Precautions After reading this manual, please keep it for later reference. Location Keeping foreign matter out of your equipment Using the unit in the following locations can result in a mal‐ function. •In direct sunlight •Locations of extreme temperature or humidity •Excessively dusty or dirty locations •Locations of excessive vibration •Close to magnetic fields Never set any container with liquid in it near this equipment.
Notice regarding disposal (EU only) When this “crossed‐out wheeled bin” symbol is displayed on the product, owner’s manual, battery, or battery package, it signifies that when you wish to dispose of this product, manual, package or battery you must do so in an approved manner. Do not discard this product, manual, package or battery along with ordinary household waste. Disposing in the correct manner will prevent harm to human health and potential damage to the environment.
Contents Introduction ..............................................................1 Modulation ....................................................................... 25 Main features......................................................................1 Delay types ...................................................................... 28 Panel Tour (Top and rear panels) ...........................2 Reverb types .................................................................... 29 Top panel.......
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the VOX ToneLab EX Modeling Effect Processor. In order to get the most out of your new gear, please read this owner’s manual carefully and use the product as directed. Keep the owner’s manual in a safe place for future reference.
Panel Tour (Top and rear panels) 1. Amp section Here we’ll introduce you to the switches, controls, and con‐ nections on the ToneLab EX’s top panel. Top panel Here youʹll create settings for the amp model and stand alone pedal. For details on each effect, refer to “Amp models” (p. 15) and “stand alone pedals” (p. 22). NOTE: You cannot use the amp model and stand alone pedal simultaneously. If you turn one of them on, the other will turn off. a b c 1 2 d 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 e f g h a.
b. STAND ALONE PEDALS switch and LED Use this to turn the stand alone pedal on/off. The LED will be lit‐up if the stand alone pedal is on. c. CABINET ON/OFF switch and LED This turns the cabinet model on/off. The LED will be lit if the cabinet model is on. By entering the OPTION parameter setting mode you can set parameters for the cabinet model. The OPTION parameter setting mode To enter the OPTION parameter setting mode, hold down the CABINET ON/OFF switch for about one second.
reverb in the mix. If you turn the knob all the way to the left, the reverb effect will be turned off. In the OPTION parameter setting mode, this control knob enables you to adjust the Total Equalizer Low. For details on each effect, refer to “Reverb types” (p. 29) 3. Program Select/Tuner/Stereo Speakers section a b h. VOLUME control This adjusts the volume of the program. In the OPTION parameter setting mode, it enables you to select Trim.
b. TUNER LED These lights are used for tuning (p. 29, “Tuner”). When you’re using the tuner, the LEDs will indicate the tun‐ ing status. c. Stereo speakers You can listen to the sound output from the built‐in stereo speakers. To adjust the volume level, use the SPEAKER LEVEL control on the rear panel (p. 8). NOTE: The speakers will be muted when a cable is connected to the OUTPUT/PHONES jack.
b. MODULATION selector This selects the modulation type. If the modulation effect is off, rotating this selector will turn the modulation effect on. c. EDIT knob This adjusts the parameters of each effect. You can use this knob to adjust two different parameters, EDIT 1 or EDIT 2. The specific parameters that are adjusted will depend on the selected effect. For details, refer to “Modulation” (p. 25). • EDIT 1: turn the EDIT knob • EDIT 2: hold down the TAP switch and turn the EDIT knob d.
8.Setting/Display section a a. Bank/Value display This display usually indicates a d bank number. When youʹre using b the tuner, it indicates a note name. e While you are selecting a bank, the c bank number will blink. When you’re editing a parameter, this shows the parameter value that you’re editing. If the parameter value matches the original value, the decimal point segment in the lower right of the LED will momentarily light up (p. 13, “Parameter original value indication”).
Rear panel 5. ON/STANDBY switch This turns the power on or off (STANDBY). 6. INPUT connector Connect your guitar cable here. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1. SPEAKER LEVEL knob This adjusts the output level of the built‐in stereo speakers. NOTE: The speakers will be muted when a cable is connected to the OUTPUT/PHONES jack. 2.
Making connections Here’s how to make connections and start using your ToneLab EX. Mixer, recorder, etc. Audio system CD, MP3 player, etc. Guitar amp Guitar Headphones VOX Computer AC adapter USB cable OUTPUT/PHONES AUX INPUT IN 1. Set the AMP/LINE switch appropriately for the type of de‐ vice you’ll be connecting to the OUTPUT/PHONES jack. Set the AMP/LINE switch as follows. AMP (VOX, F, M) If you’re connecting a guitar amp, choose the VOX, F, or M setting.
