Owner’s Manual IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS 1 This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside.
Precautions Location Using the unit in the following locations can result in a malfunction. • In direct sunlight • Locations of extreme temperature or humidity • Excessively dusty or dirty locations • Locations of excessive vibration • Close to magnetic fields Power supply Please connect the designated AC/AC power supply to an AC outlet of the correct voltage. Do not connect it to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for which your unit is intended.
CE mark for European Harmonized Standards CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of AC mains operated apparatus until December 31, 1996 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC). And, CE mark which is attached after January 1, 1997 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/ EEC), CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).
Table of Contents Quick Start.................................................................................................... 6 Setup ......................................................................................................................................6 Listen to the Programs ...........................................................................................................7 Switching effects on/off..................................................................................
Create Your Own Program ...........................................................................................24 Changing the connection order of the Effects (CHAIN)........................................................25 Using the Three-band Equalizer...........................................................................................25 Naming a Program ...............................................................................................................26 Storing a Program ..........
Quick Start A GUIDE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO PLAY GUITAR FIRST, AND READ THE MANUAL LATER! ep, we know. You’d rather be playing guitar than reading this manual. Who wouldn’t? I know I would so here’s a “Quick Start” to get you up and running without delay (pun intended) First we’ll get started by trying out ToneLab LEs programs and then we’ll explain how to use the various controls and knobs to create your own sounds. Right.
LISTEN TO THE PROGRAMS 8. Use the BANK UP, DOWN switches (5.1) to select a bank 1–30. Notice that the number in the bank display (3.4) blinks and changes. HINT: ToneLab LE has 120 programs, organized into 30 banks with four programs in each bank (30 x 4 = 120). When shipped from the factory, banks 1–10 contain 40 programs. (The programs in banks 1–10, 11–20 and 21–30 are identical to each other) Program Select mode lets you select these programs.
HINT: If you want to replicate the sound of the original amp, set [VR GAIN] to the maximum setting on vintage-type models that do not have a master volume control (i.e., AC15, AC15TB, AC30, AC30TB, UK BLUES, UK 68P, BLACK 2x12, TWEED 1x12, and TWEED 4x10). For moderntype amps that have a master volume control, adjust [VR GAIN] in the same way that you would on the original amp. When the [VR GAIN] setting is low, preamp-type distortion will occur.
Introduction MAIN FEATURES • ToneLab LE features Valve Reactor technology that switches between Class A and Class AB power amp circuits with an actual 12AX7 (ECC 83) miniature triode valve (vacuum tube) to create the sound of an actual tube power amp, delivering the response and tone of classic amps. • ToneLab LE uses sophisticated modeling technology to create classic amp, cabinet, and effect sounds.
VALVE REACTOR TECHNOLOGY THE POWER (AMP) AND THE GLORY! alve Reactor technology was first used on the critically acclaimed VOX AD60/120VT Valvetronix amps. The Valve Reactor circuitry in ToneLab LE however has been tuned-up especially for live performance. Since conventional modeling effects for line recording are not used directly with a speaker, they do not include a power amp circuit, output transformer, or speaker. In other words, they only have a preamp circuit.
Introduction SIGNAL ROUTE When you plug into ToneLab LE the signal passes through the following stages. You might want to glance at the explanations in “A Guitarist’s Guided Panel Tour” (p.12) while you read this section.
A Guitarist’s Guided Panel Tour Here we’re going to learn about the buttons and other controls on ToneLab LE’s top and rear panel. THE TOP PANEL 2 3 4 1 5 6 1 MODEL SELECT SECTION Here you can select the model of amp, cabinet and effect models. 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.3 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.1 1.1 MODEL select buttons Use these when selecting the effect category you want to edit with value knobs 1–6, and when switching effects on/off.
CAB (CABINET) button Use this button to select a cabinet model or turn the cabinet model on and off. While this button is blinking, you can use value knob 1 to select a cabinet model. If you press the CAB button while holding down the AMP button, then you can use value knob 3 to adjust the presence, and value knob 4 to adjust the noise reduction, and value knob 6 to adjust the volume level of the programs. 1.
