This is such an underrated pedal! I have a helix now but I still love the sounds and interface of the tonelab. Letting one of my students play with it for now. Vox should seriously make a new tonelab for 2020, it would be amazing.
Hi Ian... so you have the knowledge and experience regarding the TLSE and the Helix... do you rely only on the Helix for playing?! Or you complement with other stuff?
Had mine from 2006, and used it live every weekend for about 12 years without fail, I used mine into actual amps (Mesa f50, and then a Mesa MarkV) though only really using the effects side of it, but the ease os use and setting up presets on the fly was so good! So much easier and neater than having multiple effect pedals. Was the best investment I made for gigging.
I have both the very first one released (Tonelab desktop) and the SE. They both still perform well (except for maybe some tact switches that needs replacing - other than that they are built like a tank and built to last). They work perfectly fine live and in the studio - yes they are still very very relevant....IN 2020!
I had the SE model (with 2 pedals to assign to) for over 10 years. It traveled across the US on big tours for over 10 years, spanning 2 bands of mine. I sold it 5 years ago as I migrated to a more analog and modular pedalboard...I miss the Tonelab!!
When these were new(ish), I bought the “original” (desktop) Tonelab. I bought it only for home recording, and I found it very useful for that purpose, but I couldn’t find “my” tone in it... mirroring an issue that I was having in the analog world with my “real” amps and pedals. It was only when I plugged the Tonelab, cabs off, into the FX return of one of my tube amps, that the magic finally happened (and it only happened because I had forgotten my pedalboard at home for band practice). The modeled Tubescreamer into the modeled Plexi, into a “real” Marshall was LEAGUES better than anything my “real” Marshall could do on its own, and I finally had the tone I had been searching for all those years. This was ca. 2007... and it’s still my live rig, to this day. Soon after the initial discovery, I picked up a used SE (failed very quickly, but that could have been the fault of the previous owner), and subsequently I’ve had 3 (4?) used LEs. While they’re mostly well built, I’ve found that certain components (footswitches, expression pedal, front panel buttons) are a bit more fragile than I would have hoped. I’m actually using these with MIDI footcontrollers now, to limit wear and tear and hopefully to buy myself some more time with them, as I dread the prospect of having to start the tone chase all over again. Especially since I’m not entirely sure that what I’m doing actually sounds anything like a Plexi at all! Makes it that much harder of a sound to chase, I fear.
@Brendan Flaherty this was very interesting Brendan thanks. I think this is the way to go with making modeller-tube amp hybrid rigs like the one you hit on. Personally I don’t feel moved by the admittedly great modelling of for example a helix or a Kemper, but if you add a real valve amp in there it’s a different story.
I still have mine, bought it brand new in ‘04 also. I love everything about it except for the pitch functions, so I got a Digitech Whammy. I’m all set! Currently running it through a Fender Hotrod Deville 410, which has a great clean channel capable of taking any sound I can get in front of it.
yep, got an AD120 combo when they first came out, then the original tonelab desktop, then the tonelab se, love the tones and ease of programming, my favorite line by far ...
bought one 9 years ago and remembered being so frustrated with it - being my first multi-effects unit, now I can't live with out it! bought and traded so many other stomp boxes and have never thought of parting ways with it. it's so versatile and you can assign almost any effect to the foot pedals to modulate + there is an a/b channel inside every patch. the unit also taught me how to use those two funny knobs on my guitar - yeah the one for pickup volume and tone control to dial in so many sounds. will be buried with it.
Just took mine out again because I had to fake some pedal steel sounds on short notice. Got tons of compliments. Thing is a tank and still real versatile. Love having two volume/wah pedals. I have a Line 6 Catalyst on the way and it will be interesting to compare the tone. If the 2023 Line 6 wins I can still use this as a really nice MIDI controller.
Picked up a used Tonelab LE last week for $120 Aussie imperial credits. Needed an internal clean to sort out a couple of sticking micro switches but now it looks and functions like new. Can’t justify a need to go out and buy a more expensive “modern” unit as this does me just fine for all my needs. Only thing I would say is run it through a decent amp / PA to appreciate its quality. Won’t be selling mine any time soon (unless the offer is decent that is! ),, 😬👍🇦🇺
Considering the average good pedal is around $300 today, this thing is a steal on the used market. Try it out with a bass guitar. Great sounds man. love your video....
Just got my hands on one the other day, just brilliant, sold the gt10 that i had lying here, and bought it. So all along a great multi fx did actualy exist, I just did'nt know.
I got the rack one without the pedals. The valve died in it about 10 years ago so I replaced it with a valve from a mesa boogie amp that a friend gave me. It gave it a different tone but is still good. I was getting out of music and had it for sale. A few weeks ago I decided I'd come out of retirement and start recording again. I got a new recording interface with spdif i/o but coaxial... so I need to get a converter to get the optical from the tonelab to work digital with it. My guitar is also pretty wrecked. 20 years of misuse is about to be repaired in the next few weeks when I take it to my guitar maker friend to fix. Only problem now is that I sold my amp. Next up a new amp I reckon.
I still use my Tonelab ST for recording and on my backup live rig on my fly board,my SE i still use live for two reasons. It sounds great and less digital than current multi effects pedals and I can split a left and right output. If it dies then I'll source another one. I play alot of Queen and Brian May and the Tonelabs give me the Vox tone without the need of a multitude of AC30's on the back line. Great piece of kit, my old pod xt is just a dust collector lol
I still have mine and it's what I use live and in the studio. I have the Boss ME-80 which is cool but it does not compare to the vox tonelab SE. This is still my main effects unit.
Yes and no. The modellers tries to replicate the sound of that old technology in a more convenient format, so it has had some catching up to do and it was not quite there yet at the time the Tonelab was made. Some would argue that we're still not there, but even most picky people seem to be satisfied with the Kemper and similar products. That said, I still think that the Tonelab holds up really well today and for the price you pay for one it's really a bargain.
