Vox ToneLab SE multieffects processor: comments good 'n bad

Being way above my budget, I don't have one. But being the bunghole I am, I have tried it a few times. In short: sounds killer. I haven't really delved into the effects much, but they seem more then adequate. The modeling kicks MAJOR butt. I am not sure on the metal side, but those hendrix, led zep en SRV tones are all in there. I have a V-amp2, and the Tonelab is way superior. (note, I havent tried the SE version, but it should sound the same as the desktop one.) If you are looking for effects, the Boss unit you have might be better. But for modeling, the Tonelab rocks your socks.

I've had my Tonelab SE for a few months now, and the more I play it, the more it rocks. Not only does it sound killer, but it's obvious the folks at Vox gave a lot of thought to designing the pedalboard to be easy to use during performance.

OK - let's look at the sound first.

Live, I'll use it either direct into the PA (great for open mikes at the blues club), or into one of three amps (Fender Bassman 25, Vox Pathfinder 15, or a Peavey Duel 212). It always sound great, but the speakers and tone stacks of the amps will color the sound a certain amount - which can be good or bad. For this reason, Vox suggests you plug the SE straight in to the power section of your amp if possible ( or in the case of my Peavey - if I dare ).

Now - the layout....

Imagine having a collection of 50 classic stompboxes - the ones used by people like Hendrix, Townsend, Satriani, Harrison, Clapton, Van Halen, and Metheny.

Now add 16 classic amps, from a 50's era Fender Champ to a modern hi gain rectifier style.

Top it off with 10 cabinet styles ( 11 counting "off" ), ranging from a single 8" Jensen, through a marshall 1960, to a Vox AD412.

The cherry - you can pick any of these with the turn of a knob, and tweak and tailor the settings so they're just so.

I won't need another stompbox for a long time.

All this choice is useless though if you can't organize it enough to be useful for a live gig. That's where this pedalboard *really* shines. Here's how it's set up:

A/B channel select, which allows you to select amp/cab model and which effects in the chain are initially on/off for ....

24 program banks of 4 programs each, controlled by a bank up or bank down switch, plus four program select switches.

But wait, there's more! Each program can be switched in and out of "stompbox" mode allowing you to turn individual effects on and off as desired. Plus you have two "expression" pedals that can be assigned to control any parameter of any effect you want

The result is a tremendous versatility that allows you to set things up in a way that makes sense to you, so they're easy to find, easy to use on stage, and easy to adjust on the fly when needed.

Did I mention it's built like a tank? All steel construction, about 20 pounds worth.

I don't regret a single penny of the $599 US I paid for it. Having used the SE for a while, it's an excellent value even if it *seems* pricey.

The lastest Guitar Player (pedal steel player Robt. Randolph on cover) has a "field" review of the Tonelab SE -- quite favorable.

-G

Yea, that was a good review. I tore it out of the magazine to save for reference. I still think every review in magazines should have both pros and cons. Oh well.

Corbind, I posted a link to one of my recordings i n the Hear Here forum. All the guitars were done through the Tonelab if you want to hear some of what it can do....

Good gravy, I NEVER saw that forum! Man I feel silly. I'm going over there right now. When did that forum start up?