Two Notes TORPEDO VB-101 User manual

TORPEDO VB-101
User’s Manual
V 2.11- 08/21/2012

TORPEDO VB-101 Owner’s Manual
Manual Version V 2.11- 08/21/2012.
The complete electronic version of this manual, as well as the Two Notes Audio Engineering soft-
ware and hardware products, are subject to updates. You can download the most recent versions
of the products on the following website: http://www.two-notes.com.
This manual describes the TORPEDO VB-101 and provides instructions for its operation. It is highly
recommended that you read this document before you start using this product. The contents of
this manual have been thoroughly verified and it is believed, unless stated otherwise, to accurately
describe the product at the time of shipment from the factory or download from our website.
Two Notes Audio Engineering is a registered trademark of:
OROSYS SAS
145 rue de la Marbrerie, BAL n°6
34740 Vendargues
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact & support: http://support.two-notes.com/
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 produc-
tion without prior notice. OROSYS SAS cannot be held responsible for any damage, accidental or
otherwise, that results from an inappropriate use of the TORPEDO VB-101. 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 VB-101
but are in no way associated or affiliated with OROSYS SAS.
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 3

Contents
1 Foreword 9
1 Safetyinstructions............................................ 9
1.1 Riskofelectricshock...................................... 9
1.2 Readerwarning......................................... 9
1.3 Mainspower........................................... 10
1.4 Groundconnection ...................................... 10
1.5 Mainsfuse ............................................ 10
1.6 Safetyuseconditions ..................................... 10
1.7 Cleaning............................................. 10
1.8 Maintenance .......................................... 10
2 Declarationofconformity....................................... 11
3 Contentsofthepackage....................................... 11
4 Warranty ................................................. 11
5 Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in Private Household in the European Union . . . . 12
2 Warning regarding the proper use of a loadbox with a tube amplifier 13
1 Whatisaloadbox? .......................................... 13
2 What output volume for my amplifier ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3 Quick start guide 15
1 IntroducingtheTORPEDOVB-101 .................................. 15
2 Frontpanel................................................ 16
3 Rearpanel................................................ 16
4 Onlyaspeakersimulator?....................................... 16
4.1 TubeStageOutput....................................... 17
4.2 The Torpedo technology, convolution and Impulse Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3 DualMiking ........................................... 18
4.4 PostFXsection ......................................... 18
4.5 Third-party impulse responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.6 CreateyourownIRs ...................................... 18
5 TORPEDOVB-101quickstart ..................................... 18
4 Connecting the TORPEDO VB-101 21
1 Inthestudio ............................................... 21
2 Onstage................................................. 22
3 Combinedsetup ............................................ 23
4 Dryrecordingandre-miking ..................................... 24
4.1 Step one: recording the dry signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.2 Step two: re-miking the signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5 Stayconnected............................................. 26
5 Configuring and using TORPEDO VB-101 27
1 TheTORPEDOVB-101’sinterface................................... 27
2 Inputgaincontrol............................................ 28
3 Maincontrolpanel........................................... 29
4 SETUP ................................................... 29
4.1 Audio............................................... 30
4.2 Sync................................................ 31
4.3 Midi................................................ 31
4.4 System .............................................. 31
4.5 DeviceID ............................................ 31
5 PROGRAM................................................ 32
5.1 Save ............................................... 32
5.2 Name............................................... 32
6 COMPARE ................................................ 32
7 SPKR/MIC................................................. 33
7.1 PowerAmp ........................................... 33
7.2 SpeakerandMic........................................ 34
7.3 User................................................ 34
8 MIKING .................................................. 34
8.1 Distance ............................................. 34
8.2 Center .............................................. 35
8.3 Position.............................................. 35
8.4 Variphi .............................................. 35
8.5 Overload............................................. 36
8.6 Mix ................................................ 36
8.7 Dry/Wet............................................. 36
9 BYPASS .................................................. 36
10 POSTFX.................................................. 36
10.1 LowCut ............................................. 36
10.2 EQ................................................. 37
10.3 Exciter .............................................. 37
10.4 Comp............................................... 38
10.5 Spatial .............................................. 38
11 Output volume control and headphone output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
12 TORPEDORemote ........................................... 40
12.1 .tsrfiles .............................................. 40
12.2 .turfiles .............................................. 41
12.3 Third-party IRs in .WAV or .AIF format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6 MIDI Implementation 43
1 PROGRAMCHANGE(PC)....................................... 43
2 CONTROLCHANGE(CC) ....................................... 43
7 Specifications 45
1 ListofPowerAmplifiers......................................... 45
2 ListofMicrophones........................................... 45
3 ListofCabinets ............................................. 46

