MIKKO2

USER MANUAL
 CONTENTS
3a Introduction to MIKKO2
3b System Requirements
4 Install Guide
5 Licensing
6 Audio/MIDI Settings (Standalone)
7 Speaker Window
8 EQ Balance Window
9-12 Mic Window
13 Presets Tab
14 Export IR Window
15a Export For Digital Modellers
15b EQ Section Advanced Features
16-17 Quick Start
18-21 The Cabs
22 The Mics
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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MIKKO2 is a cutting-edge cabinet simulation and General
impulse response creation plugin that offers a wide Sample Rates: 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000
range of solutions for high-quality guitar tones. With 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB recommended
an extensive selection of 38 different cabinets and 8 1.5GB disk space required
microphones, as well as the capability to blend up
to 9 mic-ups together, the potential is near limitless. Mac:
MacOS 10.13 or later required. Both Intel processors
MIKKO2 gives you the ability to move each of the and M1/M2 processors are supported, with native
microphones around in a 3D space, allowing you to operation in Apple Silicon.
precisely calibrate the placement of the Available in 64-bit AAX, Audio Units (AU), VST3, and
microphone. With a powerful EQ section, you're able Standalone Application
to EQ your impulse response and view the changes Mac Plugin Install Locations:
to the overall profile in real-time. /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins

Windows:
Windows 10/11 required.
Available in 64-bit VST3 and Standalone Application
Windows Plugin Install Location:
C:/Program Files/Common Files/VST3

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
INSTALL GUIDE DAW RESCAN LOCATIONS
To install MIKKO2, you’ll need to first download the Your DAW should auto-detect the new plugin in
free version from our website. Unzip the file once most cases - if not, you may need to manually scan
you’ve downloaded it, and you’ll be presented with the plugins in your DAW.
two files - a .pkg file to use on Mac computers, and
Logic Pro -> Settings -> Plug-In Manager -> Rescan
an .msi file to use on Windows machines. MIKKO2 is
not compatible with Linux, Chromebooks, or mobile
Cubase -> Studio -> VST Plug-In Manager ->
devices.
Refresh
After you’ve finished the installation for MIKKO2, the
Reaper -> Preferences -> VST -> Rescan
standalone will be placed in your Applications folder
(Mac) or your Program Files folder (Windows).
Studio One -> View -> Plug-In Manager -> Update
Plug-In List

Ableton -> Options -> Preferences -> Plug-Ins ->

Rescan
Note: Ableton users may also need to enable “Use
VST3 Plug-In System Folders”

If scanning for plugins does not solve your issue,

you’ll likely need to add the plugin folder manually
as a custom path in your DAW.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
LICENSING
The licensing for MIKKO2 operates through a request
key unique to your installation. Click the lock icon on
the main page of MIKKO2 to find your Request Key.
Copy this request key from the trial version of
MIKKO2 onto the product page of our website and
checkout, and you’ll be emailed a License Key. Paste
this License Key into the License Manager window
to unlock the full selection of cabinets and
microphones.

If you require an additional unlock in the case of

reinstallation, or for users with multiple computers,
first install the trial version of MIKKO2, then send us
an email through our contact form (https://ml-
sound-lab.com/pages/contact).

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
AUDIO/MIDI SETTINGS
The Audio/MIDI settings tab in the standalone app
allows you to set up MIKKO2 with your audio
interface. For PC users, you’ll want to set the Audio
Device Type to ASIO. Set your output and input
devices to your connected interface, then hit the
Test button to ensure you’re getting output, then
play your guitar and watch the meters next to the
input device to check that you’re getting an input
signal.

Once you’ve configured this, you can safely uncheck

Mute Audio Input, and you won’t hear any feedback
loops.

After, set the sample rate to your desired sample

rate - typically this will be 44100 or 48000. The
Audio Buffer Size is very important - if you’re
experiencing clicks and pops or latency while
playing, you’ll need to adjust your buffer size. Lower
buffer sizes require more CPU power to run, but
they’ll produce a lower latency.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
SPEAKER WINDOW
1) Speaker
The main UI for the plugin is this Speaker window.
You're able to see where each of your microphones
is placed in relation to the cabinet.

