Neural Capture on the Quad Cortex is not strictly an IR (Impulse Response, which represents the static frequency response of a speaker cabinet), but rather a feature that creates a dynamic profile including amplifier distortion and dynamics. Here are some tips for microphone setup when capturing a Fender Blues Junior:
- Microphone Selection and Placement: Placing the classic Shure SM57 slightly off-center from the speaker cone toward the edge will suppress harsh high frequencies, giving you a warm, well-balanced sound characteristic of the Blues Junior.
- Volume (Master Volume): Since the Blues Junior is a tube amplifier, turning up the volume to some extent to drive the power tubes will result in a more realistic and three-dimensional capture (if neighborhood noise is a concern, use an attenuator or capture at an acceptable volume level).
- Connection and Gain Staging: Connect from the Quad Cortex's Capture Out to the amplifier's input, place a microphone in front of the amp, and route it back to the Capture In. Adjust the gain of the microphone preamp or interface properly so that the Input/Output level meters on the Quad Cortex screen do not clip red.
- Comparing Multiple Takes: It is recommended to perform the capture in a quiet environment to avoid ambient noise, and make fine adjustments to the microphone position as needed to compare a few captures.