@@henrikpetersson3463 Tol' right m@n ^^ in my ears this unit of Vox sounds actually better than most of the demos of AXE FX ...of course the sounds if you carefully listen has less details but a more organic tone thanks to the addition of a real tube preamp so it compensate in some ways the lack of details that more recent DSP can offer (actually a couple of them onboard) /// I have been playing this last decade thru the Zoom G9 N then the Boss Gt100 (+ a couple of small units = Zoom G3 & Digitech RP360) /// I have an analog tube racks Rig (Preamp+Pow-Amp) composed of the ENGL E530 & the 840/50 TPA +++ a really cool Effectrode Blackbird Low Gain Preamp Boutique Stomp 2 crank up my E530 (with a custom tube setup) N the Gt100 interlaced in 4CM with my E530 (thanks to its stereo FX Loop) ....so im able to ear the true difference with these digital gears N what they R trying to simulate
@@lushkordz6643 Actually, although the tube is a 12AX7 which is most commonly used as a preamp, in the Tonelab SE and LE the pre-amp is digital and the tube is cleverly used in the power-amp section, and is what makes these units and the original 'Blue' Valvetronix amps sound do good. Unfortunately Vox 'dumbed down' thereafter with all the subsequent Valvetronix amps and the TLST and TLEX (both now discontinued) with different cheaper circuit designs that weren't a patch (no pun intended) on the originals.
I still use them for my classic rock band. With age, the switches go bad. I have got good at replacing them. I now use a Helix for church band, however I still think the TLSE has a more realistic amp tone and feel. I own 6 of these and unfortunately, I am down to my last 4. As far as I know, other than switches, you cant repair them. They sure sound good while they last!
Thanks for the video. This was inspiring. I have an old Boss GT6 that I blew 1/2 my student loan on back in 2003, that I was wondering what to do with recently (the temptation to upgrade to a helix or similar has been strong, but I have resisted!). The single biggest thing I take away from watching vids like this and old demos from 10+ years ago is that in the hands of a pro/good player, older gear, and even some entry-level gear can sound amazing when dialed in to sound its best. I have a couple of favorite albums from the early 2000s where the guitar tone was allegedly recorded mainly with a line 6 pod for the amp tones (Arjen Luccasen's Star One Space metal, and Redemption The Fullness of Time are 2 such albums), and around 2005 Opeth releaed Ghost Reveries. Allegedly, around that time their guitar tones were largely created with Boss GT6 effects units. Sure, the technology to produce more realistic simulations of various amps and effects means that today's amp simulators sound closer to what they are simulating, and it is probably easier to get natural more organic sounds from newer Helix or Kemper devices, but ultimately the gear is still only as good as the person using it. If great-sounding guitar tones and albums could be created 15 - 20 years ago with early 2000's amp modeling technology, then I don't see why this would no longer be the case today with that same technology. My thinking is that if you can make this older gear sound convincing, and get good sounds from it then if you do upgrade to the latest AXFX of Kemper, you will more likely know how to make it sound really awesome.
Still sounds nice in 2023, not much really has changed tone or effect wise since 2004, new units nowadays may have more presets, effects and bank storage etc, IR loading and lots of amps and cabs already loaded in and looper & tuner plus able to use with an app but if you just want the effects like I do, not bothered about Amps & cabs then this thing definitely holds up and sounds great in 2023. Trying to get a used one at moment currently winning bid at £55 with 1 day to go!!! Hope I win it a such a low price for an excellent unit???
I have one and it's a great unit. Sounds better than most multi fx today. Drives, effects and amp+cab sound incredible. I also have Line 6 helix and it can easily stand up to it.
Helix is a top level state of the art unit. I personally think you'd be unwise to sell it and go for an older tech Tonelab unless you absolutely hated its weight, size and complexity and it was massive overkill for you. Even then, if you were after something simpler, lighter, that still had top quality modelling exactly like the Helix, in an all in one package that was good for home, studio or gigging, you could consider the new Pod Go - which is what I'll be buying once these are available in the UK (and I have both the TLSE and TLLE which I'm still keeping).
@@richardbirch5744 Helix is a great unit indeed but I just couldn't get along with it and I sold it recently. I'm keeping my Tonelab as I like it more. I have changed the valve and it sounds killer. Tonelab is very simple to use, simpler than Helix. I'm not saying Tonelab is better but it is a great unit also and can produce some amazing sounds, considering it's age and technology. Most of the effects on the Helix are really great but some are not and amps sounded too sterile and I couldn't get them to sound the way I wanted and I spent more time tweaking rather than playing and enjoying it.
@@marcelofernadez2376 I sold my Helix recently and I'm keeping the Tonelab. Helix is great for sure but I like the Tonelab more. I have changed the valve and it souds killer.
I've been using it since right from the start, it's a very flexible unit to use, and very clever for the time. It's just too bad that the wah is toghether with the pedals so I can't use wah and OD togheter... but I couldn't live without the a/b channel for each preset so I can have a boosted sound for each preset without having to provide boost or overdrive pedals! The clean sounds are very good, the distorted can get a little noisy. Cab sims could be a little better, for example I have a behringer GI100 direct box that has a 4x12" general cab sim that sounds better, so while performing I ditch the cab on the vox and go to the PA with the behringer with cab sim on. As other reported some foot switches started to be difficult to engage. I hope it lasts some more!
I’ve just a SE because my LE has given up the Ghost. I’m old school I need a valve to get that sound I love especially with a treble booster first in line.
Simply a wonderful piece of equipment. I have a ToneLab EX and if I find a good condition one here in Brazil, I will take it. And no, you don't need anything else.
Hi, the vid is 3yrs old but hope you see it. I still gig with my Vox Tonelab SE and LE. Still one of the best sounding and gig friendly pedals out there. I'm interested in the best way to connect an IR pedal with these. The problem is twofold. First, these units have no fx loop, only an fx insert loop that is more limited because, second, you can't manipulate the fx chain ( only for reverb, delay and modulation). This means you can't place the IR in the optimum position. I have an IR pedal. I can only place in front of the TLSE, after it, or in the insert loop. Where would you place an IR pedal for live use?