2. Use a cable to connect the ToneLab EX’s OUTPUT/ PHONES jack to your guitar amp, mixer, or other device. NOTE: Before connecting the ToneLab EX, lower the vol‐ ume level of your guitar amp or mixer. 7. Raise the volume controls of your amp or mixer to their normal levels, and use the LEVEL knob or SPEAKER LEVEL knob on the rear panel to adjust the volume to a suitable level. The OUTPUT/PHONES is equipped with a stereo output jack.
Program Select Mode This mode enables you to select and play programs. When you power the ToneLab EX on, it automatically engages this mode, and the Bank/Value display indicates a bank number. Use the BANK UP, BANK DOWN, and Program 1–4 pedals to select a program. For example, to select program 3‐1 (Bank 3, Program 1), press the BANK UP/DOWN pedals to select “3” on the Bank dis‐ play, then press the Program 1 pedal to light the LED. You can press the Program 1–4 pedals to select programs in the same bank.
Creating your own sounds Creating a sound There are two ways to create your own sound: you can start with a program that’s similar to what you have in mind and then edit the parameters as desired, or you can create a pro‐ gram from scratch. Here we’ll explain how to create a program from scratch. 1. Turn off the cabinet model and effect types. If the CABINET, PEDAL 1, PEDAL 2, MODULATION, and DELAY LEDs are lit, press corresponding switches to turn them off. Set the REVERB knob to the off position.
Adjusting the high-frequency tone (Presence) Hold down the CABINET on/off switch for about one sec‐ ond to enter OPTION parameter setting mode, and then turn the TREBLE control. 5. Select and adjust the effects of other sections. For example if you want to add TAPE ECHO, turn the DELAY selector to select TAPE ECHO. If the selector is already positioned at TAPE ECHO, turn it to some other delay type and then back to re‐select TAPE ECHO.
Noise reduction settings Noise reduction reduces the unwanted noise that might be heard between notes. This setting is made independently for each program. HINT: High‐gain amp models are particularly prone to noise, so we recommend using noise reduction in this case. 1. Hold down the CABINET on/off switch for about one second to enter OPTION parameter setting mode. The CABINET on/off switch LED will blink. 2. Turn the MIDDLE control to adjust the noise reduction sensitivity.
Saving a program When you’ve come up with a sound you like, here’s how to save (write) it. NOTE: If you switch to a different program or turn off the pow‐ er before saving, the changes you’ve made will be dis‐ carded, and the settings will revert to their original state. 1. Press the WRITE switch. The Bank/Value display and the program pedal LEDs will blink. 2. Press the BANK UP or BANK DOWN pedal to select a bank (01–25) of the user program in which you want to save your settings.
1. CLEAN STANDARD This models the clean channel of a high‐quality amp that was produced only on special order, and was known as the over‐ drive special. With a beautifully rounded low range, a sharp mid‐range attack, and a sweet treble register, this is ideal for single coil pickups. SPECIAL This models the clean channel of a Japanese‐made amp with 2 x 12ʺ speakers that went on sale in 1975.
4. US 2x12 STANDARD This models a black‐faced 2x12ʺ combo amp that has become an indispensible item for country and blues players. Its tight and clean sound provides deep piano‐like bass tones, and will deliver the classic Chicago blues tone particularly when used with single coil pickups. SPECIAL This models channel 2 of the VOX AC15 (1x12ʺ, 15W), which was manu‐ factured in 1962 and was a big hit for its compact cabinet, power, and great tone–along with then‐popular British bands.
SPECIAL Designed after our VOX Hand‐ wired Heritage AC30H2 this model provides the sparkle that is synony‐ mous with the pairing of a classic VOX amplifier and the famed Celes‐ tion Alnico Blue. CUSTOM This models the AC30BM Brian May signature model which faithfully reproduces every nuance of the leg‐ endary original AC30 from the 1950’s. This setting provides the screaming sound of the amp being overdriven with the treble booster turned on. 7.
