Fractal Audio has launched the Cab-Lab 4, a cabinet impulse response loader plugin that is now available for free for both Windows and Mac users. This software tool makes it easier and more intuitive for musicians to achieve the desired tone in their music, allowing them to customize and mix cabs, mics, and more.

An Impulse Response, or “IR”, is essentially the sonic “fingerprint” of a tone over time. Fractal Audio, known for industry-leading amp modeling, was the first to allow installable Impulse Responses in a guitar product. This set a new industry standard, enabling guitarists to recreate the sound of their favorite mic’d speaker cabs in a portable format, suitable for both studio recording and live performance.
One of the key features of Cab-Lab 4 is the DynaCab™ technology. This replicates the process of positioning and mixing mics on guitar speaker cabs, allowing users to hear results in real-time while moving a virtual mic on a virtual speaker. This makes it faster and easier to find the desired tone without having to sift through numerous individual IRs. The DynaCab system in Cab-Lab 4 offers even more resolution and flexibility than Fractal Audio’s hardware products, with 360° of placement at variable distances, the possibility of additional microphone choices, and more.
DynaCab Packs are another notable feature of Cab-Lab 4. These are like plugins for Cab-Lab, with each pack containing a “3D” set of speaker IR captures made with multiple microphones. With a DynaCab Pack installed, users can access a vast array of tones that the captured speaker and available microphones are capable of producing. These packs can be found at shop.fractalaudio.com.
Cab-Lab 4 is available in both standalone and plugin versions. The standalone version uses your Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3, or another audio interface, allowing you to select, position, and mix mics while listening in real-time. The plugin version processes audio in your compatible DAW or host and can be used to “re-cab” raw amp recordings. It features a 4-channel IR mixer, as well as tools to EQ, align, and more. Cab-Lab can export IRs for your Fractal Audio hardware product and save files to your computer.
For musicians and producers looking for a powerful tool to enhance their sound, Cab-Lab 4 offers a comprehensive solution. Download it for free and explore its features to achieve the tone you desire.