Arturia DIST OPAMP-21 User manual

USER MANUAL
_DIST OPAMP-21

Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Frédéric Brun Kevin Molcard
DEVELOPMENT
Samuel Limier
Loris De Marco
Stéphane Albanese
Simon Conan
Alexandre Adam
Marc Antigny
Baptiste Aubry
Kevin Arcas
Yann Burrer
Hugo Caracalla
Corentin Comte
Raynald Dantigny
Mauro De Bari
Alessandro De Cecco
Pascal Douillard
Geoffrey Gormond
Rasmus Kürstein
Pierre-Lin Laneyrie
Marius Lasfargue
Cyril Lépinette
Christophe Luong
Pierre Mazurier
Mathieu Nocenti
Marie Pauli
Patrick Perea
Fanny Roche
DESIGN
François Barrillon (lead)
Clément Bastiat
Maxence Berthiot
Ulf Ekelöf
Morgan Perrier
SOUND DESIGN
Quentin Feuillard (lead) Florian Marin Marco Gomes Wheeliemix
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Bastien Hervieux (lead)
Arnaud Barbier
Thomas Barbier
Matthieu Bosshardt
Adam Chrustowski
Germain Marzin
Aurélien Mortha
Roger Schumann
Adrien Soyer
Nicolas Stermann
Enrique Vela
Julien Viannenc
TUTORIALS
Stephen Fortner
MANUAL
Sven Bornemark (author)
Jimmy Michon
Gala Khalife
Minoru Koike
Holger Steinbrink
Justin Trombley
BETA TESTING
Marco Koshdukai Correia
Adrian Dybowski
Tony Flying Squirrel
Mat Herbert
Ivar
Jay Janssen
Davide Puxeddu
Luis Rodriguez
TJ Trifeletti
Chuck Zwicky
© ARTURIA SA – 2022 – All rights reserved.
26 avenue Jean Kuntzmann
38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin
FRANCE
www.arturia.com

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.
All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Product version: 1.0.0
Revision date: 16 June 2022

Special Messages
This manual covers how to use Dist OPAMP-21, provides a comprehensive look at its
features, and details how to download and activate it. First, some important messages:
Specifications Subject to Change:
The information contained in this manual is correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia
reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications or features without notice
or obligation.
IMPORTANT:
The software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may
be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate
for long periods of time at a high volume or at a level that is uncomfortable.
If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in your ears, please consult an audiologist.
NOTICE:
Service charges incurred due to lack of knowledge relating to how a function or a feature
works (when the software is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully
and consult your dealer before requesting additional support.

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Dist OPAMP-21.
Thank you for purchasing Dist OPAMP-21, a recreation of an audio industry milestone – the
Tech 21 SansAmp Classic. This pedal, and its successors, have pioneered new technology
and have affected the way musicians and audio engineers work.
The method of plugging your electric guitar into the mixing desk has since become common
practice, thanks to the many digital tools available today. But in 1989, the people at Tech
21 were ahead of their time. Not only was the SansAmp entirely analog, but the sounds it
produced have since become legendary and highly sought after. Here is your chance to
knead some SansAmp magic into your productions.
Excellence is placed at the heart of every Arturia product, and Dist OPAMP-21 is no exception.
Explore the presets, tweak a few controls, get lost in the features - dive as deeply as you like.
Be sure to visit the www.arturia.com website for information on all our other inspiring
hardware and software instruments, effects, MIDI controllers, and more. They have become
indispensable tools for many visionary artists around the globe.
