The VP4 has been added to the wiki.

Difference between revisions of "Cab-Lab"

From Fractal Audio Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(196 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
  
[[image:Cab-Lab.jpg|link=http://www.fractalaudio.com/p-cab-lab-ir-mixer.php|400px]]
+
=About Cab-Lab=
  
=What is Cab-Lab=
+
Fractal Audio's Cab-Lab is a mixer and toolkit for [[Impulse_responses_(IR)|IRs (Impulse Responses)]].
  
Fractal Audio's Cab-Lab provides a software mixer and toolkit for IRs.
+
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<hr>
  
<blockquote>Product information: "Cab-Lab lets you combine up to 8 individual IRs, auditioning the results in real time as you mix, and saving the result as a new User Cab IR for use in your own presets. The totally new mixer in Cab-Lab 3 also goes beyond simple combining, with mix tools to process, trim, filter, and adjust phase. You can even listen in real time while you adjust faders, whether using the Standalone version and an audio interface (including the Axe-Fx II), or the Plugin version in your DAW to process live or pre-recorded material. The Standalone version also includes tools to help you capture, convert, and batch process IRs, making it an exceptionally valuable component of a complete IR workflow. Either way, Cab-Lab gives you the tools you need to create your own signature tones—and delivers results of the high quality you have come to expect from Fractal Audio Systems."</blockquote>
+
<blockquote>
 +
In the world of Fractal Audio’s industry-leading amp modeling, many musicians recognize the importance of Impulse Responses (<q>IRs</q>). IRs can be thought of as sonic <q>captures</q> – essentially the <q>frequency fingerprint</q> of a tone over time. Fractal Audio was the first to allow installable IRs in a guitar product to recreate the sound of a mic’d speaker cabinet, setting a new industry standard. Suddenly, guitarists could encapsulate the essence of a speaker cab in a portable format, enhancing both studio recording and live performance. Now, Cab-Lab 4 with DynaCab makes it quicker, easier, more intuitive, and fun to achieve great tone, allowing you to customize and mix IRs yourself.
  
Cab-Lab is a commercial application and requires iLok activation before use.
+
For decades, guitarists and audio pros have carefully selected, positioned, and mixed microphones on guitar speakers in the pursuit of great tone. Now you can do the same, and it is easier than ever before. With Cab-Lab 4, you get a 4-channel IR mixer, plus tools to EQ, align, and more, so you can select, position, and mix mics while listening in real-time. Meanwhile, new DynaCab technology makes tone sculpting easier than ever, eliminating the need to sift through countless individual IRs. In fact, the DynaCab system in Cab-Lab 4 offers even more resolution and flexibility than our hardware products, with 360° of placement at variable distances, the possibility of additional microphone choices, and more. Best of all, Cab-Lab is now FREE!
  
* [http://ilok.com/#!license-manager Download the iLok License Manager]
+
Cab-Lab 4 supports our latest DynaCab Packs, as well as traditional single IRs — whether from Fractal Audio legacy cab packs or 3rd party producers. Cab-Lab gives you the tools you need to create your own signature tones—delivering the  high quality results you have come to expect from Fractal Audio Systems.
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/cab-lab-3 Get Cab-Lab here]
 
  
More information:
+
Cab-Lab 4 comes with both Standalone and Plugin Versions. The Standalone uses your Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3, or another audio interface so you can monitor in realtime. Meanwhile, the plugin version processes audio in your compatible DAW or host and can be used both to <q>re-cab</q> raw amp recordings and export IRs for your Fractal Audio hardware product.
* [http://www.fractalaudio.com/downloads/cab-lab/Cab-Lab-3-Manual.pdf Cab-Lab Manual]
+
</blockquote>
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/forums/user-cabs-and-irs.39/ User Cabs and IRs forum]
+
</blockquote>
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/cab-lab-cab-lab-live/97024-cab-lab-live-newbie-faq.html Shasha's FAQ]
 
  
=Cab-Lab versions=
+
You can download Cab-Lab from its [http://www.fractalaudio.com/cab-lab-3 product page].
  
'''Standalone''' – To be used with the Axe-Fx and AX8 and a computer.
+
See the [[Owners_Manuals|manual]] for more information.
  
