IRDX Studio: An IR loader AND a powerful convolution reverb?

Capture YOUR IDEAS

When you think of an IR loader, your mind probably goes straight to guitar cabinets. But at Bogren Digital, we designed IRDX Studio to be significantly more versatile than your average loader.

One of the most powerful features "under the hood" is our maximum IR length. While many loaders cut the IR length early, which can thin out the natural decay of your space, IRDX Studio supports files up to 15 seconds long. Combined with stereo IR support, this generous limit transforms the plugin into a feature-rich convolution reverb. Functionally, there is very little difference between a cabinet IR and reverb impulse responses; it’s all about how you use the engine.

How to Transform IRDX Studio into a Convolution Reverb

If you want to move beyond guitar tones and start crafting immersive spaces, follow these steps:

1. Find High-Quality Reverb Impulse Responses

Because IRDX Studio handles longer files, you aren’t limited to just cabinet impulse responses. You can download professional reverb impulse responses or even find free packs online. Once you have your files, simply add them to your IRDX Studio library and then drag and drop them into a slot just like you would a guitar cab IR.

2. Utilize Room Impulses for Natural Depth

To get the best results, try loading IRDX Studio onto a bus. In our deep dive video, we sent a snare from Eloy Drums to a dedicated bus with IRDX Studio loaded in. This allowed us to keep the "dry" snare punchy and direct while using the bus to control the "wet" ambient signal.

To unlock even more potential from the reverb, you can add a sample delay in front of IRDX Studio on the bus channel. This will allow you to introduce pre-delay, letting the dry signal cut through before the reverb blooms.

3. Blend and Layer Your Reverb Impulses

The real magic happens when you use the dual-slot blending options. Why settle for one sound when you can create a hybrid space?

• Slot 1: Load a Snare Plate IR.
• Slot 2: Load a Large Hall IR.

The Result = A custom, complex space that you can blend to taste using the mixer.

4. Shape the Tail with Built-in EQ

One of the coolest ways to use IRDX Studio as a reverb IR host is by utilizing the built-in EQ for each slot. For example, if you have a hall reverb that feels a bit muddy, you can EQ that specific slot to filter out the lows, leaving only the "air" in the top end. This adds a beautiful high-end shimmer to the tail of your plate reverb without cluttering the mix.

Key Takeaway

IRDX Studio is more than just a tone-shaper for your guitar; it’s a fully-fledged creative tool for your entire production.

Whether you are looking for an IR loader to handle your favorite cabs or a robust convolution reverb to place your drums in a virtual live room, IRDX Studio delivers the goods.

Have you tried loading non-cabinet IRs into IRDX Studio yet? Give it a shot and see where your creativity takes you!