Musically yours,
The Arturia team

Table Of Contents
1. Welcome to Dist OPAMP-21................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. What does the Dist OPAMP-21 do?............................................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Using the Dist OPAMP-21 .................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3. Features in Dist OPAMP-21 .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2. Activation and First Start ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.1. Compatibility ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2. Download and Install ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2.1. Arturia Software Center (ASC)............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3. Working with Plug-ins....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1. Audio and MIDI Settings ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. The User Interface ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1. Upper Toolbar........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1. Main Menu.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.2. Resize Window ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.3. Preset Browser Access and Name Pane...................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.4. Advanced Button........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.5. A / B..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.6. A > B..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2. The Lower Toolbar ............................................................................................................................................................. 13
3.2.1. Left Side............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
3.2.2. Right Side........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
3.2.3. Bypass.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.2.4. Undo, Redo, and History....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4. Selecting Presets ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.1. The Preset Browser............................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.2. Searching Presets .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
4.2.1. Using Tags as a Filter .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
4.2.2. Banks................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
4.3. The Results Pane .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
4.3.1. Sorting Presets........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
4.3.2. Liking Presets ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
4.3.3. Featured Factory Presets..................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.3.4. Shuffle Button .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
4.4. Preset Info Section ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.4.1. Preset Info Quick Menu......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.4.2. Editing Info for Multiple Presets ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.5. Preset Name Pane............................................................................................................................................................ 24
4.5.1. The Arrows .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.5.2. Drop-Down Browser............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5. Main Panel ..................................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.1. A good starting point........................................................................................................................................................ 26
5.1.1. Drive .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.2. Presence.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.3. High .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.4. Output ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.5. Dry/Wet ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
5.1.6. Dry/Wet Lock ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
5.2. Mode .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.2.1. Modern ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.2.2. Normal............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.2.3. Lead .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.2.4. Bass................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.3. Character................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
5.3.1. Mid Boost 1 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
5.3.2. Mid Boost 2................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
5.3.3. Low Drive ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
5.3.4. Clean Amp ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
5.3.5. Bright Switch.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
5.3.6. Vintage Tubes ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
5.3.7. Speaker Edge ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 30

5.3.8. Close Miking................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
5.4. Bypass Footswitch............................................................................................................................................................. 31
6. Advanced Panel ......................................................................................................................................................... 32
6.1. Pre-Drive................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
6.2. LR and M/S Stereo ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
6.2.1. LR – Mid – Side............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
6.2.2. Curve ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
6.3. Post-Drive ............................................................................................................................................................................... 34
6.3.1. Post-Drive On/Off...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
6.3.2. The Graphic EQ handles...................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
7. Software License Agreement............................................................................................................................ 36

1. WELCOME TO DIST OPAMP-21
Thank you for purchasing Dist OPAMP-21. This plug-in from Arturia lets you color the sound
of your guitar, bass, harmonica, drums, keyboard, or any other piece of audio that needs
some attitude.
Dist OPAMP-21 is based on the legendary tube amp emulator SansAmp Classic, which was
designed by B. Andrew Barta and produced by Tech 21 in New York City, USA. The original
hardware unit used cascaded op-amps to generate a wide range of saturated tones.
Back in 1989, the idea of plugging an electric guitar into a mixing desk was almost unheard
of, but the SansAmp Classic became the catalyst for the whole “going direct” movement.
Suddenly there was a time-saving and cost-effective way to get a great sound without the
need for a loud tube amplifier. It also allowed for musicians to get an inspiring sound on
stage at any level, not only at full blast.
Various offspring of the product were produced during the following years: the GT-2, the
Bass Driver and rack mounted models like the PSA-1 and RPM. Most of these products
have been emulated in the software world, but there’s no software version of the SansAmp
Classic. Until now!
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1.1. What does the Dist OPAMP-21 do?
Dist OPAMP-21 gives you all the benefits of the Tech 21 SansAmp Classic hardware product
in a plug-in format, and more!
If you plug your electric guitar or bass directly into your audio interface (with the Instrument
setting activated), you’ll get a clean signal into your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). That's
a good start.
While a bass may sound perfectly useful in this shape, an electric guitar will probably not
(unless you’re a fan of ultra-clean sounds, a sonic ideal in itself). Most of the time, you will
want the coloration of a real-world pre-amp, more or less of added grit or distortion and
some speaker emulation to round it off. The Dist OPAMP-21 provides all that.
But let's not restrict ourselves to stringed instruments. Producer/engineer Tchad Blake is one
frequent SansAmp Classic user. He has used this pedal on "anything", e.g. kick, snare, toms,
sax, electric piano, Hammond organ, samplers etc.
