You set me on the right path with Helix many years ago, and now I once again return to you for insight on the Tonex Pedal. Thank you Jason for providing clarity on these topics!
Your demo has some of the best strat tones to be found. Very musical and warm. Thank you for all the hard work that go into these videos...they have unlocked my Tonex to be what I knew it potentially could be.
Very useful info Jason! I really struggled understanding how to get proper levels... With a little trial and error I stumbled with the model volumen aproach, but the post comp seems a clever way too. Here's a tip... There is a quick save mode, press the "model" and "Preset" knobs at the same time! 😃👍🏼
Hello Jason, thanks a lot for these explanations about the different volumes. This really helped me a lot !! I've had problems with this since I got my Tonex pedal. Your other videos about Tonex are great and helpful too.
Thanks, Jason! Your video series on Tonex setup has proven to be EXTREMELY helpful! I've had my Tonex pedal for about a month now and I'm enjoying it immensely. I did have some questions that I'm not sure have been covered in any of the videos you've done thus far. Can I contact you regarding these questions?
A little late to the party on this one, but really helpful video. Having picked up some of your captures, one thing I’ve noticed is that you take a lot of care to keep the ‘required trim setting on your pedal’ between your presets very very consistent. Set it and forget it and Jason’s presets work great. I wish everyone (including IK Multimedia, with their premium captures) took care to do this.
Thanks so much for noticing that Philip and glad you enjoy! I think it is something that is very important so you always know what you are getting :-) Thanks for the comment!
Downloaded a capture I had maxed out on mod level and still too low the (post) compressor for added volume and no sound change was a lifesaver!!! Thank you!!
If you leave input trim at zero, that does not mean it's the same level used to make the capture. As different AD converters have different dBu -> dbFS conversion rates, that totally depends on the gear used to make the capture and you NEED to adjust your gear to match that value if you want to hit the model with the same amount of signal. That's basic, every AD converter and interface manufactorer write these details on manual and tech specs of their products.
@@JasonSadites So maybe not encouraging keeping it at "0" is a good tip. In fact, some models will only sound good after a good amount of boost/cut in the input.
You are free to run your input trim at whatever setting you would like, as is anybody. For myself, I have found that a setting close to zero, maybe even a little less is in the ballpark of how I calibrate my audio interface instrument input levels for as close to a real world situation as plugging my guitars into real amps. In discussion with literally hundreds, if not thousands of other people, they have confirmed this works best for them also. Please don't try and pass off like I am ignorant on this topic. Again, you and anyone else are free to set it however you would like, but I will continue to recommend things the way I do based off of what I know. I wasn't asking for any correction on this. Thanks.
@@JasonSadites I was by no means trying to diminish your knowledge in this area. I believe you are aware of all this and more; I think you have the potential to draw the attention of creators like IK to this matter. We know the importance of having the level information for models to respond adequately. Perhaps you could be the intermediary to provide more information on this. It's already common knowledge that some Amplitube models need a significant input boost (+15db in some cases) to sound good. Sharing this will only lead to more satisfied consumers with the platform instead of becoming even more chaotic, considering Tonex has even more randomness in the captured input levels than Amplitube.
So here is why I find comments like this bizarre and somewhat annoying. You are commenting on a video that is squarely about balancing the OUTPUT level of a preset so that when switching between presets the end user understands how to get the results they are looking for. This video has NOTHING to do with Input Trim settings. The only reason I even brought it up was in passing as some people suggest playing with the Trim In as a way of balancing the level between presets, which is not it's purpose. I wanted to make sure folks knew that it was not an appropriate way to accomplish what this video was about before moving on to the proper way of doing it. It seems like someone always has to come along and potentially confuse matters by talking about points like this that do not pertain to the video in question. That is frustrating because a viewer can read it and it can potentially confuse them further. As far as working with IK on this matter, I already have worked on it with them in regards to Tonex Pedal. After much discussion with them, they fixed an issue that I brought up with them concerning a built in 8.6 db boost that was applied post A/D converter that would hit the front of the tone model in the Tonex Pedal. I literally had thousands of people contact me thanking me for this as the pedal now works much better for them with the Trim In set to 0 db. You also bring up an issue with Amplitube. This video was not about Amplitube in anyway shape or form. It was about Tonex. You came on and told me "So maybe not encouraging keeping it at "0" is a good tip" and when I address that you then start talking about Amplitube when your original "advice" to me was concerning Trim In on Tonex Pedal since that is what this video is about. All comments like this do is potentially confuse matters even further when I am trying to help people fix certain issues.
Haven't tried my Tonex pedal with a Tweed preset, yet. Don't like the Tonex Marshall sounds and now use a UA Lion along with the Tonex pedal for Fender cleans. Something about the Tonex sounds fizzy or synthetic with distortion. Maybe it's because I've played on the actual amps and I'm being fussy. Listeners didn't seem to notice. But it sure is nice only having to move a Tonex instead of a 50 lb. combo. Will try out a few of your Tonex suggestions on a Tweed preset. Otherwise, I'll be eyeing another UA pedal.
The biggest challenge that I have is when playing through the ToneX to FOH in a house of worship, or any other venue for that matter: Playing through a single preset and wanting to control master output level for when I have to solo. I want to be able to use an expression pedal to control my output level (I'm taking the output in stereo, so a simple volume pedal is not feasible). The manual is sorely lacking in any detail about how to setup an expression pedal to perform a specific function. IK's response was "read the manual". Sure, ok. "Maybe if you provide one."
Jason. I really like how you explain things by showing us on the actual unit. It was driving me crazy why I had to have the physical volume knob all the way on 10 and it was not giving a good signal to my interface until I adjusted the model.vol from 5.0 to something higher. I cannot wait to try it. Is there any other way to increase volume to my interface? I am using a RME UFX III.
Hi Jason, thanks, this is such an instructive and useful overview of the different ways to set the levels. When I watch your videos, I am always amazed at the sound quality, both the sound of the tone models but also how they are actually recorded for the video. Could you please just briefly explain what is the actual source for the guitar sound output? Is it the Tonex pedal straight into whatever you are recording with or is it a miked FRFR speaker or what? My apologies if this is a dumb question.
My pleasure! For my Tonex videos I am either plugged directly into my audio interface and what you are hearing is the exact unaltered sound of the tone model from Tonex software or the Tonex pedal recorded directly into my audio interface. Regardless of which method used the two sounds are the same since I make sure my input is identical going into my audio interface and Tonex Pedal. So basically you are hearing the unprocessed signal of the tone model as it sounds in Tonex. Hope that helps :-)
Sorry for asking but in your opinion would it ever be possible in the future an implemented make up gain in the unit to even out every single tone? Something like the "automatic make up gain" in some plug-ins. Sorry for asking. P.s.: when I had the Kemper I remember I didn't have to struggle that much between tones volume, something that I have to deal with in Tonex and I am so glad you made this video! Thank you
The only issue I see being with an auto-level function is that so much of that is based around personal preference. Some folks like a particular balance where others like something different. I am not sure whether IK has something like that planned but I would probably think it is unlikely. Also, no need to apologize, it was a great question :-) Glad you enjoyed the video!
Hi there thanks for the info! Loved the in depth video! My input trim was +8,5 dB by default.... was wondering why all my models were more distorted than they should be. But i have a question still if you could reply would be helpful. Where should my presets volume be. Should i set my Solo preset to 10 on preset level (not master level) and rhythm to 9 or 8 and go from there or leave the rhythm at 5 and raise the solo to 6 maybe idk. My guess is that i should match my bypass volume to the solo (the loudest preset) and then work my way down. Am I doing it wrong this way?
Thanks, and this is helpful, but the problem I have is that adding some third-party IRs like OwnHammer to my captures dramatically lowers the volume of the capture. With the master vol. at 10 (I tend to do that too), the only way to level presets I set up with those IRs is to dramatically bring down EVERYthing else to the lowered capture volume post-IR. This ends up being a major pain. What I need is a volume stage in connection with the IR loader that lets me bring the volume back up after attaching a "quiet" IR, but that is not there. Any thoughts?
If I don't want compression, but want to use the compressor in post mode to raise the output level (increased compressor gain), can I use the Output Level parameter to also boost the overall level? You mentioned that with compression, I would be hitting the compressor with that increased output level, which might mess with the amount of compression. But if I am setting the compressor at zero, is it safe to use the output level and compressor gain with any tonal impact?
how would something like a xotic super clean boost affect the input trim? will it distort a clean preset or give it a boost and clarity like it does on an amp?
I use a Keeley Katana boost into the front of my ToneX Pedal and yes I find it gives the amp models a clear boost like a real amp. But I suppose it would depend upon the amp model in question (ie how early it breaks up, how much headroom it has etc.). But in short, yes I have found it reacts and responds like an amp should. 👍🏼
I've been fooling with my new Super Clean in various locations in my chain. The gain knob on it can be your friend and your enemy. Currently the pedal resides after tuner, but before my overdrives (which obv go before Tonex).
Yes it's always on. I will be doing some more tests with it over the next week as far as placement. Seems the best place so far is where it's at, with the gain knob at 9 or so, but never past noon.
