In this video we put back to back two loadbox simulators, the Captor X Two Notes Audio Engineering and the OX Box Universal Audio. Both devices are connected to the same Marshall 6101 100W tube amp. May the best win!
Shootout: Captor X Two Notes versus OX Box Universal Audio
Advantages Ox Box
- The fineness of the attenuation with 4 levels (compared to 2 for the Captor X)
- Separate settings for line output and headphone output
- Stereo microphone balance (compared to mono on Captor X)
- Very well designed control application
Advantages Captor X
- The price
- Compact
- Smartphone and tablet application
Conclusion
Let's start with the price, the OX Box costs around 1200€, that's more than twice the price of the Captor X, it's already a discriminating choice factor.
Even if the function of the two devices is identical, we are dealing here with two quite different philosophies. The Captor X is more geared toward stage and rehearsal uses, where the OX Box is more studio oriented. Nevertheless nothing prevents the use of both in any situation.
From a strict sound point of view, to my ears both machines sound very good. The OX Box with its more complete mastering section offers a richer palette with in particular a stereo delay and a compressor that the Captor X does not offer.
With the OX Box you not only have the possibility to have a mono or stereo surround mic as well as a reverb in the mastering section. In the Captor X, you have to choose: the internal reverb will be used to give this room effect or for a larger Plate type reverb but you can't have both at the same time.
Note that the price difference is not reflected in the sound quality.
Of course, the size of the devices is radically different and will be in itself, like the price, an element of decision.
It will therefore be according to your end use and your budget that you will have to decide.
In the case of The Guitar Channel showroom, if I had to choose I would buy an OX Box for the ease of use and accessibility to all the front panel settings. Not needing to be mobile, the larger footprint of the Universal Audio machine is not a drawback, on the contrary, since you have easier access to connections and settings.
Until the next gear review or interview, keep on playing the guitar!
Pierre Journel.