4 Technicaldata ............................................. 48
8 Technical support 51
1 TwoNotesWebsite ........................................... 51
2 Bye-mail ................................................. 51

Foreword
Part 1
Foreword
1 Safety instructions
Before using the product, it is necessary to carefully read and bear in mind the following informa-
tion. Keep this document in a safe place as it is essential for the protection of the user and of the
product. In the event that you suspect any malfunction of the machine, you should always seek the
assistance of a qualified technician.
1.1 Risk of electric shock
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR.
The warning panel located at the back of the unit lists all the messages related to your safety. All
the internal parts of the unit must be manipulated by a qualified technician only.
The triangle symbol with a lightning symbol means that some parts of the prod-
uct, even when the power is turned off or unplugged, can retain voltages high
enough to lead to serious electric shock. Any operation that requires opening
the machine should be left to a qualified technician.
1.2 Reader warning
The triangle symbol with an exclamation mark is an indication for important mes-
sages concerning the correct operation of the device.
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 9

Foreword
1.3 Mains power
Please verify that the voltage required by the device matches the voltage of your country. If not or
if unsure, do not plug the device to the wall outlet, as this could result in damages to the device and
injuries to the user. This product must not be used during lightning storms. In case of severe weather
with a risk of lightning, unplug the mains power supply to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire.
The mains power cable 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 cable.
1.4 Ground connection
For safety reasons, the machine needs to be plugged into a wall outlet providing a ground con-
nection. If your electric installation does not provide a ground connection or if you are unsure, please
ask a qualified electrician for help.
If your mains power cable does not match your wall outlet, ask a qualified electrician for help.
In order to prevent risks of electric shock or fire, never remove the outer or inner ground connection
of the unit.
1.5 Mains fuse
The unit comes with a thermal fuse in the mains power input. If replacement is needed, first unplug
the mains power cable. Always use a fuse of the same type as the original one.
To prevent risks of electric shock and fire, never try to bypass the fuse by any means
1.6 Safety use conditions
The TORPEDO VB-101 must never be used:
• near a heat source,
• near a flame,
• in the rain,
• in damp areas,
• near any kinds of liquids.
The unit is designed to be rackmounted into a 19" rack unit with 4 screws (not provided).
When transporting the unit, care needs to be taken to avoid any shocks that might cause damage
and therefore require the assistance of a qualified technician.
Never cover or restrict the ventilation openings. Never unplug or deactivate the heat control
monitoring system, or you will be exposed to risks of electric shock and fire.
1.7 Cleaning
Always use a dry and soft cloth with no alcohol or solvent for cleaning. Please keep the unit clean
and free from dust.
1.8 Maintenance
Any and all maintenance tasks must be performed by service centers approved by OROSYS SAS
or by qualified technicians. Never try to repair the machine by yourself.
10 Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101

Foreword
2 Declaration of conformity
Manufacturer: OROSYS SAS
Category of product: digital audio signal processor
Product: TORPEDO VB-101
Test Manager: Guillaume Pille
The Two Notes TORPEDO VB-101 is certified to be compliant to the CE and FCC standards:
• EN 55103-1 : 1996 and EN 55103-2 : 1996.
• 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.
3 Contents of the package
The shipped package contains:
1. One TORPEDO VB-101 unit in a protecting sleeve,
2. One mains power cable,
3. One USB cable,
4. One owner’s manual.
The complete electronic version of this manual, as well as the TORPEDO Remote and TORPEDO
Capture software programs are subject to updates. You can download the most recent versions of
those products from the following website: http://www.two-notes.com.
4 Warranty
OROSYS SARL 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 the product has
been 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, free of charge. In the event that
such warranty service be required, please contact your authorized TWO NOTES AUDIO ENGINEERING
dealer in order to obtain an RMA to return the complete product to the Authorized TWO NOTES
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 11

