The problem with Tone X...

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ToneX chat is all over the internet and I'm hearing lots of opinions on the ToneX. Some of these problems I understand but a couple of them just don't make sense.

Пікірлер: 533

  • @Impractical_Engineer
    @Impractical_Engineer Жыл бұрын

    The problem is there is no problem. Good to know this aligns with my thinking. I think having the effects after the complete amp and speaker was preferred since thats what happens in a studio.

  • @DavidMorisset

    @DavidMorisset

    Жыл бұрын

    What about none studio players who like the tones of a power tube affecting delays, reverbs and modulations? Post processing is one way, it’s not the only way.

  • @robertsimpson5801

    @robertsimpson5801

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DavidMorisset can you use the built-in compressor to try and simulate some of that power amp character?

  • @Impractical_Engineer

    @Impractical_Engineer

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DavidMorisset Adding an effects loop to this pedal wouldn't solve that. An effects loop would only put that effect between the amp model and the cab IR. If you want to put effects between the pre and power amp, use an amp or modeler. Not even sure if you use a modeler if the effects loop puts things between the modeled pre and modeled power amp. Would think it would just put it between the model and cab it IR.

  • @florentchatelain3057

    @florentchatelain3057

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DavidMorisset then you should buy two units and run everything stereo in front ✌🏻

  • @DavidMorisset

    @DavidMorisset

    Жыл бұрын

    @@florentchatelain3057 you don’t get my point. I don’t use an effects loop on any of my amps. From my guitar to the board through the front of a clean amp, that’s how I play. I do have an ACS1 on one board, a Cab M+ on a second board and an HX Stomp just in case I’m playing without an amp. But I’m not using those devices as a gain stage. For me the ToneX would be a gate to using captured amp tones before my delays, reverbs and modulations. But without an effects loop, the headphone jack and interface are useless. I use pedals for my gain stages and would love to build a board around the ToneX but I”ll wait for one with what I want on it. Take care.

  • @TLMuse
    @TLMuse Жыл бұрын

    Largely a good point re: preamp/poweramp. Technically, what you are getting at is linearity vs. nonlinearity. Convolution (the operation that uses IRs) is a linear operation. A power amp stage is linear when it's not distorting (including sagging, etc.-any nonlinear behavior). A speaker is (mostly) linear before breakup. So an IR captures only the linear part of the behavior of the power amp and speaker. If an effects loop is only before the IR, the linearity of convolution means the net result of putting other linear effects (such as clean delays or reverb) before or after the IR is the same. That said, devices like the Helix/HX family let you put the effects loop anywhere. If you would like it to be be before any nonlinear component of your signal path (that includes not just amps and distortion, but also compression), then you'll be missing something with the ToneX. I'm not arguing it's a fatal flaw; it wouldn't be a significant limitation for me. Also, people may not appreciate how nontrivial it is to add an effects loop to a digital device. For an analog device, you're mostly just cutting the signal path and adding connectors (and maybe a simple buffer). With a digital device, you have to add, not only algorithmic complexity, but also an extra digital output and input from the DSP chip, and an A/D and D/A converter. That adds significant expense. With that in mind, the ToneX seems like a reasonable compromise and solid value. -Tom

  • @wilcampos1497
    @wilcampos1497 Жыл бұрын

    Always appreciate the in depth review and knowledge HW! Great video! Looks like this could definitely be what I'm looking for to add to my pedal board. Thanks again!

  • @jacoblane2181
    @jacoblane2181 Жыл бұрын

    People want an effects loop in this case to place effects post amp and still utilize the usb interface and headphone output. I don’t think people are that hung up on placing effects in between the amp and IR, or the preamp and power amp as you are arguing. It is about utilizing the other hardware features in the unit

  • @fluidparadigms6719
    @fluidparadigms6719 Жыл бұрын

    I gotta be honest - when the UA pedals came out, I was ticked about two things: no effects loop and no balanced output. It wasn't until later that something occurred to me: Do I want my reverbs/delays/etc to be eq'd by the cab? Do I want the top-end of my shimmery, twinkly effects cut off by a model of a 12" speaker? Then it dawned on me that it's actually a good thing that it used instrument-level outputs so that you can easily run more pedals after the amp pedal. The stuff about the origins of effects loops is something I've not heard before. I guess it's one of those things where people say "do it this way" and everybody assumes it's right because everybody does it.

  • @matthewearl9824
    @matthewearl9824 Жыл бұрын

    I have been saying this since the first video came out on the TONEX. This 100% aligns with what I have also been saying. Think of the tonex as a preamp. The effects loop is between the preamp and the power amp. There is no difference with placing the time based after the pedal and the dirt in front, as there is with the way an effects loop works on the amp. The ONLY reason you may want to do this is if you NEED to put a effect or delay in front of the built-in reverb...which no one should want to do. Love your videos. Keep it up...subbed.

  • @marctamtonthat

    @marctamtonthat

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes. But there is also the cab question. Does it matter to put time base effects after the ToneX simulated cab. The situation could be if you put time base effects after ToneX.

  • @corailz
    @corailz Жыл бұрын

    The Quad Cortex allows you to put effects between the preamp and the power amp if you wish to do that. Neural already included factory captures of some preamps and power amp separately and it allows for a mix and match of power amp and preamp and also to put your time based effects between them. The time based effects used after the amp/speakers gives a more "studio" kind of sound. The Tone X is certainly not perfect, but it is still a good solution for the pedals aficionados that absolutely wants to use their pedalboard without the hassle of carrying an heavy amp. It offers flexibility and portability. 👍

