Vox Tonelab SE

Nice and easy interface.

Not so digital, actually pretty close to tube sounds.

Bulit like tanks!
I want to use it with a backup but I don't have a backup! damn it!

Never dealt with them

I play blues, hardrock. Distortions are simply not good enough for metal stuffs but good enough for hardrock. I gave a 10 for overall because it looks like a real musical equipment and sounds so real.
I dig the tube in it when it glares!

Compared to other units the TLSE is a breeze. Punch the button for the effect you with to change and turn the knobs til it sounds the way you like.

Right out the box the TSLE has the best sound of all the pedalboard efx units. The Boss GT8 is right behind it for it out the box sound (all efx off). If you are coming from a set up of a couple of stompboxes this is going to be the unit for you. If you have used other multi-fx boxes the and are used to programming the Boss GT8 is the way to go. If you know how to program you can equal or surpass the TLSE, but you have to know to shape tone. I'll give it a 9 because most people are not tweakers. The Boss would get and 8 but once you kick in all the extra features it would a 9+.

For what paid it's easily a 10.

Clean undistorted tone is impossible to acheive with this unit!!!

Great Tube Tones for the distorted overdrive stuff. However, I really only have one beef with this unit, and that is that it appears to be next to (impossible) to get a seriously CLEAN Tone out of it. I've tried every conceivable combination of amps,speakers, effects, acoustic settings and tweaking the gain/VR and master volume knobs in every way but still there is a bit of residual distortion even using volume knob dynamics. It will NOT get that ultimate clean sound.

I DARE ANYONE TO PROVE ME WRONG!!!!!!!!

I am so horribly bummed out by this. This board truly excells in every way over the others floor board modelers but lacks seriously in the one area I was hoping would be a strong point.

VOX! What's up!!!??? Have you got your heads burried so deep in your coolo's that you can't see the importance of Cleeeaaaannnn!!! The guitar world does not rely on distortion and overdrive alone!!!! Get with it!!!!!

IF VOX WOULD ONLY CLEAN UP THE CLEAN TONES I WOULD BE CREAMING ALL OVER THIS BABY! I'm giving it a moderate rating only because of the absence of "CLEAN" undistorted sound. Period! Even rolling back the volume knob with single coils doesn't do it!!!

Just give me the ability to find a sound that closely ressembles the clean-ness of say; a strat with the middle possition bridge and mid pickup fed directly into a 65 Fender twin ala mark noppfler sound and I will be satisfied.

After short time of trying out the matrix for the different amps, cabinets and effects, I was able to create the tones I need. For a complex soundgear with thousands of different settings it is OK.

The TLSE is teh only modelling unit, that has really professional sounds. I owned the vamp, pod and podxt before. All units are far away from the tonequality of the vox. The TLSE has not as much simulations than for example a podxt. But what is build in is outstanding and professional sounding. It is really a tube sound especially with the crunchy and clean sounding amps. The effect section is great too. Shure, my old analog boutique overdrives and booster sound better but for a multi-sound setup this pedal simulations work excellent in every situation. One of the most important thin is: the TLSE is really a live gear. Pod and all the others are OK for some recorded sounds but in a live situation most sounds are unusable, digital, liveless and without punch. The VOX is an excellent live gear. It works with a normal guitar amp ( I use a Groove Tubes Soul O Single Tube amp and a HK Transitor Amp) as well as with a fullrange Monitor or as a "direkt to PA gear". Congratulations to the VOX engineers for their professional good sounding frequency correction unit and cabinet simulation. No other modeller can reach this professional quality.
The TLSE is a unit, that reacts to the sound and volume settings of the guitar nearly like a real tube guitaramp. It reproduces the real sound of different guitars in nearly all volume settings. Other gear only sounds usable with full open volume on the guitar.
The two channel concept is excellent for live playing and gives the feel of a real two channel guitar amp. I use this feature in my custom presets mostly with the same amps and cabinets but with different gain settings. Excellent!
For a modeller I give 10 points because it is not comparable with pure analog equipment.