2 EDIT SECTION 2.2 2.1 2.1 Edit category LEDs One of the LEDs will light up to indicate the category of effect you are currently editing. Alternatively, an LED will light up to indicate the line of parameter names that you are currently adjusting. 2.2 Value knobs 1–6 Use these to adjust the parameters of the effects or amp model. Your adjustments will modify the effect whose MODEL select button you pressed (i.e., the button that is blinking).
4.2 ▲, ▼ buttons Use these to edit the value of parameters. 4.3 √, ® buttons Use these to select the parameter you want to edit, or to edit the program name. 4.4 [AMP/LINE] button Use this button to make the ToneLab LE output settings. If you selected “Ln2,” you can use a three-band equalizer to adjust tonal characteristics of the amp models. 4.5 RENAME button Use this to change the program name (p.26).
5 BANK/PROGRAM/SELECT SECTION 5.1 5.2 5.1 BANK UP/DOWN switches In Program Select mode, press BANK UP to increment the bank by one, or BANK DOWN to decrement it by one. In Program Select mode, press and hold down BANK UP to enter Effect On/Off mode. The LED in the upper left of the switch lights up green. In this mode, you can use the BANK DOWN switch to toggle INSERT (the external effect) between On and Bypass. In Effect On/Off mode, press BANK UP to return to Program Select mode. 5.
Introduction Panel Tour 6 EFFECT CONTROL SECTION 6.1 6.1 CONTROL switch This switch controls the effect function specified by the Control switch target parameter. 6.2 EXP pedal (Expression pedal) This pedal controls the effect parameter you assigned as the expression pedal target parameter (e.g., volume, wah, or other effect parameter).
REAR PANEL 7 REAR PANEL SECTION 7.1 7.7 7.2 7.1 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 Valve ToneLab LE contains a 12AX7 (ECC83) valve (“vacuum tube”). NOTE: The valve cover or the valve may break if either is subjected to impact. If the valve cover breaks, please have it replaced. Failure to replace a damaged valve cover may lead to the valve itself becoming damaged. 7.2 STANDBY switch Turns the power on/off. 7.3 ~AC9V Connect the included AC/AC power supply here. 7.
Introduction NOTE: You must turn off the power of all your equipment before you make connections. If you ignore this warning, you may damage your speaker system or experience malfunctions! Panel Tour Setup Setup BASIC CONNECTIONS to your mixer/recorder or guitar amp Playing Guitar LINE/AMP Headphones External effect processor to an AC outlet PHONES L/MONO R INPUT OUTPUT RETURN SEND ~AC9V ToneLab LE 1. Use audio cables to connect ToneLab LE’s OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks (7.
7. To adjust the volume, turn up your amp or mixer and ToneLab LE’s rear panel LEVEL knob to a desired level (7.7). NOTE: Since ToneLab LE uses an actual valve (vacuum tube), it will produce no sound for several seconds until the valve warms up. This isn’t a malfunction – it’s just the nature of valves.
2. Use value knob 1 or the ▲, ▼ buttons to set the value. AP1: Select this if you are using an amp that features a clean sound, such as a US-made open-back combo. AP2: Select this if you are using an amp that features a strong and distinctive mid range, such as a UK-made open-back combo. AP3: Select this if you are using a stack-type amp, such as a 4x12" closed-back cabinet.
Playing ToneLab LE PROGRAM SELECT MODE ToneLab LE has 120 programs (30 banks x 4 programs), and every one of these programs can be totally rewritten or “custom tweaked” to your heart’s content. With the factory settings, banks 1–10 contain a total of 40 preset programs. (Banks 11–20 and 21–30 contain the same preset programs as banks 1–10.) In order to select programs, you need to be in Program Select mode. SELECTING A PROGRAM As an example, here’s how to select program 2-3 (bank 2, program 3). 1.
