Two Notes Torpedo Captor X 16 User manual

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Torpedo Captor X User's Manual

Compact reactive load box, tube amp attenuator, miked cab simulator, IR
loader and stereo expander

The complete electronic version of this manual, as well as the Two notes Audio Engineering software
and hardware products, are subject to updates. You can download the most recent versions of the
products on the Two notes Audio Engineering website.

This manual describes the Torpedo Captor X and provides instructions for its operation. It is highly
recommended that you read this document before using the product. The contents of this manual
have been thoroughly verified and it is believed to accurately describe the product at the time of
shipment from the factory or downloaded from our website.

Two notes Audio Engineering is a registered trademark of:

OROSYS SAS
76 rue de la Mine
34980 Saint-Gély-du-Fesc
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact and support: http://support.two-notes.com

User's manuals - https://wiki.two-notes.com/

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Website: http://www.two-notes.com

This document is the exclusive property of OROSYS SAS. In the interest of product development,
OROSYS SAS reserves the right to change technical specifications, modify and/or cease production
without prior notice. OROSYS SAS cannot be held responsible for any damage, accidental or
otherwise, that results from an inappropriate use of the Torpedo Captor X Please refer to the safety
instructions included in this manual. The reproduction of any part of this document is strictly
forbidden without the written authorization of OROSYS SAS.

All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product names and
trademarks found in this document were used during the development of the Torpedo Captor X
product but are in no way associated or affiliated with OROSYS SAS.

1. Foreword

1.1 Safety instructions

Before using the product, it is necessary to carefully read and to bear in mind the following
information. Keep this document in a safe place as it is important for the protection of both
user and product. Should you suspect any malfunction of the device, always seek the assistance of
a qualified technician.

1.1.1 Reader warning

The triangle with an exclamation mark highlights important messages concerning
the correct use of the device.

1.1.2 Power adapter

Please verify that the voltage required by the mains power adapter matches the voltage in your
country. If not or if unsure, do not connect the unit to the wall outlet. This could result in damage to
the mains power adapter, the unit and injuries to the user. This product must not be used when there
is lightning. In case of severe weather with a risk of lightning, unplug the power adapter to reduce the
risk of electric shock and fire.

The mains power adapter provided with the machine complies with the standards of the country
where you purchased the product. If replacement is needed, please use a standard compliant mains
power adapter.

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1.1.3 Safety use conditions

The Torpedo Captor X must never be used near a heat source, near a flame, in the rain, in damp
areas, near any kinds of liquids. When transporting the unit, care needs to be taken to avoid any
shocks that could cause damage that would require the assistance of a qualified technician. Exposure
to moisture is basically a very bad idea. You could release the magic tone smoke and once it’s been
freed from it’s mortal constraints, you can’t put it back, it’s an independent sentient being that
doesn’t conform to your, or our, wishes for it to return. Keep the unit dry, keep that tone smoke in its
rightful place.

1.1.4 Cleaning

Always use a dry and soft cloth with no alcohol or solvents for cleaning. Please keep the unit clean
and free from dust. Do your housework.

1.1.5 Maintenance

All maintenance operations must be done by service centers approved by OROSYS SAS. Never try to
repair the unit by yourself.

1.2 Contents of the package

The shipped package contains:

1 x Torpedo Captor X unit in a protecting sleeve
1 x Mains power adapter with interchangeable plug
1 x USB cable
1 x Mini jack to 5 pin MIDI cable adapter.
1 x Quickstart guide
1 x Welcome card

The complete electronic version of this manual, as well as the Torpedo Remote and Torpedo BlendIR
softwares are subject to updates. You can download the most recent versions of these products on
the Two notes Audio Engineering website.

1.3 Declaration of conformity

Manufacturer: OROSYS SAS
Category of product: digital audio signal processor
Product: Torpedo Captor X
Test Manager: Guillaume Pille
The Two notes Torpedo Captor X is certified to be compliant to the CE and FCC standards:

EN 55103-1 : 1996 and EN 55103-2 : 1996.

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EN 60065 05/2002 + A1 05/2006.
EMC directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
FCC Part 15 : 2008.
ICES-003 : 2004.
AS/NZS 3548 class B for Australia and New Zealand.
IEC : 2008 - CISPR 22 class B.

1.4 Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in Private Household in the European Union

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product must
not be disposed of with your other household waste. Instead, it is your
responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a
designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic
equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the
time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is
recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling,
please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service or the
shop where you purchased the product.

1.5 Warranty

OROSYS SAS warrants that this TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING product shall be free of defects in
parts and workmanship when used under normal operating conditions for a period of two (2) years
from the date of purchase. This warranty shall apply to the original purchaser when purchased from
an Authorized TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING dealer.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE RETAIN YOUR SALES RECEIPT, AS IT IS YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE
COVERING YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT YOUR
SALES RECEIPT.

