- Publisher: OwnHammer
- Product: Imperial Bundle
- Release: ARCADiA
- Format: Impulse Response Library (IRs)
Tired of lifeless direct guitar signals? Searching for that elusive cabinet character that defines legendary vintage amplifier tones? Step into a world of authentic sound with the OwnHammer Imperial Bundle, a comprehensive impulse response (IR) library meticulously crafted to deliver the sonic essence of nine iconic guitar cabinets, absolutely free.
Designed specifically for players seeking low-to-mid-gain vintage American and British flavors, the Imperial Bundle provides the crucial link between your amplifier (or modeling preamp) and the finished, polished sound of a mic’d speaker in a room. These aren’t just generic simulations; they are precise sonic snapshots captured from real-world cabinets and speakers, featuring the exact “Boutique” mix officially licensed by OwnHammer for use as the stock IR in the acclaimed Tone King Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp Pedal. Now, that same signature sound is available for your own rig.
A Curated Collection of Classic Cabinets & Speakers
The foundation of great guitar tone lies in the synergy between amplifier, cabinet, and speaker. The Imperial Bundle offers an expertly selected range covering the most sought-after sounds in vintage amplification history:
Iconic 1×12 Configurations:
- 112 Deluxe: Captures the tight, focused sound of a classic American 1×12 combo loaded with a punchy 1967 Oxford 12K5 speaker.
- 112 Imperial: The heart of the bundle – based on the revered Tone King Imperial combo, this capture includes an incredible seven speaker variations within the same cabinet structure:
- FN-AXA: Based on the articulate Fane AxA-12.
- Gold: The unmistakable chime and complexity of a Celestion Alnico Gold.
- J12BB: Smooth, warm tones from the Jensen Blackbird Alnico.
- M65CB: Creamy, vintage character based on the Celestion G12M-65 Creamback.
- TK33: The unique voice of the Tone King “33” speaker by Eminence.
- TK1660: The distinct sound of the Tone King “1660” speaker by Celestion.
- TK-Mix: A balanced blend of the TK33 & TK1660 speakers.
- 112 Thiele: The focused low-end and articulate projection of a Mesa/Boogie Thiele cabinet (imbuia hardwood) loaded with the legendary 1989 Electro-Voice EVM12L.
- 112 Tweed: The raw, tweed-era character of an American 1×12 combo equipped with a vintage 1961 Jensen P12R.
Classic Multi-Speaker Cabs:
- 210 Vibro: The snappy, bright tone of an American Vibrolux 2×10 combo loaded with vintage 1968 Jensen C10Q speakers.
- 212 Bog-OS: The powerful, tight sound of an oversized Bogner closed-back 2×12, featuring punchy 2003 Celestion Vintage 30 (T1221) speakers.
- 212 Class-A: The quintessential British chime and grind of a Class-A 2×12 combo loaded with coveted 1963 Celestion Alnico Blue (T530) speakers.
- 412 Basketweave: The legendary crunch and midrange complexity of a vintage British 1960B 4×12 cabinet loaded with iconic 1971 Celestion G12M-25 “Greenback” (T1221) speakers.
- 412 Pinstripe: The bold, aggressive sound of a vintage British 1982B 4×12 featuring powerful 1967 Celestion G12H-25 (paper former, T1281) speakers.
This diverse selection provides the perfect cabinet foundation for nearly any clean, edge-of-breakup, or crunchy vintage tone imaginable.
Mic’d to Perfection: A World-Class Microphone Locker
Capturing a great cabinet is only half the story; microphone choice and placement are critical. The Imperial Bundle utilizes a collection of industry-standard microphones, ensuring tonal variety and professional results:
- Condensers: C87 (based on Neumann U87), C414 (based on AKG C414-B ULS) – For detailed, full-range captures.
- Dynamics: D7B (based on Shure SM7B), D7V (based on vintage Shure SM7), D57 (based on Shure SM57), D69 (based on Beyerdynamic M69), D421 (based on Sennheiser MD421), D906 (based on Sennheiser e906) – The workhorses of guitar recording, capturing punch and midrange focus.
- Ribbons: R121 (based on Royer R121), R160 (based on Beyerdynamic M160) – For smooth, natural, and warm captures, taming harsh highs.
OwnHammer provides captures from each of these microphones on the specified cabinets, giving you unparalleled control over the final tone.
Mix-Ready & Customizable: Finding Your Sound Fast
Beyond the individual mic captures, the Imperial Bundle includes meticulously crafted mixes designed for specific applications and immediate usability:
- Application Mixes:
- FOH: Optimized for live sound, practice, or playing at home.
- HG / MG / LG: Tailored mixes for High, Mid, and Low Gain recording scenarios.
- SL: A mix specifically sculpted for Solo and Lead guitar parts to cut through.
- Signature Mixes:
- Boutique Mix: The exact, officially licensed mix used in the Tone King Imperial Tri-Tube Preamp Pedal.
- Summary Mix: A versatile, middle-of-the-road tone providing a great starting point.
- Ultimate Flexibility: For maximum customization, the bundle also includes dual microphone blends representing every possible two-mic combination from the available locker. Blend a dynamic with a ribbon, two different dynamics, or any pairing you can imagine to sculpt your unique sound.
Engineered for Excellence
All impulse response files are delivered in standard Wave Audio Format (.wav) for broad compatibility with hardware and software IR loaders. They have been minimum phase transformed using OwnHammer’s proprietary algorithm, ensuring accurate phase alignment when mixing multiple IRs or using them in stereo configurations, preventing unwanted tonal cancellations or smearing.
Why Choose the OwnHammer Imperial Bundle?
- Authentic Vintage Tones: Captures the true sound of iconic American and British cabinets/speakers.
- Unmatched Versatility: Nine distinct cabinet types with multiple speaker and mic options.
- Tone King Pedigree: Includes the official licensed “Boutique Mix” from the Imperial Preamp Pedal.
- Mix-Ready Options: Get great sounds instantly with application-specific and signature mixes.
- Deep Customization: All individual mic captures and comprehensive dual-mic blends included.
- Professional Quality: Minimum phase transformed WAV files for optimal sound and compatibility.
- Completely Free: An indispensable tool for any guitarist’s sonic arsenal, at no cost.
Stop compromising on your direct or modeled guitar tones. Download the OwnHammer Imperial Bundle and infuse your rig with the authentic sound and feel of classic, mic’d guitar cabinets.
Ready to capture legendary guitar tones? Free download Imperial Bundle impulse response Library now!