Sounds really nice! I'm not sure exactly how the two compare soundwise but I have an old Tonelab LE collecting dust in the corner. The sad thing is I've almost never used it. For a period of 6 or 7 years I went crazy and bought just about every old modeler I came across - not because I needed them, but because I had been interested in them at some point in the past. Eventually I started to realize that my apartment looked like The Museum of Outdated Digital Modelers. They're all still here... or at least most of them... and now many years later I'm actually quite interested in trying them out "for real" in my almost up-and-running home studio setup. I never had a working recording setup before so this is probably a good time to properly test those old units. I've always had the feeling that the Tonelab could be quite good but I just never really gave it a chance. At the moment I'm getting som decent tones out of my Boss GT-10 played through a pair of KRK monitors and I believe that at least some of the other old modelers can sound even better. Now it's just a matter of finding the time... :)
I really love all my Vox pedals, but the Tonelab SE is (by design) the best of the lot. That being said, there is one major gripe that I do have: The software for this unit is Windows only, and very not updated. (The Mac software is PowerPC only, so good luck with that. I did manage to run it on an old playstation runing YD Linux. But that was a stretchola.) Kinda ridiculous since Intel Macs came about the same time as this pedal. All Korg had to do was release any kind of modern software for this unit to deep dive the settings, but they didn't. One can run a Windows machine with compatibility settings or WINE to emulate on other platforms... but its clunky. Still the most playable / functional / awesome unit ever. Still use it today. Works with lots of DAWs. But hard to use as a MIDI controller / MIDI and settings are harder to control manually due to lack of software.
I do a lot of musical theater, and my RP200 produces a short, very audible glitch when I change presets, if I change presets right while I'm playing... (if I'm not playing, the preset change is silent) How about the Tonelab? Thanks for the nice review!
Help! Can you only use the expression pedal for wah when the "Vox Wah" pedal is selected? I've been trying to find the setting while using the "Boutique" pedal for an hour now without luck.
I have one too and still use it. The only caveat I encountered after so many years of usage is some of the footswitches seems to die off. They seems to be sturdy outside but internally they are just spring loaded pushing rods activating a cheap microswitch on the PCB boards. I have since sourced some replacement switches and replaced half of them. That seems to solve the matter for a while, but they are flimsy. I might replace them with magnets glued to the spring and reed contacts to solve it permanently forever. Still, the effects are more than I need for my playing style. A bit of dirt , a bit of reverb and two delays for rockabilly and Shadows stuff.
+1 had an LE! btw maybe are the ribbon cables? I just broke a switch in the last rehersal, so i tried likes 3 replacements and turned out was the ribbon cables so i had to re-solder every pin again -_-
@@kixune No, it really were the microswitches which died off. I replaced one with a regular momentary rugged switch using the method shown on the pics published on the Tonelab Facebook pages.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2259795080723331&set=g.21491230317&type=1&ifg=1
I own a Zoom G5n, more modern, but this machine looks wonderful and not bad in sound at all, I have to say. Maybe lacks a little volume punch, but you can tweak, I bet. More, modern Stomplabs from Vox, even if not so good looking, sound really good!
True, there aren't any blank slots, but you can take any existing user preset, alter it to your needs, then save it in any of the user presets with the name of your choice.
Don't worry about that - unlike later Tonelabs that have user and factory preset slots whereby you can't permanently over-write a factory patch, in TLSE and TLLE EVERY patch is fully programmable. You can copy over any patch to any location and rewrite any factory patch you don't want and create a new patch and rename it. You can even back up all the patches first into the TLSE editor so you never lose them.
Can it run boost and wah to front of amp while the effects like modulation, delay and reverb run simultaneously through the effects loop? I don’t want to use the amps or cabs as I want to plug into an evh 5150iii head and cab.
man how do i install new amps with impulse response on it? do you have the vox edit program for midi? I have a vox of this, it was my dream and I was able to buy, until today I record with her in the studio, last year the drummer passed with car on her, and only kneaded a little she is still strong strong ahuHAU, and a real tank
As this comes from 2004, there is no way to install new software. As you saw in the video, I plugged this into a real amp, and IRs were added in my DAW session.
SE is bigger and looks better. (its really big). There's more parameters to dial in (cabinets uses 1 knob, amps uses another knob, while in LE you have only 1 knob for changing both things). SE has 2 expression pedals... The sound quality is the same, even EX and ST sounds great. So, the point is!: ask yourself what you need or want. SE more controllability, LE little less, EX less than LE and ST very simple 2 switch multi-tx/guitar processor. All of them uses the same technology and sounds good.
@@cirospm slightly incorrect - re cabs on LE - these are still fully selectable just like on the SE. However, in the LE you press the CAB button, then turn the value knob 1 to choose a cabinet., whereas the SE has a dedicated external dial.
@Klaus Ebner interestingly opinions vary 're the 12au7, because it reportedly diminishes the crunch and distortion tones ie it's a trade off. What's your take Klaus on the crunch and high gain tones with the 12au7?
If you want your floor MFX to be like a stomp box pedal board...this is the one! STILL! You can have two amps, six FX, tuner and "control" to change a parameter (like delay time)...all at the press of a single button....just like a stomp box board. Hit the bank switch and "rewire" your whole pedal board to a new one. You might have some trouble getting modern high gain sounds...as they EQ sections are a bit limited (no general eq), and some limitations on the effects you can use at one time. But the footswitch layout more than makes up for it. There's nothing like it out there...still.
I own one for years (better yet, decades ;)) and it is a great piece of gear. I have a request for all you TLSE (LE) users. If you would like to switch some patches, contact me. I would like to hear new sounds, and likewise, I can send you my patches in return. It would be great. Thanks!
Great idea about swopping patches. A question, how do you use the TL? Do you gig with it? In froont of an Amp, to the PA system? I am struggeling a bit to get good live sound to be honest, curious to get info if somebody has got the "magic" solution :-)
@@boppefors I use my TLSE straight through the main board (set Global output to 'Line' instead of 'Amp'. For live clips see 'Barnet Festival' on my voxman5 channel on youtube. ruclips.net/user/Voxman5videos
This thing rocks , you can also plug it into a keyboard , and it controls volume the other pedal controls mod wheel (which is huge for /synth ) The banks and patch buttons also change the patches on my keyboard so it’s great, then I even run the synth through it for effects, This pedal has great effects. Compares to the stock effects that come with Logic Pro the tone lab wins hands down for initial tone quality. The mod matrix is great too. I’d not call this 2004 tech I’d call it ahead of it’s time,
Hey, I have a question to the tonelab se. How can i move an effect? For example, i wanna move an effect named Bluessld from the chanel 22 to the chanel 1. Thanks🤘
Great video. A maybe stupid question regarding this FX "solution". I have an LE and tried to do what you just mentioned...but didn't get any result. May I ask how you connected the whole chain..guitar connect to...and so on? Best regards bjarne from Sweden
@@boppefors depends on if u want to use your amps pre amp or use the tonelab. Best would be tbe 4 cable method. But you have to have an effects loop on your amp.. if you do, google "tonelab 4 cable method" if you dont have an effects loop you can use it in the imput, but results may vary with simulating amps as your amps preamp will color thw tone
@@DimitrisDr3am Big THANKS Travis, will check that out. I'm struggeling a bit, trying to connect the TL in different ways, haven't gotten any real good sound, despite that so many says so. Doesn't matter if it's to a PD direct, to an Amps input, it sounds....fizzy if I should describe it :-) Will try this, thank you.
