The Torpedo Captor and Torpedo Live share a few functions, but they also have many differences which makes them two very different products. If you are uncertain about which one to get, this article will detail their similarities and differences to help you decide which option is best for you!
Both products feature a reactive loadbox which allows for silent playing/recording of your amp (ie, playing your amp without a speaker cabinet connected). The loadbox of the Torpedo Captor is fixed, and the product comes in three versions: 4-, 8- or 16-ohms. The loadbox of the Torpedo Live is also fixed, but only comes in 8 ohms.
They both feature speaker simulation, meaning you can use them for monitoring without using a DAW and Wall of Sound when playing without a speaker cabinet. However, they differ greatly in the manner in which they accommodate this:
- The speaker simulation in the Torpedo Captor is analog and has two settings (Guitar and Bass). This speaker simulation isn't IR-based, and can't be edited, modified, or changed in any way. In a lot of situations (typically on stage), the embedded speaker simulation of the Captor will cover your basic needs of silent miking.
- The Torpedo Live features the whole Torpedo convolution technology: this IR-based technology can accurately reproduce the behaviour of a speaker cabinet, microphone and recording room, as well as microphone placement. With the Torpedo Live, you have access to a full set of functions including choice of speaker cabinet and microphone, microphone placement, power amp simulation, EQ, Reverb, and the possibility to save and switch presets. All of this is processed inside the unit, controlled via LCD display and encoders on the front panel.
Both products come with a Wall of Sound license (16 virtual cabinets for the Captor, 32 virtual cabinets for the Live). As noted above, your don't need Wall of Sound to get the Torpedo processing with the Torpedo Live as the same technology is embedded directly into the product, but you still get this option which can come in handy in some situations (typically in studio/recording scenarios).
The Torpedo Captor provides power attenuation meaning you can keep a speaker cabinet connected to your amp and play your amp loud, while reducing the resultant volume of the physical cabinet. It features a simple, non-adjustable attenuated output (ATT), and a full-range, non-attenuated output (THRU). With the combination of the loadbox, the ATT and the THRU output, you have access to 3 levels of attenuation: fully attenuated (no speaker cabinet needed), -20db of attenuation (ATT output) or no attenuation at all (THRU output).
On the other hand, the Torpedo Live does not provide power attenuation. It only features a full-range, non-attenuated output (THRU). With the combination of the loadbox and the THRU output, you have access to 2 options: fully attenuated (no speaker cabinet needed), or no attenuation at all (THRU output).
A few other points may also be considered:
- The Torpedo Captor can be used without a power supply, and if one is needed (for example to power the DI output) it can be powered with phantom power. On the other hand, the Torpedo Live needs to be plugged to a wall outlet at all times.
- The Torpedo Captor is smaller and lighter than the Torpedo Live, but the Torpedo Live can be rack-mounted.
What about a Torpedo Captor and a Torpedo C.A.B.?
The Torpedo C.A.B. features the whole Torpedo technology, with 32 virtual cabinets, just like the Torpedo Live. Adding a Torpedo C.A.B. after the Torpedo Captor means you'll get the same functionality as the Torpedo Live, with a few obvious differences, mostly already discussed above (different form factor, ability to rack the Live, -20dB attenuation on the Captor). One last thing worth noting is the presence of an S/PDIF output on the Live; this means you can enter your sound interface digitally, bypassing the digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions between the Torpedo and the sound interface.
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