  • @colinjames7765
    @colinjames7765 Жыл бұрын

    My $0.02... They could have added a loop, there is room for one and it’s a missed feature. They could have added an 1/8” headphone jack on the front/side like iridium. Since it has midi the external control input isn’t necessary and could have been swapped for a stereo TRS out loop and the headphone jack could be used for the a input trs loop. The only add then is the 1/8” jack, which could go anywhere. If they really wanted the software or switch could swap the trs loops for ext control options instead, as not every use case needs a loop. While I agree running your delay/reverb after the pedal will sound great probably better even, but it limits the functionality and features they already built in the pedal. I realize this is not meant to be an all-in-one solution. A loop would allow one to run your post amp effects before the ir and/or more importantly before the onboard reverb. Possibly the option to run stomps after the internal comp(if set to pre) before the amp. It would just allow flexibility to utilize the onboard effects they added. It’s very unlikely someone would actually use the built-in reverb if running running a delay after, so the onboard reverb becomes somewhat of a wasted feature. No loop means you can’t run this in a 4-cable method to seamlessly add a channel to your tube amp that has a loop. For instance, competition for the TONEX such as the UAFx pedals and others can do this out of the box. It’s nice tonex has an interface built in, But it might not be as useful as advertised. If it had a loop then your entire chain could feed the computer/daw. If you have effects pedals after the Tonex as it is w/o the loop, you’d need a separate interface to send your full chain to the daw, so the interface feature becomes less useful, as you can’t record your outboard reverb/delay without buying another interface. Also balanced trs outs would be welcome to go to direct FOH and soft switches would have been a welcome addition. Not deal breakers for me. It seems there is room for these features if they use trs jacks and opt for a small 1/8” headphone jack. The loop adds functionality with inboard and outboard gear and usability of the interface. Perhaps a v2 someday.

  • @shredenvain7
    @shredenvain7 Жыл бұрын

    If you own another modeler just run the tonex in the fx loop and use it as your amp and cab block. It will function identically to the amp and cab block in your modeler allowing you to run pedals into the front of the amp. If you have to have loop fx after your amp but before your speaker just load the IRS with your modeler. You may have to adjust some volume parameters but it works just fine. I run a headrush gigboard with an Pod go in the fx loop giving me a lot more flexibility.

  • @ArtoftheDial
    @ArtoftheDial Жыл бұрын

    Agreed, however I think the oversight was not a traditional effects loop, but an in/out for post IR effects so that you can still use the Headphone out on the unit itself, but that is minor as I've used Reverb and Delay into the front of an amp for years, it is just nice to have the option to run it post amp when you are dealing with something that is so dynamically responsive to your playing. The bigger deal for the "all in one" style is inability to add the stomp separately. The setup you suggest is how I'd run mine (IF I'm not using external drives), the only challenge there is if we are using captures someone else created or "stock" profiles. So far the user base on the whole isn't uploading a Clean, Clean plus KOT, Clean Plus two sides of KOT, etc) with the exact same settings as I'd do in the real world. Allowing us to mix and match like you can do in Amplitube would have opened up a whole different world. This doesn't bother me as someone with plenty of boutique dirt boxes, but I recognize this is a limitation for some who want to run this by itself and don't have the capture abilities (or ideal amp/effects) they would want to use. Even though I've done a few dozen captures, the reality is my favorite patches thus far are still an amp someone else captured.

  • @Rawkabilly57
    @Rawkabilly57 Жыл бұрын

    Maybe someone has mentioned this already but, I think the main use of the fx loop in the helix is that you can place that loop anywhere in the chain and split off your output to include or not include those effects. That's how I would use it anyway. Because like you said, it's more similar to a studio setup to run wet effects after the Amp sim pedal anyway.

  • @iamjakt

    @iamjakt

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly. No loop is a deal breaker.

  • @TheOligoclonalBand
    @TheOligoclonalBand Жыл бұрын

    Very interesting. FX loops in the 90s often were used to build complex setups. I have an Engl that sounds great on its own, but in the 90s I also had a Marshall JMP-1 that I used in a rather complex setup with the Engls fx loop so that I could use the Marshall and the Engl preramp. It was a real pain to set up, but it worked, even with MIDI. The fx loop was used for all these things, but rarely to just use fx.

  • @TedSchoenling
    @TedSchoenling Жыл бұрын

    So much this. I use a CAB M+ as a pure clean pedal platform. It does a great job of emulating Pre/power amp and even better job with the IR, I use my pedals for the overdrive. I have a 'amp in the box' style pedal I use as my final gain stage and then 2 or 3 other drives in front of that to push that pedal into overdrive. I then put all my time based effects after that, but before the CAB M+ and it works a treat. I don't get any complaints on the tone.

  • @nickgriffis3405
    @nickgriffis3405 Жыл бұрын

    I have been putting the tonex pedal in the loop of my helix, and it sounds absolutely amazing. And the feel is there. I love the helix, but as you said, even the TM stuff misses the feel. I used to have a kemper, and personally I think that this pedal actually takes OD better than the Kemper by a little bit. I am also someone who prefers post cab fx anyway, as a sounds tech, the clarity is hard to beat no matter what your amp sim is.

  • @ToneJunkieTV

    @ToneJunkieTV

    Жыл бұрын

    Rock on!

  • @geoffreyfifield5802

    @geoffreyfifield5802

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m curious… would it be possible to do a wet-dry-wet setup if the stereo Helix output is the stereo wet and then use the headphone output of the ToneX (which in your situation would be before the wet Helix effects) as the dry output? I just bought a ToneX and HX Effects and I am planning to try this myself (by using the ToneX in the effects loop).

  • @clintyoung9902

    @clintyoung9902

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly what I’m looking to do…incorporate ToneX with my Helix. Mind sharing how you currently have yours set up?

  • @nickgriffis3405

    @nickgriffis3405

    Жыл бұрын

    @@geoffreyfifield5802 On the full helix that's not even necessary, you could just split the outputs post Tone-x effects loop, and use one of the other sends, before sending the mono tone-x amp model to the next signal path for stereo fx processing.

  • @nickgriffis3405

    @nickgriffis3405

    Жыл бұрын

    @@clintyoung9902 Sure! (also just used it live this weekend, and it was great). I have my guitar input going through compressor/vb2/octave/overdrivestack/DMM (if I want to overdrive the delay repeats) -> tonex pedal -> eq adjustment/gain boost for leads -> lots and lots of stereo delays and reverbs -> FOH stereo through the XLRs.

  • @JakeBisognin
    @JakeBisognin Жыл бұрын

    My thing is dual amps for input, but you said something that hit home, “choices are great”! I like this. My QC is giving me everything I need atm, but this tonex is very tempting!

  • @IKilledTheDodo
    @IKilledTheDodo Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making this video and pointing out the «problem» with the pedal not having an FX-loop. I had this discussion in the comments of another video, where I pointed out that you don’t need an FX-loop if you’re going to use a real cab, because you can still put the time-based effects between the preamp (the ToneX) and whatever poweramp you choose to amplify your signal. You could also use a different device to load IR’s if you’re not going to use a real cab but you want the effects between the amp and «speaker», although that seems a bit unnecessarily complicated. I have an HX Stomp, and I plan to use the ToneX (when I get it) as my preamp, the Stomp as my «FX-loop», and experiment with wether it sounds better with the IR loaded by the ToneX (before FX) or the Stomp (after FX).

