We asked Chat GPT 4 what to look for in our library to get those really heavy tones:
"\m/ Awesome choice, dude! Soundwoofer.se has a massive impulse response (IR) library that can help you craft a truly heavy and crushing guitar tone. Here's what you should be looking for when browsing through their collection:
Cabinet: Start by selecting a cabinet that's known for its heavy sound. Some popular choices among metal players include Mesa Boogie Rectifier, Marshall 1960, Orange PPC412, and Zilla Fatboy. These cabinets are built to deliver massive low-end and a tight midrange, which is essential for a crushing metal tone.
Speakers: Choose speakers that can handle and complement the aggression of your playing. Celestion Vintage 30, Celestion G12T-75, and Eminence Swamp Thang are popular choices for heavy music. They're known for their tight bass response, prominent midrange, and controlled highs.
Microphones: Pick an impulse response that uses microphones suitable for capturing heavy guitar tones. The Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421, and Royer R-121 are classic choices. Combining two or more microphones (for example, SM57 and MD421) can help you achieve a more balanced and powerful tone.
Mic Placement: The position of the microphone relative to the speaker plays a significant role in shaping your tone. Look for impulse responses that provide different mic placements, such as on-axis (directly in front of the speaker) and off-axis (angled away from the speaker). Experiment with different positions to find the one that best captures the heaviness you're after.
Room Ambience: The room's acoustics can have a considerable impact on the final guitar tone. Some IRs are recorded in larger rooms or halls, adding natural reverb and space to the sound. For a tight and heavy tone, consider using IRs recorded in a well-controlled environment or with close-miking techniques to minimize room reflections.
Remember, the perfect impulse response will vary depending on your specific guitar, amp, and playing style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the one that brings out the heaviest and most brutal tone in your guitar. Keep it heavy! \m/"