Or as one of our developer puts it: This is not a only guitar distortion, it's a real mixing tool!
With this information, we'd like to encourage you to try Dist OPAMP-21 on any sound source
that needs some spicing up.
1.2. Using the Dist OPAMP-21
There are numerous ways to achieve tube amp emulation. Your DAW comes with plug-
ins for EQ, distortion/overdrive/saturation and numerous other effects. Those plug-ins are
designed to work with all kinds of audio material and possibly mastering too. Yes, you can
probably get a working guitar sound using the built-in plug-ins, if you know exactly what
you’re doing.
With Dist OPAMP-21, the sound is already there!
Another aspect is that of CPU hunger. Generally speaking, the better a plug-in sounds,
the more CPU power it consumes. The plug-ins that come with your DAW are primarily
designed to work on modest computers and on a lot of tracks at the same time.
That’s not a bad thing – functionality will be fine most of the time – but here we’re talking
about more specialized tools. Arturia’s plug-in effects are not restricted in any way, because
we know it will be worth it to a serious musician like yourself.
Here's the audio path in Dist OPAMP-21
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1.3. Features in Dist OPAMP-21
Dist OPAMP-21 faithfully duplicates all of the variables that make the SansAmp pedals
unique. On top of that, we've added some useful new features.
• A dedicated Drive knob for controlled, tube amp-like distortion
• Presence and High controls
• Preamp styles Normal, Lead, and Bass that emulate 3 different amplifiers, like in
the original pedal
• Character controls, just like the 8 DIP switches in the original unit
•NEW A preamp setting called Modern with very little EQ coloration
•NEW: A balance knob to set the Dry/Wet mix (providing parallel processing
mode)
•NEW: Pre-Drive containing Low and High Cut Filters
•NEW: Curve, a function that reduces low end distortion
•NEW: Stereo, Mid, and Side processing (for M/S mixes)
•NEW: Pultec-style 3-band fully parametric output EQ
And with that said, enjoy Dist OPAMP-21!
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2. ACTIVATION AND FIRST START
2.1. Compatibility
Dist OPAMP-21 works on computers and laptops equipped with Windows 8.1 or later, or
macOS 10.13 or later. It is compatible with the current generation of Apple M1, M1 Pro/Max,
and other Apple Silicon processors. You can use it as an Audio Units, AAX, VST2, or VST3
plug-in within your favorite recording software. Dist OPAMP-21 is a plug-in only and has no
stand-alone mode.
2.2. Download and Install
You can download Dist OPAMP-21 directly from the Arturia Products Page by clicking either
the Buy Now or Get Free Demo options. The free demo is limited to 20 minutes of operation.
If you have not already done so, now is a good time to create an Arturia account by
following the instructions on the My Arturia webpage.
Once you've installed Dist OPAMP-21, the next step is to register the software. This is a simple
process that involves a different software program, the Arturia Software Center.
2.2.1. Arturia Software Center (ASC)
If you haven't installed ASC yet, please go to this web page: Arturia Downloads & Manuals.
Look for the Arturia Software Center near the top of the page, and then download the
installer version for the system you’re using (Windows or macOS). ASC is a remote client
for your Arturia account, letting you conveniently manage all your licenses, downloads, and
updates from one place.
After you've completed the installation instructions, proceed to do the following:
• Launch the Arturia Software Center (ASC).
• Log into your Arturia account from ASC’s interface.
• Scroll down to the 'My Products' section of ASC.
• Click on the 'Activate' button next to the software you want to start using (in this
case, Dist OPAMP-21).
It's as simple as that!
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2.3. Working with Plug-ins
Dist OPAMP-21 can be used in all major digital audio workstation (DAW) programs including
Cubase, Digital Performer, Live, Logic, Pro Tools, Studio One, and more. Plug-ins have
numerous advantages over hardware, including:
• You can use as many instances on different tracks as your computer can handle.
• You can automate the plug-in’s settings via your DAW’s automation feature.
