Want the real tube sound of boutique and expensive classic amps? Using a real 12AX7 valve in an analogue power amp stage – a system Vox calls Valve Reactor – and a
virtual output transformer,the ToneLab LE builds on VOX's succesful 'Valvetronix' modelling-amp heritage in a compact and portable floor unit.

As well as 16 amp models, multiple cabinet models which simulate a mic'd cabinet (which can also be mixed and matched with different amps) the ToneLab LE impressed me with dynamic and organic tones and faithfull replicas of well known amps such as the Bassman, Twin and multiple Marshall Amps. Not forgetting the Classic Vox's that are on offer, the pedal accurately reproduces the controls of these amps, for instance with the Bassman offering only 1 "tone" control for maximum authenticity! Other modelsfeature up to 5 controlssuch as treble,mid and bass, a preamp gain, overall volume and even presence, which on some models replicates the 'bright'switch or 'top boost.'

Add in over 30 pedal and modulation effects, delay effects and a reverb section and you have an all-round performer. Famous effects such as the Fuzz Face, Rat and Univibe are emulted up to a standard that only a purist would be able to differentiate from the real McCoy. Whilst mutilple effects can ony add up to a maximum 6 in a linear chain when compared to Boss' use-as-many-effects-in-any-sequence power of the GT9, the Tonelab wins hands down in pure quality of tone.

The sturdy construction assures peace-of-mind when playing the unit and it is surprisingly intuitive to use. Add in stereo output, effects-in to add your own outbaord collection of pedals, a digital optical output to connect to a digital sound system and you a have a great unit that is also suitable for home-studio/recording use. It also has MIDI to connect toa PC to save and create patches when hooked up.

I have enjoyed buying this pedal and would reccommend it to anyone wanting a pedal which accurately reproduces the tones you wish to replicate from your favourite musicians and equipment. You can even invent your own with the ToneLabs simple, yet dynamic flexibility.

Although it lacks the breadth of amp models offered from the likes of Boss and Zoom and Pod, it wins hands down in the quality of the models it does produce.