'''Plugin''' – To be used in DAWs. Mac: 64-bit AU. Windows: 32-bit and 64-bit VST. The manual lists the differences between the standalone version and the plugin.
+
=Features=
  
'''Cab-Lab 3 Lite''' – Stripped-down version, designed to allow users to easily convert IRs in WAV-format to .SYX, to send to an Axe-Fx or AX8.
+
Features of Cab-Lab 4:
  
[http://www.fractalaudio.com/cab-lab-3 Download free standalone Windows and Mac versions]
+
* 4-Channel IR Mixer with per-channel level, EQ, mute, solo, and phase controls.
 +
* Each channel can be set to DynaCab or Single IR.
 +
* Single IR mode supports .wav, .ir, and non UltraRes .syx files.
 +
* DynaCab mode offers easy, intuitive, visual mic-on-speaker positioning with 360° center-to-edge mic placement, and adjustable mic distance.
 +
* DynaCab mode supports new DynaCab Packs, available from Fractal Audio's [https://shop.fractalaudio.com/software-and-irs/dynacab-packs/ DynaCab Packs store].
 +
* Global and per-channel EQ with selectable-slope Low Cut and High Cut filters and frequency plots.
 +
* <q>ZOOM</q> view allows precise mic positioning using real-world centimeter (cm) or inch (in) units.
 +
* <q>ALIGN</q> view allows you to adjust IR time for precise phase control. DynaCabs are automatically aligned at any mic distance but can be adjusted further.
 +
* Built in Cab Pack Manager automatically handles DynaCab pack downloads, installation, and authorization.
 +
* Cab-Lab 4 Standalone connects directly to Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3 or any compatible audio interface for real time monitoring in <q>Software Live Mode</q>.
 +
* Standalone mode can send mix IRs directly to User Cab memories of the connected FAS device.
 +
* <q>Hardware Manual</q> audition mode sends your mix IR to <q>Scratchpad 1</q> on a connected Fractal Audio device.
 +
* Audition setup uses easy <q>DO IT!</q> wizards.
 +
* Cab-Lab 4 Plugin runs in a DAW or host to <q>re-cab</q> life or recorded amp tracks. Cab-Lab 4 is an excellent way to re-cab plugins or a tube amp using the Fractal-Audio X-Load LB-2 Load box.
 +
* IR Capture Utility facilitates the creation of individual IRs using an Axe-Fx III.
 +
* Cab-Lab saves Sessions for total recall any time you re-launch the program.
 +
* Wav Conversion utility batch converts .wav IRs to .ir and .syx formats.
 +
* IR2Syx utility batch converts .ir to .syx.
 +
* IR Phase Invert utility batch corrects inverted IRs, such as those created when a speaker is wired backwards.
 +
* RefIR Batch utility applies a reference IR to remove coloration imparted by a power amp.
 +
* Rename IR utility renames a single IR.
 +
* Copy Filename to IR name batch utility allows changing the internal IR name of multiple files.
 +
* Cab-Lab 4 Standalone is self-updating when new versions are released.
 +
* New and improved <q>dark mode</q> look and feel.
  
The Cab block in the Axe-Fx III is a mini-version of Cab-Lab, providing the capability to mix and remix impulse responses on-the-fly, as you would with real mics on a speaker cabinet.
+
=Standalone and plugin versions=
  
=EZ Setup and Live Mode=
+
Cab-Lab 4 has two versions:
  
'''EZ Setup''' – EZ Setup in the Standalone version makes it easy to audition impulse responses. It automatically sets the Cab block in the preset to one of the Cab block's Scratchpads and sends the mix to that Scratchpad. Handy alternative to Live Mode.
+
; Standalone : The standalone app operates independently without needing another software platform, while the plugin requires a host application or DAW such as Logic, Reaper, Live, etc. The Standalone uses your Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3 or any compatible audio interface for <q>Software Live Mode</q> auditioning. A wizard helps you to set up an <q>amp modeling only</q> preset, allowing Cab-Lab to perform speaker cab simulation while you monitor, mix and adjust it in real time. When you’re happy with the result, you can save it as a file to your computer or directly to a connected Fractal Audio device. The standalone also includes a collection of powerful ir processing tools.
  
'''Live Mode''' – Live Mode lets you mix impulse responses and listen to them in real time on your computer or through the Axe-Fx or AX8, without using the Scratchpad. Select the audio input and output in Settings > Audio Settings. Make sure you have disabled the Cab block in the preset! To decrease latency, adjust Buffer Size in Advanced Settings.
+
; Plugin : The plugin is tailored for <q>re-cab</q> applications in a DAW using any audio interface to mix and monitor in real-time. This allows you to mix and monitor in real time. It doesn’t connect to Fractal Audio hardware directly, but it offers the capability to export an IR to your computer. You can then upload this IR to any compatible Fractal Audio device later. The plugin for Macs requires 64-bit AU- or VST3 capable host software. The plugin for Windows requires 64- or 32-bit VST3 capable host software.
  
