Thinking of getting a Tonelab LE

by **kipper15** » 29 Mar 2008, 17:58

guitarj wrote:Ok.... got some time today to play through the Roland KC 150 and got some much better results at home. I think I probably had the output level on the tonelab too hot last night, and that was probably causing some of the bad tones I was getting with the High gain models.

The 65 watt 12" 150 is more than enough for home use, and will serve me well even when I do practice with a loud drummer. For more serious gigging, KC 350....or better yet.... a pair of 350's would be very effecient.

The VR in the tonelab makes all the difference in the world, to achieving warm tube "sag" type of tone with a FRFR rig. I can tell you that the Roland KC's are an excellent option.....unless you want loud halfstack window rattling heavy metal.

It does makes sense that VR tube feel is not as pronounced in the high gain models (although I was getting some tastey tones there today at home). This is where I think the Atomic amps probably bring more in live (and LOUD) situations. I still would love to try one someday....Especially since the VTX's are gone....going totally towards MFX may be my coarse in the future.....Hopefully not in the near future though!!

What's wrong with loud halfstack window rattling heavy metal? :wink:

Sure is useful information guitarj, but I think the jury is still out on this one...

by **guitarj** » 30 Mar 2008, 06:48

kipper15 wrote:
What's wrong with loud halfstack window rattling heavy metal?

Sure is useful information guitarj, but I think the jury is still out on this one...

I'm sure you would have great results with the moniter you were considering also :wink:

Hope you find the right combination for you.

John

by **kipper15** » 31 Mar 2008, 10:46

guitarj wrote:I'm sure you would have great results with the moniter you were considering also

Hope you find the right combination for you.

John

Well, I've now decided I'm going to either invest in one of these two options:

ToneLab LE + Tech 21 PE60 or Yamaha Powered PA speaker

or

AD50VT + Boss ME-50 effects

Hopefully I can get some time in the next couple of weeks when I'll be able to try these options out.

It's a case of finding some time during the week to do it - any music store is always hectic at weekends so.

I'll let you know what I decide and thanks again for the input.

Thanks also to everyone else who has contributed to this discussion so far.

by **Nik** » 31 Mar 2008, 13:56

guitarj wrote:
It does makes sense that VR tube feel is not as pronounced in the high gain models (although I was getting some tastey tones there today at home). This is where I think the Atomic amps probably bring more in live (and LOUD) situations. I still would love to try one someday....Especially since the VTX's are gone....going totally towards MFX may be my coarse in the future.....Hopefully not in the near future though!!

Lots of preamp gain + some valve (tube) power amp drive = mud

In my humble opinion, of course.

by **Nik** » 31 Mar 2008, 13:58

kipper15 wrote:
I found there was a whole world of difference between the sound of keyboards going through combos and through PA's. I remember when I switched from a Peavey KB amp to a powered Yamaha PA speaker rig, the improvement in sound quality and clarity was phenomenal.

So try some of today's compact, active, high performance PA cabs. JBL EON series, Mackie SRM series, EV SX series and models by Peavey and Behringer even, all sound great with modellers.

by **guitarj** » 31 Mar 2008, 21:49

Just an update.... The Tonelab/VC 12 and Roland KC 150 combo worked like a charm this weekend. We played 3 times in a very tight space. My AD15VT would have been too small (not to mention a boxy sound with the 8" speaker), and the AD60VTH and cab way too big.

I love the tonelab, and its VR circut. Practicing at home with my Sennheiser headphones...... is soooo inspiring!!! It would be tough to beat any of the Tonelab units (DT, SE, LE).... imo!!

I have roomates now, and I can rock the house :twisted:

and never bother anyone..... Cant beat that.

by **guitarj** » 01 Apr 2008, 00:51

Nik wrote:
guitarj wrote:
It does makes sense that VR tube feel is not as pronounced in the high gain models (although I was getting some tastey tones there today at home). This is where I think the Atomic amps probably bring more in live (and LOUD) situations. I still would love to try one someday....Especially since the VTX's are gone....going totally towards MFX may be my coarse in the future.....Hopefully not in the near future though!!

Lots of preamp gain + some valve (tube) power amp drive = mud

In my humble opinion, of course.

Yes!!

The TL is the preamp basicly.... so I keep the output level (TL) and channel volume low, while keeping the master vol at 10 (ch and master vol. on the Roland). .....adjusting over all volume with channel vol. Works great!!

by **kipper15** » 06 Apr 2008, 22:33

I've decided in the end not to go with the ToneLab LE. Instead I am going to buy a Boss ME-50 for effects and an AD50VT. I tried this combination out earlier today.

See thread here:

http://www.valvetronix.net/forum/ad50vt ... highlight=

Thinking of getting a Tonelab LE

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