IR Capture
The IR Capture utility allows remote control of the entire IR Capture
feature of the Axe-*‐Fx II. You can perform all required operations through
the software for greater convenience and the benefit of built in step-*‐by-*‐
step help.
Each step includes a help icon you can click for more information.
1. SELECT DEVICE
Select your connected Axe-*‐Fx II from the list. A message will let you know if
Cab-*‐Lab connects successfully. If not, please ensure that your hardware is
connected via USB to this computer and that current drivers are installed.
2. IR FORMAT
IRs can be captured in the UltraRes format (preferred), or in Standard Axe-*‐Fx II (High/2048) format. Your selection here
determines the format files saved on the connected Axe-*‐Fx II, and those saved to disk (in step 6.)
3. TEST
The TEST button plays a single sweep through your connected amp and cab so you can check wiring and set levels. To prevent
accidental overload, begin with your power amp levels all the way down and increase them until the sweep can be heard
loudly through the connected speaker with no distortion. Note: The OUTPUT LEVEL 2 knob on the Axe-*‐Fx controls the level of
7 | Cab-*‐Lab Getting Started Guide -*‐ Version 2.0
signal to the power amp. Adjust the input controls of your mic preamp for a "healthy" level from the connected microphone.
The INPUT 2 meter on your connected Axe-*‐Fx II shows the level of signal from the preamp to the Axe-*‐Fx. Use the preamp's
output level controls together with the Axe-*‐Fx INPUT 2 level control (under I/O : INPUT on the hardware) to set levels. (A
"tickle" of the red INPUT2 LED is OK.) Repeat the TEST sweep as needed until all levels are set appropriately.
4. NAME
Before you can capture an IR, you need to type a NAME for it in this field (up to 31 characters).
5. CAPTURE
With levels set correctly, press the CAPTURE button and quietly wait for the process to complete (~15 seconds). When an IR is
captured, it is automatically sent to the “SCRATCHPAD” of CAB 1. TIP: If you set the current preset to use this cab before
beginning, you’ll be able to audition results immediately. If you like the results, move on to the next step, or make adjustments
to mic position/blend/etc. and repeat the capture as desired.
6. SEND TO USER CAB
The Axe-*‐Fx II contains internal memory for storing User Cabs. When you use Cab-*‐Lab to save an IR to a User Cab memory, it
remains there indefinitely until you overwrite or otherwise remove it. TIP: Fractal-*‐Bot can transfer all Axe-*‐Fx User Cabs to your
computer as individual files.
7. SAVE AS FILE
Use this option to save your completed capture to this computer. For UltraRes format, two files are created. The .syx file is the
UltraRes IR for use in CAB block, and the .ir file is the cab data for mixing and/or conversion in Cab-*‐Lab. (Cab-*‐Lab cannot load
Ultra-*‐Res SysEx files.)
8. DIAGRAM
This shows a sample setup for capturing IRs. The Axe-*‐Fx OUTPUT2 L generates a signal into the power amp, which drives the
speaker. A neutral solid state power amp is recommended for capturing IRs. A microphone on the speaker connects through a
mic preamp to return to the Axe-*‐Fx II INPUT 2 L. Microphone placement is critical and small adjustments can make a big
difference in results. Note that while the diagram shows a single microphone, you can also feed the signal from a mixer with
multiple mics blended together. (Note: Stereo blends must be captured in two independent passes, one each for left and
right.)
9. FREQUENCY PLOT
When an IR is captured, the result is plotted here. Note that this is a just the raw time domain plot, which will be quite
different from the typical frequency response diagrams you are perhaps accustomed to seeing.
If you have questions about using Cab-*‐Lab, please visit
http://forum.fractalaudio.com for member-*‐to-*‐member support,
or contact Fractal Support via
Fractal Audio - Powered by Kayako Resolve Help Desk Software.
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