NOTE: While the Key Lock function is activated, you won’t be able to operate any controls except for the switches, pedals and the EXIT/TUNE button. NOTE: The Key Lock setting is cancelled when you turn off the power; it will be disabled when you turn on the power once again. ACTIVATING THE KEY LOCK FUNCTION 1. If the name display shows anything other than a program name, or if the characters of the program name are blinking, press the EXIT/TUNE button. 2.
Creating and Storing your own Programs There are two ways you can do this; by “tweaking an existing program” or by “starting from scratch.” CREATING YOUR OWN PROGRAM TWEAKING AN EXISTING PROGRAM If you want to tweak an existing program, select one that’s close to the sound you want. Set the MODEL select buttons to the amp, cabinet and effects you want to use, and use value knobs 1– 6 to adjust the sound.
NOTE: For some of the models, the name of the actual parameter you will be editing may differ from what is printed in the parameter line of the edit section. The name that appears in the display when you operate a value knob is the actual name. For details on parameters refer to p.34. 9. If you want to continue making adjustments, simply press the select button for the model you want to edit, and turn the value knobs.
NOTE: The equalizer is unavailable if an amp model you selected is turned off. NAMING A PROGRAM Here’s how you can name a program. NOTE: The program name is saved as part of each program. If you switch to a different program or turn off the power before you save, your settings will be lost. 1. Press the RENAME button. 2. Use the √, ® buttons to move the cursor to the character you want to change (the selected character blinks), and use value knob 6 or the ▲, ▼ buttons to change the character.
Explanations of the Amp, Cabinet and Effect Types CONTROLLING FACTORS As already touched on in this manual, although the amp model of your ToneLab LE houses controls for GAIN, VR GAIN, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS, PRESENCE and CH VOLUME, not all of the amps we’ve modelled have as many controls. In such cases, rather than leave you with knobs that do nothing (what on earth would be the point of that!?), we’ve made full use of all six (6) ToneLab LE controls without compromising the accuracy of any of our models.
ToneLab LE VR GAIN: MASTER VOLUME that controls how much preamp signal level is passed to the power amp, which in our case is the VALVE REACTOR stage. (Your ToneLab LE works like a real amp.) ToneLab LE CH VOLUME: For want of a better way of putting it, this is like a power attenuator that you would add between the output of your amp and the input of your speaker cabinet. This controls the level of the final mix and allows you to balance all your programmed amp sounds to each other.
Original’s valve compliment: 4 x ECC83s, 1 x ECC82 in the preamp, 1 x GZ34 rectifier, 4 x EL84s in the power amp. 4. AC30TB The Brilliant channel of an AC30TB includes extra tone circuitry that features an additional ECC83 valve called “Top Boost” and two extra EQ controls, giving the amp three tone controls — Treble, Bass and Cut.
8. UK ’90S This model is based on the “lead” channel of a 100 Watt, dual channel head that is capable of so much preamp distortion it houses a Gain control that goes all the way up to 20! This amp replaced UK ’80s and was developed to satisfy the ever-evolving rock guitarists’ insatiable lust for more gain, features and flexibility. Original’s valve compliment: 3 x ECC83s in the preamp, 4 x 5881s in the power amp. 9.
Amp/Effect 1. TWEED 1X8 (TWD 1X8) The 8-inch 3.2-ohm Alnico speaker in this cabinet is built into a simple, open-backed amp with a 6V6 output valve. 2. TWEED 1X12 (TWD 1X12) This speaker is the other half of our Tweed 1x12 Amp. As the name suggests it is a single 12" speaker, which uses a revered Alnico magnet. 3. TWEED 4X10 (TWD 4X10) Keeping with Alnico magnet speakers, this cabinet is open backed and uses four 10" 8 Ohm speakers, wired in parallel for a total of 2 Ohms impedance. 4.
