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Two Notes Torpedo Captor Reactive Loadbox DI and Attenuator - 8-ohm

Load Box, Direct Box, Attenuator, and Speaker Simulator - 8 ohm
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Two Notes Torpedo Captor Reactive Loadbox DI and Attenuator - 8-ohm
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Attenuate Your Amp, Record Direct with Speaker Emulation, and More

Play your tube amplifier at neighbor-friendly volume levels, or play without a speaker cabinet at all, with the Two Notes Torpedo Captor reactive load box, direct box, attenuator and speaker simulator. Based on the acclaimed Torpedo Reload, the Torpedo Captor is your solution for attenuating your amp's volume as well as sending your tone direct to a PA or recording system. Suitable for amps up to 100 watts, the Torpedo Captor's -20dB attenuator allows for cranked-amp tones at lower volume levels. And built-in speaker simulation allows you to record the full sonic intensity of your amplifier direct to your DAW, without miking up a speaker cabinet.

Get cranked-amp tones at reasonable volume levels

Whether you want to keep stage volume down, or desire quieter recording sessions without sacrificing your amp's tone, the Two Notes Torpedo Captor is an outstanding solution. Put it between your tube amplifier head and your speaker cabinet, and you'll be able to crank your amp while attenuating its output by -20dB.

A smart tool for a variety of stage setups and gig situations

You can use the Torpedo Captor without any attenuation as well — at that point it becomes a simple solution for splitting your guitar tone, driving a speaker cab at full volume onstage while also allowing you to inject speaker-emulated tone direct to a PA or recording device. The analog speaker emulation in Torpedo Captor is derived from the acclaimed Le Preamp series of pedals, known for their detailed and focused speaker cab simulations. You can even add a Torpedo C.A.B. to create a massive collection of different IR Cab Simulations — call Sweetwater to learn more.

Wall of Sound III plug-in for sonic flexibility after recording

When you get the Torpedo Captor, you'll also gain access to the free Wall of Sound III plug-in offering 16 IR Cab Sims, covering everything from compact speakers to full stacks. Record your amplifier through the Torpedo Captor to your DAW while bypassing the built-in speaker simulation, then use the Wall of Sound III plug-in to fine-tune the speaker simulation with control over virtual microphone type, mic placement and more. You'll have more control over your tone during mixdown.

Two Notes Torpedo Captor Features:

  • Reactive load box, direct box, attenuator and speaker emulation for electric guitar amps (8 ohm)
  • 100-watt reactive load box allows you to play your guitar amp without a speaker cabinet
  • -20dB attenuator allows you to achieve cranked-amp tone at lower volume levels
  • Speaker simulation is perfect for sending your amp's tone direct to a PA or recording device
  • Speaker Thru allows you to connect direct and to a speaker cabinet simultaneously
  • Wall of Sound III cabinet model plug-in lets you achieve true-to-life studio miking of your amp within your DAW

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Reactive Load
  • Power Handling: 100W RMS max
  • Impedance: 8 ohms
  • Attenuation: -20dB
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (powered signal in)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (thru full, -20dB), 1 x 1/4" (line level), 1 x XLR (DI out)
  • Power Source: 48V phantom power / 9-24V DC power supply (sold separately)
  • Manufacturer Part Number: Torpedo Captor (8)

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Great sound, great tool for home studio

