Vox Tonelab

[sgmypod]

yeah can get great metal sounds out of them...

[Doadman]

I've read this thread with interest as I'm in a similar position. I was put off the Vox because I was under the impression that the Metal sounds weren't too good but I'm hoping the new LE version has resolved this issue. I'm trying one next month. I've also been looking at the Pod XTL and Boss GT-8. Like you, the amp models are far more improtant to me than a million effects I'll probably never use. I hope to get mine next month so I'll let you know how I get on.

[sgmypod]

to be honest had the podxt(metal sounds where a bit digi and fizzy to me)  all upgraded extra amps....now have tonelab le less amps effects ...but usable and far better sounding..including the metal ones...lovin the rect one and has new metal pedal..are great

[Doadman]

That sounds very promising and exactly what I'd hoped for from the new LE. In a way I kinda think that 'How many amp models and effects do you actually need?' A good clean amp; a good amp for Blues; a good amp for Classic Rock and a good Metal amp with maybe something different/versatile thrown in for good measure. As for effects, Overdrive; distortion; chorus; delay; wah; phaser; flanger and possibly one or two others but essentially, how much else do we ever use? Each seems to offer something that is attractive but like everything else to do with guitars, it has to end up a compromise of some sort. The Pod XTL has all the backup and has to be popular for a reason; the Boss GT-8 has plenty versatility and is produced by an established and popular name while the Vox has that 'real tube tone' that appears to be the holy grail of modellers. It will be an interesting experience trying them side by side.

[lifted]

I have the Tonelab SE and I really love it.  I am glad you pushed to get your Expression pedals fixed, cuz this is the best real sounding wah in a modeler I have heard and I think I have tried them all.  Also yes it can do metal fine, my fave cab is the AD412 for dirt and the bassman412 for clean.  I really love the control asignability fnctn so you can add  a pedal in for a solo.  The treble boost pedal adds alot for cutting through on the metal settings.  The A/B  channel is great for really having 8 presets in front of you at once and For moderate crunch,  the AC30 amp can't be beat. specially with some Irish Tours in a strat :D   This thing is so real and tubey sounding  it's great.  Oh, and the boutique clean gives the fender mods a run for their money,although all are good.  My only small problem is the Noise Reduction is a little weak.  don't put it past 6.5 and you will still  have sustain, but a little noise depending on your guitar. It's ace in the hole is the gritty breakup cleans and the blues and blues rock sounds.   hope you like it as much as I have so far.

[indysmith]

My only small problem is the Noise Reduction is a little weak.  don't put it past 6.5 and you will still  have sustain, but a little noise depending on your guitar.

Funny you should say that - i put the noise reduction on 8 on the recto patch, and had no problems at all with sustain - it kept singing for 10 or 15 seconds; and that was with my ibanez!
Very VERY impressed; I really can't wait to get it back! I'd be very hard pushed to tell the difference between the models of some of these amps and the real things i reckon.
A long time ago i read some magazine saying they didnt reckon Keef could tell the difference between an AC30 and a Valvetronix AC30. I though 'bah, hype! of course he could!'. now i'm really not so sure...

[sambo]

nice one man, glad your pleased with it (minus the pedal problem)

now clips are EXPECTED from you  :P  :D

[Muso]

By the way changing the valve can make a massive difference in the tone, I've so far tried a stanard groove tube, sovtek, JJ and Harma which have all made it sound drastically different. In my opinion they all made it sound much weaker, you have to use a high gain valve for it.

One valve which I know would be fantastic if you can get one would be the groove tube mullard re-issue I used to have these in my old ADA MP 1 and they really were the best tubes for rocking out. The problem is there has been manufacturing problems with these and they are hard to get hold of.

Watford valves sells a pretty big selection of valves and I have bought an exact replacement tube which has been cryo frozen to see if thats any good.

If anyone find any groove tube mullards let me know!

[sgmypod]

side by side based only on sound...think the tonelab will win

[indysmith]

Right, here's the update guys!

Got the Tonelab back today! almost a week after they told me it'd be back but never mind...
What i do mind is that although the expression pedals have been fixed, now 4 of the switches don't work and it rattles!

Those $%&#ers are going down!  :shock:  :shock:

[noodleplugerine]

Right, here's the update guys!

Got the Tonelab back today! almost a week after they told me it'd be back but never mind...
What i do mind is that although the expression pedals have been fixed, now 4 of the switches don't work and it rattles!

Those $%&#ers are going down!  :shock:  :shock:

This must be equivalent to spitting in your burger xD

Unlucky man - But hilarious none-the-less.

[indysmith]

hilarious for you! :P
I'v sent them a bloody nasty email telling them that they're either gonna give me a refund immediately or send me a brand new one within a week.
I'm not as impressed with the tones I've been getting today as i was last time i had the tonelab here; I'm still impressed but today i can really tell that it's a modeller I'm playing through. My ears really do seem to change on a daily basis.
This hasn't been a good day for me, I also got a call from ParcelForce telling me that they've LOST my strat body. just LOST it. bar-stewards. I'm so pissed right now it's not even true. People seem to be determined to make things very difficult for me.

I think I'll order myself some aged gold mules to cheer myself up, lol. :P

[apmaman]

I could sell you the amp version (AD120VT) for 250! :lol: