Distortion is a desirable effect for sound coloration in electric guitar amplifiers and effect processors. At high sound levels, particularly at low frequencies, the loudspeakers used in classic style cabinets are also a source of distortion. This paper presents a case study of measurements and digital modeling of a typical guitar loudspeaker as a real-time audio effect. It demonstrates the complexity of the driver behavior, which cannot be efficiently modeled in true physical detail. A model with linear transfer functions and static nonlinearity characteristics to approximate the measured behavior is derived based upon physical arguments. An efficient method to simulate radiation directivity is also proposed.

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