6. VOX AC15 (AC15) WHAT GOES WITH WHAT? This is a 1x12" open backed combo using the famed VOX Blue Alnico speaker, manufactured by Celestion in Ipswich, England. Basically, with your ToneLab LE you can mix any amp model to any cabinet model, and create many varied tones. But to give you a starting point, here is a listing of historically correct matches: 7. VOX AC30 (AC30) AMP MODEL These original 2x12" VOX Blue Alnicos, are wired in series for 16 Ohms, and add even more of that great VOX tone.
your tone requirements are unique. Please feel free to explore all combinations of amps and cabinets. That is the beauty of ToneLab LE. NOTE: Proceed with caution, since ToneLab LE or your speakers may be damaged if you misuse the unit. A seemingly endless number of combinations of the amp and cabinet models is available. Try out many combinations until you find your “soul mate” sound! There are no rules regarding the combination of amp and cabinet models.
C. PEDAL EFFECTS The pedal effects are placed in front of the amp. (*): This indicates a parameter that you can control from an expression pedal. COMP ACOUSTIC VOX WAH U-VIBE BLK/ORG PHASE OCTAVE RING MODULATOR TREBLE BOOST TUBE OD SUPER OD BOUTIQUE FAT DIST ORANGE DIST METAL DIST FUZZ OCTAFUZZ SENS LEVEL ---- ---- ---- ---- 1.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 ---- ---- ---- ---- BODY BASS TREBLE ---- TYPE ---- 0.0~10.0 1.0~10.0 1.0~10.
2. ACOUSTIC 4. U-VIBE Wanna go “unplugged” without the hassle of switching guitars and amps? Enter the acoustic guitar simulator — a clever effect that magically converts an electric guitar’s sound into that of an acoustic. It works best with a single coil (read: low output) pickup in the neck position, especially when paired with the BLACK 2x12 amp model. Modeled on the famous phase/vibrato pedal effect unit.
12. FAT DIST WARNING! Like all pedals of this type, OCTAVE only works with single notes...chords confuse the heck out of it! NOT a fault — that’s just the way these pedals operate. Based on a pedal named after one of the most disliked rodents to ever walk the planet! The result is a smooth distortion rich in harmonics...nasty but nice. 7.
D. MODULATION EFFECTS This section enables you to add a modulation effect after the cabinet. You can choose one of eleven types. (*): This indicates a parameter that you can control from an expression pedal. ROTARY PITCH SHIFTER MOD DELAY FILTRON TALK MOD ---- SPEED DEPTH ---- TIME ---- MIX 0.100~10.00 0.0~10.0 ---- 0.0~10.0 ---- 0.0~10.0 SPEED 0.100~10.00 DEPTH 0.0~10.0 RESONANCE 0.0~10.0 MANUAL OFFSET 0.0~10.0 MIX 0.0~10.0 SPEED1 DEPTH RESONANCE 0.100~10.00 0.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 1.
2. MULTI TAP CHORUS (MT CHORS) ....................... Stereo In/Stereo Out 1 This model features independent chorus taps for each of the left, center and right outputs, producing a feeling of depth and spaciousness. [1] "SPEED"............................... 0.100...10.00 [Hz] * Adjusts the modulation speed. [2] "DEPTH".............................................0.0...10.0 * Adjusts the modulation depth. [4] "TIME" ................................................0.0...10.0 Adjusts the delay time.
6. TEXTREM ............................ Stereo In/Stereo Out 2 This models the popular tremolo circuit that’s built into the BLACK 2x12 model. The SPREAD setting lets you produce a panning effect that spreads to left and right. [1] "SPEED"................................. 1.00...10.00 [Hz] * Adjusts the tremolo speed. [2] "DEPTH".............................................0.0...10.0 * Adjusts the tremolo depth. [5] "SPREAD" ..........................................0.0...10.
11. TALK MOD ........................... Mono In/Mono Out 2 This is an envelope controlled talking modulator. The vocal character will change according to the input from your guitar. If you assign the MANUAL knob to the expression pedal, you’ll be able to control the vowel sound from the pedal. (In this case, set the DEPTH knob to 0.) [1] "ATTACK"............................................1.0...10.0 * Adjusts the speed of the response. [2] "DEPTH".............................................0.0...10.
