Gain Staging on the Captor X - the IN LEVEL Switch

The Captor X provides a load to an amp thanks to the built-in reactive load box; in addition, users can refine and sculpt their signature tone courtesy of the DSP-powered class-leading DynIR cabinet simulation and effects/processors.

In a typical setup, the amp sends an electrical signal to the Captor X from its speaker output to the SPEAKER IN of the Torpedo.

The audio processor of the Captor X is fed a derived (but identical) electrical signal taken from the input of the load box - this signal is independent from the signal fed to the load box and attenuator.

The audio processor converts the electrical signal sent by the amp into a digital signal in order that the audio effects of the Captor X can be applied. It is necessary at all times that the audio processor does not clip due to excessive levels from the incoming amp signal. The IN LEVEL switch ensures that the audio processor works with amps that range from 1W to 100W.

Amps under 10W are generally considered as low wattage amps. Though 10W is 10 times less power than a 100W, the electrical signal that comes out of the amp is only 3 times lower.

Clean tones also output plenty of energy (translated in high voltage) during pick attacks. This is why the Captor X can clip at the input with a 10W amp - even at what could be considered moderate settings on the amp’s knobs.

The IN LEVEL switch applies a 15dB pad to the incoming signal so that the audio processor has enough headroom to operate effectively. This also guarantees that the signal to noise ratio is optimal. It is necessary to engage the IN LEVEL switch to avoid the clipping. To make up for the lower level at the input stage of the Captor X, raise the OUTPUT LEVEL. The Captor X has a high output level (up to +10dBu).