing, editing, mixing, EQing, tone matching, exporting
- 400+ IR Presets
- Optional Non-linear Enhancement
- Spectrum Smoothing Technology
- 31 EQ Curve Mutations
- ‘FRED’ Miking Technique Simulation
- Virtual Microphone Positioning
- Speaker Impedance Simulation EQ
- Auto Phase Alignment
- Dimension Mixer
- A highly versatile speaker cabinet designer for guitar, bass, and more
- Replaces IR loaders for guitar and bass sounds
- Created in collaboration with and officially licensed by Celestion
On the page you can read: "Celestion Speaker Shaper replaces the need for Impulse Response loaders by enabling you to set up two cabinets in parallel and independently adjust specs for, well, just about everything. Tweak your favorite speakers or bring your dream rig to life.".
And: "With Celestion Speaker Shaper, you get eight classic microphones to fine-tune. Dyn 57, Dyn 7B, Dyn 421, Dyn 112, Cond 87, Cond C414, Cond 47, and Rib 121—to be exact. Place up to three mics in front of each speaker to capture sound precisely the way you want. And when you get it exactly right, check out the onboard effects. Speaker Shaper lets you add realistic speaker distortion, sculpt your sound with EQ, or get mix-ready with room sounds. You can create precise setups of mic’d Celestion cabinets or push the sonic envelope with inspired experimentation.".
- Graphical Merging of unlimited no. of IRs
- EQ Matching
- Automatic Gain Compensation
- Automatic Phase Alignment (time & phase)
- Mono & Stereo IR file Import & Export
- Analog modeled EQs
- Automatic Sample-rate Conversion
- Stereo Enchancer
- Dry / Wet Control
- Fully scalable GUI suitable for small resolutions up to 4k monitors
forward audio also offers Impulse Response Packs and other guitar software.
Free Impulse Response Loader
(temporarily available)
Technical Features and Specifications
- Two slots (Slot A and B) for loading and mixing impulse responses
- 3-band EQ per slot (high, mid, low control)
- Delay function for phase alignment of the two IRs
- Common filters: high-pass and low-pass filters
- Input and output gain
- Mix control for balancing the two slots
Included impulse responses
The free package contains 10 pre-selected IRs from the ChopTones premium library:
Individual IRs:
- Mesa Boogie 4×12 (with Celestion V30)
- Marshall 1960 4×12 (with Celestion V30)
- Fender Twin Reverb 2×12 (with Jensen C12K)
- Hughes & Kettner 4×12 (with Celestion G12M Greenback, UK)
- Vox 2×12 (with Celestion Alnico Blue)
Combined IR mixes (exclusive to the free plugin):
- American Classic
- American Vintage
- Brit Classic
- German Classic
- Tweed Classic
These mixes have been specially curated for the free plugin and are only available with the IR Loader.
GGD offers several plugins with collections of cabs. These include: Goldstack Edition + Cali Oversized Edition + Zilla Edition + Contenders Round 1.
Own IR files cannot be loaded.
- All IRs phase-coherent allowing you to combine microphones with no stress
- Export your unique blend of cabs and mics to use in other software and hardware
- Seven independent channels to craft your perfect sound
- A choice of seven microphones
IMPULSIVE
(no longer available)
Overview
Impulsive was a zero-latency dual IR loader plugin developed by 3 Sigma Audio in collaboration with TSE Audio. It was used to load impulse responses (IRs) for guitars and acoustic instruments, especially in conjunction with amp simulators.
The plugin was designed as a lean, CPU-efficient tool and offered features such as:
- High-pass and low-pass filters
- Phase correction
- Level adjustment
- The ability to mix two IRs
Development and versions
Over the years, 3 Sigma Audio has released several versions of Impulsive and its IR libraries:
- Version 3 introduced a new IR structure with the sound profiles Balanced, Warm, Bright, BrightX, and quadrupled the number of IRs included compared to the first version.
- Version 4 introduced Universal Pickup Support, which allows for perfect sound adjustment to different pickup types (magnetic, piezoelectric, etc.).
- ACE (Acoustic Cabinet Emulation) technology has been further developed and is now standard for all IRs – the explicit labeling has therefore been removed.