Thanks Jason! Question: If we have a Compressor pedal in our chain, would you recommend turning Compressor off for all models that have it in the Tonex? I'm testing a Tonex running drives and comp before the Tonex.
It really depends on the preset and what you are going for. I would likely not run two compressors, but there are times it can work depending on how they are setup and the end goal. But, for the most part if you are running an external compressor I would turn off the Tonex compressor. Hope that helps :-)
I dial all my tones in to work equally well with different pickup types. What kind of tone are you looking for? I can point you in the right direction :-)
Can you make a preset for the toneX pedal with a signal chain you like from Amplitube? For example say you put a pedal you like before an amp you like in Amplitube and dial it in how you like it.. can you take that sound and put it in the toneX pedal?
Unfortunately you cannot do that. Tonex Pedal is capable of playing Tonex tine models and also has a Noise Gate, Compressor, Reverb and some advanced EQ.
You set me on the right path with Helix many years ago, and now I once again return to you for insight on the Tonex Pedal. Thank you Jason for providing clarity on these topics!
Totally my pleasure and so glad the videos have been helpful 😊
Your demo has some of the best strat tones to be found. Very musical and warm. Thank you for all the hard work that go into these videos...they have unlocked my Tonex to be what I knew it potentially could be.
Thank you so much for the kind words 🙏🏻 Really glad the videos have been helpful!
Very useful info Jason! I really struggled understanding how to get proper levels... With a little trial and error I stumbled with the model volumen aproach, but the post comp seems a clever way too.
Here's a tip... There is a quick save mode, press the "model" and "Preset" knobs at the same time! 😃👍🏼
I use the horns \m/ of one my hands to do this fast save.
Oh wow. Live the quick save tip!
Hey you got the shirt!!! Nice.
Please keep doing these videos. They really help. Thank you!
Couldn’t find anyone else to show how to set and save volume. You explained it clearly. Made me subscribe and like!😊
This video answered every question I had regarding the volume controls, gain, etc. thanks a bunch!
Thanks Jason. I've had the pedal a week and you are my go to for instructional videos. The effort is hugely appreciated. 👍
My pleasure Andy! So glad the vids have been helpful 😀
Hello Jason, thanks a lot for these explanations about the different volumes. This really helped me a lot !! I've had problems with this since I got my Tonex pedal.
Your other videos about Tonex are great and helpful too.
Thanks, Jason! Your video series on Tonex setup has proven to be EXTREMELY helpful! I've had my Tonex pedal for about a month now and I'm enjoying it immensely. I did have some questions that I'm not sure have been covered in any of the videos you've done thus far. Can I contact you regarding these questions?
Very helpful! Thanks Jason 👌🏼
A little late to the party on this one, but really helpful video. Having picked up some of your captures, one thing I’ve noticed is that you take a lot of care to keep the ‘required trim setting on your pedal’ between your presets very very consistent. Set it and forget it and Jason’s presets work great. I wish everyone (including IK Multimedia, with their premium captures) took care to do this.
Thanks so much for noticing that Philip and glad you enjoy! I think it is something that is very important so you always know what you are getting :-) Thanks for the comment!
Downloaded a capture I had maxed out on mod level and still too low the (post) compressor for added volume and no sound change was a lifesaver!!! Thank you!!
If you leave input trim at zero, that does not mean it's the same level used to make the capture. As different AD converters have different dBu -> dbFS conversion rates, that totally depends on the gear used to make the capture and you NEED to adjust your gear to match that value if you want to hit the model with the same amount of signal. That's basic, every AD converter and interface manufactorer write these details on manual and tech specs of their products.
That is correct. Nobody ever suggested otherwise.
@@JasonSadites So maybe not encouraging keeping it at "0" is a good tip. In fact, some models will only sound good after a good amount of boost/cut in the input.
You are free to run your input trim at whatever setting you would like, as is anybody. For myself, I have found that a setting close to zero, maybe even a little less is in the ballpark of how I calibrate my audio interface instrument input levels for as close to a real world situation as plugging my guitars into real amps. In discussion with literally hundreds, if not thousands of other people, they have confirmed this works best for them also. Please don't try and pass off like I am ignorant on this topic. Again, you and anyone else are free to set it however you would like, but I will continue to recommend things the way I do based off of what I know. I wasn't asking for any correction on this. Thanks.