  • @Minty.Fresh.Tunes.

    @Minty.Fresh.Tunes.

    8 ай бұрын

    Any update on this???

  • @IKilledTheDodo

    @IKilledTheDodo

    8 ай бұрын

    @@Minty.Fresh.Tunes. Nope. Got hit hard in the financials, so the Tonex has been put on hold, unfortunately.

  • @Minty.Fresh.Tunes.

    @Minty.Fresh.Tunes.

    8 ай бұрын

    I have a Pod:GO and ToneX is on the way.. ill let you know if there's a big difference in the IR's @@IKilledTheDodo

  • @mikeschonsheck1027
    @mikeschonsheck1027 Жыл бұрын

    For your 3 worship tone setups starting at 10:23 in the video (which sound great!), what other pedals are you using and are they before or after the ToneX? Also is this setup used as direct into FOH? If so, is it through a direct box?

  • @fernandosimon5621
    @fernandosimon56217 ай бұрын

    Awesome tone and playing! I'm looking into getting this unit and I plan to run time based effects after the Tonex and go stereo out. Would you say that would give me a good stereo sound? particularly on verb and delay?

  • @justsomerandomguyman
    @justsomerandomguyman Жыл бұрын

    Definitely agree that the FX loop is not needed. Most people are running SoundToys and Eventide Effects in their DAW after the mic'd up signal from a cab (or IR) anyway on actual pro-level productions nowadays.

  • @picksalot1
    @picksalot1 Жыл бұрын

    HW, that was a very good analysis of why the ToneX Pedal is designed the way it is. Combining it with the HX Stomp also seems like a natural pairing. It sounded like if it was necessary to insert some effects between the Preamp and the Amp, it could be done on the HX Stomp, since it includes separate Preamp Blocks and a Send and Return. I've never used those before, but I guess that could be a thing. 🤔

  • @TouringBubble
    @TouringBubble Жыл бұрын

    Good point about the usual "post" effects mimicking studio effects. I'm looking into this and the loop was a concern until I thought about it. How much difference does it really make if the delay or reverb is before or after IR (EQ)? I was also considering what you mentioned about separating these units as preamp and power amp. It could be done with this tech if you ran two. But, is there a benefit? Probably not. It's much simpler to profile the pre and power amps as a unit and just run time effects after the IR.

  • @97guitarzan
    @97guitarzan Жыл бұрын

    Good video. I always add delay, reverb after speakers in DAW....however I record guitar..with amp or whatever. So I agree with you totally adding those effects after stereo outs om Tonex seems about perfect to me!

  • @bobby_grout
    @bobby_grout Жыл бұрын

    I have been trying to decide whether to possibly get one of the tonex pedals or an iridium. Winning one would be tremendous. This looks really cool and would fit my rig nicely since I currently run everything into the front of my black star dual drive for direct or headphones.

  • @ChanseLFD
    @ChanseLFD Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! Certainly helps with those “choices”. I hadn’t watched one of your videos until now. Your explanation and depth of knowledge is impressive. Certainly a subscriber now! Thank you

  • @zhifeihuan8259
    @zhifeihuan8259 Жыл бұрын

    for any player don't need too many effects and functions, this pedal is just perfect

  • @otfan522botjournalismisdea2
    @otfan522botjournalismisdea2 Жыл бұрын

    My issue with the ToneX is the lack of stereo inputs. I was hoping I might be able to replace my HX stomp to run W/D/W with a Jet Red Sea with delay in front of amp. The lack of stereo inputs makes this not viable. I also really like being able to run dual amps with the stomp. To accomplish either of these I would need dual ToneX pedals I am really hoping they come out with a deluxe version that allows dual amps and has stereo inputs

  • @garystackhouse5787

    @garystackhouse5787

    10 ай бұрын

    A "deluxe version" is probably going to cost the same as two of these, so just buy two of these!! If you were running REAL tube amps, you'd need TWO to run stereo. Or just stick with the Stomp. Or, even better, go practice and get good enough for IK to offer a otfan522botjournalismisdea2 signature version... 🤦‍♂

  • @otfan522botjournalismisdea2

    @otfan522botjournalismisdea2

    9 ай бұрын

    @@garystackhouse5787 I would be ok paying more for a deluxe version… and I did eventually get a second unit. I would still much prefer a single unit. 🤷‍♂

  • @U2WB
    @U2WB Жыл бұрын

    This is an excellent video. You've captured exactly one of the things I've been commenting for years: that it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to place a FRFR shimmering reverb or delay IN FRONT OF an amp, as on a pedalboard. Most of these devices output stereo effects, and a typical guitar amp simply cannot capture their sparkle and shimmer. It needs to be placed AFTER the amp (or at least after the preamp) and then routed to a FRFR system - FOH or recording device. I use such devices between my Axe-FX and my stereo pair of Atomic Reactor powered cabs.

  • @urklvt
    @urklvt Жыл бұрын

    Great video man! Awesome tones too. I’m a Stomp player myself and would love to add this to my arsenal.

  • @johnplainsong9769
    @johnplainsong9769 Жыл бұрын

    Loving the TONEX pedal! I just hope IK Multimedia does as good as job as Line 6 has done in updating and adding value to the Helix line via new releases (new amps, new effects, new features, bug fixes, etc). They continue to invest in Helix rather than moving on to another product and abandoning the lineup. Again, let's hope IK Multimedia follows that success model by growing and improving TONEX via updates.

  • @iamjiroe

    @iamjiroe

    Жыл бұрын

    Maybe new features and fix bugs but new amps? Users already uploaded so much since release 😅

  • @TVoltG

    @TVoltG

    10 ай бұрын

    My understanding is all the Amps in Amplitude 5 can be stored on the Tone X. Is that not true? I am just trying to figure out if this is the case before I bite.

