Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
- Thread starter Simon_F
- Start date
MattPete
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
I have the regular ToneLab, so I can only comment on it's features. I've also owned a POD 2.0 and a Digitech GNX2. Compared to the Tonelab, the other 2 are toys.
The only weakness might be the effects, but if you are buying it as an amp simulator, then that's where it's strength lies. Like any modeller, you need to play around with it a bit to get a feel for how the different settings affect the tone. One hint: the VR Gain and Presence controls really need to be played with, as they can radically shape your tone and make a dull tone sound fantastic.
p.s. I run my Tonelab into a pair of studio monitors or into the computer for direct recording. I don't know how it would sound though a guitar amp.
I have the regular ToneLab, so I can only comment on it's features. I've also owned a POD 2.0 and a Digitech GNX2. Compared to the Tonelab, the other 2 are toys.
The only weakness might be the effects, but if you are buying it as an amp simulator, then that's where it's strength lies. Like any modeller, you need to play around with it a bit to get a feel for how the different settings affect the tone. One hint: the VR Gain and Presence controls really need to be played with, as they can radically shape your tone and make a dull tone sound fantastic.
p.s. I run my Tonelab into a pair of studio monitors or into the computer for direct recording. I don't know how it would sound though a guitar amp.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
My experience was much different when I plugged into one at Guitar Center...I thought it was overly bright and very noisey...My first impression of it wasn't very good,then the guy hands me this thick manual for it...LOL...
At that point,I was really not interested,plus I already love my Fender Cyber Twin..
jeremy said:
My experience was much different when I plugged into one at Guitar Center...I thought it was overly bright and very noisey...My first impression of it wasn't very good,then the guy hands me this thick manual for it...LOL...
At that point,I was really not interested,plus I already love my Fender Cyber Twin..
Marinblues
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
can anyone post a sample so we can hear what one sounds like? thanks.
can anyone post a sample so we can hear what one sounds like? thanks.
RiffRaff
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
I've been using a tonelabse for a few months now - I play it into a peavey 50/50 classic tube amp and an avatar 2x12 cabinet. When I first got it and started messing around I found the highs on many setting were very brittle and it didn't seem to cut through very well. Then I started tweeking, setting up my own patches, dialing in the controls - turning off the cabinet simulators (don't need it if your playing through a cabinet), dialing in the output levels and now I'm extremely happy with the unit. The effects on the SE are okay - not as good as a stand alone effects processor but they're all very tweekable and can be controlled either by a footswitch or a dedicated control pedal. I love the univibe and the flange, the chorus is acceptable, the reverb sounds excellent through my amp and cab, the phaser is okay. There's significantly more effects available than I'll ever use, I like subtle effects, oh I do really like the octave effect also. The one thing about any of the modelers out there is you going to have to spend quite a few hours tweeking to get what you want - it's not a plug a play piece of equipment. If you use one live, I highly recommend a tube power amp - it really dedigitizes the signal - I picked up the peavey on ebay for $250 - good investment, it's very neutral sounding. I tried the vox using a marshall, boogie and vht tube amp - the vht sounded great the boogie and marshall tend to make everything sound like a boogie or a marshall. I also tried it out using a carvin 100 watt tube head - sounded great - I'm going to keep my eyes open for a used one as well. I've owned many amps through the years and the combination I have with the tonelabSE is netting me out some great tone in an easy to manage package. The tonelab is a very well made board, the pedals are like a vox wah - all metal, no plastic, good travel and feel.
