Compared the 4 most popular IRs

[H-evolve]

EDIT: I have now changed the sequence in which you hear them.

I've looked around the forum, and wasn't able to find a clear A/B (C/D) comparison of popular IRs. Perhaps I just didn't look enough, but I decided to compare the ones I have and that are, I think, mostly used around here. I thought I'd share my tests here.

I don't own every cab of each company, so I went with the ones I had in common with all 4, the Mesa OS 4X12.

You are going to hear Two Notes, then 3 Sigma Audio, then OwnHammer, then Rosen Digital. It's only one clip. 3 riffs, the first played with each IR, then the second riff, ... and so on.

OwnHammer and Two Notes I used SM57 only, centered.

Signal Chain is: LTD ZH-7 with D-Activators, NI Komplete Audio 6, Mercuriall TSC Overdrive plugin, ReaGate, Ignite Emissary, IR (used Nadir for the non-Two Notes IRs).

This is guitars only, no mix at all. No Post-EQ.
dl.dropbox.com/s/liyluzz40y9bpqw/Mesa%20OS%20Impulse%20Comparison%20%281%29.mp3?dl=0
I think they all sound great in their own way, however I'd say 3 Sigma Audio is probably the one I least appreciated. Just because it's a bit too much... sounds scooped and just "too much" (for a lack of better words).

Note that it is somewhat not that great of a comparison, since Rosen Digital and 3 Sigma Audio are actually a mix of multiple mics into one IR. And that could be one of the criticism I'd make. For instance Rosen Digital, you just have 3 IRs and don't have a lot of info on what each is. And if you want to experiment, well you can't... since you only have 3. I know it's their selling point actually, just not my style of marketing. I like to experiment and not be limited.

 

[nezvers]

It's hard to follow changes.
When you do a comparison do switching with the same riff after 1
or 2 loops, depending on length. It's too long to wait to hear switching and changes. Or at least give separate audio tracks so a listener can switch himself.
Shoot me if you want but at the moment for me, it sounds like you have only 3 IR's with 2nd staying twice. Maybe it's because I just woke up or difference is so little and trying to slide 1,5cm Google chrome player time into next IR throw off my ears.
For now I liked first best and last one the least.

 

[H-evolve]

It's hard to follow changes.
When you do a comparison do switching with the same riff after 1
or 2 loops, depending on length. It's too long to wait to hear switching and changes. Or at least give separate audio tracks so a listener can switch himself.
Shoot me if you want but at the moment for me, it sounds like you have only 3 IR's with 2nd staying twice. Maybe it's because I just woke up or difference is so little and trying to slide 1,5cm Google chrome player time into next IR throw off my ears.
For now I liked first best and last one the least.

Actually I was almost certain that comment would pop-up, but I told myself "whatever, they'll manage".

But it's fine, I can change it tonight and edit the original post. When it's done, I'll just add a reply.

It's easier for me because I know the song I guess. I think people are probably expecting a different IR at a specific moment. Like after the riff was played four times you expect a change of IR.

Moreover, the second seems to stay twice because it does indeed sound quite similar. 3 Sigma Audio are guys that were previously working for Rosen Digital and started their own company. So, I guess it's no surprise that the sound is very similar. There is still some subtle difference.

But it's fair I'll reposition everything and update

 

[H-evolve]

All right I sequence everything differently, I hope it's now easier to listen to.

It's now Two Notes, 3Sig, OwnH, Rosen and again, Two Notes, 3Sig, OwnH, RosD, and again Two Notes, 3Sig, OwnH, RosD.

 

[H-evolve]

Shit sorry, when I changed the sequencing, I didn't update the link properly... now it should work as intended (direct download from dropbox)

 

[KillFrenzy]

They all need some EQ and they all would probably work depending on the context. And context is everything, specially when comparing such different sounding tones (except for the 3Sig and Rosen that could be used almost interchangeably).

The thing is none of them sound appealing to me right out of the box but there's definitely potential

Thanks for the comparison.

 

[H-evolve]

They all need some EQ and they all would probably work depending on the context. And context is everything, specially when comparing such different sounding tones (except for the 3Sig and Rosen that could be used almost interchangeably).

The thing is none of them sound appealing to me right out of the box but there's definitely potential

Thanks for the comparison.

I agree with you, thx for your comment.

It's true that they are definitely all "workable". None of them sound bad per say. 3 Sigma definitely has a clear bothering fizz and too much bottom (for the amp EQ I used, which was constant for every IR), so yes, it definitely needs post EQ.

But plain like that, to my great surprise, I preferred Two Notes. Seemed "cleaner" to my ears and had perhaps the most potential.

 

[KillFrenzy]

I agree with you, thx for your comment.

It's true that they are definitely all "workable". None of them sound bad per say. 3 Sigma definitely has a clear bothering fizz and too much bottom (for the amp EQ I used, which was constant for every IR), so yes, it definitely needs post EQ.

But plain like that, to my great surprise, I preferred Two Notes. Seemed "cleaner" to my ears and had perhaps the most potential.

Those are my impressions too. The moment I head the Two Notes I thought it would sound great with some saturation and a nice high shelf to add some bite.