Description
TONE MATCH PRESETS, CAPTURES, CLONES, AND PROFILES
The Z-B4 presets and captures are based on a Dr. Z DB. The DB4 is a collaboration between Dr. Z and Brad Paisley. It is loosely based on an early 60’s non Top Boost AC30. We like to think of it like an AC30 with more body and warmth. It shines with telecasters 🙂
We’ve captured the amp through four different cabs using legendary microphones and preamps, as well as direct.
LINE 6 STADIUM (PROXY)
For Stadium and Stadium XL, we’ve cloned the amp using Proxy. The Stadium downloads include both presets and a full set of 20 Proxy clones.
TONE MATCH PATCHES (Applies to Line 6 HX and Fractal presets)
These are part of our ‘Tone Match’ line of patches. To create these patches, we make custom IR’s that ‘match’ the HX and Fractal amp models to our real-world amp. The result is the Line 6 and Fractal units sound almost exactly like our actual amplifiers.
The ‘Gen2’ indicates a new process we’ve used when Tone Matching our amplifiers that takes more of the amplifier’s cab and speaker into account, resulting in a more accurate tone match impulse response.
PRESETS INFO
(Applies to Line 6 HX, Fractal, Quad Cortex units)
The pack includes 2 sets of presets (each with SC and HB options). The presets are labeled ‘A’ and ‘B’, and feature different approaches to signal chain and amp channels.
‘A PRESETS: The ‘A’’ presets feature two amp blocks set up in a stereo pair with all the wet effects feeding into the amps. Think of it like running a large stereo pedalboard into two amplifiers set on the ‘edge of breakup’.
‘B’ PRESETS: In the ‘B’ presets, the modulation, delay, and reverb effects are placed after the single (mono) amplifier block. This replicates a studio setting where all the modulation, delay, and reverb effects are applied after the amplifier.
SNAPSHOTS/SCENES
Our presets include Snapshots for instant access to a wide variety of tones, including clean sounds, ambient tones, driven, lead, and high gain sounds, and modulated tones.
NOTES:
- The HX Stomp, POD Go, and FM3 folders include ‘FX” presets. These presets include the additional effects blocks from the full Helix/Axe-FX versions. Because these units have signal flow and DSP limitations, they are not as fully featured as the flagship units.
- Fractal AM4 presets include a block library download that gives you access to many of our favorite effects already dialed in.
- POD GO & AM4 Users: Because POD Go cannot utilize two amp blocks in a single preset, we’ve delivered one set of presets.
- The HX Stomp presets do not include Snapshots/Scenes.
IR Cab Labels:
- Blue = Vox AC30 Top Boost 2×12 cab with Alnico Blues
- Gold = Alnico Gold speaker
- ES412 = 94 Matchless 4×12 cab with Matchless Celestion Vintage 30s
- BG212 = Bogner 2×12 open back cab with Celestion G12H30 and Greenback G12M
CAPTURES & PROFILES
(Applies to Line 6 Stadium, TONEX, Quad/Nano Cortex, Kemper)
The captures increase through the entire gain range of the amp. We’ve delivered 20 total captures, including four speaker options as well as direct captures.
The captures are numbered, and the number corresponds to the level of gain in the tone model. Lower numbers equal lower gain, and higher numbers equal higher gain. Typically a ‘2’ or ‘3’ is the ‘edge of breakup’, and is the perfect option to use with pedals.
TONEX, Quad Cortex, and Kemper are all using the ‘V2’ capture process/technology
Capture Labels:
- Blue = Vox AC30 Top Boost 2×12 cab with Alnico Blues
- Gold = Alnico Gold speaker
- ES412 = 94 Matchless 4×12 cab with Matchless Celestion Vintage 30s
- BG212 = Bogner 2×12 open back cab with Celestion G12H30 and Greenback G12M
- Dir = Direct (no cab)
NAM (A2) Captures
Includes 20 captures with the same cab and direct options
QUAD/NANO CORTEX V2 Captures & Presets – HOW DO YOU GET THE CAPTURES?
