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Author Topic: Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.  (Read 8772 times)

Scotty477

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« on: April 25, 2008, 07:09:54 AM »
Can the Tonelab LE be used with a valve amp, if I was only going to be using the reverb and modulation effects?

I recently got a Marshall TSL 601 on ebay, which should arrive today at some point, and I'd like to do some miked up recording this weekend.

At the moment I have no individual pedals but do have the Boss GT-6 and Vox Tonelab LE multi effect pedals which I've been using for live work and DI recording. I know that the Boss unit doesn't have a true bypass capability, unless you configure the unit and amp using the '4 cable method', which I'd like to avoid as it can screw the amp.

I've had a scan of the Tonelab LE manual and it doesn't say much on whether it can or should be used with an amp or where it would be placed, i.e. in the front or in the effects loop.

I wouldn't be using any of the drive or pedal models - just effects such as reverb, delay, chorus and compression really.

Has anyone had any experience with a Tonelab LE / amp setup?

I know that I would probably get the best response from individual pedals but I'm curious to know if I can get away with what I have at the moment.

Cheers

steve

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2008, 11:05:58 AM »
I believe that you can bypass the amp models and just use the effects section of the LE. I have the old version and you cannot bypass the amp models. There is a really good tonelab forum on the web, just search vox tonelab website and it will appear,hopefully.
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sgmypod

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2008, 12:30:19 PM »
yeah can click amp and cab models of, on a patch press the amp button think is twice(check screen) and when amp is off light will go out....then do same for cab.....thats it you now can just use effects.

Other way same idea with amp button but hold down fx on/off button and now can use effects as stomp boxes so can switch them in and out
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sgmypod

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2008, 12:31:24 PM »
also on le under the amp/line section you can set up eq settings to suit amp your using.....I am using my LE at moment more like a stomp box through a amp
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Scotty477

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2008, 03:00:34 PM »
Thanks very much for that.

ailean

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2008, 06:47:08 PM »
You may be able to plug it directly into the return port of your, bypassing preamp stage, that way the amp won't 'colour' the output so much, allowing you to use the amp simulation more effectivly. Or you can just plug it in the front :)
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Scotty477

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #6 on: April 26, 2008, 01:43:27 AM »
I'll have a look at both ways. It's going to be Monday before it arrives in any case, so I'll have time to read up on it a bit.

From what I can gather the Tonelab LE has true bypass capability - unlike my other multi effects unit the Boss GT-6, so I'm hoping it will be viable to use it with the TSL 601 and get some nice sounds out of it.

hamfist

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Tonelab LE: Question on using it with an amp.
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2008, 08:29:07 AM »
The LE will work fine in an effects loop for delay/reverb/modulation, but ONLY if the loop is a series loop, or with a parallel loop where you can divert 100% of the signal through the loop (effectively making it a series loop).
  This is because all these types of unit have AD/DA (analog/digital-Digital analog converters) in them. THese converters slow the signal by a few milliseconds. So even with no effects on, your signal will be slowed by a few milliseconds. If the whole signal goes through the loop and then on to your power amp, then all will be fine, as you brain is not able to perceive the tiny delay in your signal.
  However, in a parallel loop you would be merging the "dry" (unprocessed) signal back with with your processed (slowed) signal through the Tonelab.  When you do this you get unpleasant phasing-type effects.
  It's not dangerous though. So, if you are not sure what sort of FX loop your amp will have, just give it a go. The presence or absence of wierd phasing will let you know what type of loop you have.
  I have done this in the past with a Tonelab SE. It worked fine with a series loop. However, I will say that, in general, individual Boss pedals would give much better quality effects. I was very impressed with the Tonelab's reverb though. It is also very interesting to play around with adding cab sims in the FX loop of a tube amp -  some great, and unusual sounds can be had this way.