@@JasonSadites I was by no means trying to diminish your knowledge in this area. I believe you are aware of all this and more; I think you have the potential to draw the attention of creators like IK to this matter. We know the importance of having the level information for models to respond adequately. Perhaps you could be the intermediary to provide more information on this. It's already common knowledge that some Amplitube models need a significant input boost (+15db in some cases) to sound good. Sharing this will only lead to more satisfied consumers with the platform instead of becoming even more chaotic, considering Tonex has even more randomness in the captured input levels than Amplitube.
So here is why I find comments like this bizarre and somewhat annoying. You are commenting on a video that is squarely about balancing the OUTPUT level of a preset so that when switching between presets the end user understands how to get the results they are looking for. This video has NOTHING to do with Input Trim settings. The only reason I even brought it up was in passing as some people suggest playing with the Trim In as a way of balancing the level between presets, which is not it's purpose. I wanted to make sure folks knew that it was not an appropriate way to accomplish what this video was about before moving on to the proper way of doing it. It seems like someone always has to come along and potentially confuse matters by talking about points like this that do not pertain to the video in question. That is frustrating because a viewer can read it and it can potentially confuse them further.
As far as working with IK on this matter, I already have worked on it with them in regards to Tonex Pedal. After much discussion with them, they fixed an issue that I brought up with them concerning a built in 8.6 db boost that was applied post A/D converter that would hit the front of the tone model in the Tonex Pedal. I literally had thousands of people contact me thanking me for this as the pedal now works much better for them with the Trim In set to 0 db.
You also bring up an issue with Amplitube. This video was not about Amplitube in anyway shape or form. It was about Tonex. You came on and told me "So maybe not encouraging keeping it at "0" is a good tip" and when I address that you then start talking about Amplitube when your original "advice" to me was concerning Trim In on Tonex Pedal since that is what this video is about. All comments like this do is potentially confuse matters even further when I am trying to help people fix certain issues.
That shirt!! Like Alex and an Epiphone!
I really appreciate the info,very helpful, thanks! Great tones and playing there at the end too. 👍🏻
Thanks kindly Robert and glad it was helpful 😁
very good video, man! that was exactly what i was looking for and never found! thanks!
Thank you Jason! That was very useful and easily digestible.
Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for... dealing with IK support can be so frustrating
My pleasure and glad it was helpful :-)
Incredibly useful tutorial, Thank You!
My pleasure and glad you enjoyed :-)
Haven't tried my Tonex pedal with a Tweed preset, yet. Don't like the Tonex Marshall sounds and now use a UA Lion along with the Tonex pedal for Fender cleans. Something about the Tonex sounds fizzy or synthetic with distortion. Maybe it's because I've played on the actual amps and I'm being fussy. Listeners didn't seem to notice.
But it sure is nice only having to move a Tonex instead of a 50 lb. combo. Will try out a few of your Tonex suggestions on a Tweed preset. Otherwise, I'll be eyeing another UA pedal.
Nice tutorial! just couldn't find how to turn compressor off...
great video! very clear and complete
Thanks so much :-)
Very helpful. Great video!
Thank you and glad it was helpful 😀
The biggest challenge that I have is when playing through the ToneX to FOH in a house of worship, or any other venue for that matter: Playing through a single preset and wanting to control master output level for when I have to solo. I want to be able to use an expression pedal to control my output level (I'm taking the output in stereo, so a simple volume pedal is not feasible). The manual is sorely lacking in any detail about how to setup an expression pedal to perform a specific function. IK's response was "read the manual". Sure, ok. "Maybe if you provide one."
Thank you for these video.really helps me a lot….
Brilliant Jason
thanks great video
Thank you and my pleasure, glad you enjoyed 😁
Check out the video now…did you get a new camera? Looks great.
Jason. I really like how you explain things by showing us on the actual unit. It was driving me crazy why I had to have the physical volume knob all the way on 10 and it was not giving a good signal to my interface until I adjusted the model.vol from 5.0 to something higher. I cannot wait to try it. Is there any other way to increase volume to my interface? I am using a RME UFX III.
Brilliant! Thank you!
Hi Jason, thanks, this is such an instructive and useful overview of the different ways to set the levels. When I watch your videos, I am always amazed at the sound quality, both the sound of the tone models but also how they are actually recorded for the video. Could you please just briefly explain what is the actual source for the guitar sound output? Is it the Tonex pedal straight into whatever you are recording with or is it a miked FRFR speaker or what? My apologies if this is a dumb question.
My pleasure! For my Tonex videos I am either plugged directly into my audio interface and what you are hearing is the exact unaltered sound of the tone model from Tonex software or the Tonex pedal recorded directly into my audio interface. Regardless of which method used the two sounds are the same since I make sure my input is identical going into my audio interface and Tonex Pedal. So basically you are hearing the unprocessed signal of the tone model as it sounds in Tonex. Hope that helps :-)
@@JasonSadites That helps a lot! Many thanks for your quick reply!