Defective products that qualify for coverage under this warranty will be repaired or replaced, (at
OROSYS SAS's sole discretion) with a like or comparable product, without charge. In the case that
warranty service is required, Please contact your authorized TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING dealer
in order to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) to return the complete product to the
Authorized TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING Service Center closest to you, with proof of purchase,
during the applicable warranty period.

Transportation costs to the service center ARE NOT INCLUDED in this limited warranty. OROSYS SAS
will cover the cost of standard ground return transportation for repairs performed under this warranty.
This limited warranty becomes void if the serial number on the product is defaced or removed, or the

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product has been damaged by alteration, misuse including connection to faulty or unsuitable ancillary
equipment, accident including lightning, water, fire, or neglect; or if repair has been attempted by
persons not authorized by OROSYS SAS. Any implied warranties, including without limitation, any
implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, imposed under state or
provincial law are limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Some states or provinces do not
allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not be
applicable.

OROSYS SAS ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ANY
FAILURE OF THIS PRODUCT NOR ANY LOSS OF INCOME, SATISFACTION, OR DAMAGES
ARISING FROM THE LOSS OF USE OF SAME DUE TO DEFECTS OR AVAILABILITY OF SAME
DURING SERVICE.

In case you have to send your TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING product to any other location, it is of
vital importance to retain the original packing materials. It is very difficult to avoid damage if shipping
the product without these materials. OROSYS SAS is not responsible for damages to the product due
to improper packaging and reserves the right to charge a reboxing fee for any unit returned for
service without the original packing materials. THE FOREGOING CONSTITUTES THE ONLY WARRANTY
MADE BY OROSYS SAS WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS AND IS MADE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED

2. Recommendation on the proper use of a
load box with a tube amplifier

2.1 What is a load box?

In the normal use of a tube amplifier, it is highly recommended that you always connect its power
output to a speaker cabinet prior to powering it up. The speaker cabinet (4, 8 or 16 Ohms) must
always be connected to the corresponding speaker output of your amplifier. Not doing so can lead to
partial or complete destruction of the output stage of the tube amplifier.

Most tube amplifiers makers protect their products with fuses or other protection systems, however
some amplifiers are still insufficiently protected. It is impossible to predict the behavior of all the
amplifiers on the market in case of use without a load (a speaker cabinet or a load box).

The electronic term that describes the speaker cabinet with respect to the amplifier is the “load”: we
say the cabinet “loads” the amplifier. The term “load box” is used to describe any product that
provides a load to the amplifier. The main parameter of the load box is its impedance, expressed in
Ohms. An 8-Ohm load box must be plugged to the 8-Ohm speaker output of the amplifier.

The power sent to the load is turned into heat, so please follow the cooling recommendation of the
load box — otherwise overheating may cause damage, both to the load box and to the amplifier.

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The Torpedo Captor X is a load box. This term indicates that the Torpedo Captor X is a load which can
electrically replace the speaker cabinet while dissipating (transforming into heat) the power coming
out of the amplifier.

The Torpedo Captor X is a reactive load. A reactive load simulates the complex impedance of a real
speaker.

Always connect the speaker output of your tube amplifier to an
appropriate load (speaker cabinet or load box). The Torpedo Captor X is
such a load. The Torpedo Captor does not need to be powered up to act
as a load box. The maximum admissible power of the Torpedo Captor is
100W RMS, your amplifier shouldn't be set to play at a higher output
power value. See this article if your amplifier is more powerful than
100W.

2.2 Which output volume for my amplifier?

The correct use of your amplifier with a load box requires some precautions. Because of the silence
while playing, it is much easier to accidentally run your amplifier beyond the reasonable limits set by
the manufacturer than when using a real speaker cabinet with it. This can lead to faster tube wear
and, in some cases, more serious and permanent issues.

When first testing the amplifier at high volume, monitor the color of the
tubes and the general state of the amplifier. Red-glowing tubes or any
appearance of smoke are signs of a problem that may result in partial or
complete destruction of the amplifier.

Keep in mind that the “sweet spot” - the perfect running point of the amplifier, the one that will give
you the tone you’re looking for - is rarely obtained at maximum volume – here is a great video
showing this. In addition, the volume control of the amplifier is usually logarithmic, which means the
volume goes up quickly on the first half of the potentiometer rotation, reaches its maximum at 12
o’clock, and doesn’t change much beyond this point. Therefore, you can reach the maximum volume
of your amplifier even if the volume potentiometer is not set at maximum.

