Cab-Lab 4
Key Features
- DynaCab technology with 360-degree virtual mic placement and variable distance control for intuitive, real-time speaker tone shaping
- 4-channel IR mixer with per-channel level, EQ, mute, solo, and phase controls for blending multiple cabinets into a single tone
- ZOOMview for precise mic positioning in real-world centimeter or inch units, and ALIGNview for phase-coherent IR alignment between channels
- Global and per-channel EQ with selectable-slope high-cut and low-cut filters and integrated frequency response plots
- Loads third-party IRs in .wav, .ir, and .syx formats alongside Fractal Audio DynaCab Packs and legacy Cab Packs
- Standalone mode with direct hardware connection to Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3 for real-time monitoring and IR transfers
- Built-in Cab Pack Manager that automates DynaCab pack downloads, installation, and authorization
Description
Cab-Lab 4 by Fractal Audio Systems is a cabinet impulse response loader and mixer plugin that lets guitarists and bass players blend, customize, and fine-tune speaker cabinet tones. It runs as a standalone application or as a plugin inside any DAW, supporting VST3, AU, and AAX formats on Windows and macOS.
The centerpiece is DynaCab technology, which replicates the process of mic placement on a speaker cabinet in a visual, interactive way. Instead of sifting through individual IR files, you move a virtual microphone across a virtual speaker with 360-degree placement at variable distances, hearing the tonal changes in real time.
A 4-channel IR mixer lets you load and blend up to four cabinets simultaneously, each with independent level, EQ, mute, solo, and phase controls. ZOOMview enables precise mic positioning using real-world centimeter or inch units, while ALIGNview lets you adjust IR timing for phase-coherent blending between channels.
Global and per-channel EQ sections include selectable-slope high-cut and low-cut filters with frequency response plots for visual feedback. The built-in Cab Pack Manager handles DynaCab pack downloads, installation, and authorization automatically.
Cab-Lab 4 loads third-party IRs in .wav, .ir, and .syx formats alongside Fractal Audio's own DynaCab Packs and legacy Cab Packs. The standalone mode connects directly to Fractal Audio hardware (Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3) or any audio interface for real-time monitoring, and can send mixed IRs straight to User Cab memories on connected devices.
Users on guitar forums praise the DynaCab system for making tone-shaping faster and more intuitive than browsing individual IR files. Version 1.00.04 added IR smoothing and native Pro Tools AAX support, broadening its appeal beyond the Fractal Audio ecosystem.
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Tips
- Use the DynaCab mode for intuitive mic positioning and enhanced tonal flexibility.
- Take advantage of the 4-channel IR mixer to blend different IRs for a unique sound.
- Utilize the ZOOMview feature for precise mic placement adjustments.
- Experiment with the global and per-channel EQ settings to fine-tune your tone.
- Use the ALIGNview tool to ensure phase coherence between different IRs.
- Regularly update and manage your IR library with the built-in Cab Pack Manager.
- Monitor in real-time using the standalone version with a compatible audio interface.
- Re-cab live or recorded amp tracks within your DAW using the plugin version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cab-Lab 4 load third-party IRs or only Fractal Audio's own packs?
Cab-Lab 4 supports both. It loads third-party IRs in .wav, .ir, and non-UltraRes .syx formats, as well as every Cab Pack and DynaCab Pack from the Fractal Audio store. You can mix third-party and Fractal IRs across the four mixer channels simultaneously.
Do I need Fractal Audio hardware to use Cab-Lab 4?
No. The plugin version runs inside any VST3, AU, or AAX-compatible DAW without Fractal hardware. The standalone version can use any audio interface for monitoring. Hardware integration with Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3 is an optional bonus for direct IR transfers and real-time audition.
What is DynaCab and how does it differ from loading a standard IR?
DynaCab is Fractal Audio's proprietary 3D capture system. Instead of a single fixed IR snapshot, each DynaCab Pack contains a complete set of speaker captures from multiple microphones at varying positions and distances. You visually move a virtual mic on a virtual speaker and hear the results in real time, giving you far more tonal variety from a single cabinet than any individual IR file.
Does Cab-Lab 4 support AAX for Pro Tools?
Yes. Native Pro Tools AAX support was added in version 1.00.04. Cab-Lab 4 now works in VST3, AU, and AAX formats across both Windows and macOS.