=Min Phase and Auto Trim=
+
=Audition modes=
  
If desired, an IR can be manually or automatically adjusted.
+
==SW Live Mode (Software Live Mode)==
  
'''Auto Trim''' – Makes certain that the wave starts at the correct position, by removing superfluous silence from the start. These days this isn't really necessary to apply on modern IRs. But it might come in handy when shooting your own IRs.
+
Software Live Mode, in the standalone version, allows you to hear mic and mix changes in real time, replicating how this process works on analog gear. It relies on a signal with amp modeling but no cab processing. A wizard helps you to set up your Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3 for this purpose.
  
'''Min Phase''' – Verifies that the phase of the IR causes no issues, by time-aligning the IR. This is especially important when you mix multiple IRs and you don't want to align them manually in Cab-Lab or the DAW. All stock cabs are Min Phase to make them mix-compatible.
+
==HW Manual Audition (Hardware Manual Audition)==
  
<blockquote>"If it's a cab IR the difference is basically nil because a speaker is a minimum-phase device. All minimum-phase does in this case is automatically remove the leading silence. A room IR is not minimum phase so you should not use MPT when processing a room IR." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/minimum-phase-how-does-it-affect-the-sound-of-an-ir.141597/#post-1684780 source] </blockquote>
+
This mode allows sending IRs manually to the <q>scratch pad</q> of a connected Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3.
  
<blockquote>"The factory cabs are minimum phase for precisely the reason that mixing non-minimum phase leads to phase problems. Some people believe non-minimum phase sounds "better". I personally don't hear a significant difference (if any in many cases) to warrant all the inherent problems associated with non-minimum phase IRs." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/phase-problem-with-imported-oh-cabs.144009/#post-1704419 source]</blockquote>
+
=Managing IRs=
  
Furthermore guitar speakers are essentially minimum phase devices.
+
==IR Capture==
  
 +
Cab-Lab also provides a software GUI for [[IR Capture]], Fractal Audio's tool that lets you capture IRs with an Axe-Fx II or Axe-Fx III.
  
 +
[[image:IR Capture.png|300px]]
 +
 +
==Cab Pack Manager==
 +
 +
Use the built-in Cab Pack Manager to download, install, and authorize DynaCab packs purchased from [https://shop.fractalaudio.com Fractal Audio's online store].
 +
 +
==Min Phase and Auto Trim==
 +
 +
See <q>[[Impulse_responses_(IR)#IR_properties|Minimum Phase and Auto Trim]]</q> for information.
 +
 +
==UltraRes IRs==
 +
 +
To mix [[Impulse_responses_(IR)#IR_resolution|UltraRes]] impulse responses in Cab-Lab, you need the <samp>.ir</samp> version of an impulse response. This is Fractal Audio's proprietary format, targeted at mixing impulse responses. Or you can use use a <samp>.wav</samp> file.
 +
 +
The underlying IRs in Fractal Audio's commercial DynaCab packs are UltraRes.
 +
 +
Stock cabs can't be mixed, unless you create <samp>.ir</samp> files by using IR Capture. <q>[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/that-cab-block-i-need-help.163445/post-1959748 That Cab block. I need help.]</q> in the forum explains how to do it.
 +
 +
==FullRes IRs==
  
'''De-Phase''' / '''Smoothing''' – Mitigates phasing issues.
+
Cab-Lab supports [[Impulse_responses_(IR)#IR_resolution|FullRes]] IR capturing and management.
  
When neither Min Phase or Trim has been applied, the impulse responses is considered "raw", containing the original phase details.
+
==Convert Wave, SYX and IR files==
  
=Mixing Ultra-Res impulse responses with .IR files=
+
Creators of impulse responses often provide Wave files (<samp>.wav</samp>). These need to be converted to Fractal Audio's SYX (<samp>.syx</samp>) format to be able to be used in Fractal Audio's amp modelers. Cab-Lab provides a batch conversion routine. The Manage Cabs tool in the editors can also convert Wave files on the fly.
  
To mix Ultra-Res impulse responses in Cab-Lab, you need the .IR-version of an impulse response. This is a Fractal Audio proprietary format, targeted at mixing impulse responses.
+
==Rename IRs==
  
=Converting .WAV, .SYX and .IR-files=
+
Cab-Lab can rename the internal name of impulse responses. It can also rename impulse responses to match their filenames.
  