  • @jremi
    @jremi Жыл бұрын

    The effects loop argument is interesting and it is absolutely true that on a real amp, the effects loop inserts the signal just before the power amp. Maybe the confusion comes from the fact that people see the IRs as "cabinet simulators" (and call it that or just CAB SIM); in the real world, the speaker cabinet is connected to the output of the power amp (not so with IRs!). So strictly speaking, IRs should not be called "cab sims"... They are just specialized EQs normally placed somewhere after the preamp (before the power amp) to emulate the characteristics of a speaker cabinet. Also, people are used to see modelers offering one or more effects loops (e.g. Helix, Fractal AX8, Boss GT-1000, etc.), even though these modelers do not (normally) have a power amp. For example, in the Line 6 Pod Go, it is possible to place the effects loop anywhere in the chain, including before the IR. However, it is clear the ToneX pedal is NOT a multi-effect processor.

  • @garygreening2799
    @garygreening2799 Жыл бұрын

    Just want to point out that the Kemper has a monitor out in which you can turn the cab off. But the post cab effects are still on. So you sort of have an effects loop between the amp and cab. BTW I find this invaluable for monitoring with a real guitar cab on stage and still send a stereo pair to FOH.

  • @redmosq4197
    @redmosq4197 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the vid. I am new to your channel and this tech. I have a EHX Sovtek. Could use this with an amp and cab sim into my amp to effectively change the characteristics to sound like other (say high gain) amps and cabs?

  • @TheRisingoftheLights
    @TheRisingoftheLights Жыл бұрын

    I’m sure it’s a great bit of kit. Regarding the fx loop thing though. On a HX Stomp, placing time and modulation effects before or after the cab model makes a HUGE difference. And that’s with my worn out old ears.

  • @pb25193

    @pb25193

    10 ай бұрын

    This cannot be true, except for some wonky non linear effects, can you share which effect you are talking about?

  • @GaryClark-bo9un
    @GaryClark-bo9un Жыл бұрын

    As a fellow JMI 60s AC/30 owner, I value your channel. I would love to see a video of your '66 and ToneX -- side-by-side for each channel showing settings as you play. Clean-to-Distorted. If you've already done the video, please share the link. Again, fantastic channel! Thank you.

  • @Viks021
    @Viks021 Жыл бұрын

    For me the biggest draw back is lack of pre-IR pass-through output (send IR sound to PA and direct out to stage amp for monitoring and live feedback). If I have super-amp-modeler with custom IR capacity, on live performance I want to run it to PA. What remains unsolved is stage monitoring - I either need to get another unit, run 2 chains controlled by MIDI or I need my own active monitor speaker. So far I found no scenario in which I could simply put this on my pedal board and go to live gig, without depending on the bunch of other equipment.

  • @aradicalmoderate5940

    @aradicalmoderate5940

    5 ай бұрын

    This is my issue too. I'd like to see a modeling pedal/box that has an output for onstage amps that bypass the amp/cab sim, plus balanced outs that include the amp/cab sim to go mono or stereo direct to the board. This way the player could do one method or both depending on the situation.

  • @timhopkins3810
    @timhopkins3810 Жыл бұрын

    Agree with most of the points but think you’ve misunderstood the point of an fx loop on these devices… I’m 99% sure that no one really cares about whether the effects are between the pre and power amps or after them before the cab or even after the cab. I think most people want an fx loop so that they can have a distorted driven amp with time based effects after the drive and then be able to use either the headphones or even the usb interface. Not everyone has the luxury of an FRFR after or going to FOH. Those home players that want to play away from their computer or those that want to use effects not on a plug-in when recording to free up processing power in a daw would want this. Just thought I’d say - I do like your captures btw 😊

  • @hannesganahl6384

    @hannesganahl6384

    Жыл бұрын

    You explained my situation just perfekt!

  • @timhopkins3810

    @timhopkins3810

    Жыл бұрын

    @@hannesganahl6384 I’ve heard this since when the iridium came out so as someone who has to use headphones as I don’t want to wake my kids up at night I thought I’d say. Obviously it’s fine if you’re going into a mixer or a di box at a gig but there’s a lot of people in different scenarios 😊

  • @b_m3998

    @b_m3998

    Ай бұрын

    Couldn’t you get a DI box or audio interface to plug headphones into? That’d allow you to go guitar=>drives=>tonex=> time fx=>DI/interface=> headphones

  • @timhopkins3810

    @timhopkins3810

    Ай бұрын

    @@b_m3998a response to my post a year ago 😊 Yes they would both be options 👍 I think the point I was making at the time was that this was the reason why people were complaining about not having an fx loop as they would get their time based effects muddied up if using a distorted amp. Boss made this possible on their IR-2 recently so odd it wasn’t an option. I put the Tonex in the loop of my HX stomp to get round it just as an fyi 👍

  • @joemiller9856
    @joemiller9856 Жыл бұрын

    Great review. I’m also a worship guitarist and been frustrated with the various modelers and pedals I’ve tried. I want a small rig that covers the bases well. This looks like it would be great. Thanks! Joe

  • @brucelittle3958
    @brucelittle395811 ай бұрын

    Excellent video and remarks! Thanks for putting it out there! In a moment of hearing the Tonex sounds and the advice of Tim Pierce, I bought one, but when I got it spent 1/2 hour trying to locate the tuner (which does not exist)! 😆 Anyway, I love the sounds it has, but your video explains what I need to do to make it work in a Worship service! Very helpful! I do wish they would have included an effects loop!

  • @jackmathers738
    @jackmathers738 Жыл бұрын

    You make good points about Tone and about how to use the pedal as IK imagined it. And iy is a very usable unit, regardless of the signal chain thing ... BUT ... for me, it comes down to how reverb and delay interact. I want to reverb my delay, not delay my reverb. Once you hear it ... If I can't insert a delay before my reverb, then I would turn off the Tonex reverb and use another stomp that would give me the reverb where I wanted it. Not having an effects loop is not a deal breaker, but it makes me not even consider the built in reverb. Would be nice to have an "always on" ambience. That is why I think it was a little short sighted, but certainly not a deal breaker. As far as a second Tonex pedal, the other option is using your phone or tablet with one of those spiffy $119 IK iRig interfaces instead of putting out another $400 ...

  • @markinthemix6055
    @markinthemix6055 Жыл бұрын

    You are SO ON POINT. I KNEW THIS WHEN I SAW THE STEREO OUT OPTION. BOOM You ROCK HW.

  • @dezertson2011
    @dezertson2011 Жыл бұрын

    Thank God someone finally said it. I had this experience with my revivaldrive hotrod(used an amp) and my two notes CAB with IR's. I when I change the position of the modulation effects, it made no difference. My FRFR speakers are the "power" amp, so they are at the end of the chain anyhow, so it made no difference. Sounded great both ways with no semblance of an effects loop.

