Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Vox tonelab SE vs Boss GT-8. I can get the Boss for $400 and have seen a couple of Quicktime demos. Is there that much difference in capability between the two?

I haven't compared them sound wise, Dan. I have a Korg AX1500G and an SE. They have very similar effects. I originally chose the Korg over the Boss because (1) I've been disappointed more than once with Boss effect pedals (DD-6 delay pedal excepted) and (2) the spacing between the foot switches on the Boss was way too close for my hoofs. The SE pedal is great in that regard, although it's a lot bigger and heavier that the Boss.

Thanks. I'll have to test drive them both.

They are really two different animals. The Tonelab is more of an amp modeler in a pedal while the GT-8 is a true digital effects processor. The Tonelab has the same circuitry as the Valvetronix amps, without the power amp section. Same Valve Reactor circuit and modeler. More of "get any tube amp sound you want" rather than combining multiple stomp boxes.

The GT-8 is more of a pedal board while the Tonelab is more of a bank of amps. As far a tone goes, the difference is also night and day. If you prefer a vintage tube type tone, the Tonelab is the only processor that can get anywhere near close. The GT-8 has some neat effects and sounds, and can combine multiple stomp effects, but the tone for me was so dry as to be unusable. The Tonelab limits you to one effect, one mod (chorus, flange, etc.), one delay and one reverb, but allows any amp comination with any speaker cab. It is extremely versatile. I use a Tonelab through our PA and an AD120VTH/AD212 Valvetronix amp simultaneously. Clean and dirty all at the same time.

...Dean

I've read some reviews that say the GT-8 is complicated to use.

Dan: I agree with the review on the GT-8, but then again my approach and expectations may be too simplistic. For me, I like to push the pedal and have the effect, skipping the dance steps.

I have a GT6 (son of GT8?). I think the manual is part of the problem. Once you get over the learning curve of dialing in the settings, it's a breeze to save the patches. I've found it very easy to use on stage, and it's nice to have only one "box" to carry. Sound quality is very subjective. I'm still experimenting with all of the settings for some things. One issue, however, is that the built-in tuner is awful. Not sure if the newer model fixed that issue or not.