By reaching the maximum output power of your amplifier, you will hear a lot of distortion, which may
not sound as cool as you may hope. In fact, most amplifiers sound pretty bad at maximum volume.
Always keep in mind that your amplifier may not have been conceived to be used at maximum
volume for a long period of time. Running an amplifier at high volume will cause premature wear of
the tubes and possible malfunctions or damages at the output stage.

The fact that the volume control of your amplifier is not set at maximum
doesn’t mean your amplifier is not running at maximum volume. A good
habit is to keep the usual volume setup you would use in rehearsal or on
stage, rather than just following what the volume potentiometer indicates.

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2.3 Is the use of a load box totally silent?

We usually talk about “silent recording” when a load box is involved. If we compare the load box
solution to a traditional cabinet miking solution, it is obviously several orders of magnitude quieter,
but you will still experience some minor sounds, noises, that have to be taken into account:

Your guitar or bass strings can be heard. This is obvious, but it can be disturbing, depending on
your environment.
You may hear some noise coming out of your Torpedo when playing, like there is a tiny speaker
inside the box. This is perfectly normal and there is no reason to worry. The sound is produced
when power goes through the coil of the reactive load embedded in the Torpedo Captor. The
vibration is related to what power comes out of the amplifier connected to the Torpedo and to
the signal’s frequency content (notes played are heard). Your amplifier may also produce
similar noise, at the output transformer’s level. Such noise is usually not heard, simply because
it is normally overcome by the sound coming from the loudspeaker. You are actually hearing
the amp actually working for the first time and it can be alarming!
The Torpedo Captor X embeds a fan, as there is quite a lot of power dissipated into heat inside
the box. We always use a “silent fan”, but as it is running extremely fast, it is never entirely
silent. This said, in normal use (hearing your guitar through monitors, or headphones), you can
barely hear that fan.

3. About the Torpedo Captor X

3.1 Introducing the Torpedo Captor X

Playing your tube amp in a great sounding room with an exceptional choice of perfectly matched
speaker cabinets and microphones is truly joyous and an unparalleled experience. The Torpedo
Captor X is for tube amp lovers who crave this every time they play – no matter the environment. You
can play your tube amp at its sweet spot and control your volume with the attenuator, anywhere. You
can even enjoy your 100 watt rig in silence with an immersive headphone experience. Fed up with
lifting heavy cabinets, inconsistent sound and stage volume issues? Go direct to the PA and audio
interface with our legendary studio-grade cabinet simulations. The Torpedo technology was created
as an answer to the high pressure musicians have to deal with: lack of time, limited gear availability,
loud amplifiers that can't be played at desired volume, as well as bulky and heavy cabinets to carry.
In addition, many musicians are more comfortable with their analog amplifier and effect pedals, and
don't want to perform using digital modeling systems, which may compromise their playing style and
sound.

For these players, the Torpedo Captor X offers a “virtual” alternative to traditional miking, using a
technology derived from the convolution reverberation, to achieve a degree of realism never
experienced previously with simulators. The Torpedo Captor X is the perfect line output everybody
should have after their amp section to send the sound directly to a PA or a recorder.

The Torpedo Captor X is a compact reactive load box, tube amp attenuator, miked cab
simulator, IR loader and stereo expander for home, live and studio use.

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The Torpedo Captor X comes with a large library of 32 cabinets and 8 perfectly matched microphones
per cabinet. You can also upgrade and add many other cabinets through the Two notes Store, our
online virtual cabinet store. The virtual miking is achieved by choosing one cabinet and two
microphones, and fine-tuning the position of each microphone in front (or behind) of the cabinet. The
Torpedo Captor X allows the user to assume the role of the sound engineer in a professional studio.

The Torpedo Technology: To bring you realism and playing comfort, Two notes has developed a
unique technology based on an adaptation of convolution techniques. Starting with the measurement
of an actual cabinet + microphone setup, the Torpedo Captor X can accurately reproduce the system
as it was measured, as well as the microphone's position in space. In order to take full advantage of
these digital algorithms, the highest quality audio design assures a perfect analog-to-digital
conversion and a huge dynamic range to retain the ultimate playing experience.

This product has been thoroughly tested in professional studios and stage environments and is the
alternative many musicians are looking for, to achieve a professional sound capture of their amplified
instruments. The Torpedo Captor X will give you the elusive sound of the greatest recording studios
and producers, anytime, anywhere.

3.2 Only A Speaker Simulator?

The Torpedo Captor X is a standalone unit you can bring with you in any situation, whenever silent
playing is needed or if you wish to control the level coming out of your cabinet.

The role of the Torpedo Captor X is to replace the following elements of the traditional guitar or bass
setup:

the speaker cabinet;
the microphone; and
the microphone preamplifier and certain individual outboard effects

In order to provide a signal that is the closest possible to a traditional guitar/bass miking in a
professional studio environment.