  • @michaelaugust3626
    @michaelaugust3626 Жыл бұрын

    Congrats on the 30K subscribers!!!!

  • @ToneJunkieTV

    @ToneJunkieTV

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much 😀

  • @arthurgonzales4949
    @arthurgonzales4949 Жыл бұрын

    I agree with the limitations but also love that using a small board with something like a Quilter Superblock UK, I can still have a 1X12 on stage if it allowed. Then I get speaker response and real feedback. The latency isn’t an issue really.

  • @BourkeTommy
    @BourkeTommy Жыл бұрын

    You truly understand the equipment you use. Your knowledge of how everything works is super helpful and you’re very good at predicting counter arguments to your points. Your tones sounded great. We’re definitely at a time where there are so many good options for gear and at reasonable prices too! I subscribed and look forward to the rabbit trail of video watching that will result. God bless!

  • @mightyjb5261
    @mightyjb5261 Жыл бұрын

    My understanding is that the unit comes with a built in reverb. Great. But if you want a post gain delay with reverb after that, you can't achieve that without having a separate reverb pedal. Is that right?

  • @guitarplayer1969

    @guitarplayer1969

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly - I want my Delay before the Reverb, so using the onboard Reverb in the ToneX is not an viable option.

  • @MassacreVegan
    @MassacreVegan Жыл бұрын

    The Ampero II actually allows you to place the FX loop between a preamp and power amp. But like you're saying, very few people do that unless they're really seeking "authenticity."

  • @arielista
    @arielista Жыл бұрын

    I'm building a pedalboard based on the tonex. My question is, I'm coming out of the tonex in stereo to a plethora x5 but I usually have a volume pedal after my drives and or preamp. I can come out of the tonex in mono to the volume pedal but, Would I be missing out on anything? or is the stereo output just for the on board reverb? Thanks

  • @thinkingofvenice
    @thinkingofvenice Жыл бұрын

    I’m glad someone said it in an understanding way. I’ve stopped reading reviews online about it. I’ve come across no less than 4 people bitching about it while they’re still on the waiting list for one. Don’t even have the unit yet and complaining about it.

  • @JoePesce
    @JoePesce Жыл бұрын

    Maybe this was mentioned already, I feel they missed an opportunity with not having balanced outs. This way you can decide to go to an amp (unbalanced), or balanced to a sound card or front of house/mixing console. 10 year old Atomic Amps have this feature.

  • @allenlocke1935

    @allenlocke1935

    Жыл бұрын

    and HeadRush

  • @JimmyDevere
    @JimmyDevere Жыл бұрын

    Will this pedal allow me to capture my amp for blues and then roll off my guitar volume for fine gain adjustment, or does the amp need to be captured several times? I don't want to be having to push the pedal for different gain levels (clean/mild overdrive/crunch).

  • @Ryan-no5bf
    @Ryan-no5bf Жыл бұрын

    I have mine on a board with all of the drives/compression in front, time based/eq pedals after, and all of it goes into a Powerstage 200. Its a perfect setup for me. Works exactly as an amps effect loop.

  • @martiboucat
    @martiboucat Жыл бұрын

    The only problem i see with this device is that you can’t send a split signal out, one with the cab to FOH and one without the cab to a powerstage and cab on stage, when there’s room available to do that with a stereo out. Probably could be implemented in the future with a software update, right? Great video as always. Best from Barcelona!

  • @dustinscott5628

    @dustinscott5628

    5 ай бұрын

    My thought with this is use it with my existing helix, use direct captures, split the signal, run one to foh with an IR and the other feed to an onstage setup. It does seem like there is room for improvement with this unit but if you combine it with other existing systems you can get there.

  • @dustinscott5628

    @dustinscott5628

    5 ай бұрын

    I can't really argue with how this thing sounds, the captures are really above what a modeler can recreate. The low end response clarity is where I hear a lot of the difference. There's something there that the helix just doesn't do

  • @martiboucat

    @martiboucat

    5 ай бұрын

    @@dustinscott5628 a ToneX an HX Stomp look like can do anything.

  • @ichiro-ota
    @ichiro-ota Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I'm new to modeling amps and this video was very educational.

  • @patteway1
    @patteway1 Жыл бұрын

    I 'm waiting for mine... i will use it for just bass amps (preamps) and different distortion and overdrive pedals, i think thats a good solution "tired of turning the settings on stage" this seems to me to be a high-quality compact solution that remains affordable!

  • @BoboFett
    @BoboFett Жыл бұрын

    I am a new subscriber... Like within the last several months or so. Regarding the IRs TJ made with the amp+KoT or amp+808, is it possible to use these in the Helix? My apologies if this is something that has already been discussed.

  • @ToneJunkieTV

    @ToneJunkieTV

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey dude, these are capture files so they are a different format than IRs. Just the free 66 ac30 pack I did for helix has a KOT and 808 on the preset along with a 66 AC30 tonematched Ir. That should be pretty similar.

  • @HandWiredAmps

    @HandWiredAmps

    Жыл бұрын

    Different technology. These captures are not IRs and are specific to ToneX. Now regular speaker IRs can be used in Tonex

  • @BoboFett

    @BoboFett

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ToneJunkieTV I see! Thanks for the info!

  • @bobthejohnsson
    @bobthejohnsson Жыл бұрын

    To me the issue sits more in how Tonex responds to pedals in the front. I never use an effects loop in any of my amps, hence would also put my delays and modulation before the Tonex. However, the Tonex seems to react different on my delays and modulation as my real amps or even Quad Cortex would do. With the same settings the repeats for instance are way louder.

  • @pfmusic1636
    @pfmusic1636 Жыл бұрын

    It’s a good point you make, about how an efx loop works. preamp/ efx loop/ power amp speaker. Now I have to go put my cab m pedal into my helix and try this idea out to see if I can hear the difference in stacking the preamp efx and power amp.

  • @BrianVallotton
    @BrianVallotton Жыл бұрын

    LOVE your playing in the intro! God bless you brother.

  • @ToneJunkieTV

    @ToneJunkieTV

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you kindly!

  • @curtischurch1905
    @curtischurch1905 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the honest review! I am awaiting delivery on mine.

