Yes, you can use Two Notes impulse responses with Axe-Fx, but not directly in the unit itself

Axe-Fx has its own convolver — a tool that loads impulse responses to shape your tone — but it does not natively read Two Notes' proprietary file formats. Two Notes impulse responses come in formats like .wav files (which Axe-Fx can use) or Two Notes' own .ir format (which Axe-Fx cannot). The workaround is straightforward: convert Two Notes impulse responses to .wav format, then load them into Axe-Fx's convolver.

This matters because impulse responses are the digital fingerprint of a speaker or microphone setup. Two Notes makes some of the most detailed IRs available, especially for guitar cabinets. If you own Two Notes IRs and use Axe-Fx, you have options to use them — you just need to know the conversion step.

Key Takeaways

  • Two Notes impulse responses in .ir format must be converted to .wav before Axe-Fx can load them into the convolver.
  • Two Notes provides free software called Torpedo Remote or Torpedo Studio that can export IRs as .wav files compatible with Axe-Fx.
  • Axe-Fx has a built-in convolver that accepts .wav impulse responses up to a certain file size, which varies by Axe-Fx model and firmware version.
  • Some Two Notes IRs are sold as .wav files directly, which work with Axe-Fx without any conversion step.

How to convert Two Notes impulse responses to .wav format

If you own Two Notes IRs in .ir format, the conversion happens through Two Notes' own software. Download Torpedo Remote (free) or Torpedo Studio (paid, more features) from Two Notes' website. Both programs let you browse your IR library and export individual IRs as .wav files.

Open Torpedo Remote, locate the IR you want to convert, right-click it, and select export or save as .wav. The software will write a standard .wav file to your computer. This .wav file is now compatible with Axe-Fx. The conversion is lossless — the sound quality does not change, because you are simply changing the container, not the audio data inside.

If you have a large library, you can batch-export multiple IRs at once in Torpedo Studio, which saves time. Once exported, move the .wav files to a folder on your computer, then transfer them to Axe-Fx via USB or SD card, depending on your Axe-Fx model.

Loading .wav impulse responses into Axe-Fx

Axe-Fx stores impulse responses in a dedicated folder on its internal storage or SD card. The exact path depends on your model — Axe-Fx III uses a different structure than Axe-Fx II XL. Check your Axe-Fx manual or Fractal Audio's support site for the correct folder path for your unit.

Connect your Axe-Fx to a computer via USB, or insert an SD card into a card reader. Copy your converted .wav files into the impulse response folder. Safely eject the drive, then power cycle your Axe-Fx. The unit will scan the folder and make the new IRs available in the convolver menu.

File size limits exist — most Axe-Fx models accept IRs up to 2 to 4 seconds long, which covers nearly all guitar cabinet IRs. If a Two Notes IR is longer than your Axe-Fx can handle, Torpedo Remote can trim it during export. Check the export settings before saving.

Which Two Notes IRs work best with Axe-Fx

Two Notes makes IRs for guitar cabinets, bass cabinets, and microphone placements. The most popular for Axe-Fx users are the Torpedo Reload library (classic and modern guitar cabs) and Wall of Sound (high-end studio IRs). Both are sold as .ir files that require conversion, or sometimes as .wav packs that work immediately.

Check the product page before you buy. Some Two Notes packs are sold in .wav format already — these need no conversion and load directly into Axe-Fx. Others are .ir only. If you are unsure, contact Two Notes support or check the file list in your purchase confirmation.

Bass players should note that Two Notes also makes bass-specific IRs. These work the same way — convert to .wav, load into Axe-Fx's convolver — but bass IRs are often longer and may push file size limits on older Axe-Fx models. Test with one IR first before converting your entire library.

Alternatives if you do not want to convert files

If conversion feels like too many steps, consider buying Two Notes IRs that are already in .wav format. Some retailers and Two Notes' own store sell packs labeled as "Axe-Fx compatible" or ".wav format" — these skip the conversion step entirely.

Another option is to use Axe-Fx's built-in cabinet models instead. Fractal Audio has modeled many of the same cabinets that Two Notes has captured as IRs. You lose the specific microphone placement and room character of a Two Notes IR, but you avoid file management altogether. This is a valid choice if you like Axe-Fx's native tone.

A third path is to run Two Notes Torpedo hardware (like the Torpedo Live or Torpedo Captor X) alongside Axe-Fx. This lets you use Two Notes IRs in the Torpedo unit while using Axe-Fx for amp modeling and effects. It requires more gear but gives you access to both ecosystems without conversion.

Common problems when loading Two Notes IRs into Axe-Fx

File not appearing after loading: Make sure you placed the .wav file in the correct folder path for your Axe-Fx model. Power cycle the unit after adding files. If the IR still does not show, check that the .wav file is not corrupted by opening it in Torpedo Remote or another audio player first.

Sound is distorted or thin: This usually means the IR file is too loud or too quiet for Axe-Fx's convolver. Axe-Fx has a gain knob in the convolver menu — adjust it down if the IR sounds distorted, or up if it sounds weak. Start at -6 dB and listen, then fine-tune from there.

Axe-Fx says the file is too large: Your IR is longer than Axe-Fx can handle. Re-export it from Torpedo Remote and trim the length to 2 seconds or less during export. Most guitar cabinet IRs are under 1 second anyway, so this is rare unless you are using a room or hall IR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Torpedo Remote or can I convert Two Notes IRs another way?

Torpedo Remote is the official tool and is free, so it is the easiest path. You could theoretically use other audio software to convert .ir to .wav, but you would need to know the .ir file format, which Two Notes does not publish. Stick with Torpedo Remote.

Can I use Two Notes IRs in Axe-Fx's reverb or delay effects?

No. Impulse responses only work in the convolver, which is a dedicated cabinet simulator. Reverb and delay effects use different algorithms and cannot load IRs. The convolver is the only place in Axe-Fx where you can use Two Notes impulse responses.

Will converting Two Notes IRs to .wav reduce the sound quality?

No. The conversion does not re-encode or compress the audio — it just changes the file wrapper. The sound is identical before and after conversion. The only quality loss happens if you trim the IR length during export, which is a choice you make, not a side effect of conversion.

What if I have an older Axe-Fx II — can I still use Two Notes IRs?

Yes, but check your firmware version first. Older Axe-Fx II firmware had smaller convolver file size limits. Update to the latest firmware for your model, then follow the same .wav conversion and loading steps. Fractal Audio's support site lists the exact limits for each firmware version.

Can I use Two Notes IRs with Axe-Fx's Cab block or only the convolver?

Only the convolver. The Cab block uses Fractal Audio's own cabinet models and cannot load external impulse responses. If you want to use Two Notes IRs, you must use the convolver block instead of or alongside the Cab block in your signal chain.