Foreword
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 product has been damaged by alteration, misuse including connection to faulty or unsuit-
able 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 that you retain the original packing materials. It is very difficult to avoid damage
when shipping the product without those 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.
5 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 prod-
uct 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 electri-
cal 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 pro-
tects 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.
12 Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101

Part 2
Warning regarding the proper use of a
loadbox with a tube amplifier
1 What is a loadbox ?
When normally using a tube amplifier, it is recommended to 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-amplifier makers protect their products with fuses or other protection systems, but some
amplifiers still remain insufficiently or not at all protected. It is impossible to predict the behavior of
all the amplifiers on the market in cases when they are used without a load (a speaker cabinet or a
loadbox).
The electronic term that describes the speaker cabinet with respect to the amplifier is the "load":
the cabinet is said to "load" the amplifier. The term loadbox will fit any product embedding such a
load. The main parameter of the loadbox is its impedance, expressed in Ohms. An 8-Ohm loadbox
will need to be plugged into the 8-Ohm Speaker Out of the amplifier. As the power that is sent to
the load is changed into heat, please do follow the cooling recommendation of the loadbox — or
otherwise overheating may cause some damage, both to the loadbox and to the amp.
The TORPEDO VB-101 is a loadbox. This term indicates that the TORPEDO VB-101 is a load that can
electrically replace the speaker cabinet while dissipating (transforming into heat) the power that
comes out of the amplifier.
The embedded load in the TORPEDO VB-101 is a resistive one: it is a network of resistors that
matches 8 Ohms. This type of system is widely used in the industry to silently test amplifiers.
Always connect the Speaker Out of your tube amplifier to a proper load
(speaker cabinet or loadbox). The TORPEDO VB-101, once it is powered
up, constitutes such a load. Please note that you must always power
up the TORPEDO VB-101 before your amplifier.
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 13

Warning regarding the proper use of a loadbox with a tube amplifier
2 What output volume for my amplifier ?
The correct use of your amplifier with a loadbox requires some precautions. Because of the silence
maintained while you are playing, it is much easier to accidentally run your amplifier beyond the
reasonable limits set by the manufacturer than when you are using a speaker cabinet. This can lead
to faster tube wear and, in some cases, more serious inconveniences.
During the first tests at high volume on the amplifier, monitor the color
of the tubes and the general state of the amplifier. Tubes glowing red
or any appearance of smoke are signs of a problem that may lead to
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. Furthermore, the
volume control of the amplifier is usually logarithmic, which means that the volume goes up quickly
on the first half of the potentiometer rotation, reaches its maximum at 12 o’clock, and will not change
much beyond that point. Therefore, you can reach the maximum volume of your amplifier even if
the volume potentiometer is not set at maximum.
When reaching the maximum output power of your amplifier, you will hear a lot of distortion,
which may not sound as good as you could hope. Actually, most amplifiers sound rather bad a
maximum volume. Always keep in mind that your amplifier may not have been conceived to be
used at maximum volume for a long stretch 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
does not mean your amplifier is not running at maximum volume. A
good habit is to keep the usual volume setup you would use in re-
hearsal or on stage, rather than just following what the volume poten-
tiometer indicates.
14 Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101

