CabZone X

The CabZone X still has a very simple UI, although it has been substantially expanded from the CabZone LE.

First of all, the CabZone X has a fully functional XLR balanced output with ground lift, which will come in handy at live gigs. With this option, you don't need to worry anymore about using a separate DI box to transmit the signal over many meters of cable.

Another important addition is a set of 10 power amp emulations that will let you sculpt your tone even further. The device now allows you not only to emulate the delicate response of a clean power amp but also to add the characteristic harmonic distortion of various overdriven power amp types. Besides, you can now control power amp gain via input volume.

The CabZone X features an updated headphones amp, revised universal power intake (it can now work with Power Bank-type power supplies), extended dynamic range, and improved signal to noise ratio. Impulses are now uploaded via USB, so there is no need to buy a microSD card. The device now also features a sturdy aluminum enclosure with recessed knobs. Best thing is, the CabZone X has become only marginally bigger in size!

The CAB knob has 11 positions and allows to select the impulse or to switch off the IR section. The device comes with 10 stock impulses (8 for guitar and 2 for bass) which can be easily used in most styles of music.

By default, the 11 positions of the CAB knob are as follows:

• OFF: the IR section is off.
• 01: impulse of a 1973 Fender Twin Reverb combo amp cabinet with two JBL D120F speakers, recorded with a Lomo 19A19 mic using the combo's built-in power amp.
• 02: impulse of a Marshall 1960 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 speakers, recorded with a Shure SM57 mic using the power amp in Marshall JCM800 MkII.
• 03: impulse of a VOX AC30 Custom combo amp cabinet with Celestion Alnico Blue speakers, recorded with a Royer R-121 mic using the combo's built-in power amp.
• 04: impulse of a Supro Thunderbolt combo amp cabinet with one 15-inch speaker, recorded with a Shure SM57 mic using a neutral power amp.
• 05: impulse of an Orange PPC412 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, recorded with a Royer R-121 mic using a neutral power amp.
• 06: impulse of a Peavey 5150 cabinet with Peavey Sheffield Model 1200 speakers, recorded with a AKG C414 mic using the power amp in Peavey 5150 MkII.
• 07: impulse of an Engl E412SGB cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, recorded with a Shure SM57 mic using a neutral power amp.
• 08: impulse of a Mesa 4x12 Recto Standard cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, recorded with a AKG C414 mic using the power amp in Mesa Dual Rectifier.
• 09: impulse of a SUNN 200s bass cabinet with two 15-inch speakers, recorded with 3 different mics with some EQ to make it sound great. A neutral power amp was used while recording the impulse.
• 10: impulse of an AMPEG SVT-810E bass cabinet, recorded with 3 different mics with some EQ to make it sound great. A neutral power amp was used while recording the impulse.

The stock impulses can be fully or partially replaced by uploading third-party impulses via Micro-USB.

On our website, you can find exclusive impulse packs ready for use with our cabsims.

The CAB knob has 11 positions and allows to select the impulse or to switch off the IR section. The Bass firmware version replaces the impulses in the CabZone X with 10 bass-specific impulses from the Bass IR Pack.

By default, the 11 positions of the CAB knob are as follows:

• OFF: the IR section is off.

The first impulse group consists of three options for cabinets with four 10-inch speakers.

• 01 — EBS PL 410.
• 02 — Hartke XL410.
• 03 — TC Electronic BC410

The second group is for cabs with 15-inch speakers with very characterful mids. We've found three great options.

• 04 — Ampeg Heritage B15.
• 05 — Sunn 200s.
• 06 — Mesa RR215.

The 8x10 behemoth has a special place on the list.

• 07 — Ampeg SVT-810E.

Next come three "experimental" impulses. Much can be done to impulses; what we did in impulses 08–10 was use guitar cab speakers for mid- and high-frequency response and leave the low end direct. Or, to be exact, not quite direct but the way they do it in studios: a mild cutoff of anything below 40Hz and an almost uniform response till 1000Hz. Generally speaking, these impulses are a sum of a DI low frequency signal and a guitar cabinet signal. There are no phase issues, so the notes you play won't suddenly disappear.

• 08 — ElectroVoice EVM12L.
• 09 — Orange PPC212 bass edition.
• 10 — Celestion V30 bass edition.

For more details, please visit the Bass IR Pack page.

The stock impulses can be fully or partially replaced by uploading third-party impulses via Micro-USB.

