OwnHammer V4 Impulse Response Libraries

ownhammer

Power User
Vendor
Hello everyone,

I'd like to proudly and officially announce the newest and final revision of the OwnHammer Impulse Response Libraries. The V4 IR's represent the culmination of the last 5 years of product development, both in terms of perfecting the capture process itself, but also in feature set presentation for a multitude of platforms, applications, and tonal variations. The term "V4" is not expressly posted anywhere on the OwnHammer site as previous library revisions have been permanently disabled. In this way, these are now **THE** OwnHammer Impulse Response Libraries. The V4 badge then only serves the purpose of acknowledging new content to those who may have picked up and been familiar with previous OwnHammer offerings.

So what's new? In addition to the end of the line of incrimental capture procedure improvements, the V4 libraries adhere to a new and universal presentation. The following will break that down into summary information:

- Single Cabinet Library Feature Set -

There are two primary product types in the single cabinets section: dual and single speaker libraries.

Dual speaker libraries contain two speaker type options for a single cabinet, both contain the same amount of mics and mix types. In addition to each speaker being provided on their own, speaker mixes of the two are also included. For these IR's, the speaker listed first in the folder and file name (e.g. M25+V30) is slightly more dominant in the mix recipe for all such IR's. This can be incredibly powerful when a library contains speakers of significantly contrasting sounds, such as the 212 BOG-OS.

Single speaker libraries contain a single speaker type option, with the same mics and mix types as the dual speaker libraries. They are labeled as "expansions", not indicating that the dual speaker library is required for them to work (after all, they are just .wav files), but that it is a content limited product as compared to the primary dual speaker entry.

- Mics and Mixes -

All of the libraries contain the following:

Mics:
"57" based on a modern production Shure SM57 dynamic mic.
"70" based on a Microtech Gefell UMT70S condenser mic.
"121" based on a Royer R121 ribbon mic.
"160" based on a Beyerdynamic M160 ribbon mic.
"414" based on an AKG C414B-ULS condenser mic.
"421" based on a vintage Telefunken MD421 dynamic mic.
"MID" based on a mid field placed AEA R92 ribbon mic.
"REAR" based on a vintage Neumann KM84 condenser mic.
"ROOM" based on a vintage Neumann KM84 condenser mic.

Some libraries may contain additional single mics, and will be noted in the feature set on the product description page.

Mixes:
“MDRN” is based on a 57 + 421 mic combination.
“OH1” is based on a 57 + 121 mic combination.
“OH1F” is based on a more “fat” sounding 57 + 121 mic combination.
“OH2” is based on a 421 + 121 mic combination.
“OH2F” is based on a more “fat” sounding 421 + 121 mic combination.
“SP2” is based on a multi-mic configuration created by Scott Peterson.

Most 4x12 libraries also contain:

“PROG” is a proprietary mix that excels in modern progressive music styles.

Some libraries may also contain:

“JS” is based on a multi-mic configuration created by Jon Symons.
“EWH” is based on a multi-mic configuration created by Eric Hill.

Mics and Mixes are presented in the fashion that OwnHammer libraries have been offered with the beloved variable position scheme ranging from 00 to 10. These positions represent movement across the face of the speaker along the relative sweet spot from brighter and closer to center (00) to darker and further out on the cap or cone (10). These numbers do not represent any specific unit of measure and are merely sequential arbitrary definitions.

Since there is a load of content in every library, a "Quick Start" folder is available at the top of each product that contains the OwnHammer picks for the most universally ideal single mic and mix positions. Within this there are also "M+" variations of most entries, which is a mid-boosted voicing for those who may have use for or prefer it.

- Outboard Gear and Signal Chain -

All of the V4 guitar cab libraries are driven by a neutral tube amp, using a BAE 1073mp mic amp, Vovox cables, and Prism Orpheus conversion.

- File Format -

All OwnHammer libraries are offered in the parent convolution reverb format: Wave Audio (.wav). Wav files can be loaded directly into the Cab Lab 3 standalone/plugin application, however if you wish to use these files in outboard Fractal hardware you will need to first convert them to System Exclusive (.syx) format. This can be done via the conversion utilities Fractal Audio Systems provides:

Cab Lab

In addition to a very robust commercial version of this software, there is also a limited function free version (Lite) as well. To those who opt for the free utility, to my understanding you will not be able to batch convert the files so I recommend you first convert the Quick Start contents in the OwnHammer libraries and branch out from there.

