Tube Change ToneLab ST - Other Questions :)

[socal]

Hi all,

I wanted to first thank the guys in charge for keeping a forum like this. I know first-hand how much free time it takes to manage a forum with people just popping in to ask a question, then popping out without a thanks.

I have a Tonelab ST. I used to own an LE which I loved, but man that thing was huge! I've even gone the POD route (POD X3 Live, rack etc), I'll just say I never had a pleasant moment with anything line6. I use the Tonelab for recording instead of software simulation (Amplitube, etc), even though both are modeling, I feel that a hardware modeler with a vacuum/valve reactor is somewhat more organic between the two. I play on Mesa Amps, cool boutique pedals etc live, but it's not practical to mic any of that 99% of the time, and honestly, minus the speaker push effect of playing loud, the Tonelab, to my ears, pretty much nails the clean to moderate crunch tone that my gear could produce with a mic.

Ok so questions. Is there a tutorial for changing out the tube on the ST? I've heard good things about Groove Tube preamps in there for reducing top end fizzyness.

My other question is:
At what point does the tube kick in? I've read the manual and still confused. With the LE, I know there was the VR control, which, i honestly kept on full throttle most of the time! However, I notice that the ST doesn't include this. My assumption is that the tube is used during the power amp stage of the circuit, and possibly has a set gain on it depending on amp model (the models that seem to take a fraction longer to prepare internally when turning the knob)? Or could the other possibility be that the amp's master increases gain in series with the tube. I don't know, and i guess it doesn't matter since they sound so good, but it would be nice to know.

EDIT: I almost forgot to ask. Does the tonelab only put out 44.1kHz via USB?

Thanks everyone!

[sc2071]

I'm curious myself about the same thing. A couple quick Google's found me these (although I haven't read through them myself). Perhaps they are of some use.

I'm curious with all the different Groove Tubes out there, which one to get for the ToneLab? Are they all compatible? And if yes, then what's the difference? Obviously, I'm a noob when it comes to this stuff.

How to replace your tube (valve for you Brits)
http://www.tonelab.net/how-to-replace-your-tube

Taking apart the Tonelab LE
http://www.tonelable.com/takeapart.html

ToneLab LE tube life/replacement
http://www.voxamps.com/forum/topic.php?id=2078

Good luck!

[socal]

I'm curious with all the different Groove Tubes out there, which one to get for the ToneLab? Are they all compatible? And if yes, then what's the difference? Obviously, I'm a noob when it comes to this stuff.

Hey thanks for response. The only real (perceivable) difference with the tubes would be headroom. You'd want one that has low distortion if you want to have little tube OD, or one with a smaller amount of headroom if you want it to break-up/overdrive quicker. What is hard to gauge though, is how Vox has the tube in the path. Does it pass through 100%, or just a bit with transistor OD (like a PreSonus BlueTube). I really don't know!

I used to own the Tonelab LE, but the ST looks a bit more complicated in getting that tube in/out. Some manufacturers of floor processors that have tubes actually use an adhesive compound to 'freeze' the tube against the frame or the circuit board, I'd like to know that before I open it up.

Any one have any answers?

[sc2071]

Just took my ToneLab ST to swap out the tube at the local guitar shop. It was much more straight forward than the LE, so much I really could have done it myself.

The tech did it in front of me. After removing all the screws to open the chasis, you'll see the tube is readily accessible. No circuit boards are in the way. The only difficulty is the tube is placed so close to the top piece of the chasis, that it's hard to get a handle on it to pull it out properly. Good thing the boards the thing sits in are a bit plyable!

Anyway, I wouldn't hesitate to do the proceedure myself next time I feel like swapping tubes.

[kirs]

I just swapped my tube for a Russian Groove Tube. It was pretty simple. Six screws and the bottom comes off, then one screw to remove the foam padding under the tube. The tube hangs from a small daughterboard, so you have to be very careful pulling it out or you could crack the connection for the daughterboard. Just jiggle it a little to expose the prongs, then use a small flathead screwdriver to pry it out. Be equally careful putting the new tube in.

I noticed things sound a little less harsh now, but honestly, it could be a placebo effect.