This gear is build like a tank and and ready for liveplaying. I never had any problems.

I never had contact with the company.

I play guitar over 25 years with different equipment, tube amps, analog pedals, modellers. For the last years I play Strats, LesPaul, Takamine accoustic guitar and a "Steinberger Paddel" over GrooveTubes and HK Amps. Blues, Rock, Jazz and Fusion are my main styles. The TLSE is the first modeller I really love and I would buy it again without any uncritical. In my opinion there is nothing comparable better sounding on the market today.

I bought this floor unit because the POD XT was too cold and lifeless! I tried the Digitech units which to me sounded to flat and one dimensional. This Vox unit has such depth and fell. compared to all others! Satan would be proud!

I couldn't believe how devilish this thing sounded when first plugging into my VHT and Mesa power amps. This unit had much more dimension than any of the other modellers I had owned previously. I also like the lack of features, LOL! Seriously, my lord Satan loves this as well!

The Dark lord gives it the two thumbs up!

N/A

I play in a Slayer tribute band and yes, this unit covers this style very well! I have heard people say this unit can not get heavy or tight enough but I have to laugh after using this on countless gigs! I also play in a dark cover band.....we play the more dark and heavy classic of old and the tone stands up against some top amps. We play some gigs in an old church and the acoustics are amazing so you can hear all the nuances of this beast!

Let me just say this; This is the easiest and simplest floor unit ever made, that has this humongous arsenal of technology, PERIOD!

To get the sound you basically turn the knobs, hit write and your tone is there. Patch editing is so intuitive and simple, it is a truly no brainer. The Tonelab SE PC editor is so awsome and intuitive also. IT really helps so that you dont have to break your back going up and down to the unit on the floor to edit it. This is how it works:
You hook it up to the PC via midi in and out, once you turn on your TLSE, and launch the Editor; it automatically receives all your onboard patches from the TLSE (TONELAB). Now you have a really simple and clear view of what is on you TLSE. The names of the patches, the cabs, amps, everything is there on your big flat screen. It is in one word, SUPERB!!!! I just can't say it enough. But I really love this editor. I can go on and on, but you get the picture. This system was made for guitar players. No nonsense stuff, it is made to make you want to play your guitar and enjoy this beautifull instrument.

Manual? What is that? Well, just kidding. I did read the entire manual which is not that big at all, but I truly think you should read it. You will definitely get an awsome understanding of the huge undertaking that VOX did you give you the product you have. It really made me appreciate it and understand it a whole lot more. And it really sounds like it was written by a fellow rocker than some technical meat head that knows circuits and not the guitar. Kudos to VOX for the awesome job on the Tonelab?s manual. I give it a perfect 10.
I have not used the manual ever since I finished reading it. Not even the PC editors manual. Is there one? Well, who cares cause its not needed at all. Thats how easy it is to use.

Never deal with customer support. No comment here, but since they made such awsome product, easy to use, and simple interface with awsome editor, I have to give them a 10. The manual is so clear and consice, they should have given the author royalties for such awonderful job on the manual.

Truly awsome!!

I play Christian rock and workship. Perfect match. You know, that most awsome thing about this unit, is how it doesn't ruin the sound of you guitar. Its like you can have this amp fully cranked and still be able to tell the strumming of the strings. Its hard to explain with workds, but its something I couldnt feel with any other effects boards. The only one that came close was the Digitech GNX4. But it still was not there like the TLSE.

I have been playing for almost 26 years. I play to worship the King of Kings. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I thank God for VOX and for all the engineers that put so much effort in making this amazing tool to make music for God.

If this unit was stolen, I would really cry. Seriously. I think I could not take it. But things can be replaced and not life. So I would definitely buy another one.