So, I have used these last couple years in my home studio with a roaring Plexi type amp. Very practical for home use, no volume problems.
If set correctly, and utilize the balanced output with 48volt phantom power, you are all set for direct recording into speaker impulse responses.
The tone is way beyond other attenuators from years past. The balance of tone is spot on. Hi end and bass are represented nicely.
If you have trouble getting a good sound, something is wrong. Two Notes dialed it in perfectly.
The fan noise is not an issue, as I monitor through monitors and track with a bit of volume.
I do not connect speakers up. Great for not disturbing others, and neighbors below if you are in an apartment.
Using it live is great too. Though it is set at -20db cut in volume, you will find it works great with a drummer and allows you to mic your rig. In other words, it is not too loud, yet not designed to be variable. Which is ok by me.
Other more expensive units out there if you want more flexibility. For the money, you cant beat this
After using it and getting accustomed to the results, my hi gain amps are gathering dust. Goes back to the old Marshall full up NMV goodness. Which the Captor, I get all the harmonics and dynamics of using a cranked Plexi. Have discovered, my Soldanos sound inferior to this type; output tube distortion.
I repeat, if you have unhappiness due to supposed limiting, sound quality something is wrong in your setup.
Very affordable for the man on a budget. It does all you need especially for my needs for home recording.
Music background: Hard rock, progressive, fusion, jazz, classical
Rated 4/5

Good/surprised

Came without a power of supply. Those're cheap though.

See video
Rated 4/5

Inexpensive and useful but not for me.

This unit is very light weight and inexpensive. It does what it supposed to but there are a few drawbacks that kept me from making this my go -to unit. Drawback number one, the attenuated signal does not reflect accurate amp tone. There is a reason for this. When the load box is bearing the entire load it is providing a reactive impedance curve very similar to that which a speaker would have and it sounds great, very accurate. This curve is important for achieving the feel and tonal dynamics familiar two guitar players who play through amps and cabs. However when you are using the attenuated signal to drive a speaker cab at a lower volume, your amplifier is receiving two different impedance curves, one from the load box and the other from the speaker cabinet, as a result the tone drastically becomes more crispy and thin in my experience. It doesn't necessarily sound bad but it definitely does not sound accurate.

Drawback number two, there is an analog limiter built into this unit it would seem, when I record through this unit my waveforms are clipped like a brick wall limiter, this also happens when using my 30W setting on the amp so it is not a matter of sending too much level to the captor. The Suhr reactive load, which does not have an attenuator FWIW (unrelated to limiting), does not experience this brick wall limiting, it passes the full waveform unlimited. Now, yes as a matter of course there will be limiting applied to this guitar signal anyways in mixing but I like being able to choose how much limiting is applied and doing so after any equalization/effect adjustments needed. The resulting sound can at times sound fatter and louder than competing products but it can also sound muddier and flatter. I personally like the sound of the suhr best.

Drawback number three, that blasted fan! This unit has a rather loud fan that comes on with almost every single note when I am playing my 100 W amplifier at 60% on the Master volume. This caused me to have to isolate the unit 15 feet from where I track and I can still hear it since you can't cover it to allow ventilation. Once again the SUHR reactive load did not have this issue, it does have a fan but I almost never heard it come on. If only the SUHR had an attenuated output for when I want to play through the cab at a reasonable level while having my master up a bit. Any ways,
This is definitely a decent unit and I like how lightweight it is, small and portable, and it does not require any power unless you are using the simulated output. It is also Fully analog unlike the captor X which converts your analog signal even if you're not using the internal impulse responses.
I was looking forward to trying the Mesa powerhouse what does have not been in stock. At some point I will compare the SUHR to the Mesa.
Music background: Producer, Engineer and Musician.
Rated 5/5

Great for home recording

I'm recording a 5150 iii 50W amp into this load box and it sounds great!! I'm using York Audio IRs and it's the best tone I've gotten so far. Better than amp sims and better than trying to mic a cab myself. The silent recording is also a huge advantage since I can now write and record whenever I want.
Rated 5/5

Great Unit For Quiet Practicing and Recording

I will recommend a 100% the Torpedo 8! First of all, it protects your amp and speakers of damage caused by utilizing your amp in a 100% without any volume attenuation. Also, it is great for quiet practicing in a very moderate volume, without compromising that rich valve tone that only tube amps can provide. You won't have angry neighbors knocking at your door. An awesome tool for recording; this is an all in one unit that will facilitate guitar players of all levels.

Many thanks to my Sales Engineer, Logan Miller for recommending me such great product.
Music background: Weekends Asian Bars Musician
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