On our website, you can find exclusive impulse packs ready for use with our cabsims.

The AMP knob has 11 positions and allows to select the power amp emulation or to switch off the power amp section.

The 11 positions of the AMP knob are as follows:

• OFF: the power amp section is off.
• A — Neutral. The cleanest and loudest neutral power amp we could muster. It features a characteristic mild rolloff at the extremes of the range (-1dB in the highs and -2dB in the lows) resulting from a design limitation of a real output transformer. The dynamic range is interpreted in a way that doesn't make the signal sound compressed but instead saturates and livens it up. This power amp is practically impossible to overload with input volume. It should be your top pick if you want the cleanest sound for your guitar or bass. If you prefer overdriven power amps, take a look at presets B to J.
• B — 6V6SE. The Class A power amp with 6V6 tubes is one of the most sought after — and rightfully so. Design imperfections introduce asymmetry into amplification and highlights even harmonics across the whole guitar range, which is a nice feature for booster users. The higher the input signal amplitude, the more characteristic overdrive there is. Our preset isn't a fully overdriven singletact amplifier but more on the verge of mild breakup. The compact transformers in such amps provide a mild rolloff below 80Hz and often make the highs stand out a little more. This virtual power amp goes into overdrive very tenderly; the dynamic range is interpreted in a way that only the loudest sounds get distorted, so it is not always clear if the distortion comes from the amp or the speaker.
• C — 6L6PP Classic. The American amp classic which all the various modern solutions stem from: a Class AB virtual push-pull amplifier which we just couldn't leave out. Almost as direct across the whole range as the Neutral one but with its own character. This amp cannot remain crystal clean at all volumes, but this imperfection makes it a substantial element of the signal chain. The incoming signal gets saturated by odd and even harmonics; this highlights guitar mids and highs without adding any nonsense in the lows. The dynamic range of such amps is peculiar: even quiet sounds showcase their nuances. We have attempted to reflect this in our preset, which will probably suit those who want to "round out" their guitar sound without introducing considerable distortion.
• D — EL84PP California. EL84s are very divisive tubes as many people tend to dislike the way they operate at high volumes. However, one cannot overestimate what those tubes add to the guitarist's sonic palette. Power amps with EL84s often have characteristic "torn-up" lows and slightly "whistling" highs; this is a result of uneven amplification of odd and even harmonics across the spectrum. In our model, the second and fifth harmonics are very prominent in the lower part of the range, which should appeal to blues lovers. The virtual power amp is set to "max volume" and has a great response to changes in input volume. The characteristic non-linear compression and mild low shelf at 160Hz mean that the amp takes fuzz and classic low-gain overdrives extremely well.
• E — EL84PP England. The sound of the British invasion. In a different part of the world, the same old El84s gave birth to characterful Class AB power amps with super juicy mids. Trying to set the amp to a higher volume results in an entirely different sonic character: focused, round, and rich in harmonics. This amp's dynamics model highlights the characteristically "compressed" and "sharp" sound which gets along well with treble boosters but doesn't really suit high gain. The amp has a mild low shelf at 40Hz and cutting presence.
• F — EL34PP England. The next step in the British effect on guitar music: push-pull amps based on EL34 tubes. Those were perhaps the most widespread amps in the 70s and 80s. Fully cranked, they provide substantial overdrive with boosted mids, a bit of harshness in the highs, and focused lows. Our virtual British guy works great for classic rock: all you have to do is put a mid-gain preamp or classic Tube Screamer in front. Additionally, the resonance at 80Hz results in a very characteristic palm-muted sound. To get a cleaner sound from this power amp, just roll back the volume on your guitar — that's the classic way to go.
• G — 6L6PP Modern. The development of push-pull amps based around 6L6s went in different ways. One of the results is the "Californian amp". Loud, cutting and with a pronounced "oomph" on palm mutes, it is the dream power amp of any metal guy from the 90s and early 2000s. Silicon diode PSU is emulated in this preset. A slightly "barking" character, pronounced low frequency detonation, harmonic saturation and considerable compression — all of these are fully present. This model works great with high-gain distortion pedals. Of course, the V-shaped EQ is more fitting than ever here!
• H — EL34PP Modern. Another legendary branch of British amps tries to be modern but in a slightly different way. The secret is not in tolex color but in the approach to power amp overdrive. It's basically hot bias of the same EL34s, an emulation of a kenotron-based PSU with the characteristic bump in compression and distortion resulting from increased input level (just like the SAG knob on fuzzes) and great low frequency response. All of this results in highlighted third and fifth harmonics along with substantial compression and distortion; however, the sound remains "huge". This virtual amp's master volume is always set to max, and gain depends on input level. You can get a pretty wide gain range via your guitar's volume knob alone but overdriving this power amp won't hurt (particularly in the mids). Hard-hitting modern rock is where this power amp feels at home.
• I — 6L6PP Mississippi. The third remarkable variation of Class AB power amps based on 6L6 tubes. Unlike the previous two, this one has notable distortion in output tubes in cold bias. The distortion from the "underbiased" amp is audible even at lower gain and is characteristic of heavy genres. The preset features medium damping, which adds some room to low frequencies. The higher the volume, the more compressed and distorted the signal gets, which results in characteristic "crunch". This virtual amp is meant for high gain first and foremost, but it will also work great for classic rock. If you love palm muting and dive bombs, this is the power amp for you. It's also worth noting that the amp isn't set at max volume but has some headroom. This amp tends to feed back at high volumes, which is something to keep in mind.
• J — 6550PP Overloaded. Today, relatively few power amps feature 6550 tubes on board, so we couldn't pass up on modelling one. Imagine a monster with four of those tubes overdriven beyond any reasonable limit. This is where the fun starts! The sound starts to show some pretty weird features: a roar in the lows and lots of aggression in the highs. Add a classic Rat, and you can play doom metal using headphones which won't make your ears bleed. This might indeed be the least common power amp model out of the 10 but we just couldn't do without it. Surprisingly enough, this amp is pretty great with bass.