My pleasure 😀
Sorry for asking but in your opinion would it ever be possible in the future an implemented make up gain in the unit to even out every single tone? Something like the "automatic make up gain" in some plug-ins. Sorry for asking.
P.s.: when I had the Kemper I remember I didn't have to struggle that much between tones volume, something that I have to deal with in Tonex and I am so glad you made this video! Thank you
The only issue I see being with an auto-level function is that so much of that is based around personal preference. Some folks like a particular balance where others like something different. I am not sure whether IK has something like that planned but I would probably think it is unlikely. Also, no need to apologize, it was a great question :-) Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@JasonSadites true. Thank you still for your great work
Hi there thanks for the info! Loved the in depth video! My input trim was +8,5 dB by default.... was wondering why all my models were more distorted than they should be. But i have a question still if you could reply would be helpful. Where should my presets volume be. Should i set my Solo preset to 10 on preset level (not master level) and rhythm to 9 or 8 and go from there or leave the rhythm at 5 and raise the solo to 6 maybe idk.
My guess is that i should match my bypass volume to the solo (the loudest preset) and then work my way down. Am I doing it wrong this way?
Thank you so much for this!!!!!
My pleasure and glad you enjoyed 😀
Does this apply to the TX1 pedal?
Thanks, and this is helpful, but the problem I have is that adding some third-party IRs like OwnHammer to my captures dramatically lowers the volume of the capture. With the master vol. at 10 (I tend to do that too), the only way to level presets I set up with those IRs is to dramatically bring down EVERYthing else to the lowered capture volume post-IR. This ends up being a major pain. What I need is a volume stage in connection with the IR loader that lets me bring the volume back up after attaching a "quiet" IR, but that is not there. Any thoughts?
If I don't want compression, but want to use the compressor in post mode to raise the output level (increased compressor gain), can I use the Output Level parameter to also boost the overall level? You mentioned that with compression, I would be hitting the compressor with that increased output level, which might mess with the amount of compression. But if I am setting the compressor at zero, is it safe to use the output level and compressor gain with any tonal impact?
Do you know approximately what ratio the comp is working at? Ultimately i always go with my ears but im also spoiled with meters usually 😂
do you know if is true bypass or is buffered ,i cant find any setings about this ,thank you
It’s passible to controll volume using exp. pedal ?
how would something like a xotic super clean boost affect the input trim? will it distort a clean preset or give it a boost and clarity like it does on an amp?
I use a Keeley Katana boost into the front of my ToneX Pedal and yes I find it gives the amp models a clear boost like a real amp. But I suppose it would depend upon the amp model in question (ie how early it breaks up, how much headroom it has etc.). But in short, yes I have found it reacts and responds like an amp should. 👍🏼
@@GxBxN thanks
I've been fooling with my new Super Clean in various locations in my chain. The gain knob on it can be your friend and your enemy. Currently the pedal resides after tuner, but before my overdrives (which obv go before Tonex).
@@marcuspeterson8793 do you use it as an always on pedal?
Yes it's always on. I will be doing some more tests with it over the next week as far as placement. Seems the best place so far is where it's at, with the gain knob at 9 or so, but never past noon.
This pedal comes with delay inside?
Thanks Jason! Question: If we have a Compressor pedal in our chain, would you recommend turning Compressor off for all models that have it in the Tonex? I'm testing a Tonex running drives and comp before the Tonex.
It really depends on the preset and what you are going for. I would likely not run two compressors, but there are times it can work depending on how they are setup and the end goal. But, for the most part if you are running an external compressor I would turn off the Tonex compressor. Hope that helps :-)
@@JasonSadites Thank you!
@@fernandosimon5621 my pleasure!
Can you share with me your best captures from Humbucker pickups in TONEX and Why? Thanks!
I dial all my tones in to work equally well with different pickup types. What kind of tone are you looking for? I can point you in the right direction :-)
@@JasonSadites I’m trying to get David Gilmour tone but I have only humbucker guitar.
Can you make a preset for the toneX pedal with a signal chain you like from Amplitube? For example say you put a pedal you like before an amp you like in Amplitube and dial it in how you like it.. can you take that sound and put it in the toneX pedal?
Ive been wondering The same
Unfortunately you cannot do that. Tonex Pedal is capable of playing Tonex tine models and also has a Noise Gate, Compressor, Reverb and some advanced EQ.
How to use presets in guitar rig 5 into tonex pedal
Good stuff... very clear!
Thank you and glad you enjoyed!