  • @philipmarsh3522
    @philipmarsh3522 Жыл бұрын

    My Dr. Z only has an input, no channel switching, no effects loop. I've never really used one. I've always just put time based stuff in front of the amp, after any gain stages for the most part, and it seems to work. Sometimes it's nice to add some delay, compression, equalization and such after the amp when recording. This pretty much does all of that. Are effects loops really a thing, have I been missing out?

  • @Jonny33333
    @Jonny33333 Жыл бұрын

    I'm curious, are people mainly plugging this into the front of a clean amp, the FX return, or their interfaces?

  • @dancotterman1267
    @dancotterman12678 ай бұрын

    You’re right, DUH! I was thinking “no effects loop” but a loop just does the same thing as coming out of the Tonex (preamp) before the power amp. Soooo no problemo. Thanks for the video. Great information keep up the good work.

  • @peschernuy
    @peschernuy Жыл бұрын

    How should I use the delay pedal with it for simple metal solos? Before or after tonex pedal? I have mxr carbon copy deluxe. many says after pedal. and how do you think it will sound ok . I mean if preset consitst reverb its not correctly to hit delay after

  • @dyonight
    @dyonight Жыл бұрын

    The 2 only use I could see for an fx loop is to monitor the whole signal chain with headphones plugged in the pedal, or use the internal reverb after an external delay, chorus, etc. Not sure it's worth engineering an extra AD/DA conversion, physical jacks and software tweeks to make that happen... In fact I'm sure, it's not worth it ahah! And I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually come up with a "XL" version, they also have a serie of FX pedal, they could put all of this into one if they want...

  • @taylormesa
    @taylormesa Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant!! 1) agree on every point 2) your playing is excellent 3) I now believe I need a Suhr JM

  • @LFTLmusic
    @LFTLmusic Жыл бұрын

    Not sure If anyone else brought this up regarding the effects loop. I don't think it's that they want to put it "preamp/power amp". I think it's more to do with having a headphone out. If someone runs a high gain tone and plugs the delay in front , probably not ideal. If someone runs the delay after the pedal , it's not going to be in the headphones. If the effects after don't have a headphone out, now they need to buy/add an additional thing to use it. The way you use it is not affected by this, many people probably won't be. But, there is probably a large segment that this would be an issue. I also understand IK not adding it because if you buy the IK delay and reverb pedals they have headphone outs and can sim, like apple you build for your ecosystem. Just a thought.

  • @ginuz
    @ginuz Жыл бұрын

    HI, the first thing I noticed when you first reviewed the ToneX was the lack of effects loop. I don't know how much it is important if you use it direct to a computer audio interface, or if it makes much difference when going to a cab. I am used to have effects loop in my amp and always worked with it. So now that I am recording my stuff to computer I bought a pedal that have an effect loop and could easily allow me to switch between amp and computer. The Carl Martin Ampster. Maybe it just makes me comfortable psychologically. I know that they may not be comparable but the first thing I thought was that I would never go without effects loop. and I find it strange Tone X and if I am not wrong even Kemper don't have effects loop.

  • @synonyx
    @synonyx Жыл бұрын

    I've been loving mine so far.... the only decision needed to be made is how I want to output it in the room. Sounds good so far with a powercab!

  • @IntheDAW
    @IntheDAW Жыл бұрын

    also the new axe fx 3 firmware i think simulates breakup or can simulate compression on the IR section the breakup more on the amp block

  • @ryanwhitley5427
    @ryanwhitley5427 Жыл бұрын

    The lack of an effects loop (in this case) is probably an oversight in regards to user interface for than the actual sound. Because they included a headphone jack…how can you hear wet effects through the headphone jack if there isn’t an effects loop?

  • @RockG.o.d

    @RockG.o.d

    Жыл бұрын

    my ac30 don't have an fx loop either :(

  • @ryanwhitley5427

    @ryanwhitley5427

    Жыл бұрын

    @@RockG.o.d You don’t listen to your AC30 with headphones lol

  • @wickedmetalhead

    @wickedmetalhead

    2 ай бұрын

    @@RockG.o.d which is why I bought the AC30 head.

  • @RockG.o.d

    @RockG.o.d

    2 ай бұрын

    @@wickedmetalhead I modded an fx loop eventually. Was easy enough to do cos I have a hand wired ac30.

  • @RockG.o.d

    @RockG.o.d

    2 ай бұрын

    @@ryanwhitley5427 who said I use headphones?

  • @IamMusicNerd
    @IamMusicNerd Жыл бұрын

    I will be using mine with a GT1000 core anyway. So I will just have the ToneX in one of the loops on the GT1000, and the GT1000 will be in the effects loop of my power amp. So I can control where it will go in the chain with the rest of my pedalboard anyway.

  • @sboy1955
    @sboy1955 Жыл бұрын

    Line 6 introduced spillover awhile back - never needed it, still don’t. This looks like a nice piece of gear and should my 7yr old Helix ever die, I will be looking at it. Thanks for all you do for us. Subscribed!

  • @I.D.K.S.5000
    @I.D.K.S.50009 ай бұрын

    I have been using amplitube 5, for my studio, I want to use the self created rig set up I created in Amplitube 5 and be able to call that up on the ToneX stomp box/floor amp for my live application. Is this possible? Do I have to run Amplitube 5 on a laptop, or can I download it on to the Tonex stomp box? How is the actual amp, will it drive a speaker cab? Or do i need a amplifier to do so? (for shows and practice, still running line outs to the front of house).

  • @GlennGGG5150
    @GlennGGG5150 Жыл бұрын

    I think ToneX’s direct competition would be the strymon iridum & universal audio pedals, not kemper/QC. Also what were people using b4 amps had effects loop ?

  • @iamjiroe

    @iamjiroe

    Жыл бұрын

    It depends… for studio work it’s direct competitor is the Kemper as all that matters is the tone of the amp. And don’t forget it comes w amplitube 5 as well so you got access to FXs in studio situations if you don’t already own that. Now… For live? Sure this version is not competing directly w the Kemper, perhaps a larger unit released in the near future that combines FXs from amplitube 5.

  • @pierrelanglois5959
    @pierrelanglois5959 Жыл бұрын

    I own a kemper but am wondering if there is a way to capture an amp just using an app on my Mac book pro and if so, which app?