2) Microphones
All of your currently active Microphones will be
visible here. Click and drag to move them.

3) Input Fader
The Input Fader controls the level of signal coming
into MIKKO2.

4) Output Fader
The Output Fader controls the level of the signal
coming out of MIKKO2.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
EQ BALANCE WINDOW
1) EQ Graph
The EQ Graph shows you the overall EQ curve of the
IR you’ve currently created.

2) HP
The HP is your High Pass EQ, this control will cut the
low end from your IR.

3) EQ
There are five different EQ bands you’re able to
control, all labelled A through E.

4) LP
The LP control is your Low Pass EQ, this will cut the
high end from your IR.

5) EQ Bypass
The EQ Bypass is a global on/off switch for the
whole EQ section.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
MIC WINDOW PART I
MIC AND SPEAKER SELECTION

1) Mic #
MIKKO2 allows you to control up to 9 microphones -
the Mic # tab selects which microphone you’re
currently adjusting.

2) X
The X button above each microphone number
removes the microphone from your current blend.

3) Speaker Drop-Down
The Speaker Drop-Down lets you choose your
current cabinet.

4) Mic Drop-Down
The Mic Drop-Down will let you select which
microphone you’d like to use.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
MIC WINDOW PART II
MIX FADER

1) Mix Fader
The Mix Fader adjusts how prominently your
currently selected microphone will be favoured in
your IR.

2) Solo
The Solo button lets you monitor just the Mic # that
you’re currently working on, allowing you to hear
what the microphone is doing without the effect of
the other microphones in your blend. You can also
solo mics quickly by double-clicking the
microphone.

3) Mute
The Mute button will disable the currently selected
mic - this can be useful to hear what your IR blend
sounds like without the mic you’re working on.
Right-clicking the microphone in the Speaker
window will also work to mute the microphone.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
MIC WINDOW PART III
MOVEMENT PANEL
1) Cap-Edge
The Cap-Edge knob controls how far from the
center of the speaker the microphone is placed. The
cap will be the center of the speaker, while the edge
will be the furthest from the center.

2) Angle
The Angle controls where on the speaker the
microphone is placed - 0 degrees will be the left of
the speaker, 180 degrees will be the right.

3) Distance
The Distance knob controls how far from the
speaker the microphone is placed, from right up
against the speaker, all the way to 16” back. You can
quickly control this using the scroll wheel of your
mouse.

4) Tilt
Tilt controls the angle of the speaker, which lets you
place the microphones off-axis. This control sweeps
from 0 degrees (straight) to 90 degrees (fully
perpendicular).

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
MIC WINDOW PART IV
PHASE AND PAN

1) Latency
The Latency knob is a micro-adjustment to the time
of the IR - measured in millionths of a second (μ).
This feature can be particularly useful when trying
to create a smooth high-end rolloff.

2) Phase Reverse
Phase Reverse allows you to completely flip the
phase of the currently selected Mic #.

3) Pan
The Pan knob controls where in the stereo field the
microphone is placed. MIKKO2 allows you to create
stereo IRs, so you’re able to place different
microphones on either side of the stereo field.

4) +
The + button lets you add another microphone into
your current blend.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
PRESETS TAB
1) Recall Preset
If you've tweaked a preset and you're not happy
with it, Recall Preset will revert the changes you've
made.

2) Save
The Save button saves your current preset - enter a
new name to create a new preset, or overwrite
existing presets by selecting them from the list.

3) Rename
Rename allows you to rename any of your existing
user presets.

4) Delete
The Delete button will prompt you to delete your
currently selected preset.

5) Open Preset Directory

Open Preset Directory will show the folder on your
system in which your presets have been stored.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
EXPORT IR WINDOW
1) Sample Rate
Different modellers and IR loaders will require
different Sample Rates - use this drop-down box to
select the Sample Rate relevant to your use case.