• All settings and changes are saved with your DAW project, letting you pick up
right where you left off next time you load a project.
2.3.1. Audio and MIDI Settings
Since Dist OPAMP-21 is a plug-in only, these settings are handled in your recording software
or DAW. These are generally located in some type of Preferences menu, though each
product does things a bit differently. So, consult your recording software’s documentation
for information on how to select your audio interface, active outputs, sample rate, MIDI
ports, project tempo, buffer size, etc.
A note about your DAW’s latency (sample buffer) settings. In general, higher settings mean
a lower CPU load, as the computer has fewer interruptions and longer amount of time to
process commands. However, this can result in longer audible latency if, for example, you
record a new track while listening to playback with Dist OPAMP-21 active.
On the other hand, lower settings mean lower latency but higher CPU load. That said, a fast,
current computer should easily be able to run it — even on many tracks at once — with low
latency settings. Of course, this all depends on whatever else is in the project.
Now that you've set up your software, it’s time to explore the roaring world of Dist OPAMP-21!
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3. THE USER INTERFACE
3.1. Upper Toolbar
This chapter covers the upper toolbar in Dist OPAMP-21, where the main menu as well as
the Preset Browser [p.17] reside. Let’s go over them from left to right.
3.1.1. Main Menu
Clicking the “hamburger” icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the upper
toolbar opens a drop-down menu that lets you access several important features related to
Presets and useful functions. Let’s look at them one at a time.
3.1.1.1. New Preset
Creates a new preset with default settings for all parameters.
3.1.1.2. Save Preset
If you click on Save Preset, you will overwrite the current preset with any changes you have
made. This applies only to user Presets, so this option is greyed out for factory Presets.
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3.1.1.3. Save Preset As
This is where you save the current state of Dist OPAMP-21 under a different Preset name.
Clicking this option reveals a window where you can name your Preset and enter more
detailed information about it:
♪The Bank, Author, and Type fields are all useful when searching for presets in the Preset Browser
[p.17].
3.1.1.4. Import
This command lets you import a Preset file or entire bank stored on your computer. It opens
an OS-level navigation box, allowing you to search your computer for the proper files.
3.1.1.5. Export
You can export Presets to your computer in two ways - as a single Preset, or as a bank. In
either case, an OS-level navigation window allows you to specify where to save the file(s).
•Export Preset: Exporting a single Preset is handy for sharing a Preset with
someone else. The saved preset can be reloaded using the Import menu option.
•Export Bank: This option exports an entire bank of presets from the plug-in, which
is useful for backing up or sharing sound settings. Saved banks can be reloaded
using the Import menu option.
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3.1.2. Resize Window
Dist OPAMP-21 can be resized from 50% to 200% of its default size (100%) without any
visual artifacts. On a smaller screen such as a laptop you may want to reduce the interface
size so it doesn’t dominate the display. On a larger screen or a second monitor you can
increase the size to get a better view of the controls and graphics.
This operation can also be performed using keyboard shortcuts. On Mac, use Command +/-
to resize the window. On Windows, use Control +/-.
You may have to make sure the plug-in window is the active window by clicking on it first.
♪Please note, that in in some DAWs, this keyboard shorcut doesn't work because it is used by the
DAW itself.
3.1.2.1. Maximize View Button
If you make the Dist OPAMP-21 window so large that some of its parameters are pushed
outside the viewable range of your computer display, you may see this icon in the far lower
right corner of the window:
Click it, and the window will resize and re-center to optimize your available screen space.
3.1.2.2. Tutorials
Dist OPAMP-21 comes with interactive tutorials that walk you through different features
of the plug-in. Clicking this option opens a pane on the right side of the plug-in window
where the tutorials appear. Select one to access step-by-step descriptions that highlight the
relevant controls and walk you through the process.
You can close the Tutorial pane by clicking on the Exit tutorials button at the bottom of the
pane.
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3.1.2.3. Help
Get more help by visiting links to this user manual and Frequently Asked Questions pages
on Arturia’s website. You will need an internet connection to access these pages.