  • @yaniv-nos-tubes
    @yaniv-nos-tubes Жыл бұрын

    the problem with kemper: it lacks presence so it doesn't cut through the mix on live gigs, i see some of my favorite guitar players playing live and i hear nothing, like air guitar. especially in the solos, the money time where the mix is dense .so if you are a decoration in the gig get a kemper, if you make mistakes don't worry, no one hears you. on the other hand i have to admit that 1. it sounds great for clean tones by itself. it's convenient ,i won't mention the horrible overly compressed excuse of a distortion because it's a matter of taste. 2.it saves time at the soundcheck, both the guitar player and the sound guy don't waste any time, you won't be asked to turn it down like when using an amp, other bandmates never complain, it's like youre not even there. 3.i work as a backliner for too many years now ,saw hundreds of gigs with the same guitar players on amps and modelers ,i used to hate modelers now i love them! i get more free time! i'm too old to carry 2x12 combos every day, and only the ones that really care about their tone deserve my upgraded amps where i put my heart and soul, i have amps you won't find on any store or on any backline rig on planet earth. if i screw up with my crazy mods i have to answer to professionals, if they wouldnt like it they would rent gear elsewhere and i wouldnt have a job. 4.you didn't invent the damn thing you probably do your best to make it more usable for people ,just try to gig with it and ask someone in the audience. tube junkie

  • @marctamtonthat
    @marctamtonthat Жыл бұрын

    HX stomp has an effect loop. Is it relevant to use ToneX as an amp inside an HX stomp signal chain then ? With the time base effects after the send and return block ? It wouldn't solve the time effects between preamp and power amp and also the time base effects would even be after the ToneX simulated Cab. Does it matter ?

  • @gladejustglade
    @gladejustglade Жыл бұрын

    I've never had a device so clearly sound great in all of its many KZread demos, paid or not. There was always something in demos of any device of this type where it didn't sound exactly right, but this one just nails it. I have all of its competitors and I'm getting one anyways.

  • @BkBk-gy6vr

    @BkBk-gy6vr

    Жыл бұрын

    I thought the same thing until mine arrived 5 days ago and very disappointed it doesn't sound that good with a few exception presets. Also this guy doing this vid is dead wrong Ive tried the Tone X multiple ways with a delay pedal and with an FM3 and they work but very so so I didnt like it at all. Its very different and clearly different compared to going into an FX loop I dont need anyone to tell me anything different my ears dont lie.

  • @gladejustglade

    @gladejustglade

    Жыл бұрын

    @@BkBk-gy6vr That's a bummer, but I've noticed that chasing tone over time using other people's patches is a question of input volume. They all use classic guitars with low pickup output, like Strats and old Les Pauls. If you have something a little hotter, it'll sound totally different. I'm hoping that my low-output 5909 and 5708s will sound like the people on KZread playing through these patches. Good news is I can send it back if it sucks.

  • @jimmcdougall9973
    @jimmcdougall9973 Жыл бұрын

    I’m back on the pedals and the lack of an effects loop… I get it that drives etc can be placed before the input (just like a regular amp). But for recording purposes, placing time based effects after the unit would mean one would have to connect via an audio interface. As the usb direct to DAW would not include these effects? Is my understanding correct?

  • @HandWiredAmps

    @HandWiredAmps

    Жыл бұрын

    You are correct. Note: USB OUT - USB output routing: sets the USB OUT routing. ∙ STEREO: the stereo processed signal is routed to USB OUT 1 and 2. ∙ DUAL: the left processed signal is routed to USB OUT 1, the DI dry signal is routed to USB OUT 2. page 19 of the manual

  • @RonsenAldosa
    @RonsenAldosa Жыл бұрын

    I like the preamp use on my helix with my Powercab 212 plus, I hear a noticeable difference from using an amp, btw great video 🤟🏽

  • @onewiththings
    @onewiththings Жыл бұрын

    I completely agree, no need or desire for an effects loop.

  • @shorerocks
    @shorerocks Жыл бұрын

    My Kemper is non-powered, and my time-based effects sit between it and the ENGL Poweramp 810. Honestly, I miss nothing. And I play live and in the studio for +35 years.

  • @aradicalmoderate5940
    @aradicalmoderate59405 ай бұрын

    Is there a stereo IR modeling cab sim pedal that provides outputs for amps for onstage use, bypassing the cab sim, AND balanced outs that to go into the PA that use the cab sim?

  • @markemmerton5350
    @markemmerton5350 Жыл бұрын

    Helix does have an effects loop (even the stomp). Everyone wants an effects loop because time based effects are best there. In addition, if you have a mono time based effect (ie., nice spring reverb that the Tonex doesn't do well) but want a stereo amp setup, an effects loop is a must. The other scenario is using it with headphones at night. Most delay and reverb pedals don't have HP outs so the idea that you can just put them after the tonex in the sign chain will not work well. In addition, if you are using the Tonex as an audio interface for recording, the reverbs and delays would need to be forced in front of the pedal unless you use additional VSTs with a recording app.

  • @landontproductions8186
    @landontproductions8186 Жыл бұрын

    Idk if you will see this but im really having trouble setting this thing up tgrough my scarlett 212. I tried running the mono Left out from the back of the pedal to input 1 on my scarlett interface and it doesn’t seem to work. Do i need to run both left and right out to input 1 and 2 on my interface? Also when and if that works does it need to be in live or interface mode?

  • @lonnyhandwork422
    @lonnyhandwork422 Жыл бұрын

    Great work with this video - thanks! Will be my go to source for helping explain some misunderstood basics. Subbed.

  • @ToneJunkieTV

    @ToneJunkieTV

    Жыл бұрын

    Awesome, thank you!

  • @georgem7374
    @georgem7374 Жыл бұрын

    Ahhhh! Finally. Someone who gets what this pedal is for! Thank you for the good video.

  • @IntheDAW
    @IntheDAW Жыл бұрын

    Okay thanks you this is literally what I was thinking. I use my axe fx 3 with all time based fx after the amp. the only stuff i do before would be a wah and maybe some trem but even them amps that have trem inputs are all after everything

  • @satanbane
    @satanbane Жыл бұрын

    In signal processing, there is a relevant concept called "LTI" (Linear, Time-Invariant"). As a shorthand, this is often just called "linear", as opposed to "non-linear". Effects units or circuits which are linear, can be swapped in order without making a tonal difference. E.g., a volume pedal and an EQ. Distortion units of all types (be it called "fuzz" or whatever), are non-linear. This means that (a) the order matters (volume pedal in front of distortion behaves very differently than if it comes after), and (b) an IR cannot capture the essence of any non-linearity in the tone. As you say, IR captures phase and EQ just fine, but can't get things like speaker breakup right (non-linear). So indeed, in theory, the ordering of IR and any linear effects (such as EQ or delay-based effects) shouldn't matter. But if you wanted to put some kimd of distortion in your "effects loop", you won't obtain the same result if the IR comes first. Might still sound good, though!