2) Bit Depth
Modellers and IR loaders will also require different
Bit
. Depths. Use this drop-down to select the Bit
Depth required for your device.

3) Channels
If your IR has taken advantage of the Pan knob, the
drop-down for Channels will let you select whether
you’d like to export just the left side, just the right
side, or both sides as a stereo IR.

4) MPT
MPT (Minimum Phase Transform) lets you export
the IR with the minimum amount of phase
information. If you’re not planning to blend your
created MIKKO2 IR with another vendor’s IR, leave
this box unchecked.

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EXPORT SETTINGS FOR EQ SECTION ADVANCED FEATURES
The EQ section has many advanced features for
DIGITAL MODELLERS users who want to dive deeper into sculpting the EQ
For use with digital modellers, you may need to of their IR. Double-clicking the EQ graph will show
consult the manual of your device before the phase view overlaid over your regular EQ graph.
proceeding to export - you’ll need to know the The Q of each band (LP, A-E, HP) can be adjusted
recommended Sample Rate and Bit Depth before using your mouse's scroll wheel. A and E can switch
proceeding. We’ve added some of the more between peaking and shelving EQ modes by right-
common options below. clicking them. You can also reset the EQ band’s
position by double-clicking it.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
All branding and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement, and any company or product name used in this guide is for reference only.
 QUICK START PART I
MIKKO2 comes with a bunch of Factory Presets to help you get up and running fast, but the real magic happens
when you start creating your own unique blends. Since it can be daunting at first, here are some easy-to-follow
methods to get you started with making your own blends.

The Classic Keep It Single

The 57 and the 121 are a classic mic pairing, featured Even a single microphone can sound excellent -
on countless records. The concept behind it is most of the guitar tones you know and love were
pretty simple - the 57 handles the clarity, and the likely built from a single well-placed microphone on
121 handles the power. Pair them together and you a well-chosen cab. Typically, the best option here
can get a perfectly well-balanced tone. would be the Dynamic 57, placed somewhere along
the edge of the cap.

Every Mic Sounds Great

This method is straightforward - add a new
microphone, solo it, move it around until it sounds
good on its own, and then repeat. Once you’ve done
this a few times, un-solo it and listen to the mix
you’ve created. If you don’t like it, try adding a few
more. This can help to flesh out the blend.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
 QUICK START PART II
Every Mic Has A Destiny
For this method, you’ll first need to define what
attributes you’d like to have represented in your
guitar tone, then you’ll assign a microphone to each
of them and use the mix sliders until your blend is
just the way you want it to be. This is similar to the
57+121 method, though it can be a lot more versatile.
For example, you could decide on the following
attributes; powerful, thick, and articulate. Find a
mic-up that represents a powerful sound, one that
represents a thick sound, and one that represents
It’s Not Just A Phase
Add two microphones to your blend, then hit the
an articulate sound. Blend accordingly until all three
Phase Reverse button on one of them. Your goal is
attributes are present.
now to make the microphone sound as bad as
possible - mainly using the Latency knob, but also
moving the mics around a little too. You’re aiming
for subby lows, honky mids, and harsh highs. Once
you’ve achieved this goal, hit the Phase Reverse
button again. You should find that your IR sounds
perfectly well-balanced, with controlled low end,
tight midrange, and smooth high-end rolloff.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
 THE CABS PART I

5151 4x12 Shef Angr 4x12 '98 V30 Bgnr 4x12 '91 Green Bgnr 4x12 Uber T75 Bgnr 4x12 Uber V30
Based on a Peavey™ 5150 Based on an ENGL™ 4x12 Based on a Bogner™ 4x12 Based on a Bogner™ Based on a Bogner™
4x12 with Sheffield guitar cabinet from the with Celestion™ G12M Uberkab 4x12 guitar Uberkab 4x12 guitar
speakers. 1990s with original UK 6402 Greenbacks from cabinet rear-loaded with cabinet rear-loaded with
made 60w Celestion™ 1991. Celestion™ T75 speakers Celestion™ Vintage 30
Vintage 30 speakers. speakers

