Headrush Impulse Responses
60s412A
Inspired by Marshall® 4x12 1960A
Typically:
- 60s → 60s cabinet
- 412 → 4x12 case
- TO → variant (mic, position or speaker)
So: IR of a 60s vintage 4x12 speaker, often Marshall / Celestion style.
Recommended Parameters
Gain (dB)
Controls the IR level, NOT the amp gain.
- Typical range: approximately -18 dB → +6 dB
What is it for:
- balance volume between different IRs
- avoid digital clipping
Examples:
- Clean: -6 dB
- Crunches: -8 dB
- High gain: -10 dB (avoids kneading)
Rule of thumb: more distortion = less IR gain
HiCut (Hz)
Low pass filter → cuts high frequencies
What is it for:
- eliminates digital harshness
- Simulates real microphone behavior
Typical range:
- 4kHz → 10kHz
Examples:
- Vintage dark sound: 4.5 kHz
- Balanced Rock: 6–7 kHz
- Modern metal: 8–9 kHz
Rule of thumb: If you hear “digital mosquito” → turn down HiCut
LoCut (Hz)
High pass filter → cuts low frequencies
What is it for:
- eliminates rumble and mud
- leaves room for bass and kick
Typical range:
- 70Hz → 150Hz
Examples:
- Clean: 80 Hz
- Rock: 100 Hz
- Metal tight: 120–140 Hz
Rule of thumb: More gain → more LoCut
Mix (%)
Blend between IR signal and dry signal
- 100% = IR only (standard)
- <100% = parallel
Examples:
- Normal use: 100%
- Parallel blend: 70–90%
- Sound design: 50%
Rule of thumb: For guitar → always 100% (99% of cases)
Pro Tips
The IR is a sound photo of the speaker + microphone
These parameters are used to:
- adapt it to the mix
- correct digital problems
- simulate microphone position
Use this basic formula:
Universal preset
- Gain: -8 dB
- HiCut: 6.5 kHz
- LoCut: 100 Hz
- Mixes: 100%
Then refine by ear.
Setup Examples
Vintage rock (AC/DC style)
Gain-6 dB
HiCut6.0 kHz
LoCut90 Hz
Mixes100%
Sound:
- open, natural, not too dark
Tight modern metal
Gain-10 dB
HiCut8.5 kHz
LoCut130 Hz
Mixes100%
Sound:
- defined, no mud, strong attack
Clean / ambient
Gain-5 dB
HiCut5 kHz
LoCut80 Hz
Mixes100%
Sound:
- warm, soft