I have a Line6 SpiderValve, a Variax Standard and a Firehawk FX, but recently bought (used) both the Tonelab LE and SE as their sound is better than the Firehawk FX in my opinion. I'm happily giving up the ability to configure the pedalboard from a smartphone/tablet via bluetooth, and to directly drive the Variax from the pedalboard, but I'm so happy with the sounds that I just don't care! Maybe in the future I'll give the Helix a try, but it is way too expensive for me at the moment. Thanks for giving me a couple of ideas on what to experiment with (like using the effects loop) more creatively than how I do today :)
i have a zoom g7.1ut prdal..has a tube in the output section to emalulate a tube power section...had a 12ax7 , replaced it with a cleaner 12uat7..it helped alot ...the zoom has quite a bit of tone suck and a seemingly low dynamic headroom , but i've masde due with it...i was checking out the tonelab stuff when i bought it..should have went with the vox....it was missing the 6 band eq of the zoom looks like but i still think it sounds better everywhere...
I have had a TLSE which I sold as I found it was, for me, was a little too bulky when I compared it to the TSLE which fitted the bill for me much better. I already had a TLST, which I still have as a back-up, and I am on my second TSLE (the first I unfortunately managed to break when I tried to biais the valves). You can see that I am convinced by the relevance of this magnificent unit which I would be lost without. I would echo all the comments by Voxman. You should pass on the TLST as a stage unit but if the bulk of the TLSE is not an issue, you will find it an excellent choice.
'IR' stands for Impulse Response. It is a way of digitally modelling how sound is affected by the space it's in. 'Cab replacement' refers to using IRs of famous speaker cabinets rather than those onboard the ToneLab SE. Google 'Impulse Responses' or 'Cab IRs' for more information.
I also bought it new around that time. Some knobs have gone broken over the years, so I bought an EX as backup. Only to find that the only quality multifx floorboards from VOX are the SE and the LE, the newer models are a total different story. So I sold the EX which in my opinion freakin SUCKED, it felt and sounded like pure garbage. After all these years it's still the SE that sounds warm/rich and brings me the fun in playing guitar. Only thing is you can't connect it to your mac laptop/dekstop, cuz the software is outdated. And I don't think they're planning on fixin that anytime soon. Also the factory presets could've been better. Nonetheless 1.SE -> 2.LE -> 3.EX ;the older the device the better it seems!
I use it with cabs off, “LINE” selected for the output type, straight into the “real” amp’s FX return. That’s been my live rig for almost 13 years now.
John Cuneo Remarkably enough, given all the abuse mine have endured... no, I’ve never had to replace the tube on any of my units. Not sure which unit you have, but here’s a tutorial each for the SE and LE: ruclips.net/video/Vgff2AccVMc/видео.html ruclips.net/video/BPzc__f7SBo/видео.html
What makes the tonelab relevant is all the crap and little chords you don't have to carry. You can plug this into a PA and get your tone. Understanding it introduces you to all the technology it models. It's like learning the evolution of equipment in reverse. Oh that's where this comes from. The tonelab can actually help you pick equipment.
A lot of options but simple to navigate. Each thing has it's own knobs and the matrix shows you what you are doing. NO little menu window or multiple button pushing to get to what you want.
Is more than relevant because it's actually better. RUclips clips doesn't show the "dynamics" or that "organic feel" when you play using the tonelabs. There's no need to talk about this... play and see/feel by yourself. Saddly Korg-Vox don't give a shit about costumer feedback and they does not improve the tonelabs. (ST is the "mini" version, EX is the lazy "newest one", SE and LE are the big stuff)
This is such an underrated pedal! I have a helix now but I still love the sounds and interface of the tonelab. Letting one of my students play with it for now. Vox should seriously make a new tonelab for 2020, it would be amazing.
Would you rather keep the helix? Or get the tonelab?
I agree but just buy up the old ones, i have three!
Hi Ian... so you have the knowledge and experience regarding the TLSE and the Helix... do you rely only on the Helix for playing?! Or you complement with other stuff?
Why don’t they make a new one dude!!!
because it would suck and you know it would suck!!! compared to this beast
If you can still make music with it, then it is definitely still relevant .
Had mine from 2006, and used it live every weekend for about 12 years without fail, I used mine into actual amps (Mesa f50, and then a Mesa MarkV) though only really using the effects side of it, but the ease os use and setting up presets on the fly was so good! So much easier and neater than having multiple effect pedals. Was the best investment I made for gigging.
I have both the very first one released (Tonelab desktop) and the SE. They both still perform well (except for maybe some tact switches that needs replacing - other than that they are built like a tank and built to last). They work perfectly fine live and in the studio - yes they are still very very relevant....IN 2020!
I had the SE model (with 2 pedals to assign to) for over 10 years. It traveled across the US on big tours for over 10 years, spanning 2 bands of mine. I sold it 5 years ago as I migrated to a more analog and modular pedalboard...I miss the Tonelab!!
When these were new(ish), I bought the “original” (desktop) Tonelab. I bought it only for home recording, and I found it very useful for that purpose, but I couldn’t find “my” tone in it... mirroring an issue that I was having in the analog world with my “real” amps and pedals.
It was only when I plugged the Tonelab, cabs off, into the FX return of one of my tube amps, that the magic finally happened (and it only happened because I had forgotten my pedalboard at home for band practice). The modeled Tubescreamer into the modeled Plexi, into a “real” Marshall was LEAGUES better than anything my “real” Marshall could do on its own, and I finally had the tone I had been searching for all those years.
This was ca. 2007... and it’s still my live rig, to this day. Soon after the initial discovery, I picked up a used SE (failed very quickly, but that could have been the fault of the previous owner), and subsequently I’ve had 3 (4?) used LEs. While they’re mostly well built, I’ve found that certain components (footswitches, expression pedal, front panel buttons) are a bit more fragile than I would have hoped. I’m actually using these with MIDI footcontrollers now, to limit wear and tear and hopefully to buy myself some more time with them, as I dread the prospect of having to start the tone chase all over again. Especially since I’m not entirely sure that what I’m doing actually sounds anything like a Plexi at all! Makes it that much harder of a sound to chase, I fear.