In a few words, what I really love of this unit is its no nonsense approach to making music. You have all the tones you could ever dream of. All at your disposal and to make an unimaginable amount of you patches via the editor or right on the unit, with the utmost simplicity, just like you had you VOX amp in front of you and turned the knobs on the amp till you got your tone and voila!! Thats how easy it is on the TLSE. It doesnt get any better that this my friends.

I sold my Digitech GNX4. I thought I was going to use all the features on it, but I honestly didnt. I did a few times, but thats it. The sound of the GNX4 is superb and pro too. I cant say the same for the Pod units and XT live units. To me, those are ok for fun and to get exited about playing the guitar. For Professional recording and ONStage equipment and sound, it has got to be the Tonelab SE>period. Of course if you have way more cash, you can definitely go another route, but for this price range, the TLSE is the real Mackoy folks. Bar none, the ultimate TUBE sound at your feet. So if youre in the market for a floor unit, look no further. Do not get confused with all the bells and whistles of other units. Although the ones on the Digitech GNX4 are truly usefull, only get that unit if you intend to use those features. Which, in reality do come in handy. I had one and I can attest of their versatility and usefullness.

BUT, if you want true PRO sound and look it has got to be the TONELAB SE.

Warmest regards to all,

Musikman4Christ

Let me just say this; This is the easiest and simplest floor unit ever made, that has this humongous arsenal of technology, PERIOD!

To get the sound you basically turn the knobs, hit write and your tone is there. Patch editing is so intuitive and simple, it is a truly no brainer. The Tonelab SE PC editor is so awsome and intuitive also. IT really helps so that you dont have to break your back going up and down to the unit on the floor to edit it. This is how it works:
You hook it up to the PC via midi in and out, once you turn on your TLSE, and launch the Editor; it automatically receives all your onboard patches from the TLSE (TONELAB). Now you have a really simple and clear view of what is on you TLSE. The names of the patches, the cabs, amps, everything is there on your big flat screen. It is in one word, SUPERB!!!! I just can't say it enough. But I really love this editor. I can go on and on, but you get the picture. This system was made for guitar players. No nonsense stuff, it is made to make you want to play your guitar and enjoy this beautifull instrument.

Manual? What is that? Well, just kidding. I did read the entire manual which is not that big at all, but I truly think you should read it. You will definitely get an awsome understanding of the huge undertaking that VOX did you give you the product you have. It really made me appreciate it and understand it a whole lot more. And it really sounds like it was written by a fellow rocker than some technical meat head that knows circuits and not the guitar. Kudos to VOX for the awesome job on the Tonelab?s manual. I give it a perfect 10.

I have not used the manual ever since I finished reading it. Not even the PC editors manual. Is there one? Well, who cares cause its not needed at all. Thats how easy it is to use.

Oh man, this thing is a tank. I think the US army or marines built it cause, I can definitely step on it and know its gonna last. It is impressive on the floor. It is a professional unit folks. It was made to perform, sound awsome and get you noticed.

I can honestly say I can depend on it. I will buy an extra tube though, because like anything, nothing is perfect and its better to always have plan B.

I can definitely gig with out a backup. I know this thing, unless a semi truck passed over it, can definitely survive abuse.

Never deal with customer support. No comment here, but since they made such awsome product, easy to use, and simple interface with awsome editor, I have to give them a 10. The manual is so clear and consice, they should have given the author royalties for such awonderful job on the manual.

I play Christian rock and workship. Perfect match. You know, that most awsome thing about this unit, is how it doesn't ruin the sound of you guitar. Its like you can have this amp fully cranked and still be able to tell the strumming of the strings. Its hard to explain with workds, but its something I couldnt feel with any other effects boards. The only one that came close was the Digitech GNX4. But it still was not there like the TLSE.

I have been playing for almost 26 years. I play to worship the King of Kings. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I thank God for VOX and for all the engineers that put so much effort in making this amazing tool to make music for God.

If this unit was stolen, I would really cry. Seriously. I think I could not take it. But things can be replaced and not life. So I would definitely buy another one.