SPECIAL This models the overdrive channel of a snakeskin‐covered 100W amp head made in 1991. With an open low‐end and a compressed mid/high range, its powerful and heavy sound delivers a forceful tone that will not break down even with the most extreme gain settings. 11.BTQ METAL STANDARD This models the overdrive channel of a 100W high‐quality amp that was produced only on special order, and known as the overdrive special. The wonderful sustain obtained by raising the GAIN control is smooth and soulful.
Cabinet models These simulate the acoustical character of a guitar amp’s cabinet. 1. TWEED 1x8 This is an open back cabinet containing an 8‐inch 3.2 ohm Alnico speaker, found in simple amplifiers with a 6V6 output tube. 2. TWEED 1x12 This cabinet has an important influence on the sound of the Tweed 1x12 amp. The speaker uses an Alnico magnet. 3. TWEED 4x10 This is an open back cabinet containing four 10‐inch 8 ohm speakers connected in parallel for a 2 ohm impedance. 4.
Examples of amp and cabinet combinations You can freely combine amp models with cabinet models to create a wide range of sounds, so be sure to try out various combinations. Here are some typical combinations. Amp model CLEAN Cabinet model 2 TWEED 1x12 4 BLACK 2x10 5 BLACK 2x12 9 UK H30 4x12 For the CUSTOM amp model, we recommend that you turn the cabinet model off.
stand alone pedals The ToneLab EX provides eleven models of the most popular effect pedals. You can use the GAIN, TREBLE, MIDDLE and BASS controllers to adjust the major parameters. HINT: Each pedal type’s GAIN (adjusted by the top panel GAIN control) can be assigned to the expression pedal for control. For details on how to assign a parameter to the expression pedal, refer to “Assigning a function to the expression pedal (Quick Assign)” (p. 31). 1.
10.TECHNO FUZZ This new‐generation fuzz combines aggressive distorted gui‐ tar sounds with vicious techno synth sounds. MIDDLE con‐ trol on this model adjusts “sound color”. 11.CRUSHER The distortion of this new‐generation fuzz will absolutely destroy everything. Pedal 1 Knob HINT: Parameters that can be assigned to the expression pedal are indicated by a “*”. For details on how to assign a pa‐ rameter to the expression pedal, refer to “Assigning a function to the expression pedal (Quick Assign)” (p.
Pedal 2 Like stand alone pedals, the pedal 2 effect offers eleven of the most popular pedal effect types. For example, you can assign different distortion pedals to the stand alone pedal and pedal 2 to create more complex and elaborate sounds. 1. VOX V845 This models the VOX V845 wah pedal, which features milder and more vintage sounds relative to the V847 wah pedal. If you select VOX V845, the expression pedal will automatically function as a wah pedal.
6. CLASSIC + This models the “script logo” distortion which was famous for fueling the tones on “Crazy Train”. These “bud box” dis‐ tortions are sought after for their large signal gain which uses LM741CN op amps to drive germanium clipping diodes. You will find the soft‐clipped distortion sounds classic. Mix in a splash of reverb and push the distortion higher to pro‐ duce drive and fuzz. Knob EDIT Adjusts the gain. 7.
HINT: Parameters that can be assigned to the expression pedal are indicated by a “*”. For details on how to assign a pa‐ rameter to the expression pedal, refer to “Assigning a function to the expression pedal (Quick Assign)” (p. 31). 1. CE CHORUS This models a Japanese made vintage analog chorus unit housed in a grey box. Knob/Switch Parameter EDIT DEPTH* Adjusts the modulation depth. TAP SPEED* Adjusts the modulation speed in a range of 0.1–15 Hz. TAP+EDIT SPEED* Adjusts the speed. 3.
6. VIBRATO This vibrato effect adds cyclical pitch changes, creating a wide range of vibrato from a mild warbling to cricket chirps to something fast and furious like an electric shock. With this effect you can, for example, assign the “DEPTH” parameter to the expression pedal and apply the effect at key points dur‐ ing your performance. Knob/Switch Parameter EDIT DEPTH* Adjusts the modulation depth. TAP SPEED* Adjusts the modulation speed in a range of 1.0–30 Hz.
11.TALK MOD This is an envelope controlled talking modulator. The vocal character will change according to the input from your guitar. If you assign “SENS” to the expression pedal, you can use your foot to control the vowel. Knob/Switch Parameter EDIT SENS* Adjusts the sensitivity to the guitar's volume.