@Brendan Flaherty this was very interesting Brendan thanks. I think this is the way to go with making modeller-tube amp hybrid rigs like the one you hit on. Personally I don’t feel moved by the admittedly great modelling of for example a helix or a Kemper, but if you add a real valve amp in there it’s a different story.
I still have mine, that thing is still incredible up till this day.
I still have mine, bought it brand new in ‘04 also. I love everything about it except for the pitch functions, so I got a Digitech Whammy. I’m all set! Currently running it through a Fender Hotrod Deville 410, which has a great clean channel capable of taking any sound I can get in front of it.
Doesn't this pedal have a whammy?
@@mariolokoto6134 it does have a pitch function but the tracking is terrible. Lots of latency.
It’s a big unit but soo much versatility and combinations, this thing is a beast of a unit.. the valve of course gives it that authentic texture.
yep, got an AD120 combo when they first came out, then the original tonelab desktop, then the tonelab se, love the tones and ease of programming, my favorite line by far ...
bought one 9 years ago and remembered being so frustrated with it - being my first multi-effects unit, now I can't live with out it! bought and traded so many other stomp boxes and have never thought of parting ways with it. it's so versatile and you can assign almost any effect to the foot pedals to modulate + there is an a/b channel inside every patch.
the unit also taught me how to use those two funny knobs on my guitar - yeah the one for pickup volume and tone control to dial in so many sounds. will be buried with it.
Thanks for the video! I love both the LE and SE Tonelab from Vox. This just made me buy one (AGAIN) from Reverb! Thanks again!
Excellent, glad you liked it :)
Just took mine out again because I had to fake some pedal steel sounds on short notice. Got tons of compliments. Thing is a tank and still real versatile. Love having two volume/wah pedals. I have a Line 6 Catalyst on the way and it will be interesting to compare the tone. If the 2023 Line 6 wins I can still use this as a really nice MIDI controller.
Picked up a used Tonelab LE last week for $120 Aussie imperial credits. Needed an internal clean to sort out a couple of sticking micro switches but now it looks and functions like new. Can’t justify a need to go out and buy a more expensive “modern” unit as this does me just fine for all my needs. Only thing I would say is run it through a decent amp / PA to appreciate its quality. Won’t be selling mine any time soon (unless the offer is decent that is! ),, 😬👍🇦🇺
Considering the average good pedal is around $300 today, this thing is a steal on the used market. Try it out with a bass guitar. Great sounds man. love your video....
Thanks :)
Just got my hands on one the other day, just brilliant, sold the gt10 that i had lying here, and bought it. So all along a great multi fx did actualy exist, I just did'nt know.
I got the rack one without the pedals. The valve died in it about 10 years ago so I replaced it with a valve from a mesa boogie amp that a friend gave me. It gave it a different tone but is still good. I was getting out of music and had it for sale. A few weeks ago I decided I'd come out of retirement and start recording again. I got a new recording interface with spdif i/o but coaxial... so I need to get a converter to get the optical from the tonelab to work digital with it. My guitar is also pretty wrecked. 20 years of misuse is about to be repaired in the next few weeks when I take it to my guitar maker friend to fix. Only problem now is that I sold my amp. Next up a new amp I reckon.
I still use my Tonelab ST for recording and on my backup live rig on my fly board,my SE i still use live for two reasons. It sounds great and less digital than current multi effects pedals and I can split a left and right output. If it dies then I'll source another one. I play alot of Queen and Brian May and the Tonelabs give me the Vox tone without the need of a multitude of AC30's on the back line. Great piece of kit, my old pod xt is just a dust collector lol
I still have mine and it's what I use live and in the studio. I have the Boss ME-80 which is cool but it does not compare to the vox tonelab SE. This is still my main effects unit.
Relevant? Most guitar and amp technology is from the 50's and 60's. The tonelab is practically from the future in comparison...
I think its a nod to the "Must have latest/greatest/"best"/bleeding edge" mind set of modern consumer culture.
Yes and no. The modellers tries to replicate the sound of that old technology in a more convenient format, so it has had some catching up to do and it was not quite there yet at the time the Tonelab was made. Some would argue that we're still not there, but even most picky people seem to be satisfied with the Kemper and similar products.
That said, I still think that the Tonelab holds up really well today and for the price you pay for one it's really a bargain.
@@henrikpetersson3463 Tol' right m@n ^^ in my ears this unit of Vox sounds actually better than most of the demos of AXE FX ...of course the sounds if you carefully listen has less details but a more organic tone thanks to the addition of a real tube preamp so it compensate in some ways the lack of details that more recent DSP can offer (actually a couple of them onboard) /// I have been playing this last decade thru the Zoom G9 N then the Boss Gt100 (+ a couple of small units = Zoom G3 & Digitech RP360) /// I have an analog tube racks Rig (Preamp+Pow-Amp) composed of the ENGL E530 & the 840/50 TPA +++ a really cool Effectrode Blackbird Low Gain Preamp Boutique Stomp 2 crank up my E530 (with a custom tube setup) N the Gt100 interlaced in 4CM with my E530 (thanks to its stereo FX Loop) ....so im able to ear the true difference with these digital gears N what they R trying to simulate
@@lushkordz6643 Actually, although the tube is a 12AX7 which is most commonly used as a preamp, in the Tonelab SE and LE the pre-amp is digital and the tube is cleverly used in the power-amp section, and is what makes these units and the original 'Blue' Valvetronix amps sound do good. Unfortunately Vox 'dumbed down' thereafter with all the subsequent Valvetronix amps and the TLST and TLEX (both now discontinued) with different cheaper circuit designs that weren't a patch (no pun intended) on the originals.
I still use them for my classic rock band. With age, the switches go bad. I have got good at replacing them. I now use a Helix for church band, however I still think the TLSE has a more realistic amp tone and feel. I own 6 of these and unfortunately, I am down to my last 4. As far as I know, other than switches, you cant repair them. They sure sound good while they last!
Thanks for the video. This was inspiring. I have an old Boss GT6 that I blew 1/2 my student loan on back in 2003, that I was wondering what to do with recently (the temptation to upgrade to a helix or similar has been strong, but I have resisted!).
