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The Disclaimer
The audio samples on the CD are of a much higher quality than the wma and mp3 files provided above, and best playback results will be achieved by using something other than ordinary computer speakers. Generally speaking, the better the speakers used for listening - the easier to detect variations in frequency response among the sampled speakers.
All tracks consist of four different sections of guitar audio. The first section is "clean" with the three subsequent sections exhibiting progressively greater levels of distortion. Speaker identification is announced at the end of each track. Placing ID at the end permits the four sections of guitar audio to remain time aligned from one speaker model to the next.
All speakers are 8 ohm models and were recorded
-using the same source audio
-in the same environment
-using the same dynamic microphone
-using the same "on-axis" mic position
-using the same 20 watt RMS power level
The ConeTones audio CD is made up of raw "warts and all" speaker samples. In order to avoid unnecessary coloring of the sound, absolutely no mastering or equalizing has been performed and no effects were used. The only aspect which has been altered is the audio volumes of each track. These were adjusted in an effort to reduce differences in volume caused by variations in speaker efficiencies. This better allows the speakers to be compared and evaluated based on how they sound rather than on their efficiency.
(excepting the Celestion Blue which was recorded at 15, as well as 20, watts)
ConeTones is a guitar speaker comparison audio CD that allows the listener to directly compare the differences (and similarities) among more than 40 of the most popular guitar speakers in the industry.
The speaker is a vital, tone shaping component in virtually every electric guitar rig on the planet. Changing speakers is a fairly simple endeavor that can yield great results in the quest for tonal nirvana. With the glut of aftermarket speakers available these days, guitarists have two questions to ponder. The first being; "Is there any speaker that would serve me better than my current one?" And the second; "If so, which one?" In an effort to help guitarists answer these questions, GTR Audio is excited to introduce ConeTones; a valuable resource with which musicians can make an informed decision when considering speaker replacement.
The goal of GTR Audio, in the creation of the ConeTones CD, was to change all of the "variables" normally associated with recorded guitar sounds to "constants" and thereby leave the speakers themselves as the only variable from track to track. This method effectively levels the playing field and allows for a fair comparison of the sampled speakers.
Click link to see all speaker models compared on CD.
Pickup
bridge single-coil
middle single-coil
bridge humbucker
bridge humbucker
Guitar
S-style
S-style
LP-style
LP-style
Track
Position
0:00
0:21
0:50
1:12
Country clean
Blues overdrive
Rock crunch
Rock high-gain
Below are various formats of three complete tracks from the CD.