Part 3
Quick start guide
1 Introducing the TORPEDO VB-101
Two Notes Audio Engineering is proud to introduce the TORPEDO VB-101, the first generation of the
Torpedo series. This product has been developed through several years of technical development,
with great attention paid to the needs of guitarists, bassists and sound technicians confronted to the
challenges posed by the miking of instrument amplifiers, on stage or in the studio. The Two Notes
team has taken extreme care to design the high-end, professional TORPEDO VB-101 rack unit. Our
goal is to provide ease of use, reliability, versatility and, above all, perfect audio quality.
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 cannot 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 feel reluctant to perform using digital modeling systems
that might compromise their playing style and sound.
For them, the TORPEDO VB-101 offers a "virtual" alternative to traditional miking, using a technology
derived from convolution reverberation, to achieve a degree of realism never experienced with simu-
lators before. The musician simply plugs the TORPEDO VB-101 in place of his/her cabinet, connected
to the speaker output of his/her amplifier, without modifying his/her usual settings (or connected ef-
fect pedals, depending on the case).
The TORPEDO VB-101 comes with a large library of 45 cabinets and 8 microphones among the
most commonly used models in the world. The virtual miking is done by choosing one cabinet and
one microphone, and fine-tuning the position of the microphone in front of the cabinet. The Torpedo
thus enables the user to assume the role of the sound engineer in a professional studio.
The TORPEDO Technology: to give you realism and playing comfort, Two Notes has developed a
unique technology based on an adaptation of convolution techniques. Starting with the measure-
ment of an actual cabinet + microphone setup, the TORPEDO VB-101 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 guaran-
tees perfect analog-to-digital conversion and a wide dynamic range, in order to provide the ultimate
playing experience.
This product has been thoroughly tested in professional studio and stage environments and is
the alternative many musicians have been waiting for to professionally capture the sounds of their
amplified instruments. The TORPEDO VB-101 will bring you the elusive sound of the greatest recording
studios and producers, anytime, anywhere.
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 15

Quick start guide
2 Front panel
1
23
4
5
5
6
789
Figure 3.1: Front view of the TORPEDO VB-101
1Ventilation slit 4Main screen 7Output volume
2Input gain 5Menu switches 8Phones output
3Presets screen 6Navigation switches 9Mains switch
3 Rear panel
THRU INPUT
8 Ohms 150W RMS
POST SIMULATION PRE SIMULATION
LEFT RIGHT
S/PDIF AES/EBU
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSETHIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN ORMOSTURE.
CAUTION
TO REDUCETHE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SCHOCK
CAUTION
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PASOUVRIR.
CAUTION
REPLACE FUSEWITH SAME FUSE TYPE AND RATING
POWER
ALWAYS CONNECT YOUR AMP
OUTPUT TO A SUITABLE LOAD.
DO NOT SET YOUR AMP MASTER
VOLUME TO MAX IN ORDER
TO AVOID POSSIBLE DAMAGES.
NOTICE
SERIAL NUMBER
MADE IN FRANCE
R o H S
2002/95/EC
ANALOG OUPUTS ANALOG INPUT
USB
WORDCLOCK
IN
SYNC
SPEAKER
DIGITAL I/0
OPTIONAL ETHERNET
AUDIO ENGINEERING
IN OUT/THRU
MIDI
1
2
2
3
45789
12
14
15
13
11
10
6
Figure 3.2: Rear view of the TORPEDO VB-101
1Mains power with fuse holder 4Ethernet (optional) 7USB 10 Analog Line Outputs (Bal.) 13 Speaker Output
2Warning notices 5Wordclock Input 8S/PDIF In/Out 11 Pre-simulation Line Output (Bal.) 14 Amp Input
3Serial number 6MIDI In/Out/Thru 9AES/EBU In/Out 12 Analog Line Input (Bal. or Unbal.) 15 Fan
4 Only a speaker simulator?
The TORPEDO VB-101 is a standalone unit you can bring with you in any situation, whenever silent
playing is needed.
The role of the TORPEDO VB-101 is to replace the following elements of the traditional guitar or
bass setup:
• the guitar/bass power amplifier
• the speaker cabinet
• the microphone
• the microphone preamplifier
in order to provide a signal that is the closest possible to a traditional guitar/bass miking in a pro-
fessional studio environment.
16 Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101

