Frankfurt Musikmesse 2009

[Jon Chappell]

I received this photo and press release from Vox. It's compact version of their ToneLab LE.

MUSIKMESSE, FRANKFURT, April 1, 2009 -- VOX Amplification introduces the latest addition to their popular ToneLabTM line of ValvetronixTM multi-effects modeling pedals: the ToneLab ST. This compact tone machine features an assignable expression pedal and two footswitches for live performance control. Guitarists can create 50 of their own programs or use any of 50 new preset programs, including 20 "song specific" presets for recreating the sound of classic rock songs.

Unlike other modeling units, the Valvetronix Series features a real 12AX7 vacuum tube (valve) to accurately capture the tone quality of a tube-driven amp. In addition to 33 amplifier recreations, the ToneLab ST also provides accurate simulations of 11 distinctive speaker cabinets. The cabinet and amp models can be mixed and matched to suit the user's preference. Twenty-five popular effects are included, ranging from classic "stomp-box" pedals to studio-quality rack-style effects.

The ToneLab ST also serves as a full function ASIO-compatible USB Audio interface, providing a direct connection to computer-based recording software. ToneLab ST Program Librarian software (Mac or PC) is available as a free download at www.VOXamps.com. Other connections include a line output that can be set for recording use or for feeding into an external amplifier, as well as a line input for jamming along to CDs, MP3 files, etc.

A chromatic tuner is built in, and it can be accessed silently during performance. The road-ready casing is made of metal, and the large LED display offers high visibility.

The VOX Valvetronix ToneLab ST will be available in late April with U.S. MSRP pricing of $275.00.

[TheGareth]

This looks very cool!!

[13bats]

Hey John ,

Can you comment further on the TL st?

If you are scrolling through patches do you hear them since it only has up down ?or can you scroll and then press down again to select the patch.This would be huge live

I am just concerned with the 2 switches.
also there appears to be no edit for the 11 stomp fx is it just a preset selected by Vox?

it looks cool but I would love to see them post the manual

[Jon Chappell]

I know what you mean: if it's "instant switching" then you have to carefully pre-plan all your program changes or you can't switch sounds seamlessly. This means less flexibility and experimentation on the fly.

If it's "preview mode" you can move around the presets at any time during, say, the verse, while setting up the new sound for the chorus. Then when the time comes, a second stomp activates the new sound.

But in answer to your question, I don't know. We'll have to wait until they post the pdf version of the manual, as you point out. (Or sometimes they include this in the promo material.) The ST definitely is a cool idea, though, for folks who want the ToneLab sound in a more compact package than either the SE or LE provide.

As to Edit mode, I do see a Write button next to the Reverb control, so you probably dial up a sound that's close, tweak the knobs until it's just right for your application, and then hit the Write switch.

I predict this will be a big success for Vox -- assuming they did everything right!

[wavesailor]

It looks like the tonelab ST manual is online now: http://www.voxamps.com/downloads/PDF/ToneLabST_OM_E1.pdf It looks like the footswitches switch instantly.

[liveloveshare]

I still think I like this one better. :] The two assignable expression pedals is huge. The one dot for flat and one dot for sharp isn't very convenient for a live application either. Also, switching presets seems much easier on the SE. I'm still waiting for the day they make one that surpasses the SE..

[Jon Chappell]

The two assignable expression pedals is huge. The one dot for flat and one dot for sharp isn't very convenient for a live application either.
Also, switching presets seems much easier on the SE. I'm still waiting for the day they make one that surpasses the SE..

Well, I like the ST too! But it's really more of a fair comparison to pit the SE against the LE. The ST is decidedly a different kettle of fish (scaled down and less expensive).

[Axeslinger]

And I'm ok with that if it sounds good.. I've owned the other versions and the footprints were just a little too large for my purposes so this version interests me..

[najmul]

Bought this a month back.
For the price i bought, its not bad. (USD$175). But the distortion modeling effects is disappointing and i couldn't get any satisfactory distorted sounds. I play mostly rock or metal.

[Axeslinger]

That's not good news

Does a pedal work in front of it?

[najmul]

That's not good news

Does a pedal work in front of it?

Sorry to disappoint you, i have yet to try that because, i don;t have any pedal to begin with. I'm a minimalist when it comes to guitar effects pedals.

However, in my opinion, the echo and chorus sounds good, if you're trying to get that U2 sound.

[sahlomonic]

So does the new Tonelab sound any different than the LE, or is it just a compact version? Since I don't use my LE live anymore, I've been interested in the ST version just to have something taking up less space for home practice. Plus, since I only use 2 or 3 amp models tops, it makes a little more sense.

[najmul]

i dont know how good it is compared to LE, because i don't have it. But i wouldnt recommend this for gigs, cause there only 2 foot switches to switch between presets...
other then than..
if you want to on say the chorus. you have to change the presets.
but if you wanna, switch on the wah, just pressed harder on the foot pedal, and it will be activated based on the current preset..

[freddyd]

I received this photo and press release from Vox. It's compact version of their ToneLab LE.

MUSIKMESSE, FRANKFURT, April 1, 2009 -- VOX Amplification introduces the latest addition to their popular ToneLabTM line of ValvetronixTM multi-effects modeling pedals: the ToneLab ST. This compact tone machine features an assignable expression pedal and two footswitches for live performance control. Guitarists can create 50 of their own programs or use any of 50 new preset programs, including 20 "song specific" presets for recreating the sound of classic rock songs.

Unlike other modeling units, the Valvetronix Series features a real 12AX7 vacuum tube (valve) to accurately capture the tone quality of a tube-driven amp. In addition to 33 amplifier recreations, the ToneLab ST also provides accurate simulations of 11 distinctive speaker cabinets. The cabinet and amp models can be mixed and matched to suit the user's preference. Twenty-five popular effects are included, ranging from classic "stomp-box" pedals to studio-quality rack-style effects.

The ToneLab ST also serves as a full function ASIO-compatible USB Audio interface, providing a direct connection to computer-based recording software. ToneLab ST Program Librarian software (Mac or PC) is available as a free download at www.VOXamps.com. Other connections include a line output that can be set for recording use or for feeding into an external amplifier, as well as a line input for jamming along to CDs, MP3 files, etc.

A chromatic tuner is built in, and it can be accessed silently during performance. The road-ready casing is made of metal, and the large LED display offers high visibility.

The VOX Valvetronix ToneLab ST will be available in late April with U.S. MSRP pricing of $275.00.

You can also check out the sound clips on the ST at www.voxamps.com