Destop for Recording... Tone?

[jrk112]

I've been using an AD120 and AD60 for 7 years and usually just run the headphone out into my korg recorder. But I'm traveling now and don't want to lug the amp around just record some overdubs. I picked up the desktop tonelab after trying the new version and Line 6 XT. The clean tones are great but I'm having a hard time getting some decent crunch out of it. Looking for basic U2, Coldplay, Radiohead tones. I'm not used to the cab settings and the VR tone control. Any advice for getting the same tone I get from my AD120?

[bclarke675]

That's funny...I get more distortion from my ToneLab than my AD60VTX! On all but the high gain models, keep the VR Gain cranked. Keep it between noon and 2 o'clock for the high gain models, and you should be able to dial in some great distorted tones. Channel Volume doesn't affect tube distortion in the ToneLab like it does in the amps. Hope this helps. I love both my ToneLab and AD60VTX, but I've found it easier to get sounds I like out of the ToneLab. Maybe different tastes or ears?!?

Have fun!
Bob

[jrk112]

Thanks, that is helpful. I've found these little boxes, including the new ST, get great sheding / Master of Puppets-like tone, but I'm not looking for that. I typically use the Fender and Vox models with the gain raised to get a nice crunch, and rarely go for the stomp effects. I use the Recto for over the top distortion. By starting with the gain, VR gain, and channel volume low then working up, I've managaed to get some of my crunch back. But I'm still lost on the Recto; it sounds nothing like what I get on my AD60. Cabinet suggestions?

Thanks again...

[bclarke675]

Supposedly, the US V30 cabinet works best with the RECTO model, but I would encourage you to try different settings until you find one you like. Also, if you haven't checked out the Amp/Line switch in the back, this will change the tone a lot! I usually leave mine on Line, but work with this as it may be the solution to your tone issues!

Good luck and have fun!!!

Bob

[jrk112]

I guess I just need to play with it a bit. One thing I've already noticed is that setting the cab to "off" is a really bad idea. I found that leaving the cab on 1X12 then switching the amp models gave me tone pretty similar to what I get out of my AD60/120. Also, different guitars sound much different through this ToneLab than the ADs. My Jazzy really sings, but Strats are too shimmery.

[bclarke675]

I, too, noticed a bigger difference in my different guitars, but all of mine sound good on the ToneLab, while my SG sounds really muddy until I kick in the EQ on my AD60VTX. I think there's a wider range of tones on the ToneLab than my AD60VTX, probably because of the cabinet settings!

Have fun!
Bob

P.S. The 1 x 12" should sound the most like the AD60 & the 2 x 12" should sound the most like the AD120. Also, for those shimmery Strats, try setting that Line/Amp switch to Amp and see if that helps!