Boomtown 4x12 '71 Fame EDVH 4x12 EVML 4x12 Fndr 2x12 Ox Fndr 2x15 Jaybird
Based on a 1971 Sound City Based on an EVH™ 5150III Based on rare 80s Electro- Based on a Fender™ Twin Based on a Fender™ Dual
4x12 cabinet with Fane™ 4x12 cab with Celestion™ Voice™ Mesa™ EVM-12L Reverb from 1973 with Showman 2x15 with JBL™
50w 12287 speakers G12EVH speakers. OEM speakers loaded in a sought after Oxford D130F speakers.
manufactured exclusively 4x12 guitar cabinet speakers.
for Dallas Arbiter

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
All branding and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement, and any company or product name used in this guide is for reference only.
 THE CABS PART II

Jazz 2x12 120 Mars 2x12 '91 Breaker Mars 4x12 '03 Mofo V30 Mars 4x12 '79 65 Mars 4x12 '87 Silver T75
Based on a Roland™ Jazz Green Based on 2003 British 4x12 Based on a British 4x12 Based on a British 4x12
Chorus JC120 combo Based on a British guitar cabinet with with original Celestion™ guitar cabinet from 1987
amplifier. "Breaker" combo amplifier Celestion™ Vintage 30MF G12-65 speakers from with original Celestion™
with G12M 6402 speakers. This is 1979. T75 speakers.
Celestion™ Greenbacks considered the best era of
from 1991. V30 speakers.

Mars 4x12 '93 Green Mars 4x12 '96 GNR V30 Mars 4x12 PR-H55 Green Mars 4x12 PR-H75 Green
Based on a British 4x12 Based on a rare British Based on a vintage British Based on a vintage British
with early 1990s UK made 4x12 signature guitar 4x12 cabinet with rare pre- 4x12 cabinet with rare pre-
Celestion™ T1221 "6402" cabinet (only 1500 made) Rola™ Celestion™ T1281 Rola™ Celestion™ T1217
Greenbacks. from 1996 with original Greenback speakers Greenback speakers
spec 70 watt Celestion™
Vintage speakers.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
All branding and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement, and any company or product name used in this guide is for reference only.
 THE CABS PART III

Mars 4x12 PR-M55 Green Mars 4x12 PR-M75 '68 Mars 4x12 PR-M75 Green Mars 4x12 PR-M75 RI Mega 4x12 '04 Green
Based on a vintage British Green Based on a vintage British Green Based on a Mesa™ Boogie
4x12 cabinet with rare pre- Based on a vintage British 4x12 cabinet with Based on a reissue of the 4x12 Oversized cabinet,
Rola™ Celestion™ T1511 4x12 from 1968 with rare extremely rare pre-Rola™ Mars 4x12 PR-M75 '68 loaded with Celestion™
Greenback speakers pre-Rola™ Celestion™ Celestion™ T1221 Green with Celestion™ Greenbacks from 2004.
T1221 Greenback speakers Greenback speakers with G12C speakers.
with medium magnets and medium magnets and
75Hz lead cones 75Hz lead cones

Mega 4x12 '91 Green Mega 4x12 Blackback Mega 4x12 Cream Mega 4x12 Djent V30 Mega 4x12 Original
Based on early 1990s UK Based on rare "blackback" Based on a Mesa™ Boogie Based on the exact Mesa™ Based on a Mesa™ Boogie
made Celestion™ T1220 speakers with the "1777" Oversized straight 4x12 Boogie Oversized 4x12 Oversized Slant 4x12 guitar
Reissue Greenbacks with stamped Kurt Mueller guitar cabinet with guitar cabinet that was cabinet from the early
the "6402" cones loaded in cones loaded in our Celestion™ Creamback used on one of the most 1990s with rare original
the legendary "P3" Mesa™ legendary "P3" Mesa™ H75 speakers. iconic djent albums of all spec 70 watt Celestion™
Boogie 4x12 guitar cabinet. Boogie 4x12 guitar cabinet. time. Vintage 30's.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
All branding and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement, and any company or product name used in this guide is for reference only.
 THE CABS PART IV