Quick start guide
The miking is achieved in 3 steps with the TORPEDO VB-101:
1. Choose a power amplifier (or switch it off if you are using a loadbox), a speaker cabinet, and a
microphone (Power Amp, Speaker, and Microphone sections);
2. Position the microphone inside the virtual studio (Miking window and parameters);
3. Shape the signal (Low Cut, EQ, Exciter, Comp, and Spatial sections).
At each step, Two Notes Audio Engineering implements its know-how to offer the most advanced
simulations on the market and ensure absolutely realistic quality both for the musician (in terms of
playing sensation) and for the listener (in terms of sound quality).
You can embed up to 50 Two Notes cabinets in the TORPEDO VB-101. Download the free TORPEDO
Remote software (Mac OSX and Windows PC) from the Two Notes website, and you will be able to
add or remove the embedded cabinets. There are currently 45 Two Notes cabinets available, and
new free cabinets will regularly be released to you through your TORPEDO Remote software.
4.1 Tube Stage Output
When they are using guitar/bass preamplifiers with some other speaker emulators, guitarists and
bassists may feel they miss a power amplifier’s contribution to the overall sonic texture. Many musi-
cians get their sound from some particular use of that element and the TORPEDO VB-101 gives you
the possibility to use it too.
To that effect, Two Notes Audio Engineering has developed an original tube-stage modeling that
gives you a choice of 4 different tube models (6L6, EL34, EL84 and KT88) in Push-Pull (PP) in AB class, or
Single Ended (SE) in A class configurations. You can push this tube stage like a conventional amplifier
and look for that subtle yet particular distortion.
The TORPEDO VB-101 can be used as a super-DI for keyboards. The tube-amp simulation feature,
developed for guitarists and bassists, can also be a very interesting device to warm up the sound of
a synthesizer, an organ, or a digital piano.
4.2 The Torpedo technology, convolution and Impulse Responses
The Impulse Response (IR) of a given system consists in the description of that system’s behavior
in the form of a very detailed filter. The convolution technique uses IRs to simulate the behavior of
specific systems, such as reverbs, speakers, EQ, and so on.
This is the most accurate method to simulate sound signatures that are linear (i.e. without distor-
tion) and time-invariant (i.e. with no effect such as modulation, compression, hysteresis, etc.). It is
particularly well suited for speaker miking simulation.
Two Notes has developed a unique technology based on an adaptation of convolution
techniques. Starting with a measure of a real cabinet + microphone setup, the TORPEDO
VB-101 can accurately reproduce the system as it was measured, including its distortion,
as well as the microphone’s position in space by using IR synthesis. Control the amount of
distortion produced in the loudspeakers (Overload) and fix any phase issue with the Variphi
— those are exclusive Two Notes Speaker Response (TSR) functions.
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 17

Quick start guide
4.3 Dual Miking
This new functionality of the TORPEDO VB-101 in version 2.0 of the firmware is what every sound en-
gineer wants: the possibility of carefully placing two microphones before the cabinet, or of selecting
two different cabinets and microphones and mixing them.
You will discover the unlimited possibilities of dual miking: add up to two microphone and cabinet
configurations and mix them in mono, in real time.
The IDLE display screen will show the Aand Bconfigurations. In the MIKING section, you will choose
the configurations, adjust the parameters, and mix them in mono.
4.4 Post FX section
When recording guitars or basses, it is common to apply a few effects to shape the sound before it
is sent to a PA or a recorder. In the TORPEDO VB-101 you will find a simple but efficient EQ filter with two
modes, GUITAR or BASS, a 1-band Exciter, a studio Compressor, and a Spatializer that is particularly
useful when playing with headphones.
4.5 Third-party impulse responses
The TORPEDO VB-101 is capable of delivering the best guitar and bass tones by using the TORPEDO
technology, but you can also embed impulse responses that you have purchased or downloaded
for free from 3rd-party developers, in WAV or AIFF formats.
You can upload third-party IRs in the TORPEDO VB-101, by way of the free Torpedo Remote soft-
ware.
4.6 Create your own IRs
Download the free TORPEDO Capture software from the Two Notes website. With this software you
will be able to capture your own cabinet + microphone setup and embed its sound signature into
the TORPEDO VB-101.
5 TORPEDO VB-101 quick start
The TORPEDO VB-101 is set up to be connected, right out of the box, to a guitar or a bass amplifier,
and used with headphones. You will just need a guitar or bass amplifier with a 8-Ohm Speaker Output
and headphones.
18 Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101

