Forward Audio’s latest guitar cabinet IR packs are raising the bar for modern metal and rock tones! In this review demo, Dutch producer and YouTuber Sonic Drive Studio (SDS) puts the Modern Metal Mastered Edition and MARSH 1960AV Complete Edition IR packs through their paces—showing why these collections stand out among the crowded IR market and how they’re optimized for both versatility and professional mix-readiness.
Quick Intro: Who is Sonic Drive Studio?
Sonic Drive Studio is the project of Bas, a Netherlands-based guitarist, producer, and reviewer with an active YouTube channel dedicated to in-depth gear reviews, recording tutorials, and metal tone demos. SDS covers everything from amp sims and real amps to plugin mixing, making his perspective highly relevant for modern DAW producers.
Forward Audio IR Packs – Three Tiers for Every Studio
Forward Audio structures their IR collections in three tiers:
- Complete Edition: All mic mixes, raw mics, Fredman positions, and room IRs (often 250–350+ IR files per pack). Ideal for tweakers and engineers who want absolute control.
- Mastered Edition: Streamlined for musicians who want fast, pro results. 30–50 expertly balanced “mixes” per pack plus highlight Fredman and room IRs. The Modern Metal pack comes in this format.
- Essential Edition: Affordable, light-weight packs (5 main mixes, a Fredman and a room), perfect for beginners or those who just need the basics.
Key Features: Mix-Ready Options and Three Voicings
- Multiple Voicings: Each IR file includes Solid (solid state), SPARC (Forward Audio’s proprietary, mix-refined capture), and Tube (tube amp, more unique and “scooped”). Cycle through for different flavors without swapping files.
- Fredman Technique IRs: Included in all tiers—for that famed Swedish metal cut and clarity.
- Room IRs: Blend in room ambience for a more “in the room” or live sound.
Pack Demo Highlights
Modern Metal Mastered Edition
• Demoed with an 7-string ESP baritone and Helix Native—SDS cycles through 12 mic mix IRs, showing tight response, mix-readiness, substantial lows, and metal-optimized focus.
• Includes 15 mixes, each with all three voicings, Fredman files, room IRs.
• All files are easy to browse with intuitive folder structure and clear labeling.
MARSH 1960AV Complete Edition
• Based on Marshall’s 1960AV 4×12 with Celestion V30s, features single mic, Fredman, and blend IRs for classic rock and modern metal.
• Complete folder organization for close mics, mixes, Fredman, and room, ideal for custom blending.
Usability & Workflow Perks
- All IRs provided in multiple sample rates, plus formats for Fractal and Kemper users.
- Clear, helpful user manuals included in every pack.
- Mix folders allow instant results—ideal for producers who want to spend less time scrolling, more time making music.
- File names can get long (as noted in the video), so watch character limits if using certain IR loaders or hardware.
Real-World Impressions & Pricing
SDS notes that, compared to some competitors, not every single mic IR may sound “finished” on its own—a strength, not a flaw, as the point is flexibility in blending. The Mastered Editions and mixes, though, deliver consistently polished, usable results out of the box.
All packs are competitively priced for their category, with Essentials for the budget buyer and professional-grade Complete packs for studio owners and power users. Look out for regular promotions!
Bottom Line: Versatile, Pro-Grade Tools for Any DAW Guitarist
With a vast selection of mic and voicing choices, these IR packs make it easy to tailor your guitar sound for any genre—from classic rock to the heaviest djent. Whether you’re a Helix, Axe-FX, Kemper, or plugin user, Forward Audio IRs bring instantly usable and deeply customizable tones to your tracks.
Ready to find your signature cabinet sound? Check out the Modern Metal or MARSH 1960AV collections and discover mix-ready guitar tones trusted by pro reviewers and producers worldwide!