Videos
Information
- load up to 3 cabinets IR files
- 6-band parametric equalizer with real-time spectrum analyser
- Power Amplifier modelled on an AB Push-Pull EL34 tube amplifier with 3 feedback modes
- Custom-designed desk compressor with side chain high pass filter
- free Impulse Responsives from Chop Tones
IR-Lab is a tool for editing and simulating loudspeaker cabinets. It works with impulse responses (IRs), but goes beyond simple convolvers.
- Physical modeling instead of convolution: Instead of just playing back a “snapshot” of the sound, IR-Lab physically models the speaker. This makes the sound more lively and dynamic.
- Sublymating your IRs: You can load your own IRs, and IR-Lab “transforms” them into a dynamic model that feels more natural.
- Sound adjustment: With features like “Voice Match,” you can match the sound of your IR to a reference sound without losing character.
- Motion effects: You can simulate effects such as rotating speakers (similar to a Leslie speaker).
- Exporting sound models: You can save edited or new sound profiles as IR, XIR, or presets and use them in other plugins.
IR Lab is therefore more of a tool for fine-tuning, mixing, and further processing cabinet sounds - especially useful if you have many different IRs or need more realistic cabinet simulations.
IR-Live Convolution Reverb is an impulse response-based reverb plugin designed specifically for live sound applications. It features low latency, an optimized user interface, and an extensive library of over 2,000 impulse responses (IRs) that represent venues such as Wembley Stadium, CBGB's, and the Grand Ole Opry.
IR-Live is not a dedicated amp simulator optimized specifically for guitar signals. It does not offer the special EQs, microphone positions, or amp models that are typical of guitar IR players.
But: guitar IRs in WAV format can also be loaded.
IR-Live is available for free in the Waves Free Plugin Pack.
The impulses can be mixed, placed in series or in parallel.
IRDX Core is NOT an IR Loader.
Unlike conventional IR loaders, IRDX Core does not load impulse responses, but is placed after an amp sim or IR loader in the DAW to refine its output signal - the kind you can only get by blasting a big speaker cabinet at incredibly high volume.
- FIR filter effect with zero-latency
- can process mono and stereo signals
- The filter length can be customized up to a maximum of 32K taps
- simple interface
- load the desired sound
- viewing waveform and configuring behavior
- The ‘mix’ knob is designed for mixing the input with the output
- ‘gain’ knob for output volume level
keFIR is an older plugin (last update April 2010).
Further information at KVRaudio.com.
LeCab2
(Official website no longer exists | download: plugins4free.com)
LePou
LeCab2 is an impulse loader for guitar or bass speaker cabinets. It is somewhat older and is only available for 32-bit operating systems. It was very popular at the time.
- 6 impulse slots
- Latency control (down to 64 samples)
- Dropdown menu built with the .wav files contained in the directory where the last impulse is loaded
- Next and Prev buttons to navigate through the impulse directory
- Solo button for each slots
- Channel selection for each slots
- Possibility to link the loaded impulse of 2 slots (other controls stay independant)
- High Pass and Low Pass filters for each slots
- Phase, Delay, Pan and Volume controls for each slots
The official website (lepouplugins.blogspot.de) no longer exists.
Download: plugins4free.com.
MCabinet is an innovative cabinet simulator designed primarily for guitars and basses, but it can also be used as a creative sound design tool. Unlike conventional plug-ins, which are based on a large library of impulse response files (IRs), MCabinet uses a statistical approach to analyze real speaker cabinets in order to generate an infinite number of tonal variations.
This plug-in allows music producers and sound engineers to create fantastic guitar and bass sounds directly in the computer (“in the box”) without having to rely on thousands of IR files. It combines filters, resonators, stereo width effects, and dynamic EQs to precisely shape the sound.
MConvolutionEZ is an easy-to-use highly optimized convolution reverb. Comes with lots of impulse responses for rooms, halls, plates, guitar cabinets, effects.
Cab 3.0
- Hiwatt 4x12 cabinet modeling
- Input Tuning
- In/Out level
- Mic
- Position
- Power
- more Dynamics
- Quality
- Stereo
- Maximize
- Dynamics Only
Cab 2.1
- Marshall AVT50 1x12 Cabinet modeling
- In/Out level
- Position
- Power
- Maximize
- Quality
- Stereo
Guitar Cabinet Simolator.
- Standalone
- realistically place mics 360 degrees around the speaker
- export .WAV IRs
- EQ Banance
See also: Essentials Capture Pack.