Many creators of impulse responses provide WAV files. These need to be converted to Fractal Audio's .SYX-format to be able to be used in the Axe-Fx and AX8. Cab-Lab provides a conversion batch routine, which you can apply to folders too. It works with mono WAV files only. The same applies to .IR files.
+
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
  
=Renaming impulse responses=
+
==Using Cab-Lab with a traditional amplifier==
  
Cab-Lab can rename the internal name of impulse responses (the name that appears on the Axe-Fx, AX8, in the editor etc.). It can also rename impulse responses to match their filenames.
+
See <q>[[X-Load Reactive Load LB-2]]</q> for more information.
  
=Capturing impulse responses with the Axe-Fx II or III=
+
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<hr>
  
Read this: [[IR Capture]].
+
<blockquote>
 +
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/cab-lab-with-a-tube-head.103083/#post-1234969] Load your head with a load box, take the output of the load box into your computer and run the audio through Cab-Lab. I would recommend a reactive load box rather than a resistive one.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
[[image:IR Capture.png|300px]]
+
==Fix no audio in Software Live Mode under Mac OS==
 +
 
 +
[https://support.fractalaudio.com/en-US/fix-no-audio-in-cab-lab-4-software-live-mode-under-mac-os-356462 Read this]
  
=Using Cab-Lab with a real amp=
+
=Videos=
  
<blockquote>"Load your head with a load box, take the output of the load box into your computer and run the audio through Cab-Lab. I would recommend a reactive load box rather than a resistive one." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/cab-lab-with-a-tube-head.103083/#post-1234969 source]</blockquote>
+
[[video:Leon-Cab-Lab4]]
 +
[[video:Coop-CabLab4]]
 +
[[video:RoshCabLab4]]
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 +
[[category:FM9]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
[[category:Software]]
+
[[category:Remote]]
 +
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 09:54, 25 October 2024

About Cab-Lab

Fractal Audio's Cab-Lab is a mixer and toolkit for IRs (Impulse Responses).

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


In the world of Fractal Audio’s industry-leading amp modeling, many musicians recognize the importance of Impulse Responses (IRs). IRs can be thought of as sonic captures – essentially the frequency fingerprint of a tone over time. Fractal Audio was the first to allow installable IRs in a guitar product to recreate the sound of a mic’d speaker cabinet, setting a new industry standard. Suddenly, guitarists could encapsulate the essence of a speaker cab in a portable format, enhancing both studio recording and live performance. Now, Cab-Lab 4 with DynaCab makes it quicker, easier, more intuitive, and fun to achieve great tone, allowing you to customize and mix IRs yourself.

For decades, guitarists and audio pros have carefully selected, positioned, and mixed microphones on guitar speakers in the pursuit of great tone. Now you can do the same, and it is easier than ever before. With Cab-Lab 4, you get a 4-channel IR mixer, plus tools to EQ, align, and more, so you can select, position, and mix mics while listening in real-time. Meanwhile, new DynaCab technology makes tone sculpting easier than ever, eliminating the need to sift through countless individual IRs. In fact, the DynaCab system in Cab-Lab 4 offers even more resolution and flexibility than our hardware products, with 360° of placement at variable distances, the possibility of additional microphone choices, and more. Best of all, Cab-Lab is now FREE!

Cab-Lab 4 supports our latest DynaCab Packs, as well as traditional single IRs — whether from Fractal Audio legacy cab packs or 3rd party producers. Cab-Lab gives you the tools you need to create your own signature tones—delivering the high quality results you have come to expect from Fractal Audio Systems.

Cab-Lab 4 comes with both Standalone and Plugin Versions. The Standalone uses your Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3, or another audio interface so you can monitor in realtime. Meanwhile, the plugin version processes audio in your compatible DAW or host and can be used both to re-cab raw amp recordings and export IRs for your Fractal Audio hardware product.

You can download Cab-Lab from its product page.

See the manual for more information.

Features

Features of Cab-Lab 4:

  • 4-Channel IR Mixer with per-channel level, EQ, mute, solo, and phase controls.
  • Each channel can be set to DynaCab or Single IR.
  • Single IR mode supports .wav, .ir, and non UltraRes .syx files.
  • DynaCab mode offers easy, intuitive, visual mic-on-speaker positioning with 360° center-to-edge mic placement, and adjustable mic distance.
  • DynaCab mode supports new DynaCab Packs, available from Fractal Audio's DynaCab Packs store.
  • Global and per-channel EQ with selectable-slope Low Cut and High Cut filters and frequency plots.
  • ZOOM view allows precise mic positioning using real-world centimeter (cm) or inch (in) units.
  • ALIGN view allows you to adjust IR time for precise phase control. DynaCabs are automatically aligned at any mic distance but can be adjusted further.
  • Built in Cab Pack Manager automatically handles DynaCab pack downloads, installation, and authorization.
  • Cab-Lab 4 Standalone connects directly to Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3 or any compatible audio interface for real time monitoring in Software Live Mode.
  • Standalone mode can send mix IRs directly to User Cab memories of the connected FAS device.
  • Hardware Manual audition mode sends your mix IR to Scratchpad 1 on a connected Fractal Audio device.
  • Audition setup uses easy DO IT! wizards.
  • Cab-Lab 4 Plugin runs in a DAW or host to re-cab life or recorded amp tracks. Cab-Lab 4 is an excellent way to re-cab plugins or a tube amp using the Fractal-Audio X-Load LB-2 Load box.
  • IR Capture Utility facilitates the creation of individual IRs using an Axe-Fx III.
  • Cab-Lab saves Sessions for total recall any time you re-launch the program.
  • Wav Conversion utility batch converts .wav IRs to .ir and .syx formats.
  • IR2Syx utility batch converts .ir to .syx.
  • IR Phase Invert utility batch corrects inverted IRs, such as those created when a speaker is wired backwards.
  • RefIR Batch utility applies a reference IR to remove coloration imparted by a power amp.
  • Rename IR utility renames a single IR.
  • Copy Filename to IR name batch utility allows changing the internal IR name of multiple files.
  • Cab-Lab 4 Standalone is self-updating when new versions are released.
  • New and improved dark mode look and feel.

Standalone and plugin versions

Cab-Lab 4 has two versions:

Standalone 
The standalone app operates independently without needing another software platform, while the plugin requires a host application or DAW such as Logic, Reaper, Live, etc. The Standalone uses your Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3 or any compatible audio interface for Software Live Mode auditioning. A wizard helps you to set up an amp modeling only preset, allowing Cab-Lab to perform speaker cab simulation while you monitor, mix and adjust it in real time. When you’re happy with the result, you can save it as a file to your computer or directly to a connected Fractal Audio device. The standalone also includes a collection of powerful ir processing tools.
Plugin 
The plugin is tailored for re-cab applications in a DAW using any audio interface to mix and monitor in real-time. This allows you to mix and monitor in real time. It doesn’t connect to Fractal Audio hardware directly, but it offers the capability to export an IR to your computer. You can then upload this IR to any compatible Fractal Audio device later. The plugin for Macs requires 64-bit AU- or VST3 capable host software. The plugin for Windows requires 64- or 32-bit VST3 capable host software.

Audition modes

SW Live Mode (Software Live Mode)

Software Live Mode, in the standalone version, allows you to hear mic and mix changes in real time, replicating how this process works on analog gear. It relies on a signal with amp modeling but no cab processing. A wizard helps you to set up your Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3 for this purpose.

HW Manual Audition (Hardware Manual Audition)

This mode allows sending IRs manually to the scratch pad of a connected Axe-Fx III, FM9, or FM3.

Managing IRs

IR Capture

Cab-Lab also provides a software GUI for IR Capture, Fractal Audio's tool that lets you capture IRs with an Axe-Fx II or Axe-Fx III.

IR Capture.png

Cab Pack Manager

Use the built-in Cab Pack Manager to download, install, and authorize DynaCab packs purchased from Fractal Audio's online store.

Min Phase and Auto Trim

See Minimum Phase and Auto Trim for information.

UltraRes IRs

To mix UltraRes impulse responses in Cab-Lab, you need the .ir version of an impulse response. This is Fractal Audio's proprietary format, targeted at mixing impulse responses. Or you can use use a .wav file.

The underlying IRs in Fractal Audio's commercial DynaCab packs are UltraRes.

Stock cabs can't be mixed, unless you create .ir files by using IR Capture. That Cab block. I need help. in the forum explains how to do it.

FullRes IRs

Cab-Lab supports FullRes IR capturing and management.

Convert Wave, SYX and IR files

Creators of impulse responses often provide Wave files (.wav). These need to be converted to Fractal Audio's SYX (.syx) format to be able to be used in Fractal Audio's amp modelers. Cab-Lab provides a batch conversion routine. The Manage Cabs tool in the editors can also convert Wave files on the fly.

Rename IRs

Cab-Lab can rename the internal name of impulse responses. It can also rename impulse responses to match their filenames.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Using Cab-Lab with a traditional amplifier

See X-Load Reactive Load LB-2 for more information.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[1] Load your head with a load box, take the output of the load box into your computer and run the audio through Cab-Lab. I would recommend a reactive load box rather than a resistive one.

Fix no audio in Software Live Mode under Mac OS

Read this

Videos