Which Tonelab do you recommend?

[bclarke675]

And why?

I'm in the market for a Tonelab. There are four different models to choose from...the desktop model, the SE, the LE and the new ST. What do those of you in the know recommend? I currently have an AD60VTX, and am looking for something to record with and leave at our studio, so I can practice with my AD60VTX between gigs.

Thanks in advance,
Bob

[Nik]

... am looking for something to record with and leave at our studio, so I can practice with my AD60VTX between gigs.

Original desktop model.

It will cost you the least, has a digital output and everything you need for recording. What the others have extra may be good for live use.

[bclarke675]

Thanks Nik! I was hoping you would weigh in on this. I know you've had as much or more experience with Tonelabs as anyone, plus your engineering background.

[bclarke675]

Still trying to get a good buy on a ToneLab. Just missed out on one this weekend. Too busy playing to watch eBay closely. LOL

Had a great time playing the AD60VTX with my new JangleBox. Did a redo of The Cars "My Best Friend's Girlfriend" that wasn't too bad, although the recording is tinnier than the live sound was.

[bclarke675]

Managed to win a desktop ToneLab on eBay this weekend for $119.50 total. Can't wait to get it and use it at our next jam/recording session. Glad I've got the VC12 to go with it!

Let you know how I like it when I get it and can play through it.

Bob

[Nik]

Main differences that you will find from the AD60 are that the FX are after the valve reactor in the Tonelab, which makes them somewhat clearer and better defined to my ears.

Also, the Tonelab has speaker simulations, which gives greater versatility and further differentiates the various models.

[bclarke675]

Thanks for the further info Nik! That'll come in handy when tweaking my patches.

[rnegtr]

The other thing to spend some "quality time" with is the VR Gain control. It can be a bit hard to figure out it's interactions with the various models. Look over the Tonelab forums for the postings that have the files on what amps are modeled. (I have the files but I'll have to figure out how to upload them to the site. I'll try to send them to one of the hosts. In the meant time, search for these files: TSLEWhatsitamps.pdf and TSLEwhatsiteffectscabs.pdf and TSLEwhatsit_v4.xls -- I didn't name them but these are the files). They are spread sheets with an outstanding analysis of each amp and cab modeled and how the controls are like, or dislike, the ones on the original amp. They even include a photo of the amp or cab. (Cool stuff!). They will give you a good idea what to do with the VR control. On the more classic and lower gain models, it should be all the way up to simulate the original but on the high gain models, it acts more like a master volume and generally is not turned up that far. Anyway, check out those files. Enjoy, this is an amazing unit - especially for the money - and works great with the VC-12.

[bclarke675]

I was able to spend about a half an hour with the ToneLab last Friday, and WOW!!! I thought the AD60VTX sounded good!?! The ToneLab blows my amp away as far as the preset tones, with the possible exception of the Santana tone (which I like better on my amp). I found out I'm going to have to wait another month at least to gig, due to my work schedule. BUMMER! Anyway, that'll give me a chance to play with the ToneLab and see what it can really do.

Thanks for the advice and support.

Bob

[bclarke675]

Was able to play the ToneLab with the band this last Friday, and this is a song we did with my stepson on bass, son-in-law on vocals and me playing my Ibanez through the Tasty Flange preset on the ToneLab!

http://www.realobz.biz/Sleepwalkin.wma

Happy with tone, if not performance.

My fave for the night was "Revenge", which shows off my use of the UK Blues tone through an AC30 cab (Bluesbreaker). Dynamics are awesome.

http://www.realobz.biz/revenge.wma

Bob