E. DELAY EFFECTS Here you can make settings for a delay effect inserted after the cabinet. You can choose one of eleven types. (*): This indicates a parameter that you can control from the expression pedal. STEREO DELAY CROSS DELAY 2TAP DELAY RHYTHM DELAY HOLD DELAY REVERSE DELAY LODAMP MIX 0.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 MODE MIX 1,2,3,4,5 ---- 0.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 TIME FEEDBACK TONE ------- 1~2000[ms] 0.0~10.0 1.0~10.0 ---- TIME FEEDBACK TONE ---- 1~2000[ms] 0.0~10.0 1.0~10.
2. MULTI HEAD (MULTI HD) Mono In/Mono Out 1 This is a model of a tape echo unit boasting three playback heads. The echo from each head has its own feedback loop, letting you create warm and complex “multi-tap” echo effects. 5. SWEEP DELAY (SWEEP DL) ...................... Mono In/Mono Out 1 This also models the SDD-3000. Here you can use the envelope of your guitar signal to control the DELAY TIME, and by setting a short TIME and raising the FEEDBACK you can produce a distinctive flanger effect.
7. CROSS DELAY (CROSS DL) ........................ 10. HOLD DELAY (HOLD DLY) ...................... Stereo In/Stereo Out 3 Mono In/Mono Out 1 This is the DL8000R with settings to make the feedback cross over from L→R and R→L. If you select “HOLD DLY,” “HOLD DLY” will be automatically assigned to the CONTROL switch, enabling you to hold the delay sound. [1] "TIME" ..........................................1...4000 [ms] Sets the delay time. [2] "FEEDBACK"......................................0.0...10.
F. REVERB EFFECTS Here you can make settings for the reverb effect that is placed after the cabinet. You can choose one of eleven types. (*): This indicates a parameter that you can control from an expression pedal. SLAP SPRING BOUNCE PLATE GARAGE CHAMBER CANYON ROOM STUDIO HALL ARENA TIME LO DAMP HI DAMP PRE DELAY ---- MIX 1.0~10.0 TIME 0.0~10.0 LO DAMP 0.0~10.0 HI DAMP 0~70[ms] PRE DELAY ------- 0.0~10.0 MIX 1.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 0.0~10.0 0~70[ms] ---- 0.0~10.
11. ARENA .................................Mono In/Stereo Out 1 This models the reverberation of a canyon. This models an arena with smooth and dense reverberation. 8. ROOM ....................................Mono In/Stereo Out 1 [1] "TIME"................................................ 1.0...10.0 * Sets the reverb time, which will differ depending on the reverb type. [2] "LO DAMP" ........................................ 1.0...10.0 * Adjusts the attenuation of the low-frequency range. [3] "HI DAMP"...
Tuner (Bypass, Mute) 4. Watch the meter, and tune your guitar. The pitch is sharp Name display For your convenience, ToneLab LE contains an automatic chromatic tuner. The frequency of the middle “A” reference pitch can be adjusted (calibrated) over a range of 438 Hz–445 Hz. The pitch is correct Name display TUNING PROCEDURE HINT: 1. 2. The pitch is flat Pressing the EXIT/TUNE button while the name display is indicating a program name will activate the tuner.
Using the expression pedals NOTE: When you change the expression target, the MIN and MAX values will be initialized. TINGS SETTING THE EXPRESSION TARGET ToneLab LE provides two expression pedals that you can use to control not only wah or volume, but a wide variety of effect parameters. For each program, you can specify which effect will be controlled, and how. Here are the items you can set.
NOTE: Unlike other parameters, the PITCH parameter is not edited (while the tone is affected) when you control it from an expression pedal. This is so that the pitch will change smoothly even when MIN and MAX are set to values that are close to each other (i.e., when you made settings so that the pedal produces only a small amount of pitch change). EXPRESSION PEDAL CONTROL INITIALIZATION SETTINGS (EXPINIT) 1. The “INIT” setting screen will appear.
