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748 EFFECTS MENU
Input level: VANDAL and the real world
Independent of the preferred software, amp modeling has to feature impeccable integration
with audio hardware and ASIO drivers. Please ensure stable and latency-free operation and
the largest possible signal-to-noise ratio of the converter or the complete analog section
when selecting appropriate equipment. If in doubt, ask your audio equipment dealer for
advice and consider your entire computer system. On-board sound systems are not
recommended due to their rudimentary or unsuitable driver sets and the often below-
average signal quality.
Before making any "serious" endeavors in VANDAL, please make sure that your audio
interface is supplied with a sufficiently controllable signal level from your instrument. The
input signal at the audio interface should be "saturated", but it should not be
overmodulated. Compared to the possibly desired distortions created within the plug-in, an
AD converter distortion will sound abrupt and horribly digital, and the the worst part is that
you will never be able to remove it.
If very loud velocities sometimes reach the upper modulation limits and the average level
stays at -12 or even -20 dB, everything is normal. The less noise your audio hardware has
in the process, the better. We recommend working with devices that feature a resolution of
at least 20 or 24 bits. A simple 16-bit sound card will stop being fun to use at the very
latest when high-gain sounds come into play.
If possible, use an interface with a high-resistance instrument input (often labeled "HiZ").
Line or microphone inputs are not very well-suited for this; due to the relatively high
impedance values of (passive) guitars or basses, this sort of input has a dampening effect
on the instrument. The sound will seem dull and "dead" as a result...
If the interface does not feature an instrument input, insert a separate guitar pre-amp, a DI
box, or even a simple pedal (not switched to "true bypass).
Instruments with active pickups or electronic components are less affected by this
adjustment problem.
Please take this opportunity to also check the latency or the buffer size used by your audio
system. A good ASIO driver should let you play with a latency of only a few milliseconds
between the stroke and the calculated sound output from the software. Values under 5 ms
are considered good. You may have to experiment to find the lowest limit at which your
system functions stably. If you notice ugly crackling or even long drop-outs, then try a
higher latency.
Input level reloaded: VANDAL's input level
After you have made sure that the external levels are clean, you should take a closer look
at the input level; this controller is located at the top left of the console. Just like with a
genuine guitar or bass setup, it's important to ensure the highest possible input level in
order to be able to work optimally. This is even more important for distorted sounds and