The AMP knob has 11 positions and allows to select the power amp emulation or to switch off the power amp section.

The 11 positions of the AMP knob are as follows:

• OFF: the power amp section is off.
• A — Neutral Bass. As clean and loud as possible, this neutral power amp has a characteristic roll-off at the edges of the frequency range (-1dB in the lows and highs) which stems from design limitations of the output transformer. The frequency range is interpreted in a way that the signal feels closer and more saturated but doesn't sound compressed. This power amp is practically impossible to overload with input volume. It's a great choice if you want a perfectly clean sound. This power amp is NOT a direct copy of the stock neutral power amp emulation.
• B — Deep Bass. A loud and clear power amp with characteristic correction in the lows and highs. The slight boosts at 55Hz and 10kHz suit modern musical styles very well. The "defined" edges of the frequency range help the bass to cut through the mix. The frequency range is interpreted in a manner similar to Neutral Bass; just like the latter, the Deep Bass power amp is almost impossible to overload with input volume.
• C — 6L6 Bass. A classic American power amp which has given birth to a whole variety of modern solutions. This virtual push-pull (Class AB) amp is based on 6L6 tubes and has been adapted to bass duties. It's almost as straightforward throughout the whole frequency range as the Neutral Bass model, but it does show its own character. It doesn't remain perfectly clean at all volumes, but this "flaw" is what makes it a key element in the bass signal chain. The signal gets saturated with even and odd harmonics in the low end; the lows also have a very slight boost around 100Hz. There's a mild roll-off at 20Hz and 18kHz. This power amp makes even quiet sounds very nuanced, which is something we tried to capture in the emulation. This preset is recommended if you want to round out your sound without introducing considerable distortion.
• D — 6L6 Deep Bass. This model has the same 6L6-based virtual push-pull amp specs as the 6L6 Bass; the difference lies in frequency correction. The mild boosts at 40Hz and 15kHz make the sound "wider" and highlight the edges of the frequency range. This power amp doesn't remain perfectly clean at all volumes: the incoming signal is saturated by even and odd harmonics both in the low end and in the high end. The dynamic curve is similar to that in the 6L6 Bass model.
• E — 6550 Bass. This model is an emulation of power amps that based on large beam tetrodes and has a characteristically sharp low-frequency response. 6550 tubes have found their home both in guitar amps and in Hi-Fi equipment; in our case, they aren't about crystal-clear sound but rather about the thunderous swings of a sledgehammer! This power amp has soft clipping with harmonic distortion in the lows and low mids, resulting in a compressed dynamic range. The highs are open and clear, while the lows are slightly boosted around 40Hz. This power amp model is perhaps the most universally applicable one in the pack.
• F — KT88 Bass. The British take on power amps, built on KT88 beam tetrodes (similar to 6550 tubes). The tight bass, harmonically saturated low mids and mild highs result in a very neat sound character. With no highlighted string clanging, this model works best for classic rock. The harmonic saturation is subtle yet quite noticeable. The dynamic range is less compressed than in 6550 Bass. This model also has a substantial roll-off in the ultra-lows along with a boost around 100Hz.
• G — EL34 Bass M. The British influence continues — this time, with an EL34 tube push-pull amp based on the same principles as its guitar counterpart. This model has a bass boost around 80Hz and a rather steep cut below 40Hz (this eliminates excess subharmonics and makes the core frequency range cut through the mix better). Harmonic saturation is rather noticeable across the whole spectrum, with pronounced distortion in the mids. At the same time, the dynamic range isn't distorted too far, so the power amp has an excellent dynamic response. The larger the input signal amplitude is, the more distortion you hear. This virtual British amp works great for classic rock: just push it with preamp gain or put a +4-6dB boost into the loop.
