Line 6 TonePort UX8/Gearbox Software - Now with Conclusions

[Anderton]

Let's listen to some of the high-gain amp models; I thought I'd start out with the Line 6 models as opposed to the more "emulative" ones. These are solely the models and "linked" cabs (calling up an amp calls up a default cab, but you can change it if you want). There are no other effects in the chain, so this is pretty much the "raw" sound. The first part of each amp example has a more muted, chunky playing style; in the second part I let the chords ring out so you can hear the difference in how the amps react.

The first audio example plays, in this order:

Line 6 Chemical X (with 412 dynamic mic)
Line 6 Spinal Puppet (with 57 off-axis mic)

The second audio example plays, in this order:

Line 6 Insane (with 67 condenser mic)
Line 6 Treadplate (with 57 off-axis mic)

As you heard in the example in the previous post, the mic has a big influence on the sound. I chose these mics because I thought they sounded best with the amps, but of course, that's pretty subjective.

The image shows the face plates for the four amps, which prooves that Line 6 doesn't take this all too seriously...

[tradivoro1]

Hi Craig, thanks for the tips of maximizing the amp models on this and this unit looks better and better the more I read about it (really all these companies should be compensating you for giving such insightful explanations of their products)... any chance that at some point in the future you can review the vocal amp preamp models and see if those yield realistic results (by that I mean, really useful results as opposed to being able to be used as an effect)... I guess I should even clarify that... I mean, for instance, let's say you're using one mic with one singer, and it doesn't compliment the singers voice, could these preamps be used to make one mic more complimentary for different situations... Provided it's a good mic to begin with...

[Anderton]

What I was planning on doing was recording one vocal snippet, and processing it with the different preamps - like what I did with the miking options a few posts ago. You'll hear a definite difference. FWIW the GearBox software is my go-to program when I record narration.

And anyone else reading the Pro Review...please let me know if you have any requests about what else you want me to cover.

[Anderton]

Hi Craig, thanks for the tips of maximizing the amp models on this and this unit looks better and better the more I read about it (really all these companies should be compensating you for giving such insightful explanations of their products)...

Companies have to pay Harmony Central to host the Pro Review, which just about covers the bandwidth and moderation. However, they have to pay in advance, so they don't know how the review will turn out. As a result we get mostly companies who have confidence in their products

There's more about this in the "Pro Review FAQ and Forum Rules" thread. One of the best things about Pro Reviews is that is has a system of "checks and balances"--you can't say something's great when it isn't, and vice-versa, because there are thousands of people looking over your shoulder. And frankly, it takes some of the pressure off me--if I miss or misunderstand something, someone will correct me.

Okay, now I think it's time to record some more examples...I must say that aside from the 96kHz issue with my computer, the UX8 has been performing very well.

[tradivoro1]

That would be interesting too, post processing to make sound different or better... Thanks...

What I was planning on doing was recording one vocal snippet, and processing it with the different preamps - like what I did with the miking options a few posts ago. You'll hear a definite difference. FWIW the GearBox software is my go-to program when I record narration. And anyone else reading the Pro Review...please let me know if you have any requests about what else you want me to cover.

 

[Anderton]

That would be interesting too, post processing to make sound different or better... Thanks...

 

 

Well remember with the UX8 that the GearBox software offers two different options: ToneDirect monitoring, where you record the sound "on the way in" to your sequencer with no discernible latency, or using GearBox as standard plug-ins, where you basically record a dry signal, then modify it after the fact with the plug-ins. On the computer you'll have the option to monitor "through" the plug-ins, but there will be more latency compared to ToneDirect monitoring. However, of course when mixing down if you want to experiment with different plug-in sounds, you can do so and latency is not an issue.

 

Make sense?

[Anderton]

Here are some crunchy sounds that show how the GearBox software performs for chunky rhythm guitar parts. The first one, AC30 Crunch, is a patch I programmed that's pretty responsive; the image shows the main control settings. The second, Citrus Rhythm Crunch, has a ruder, dirtier sound.

[Anderton]

These are two patches I programmed, along with screen shots of the main control settings. Rhythm Medium Drive uses a simple amp model, but has good character. Rhythm Big and Beefy is a much bassier sound, with a little reverb thrown on to make it interesting.

