Two Notes Torpedo for Guitar Recording

Two Notes Torpedo products bridge the gap between traditional amplifier tone and modern recording flexibility. These devices capture amplifier output and apply cabinet simulation, enabling direct recording of real amplifier sound without microphones or acoustic output. The range covers various needs from simple load boxes to comprehensive recording solutions.

Torpedo Product Line Overview

The Torpedo Captor series provides reactive load boxes with built-in attenuation. These units connect between amplifier and speaker, absorbing power while providing line output for recording. The analog nature preserves the amplifier’s authentic response.

Torpedo Captor X adds digital cabinet simulation to the Captor foundation. The combination of reactive load and quality IR processing creates a complete silent recording solution. Bluetooth control through the companion app simplifies operation.

Torpedo Studio and Live represent the flagship products. These rack units provide extensive cabinet simulation with multiple virtual microphone options. The deep parameter access suits professional applications.

Wall of Sound software extends Torpedo capabilities to DAW environments. The plugin processes direct signals or augments hardware Torpedo units. Access to the Two Notes IR library provides extensive cabinet options.

Reactive Load Technology

Two Notes reactive loads simulate speaker impedance behavior. Real speakers present varying impedance across the frequency spectrum. The reactive circuit mimics this behavior, maintaining natural amplifier response.

Resistive loads differ from reactive designs. Pure resistive loads present constant impedance regardless of frequency. Amplifiers may respond differently to resistive loads than to speakers. The reactive approach preserves authentic feel and tone.

The load absorbs amplifier output safely. Power ratings must match or exceed amplifier output. The Captor handles up to 100 watts; Captor X handles up to 100 watts continuously. Proper matching prevents damage to both amplifier and load.

Heat dissipation requires attention during extended use. Power absorbed by the load converts to heat. Adequate ventilation prevents overheating. High-powered amplifiers at full output stress the thermal capacity.

Cabinet Simulation Quality

Two Notes cabinet simulation uses Torpedo technology. The proprietary impulse response format includes microphone distance and room parameters beyond standard IR files. This enhanced format enables adjustments impossible with simple IRs.

Virtual microphone selection shapes the captured tone. Dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphone emulations provide distinct characters. Positioning parameters adjust distance, angle, and axis. The flexibility matches multi-microphone physical setups.

Room simulation adds ambience to the direct signal. Parameter control over room size and character creates spatial depth. This processing replicates what room microphones capture in traditional recording.

Third-party impulse responses load into Torpedo products. Standard WAV-format IRs work alongside native Two Notes cabinets. This compatibility expands options beyond the factory library.

Recording Integration

Line output connects directly to recording interfaces. The balanced XLR output provides professional signal quality. Level matching to interface inputs ensures optimal gain staging.

USB audio streaming on select models routes signal directly to DAW. The Captor X and Studio function as audio interfaces. This integration simplifies recording setups.

Parallel output paths capture multiple signals simultaneously. Direct amplifier sound and cabinet-simulated versions can record on separate tracks. This approach preserves reamping options with cabinet simulation.

Speaker output allows connecting a cabinet for monitoring. The amplifier drives both the load and the speaker. Attenuation controls volume while maintaining full-power amplifier operation.

Captor X Specific Features

Dual cabinet simulation creates complex tones. Two independent cabinet paths blend to form the output. Different cabinet, microphone, and processing on each path produces variety.

Reverb processing adds spatial effects. The built-in reverb creates ambience beyond cabinet simulation. Recording with reverb captures performance-related expression.

Bluetooth app control provides wireless editing. The Torpedo Remote app adjusts all parameters from mobile devices. This interface simplifies tweaking during sessions.

Analog signal path preserves amplifier authenticity. Despite digital cabinet simulation, the amplifier signal remains analog until the output stage. This design philosophy prioritizes the amplifier’s natural character.

Studio and Live Models

Rack-mounted design suits permanent studio installation. The 1U or 2U form factor integrates into existing racks. Multiple input and output options accommodate various workflows.

Extended parameter access exceeds portable units. The deep editing available on Studio and Live models enables precise tone shaping. Professional applications benefit from this control.

MIDI control enables automation and preset recall. Integrating Torpedo units into larger systems maintains consistent operation. Preset changes sync with other MIDI-controlled equipment.

Multiple simultaneous outputs support complex routing. Feeding different mixes to different destinations—monitors, recording, front of house—from one unit simplifies signal distribution.

Workflow Applications

Silent recording with real amplifiers becomes practical. Cranked tube amplifiers operate at full power without acoustic output. The load absorbs the power while cabinet simulation provides recorded tone.

Consistent tone across sessions results from digital processing. Unlike miked cabinets affected by placement variations, Torpedo settings recall exactly. This consistency benefits ongoing projects.

Reamping through Torpedo units preserves flexibility. Dry direct signals can be processed through Torpedo cabinet simulation later. Different cabinet choices can be evaluated without re-recording.

Live and studio tone matching ensures consistent sound. The same Torpedo settings used in live performance can record in the studio. This compatibility simplifies transitioning between contexts.

Value Proposition

Torpedo products eliminate traditional recording variables. Microphone quality, placement, and room acoustics no longer affect results. Consistent professional tone becomes achievable in any environment.

The investment replaces multiple pieces of equipment. Microphones, preamps, and treated recording spaces become unnecessary for guitar tracking. The cost comparison often favors Torpedo solutions.

Learning curve remains manageable. Despite deep capability, basic operation provides immediate results. Progressive exploration reveals advanced features as needs develop.