When you place your order, we will need to manually send you the captures through the ‘Cortex Cloud’ app by Neural DSP, available for both iOS and Android devices. First, you need to have the app installed and you must have an account through the app (go here to create an account and access the app).
This is how we will send you the captures:
- Please include your Cortex Cloud app username in the ‘Notes’ field when checking out. If you do not include this, we cannot send you the captures. After we receive your order, we (SignalTheory) will follow you on the app.
- Follow ‘SignalTheory’ on the Cortex Cloud app. This will make us ‘friends’ through the app :). If you are not following us, we cannot send you the captures.
- After we receive your order, and we ‘Friends’ on the app, we will send you the captures through the app. We bundle the captures into presets, so you will receive one (or more) presets that include all the captures. You will find the captures in the ‘Shared with me’ section on your Quad Cortex.
- Please allow up to 5 business days for us to send you the captures. Most orders will be fulfilled within two business days or less. This fulfillment process must happen manually – we will do our best to get you the files quickly. Once the NDSP marketplace opens, this process may change.
THE CAB OPTIONS
With this amp, we wanted to offer you the experience of playing through various different cabinets, as each cab brings out unique qualities of the amplifier.
- Vox AC30 Top Boost 2×12 cab with Alnico Blues – this gets you more of a traditional AC30 sound – mid-forward and chimey!
- Dr. Z Z-Wreck cab – this cab has Alnico Golds. Similar to Blues but with more warmth and headroom for drive tones
- 94 Matchless 4×12 cab with Matchless/Celestion Vintage 30s – these V30s are great for higher gain sounds. Keeps everything tight and full. A stark comparison to the Blue and Gold
- Bogner 2×12 open back cab with Celestion G12H30 and Greenback G12M – bit more scooped. This combo of speakers turns this amp into more of a rock machine. Lots of headroom too!
CAB DETAILS
- For capture units (Stadium/Proxy, TONEX, Quad Cortex, and Kemper), you’ll get separate captures through each cab, as well as direct captures.
- For modeling units (Line 6 and Fractal), you’ll get separate Tone-Matched IR files which you can swap into the cab block(s) to switch cabs. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ cab options – simply audition each cab and pick your favorite (or mix/match them). You do not necessarily need to make any adjustments to the amp block(s) when switching IR cabs.
abraham.rosa (verified owner) –
This is an excellent well-rounded tone. As describe, it sits somewhere between a Vox and a Marshall amplifier, offering the best characteristics of both. Overall, it’s a great addition to my collection. Thanks!.
Clint (verified owner) –
Great for that woody, throaty, thick wirey Paisley tone! I actually work with Paisley and have played through his Trainwrecks and DB4… This get’s you really close! I never get along with the baked in cab and mic placement of most captures from different companies so I was thankful to have the direct captures to do my thing with. A suggestion for an update would be to include with all gain settings all 5 DB4 tone settings. So for example… Z-B4 2.1 / Z-B4 2.2 / Z-B4 2.3 / Z-B4 2.4 / Z-B4 2.5… This way we could work within the amps low end production and not try to get there with Tonex’s EQ adjustments which are kinda bad.
John R (verified owner) –
Wow! I received a lot of feedback on my tone after I installed these captures
Taylor Clayton (verified owner) –
This is one of the best packs from signal theory that I have tried to date! Creamy and smooth overdrive and all the chime you would expect from a Vox style circuit without being overly brittle or bright!! Give it a try! Well done, guys!
Joshua Quigley (verified owner) –
Out of the 15 that I have purchased this set for me is the best yet! I used it this morning in church and I was completely blown away! The only draw back is it uses about 60% CPU and I am unable to use the FXLoop 1/2 on my Quad Cortex.