The single biggest thing I take away from watching vids like this and old demos from 10+ years ago is that in the hands of a pro/good player, older gear, and even some entry-level gear can sound amazing when dialed in to sound its best. I have a couple of favorite albums from the early 2000s where the guitar tone was allegedly recorded mainly with a line 6 pod for the amp tones (Arjen Luccasen's Star One Space metal, and Redemption The Fullness of Time are 2 such albums), and around 2005 Opeth releaed Ghost Reveries. Allegedly, around that time their guitar tones were largely created with Boss GT6 effects units.
Sure, the technology to produce more realistic simulations of various amps and effects means that today's amp simulators sound closer to what they are simulating, and it is probably easier to get natural more organic sounds from newer Helix or Kemper devices, but ultimately the gear is still only as good as the person using it.
If great-sounding guitar tones and albums could be created 15 - 20 years ago with early 2000's amp modeling technology, then I don't see why this would no longer be the case today with that same technology. My thinking is that if you can make this older gear sound convincing, and get good sounds from it then if you do upgrade to the latest AXFX of Kemper, you will more likely know how to make it sound really awesome.
Great clip! I respect your work.
Tonelab SE is still the BEST for me and I love her:-)
Still sounds nice in 2023, not much really has changed tone or effect wise since 2004, new units nowadays may have more presets, effects and bank storage etc, IR loading and lots of amps and cabs already loaded in and looper & tuner plus able to use with an app but if you just want the effects like I do, not bothered about Amps & cabs then this thing definitely holds up and sounds great in 2023. Trying to get a used one at moment currently winning bid at £55 with 1 day to go!!! Hope I win it a such a low price for an excellent unit???
I use to play guitar with POD XT Live and VOX Tonelab SE, it is really great for gig.
I have one and it's a great unit. Sounds better than most multi fx today. Drives, effects and amp+cab sound incredible. I also have Line 6 helix and it can easily stand up to it.
@Klaus Ebner Klaus, do you think there's anyway that an external IR pedal could be used effectively with TLSE/TLLE?
Would keep the helix? Or would you take the Tonelab? I own the helix and thinking to trade it for the tonelab. What do you think?
Helix is a top level state of the art unit. I personally think you'd be unwise to sell it and go for an older tech Tonelab unless you absolutely hated its weight, size and complexity and it was massive overkill for you. Even then, if you were after something simpler, lighter, that still had top quality modelling exactly like the Helix, in an all in one package that was good for home, studio or gigging, you could consider the new Pod Go - which is what I'll be buying once these are available in the UK (and I have both the TLSE and TLLE which I'm still keeping).
@@richardbirch5744 Helix is a great unit indeed but I just couldn't get along with it and I sold it recently.
I'm keeping my Tonelab as I like it more. I have changed the valve and it sounds killer. Tonelab is very simple to use, simpler than Helix. I'm not saying Tonelab is better but it is a great unit also and can produce some amazing sounds, considering it's age and technology.
Most of the effects on the Helix are really great but some are not and amps sounded too sterile and I couldn't get them to sound the way I wanted and I spent more time tweaking rather than playing and enjoying it.
@@marcelofernadez2376 I sold my Helix recently and I'm keeping the Tonelab. Helix is great for sure but I like the Tonelab more. I have changed the valve and it souds killer.
I've been using it since right from the start, it's a very flexible unit to use, and very clever for the time. It's just too bad that the wah is toghether with the pedals so I can't use wah and OD togheter... but I couldn't live without the a/b channel for each preset so I can have a boosted sound for each preset without having to provide boost or overdrive pedals! The clean sounds are very good, the distorted can get a little noisy. Cab sims could be a little better, for example I have a behringer GI100 direct box that has a 4x12" general cab sim that sounds better, so while performing I ditch the cab on the vox and go to the PA with the behringer with cab sim on. As other reported some foot switches started to be difficult to engage. I hope it lasts some more!
I’ve just a SE because my LE has given up the Ghost. I’m old school I need a valve to get that sound I love especially with a treble booster first in line.
Simply a wonderful piece of equipment. I have a ToneLab EX and if I find a good condition one here in Brazil, I will take it.
And no, you don't need anything else.
Hi, the vid is 3yrs old but hope you see it. I still gig with my Vox Tonelab SE and LE. Still one of the best sounding and gig friendly pedals out there. I'm interested in the best way to connect an IR pedal with these. The problem is twofold. First, these units have no fx loop, only an fx insert loop that is more limited because, second, you can't manipulate the fx chain ( only for reverb, delay and modulation). This means you can't place the IR in the optimum position. I have an IR pedal. I can only place in front of the TLSE, after it, or in the insert loop. Where would you place an IR pedal for live use?
Sounds really nice! I'm not sure exactly how the two compare soundwise but I have an old Tonelab LE collecting dust in the corner. The sad thing is I've almost never used it. For a period of 6 or 7 years I went crazy and bought just about every old modeler I came across - not because I needed them, but because I had been interested in them at some point in the past. Eventually I started to realize that my apartment looked like The Museum of Outdated Digital Modelers. They're all still here... or at least most of them... and now many years later I'm actually quite interested in trying them out "for real" in my almost up-and-running home studio setup. I never had a working recording setup before so this is probably a good time to properly test those old units.
I've always had the feeling that the Tonelab could be quite good but I just never really gave it a chance. At the moment I'm getting som decent tones out of my Boss GT-10 played through a pair of KRK monitors and I believe that at least some of the other old modelers can sound even better. Now it's just a matter of finding the time... :)
I really love all my Vox pedals, but the Tonelab SE is (by design) the best of the lot. That being said, there is one major gripe that I do have: The software for this unit is Windows only, and very not updated. (The Mac software is PowerPC only, so good luck with that. I did manage to run it on an old playstation runing YD Linux. But that was a stretchola.) Kinda ridiculous since Intel Macs came about the same time as this pedal. All Korg had to do was release any kind of modern software for this unit to deep dive the settings, but they didn't. One can run a Windows machine with compatibility settings or WINE to emulate on other platforms... but its clunky. Still the most playable / functional / awesome unit ever. Still use it today. Works with lots of DAWs. But hard to use as a MIDI controller / MIDI and settings are harder to control manually due to lack of software.
I never had a complaint re: the tone on mine but all the fiddling about did annoy me to put it nicely.