Every OwnHammer library contains a "Fractal.zip" in the product downloads section that is ideal for conversion given the feature options in the FAS format converter utilities. These files are mono, 200 ms in length, 48 kHz sample rate, and in the "raw" time of flight. This allows you to either convert them as is and leave the phase information (to which they will only be in time/phase with other OH raw files without additional adjustment), or employ the FAS minimum phase transformation processing if you'd like to mix them in cab blocks with other non-OH content. The universal time of flight for the OH raw IR's is 80 samples at 48 kHz, or 1.67 ms.

- Free Demo -

On the site I have provided a single speaker portion of the 412 MES-ST library. This represents the feature set for one speaker, and will give you a feel for the provided options and sounds, within the confines of the source content. This can be downloaded from the following location:

OwnHammer V4 Free Demo

- In Closing -

Many thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey over the years. I hope that the OwnHammer libraries have brought joy and ease to your creative endeavors, and continue to do so for many years to come. I also apologize for this thread being six months in the making. The reaction, feedback, results, and demand from the word 'go' of these libraries has been so extraordinarily fervent that I have simply not been able to keep up - for which I will say a very emphatic 'THANK YOU' to you all for that and all of your support!

I will try to keep an eye on and keep up in this thread with any OH related questions (that are appropriate to answer and do not disclose any unwanted inside information), and will post product release updates here for those that like keeping up to date with the OH offerings in this venue.

For a list of all the currently available libraries, go to ownhammer.com for more details. Happy tone hunting!

All the best,
Kevin
OwnHammer.com
 
Here are all of the V4 libraries that have been released to date prior to the creation of this thread, listed alphanumerically:

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112 DLX

Cab:

Based on a Mojotone Narrow Panel Deluxe open back 1x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"C12R" based on a vintage Jensen C12R.
"P12R" based on a Vintage Jensen P12R.

Sounds:



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212 BOG-OS

Cab:

Based on a Bogner oversized closed back 2x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"M25" based on Celestion G12M-25 "Greenbacks".
"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:




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212 BOG-SH

Cab:

Based on a Bogner Shiva open back 2x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"GOLD" based on Celestion G12 Alnico Golds.
"SILVER" based on vintage pre-Rola Celestion Alnico Silvers.

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212 MES-RC

Cab:

Based on a Mesa Boogie closed back Rectifier 2x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"G12H" based on Celestion G12H-30 "Creambacks".
"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:



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212 VX30

Cab:

Based on a Vox AC30 Top Boost open back 2x12 combo.

Speakers:

"BLUE" based on Celestion Alnico Blue speakers.
"M55-BB" based on vintage 55 Hz Celestion “black back” G12M-25 speakers.

Sounds:


https://soundcloud.com/ownhammer/212-vx30

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410 BOG

Cab:

Based on a Bogner open back 4x10 cabinet.

Speakers:

"BLUE" based on Weber Blue Pups.
"SUNN" based on vintage Sunn Transducer 108G's.

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410 SPRVRB

Cab:

Based on a Mojotone Super Reverb 4x10 cabinet.

Speakers:

"C10R" based on vintage Jensen C10R's.
"CTS" based on vintage Fender CTS Alnico's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/oh-v4-4x10-fender-super-reverb-strat-demo

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412 BOG-ST

Cab:

Based on a Bogner Standard 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"T75" based on Celestion G12T-75's.
"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/ownhammer-v4-bogner-4x12-v30t75-axe-fx-ii-quatum-demo
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/jon-symons-oh-bogner-mid-twang-fest-blackbird-ssd

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412 BOG-ST EDVH Expansion

Cab:

Based on a Bogner Standard 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"EDVH" based on Celestion G12EVH.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/quantum-20-5150-iii-red-ownhammer-evh-bogner-hugeness
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/rip-your-face-off-heavy-tonez-ownhammer-edvh-bogner-4x12
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmus...h-speaker-axe-fx-ii-quantum-savage-metal-demo

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412 DZL-RL

Cab:

Based on a Diezel rear loaded 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"12K" based on Celestion G12K-100's.
"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/diezel-tidal-wave-axe-fx-quantum-201-and-ownhammer-dzl-cab
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/deftones-tones-deftones-guitar-tone-tribute-oh-dzl-g12k100