Tim Tooke (verified owner) –
Love the HB and SC as I own a EVH Wolfgang for my Rock anthems and a Tele Custom for my twangy spank songs. Great to have presets that allow me utilize both instruments. Thank you!
bjb3598 (verified owner) –
Wow! Love these captures, I used only this amp capture for an entire show with my overdrives feeding into it. Awesome! Would love an old vintage Peavey Special 130 or the old Peavey Bandit! Vintage solid state tone, definitely not superior to tube just vintage vibe
whitseljackson –
This sounds amazing! I really love this for the Helix Stadium. I can’t wait for you to make more!
Tim Hicks (verified owner) –
This is a very useful and great sounding preset. I play at church and many times I use your 2RCK preset. But I’m always looking for something different just so I don’t get complacent. The ZB4 captures really help bring out the nuances of my guitar and gives me just what I’m looking for. Thanks guys!
Don Graves (verified owner) –
It is excellent awesome tone with the Tele as well as the LP, definitely worth the price.
Jason Cornelius (verified owner) –
SO good! I plugged my tele in and it was instant Brad Paisley!
Charles Gallo (verified owner) –
Phenonimal as usual.
Mitch McKelvey (verified owner) –
Purchased for Tonex, if you’re looking for that in the pocket tone, this is it, my favorite one from them yet!!
j.eerenberg2 (verified owner) –
This preset listens very good to your guitar: can be sweet or brutal if you want. Love it with humbuckers
Christian (verified owner) –
Very pleased with the zB4 preset for my Axe FX 3 .. awesome.. my favourite so far which is saying a lot as I have many from the WT site
Gregory Zarpas (verified owner) –
This one I really like. There has been ones in the past I’ve purchased and not liked very much that I never used, but this one fits my style nicely.
R Daniel (verified owner) –
You guys just keep slamming Home Runs, great base tones to work with! I’m with Clint on I wish you would include everything you capture from 1 and we could have a little more to work with, but I’m not complaining, I’m thankful you are creating for everybody what we can’t. The DIV37 is still my favorite of late and works perfectly with the way I have to set up and play in my Prison Ministry. Please keep up the Great Work!
Daniel Martin (verified owner) –
Amazing amp capture I wouldn’t expect anything else from these guys followed you for a long time warm lots of variety in tone based on signal path.
Logan (verified owner) –
Single coils? Humbuckers? No guitar plugged in at all? This preset still sounds good! I’ve run this preset for a couple of Sunday services now and have really enjoyed it. The first Sunday I ran it, one of our sound guys actually noted how clear the tone was on the livestream.
Steve (verified owner) –
Excellent captures as usual. You know, I’ve tried others but always come back to Worship Tutorial / Signal Theory captures.
Richie Strats –
Amazing capture!
I can’t wait to put it through the paces this Sunday!!
Rudy (verified owner) –
Nice thick tone with chime
Dan (verified owner) –
The Z‑B4 patch is easily one of the most impressive Helix tones I’ve loaded up. It nails that sweet spot between Vox chime and Marshall grit, giving you a tone that feels lively, responsive, and incredibly musical — exactly as other players have noted about its “well‑rounded tone” that sits between the two amp worlds .
What stood out most to me is how dynamic it is. Whether I’m playing single coils or humbuckers, the patch reacts beautifully — something echoed by other users who said it can be “sweet or brutal if you want” and still sounds great with any pickup configuration . It also has that woody, throaty Paisley-style character, and it genuinely gets you close to that Trainwreck/DB4 vibe without feeling brittle or overly bright.
In a live mix, the clarity is outstanding. One reviewer mentioned their sound guy immediately noticed how clear it was on the livestream, and I had a similar experience — it just sits perfectly without getting lost or overpowering anything .
If you play at church, this patch shines. Multiple players called it their favorite for Sunday services, praising how it brings out the nuances of their guitars and delivers a reliable, expressive tone week after week .
Overall, the Z‑B4 patch is versatile, inspiring, and absolutely worth the price. It’s one of those presets you load up and instantly feel at home with — a true home run from Signal Theory.
Travis Kennedy (verified owner) –
Really nice and zero tweaking needed. Used as is.