I do a lot of musical theater, and my RP200 produces a short, very audible glitch when I change presets, if I change presets right while I'm playing... (if I'm not playing, the preset change is silent) How about the Tonelab? Thanks for the nice review!
Help! Can you only use the expression pedal for wah when the "Vox Wah" pedal is selected? I've been trying to find the setting while using the "Boutique" pedal for an hour now without luck.
Yes Vox Wah must be the selected pedal choice.
Really great overview!
Can you please do full tutorial on this please. I got one and don't know a thing how to use it. Help me please
I have one too and still use it. The only caveat I encountered after so many years of usage is some of the footswitches seems to die off. They seems to be sturdy outside but internally they are just spring loaded pushing rods activating a cheap microswitch on the PCB boards. I have since sourced some replacement switches and replaced half of them. That seems to solve the matter for a while, but they are flimsy. I might replace them with magnets glued to the spring and reed contacts to solve it permanently forever. Still, the effects are more than I need for my playing style. A bit of dirt , a bit of reverb and two delays for rockabilly and Shadows stuff.
+1 had an LE! btw maybe are the ribbon cables? I just broke a switch in the last rehersal, so i tried likes 3 replacements and turned out was the ribbon cables so i had to re-solder every pin again -_-
@@kixune No, it really were the microswitches which died off. I replaced one with a regular momentary rugged switch using the method shown on the pics published on the Tonelab Facebook pages.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2259795080723331&set=g.21491230317&type=1&ifg=1
@@4MaBerY I had to take my LE apart and clean the switches really good and they started working again.
I own a Zoom G5n, more modern, but this machine looks wonderful and not bad in sound at all, I have to say. Maybe lacks a little volume punch, but you can tweak, I bet. More, modern Stomplabs from Vox, even if not so good looking, sound really good!
I had a G5n - the TLSE is WAY punchier and more amp like, and so much easier to use.
Just got one for $80 Cdn ($57 USd). Great and I love it except for the lack of blank slots to copy tones to/build for gigging.
True, there aren't any blank slots, but you can take any existing user preset, alter it to your needs, then save it in any of the user presets with the name of your choice.
Don't worry about that - unlike later Tonelabs that have user and factory preset slots whereby you can't permanently over-write a factory patch, in TLSE and TLLE EVERY patch is fully programmable. You can copy over any patch to any location and rewrite any factory patch you don't want and create a new patch and rename it. You can even back up all the patches first into the TLSE editor so you never lose them.
Can it run boost and wah to front of amp while the effects like modulation, delay and reverb run simultaneously through the effects loop? I don’t want to use the amps or cabs as I want to plug into an evh 5150iii head and cab.
man how do i install new amps with impulse response on it? do you have the vox edit program for midi? I have a vox of this, it was my dream and I was able to buy, until today I record with her in the studio, last year the drummer passed with car on her, and only kneaded a little she is still strong strong ahuHAU, and a real tank
As this comes from 2004, there is no way to install new software. As you saw in the video, I plugged this into a real amp, and IRs were added in my DAW session.
Does it look a lot like the Korg ax3000g or is it my impression? I see a lot of resemblance to the functions.
I’m looking for a good tutorial for this. I bought it used and have never used this kind of thing befrore and I find it difficult to program, etc.
They sound nice
LE/SE which one is better? Thanks for the video btw!
I've only ever tried the SE :)
SE is bigger and looks better. (its really big). There's more parameters to dial in (cabinets uses 1 knob, amps uses another knob, while in LE you have only 1 knob for changing both things). SE has 2 expression pedals... The sound quality is the same, even EX and ST sounds great. So, the point is!: ask yourself what you need or want. SE more controllability, LE little less, EX less than LE and ST very simple 2 switch multi-tx/guitar processor. All of them uses the same technology and sounds good.
@@cirospm slightly incorrect - re cabs on LE - these are still fully selectable just like on the SE. However, in the LE you press the CAB button, then turn the value knob 1 to choose a cabinet., whereas the SE has a dedicated external dial.
@Klaus Ebner Misnomer - it makes no difference - the headroom is the same in both units
@Klaus Ebner interestingly opinions vary 're the 12au7, because it reportedly diminishes the crunch and distortion tones ie it's a trade off. What's your take Klaus on the crunch and high gain tones with the 12au7?
If you want your floor MFX to be like a stomp box pedal board...this is the one! STILL! You can have two amps, six FX, tuner and "control" to change a parameter (like delay time)...all at the press of a single button....just like a stomp box board. Hit the bank switch and "rewire" your whole pedal board to a new one. You might have some trouble getting modern high gain sounds...as they EQ sections are a bit limited (no general eq), and some limitations on the effects you can use at one time. But the footswitch layout more than makes up for it. There's nothing like it out there...still.
I own one for years (better yet, decades ;)) and it is a great piece of gear. I have a request for all you TLSE (LE) users. If you would like to switch some patches, contact me. I would like to hear new sounds, and likewise, I can send you my patches in return. It would be great. Thanks!
Owned the LE for years. Just stepped up to the SE. Give me a few weeks and I'll have some patches to share, and how do we do that?
Great idea about swopping patches. A question, how do you use the TL? Do you gig with it? In froont of an Amp, to the PA system? I am struggeling a bit to get good live sound to be honest, curious to get info if somebody has got the "magic" solution :-)
@@boppefors I use my TLSE straight through the main board (set Global output to 'Line' instead of 'Amp'. For live clips see 'Barnet Festival' on my voxman5 channel on youtube. ruclips.net/user/Voxman5videos
This thing rocks , you can also plug it into a keyboard , and it controls volume the other pedal controls mod wheel (which is huge for /synth )
The banks and patch buttons also change the patches on my keyboard so it’s great, then I even run the synth through it for effects,
This pedal has great effects.
Compares to the stock effects that come with Logic Pro the tone lab wins hands down for initial tone quality.
The mod matrix is great too.
I’d not call this 2004 tech I’d call it ahead of it’s time,
Hey,
I have a question to the tonelab se.
How can i move an effect?
For example, i wanna move an effect named Bluessld from the chanel 22 to the chanel 1.
Thanks🤘
Great! I have a Vox Tonelab SE, I love!
How does the univibe feel with the built in control
i'm gonna buy this one . Can it connect to the pc to settings up the sound ? thanks guys
Using it for 15 years now)). Love it. Check some of my vids with it. New modern tonelab model would be killer. Any chance?)