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412 ENG

Cab:

Based on an Engl PRO 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"G12C" based on Celestion G12C's.
"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/bngd-brutal-new-guitar-day-testing-my-new-schecter-c-7
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmus...i-quantum-201-ownhammer-eng-v30-8-string-demo
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/rock-groovy-melodic-axe-fx-q201-and-ownhammer-engl

******************************

412 MAR-CB

Cab:

Based on a 1970's Marshall 1960B "checkerboard" 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"H75-PR" based on pre-Rola 75 Hz Celestion G12H-30's.
"M75-PR" based on pre-Rola 75 Hz Celestion G12M-25's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/ownhammer/412-mar-cb
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmus...nhammer-mar-cb-h75-pr-and-friedman-hbe-axe-fx

******************************

412 MAR-CB LYNCH Expansion

Cab:

Based on a 1970's Marshall 1960B "checkerboard" 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"LYNCH" based on Celestion G12-50GL "Lynchbacks".

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/ownhammer/412-mar-cb-lynch

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412 MAR-CB V30 Expansion

Cab:

Based on a 1970's Marshall 1960B "checkerboard" 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmus...fx-friedman-hbe-and-ownhammer-marshall-cb-v30

******************************

412 MES-ST

Cab:

Based on a 2001 Mesa Boogie Standard slant 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"V60" based on 60 watt Celestion Vintage 30's.
"V70" based on 70 watt Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/eric-hill1/e-axefx2-friedman-hbe-ownhammer-ewh-ir-mix-test
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/ownhammer-mesa-os-4x12-v30-axe-fx-quantum-recto-demo

More clips on product page in embedded flash media player.

******************************

412 MES-TR

Cab:

Based on a 2001 Mesa Boogie Traditional slant 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"V60" based on 60 watt Celestion Vintage 30's.
"V70" based on 70 watt Celestion Vintage 30's.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmus...2-v30-demo-with-my-ibanez-tam10-prog-inspired
https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/ownhammer-mesa-traditional-4x12-v30-demo-axe-fx-quantum

******************************

412 ORNG

Cab:

Based on an Orange PPC412 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"H75" based on Scumback H75's.
"V30" based on Celestion Vintage 30's made for Orange Amplification.

Sounds:

https://soundcloud.com/jonsymonsmusic/ownhammer-orange-v30-stoner-riffs

More clips on product page in embedded flash media player.

******************************

412 ORNG M25 Expansion

Cab:

Based on an Orange PPC412 4x12 cabinet.

Speakers:

"M25" based on vintage pre-Rola Celestion 75 Hz G12M-25's.

Sounds:

Clips on product page in embedded flash media player.
 
- Question -

Where did all the pre-V4 content go?

- Answer -

For the purposes of brand representation and the prevention of option overload and product revision confusion - especially to the surge of new users entering the marketplace at the current time - all previously released items except for the Studio Mix Library have been permanently disabled. I am in the process of reshooting upwards of 50 cabinets, and most all of my 100 or so speaker types will have a home somewhere on the site in an appropriate and/or commonly associated cabinet. This will take a little bit from the time of this posting to be completed, but it will get there and be well worth the wait!
 
- Question -

What on the site currently is and isn't "V4"?

- Answer -

So far as the content on the site that does not follow the newest, unofficially labeled 'V4' feature set:

- AMPG BASS -

This is, for all intents and purposes, V4, as it in and of itself is a completely unique approach custom created to this application. I have no current plans to do any more bass libraries, as this library accomplishes so many, many things with aplomb and is so incredibly versatile given the included options.

- The Justin York Collection -

This carries the V4 sampling methodology in the back end, however was provided in a feature set chosen by Justin, which differs from what I do in the V4 libraries. Sonically, it's V4, with a different and custom inclusions based around an array of things I have done in the past that Justin really liked and felt very useful and valuable, as do so many that have picked up a copy.

- 212 MAR-66 Multi-Speaker Collection -

This was a transitional library between V3 and V4, leaning more the side of V4. This library has been extremely well received, has a completely unique feature set, and was an absolute BEAR to put together. There is just so, so much content here.

- Marsh-UK Multi-Cabinet Collection -

Under the hood, the sampling methodology in terms of capture procedure is V4. The feature set varies a little - there are only half of the mics in the newer V4 libraries, and the mixes are of different formula except for OH1 and SP2. Some of the individual cabs in this library may make an appearance in the V4 Single Cabinet Libraries breakout.