Quick start guide
THRU INPUT
8 Ohms 150W RMS
POST SIMULATION PRE SIMULATION
LEFT RIGHT
S/PDIF AES/EBU
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DONOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENTTO RAIN OR MOSTURE.
CAUTION
TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SCHOCK
CAUTION
DONOT REMOVE COVER.
!
CAUTION
RISKOF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DONOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR.
CAUTION
REPLACEFUSE WITH SAME FUSETYPE AND RATING
POWER
ALWAYSCONNECT YOUR AMP
OUTPUT TO A SUITABLE LOAD.
DO NOT SET YOUR AMP MASTER
VOLUMETO MAX IN ORDER
TOAVOID POSSIBLE DAMAGES.
NOTICE
SERIAL NUMBER
MADE IN FRANCE
R o H S
2002/95/EC
ANALOG OUPUTS ANALOG INPUT
USB
WORDCLOCK
IN
SYNC
SPEAKER
DIGITALI/0
OPTIONAL ETHERNET
AUDIO ENGINEERING
IN OUT/THRU
MIDI
2
3
5
1
SPEAKER OUTPUT 8 OHMS
150W RMS max
O
I
4
1Electric guitar or bass 3TORPEDO VB-101, rear view 5Headphones
2Guitar or bass amplifier 4TORPEDO VB-101, front view
In this first simple configuration, you will be creating a line-level professional "studio" quality output
for your amp, which will allow you to familiarize yourself with the machine within minutes.
First plug a cable (jack or speakon) into the 8-Ohm
Speaker Output of your amp.
Using an output with a rating other that 8 Ohms (e.g., 2, 4 or 16) may
cause significant damage to your amplifier, requiring service by a
technician.
Please use a standard speaker cable (a pair of insulated conductors
with no shielding). Using an instrument cable instead of a speaker ca-
ble can cause significant damage to your amplifier, requiring service
by a technician.
Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101 19

Quick start guide
Then, plug that cable into the "SPEAKER INPUT" jack in-
put of the TORPEDO VB-101 (number 14 in figure 3.2).
Finally, plug your headphones into the stereo jack output of the TORPEDO VB-101 (number 8 in
figure 3.1).
Plug your amplifier and the TORPEDO VB-101 into a wall outlet. You can now power-on the TOR-
PEDO VB-101, and then your amplifier.
When powering-on the TORPEDO VB-101, you will hear the sound of a
relay (a brief click). This corresponds to the activation of the 8-Ohm
load of the TORPEDO VB-101, which allows your amplifier to run without
a speaker cabinet. It is very important to always power-on the TOR-
PEDO VB-101 before powering-on your amplifier.
The TORPEDO VB-101 starts on preset 00. Now the input and output gains must be set up. The SGA
(Safe Gain Adjustment) being activated by default, we present you here with a 6-step method to
quickly and easily set up these gains:
1. Turn off the volume of the Headphone output, as well as of any devices connected to the
analog or digital outputs of the TORPEDO VB-101.
2. Set the input gain to its maximum value.
3. Turn up the volume of your amplifier to the level you want and play for a few seconds: the TOR-
PEDO VB-101 screen will display a "gain reduction" notice, meaning that the machine adapts
the volume to avoid clipping. That notice disappears when the device is done adapting, nor-
mally within a few seconds.
4. Set the output gain to its maximum value.
5. Repeat step 3.
6. Turn up the Headphone output volume to your convenience.
You can now browse the presets with the navigation knobs (number 6 in figure 3.1). Use the NAVI
knob to change the preset number and press OK to select a preset.
For more flexibility, the values of the input and the output gains are stored within each preset. Thus,
you may have to adjust those parameters depending on the presets. Please refer to section 5. 4.1 for
more information about the input gain configuration.
Within a few minutes, you have prepared your system for silent performance with head-
phones, but also for stage sound pick-up (through the analog outputs) or for studio record-
ing (through the AES/EBU or S/PDIF outputs).
We will expand upon the numerous creative options and convenient features offered by the TOR-
PEDO VB-101 further down in this manual.
20 Two Notes Audio Engineering Torpedo VB-101