[Anderton]

Rhythm Retro is another crunchy rhythm, but what makes this interesting (as you can see from the image) is that there's no amp model -- just a fuzz stompbox modeled on the EH Muff Pi and a cabinet. The next sound moves over to more of a lead sound; Lead Sweet Dirty Reverb is a more soulful, responsive type of lead as opposed to pure crunch.

[Anderton]

Here are two patches that ship with GearBox. Blossom is a brash, rocking lead sound, whereas Achtung Tone is a little more tame than Blosson, but more aggressive than Lead Sweet Dirty Rhythm in the previous post.

[Anderton]

I just received this email from Line 6 and thought y'all should know about it in case you wanted to get the plugs. Note that further down in the Questions section, there are links to several audio examples of the plug-ins in action.

--------

Special: all model packs and plug-in $169.95

 

SPECIAL: get it all for one low price.

Worth up to $400 if purchased separately.

 

For the musician who wants it all, this is a special offer to get every Line 6 upgrade and model pack available. Add full VST / AU / RTAS plug-in functionality plus every model pack available to max out the tone of your GuitarPort, PODxt family, or TonePort for one ridiculously low price.

 

Everything is included:

 

- Metal Shop model pack.

- Collector Classics model pack.

- FX Junkie model pack.

- Power Pack.

- Bass Expansion model pack.

- GearBox Plug-in Download.

 

Bundle offer ends April 30. Amounts shown in US Dollars (USD).

 

Order from:

line6.com/store/storefront.html

 

------------------------------------------

 

Questions? Read on...

 

- What is a Plug-in?

It provides seamless integration and flexibility with your computer recording application, allowing you to:

- "Re-amp" to change your sound after it’s been recorded.

- Run multiple plug-ins on a single track to create intricate effects chains.

- Create doubling effects and dual amp tones.

- Automate GearBox effects and settings with your recording application.

- Apply effects and amp processing to pre-recorded loops.

- Mix and master with studio-quality compressors, reverbs and preamps.

 

- What compatibility does GearBox Plug-in Download provide and on which computers?

Mac® RTAS®/AU, Windows® RTAS®/VST®

 

- What is a Model Pack?

It is a bundle of additional amplifier models and effects that can be enabled in your Line 6 gear to give you a whole new range of flexibility to dial in just the tone you need. There are different Model Packs available, depending on what style you would like to explore. This bundle includes them all.

 

- Exactly what amps and effects are included in each Model Pack?

Please see the following question. Each of the links contains the complete list of amps and effects, plus some audio samples.

 

- Can I hear some samples played through the Model Packs?

Yes, plug in some good headphones, and visit the links below.

Audio samples are near the top of each page, and you can select different samples by clicking on them near the left of the player:

Metal Shop: http://line6.com/modelPacks/metal.html

Collector Classics: http://line6.com/modelPacks/classics.html

FX Junkie: http://line6.com/modelPacks/fx.html

Power Pack: http://line6.com/modelPacks/power.html

Bass Expansion: http://line6.com/modelPacks/bass.html

(Includes Microphone and Cabinet models as well.)

 

- What if I already own a Model Pack?

If your gear came with a model pack pre-installed or if you purchased one already, this is still a great way to max out your tones and effects without paying for all of the rest of them separately.

 

- What if I already own the GearBox Plug-in?

If your gear came with the GearBox Plug-in or if you already purchased it separately, this is still a great deal for the complete set of model packs.

 

- Will all the tones and effects in the Model Packs work as plug-ins too?

Yes, any Model Packs you already own or included with this bundle will also have plug-in capability (as long as you have the Line 6 device with the activated plug-in and model packs connected to your computer).

 

- Is this bundle compatible with POD 2.0 or POD X3?

No, but you will end up with practically all the models in a POD X3.

 

- Exactly what Line 6 device do I need for this bundle?

Model Packs and GearBox Plug-in download are compatible with: GuitarPort, GuitarPort RiffTracker, PODxt, PODxt Live, PODxt Pro, TonePort GX, TonePort KB37, TonePort UX1, TonePort UX2, TonePort UX8, TonePort DI.

 

- How is this Gold Bundle offer different from the GearBox Plug-in Gold product offered in stores?

This Gold Bundle offer is only available as an electronic delivery from the Line 6 online store, but the GearBox Plug-in Gold is available from retailers and websites as a boxed product. Both offer the same model packs and plug-in functionality. The GearBox Plug-in Gold (box) comes with a TonePort DI device that must be connected to your computer. The Gold Bundle online offer does not come with any hardware because it is designed to be used with your existing compatible hardware in the place of the TonePort DI.