- Studio Mix Collection -

The full version of Cab Pack 3, this library simply never seems to go out of style. This content has always been a best seller, high profile artist recommendation, and continues to garner interest and sales movement even with the current, newer offerings on the site.
 
- Question -

What is a neutral tube amp?

- Answer -

In the guitar amplification realm there are two main power amp types - solid state and tube. Solid State amps generally are more neutral in character, where tube amps are noticeably scooped, more so if they have feedback loop equalization options (Presence & Depth). In hi-fi audio, the goal by and large is reference (flat response) playback, no matter what the amplification circuit. In my extensive testing, I found through blind and non-blind shootouts that myself and everyone involved unanimously preferred both the sound and feel of my neutral tube amp (which for competitive purposes I will not be disclosing additional details on what that is) to that of my solid state Bryston. While similar in frequency response (which I also measured to be extremely close to one another), there was just extra nuance to the tube amp driven files that put them over the top for every guitar, pickup, amp, playing style, and application combination. My approach and concern has always been and always will be sound over simulation, for this part of the signal chain and every other.
 
- New Release -

212 VXT

Cab:

Based on a Vox open back 2x12 extension cabinet.

Speakers:

"BLUE" based on 1963 Celestion Alnico Blue speakers.
"GOLD" based on Celestion G12 Alnico Gold speakers.

Sounds:



I will also be creating a clean type clip in the next few days, I've had an excessively busy week, again. I've actually had this library finished since Thanksgiving of last year, but didn't want to delay it any further from a lack of my time to put together a sound byte. Super-Jon to the rescue. :)
 
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- Sneak Peek -

While I literally have a half dozen projects I'm working on right now, the one I'm most excited about is a new Multiple Cabinet Library bundle package I have been chipping away at slowly since late January. The Heavy Hitters Collection will grace the site in a little while, but given how special it is I would like to give everyone a heads up leading to the release:

V4_HHC.jpg


This library will include the following four speaker enclosures:

"412 DZL" - based on a Diezel front loaded 4x12 cabinet.
"412 MAR" - based on a Marshall Mode Four 4x12 cabinet.
"412 MES" - based on a Mesa Standard/Oversized 4x12 cabinet.
"412 ORN" - based on an Orange PPC412 4x12 cabinet.

Each cabinet will be loaded with several speakers, I'll release more details as time goes on. In addition to multiple speakers and speaker mixes per cabinet, there will also be multiple cabinet mixes, and a global "Summary" directory that will have a unique mix type that provides a single IR from each sub-directory of cabinets and speakers to allow quick access to the entire scope of the library on first visit.

There will be no content overlap to any similar cabinet types on the website, everything here is unique and individual to this library. For cabinets that have representations in the Single Cabinet Libraries section, the speakers used here are unique and noticeably different sounding than those used elsewhere. Additionally, it is my current intention that the front loaded Diezel and Marshall Mode Four will only be offered in this library, as will the speaker types here in the Mesa and Orange.

Jon has already posted a clip using the 412 MES V30, which was exceptionally well received here on this forum:



While taste and preference are unique to everyone and the tremendous amount of variables that go into that, this is my personal favorite set of Mesa files and I get the biggest smile while playing through them; mixing is also effortless.

In terms of progress, I'm roughly one third of the way finished. When I started shooting the rear loaded Diezel at the end of January, I also started shooting the front loaded, which is mostly completed, as is the Mesa 4x12. I'll keep everyone up to date on progress information and clips as they become available. This library will be one for the books for sure. I lose quite a bit of time playing through these when I need a break from the world, and can't wait for everyone to be able to get their hands on them so that they can as well. :)
 
Please don't take this the wrong way Kevin, you have and always will have great IRs but if you don't mind me asking, are there any plans to have a final package that just includes everything that is/will be the Ownhammer v4 offering?

Cheers
 
I've been out of the loop for a while and am jumping back in. I bought the Studio Mix a couple of years ago (before UltraRes existed). Does my license allow me to download the newer, updated, content?
 
Would you mind share audio examples for 4x10 Bogner Open? Thanks.

Haven't had time to make a clip for that one yet. :)

Please don't take this the wrong way Kevin, you have and always will have great IRs but if you don't mind me asking, are there any plans to have a final package that just includes everything that is/will be the Ownhammer v4 offering?