4. MULTI DELAY This is a model of a tape echo unit boasting three playback heads. You can create ʺmulti‐tipʺ echo effects. Reverb types Three types of reverb are provided. Depending on the position of the knob, this selects the reverb type (SPRING, ROOM, or HALL) and adjusts the mix amount of the reverb sound. HINT: If reverb is assigned to the expression pedal, the expres‐ sion pedal will control the input level to the reverb.
4. When you’ve finished tuning, press one of the program pedals 1–4. HINT: You can also press the EXIT/TUNE switch to return to the previous operation. Switching tuning mode The built‐in Auto Chromatic Tuner features switchable Nor‐ mal and Strobe modes. To switch tuning mode, press the EXPRESSION switch during tuner operation. When the mode is switched, the Bank/Value display indicates “ ” (normal) or “ ” (strobe) for one second. NOTE: This mode setting will be saved when you turn the power off.
Using the expression pedal for control Expression pedal settings The ToneLab EX’s programs assign various functions to the expression pedal, allowing you to control not only wah or volume but many other kinds of effect parameters with the expression pedal. HINT: If you select “VOX V847” or “VOX V845,” the expres‐ sion pedal will automatically function as a wah pedal. For each program, you can specify which parameter will be controlled by the expression pedal and how it will be con‐ trolled.
To assign volume, gain, or the input level to the reverb or delay effect, proceed as follows. • Volume: Use the VOLUME knob, and then hold down the EXPRESSION switch for about two seconds. • Gain: Press the AMPS bank select switch or STAND ALONE PEDALS switch, use the GAIN knob, and then hold down the EXPRESSION switch for about two seconds. • Pedal 1: Use the PEDAL 1 knob, and then hold down the EXPRESSION switch for about two seconds.
If no function is assigned to the expression pedal The bank/value display will blink “ ”. In this case, use Quick Assign to assign a function (p. 31, “Assigning a function to the expression pedal (Quick Assign)”). 2. Use the EDIT knob of the assigned effect (whose on/off switch LED is blinking), or the GAIN control to specify the minimum value. HINT: You can skip this step, if you do not change the mini‐ mum value. 3. Press the EXPRESSION switch. The bank/value display will indicate “ ”. 4.
Adjusting the sensitivity of the expression pedal If the minimum and maximum values of the parameter are assigned as the minimum and maximum values of the expres‐ sion pedal, but the effect or volume fails to reach the maxi‐ mum (or minimum) setting when the expression pedal is fully advanced (or returned), you can adjust the sensitivity of the expression pedal as follows so that it will function optimally.
Connecting to your computer (USB connection) If you use a commercially available USB cable to connect the ToneLab EX to your computer, you’ll be able to use the librar‐ ian software on your computer to manage user programs, and use the ToneLab EX as a USB audio interface. NOTE: If you’re using Windows, you’ll need to install the USB‐ASIO driver in your computer in order to trans‐ fer audio data via the USB connector. Download the USB‐ASIO driver from the manufactur‐ er’s website (www.voxamps.com).
Restoring the factory settings Here’s how to restore the ToneLab EX to its factory‐set state. NOTE: This operation will initialize the programs you’ve saved, returning all of them to the factory‐set pro‐ grams. NOTE: Never turn the power off while initialization is being performed. 1. Turn the power off (STANDBY). 2. While holding down the EXIT/TUNE switch and EXPRESSION switch, turn the power on (ON). 3. When the program pedal 1–4 LEDs blink, release the switches.
Effects don’t apply • Could the effect setting be off? Use the selector to select the effect that you want to use, or use the effect on/off switch to turn the effect on. • Could the tuner be active? The effects are bypassed if the tuner is active. Press the EXIT/TUNE switch to defeat bypass. • Could an EDIT knob be set to the minimum value? Adjust the EDIT knob.
Song Preset Program List Bank No. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 38 Program No. Song title Bank No. 32 Program No.
Specifications Amp models: 33 Cabinet models: 11 Pedal types: 26 Modulation types: 11 Delay types: 4 Reverb types: 3 Other DC12V connector, ON/STANDBY switch Signal processing A/D conversion: 24‐bit D/A conversion: 24‐bit Sampling frequency: 44.1kHz Power supply: AC adapter (DC12V, ) Current consumption: 700mA Noise reduction: 1 Dimensions (W x D x H): 394 x 238 x 82 (mm)/15.51 x 9.37 x 3.23 (inches) Programs: 200 (25 x 4 preset, 25 x 4 user) Weight: 3kg/6.61lbs.
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