Mega 4x12 Oversize Mega 4x12 Trad Blue Mega 4x12 Traditional Orng 4x12 V30 Sure 2x12 P212 Cream
Based on a Mesa™ Boogie Based on a Mesa™ Boogie Based on a Mesa™ Boogie Based on an Orange™ Based on a Suhr™ Pete
Oversized straight 4x12 Traditional Slant cabinet Traditional straight 4x12 PPC412 4x12 guitar cabinet Thorn PT 2x12 cabinet
guitar cabinet with rare from 2004 with Celestion™ guitar cabinet with rare UK loaded with UK made loaded with Celestion™
original spec 70 watt Vintage 30's. made 70 watt Celestion™ Celestion™ Vintage 30 G12H75 Creamback
Celestion™ Vintage 30's Vintage 30's. speakers. speakers.
from the 1990s.

Tony 4x12 '74 Clip Gray VX30 2x12 '60s Silver VX30 2x12 '90s Blue Volt 4x12 '74 H75 Green
Based on a 1974 Laney Based on a vintage Vox™ Based on a Vox™ AC30 Based on a 1973 Hiwatt
Klipp 4x12 cabinet with AC30 combo from the 60s 2x12 combo from the early 4x12 cabinet with rare
rare Celestion™ T1221 with highly sought after 90s with rare Celestion™ Celestion™ G12H30 T1234
Grayback speakers with speakers with Pulsonic Alnico Blue speakers. 75Hz Greenback speakers
RIC cones cones (same cones as in with Pulsonic cones
pre-Rola Greenback
speakers).

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
All branding and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement, and any company or product name used in this guide is for reference only.
THE MICS
Dynamic 57 Dynamic 421 Dynamic 7B Dynamic 906
Well-rounded and Darker and angrier than Known as being an A bright-sounding
versatile, the Dynamic the 57, with a more excellent vocal mic, the microphone with a
57 is the industry sensitive high end. Mikko's Dynamic 7B is able to pleasing high end, for
standard microphone, favourite mic to blend produce well-balanced those that don't like the
used on countless with the Dynamic 57. guitar tones on its own. Dynamic 57. Pairs well with
recordings. Based on a Based on a Sennheiser™ Based on a Shure™ thicker mics such as the
Shure™ SM57. MD421. SM7B. Ribbon 121. Based on a
Sennheiser™ e906.

Mikko's Placement Tip: Mikko's Placement Tip: Mikko's Placement Tip: Mikko's Placement Tip:
Just outside the cap- Cap-edge, experiment with From cap-edge to dead Outside cap-edge to avoid
edge. Angle. center. harshness.

Dynamic U3 Ribbon 121 Ribbon 160 Condenser 184

A vintage version of The fattest mic in our A ribbon mic that combines Super small condenser mic
the 57, with less low- collection. Blends brilliantly the thickness of the Ribbon 121 that retains natural depth
end thump and more with the Dynamic 57 to add with the articulation of the and low end in your sound.
midrange. Based on a depth and thickness. Based Dynamic 57. The Ribbon 160 The high end is easily fine-
Shure™ Unidyne III. on a Royer™ R-121. will sound powerful regardless tuned with small adjustments
of placement. Based on a to mic placement. Based on a
Beyerdynamic™ M-160. Neumann™ KM-184.

Mikko's Placement Tip: Mikko's Placement Tip: Mikko's Placement Tip: Mikko's Placement Tip:
Towards the edge of the Close to the center Experiment around the cap-edge Dead center to cap-edge.
cone. position.

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MIKKO2 USER MANUAL
All branding and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement, and any company or product name used in this guide is for reference only.