In a few words, what I really love of this unit is its no nonsense approach to making music. You have all the tones you could ever dream of. All at your disposal and to make an unimaginable amount of you patches via the editor or right on the unit, with the utmost simplicity, just like you had you VOX amp in front of you and turned the knobs on the amp till you got your tone and voila!! Thats how easy it is on the TLSE. It doesnt get any better that this my friends.

I sold my Digitech GNX4. I thought I was going to use all the features on it, but I honestly didnt. I did a few times, but thats it. The sound of the GNX4 is superb and pro too. I cant say the same for the Pod units and XT live units. To me, those are ok for fun and to get exited about playing the guitar. For Professional recording and ONStage equipment and sound, it has got to be the Tonelab SE>period. Of course if you have way more cash, you can definitely go another route, but for this price range, the TLSE is the real Mackoy folks. Bar none, the ultimate TUBE sound at your feet. So if youre in the market for a floor unit, look no further. Do not get confused with all the bells and whistles of other units. Although the ones on the Digitech GNX4 are truly usefull, only get that unit if you intend to use those features. Which, in reality do come in handy. I had one and I can attest of their versatility and usefullness.

BUT, if you want true PRO sound and look it has got to be the TONELAB SE.

Warmest regards to all,

Musikman4Christ

I just took one home from Guitar Center today (8/21/06). It's easy and intuitive to set up patches and use. It is a very good sounding unit, especially for distorted tones.

The sound quality is very good for distorted tones, even heavy distorted tones, that some reviewers have said it doesn't do. The problem is with the clean tones. If you are used to the sound of the great clean tube amps like Fender Twins and Blackface reverbs, you will not be able to match that sound. I've been playing for 30 years and have owned just about every amp. I really wanted to like this thing. My main guitar set-up is a Rivera Sedona. This is an all-tube acoustic/electric guitar amp that also has killer distortion sounds and great clean Blues tones and jazz tones. The problem is, it is VERY heavy. It weighs about as much as two Fender Twins. I'm serious, it is crazy heavy Also, it is very expensive, not only the initial price of around $2300 at Guitar Center today, but also in the tube maintainence ($100 each year or sooner). Which is why I wanted the Tonelab. Simplicity. Could I make it work? Yes. Does it have the clean punch of a twin or my Rivera? No way! By the way, I plugged it through a Mesa Boogie 20/20P tube power amp in stereo with 2 EV 12" speaker cabinets and it still didn't get it. The manual even says that the Blackface model was purposely left a little dirty for making the models correct. The only clean sound that worked was the acoustic patch, but even it distorted in the low end. It sounds like my Rivera when the tubes are going bad, unless you turn it down so low that you can't hear it, but the distortion is always there. Now don't get me wrong. I spoke with Paul Rivera about 5 years ago, and he said that the thing to learn about (because I was asking his advice) was amp modeling. He said it would be the future and that tubes will go away pretty soon. Well, we still aren't there folks. This is the best one, but it's not good enough.

I would guess that it's reliable. But I'm taking it back tomorrow. A "Surprise and Delight" was the included gig bag. Very good Vox!

If you see me play, I'm basically a jazz player. But I can play most styles pretty well. I'm like a Nashville studio guy that lives in Detroit. I've been playing for 30 years. Outside of low paying jazz gigs ($100 per night if lucky), to make some extra cash, I've been playing as a one-man band with as "non-karaoke" as possible backing tracks I create in my studio and I do everything from BB King, allman Brothers, Johnny Winter, Ramones, Doors and even Willie Nelson in addition to all of my jazz/world music stuff. . . . . . Antoher reason to want the Tonelab is that it IS very versatile. I wanted it to work. I really did. Also, I've had the Johnson J-Station and tried all of the other modelers in the store. They all seem to have the same issue with the clean tones, but the tonelab is better.

It's easy to get a good sound out of it, but to find all the functions is a bit pain in the butt.