Cheers

I've tried to create an 'add all to cart' function, but with my transactional framework it won't carry over attributes, just the nature of the beast I came to find out later. It will be quite a while until I reach a point where I am 100% done shooting libraries, but when I hit that point, I'll give it some thought. It would just be a "click saver" library though, the price point would be the total minus the maximum frequency discount. To this end, adding things a la carte in the interim (which could be a several year period) would equate to the same result on the user side. Given how much content I'm planning to contribute to the site, I doubt many would want to go all in, but, you never know!

I've been out of the loop for a while and am jumping back in. I bought the Studio Mix a couple of years ago (before UltraRes existed). Does my license allow me to download the newer, updated, content?

I've not changed anything with the Studio Mix Libraries from a technical standpoint so far as the .wav files go, just removed the other formats that may have been offered at that time, and trimmed some fat like removing the stereo (dual mono) .wav's. The IR's then are the same as they are now, so if you have misplaced your files you can always re-download what's in your account and be on par with what is on the site currently. That was the one legacy library that made the cut, I had it off the site for a week to reorganize it and you would have thought I started world war nine, haha!
 
You'll really dig the 212 VXT, that one is my personal go to for combo amp tones, especially with my Tele. Celestion did a great job with those Golds, and they really popped in this cab IMHO, lots of clarity and focus. They handle both clean and pretty heavily driven tones (and the spectrum in between) really, really well. The original '63 Blues are also very cool, and a nice contrast for a little more mellow vibe.

Speaking of, I actually modified this cabinet for this shoot to replicate the 1960's AC30. It made a noticeable difference in the output compared to the stock configuration. Was a really fun project. :)
 
Sorry if this is clearly stated and I missed it but...... If I previously purchased the Mesa Packs, and the Marshall V30 pack, are they V4, and if not will re downloading them from my log in get me the updated V4? AND, is there any reason for me to want to V4 version of my current packs or is it all just about organization and fluidity of the packs. meaning no tonal differences. Again sorry if this seems to be a stupid question.
 
You'll really dig the 212 VXT, that one is my personal go to for combo amp tones, especially with my Tele. Celestion did a great job with those Golds, and they really popped in this cab IMHO, lots of clarity and focus. They handle both clean and pretty heavily driven tones (and the spectrum in between) really, really well. The original '63 Blues are also very cool, and a nice contrast for a little more mellow vibe.

Speaking of, I actually modified this cabinet for this shoot to replicate the 1960's AC30. It made a noticeable difference in the output compared to the stock configuration. Was a really fun project. :)
yeah, i might be fan of that cab, lol....
 
Sorry if this is clearly stated and I missed it but...... If I previously purchased the Mesa Packs, and the Marshall V30 pack, are they V4, and if not will re downloading them from my log in get me the updated V4? AND, is there any reason for me to want to V4 version of my current packs or is it all just about organization and fluidity of the packs. meaning no tonal differences. Again sorry if this seems to be a stupid question.

The price points of the libraries over the years have never been high enough to sustainably support large overhauls as free updates. Minor updates, revisions, corrections, sure. However the work required compared to the price asked for the difference between major version changes would be a heavily inverted return, and the V4 libraries are no different in this regard. In this way, the V4 content has not physically replaced any previous content in the database to where a pre-V4 library has had its files altered to be those of the V4 IR's. If you have other libraries that are V1/V2/V3/HGE, the new content could be a significant improvement sonically, depending on how you use the files, your playback system, and your ears, but that's something that can't really be predicted from my end in all sincerity. The organization, fluidity, and mix options are definitely improved. In the end, if what you have works for you, by all means be happy with it and focus on playing, creating, etc. :)

As to what's what, if you log in and look at your purchase history, the area where you download files has a sure indicator of what the library is. For organizational purposes on my server, I have all of the download content separated by folder that is representative of the "series" of library. V4 libraries will start out with "V4/" at the beginning of the file name.

So, just to make sure the Marsh-UK Multi-Cabinet Collection isn't V4?

The way that the system is stimulated and captured is V4. The amount of mics and the pre-made mic mix types are not strictly to that letter. Some really great stuff in the Marsh-UK, and despite my initial intentions if I do any single cab breakouts of content contained within it, they will be completely unique to avoid direct overlap, like the 412 MAR-CB.
 
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