The Two Notes Torpedo VM-202 is a rackmount speaker simulator: a unit that takes a line-level signal from a preamp or other gear and adds power-amp, cabinet and microphone simulation on the way to your recording or monitoring chain. Premier Guitar's reviewer called it "a great studio tool" and noted that "the 2-channel VM-202 offers powerful and extensive power-amp, cabinet, and mic simulation"1.
It is aimed at players who already get their core tone from a rackmount preamp, but it is not limited to guitar: it works with most any instrument or piece of gear that has a line output jack, including stereo-enabled keyboards and synthesizers1.
What it simulates
The VM-202 works in three stages: power amp, cabinet, and microphone.
- Power amp: it simulates EL34, 6L6, EL84 and KT88 power tubes, each configurable in either push-pull (class AB) or single-ended (class A) modes, for a total of eight different power-amp emulation options1.
- Cabinets: the cabinet modeler stage offers 30 virtual cabinets, among them a vintage Fender Twin Reverb 2x12 with orange-label JBLs, the VHT Deliverance 2x12, and an Ampeg SVT 8x10 labeled "Fridge"1.
- Microphones: eight virtual microphones, including the Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MD 4211.
Controls and presets
The front panel is built around a large knob and a few buttons. Tapping the Spkr/Mic button pulls up a list of options that starts with the power-amp emulation, and the same knob is then used to select a cabinet and a microphone1. The Compare button lets you edit a preset and switch between its new and previously saved settings, which makes it easy to hear exactly what your changes are doing1.
Editing and saving is done from the LCD, and a large front-panel knob selects power amps, cabinets and microphones1. Premier Guitar's reviewer found it "bonehead simple to use," easy to set up a sound right out of the box1.
Studio connections
For studio use, the VM-202 carries MIDI capabilities, S/PDIF digital inputs, and optical word clock sync, which Premier Guitar described as making it "ready for professional stu[dio use]"1. The two line-level XLR inputs accept separate output signals from instrument preamps, with the Marshall JMP-1 given as an example1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's review, published in March 2021, was positive on usability despite the unit's depth. The reviewer expected complexity but found otherwise1:
"But in reality, the VM-202 is bonehead simple to use."
The same review described setting up a sound as easy right out of the box, and summed the unit up as "a great studio tool"1.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Audiofanzine in English
Thomas Schulte-Ebbert
Questions
Which power tubes does the Torpedo VM-202 emulate?
The VM-202 simulates EL34, 6L6, EL84 and KT88 power tubes. Each can be configured in either push-pull (class AB) or single-ended (class A) modes, which together give eight different options for power-amp emulation.
How many virtual cabinets does the VM-202 have?
The cabinet modeler stage offers 30 virtual cabinets. Examples include a vintage Fender Twin Reverb 2x12 cabinet with orange-label JBLs, the VHT Deliverance 2x12, and an Ampeg SVT 8x10 labeled "Fridge". Eight virtual microphones, including the Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MD 421, can be paired with them.
Does the Torpedo VM-202 have MIDI?
Yes. The VM-202 has MIDI capabilities, along with S/PDIF digital inputs and optical word clock sync, which Premier Guitar noted make it ready for professional studio use.
Can you use a keyboard with the Torpedo VM-202?
Yes. The VM-202 has line-level XLR inputs and works with most any instrument or piece of gear that has a line output jack, including stereo-enabled keyboards and synthesizers, not just guitar preamps.
How many presets can the VM-202 store?
The VM-202 stores 35 presets, which can be edited and saved from the LCD. A Compare button lets you edit a preset and switch between its new and previously saved settings.
What is the list price of the Torpedo VM-202?
The MSRP was $2,650 in US dollars, as listed by Premier Guitar in its March 2021 review.
Sources (1)
- Two Notes Torpedo VM-202 Speaker Simulator Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-04-27