Features
- Efficient, drag-and-drop IR loader for Redwirez and 3rd-party IRs
- Load Redwirez IR Modules to visually navigate and select IRs
- Run one IR or up to 64 with the same unmatched performance
- Zero latency for delay-free live performance
- Export your IR mix to WAV or AIFF for use in an external device
Standalone App Features
- Standalone app for mixing IRs without a DAW
- Play guitar tracks in a loop and audition IRs
- Play live through the app (low-latency on MacOS only)
- Export your IR mix to WAV or AIFF for use in an external device
Modules Included
- Marshall 1960A 4×12
- Redwirez REQ
- PCM60 Reverb
- Redwirez Giganator
Libra is a zero latency, 8 channel Impulse Response (IR) convolver, designed to be used as a cabinet simulator for guitar and bass (pre)amplifiers.
NadIR is meant to be used as a cabinet simulator for live playing and jamming, tracking or mixing inside hosts capable of VST/VST3 or AU Plug-Ins support.
NadIR is included in the free Emissary Bundle at STLtones.com.
Ignite Amps offers also Libra.
Review of an older version by masters-of-music.com.
Libra is a zero latency, 8 channel Impulse Response (IR) convolver, designed to be used as a cabinet simulator for guitar and bass (pre)amplifiers.
The Cartesian Mixer allows the user to mix up to 8 different IRs in a graphical way, keeping the output level consistent and allowing to perfectly balance different cabs and mics.
The corresponding IR can be exported for use in a preferred device.
Libra is designed as a cabinet simulator for live performances and jam sessions, tracking, or mixing in hosts that support AAX/AU/VST/VST3 plug-ins.
Ignite Amps offers also NadIR in the free Emissary Bundle.
Libra on STLtones.com.
Included
- Included are 8 cab IR’s created by STL Studio’s which include a Mesa OS, Mesa Std, Engl Pro & Marshall 1960.
- 5 free presets and 3 IR's from famed metal producer Jens Bogren
- 10 presets dialled in by STL Tones & Ignite Amps
Npas4 Cabinet Simulator is a new graphic design for the legendary LeCab2 by LePou.
Authorized by Alain Poulin LePou Plugins, creator of this impulse response loader.
- Blend up to 4 IRs and customize the tone with the IR editor
- Multiple IR slots
- fast cloud download
- auto gain compensation
- auto phase correction
- custom IR blends
- IR audition timer
- search, sort & filter
- stereo IR processing
There are two options:
1. Free and without access to the cloud
2. Paid (monthly Abonnement) and an access to the cloud with countless IRs
- Multi-platform
- Four IR inserts
- Expandable EQ Control
- Real-time Sample Rate Conversion
- Compatible With 3rd Party IR’s
- Unique Blend Control
- HP/LP Filters
- Four Producer IR’s
- Auto Align
- Export Mixed IR’s
PULSE 2 was built in collaboration with Aurora DSP.
Recabinet
(no longer available | integrated into: AmpCraft)
The IR Loader Recabinet is now integrated into AmpCraft - 1992 and Airline V15 (see the Discontinued Products page).
- Standalone
- the famous American "block letter" high gain tube amp
- 4 OD pedals
- noise gate
- EQ
- dual-channel IR loader with speaker dynamics
- over 200 impulse responses from 4 historic cabs
Information still available at:
- KVRaudio.com
- production-expert.com (IR libary)
- rekkerd.org (Recabinet 5 review)
- masters-of-music.com (Recabinet 4 review)
REFLEKTOR
(no longer available)
REFLEKTOR was a powerful, user-friendly convolution reverb plug-in that was released in 2010 as part of Komplete 7. It ran in Guitar Rig 4 and offered around 350 impulse responses, low latency, and creative features such as reverse reverb and tempo sync. It could not be used standalone, but was accessible via the free Guitar Rig 4 Player. Today, it is obsolete, no longer available, and not compatible with current systems.
More information on:
Reverberate 3 is not a dedicated amp simulation tool, but rather a flexible IR player with advanced editing capabilities. The plugin is primarily designed as a reverb effect.
Guitarists can:
- Load their own or purchased cabinet IRs into the plugin
- Adjust the tone using EQ, modulation, and stereo width
- Combine the natural room sound with the characteristics of the speaker
The software offers two permanently integrated IRs:
- The legendary original SPRES (also known as "Catharsis").
