Vox Tonelab: Any Good?

[deaconblues]

Could some of you who have owned/used a Vox Tonelab effect pedal give me your opinions? I heard another guitarist use one onstage with a Strat and it really sounded good. My band's instruments all go through a board when we practice, and I'm looking for an easy-to-use multi effect that gives me a good sound without an actual amp.

[deaconblues]

Well perhaps I'll be the first on RRF to try one? Lol

[wj350]

I picked up one of the little ST models a month or so back. I like it quite a bit--still trying to learn all of its capabilities, but in general the pre-set amps and effects sound pretty good to me. (I'm far from a professional, so keep that in mind).

I've been using it mostly on a Fender setting with reverb--it's got a very good reverb selection--running through a Blues Jr.

I know of several guys who use the older big blue model for most of their recording. I believe most of Rob Taylor's stuff on the "Beatles To A Tee" vids are done direct through a Tonelab.

Bill

[deaconblues]

I believe most of Rob Taylor's stuff on the "Beatles To A Tee" vids are done direct through a Tonelab.

Cool! I'd be looking at the ST, though.

[bitzerguy]

I have been using the Valvetronix line since they became available in Canada. I use both the "blue" series AD120VTH head and 2x12 cab, as well as the original destop Tonelab. I own a VC-12 for performing and it operates both the amp and the desktop TL, so I never felt the need to go for the SE, LE or ST. One guitarist that plays with us frequently uses the SE version. As previously mentioned, the reverbs are particularly good, as well as the modulation effects. The amp models are totally useable and can be fantastic if you are going for your own unique sound (rather than copy someone els'e tone).

The key to outstanding tone when using these is NOT to go into the front end of your guitar amp (instrument input), but instead go direct to PA, the effects return of your amp, or through a clean power amp (keyboard amp, PA power amp). Think of the TL as a pre-amp unit as well as models and effects. I use my TL in the effects return of an Egnater Rebel 20 tube amp, and I am always beset by guitarists and observers about my live tone, and how can I pass this on to them.

Second, be prepared to spend some time with it. The presets tend to be over the top regarding effect settings and gain settings. By tweaking and being more spare with the effects depth and gain settings, you can have great tone and outstanding touch/feel. Vox not only modelled the tones, but also modelled the way the controls operate on any model of amplifier. Some of the interactivity between tone controls of the AC30 models, for example, are very close to the original operation.

Are the Tonelabs as good as the original tube amps they model? Arguably not, but they don't "miss" by much. Can you copy <insert favorite guitarist name here> tone? Close enough for most people you play for. Can you develop your own outstanding and unique tone? Absolutely.

[captsandwich]

I use Tonelab SE through a Roland Jazz Chorus set completely flat. I get great sounds, and I've really only scratched the surface of what it can do. Wonderful warm overdrive sounds, great reverbs & delays.
One thing that I really like about it is the meal case and switches, none of those dinky little plastic contact switches. Believe it or not, I tend to be hard on my gear in a live setting.

[whojamfan]

I've got the big blue table top version I plugged straight in to a home stereo auxillary input and the AC30 setting blew me away-miles better than the Line 6 version-IMHO. I definitely recommend this line as an alternative to the real thing live, and for recording in your home studio or whatever.

[antipodean]

I get great sounds, and I've really only scratched the surface of what it can do.

The scary thing about both the Vox and Line6 emulators (and emulator amps) is that you are only likely to use about 10% of their tonal capability unless you are very versatile studio musician. Even if you only use that 10% they are incredible value for money.

Whilst I am a Line6 junkie myself, the Vox product has got great word-of-mouth. I'm not sure that you can go too wrong with either line.

[whojamfan]

I get great sounds, and I've really only scratched the surface of what it can do.

The scary thing about both the Vox and Line6 emulators (and emulator amps) is that you are only likely to use about 10% of their tonal capability unless you are very versatile studio musician. Even if you only use that 10% they are incredible value for money.

Whilst I am a Line6 junkie myself, the Vox product has got great word-of-mouth. I'm not sure that you can go too wrong with either line.

Absolutely! I find the Line 6 also has emulations that are much better than the Voxs(IMHO). The JCM800 setting on the original POD has been a go to setting for me since the rep brought the first 1.5s in to the store I worked at. I find both these, and Boss COSM emulations, to really be a matter of taste than a matter of authenticity, with some I find more to my liking than others.

I still have the original 1.5 chip that came with my POD before he upgraded me to the 2.0 version. I'm hoping I can Ebay that in a few years as a rare and vintage chip for big bucks!

[deaconblues]

Just wanted to add that I went for the Tonelab ST and love it. I'm still messing with all the different combinations of sounds, but it's a really solid buy, even if it can be somewhat confusing at times. I especially like the auxillary jack - I can plug in my IPod and play along with my music.

The most important aspect for me, though, is the way it sounds. I don't know if it's the tube preamp or what, but the Tonelab is far and away the best multi-effect I've owned. My Zoom 606 and DigiTech pedals reside in my bedroom closet now!

[theraves]

I have been using the "Big Blue" SE with my Ric 345S since Vox premiered it. Here are some observations: Definately look at the choices of tube and setting the bias for improving the tone and response. JJ, Ruby, Electro-Harmonix or even Sovtek are better options that the more readily avavilable Groove tubes. As for output, it does sound great direct to a PA, and whenever stereo is an option, make sure you use it. I just got a pair of nice little Vox Pathfinder 15Rs for the express purpose of setting them very clean and getting a balanced stereo sound. This combo works great for practice or small gigs, if you want the feel of an amp behind you (I do). You can still send a stereo signal from the headphone out off the Vox Tonelab to the board, if you want more. As stated before, you will need to tweak the sounds to get a library of usable settings. There is a Tonelab site to download patches and a free software interface for your PC, if you get a midi cable to connect your unit. That will get you going with some great sounds and let you share what you create. Now for a couple of the more frequent complaints: 1) Noise or hum. There are loads of posts at the Tonelab site about this issue. Read them. 2) limitations of effects or modeling settings that are located on the same channel. You have to compromise on some combinations. They are sometimes located on the same channel and you can't use some things together. Other than that, you will love using a Tonelab SE. The other models seem to be more limited, smaller, cheaper and they look more like like toys instead of a rugged, stageworthy pedal board.