I've been using a tonelabse for a few months now - I play it into a peavey 50/50 classic tube amp and an avatar 2x12 cabinet. When I first got it and started messing around I found the highs on many setting were very brittle and it didn't seem to cut through very well. Then I started tweeking, setting up my own patches, dialing in the controls - turning off the cabinet simulators (don't need it if your playing through a cabinet), dialing in the output levels and now I'm extremely happy with the unit. The effects on the SE are okay - not as good as a stand alone effects processor but they're all very tweekable and can be controlled either by a footswitch or a dedicated control pedal. I love the univibe and the flange, the chorus is acceptable, the reverb sounds excellent through my amp and cab, the phaser is okay. There's significantly more effects available than I'll ever use, I like subtle effects, oh I do really like the octave effect also. The one thing about any of the modelers out there is you going to have to spend quite a few hours tweeking to get what you want - it's not a plug a play piece of equipment. If you use one live, I highly recommend a tube power amp - it really dedigitizes the signal - I picked up the peavey on ebay for $250 - good investment, it's very neutral sounding. I tried the vox using a marshall, boogie and vht tube amp - the vht sounded great the boogie and marshall tend to make everything sound like a boogie or a marshall. I also tried it out using a carvin 100 watt tube head - sounded great - I'm going to keep my eyes open for a used one as well. I've owned many amps through the years and the combination I have with the tonelabSE is netting me out some great tone in an easy to manage package. The tonelab is a very well made board, the pedals are like a vox wah - all metal, no plastic, good travel and feel.
Simon_F
Super Moderator
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
Great review. Thanks.
I was thinking initially I'd try it into either my Roland Cube, or the band's PA or the clean channel or power stage of my Jubilee. I know using a Jubilee as a back end for a modeller sounds insane, but I really like the Jubilee and want to keep it. It's just that I'd also like more versatility. Doing it this way would mean I'd still have a great tube Marshall for when I want to crank it loud, but I'd also have the convenience and versatility of the Tonelab.
RiffRaff said:
Great review. Thanks.
I was thinking initially I'd try it into either my Roland Cube, or the band's PA or the clean channel or power stage of my Jubilee. I know using a Jubilee as a back end for a modeller sounds insane, but I really like the Jubilee and want to keep it. It's just that I'd also like more versatility. Doing it this way would mean I'd still have a great tube Marshall for when I want to crank it loud, but I'd also have the convenience and versatility of the Tonelab.
Last edited:
echofinger
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
I have also had the Tonelab since July.
Everytime I see a post in here asking about a great multi-effects processor/amp modeler, I want to tell them to save the extra 200 bucks and buy the Tonelab. But I don't.
It's built like a brick shyte house, extremely rugged, and I have had 0 problems with it live.
The effects are awesome, offering many parameters to tweak, and many of them can be controlled live with one of the two pedals.
Instead of listing what I like, I am listing what I don't like, as there isn't much.
the effects do not take much advantage of the units ability to be run in stereo. If you don't run in stereo though, who cares? I was hoping to be able to pan left and right with the pedal, in real time, and it can't do that, for example.
I personally don't care for the reverb unit in it. I have owned better ones in the past.
Also, I was hoping it would have a noise gate built into the effects, but it doesn't. The noise reduction in the modeling section is o.k., but substandard compared to a unit dedicated to that job.
Truthfully, I haven't had the time yet to find out what the unit is truly capable of.
I strongly recommend this unit to anyone who is even remotely thinking about purchasing a modeler/effects unit.
I have spent the full 16 years of my guitar playing career messing around with effects, rack units, midi-foot controllers, etc. and The SE conveniently puts ALL of it in one package!
In short, I love it.
I have also had the Tonelab since July.
Everytime I see a post in here asking about a great multi-effects processor/amp modeler, I want to tell them to save the extra 200 bucks and buy the Tonelab. But I don't.
It's built like a brick shyte house, extremely rugged, and I have had 0 problems with it live.
The effects are awesome, offering many parameters to tweak, and many of them can be controlled live with one of the two pedals.
Instead of listing what I like, I am listing what I don't like, as there isn't much.
the effects do not take much advantage of the units ability to be run in stereo. If you don't run in stereo though, who cares? I was hoping to be able to pan left and right with the pedal, in real time, and it can't do that, for example.
I personally don't care for the reverb unit in it. I have owned better ones in the past.
Also, I was hoping it would have a noise gate built into the effects, but it doesn't. The noise reduction in the modeling section is o.k., but substandard compared to a unit dedicated to that job.
Truthfully, I haven't had the time yet to find out what the unit is truly capable of.
I strongly recommend this unit to anyone who is even remotely thinking about purchasing a modeler/effects unit.
I have spent the full 16 years of my guitar playing career messing around with effects, rack units, midi-foot controllers, etc. and The SE conveniently puts ALL of it in one package!
In short, I love it.
RiffRaff
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
Let me know how it pans out, I tried using mine through the PA - I didn't set any patches up in advance but within a few minutes I had a good clean, crunch and lead tone going - I love the plexi model. I'm never as happy with a "PA" sound as I am with a dedicated amp - running into the power section on the Jubilee sounds interesting, that should give you some very interesting sounds. Have fun! Oh, one other thing I found this board reacts very differently with single coils and HB's, to the point where I've had to create to sets of patches for my strat and my heritage.
Simon_F said:Great review. Thanks.
I was thinking initially I'd try it into either my Roland Cube, or the band's PA or the clean channel or power stage of my Jubilee. I know using a Jubilee as a back end for a modeller sounds insane, but I really like the Jubilee and want to keep it. It's just that I'd also like more versatility. Doing it this way would mean I'd still have a great tube Marshall for when I want to crank it loud, but I'd also have the convenience and versatility of the Tonelab.
Let me know how it pans out, I tried using mine through the PA - I didn't set any patches up in advance but within a few minutes I had a good clean, crunch and lead tone going - I love the plexi model. I'm never as happy with a "PA" sound as I am with a dedicated amp - running into the power section on the Jubilee sounds interesting, that should give you some very interesting sounds. Have fun! Oh, one other thing I found this board reacts very differently with single coils and HB's, to the point where I've had to create to sets of patches for my strat and my heritage.
Jeffrec
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
Simon and I have already chatted about the Tonelab. I got the regular one after comparing it to the POD 2.0 & XT. The Tonelab is much better and more authentic sounding (no "digital" sounds to the effects). Like any of these things you have to play with it a bit. Switching from "line" to "amp" makes a big difference. There's also an overall "level" knob in back that's like a master volume. You have to play with the VR Gain and regular gain to get the right tones. I've also heard that if you change the 12AX7 to a better grade tube it's improves the sound as well. I'll be doing this shortly, I'm sure.
Overall. it's a great little device. Sounds good through headphones and even better through the amp. I'm still learning how to use it. If I can get some samples recorded. I'll post 'em.
Jeff
Simon and I have already chatted about the Tonelab. I got the regular one after comparing it to the POD 2.0 & XT. The Tonelab is much better and more authentic sounding (no "digital" sounds to the effects). Like any of these things you have to play with it a bit. Switching from "line" to "amp" makes a big difference. There's also an overall "level" knob in back that's like a master volume. You have to play with the VR Gain and regular gain to get the right tones. I've also heard that if you change the 12AX7 to a better grade tube it's improves the sound as well. I'll be doing this shortly, I'm sure.
Overall. it's a great little device. Sounds good through headphones and even better through the amp. I'm still learning how to use it. If I can get some samples recorded. I'll post 'em.
Jeff
Mkf411
New member
Re: Opinions on Vox Tonelab SE?
The price on the Tonelab was down to $299 recently. The Tonelab SE price reduction can't be far off. I hope they go down after Christmas. The only thing the SE doesn't have is the digital out for direct recording. It still has a line out for direct recording, just not digital, for whatever that's worth. I've tried the tonelab in stores and liked it. I'll pick one up eventually. I do like the SE Version.
The price on the Tonelab was down to $299 recently. The Tonelab SE price reduction can't be far off. I hope they go down after Christmas. The only thing the SE doesn't have is the digital out for direct recording. It still has a line out for direct recording, just not digital, for whatever that's worth. I've tried the tonelab in stores and liked it. I'll pick one up eventually. I do like the SE Version.