CONTROL SWITCH SETTINGS make the name display read “FACTOR”. Here you can specify the proportion of SPEED or TIME in relation to the interval of your taps. For example if you set DLY TAP as the target, and FACTOR to “1-4,” the delay time will be set to 1/4th of the duration between taps. You can make the following control switch settings independently for each program. Press the EXP-CTL-CHAIN button to make it blink, and use value knob 4 to select the effect you want to control. 5.
ADJUSTING THE SENSITIVITY OF THE PEDAL If you notice that advancing the ToneLab LE’s expression pedal does not reach the full effect or volume even when the Min and Max parameters are set to the minimum and maximum settings, or that returning the expression pedal does not reach the minimum effect or volume, you will need to perform the following adjustment so that ToneLab LE’s expression pedal will be able to reach its full range of operation.
Control via MIDI MIDI OUT M CONNECTING A MIDI DEVICE OR COMPUTER If you want to control an external MIDI device from ToneLab LE, connect a MIDI cable from ToneLab LE’s MIDI OUT jack to the MIDI IN jack of your external MIDI device. If you want to control ToneLab LE from a MIDI sequencer or other external MIDI device, connect a MIDI cable from your external MIDI device’s MIDI OUT jack to ToneLab LE’s MIDI IN jack.
The controllers will be selected in the following order. to switch programs. Similarly, when ToneLab LE receives a program change message, its program will switch automatically. Here’s how you can specify whether a program change message will be transmitted from the MIDI OUT jack when you switch programs on ToneLab LE.
NOTE: For details, refer to the owner’s manual of the device that will receive the data dump. 6. BAL “DUMP CUR,” DUMP ALL”) NOTE: You can transmit data dumps regardless of the “SYEX OUT” setting. In fact, if you want to transfer program data between two ToneLabs, we recommend that you turn the “SYEX OUT” setting “OFF.” If “SYEX OUT” is “On,” operating the knobs or other controls may change the parameters of the other ToneLab LE in unintended ways. BACKING UP 1.
Troubleshooting Restoring the Factory Preset Programs H I 1. The amp isn’t powering up when the STANDBY switch is “on” ere’s how you can restore ToneLab LE’s programs and all its other settings to the state in which it was shipped from the factory.
Tuner Pedals MIDI/DIGITAL Factory settings • Could “OUT SEL” switch be set to “Ln1” or “Ln2” (LINE)? • Could LEVEL be raised excessively? → Make the correct settings as described in Basic Connections. Troubleshooting 5. The sound connected to your guitar amp is distorted, or sounds wrong.
Note On Note Off Control Change Pitch Bend 0–95 Aftertouch Polyphonic (Key) Monophonic (Channel) Velocity True Voice Memorized Messages Altered Mode Note Number: Default Changed Basic Channel Function ToneLab LE [VOX Valvetronix] Transmitted Recognized MIDI Implementation Chart Effect Control Memorized Remarks Date : 2006. 4.
Variable Range Song Position Song Select Tune 0–119 0–119 0–119 Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Spec. Troubleshooting Factory settings MIDI/DIGITAL Pedals Tuner Consult your local VOX distributor for more information on MIDI Implementation. Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Program List Parameter Control Program Data Dump : No : Yes *P: Transmitted if GLOBAL “PCHG OUT” is On.
Index Numerics G 0dB 20 GAIN 27 REVERB Effects 44 S A K amp model 28 AMP Models 27 AMP/LINE 21 AP1 21 AP2 21 AP3 21 automatic chromatic tuner 46 Key Lock 23 B MIDI 51 MIDI CH 51 MIDI Channel 51 MIDI device 20 Modulation Effects 37 Mute 46 Backing up 53 Bank 22 Bypass 46 L Ln1 21 Ln2 21 T M C Cabinet 31 CABINET Models 31 Calibrating 46 CC 52 CCHG I/O 52 CH VOLUME 28 CHAIN 25 Connections 19, 51 Control Change 52 Control switch 49 D DELAY Effects 41 duck 42 DUMP ALL 53 DUMP CUR 53 E Effect On/
Owner’s Manual IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS 1 This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside.