 

- What if I purchased a Model Pack or GearBox Plug-in Download at the original price?

Line 6 does not offer price protection, but if you purchased within the last 30 days, just return your license key for a refund and re-purchase now.

 

- Do I need to download anything after I purchase a Model Pack or GearBox Plug-in?

Probably not (just the "Monkey" if you do not have it already). Line 6 will give you a License Key after your purchase (found on the Thank You page, also in your account page, as well as in an email receipt we will send).

 

- How do I install the License Key

Line 6 Monkey is the utility used to install the license key. If you don't have it already, we will give you a download link and complete instructions (it's easy).

 

- Can I transfer some or all of the Model Packs or GearBox Plug-in to another Line 6 device?

Yes, you can transfer all of them together. This is another advantage of the Gold Bundle online offer versus the GearBox Plug-in Gold box version.

 

- What if my computer crashes, what will happen to my Model Packs?

The Model Packs and GearBox Plug-in are enabled in your Line 6 gear, so computer crashes will not affect them.

 

- Is there a Money-back Guarantee?

Of course, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund, no problem. It is as simple as pasting your license keys into a web page on the line 6 website, and then running Line 6 Monkey with your gear connected to your computer.

 

What is the cost in Euros?

This depends on your local rates and any fees from your credit card provider, but 25 USD is approximately 16 EUR now.

 

Got more questions?

Read the FAQ: http://line6.com/modelPacks/faq.html

 

[justcrash]

I really want to pick this up, this is a really good price!

[Anderton]

Well, I'm not here to sell GearBox software, but I thought this was worth bringing to everyone's attention because the price really is good--especially considering what you get.

[Anderton]

Let's get into the six vocal preamp models. To me, this is the Gearbox "secret weapon" because when people think of Line 6, they think guitar/bass processing. However, I've been able to get some excellent vocal sounds out of the Gearbox software, particularly with a little judicious processing.

First, we'll look at the model front panels. The main visible differences are in the way EQ is handled, as well as the fact that four have a drive control and two don't.

[Anderton]

For these audio examples, I've posted the original, raw unprocessed vocal, recorded through a Shure SM58 going through one of the UX8 mic inputs. The next three examples run the same phrase through the American Classic, Vintage UK, and Lo-Fi preamps. These are set totally flat with minimum drive, so you'll be hearing just the preamp "character," and nothing else.

[Anderton]

Same basic deal as above, but with different preamps. I've re-posted the original, raw vocal for easy comparison. The next three examples run the same phrase through the Vintage, Modern, and Consolo preamps. Again, these are set flat with no drive.

[Anderton]

In this example, we've taken the same raw phrase, run it through the Modern preamp, and added some processing. As you can see from the attached image, the "vintage compressor" model is enabled, and while an amp model isn't appropriate, adding some early reflections can add "life" to the voice. In this case, there's a reasonable amount of reflections being added, but I don't think the sound is gimmicky.

As to EQ, I've rolled off the low bass and a little bit of upper bass, so the voice cuts better through a video soundtrack. The High Mid control has the 5X button enabled, which multiplies the knob frequency (in this case, 747Hz, as shown by the info strip on the bottom that gives info on wherever the cursor is pointing). The boost at this frequency, around 3750Hz, makes the voice more present and crisper, while offsetting some of the dullness associated with dynamic mics.

In case this sound is familiar, it's what I used for a lot of the narration on the NAMM and Frankfurt videos done for Harmony Central's Theater

[Frets99]

I really appreciate the work you're doing with this review. I have a UX1 which fills my non-professional needs nicely. It's amazing to see how it's "grown up". The interface is still simple to use. And the quality sounds very professional to me.

[Anderton]

Here's one more example. This is a more processed vocal, designed for music instead of narration. Note the effects in use, as shown in the attached image: Gate, Modulation (set for a mild chorus effect), Early Reflections, Compressor, and Reverb. The image shows the Reverb GUI, with the Medium Hall algorithm selected.

In this case the Mod section was placed pre-amp, so it would be in front of the compressor. The reason for doing this is so the compressor can even out any major level variations caused by the chorusing.

As to the preamp settings themselves, frequencies below 25Hz are cut to reduce rumble and plosives. There's a slight boost around 90Hz, to give the voice a little more fullness, and another boost around 3.2kHz, to add intelligibility. There's also a little high-shelf action to increase the apparent "air." There is no other processing on the vocal other than what's added by the GearBox softtware.