• H — EL34 Bass O. One more British bass amp option which is also based on EL34 tubes. This version boasts more "open" lows (without the ultra-low roll-off) with a boost around 60Hz; there's also a mild cut in the highs. This virtual power amp has a sharper dynamic curve and introduces way more compression into the signal. Unlike the previous model on this list, EL34 Bass O is better suited for aggressive genres calling for heavy distortion. Harmonic saturation happens across the whole frequency range and is particularly prominent in the low mids. This power amp has a great response to increased gain both in the preamp and in the loop.
• I — KT66 Bass Overloaded. This version of a virtual KT66-based power amp pushes it to the limit. Imagine a tube bass monster with its master volume set to the max, and you'll get the idea. This model introduces compression at strong attack along with a gradual increase in even harmonic towards the low end. The emulation is set to medium damping which results in more "air" in the lows. The higher the volume is set, the more compressed and distorted the output signal becomes. This model feels at home in heavy styles and at high gain settings. It also works great with fuzz pedals. The frequency curve is slightly biased towards the low end.
• J — 6550 Bass Overloaded. Unlike the 6550 Bass model, this one simulates a monster amp with four tubes of this type which are pushed to the limit and beyond. This results in rather peculiar features, such as growling low mids and aggressive highs. Throw in a classic Rat, and you can play doom metal while wearing headphones with no fear of having your ears bleed. This might be the least widespread power amp model in the selection, but we just couldn't leave it out. Unlike the one featured in the Standard firmware, this one has a more pronounced low end and a slightly different gain structure that works better for bass.

To upload impulses, connect the CabZone X to your PC (the USB A (m) — micro-USB cable isn't included in the package). After that, the device will be identified as a drive, allowing for impulse upload.

When the microSD card is used for the first time, an AFX folder with stock impulse files is automatically created on it. The files are stored in subfolders corresponding to the CAB knob positions. To use custom impulses, replace the stock files with your own.

Impulse format: mono 24bit 48kHz WAVE PCM1, uncompressed. The device uses the first 1000 samples of the impulse (about 20ms). If you upload a longer impulse, the CabZone X won't process any data beyond the 1000 samples. The first thousand contains all the crucial data on the cab's own initial reflections. Longer impulses also include reflections and frequency distortion introduced by the room where the impulse was recorded.

When the CabZone X is connected via USB, the LED turns blue. The cabsim's audio functions are still accessible. If you haven't copied any new impulses to folders in the device's memory, no changes happen to its operation. If you have copied a new impulse to the folder corresponding to the current position of the CAB knob, turn the knob to another position and go back to the previously selected one. After that, the new file will be uploaded to the device's memory.

To re-record the stock impulse files to the built-in memory, delete all folders from the drive. This will cause the device to automatically create the AFX folder and all its contents.

When done using the device, eject the drive safely and disconnect the USB cable.

Alternative firmware (patch) upload is currently in testing. The function is already available in CabZone LE (to support page). The detailed description for the CabZone X will appear later.

• The CabZone X Standard firmware version contains virtual power amps and cabinet impulses which have been mostly designed for guitar.
  
• The CabZone X Bass firmware version contains virtual power amps and cabinet impulses for use with bass.
  

Update instructions can be found in the update archive. The update to the Bass version is reversible.