The miking is achieved in 3 steps with the Torpedo Captor X:

Choose a speaker cabinet and a microphone;1.
Position the microphone inside the virtual environment; and2.
Shape the signal (EQ, Enhancer, Twin Tracker, Reverb)3.

At each step, Two notes Audio Engineering implements its vast experience to offer the most advanced
simulations available and ensure absolute realistic quality both for the musician (in terms of playing
feel and reaction) and for the listener (in terms of sound quality). You can load up to 32 Two notes
cabinets into the Torpedo Captor X. Download the free Torpedo Remote software (Mac OS X and
Windows PC) from the Two notes Audio Engineering website, and you will be able to add or remove
cabinets to and from the Captor X. There are currently more than 350 Two notes cabinets available in
the Two notes Store that you can try in real time and purchase with Torpedo Remote (requires a
working Internet connection).

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3.3 The front panel

1- Monitor the input and output levels with the grill LED (red = clipping (not in a good way) signal);
2- Control the level of the headphone and XLR DI outputs;
3- Adjust your global tone depending on tube amp choice and playing environment;
4- Add room space to widen the stereo effect on the headphone and XLR DI outputs;
5- Ensure the vent is kept clear (as this allows air to travel through for cooling);
6- Plug your headphones here;
7- Set the input level to avoid clipping of the signal; and
8- Instantly switch between your favorite presets;

3.4 The back panel

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A- Power the unit with the supplied adapter (only use correctly rated power supply);
B- Send Stereo, Dual Mono or Dry/Wet signals through the XLR DI outputs;
C- Eliminate unwanted hum caused by ground loops;
D- Ensure the fan is kept clear;
E- Connect the supplied ⅛” jack to MIDI cable adapter for MIDI control;
F- Control Torpedo Captor X from a computer (Windows or macOS) via Torpedo Remote. USB cable
supplied;
G- Connect speaker cabinet here with a ¼” jack SPEAKER cable;
H- Choose your cabinet volume level:

Low position is “Home” level
Halfway position is “Club” level
Full position is “Stadium” level

I- Connect your amplifier's output here with a ¼” jack speaker cable (100W RMS max admissible
power)

3.5 Connecting the Torpedo Captor X

4. Configuring and using the Torpedo Captor
X

The Torpedo Captor X has several quick access knobs to make on the fly editing quick and easy. The
OUT LEVEL sets the global output level of the unit, VOICING is fast global EQ, PRESET allows you to
have access to 6 presets straight from the unit. To edit all the parameters of the Torpedo Captor X,
you will need to use Torpedo Remote on your computer (USB connection) or your mobile device

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(wireless connection). The 2 next sections will guide you through the process for the USB and the
wireless connection.

4.1 Torpedo Remote: your gateway to edit all the parameters inside the Torpedo Captor X

4.1.1 USB connection

Use the supplied USB cable to connect the Torpedo Captor X to your computer.
Connect the micro USB end to the Torpedo Captor X and the other end to your
computer.

4.1.1.1 Setup with your computer

Download Torpedo Remote from the Torpedo Captor X webage. Choose the appropriate version in
regards to your OS (Windows or macOS). Once Torpedo Remote is launched, you will be prompted to
register the unit to your account or use it as a Guest (we advise registering the unit, for firmware
updates, etc.). Receive exclusive presets and 3 additional cabinets when you register the Torpedo
Captor X to your account.

When you are in Guest mode you cannot import cabinets from your personal Two notes license to the
Torpedo Captor X. You also cannot remove cabinets from the Torpedo Captor X.

4.1.2 Wireless connection

4.1.2.1 Setup with your phone/tablet

You will connect to the Torpedo Captor X from your mobile device via Bluetooth. The connection has
to be done in the following order:

- Launch the Torpedo Wireless Remote app

- Accept all the requested authorizations (they depend on your tablet or phone)

- The connection window should show up, follow the on screen instructions.

- Input the pin code to pair the Torpedo Captor X and your mobile device. The pin code is a six digit
number starting with 000 and the last three digits are the last 3 numbers of your Captor X's serial
number.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

If after inputting the pin code the Torpedo Captor X does not show up in the “Devices” menu in
Torpedo Wireless Remote, you will need to unpair the Torpedo Captor X in the list of devices that are
paired in the bluetooth menu of your phone. Once you have done this, please redo the procedure
detailed above. You cannot pair the Torpedo Captor X from the phone or tablet OS, it has to be done
by Torpedo Wireless Remote. Some phones need to have the Location (GPS) activated to allow for
Bluetooth pairing. Try activating the Location if you find yourself unable to pair with just the Bluetooth

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