[Anderton]

I really appreciate the work you're doing with this review. I have a UX1 which fills my non-professional needs nicely. It's amazing to see how it's "grown up". The interface is still simple to use. And the quality sounds very professional to me.

 

 

Thanks for the props! Now might be a good time for me to ask what else people would like to see showcased in this review. I know there was interest in the vocal options, but I think that's been pretty much covered at this point. I am planning on giving some more audio examples of effects with guitar, and then I think we'll be ready for conclusions. But please - if anyone has questions/requests/suggestions, feel free to chime in!

[Anderton]

Okay, I couldn't resist...gotta do a lo-fi example, right? This gives the famous "DJ singing through a set of headphones plugged into the mic pre with the gain way up" effect. Before listening to the audio example, please sign the personal injury release form...thanks.

Effect-wise, you can see in the image that Drive is up all the way, there's a major dip at 180Hz, and some high shelf boost. There's also a big boost at 35Hz although honestly, I can't remember why I did that...

The Effect GUI shows the Analog Delay, which models that sort of Electro-Harmonix Memory Man effect where you modulate the delay to add interest. The Stompbox is set to Vetta Compression, and there's Vintage Compression later on to add further squashing.

[Anderton]

You may recall I was having issues running the UX8 at 88.2kHz and 96kHz...lots of clicks and pops. Line 6 couldn't duplicate the problem.

 

Fred at PC Audio Labs, who I must say has been incredibly helpful in terms of support, suggested that flashing the BIOS might solve the problem as I was still running the mobo with a BIOS from 2006. The updating process was far easier than I expected: There's an ISO file on the PC Audio Labs web site, you download it, burn it to CD, boot with it in the drive, type FLASH, let it do its thing, then reboot.

 

After getting the computer back up and running, the UX8 works fine at 88.2 and 96kHz. So at this point, hardware-wise the UX8 now works with anything I can throw at it. All right!

[JJost]

You may recall I was having issues running the UX8 at 88.2kHz and 96kHz...lots of clicks and pops. Line 6 couldn't duplicate the problem. Fred at PC Audio Labs, who I must say has been incredibly helpful in terms of support, suggested that flashing the BIOS might solve the problem as I was still running the mobo with a BIOS from 2006. The updating process was far easier than I expected: There's an ISO file on the PC Audio Labs web site, you download it, burn it to CD, boot with it in the drive, type FLASH, let it do its thing, then reboot. After getting the computer back up and running, the UX8 works fine at 88.2 and 96kHz. So at this point, hardware-wise the UX8 now works with anything I can throw at it. All right!

 

 

That's great news Craig! I guess the lesson here is to make sure ALL our hardware is running with the latest updates, even if everything "seems" good most of the time. Manufacturers almost always have a solid rationale for the updates they make available.

[JJost]

Thanks for the props! Now might be a good time for me to ask what else people would like to see showcased in this review. I know there was interest in the vocal options, but I think that's been pretty much covered at this point. I am planning on giving some more audio examples of effects with guitar, and then I think we'll be ready for conclusions. But please - if anyone has questions/requests/suggestions, feel free to chime in!

 

 

Guitar examples are always fun, knock yourself out! (A couple of my favs are the '64 Blackface 'Lux and '67 Class A-30...)

 

If you're into working up bass examples, there are a few bass amps and cabs to choose from. As a practiced alternative to those, it might be interesting to try our "American Classic" preamp (modeled after an API 512 preamp with and 550b EQ - the "lunchbox")...

[Anderton]

That's great news Craig! I guess the lesson here is to make sure ALL our hardware is running with the latest updates, even if everything "seems" good most of the time. Manufacturers almost always have a solid rationale for the updates they make available.

 

 

Yup. What's really weird is that the E-Mu 0404 USB worked fine at 96kHz, but not the UX8...now with the motherboard update, the UX8 works as well at 88.2 and 96 as it did before at 44 and 48.

 

But what's even weirder: I swear I can load more plug-ins in Sonar than I could before. I don't have any before and after measurements, but it really does seem to be the case.

 

BTW I don't want to put you through too much trouble, but if you could give a brief description of how Line 6 does the modeling process, I think people would find it interesting. Do you just mic an amp and hook it up to a spectrum analyzer, or what? I really don't have a clue and I bet most others don't either.