  • @BrokenDreamRox

    @BrokenDreamRox

    Жыл бұрын

    I've never really found distortion between the amp and IR useful. Technically you could add one between a preamp and the amp with some interesting results i suppose.

  • @Arikashirukashi
    @Arikashirukashi10 ай бұрын

    Can you put a spring reverb before amp section in this unit? To play some surf music

  • @toploadtele
    @toploadtele Жыл бұрын

    The Walrus ACS-1 rocks two seperate amps in stereo... with 3 cabs choices on each, has a headphone out and MIDI.

  • @rodrigozamo
    @rodrigozamo Жыл бұрын

    I never got the complaint about the fx loop. Me being a studio guy, I run my effects in aux tracks in parallel, added to the dry recorded tracks. Indeed, as you mention, fx loops were introduced to get neat delays and reverbs post PREAMP in a real amp so they don't muddy up if you want them pristine clean. And even if you go those between pre and power amp, the sound of those will be affected by whatever power amp color is providing, plus they don't get even so a guitar speaker isn't hifi, their frequency range is actually pretty limited. So what would you want to squish those beautiful effects into a lower fidelity sound when you can add them post cab and get the full range of the effects. Shape your amp sound all you want, use the post amp EQ to really shape it before it goes out and then throw full range effects after it. That is what you want, not an fx loop in a digital unit. The concept of having that is just ridiculous. just plug your chorus, delay and reverb after it and it will work better for those pristine clean studio effects. Indeed, as you run them, in front is also the option for coloring and giving the fx character hitting the front of the amp and that is cool too. Not very useful if you're like me running 5150/ Boogie Mark IV type sounds but yes, for cleaner or on edge of breakup sounds, it's also it's own vibe... again, just plug them in front, you don't need an fx loop for that.

  • @matthewstearle7395
    @matthewstearle7395 Жыл бұрын

    Would I be able to plug this unit into my old Roland ss amp,or would the Stomp be better,I do not gig,thanks

  • @krzystovmrozla2866
    @krzystovmrozla28669 ай бұрын

    Well done. And nice solo! Also, it would be nice to see somebody give a review of the TONE X while actually using it in a LIVE on-stage demonstration through a club's PA.

  • @CarcPazu
    @CarcPazu Жыл бұрын

    The problem I have with the unit is probably something I'm doing wrong (like not reading the user manual) but it's that presets sound like the volume of my guitar is halfway down. For instance, I use a Rectifier presets that says high gain and it sounds like the gain is at 3/10. Is there something I do not understand?

  • @duncancartledge1667

    @duncancartledge1667

    Жыл бұрын

    Check out the input gain level in global settings. There’s a video from Jason Saddites on this

  • @McJimmie

    @McJimmie

    Жыл бұрын

    Having similar but opposite issue to above: the high gain (preset A) is too loud, I have to roll off gain and vol on pedal and adjust vol knob on my guitar, but then up on presets B (drive) and C (clean) because they are so low. Is there a fix for this? In video HK doesn’t appear to adjust his volume knob on the guitar nor make adjustments in the pedal and the volume is consistent through multiple changes. (Great playing by the way)!!

  • @Darko_gitarista
    @Darko_gitarista Жыл бұрын

    Is it possible to connect Fractal FM3 with Tonex pedal for using only effects from FM3?

  • @inlikeflynnproductions
    @inlikeflynnproductions Жыл бұрын

    I always just figured a real amp needs an fx loop cause you can’t plug a cable into a speaker…not really needed in an amp only pedal. Now things like helix, HX stomp, axe fx and Kemper’s need one cause they are multi fx units and have complex routing capabilities. I think people have just gotten used to that form factor and feel they are losing something they actually are not.

  • @Garflips
    @Garflips Жыл бұрын

    No effects loop may not be a problem, but it is preferred by those of us who want to add a permanent effect from one of our pedals after the cab sim and before the interface. I'd like to use the USB audio capabilities of the Tonex but can't if I want to insert my own hardware effects, so I have to feed the Tonex line outputs into another interface. It's no biggie, but it's still something that could - should IMNSHO - have been included. The Tonex is a terrific bit of kit. I'm sticking with the Walrus ACS1 for now as I appreciate it's simplicity and the way it takes pedals.

  • @pauliusmscichauskas558
    @pauliusmscichauskas5585 ай бұрын

    Inserting a spring reverb between the amp and a cab, and after the cab, gives very different results. The before-cab spring reverb makes more sense. Another benefit of an FX loop is that such a thing would allow the user to split send the "no cab" signal to an actual guitar cab, and the "with cab" signal to the front.

  • @CentaurusRelax314
    @CentaurusRelax314 Жыл бұрын

    No one (credible) needs or wants to put the loop between the amp and the cab. The complaints about it not having a loop are about not being able to move effects pre- or post. I have an Eventide H9, for example. I have to decide whether i want to use the mod effects in the H9 before the ToneX, and then not be able to use the delays after the amp models, or compromise the other way around. That's a real-world, valid desire, and i'm pretty confident the Mk II or "Pro" version of the ToneX will offer it.

  • @ToneJunkieTV

    @ToneJunkieTV

    Жыл бұрын

    That would actually be up to the H90 to have a loop so it can introduce something external into its own signal path. I’m not understanding how an effects loop on the Tone X would fix that issue.

  • @CentaurusRelax314

    @CentaurusRelax314

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ToneJunkieTV I thought the purpose of a loop on something like the Kemper is that it enables the user flexibility in where the designated effects appear in the chain. On my Kemper Stage, i had the H9 and a delay like an Echoplex or Halo in the loop, because occasionally i would want those effects before the amp section and sometimes after. I'm aware of people using the HX Stomp, for example, and putting the ToneX into _its_ loop, but i'm just discussing why it's valid to want the ToneX II to have one. And what i thought was a overemphasis or misstatement of complaints, because i think experienced/reasonable people are used to putting the effects pre- or post-Amp+Cab, *not* in between the amp and cab. Because that's what we're used to with other devices.