3.1.2.4. About
Here you can view the software version and developer credits. Click again anywhere on the
screen to make this pop-up window disappear.
3.1.3. Preset Browser Access and Name Pane
Clicking the “books on a shelf“ button opens the Preset Browser [p.17], which offers a myriad
of ways to browse, sort, and organize Presets in Dist OPAMP-21.
Clicking on the Preset name also opens up quick drop-down menus for selecting Presets
outside of the Browser. All things about Presets are covered in detail in the next chapter.
3.1.4. Advanced Button
In the upper right corner of the top toolbar is the Advanced button. This opens up a panel
that encompasses advanced modulation functions, which we cover in detail in the chapter
Advanced Panel [p.32].
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3.1.5. A / B
When working with Dist OPAMP-21, you may find more than one ideal setting, and it can be
hard to choose between them. The A / B switch allows you to quickly jump from A to B to A
and so forth.
Those two settings can be your own creations or presets or any mix thereof.
Please note, that when you save a project and later re-open it, only the latest state shown
will be remembered.
Here is an example:
• You work on A, and tweak settings.
• You go to B, and tweak other settings.
• You stay on B, save your project, and then close your DAW.
• Finally, you reopen your project.
In this situation, you will see that:
1) A is now deleted and replaced by B at reopening.
2) B is now blank.
Basically, the last seen settings are saved by the DAW.
3.1.6. A > B
Here's a clever function that copies the content of one page (A or B) into the other. This is
practical, for example, if your working method is to always regard A as "best", or similar.
So, if you are in A and press this button, all settings will be copied to B (and all previous B
settings will be lost). And vice versa.
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3.2. The Lower Toolbar
A number of utility functions reside in the very bottom of the Dist OPAMP-21 interface.
They’re like a good mechanic or plumber: maybe not glamorous, but you’re really glad to
have them around when you need them.
Since this area is skinny and not amenable to covering in numbers and diagrams, we will
just describe them from left to right.
3.2.1. Left Side
The left half of the toolbar is where the control descriptions appear, telling you what any
knob, button, icon, or other control does when you mouse over it.
Lower toolbar, left side
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3.2.2. Right Side
The right half of the lower toolbar is home to a number of other utilitarian functions.
From left to right, these are:
3.2.2.1. Oversampling Quality (Studio/Render)
You can save CPU resources, especially in a large DAW project running a lot of virtual
instruments and effects and your computer is struggling to handle it all.
The Render setting is the default setting. If you want to save computer resources, select
Studio. There will be a minimal sacrifice in audio quality, but you will be able to carry on
working.
♪If you switch to Studio mode, remember to set this switch back to Render when you're rendering
individual tracks, stems, or the final mix of the project.
3.2.3. Bypass
This button bypasses the plug-in.
Lower toolbar, right side
Oversampling Quality options
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3.2.4. Undo, Redo, and History
When editing a plug-in, it’s all too easy to overshoot a sweet spot and then wonder how to
get back to where you were. Like all Arturia plug-ins, Dist OPAMP-21 offers comprehensive
Undo, Redo, and History so that you always have a trail of “bread crumbs.”
Use the arrows to go back and forward one control movement or other action at a time.
♪The A and B pages have separate histories, so pressing Undo or Redo only affects the page you're
currently on.
3.2.4.1. Undo
Click the left arrow to revert to the state before the most recent edit you made. You may
click repeatedly to undo several edits in reverse time order.
3.2.4.2. Redo
Click the right arrow to redo the most recent edit you undid. If you have undone several,
you may click repeatedly to redo them in forward time order.
3.2.4.3. History
Click the “hamburger” (three lines) center button to open the History window, as shown
above. This provides a step-by-step account of every move you have made in Dist
OPAMP-21. Clicking on an item in the list not only re-executes that move — it returns the plug-
in to the overall state it was in when you first made that move.
3.2.4.4. CPU Meter
At far right is the CPU Meter, which displays the overall load Dist OPAMP-21 is placing in your
computer CPU. Since it deals only with this plug-in, it is not a substitute for the overall CPU
metering tools in your DAW.
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