You can think of a cab IR as an extremely detailed EQ curve. So in theory, you can use a proper EQ curve instead of an IR.

However, in the example you posted:

I flat out prefer the IR over the EQ curve.
The IR might be a bit dark for your tastes, so you should try different IRs that fit better. But to my ears, the example with just the EQ curve sounds really nasty, and reminds me of the cab simulation on my old little Zoom unit.
I had this one and the tone reminds of it. Still fun to play around with it from time to time though.

So true! Proper EQing really helps. Once you're done with the EQ, try comparing it to the un-EQd version and it's a night and day difference. Also, if EQd properly, you'll notice how much more the guitar cuts through the mix.
I see videos of people chasing the album tones of famous guitarists, trying to use the same gear as them. And the result always sounds quite different, because their method completely ignores the processing done at the mixing and mastering stage.

 

Last edited: Jun 18, 2021

I use IRs and the EQ to taste and/or for the particular mix or part of the mix. I use the Strymon Iridium and have had good success with it.

 

If you fancy trying out the EQ route, the aforementioned SansAmp has a nice emulation in Guitar Rig called "TransAmp", just remember to switch on expert mode to reveal all of the parameters.

If you like that be on the lookout for a DigiTech Bad Monkey -pedal, otherwise a nice Tube Screamer clone (w/ lo/high EQ instead of just a tone knob) but it has two outputs, one normal to your amp but another "filtered" (i.e. EQed) one designed to go straight into a mixer or a line input for a similar sound. You can sometimes spot them for pennies. Love mine.

 

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an 31 band eq it will be a bit different, but probably close enough.

 

You will of course have to go through some IR's before you find some you like, it's the same as with a real cab+mic combination and mic placement. There are plenty of IR's that sound bright and open, and if you can't find a bright one you like, just pick a darker one that you like and place a good EQ afterwards. Baxandall EQ's usually sound quite good for high end boosting. In the end, it's mostly the mixing that will make the tone anyways. If you have a great tone from the get-go, it will just make that mixing easier.

If you don't want to sift through hundreds of .wav IR's you could instead try out software like ML Sound Labs Mikko, Two Notes Wall Of Sound or Overloud's SuperCabinet. They are essentially just IR loaders, but instead of choosing .wav files from your drive, they display a picture of the cab and mics where you can drag the mics around and place them wherever you want. Some people prefer this approach.

 

Just wanted to say my two cents.

1. As has been said for sure, it's a very good idea to use an IR and an EQ. Once you're satisfied with the EQ you can always blend the two of them into another IR. You can do this directly with MeldaProduction's MCabinet (with even dynamic EQ features)

2. If you want to mix several IRs there're cool IR loaders mentioned here. But my favorite by far still is the good oldie MixIR2 (not the 3)