- A second, newly developed IR by Ryan Harvey and Antonio D'Aquino.
A blend control allows you to mix between these two IRs.
You cannot load your own impulse response (IR) files.
SPRES is a fully integrated plugin that offers a specific, high-quality impulse response sound (“Catharsis”) with additional sound shaping options such as EQ and mix controls. It is particularly popular with guitarists who need a dense, clear, and assertive heavy guitar sound. The software combines the advantages of an IR loader with the benefits of a tailor-made, sonically optimized plugin - and has established itself as the reference standard for metal guitars in music production.
Studio Standard
The site says: "Studio Standard is a plugin that thorougly captures and is seeking to recreate the sound of an oversized 4x12 cabinet from Petaluma, California loaded with various iterations of the manufacturer`s propertary V30 speakers."
External IRs cannot load into this plugin - only the options that are internal to it.
Chugginator
The site says: "The Chugginator is a plugin that thorougly captures an enormous custom guitar cabinet loaded with 30 diffrent speaker types, each of wich is represented by a pre-made multi-mic mix best suited to this one-of-a-kind enclosure."
External IRs cannot load into this plugin - only the options that are internal to it.
See the SuperCabinet IR Libraries - Fluid IR collection - for this loader.
The SuperCabinet is included for free into the THU Premium license.
Or can purchased as an individual product. In this case, it comes with the following THU models:
- Rig Player
- Darkface '65 - Amp (based on an American Twin*)
- Rock '75 - Amp (based on a British 800)
- Modern CH3 - Amp (Recto)
- 1x12 Clst UK - Cabinet
- 2x12 OB Darkface '65 (US) - Cabinet
- 4x12 Modern (US) - Cabinet
- SDrive One - Distortion Pedal
- D-Delay
- D-Reverb
- CHR-2
- Parametric EQ
- Noise Gate
Torpedo Wall of Sound
- Professional speaker and microphone simulation
- Ideal for studio and live applications
- Combines high-quality DynIR models with compatibility for common IR formats
- Free trial version available with 2 DynIR cabinets and access to over 420 more via demo mode
- Regular updates and enhancements by Two Notes
- Large community and extensive support resources (e.g., knowledge base, user forums)
The software supports two types of impulse responses:
1. DynIR Cabinets (proprietary format)
- Exclusive, enhanced format from Two Notes.
- Allows variable microphone positions, tilt angles, distance from the speaker, and overload simulation (distortion due to stressed diaphragm).
- Can only be used in Two Notes products.
2. Standard IRs in WAV and AIFF format
- Standard IR files with the extension .wav or .aif(f) can be loaded.
- These are treated as static impulse responses—microphone position and overload parameters cannot be changed.
- Compatible with popular third-party IR libraries.
After the 30-day trial period, the software can no longer be used unless at least one additional cabinet is purchased. Purchasing a single cabinet (starting at around €10) automatically unlocks the full version, including the two original free cabinets.
DynIR
DynIR is not an application or loader but rather a cabinet simulation format that requires a host environment.
It is a format and technology used within Two notes’ ecosystem. You cannot use DynIR files without compatible software or hardware from Two notes. The actual loading and manipulation of DynIRs occur within specific platforms such as:
- GENOME (software plugin)
- Torpedo hardware units (e.g., Torpedo Reload II, Captor X)
- Torpedo Wall of Sound (software plugin)
The DynIR Technology:
DynIR (Dynamic Impulse Response) is a proprietary technology developed by Two notes for virtual speaker cabinet simulation. Unlike traditional static impulse responses (IRs), which capture a speaker cabinet’s response at a fixed microphone position, DynIR allows users to move microphones in real time around a virtual cabinet, offering dynamic tone shaping. Each DynIR cabinet includes 8 different microphone models, with up to 10,000 positions on the front and back, equivalent to having access to 160,000 static IRs.
This technology is designed to streamline tone creation by eliminating the need to browse through thousands of individual IR files.
See the download page.
TRVE Cab is an Impulse Response loader designed for Heavy Rock & Metal Guitarists of any caliber.
- Load up to 8 IR’s simultaneously via 8 separate slots
- Cabinet graphics to help identify the mics in use
- Low CPU use, low latency
- Volume, pan, HiPass, LoPass, solo & mute controls for every channel
- Load your own IR’s
- Comes with a Ugritone Freebie IR Pack
- can be used in studio & live applications