When running your TLSE through your Tubemeister amp, how did you connect it?
Via the FX loop first, and then the amp's input. This is pointed out in the video.
Great video. A maybe stupid question regarding this FX "solution". I have an LE and tried to do what you just mentioned...but didn't get any result. May I ask how you connected the whole chain..guitar connect to...and so on? Best regards bjarne from Sweden
@@boppefors depends on if u want to use your amps pre amp or use the tonelab. Best would be tbe 4 cable method. But you have to have an effects loop on your amp.. if you do, google "tonelab 4 cable method" if you dont have an effects loop you can use it in the imput, but results may vary with simulating amps as your amps preamp will color thw tone
@@DimitrisDr3am Big THANKS Travis, will check that out. I'm struggeling a bit, trying to connect the TL in different ways, haven't gotten any real good sound, despite that so many says so. Doesn't matter if it's to a PD direct, to an Amps input, it sounds....fizzy if I should describe it :-) Will try this, thank you.
I have a Line6 SpiderValve, a Variax Standard and a Firehawk FX, but recently bought (used) both the Tonelab LE and SE as their sound is better than the Firehawk FX in my opinion. I'm happily giving up the ability to configure the pedalboard from a smartphone/tablet via bluetooth, and to directly drive the Variax from the pedalboard, but I'm so happy with the sounds that I just don't care! Maybe in the future I'll give the Helix a try, but it is way too expensive for me at the moment. Thanks for giving me a couple of ideas on what to experiment with (like using the effects loop) more creatively than how I do today :)
i have a zoom g7.1ut prdal..has a tube in the output section to emalulate a tube power section...had a 12ax7 , replaced it with a cleaner 12uat7..it helped alot ...the zoom has quite a bit of tone suck and a seemingly low dynamic headroom , but i've masde due with it...i was checking out the tonelab stuff when i bought it..should have went with the vox....it was missing the 6 band eq of the zoom looks like but i still think it sounds better everywhere...
hi all the simulations are without cabinets friend ??
Honestly, I couldn't hear much different with the fenders, and I think the SE beat out the IR go the vox
Hi! Do you have a tutorial on how to use the vox software to install some patches?
Sorry, I never used any software with regards to this, and I no longer own the unit demoed here. Apologies for being unable to help.
Picking one up tomorrow. Can I pick your brain on the bypasses and signal chains?
Sure.
does anyone have preset patch? I don't have any preference for sound download
Can you use more than 1 preset at the same time?
I have had a TLSE which I sold as I found it was, for me, was a little too bulky when I compared it to the TSLE which fitted the bill for me much better. I already had a TLST, which I still have as a back-up, and I am on my second TSLE (the first I unfortunately managed to break when I tried to biais the valves). You can see that I am convinced by the relevance of this magnificent unit which I would be lost without. I would echo all the comments by Voxman. You should pass on the TLST as a stage unit but if the bulk of the TLSE is not an issue, you will find it an excellent choice.
Dude every garbage effect pedal is going to be a vintage GEM years from now. That being said, this was NOT a garbage pedal
thanks for the review. does the SE have a phone jack out if you want to play silent?
Yes.
what does the IR cab replacement means?
'IR' stands for Impulse Response. It is a way of digitally modelling how sound is affected by the space it's in. 'Cab replacement' refers to using IRs of famous speaker cabinets rather than those onboard the ToneLab SE. Google 'Impulse Responses' or 'Cab IRs' for more information.
the dynamic sounds down modulated - or is this Maybe
the RUclips - effect … ?
Does it have a loop recording?
No, this was released before looping became a 'thing'.
Not officially a looper. But you can set the hold delay to act as a limited looper. I'll post details later.
I also bought it new around that time. Some knobs have gone broken over the years, so I bought an EX as backup.
Only to find that the only quality multifx floorboards from VOX are the SE and the LE, the newer models are a total different story.
So I sold the EX which in my opinion freakin SUCKED, it felt and sounded like pure garbage.
After all these years it's still the SE that sounds warm/rich and brings me the fun in playing guitar.
Only thing is you can't connect it to your mac laptop/dekstop, cuz the software is outdated. And I don't think they're planning on fixin that anytime soon.
Also the factory presets could've been better. Nonetheless 1.SE -> 2.LE -> 3.EX ;the older the device the better it seems!
Será mejor que la POD HD 500X? La compré la HD hace poco y no me gusta
You can take my Tonelab SE when you pry it from my cold dead hands
I got this as a gift!!! I just cant figure it out with my amp!! :(
ChrisJohnstonMusic shoot. I've had mine forever. Direct in line like a pedal
I use it with cabs off, “LINE” selected for the output type, straight into the “real” amp’s FX return. That’s been my live rig for almost 13 years now.
@@brendanflaherty6696 have you ever had to replace the tube? I know nothing about this except what is mentioned above.
John Cuneo Remarkably enough, given all the abuse mine have endured... no, I’ve never had to replace the tube on any of my units. Not sure which unit you have, but here’s a tutorial each for the SE and LE:
ruclips.net/video/Vgff2AccVMc/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/BPzc__f7SBo/видео.html
What song do you play on 5:22?
It's based on 'Brass In My Pocket' by The Pretenders.
@@PlayyourguitarCoUk thank you
You use amp or line ?
There are captions explaining how the Tonelab SE is connected up at various points during the video.
but did you record online or with a miked amp?
@@tuliorocha4255 The video captions explain this.
What makes the tonelab relevant is all the crap and little chords you don't have to carry. You can plug this into a PA and get your tone.
Understanding it introduces you to all the technology it models.
It's like learning the evolution of equipment in reverse.
Oh that's where this comes from.
The tonelab can actually help you pick equipment.
Too many options can be confusing I supposed.
A lot of options but simple to navigate. Each thing has it's own knobs and the matrix shows you what you are doing. NO little menu window or multiple button pushing to get to what you want.
If they sounded good on release then "of course they're still relevant.
Yes ... Vox SE still rlvnt
It got some similarities with korg ax3000g
Korg bought Vox, so it's not surprising.
Is more than relevant because it's actually better. RUclips clips doesn't show the "dynamics" or that "organic feel" when you play using the tonelabs. There's no need to talk about this... play and see/feel by yourself. Saddly Korg-Vox don't give a shit about costumer feedback and they does not improve the tonelabs. (ST is the "mini" version, EX is the lazy "newest one", SE and LE are the big stuff)