The manual is ok, could be better.

My unit is from 2005 so, i think it's the upgraded one.

Setup: Dean Evo, Fender Stratocaster/Vox Tonelab SE/Alesis quadraverb/PA

First of all, you should know that your sound depends very much of the tube that is inside your Tonelab.
Standard it comes with an Electro Harmonix, made by Sovtek. Well..the production of these tubes are not very consistent.
I've heard stories from people who got a complete shit-sound out of it and want to sell this unit a.s.a.p.
I had also minor problems with my Marshall sounds, it just sounded dull and i never used it.
All other amps sounded a bit sharp in the high end. The lack of bass is of course because it's a modeling unit.
I was just not satisfied.
I changed the standard tube for a NOS General Electric 12AX7 tube.
After this change, the sound of all the amplifiers became much better, except for the tweed.
Great overdrives with nice harmonics, enough bass and not these high peaks. Now i really use the Marshall sound a lot!
I also will buy a NOS Muller tube and try that.

2nd of all, if you are a metalhead then this unit is not for you.
It is really a musical piece of equipment. This unit is perfect for clean sounds, breakup sounds to Rock.

I find the effects good, except for the reverbs and rotary.
Maybe the choruses could be deeper and a bit more lush.
I use also my Alesis effects.

The delays are pretty good
Actually this Tonelab has 2 modulation delays, the Korg SDD3000 and the Electro Harmonix Memory man.
Perfect for U2 players, with this you can even play "Where the streets have no name"
I play a lot of U2 so this unit is perfect for me.
The Vox AC simulations are really good and with the 2 modulation delays you're already equipped.

I think it is pretty reliable.
It looks sturdy and sure weighs heavy.
Sure i will gig without backup, since i don't have any backup unit.
Only one thing happened during the year that i got the unit. One time the power didn't came up after i switched it on.
I switched the external power unit off and on and it worked again.
Nothing spectacular.

Never dealt with them, never needed them.

My style of music is anything from 70's till now, i play also a lot of ambient stuff and U2.

I have been playing for 21 years electric guitar.

If it was stolen, sure i would consider to buy another one, but also i would like to try the new Zoom transtube 9.2. Heard good stories about it but if it can beat the Vox, don't know.

I have had Boss stuff and POD stuff, like the XT. None of the competitors comes in terms of real tone close to this SE, except for the Zoom TT 9.2 maybe.
POD, Boss, Digitech etc. have maybe more amp/cab models and 750 other effects, but what good is it for if it all sounds cold and sterile. I can't really believe that real musician's prefer a POD XT live over a unit with tubes. So i assume that these POD/Boss players are a bit ignorant.

I wish i could use the wah with another pedal.

This modified Tonelab in combination with my Alesis quadraverb, is a combination hard to beat. the Alesis also colours the sound as well a bit (in the good way) and makes up the weak spots in my Tonelab, like reverbs etc. Sure both units are real keepers (i have bought tons of equipment in the past and sold it again). The only thing that i would like to add is a good tube enhancer/exciter and a truly good modulation delay. For the rest nothing to complain.

Fairly easy. It does not take long at all to figure this thing out.

I'll keep this fairly short here. In the last year I have bought the Behringer V-amp pro, The Pod XT, Boss GT-Pro, and now this, The Vox Tonelab!

Which one sounds best? The Vox in nearly EVERY CATEGORY! The Pod xt and V-amp aren't as good as this thing in any category. The cleaner sounds and big chord sounds on the Vox are at least 15-20% better sounding than the other amp modelers, and the dirty and metal sounds are about 5-8% better sounding than the other modelers.

Believe me, I have done extensive testing on all these untis having spent hours and hours doing side by side comparisons.

I wish I would have bought the Vox first. I'll still be keepng the Boss GT Pro simply because it has a lot of weird sounds and does have value to me for recording but The Pod xt and Behringer V amp pro have to go!