|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410 |
Hi folks, I'm currently using a Vox Tonelabs unit that I use live and to record with. I love the sounds but I've decided I cannot live with the noise anymore. I have some other units that I can record clean with, then process the signal, but I can't use them live. I'm looking for something that is first and foremost low noise. Going back a few years I tried several different multi effects units, and I remember being surprised at how noisy most of them were. Of course, I wound up getting one of the more noisey units. (go figure  ) . Anyways, if you're using a low noise multi effects unit that you like, I'd like to hear about it. Later, Jim
I'd be completely happy if I had just one more guitar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
Anymore i just stay with the digital stuff like the line6 stuff and so forth.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
To build on Robh, I own a Line 6 PODxtLive. I am very pleased with it for a couple of reasons. Time is a very limited for me. The main feature in addition to the filters used to silence the noiose is the ability to download tone rigs from their web site. It saves me from having to do everything from scratch. Just a thought.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Ditto on the Pod. A group with whom I record has been using one in the studio. We have been very pleased.
In addition, the software interface (the "Pod Farm") is the best I have ever seen in a consumer application--truly intuitive, powerful yet easy to use.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
The tonelab shouldn't provide any more noise than any of the other options listed. The source of noise is likely an improper signal gain setup, noisy pickups in your axe(s), bad circuitry with floating grounds, etc.
With that said, some of the amp simulators don't take a hard look at noise control - but the tonelab is generally loved by the people that own it. I wish I had one. If the amp being simulated in real life has noise issues in real life, many times the simulated amp will as well as many manufacturers rely on impulse responses for amp and cabinet simulation. The noise will be in the impulse response, and hence in the output.
I have two Behringer amp simulators, a V-Amp 2 and a Behringer Bass V-Amp Pro. Depending on settings, quiet and noisy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
The ToneLab should output a pretty clean signal. I have a ToneLab SE and don't experience the amount of noise you mention at all. Check the points Rockstar_not mentioned. Check your cables too. Try to eliminate the possible causes one by one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I use the IKMultimedia stuff:
1. Ampeg SVX
2. Amplitube
Some presets are clean some are noisy but as mentioned that's part of the sound. Just use a gate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
If you like to run high gain overdrive, the noise is going to be there regardless of what unit you choose. It is common to incorporate a Noise Gate in these simulators, at the last thing in the signal chain before the output. Set properly, it can make silence when you are not playing, then kick out when you do play to allow the sound thru.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,353
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,353 |
Another source of noise is, frequently, the power supply unit;
Problems can cause noise:
(bad) grounding
low voltage
low current capability (this is, the unit drais/need 500 mA and you use a 300mA rated unit
DC current not filtered
Make an experience: Try using your device powered by the power supply unit you have and than change the power supply by batteries (full charged, correct voltage, correct current); any difference?
Finally, I am trying to change all my power supply units by the new concept power units: the "switching" power supply units (nowadays, all the cell phones chargers are switching, for example).
Advantages are: they are small, light, and the noise, if any, is very high frequency (not 60Hz or so), that is, not audible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 177
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 177 |
Great band Luiz! Thanks for sharing. As for noiseless guitar effects units, I like my TC Electronics G Major 2 unit for clean effects. I also use a power supply filter unit at the base for everything having found so much variation in clean power at gigs. The biggest noise problems I have had over the years however have been from loud band mates - loud drummers, loud keyboard players, etc. BIAB has helped solve most of those problems!
Last edited by DrDUBose; 06/30/10 07:29 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 199
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 199 |
My 2c worth: I very much like my Digitech RP series multi unit. Mine is the RP14d with a little 12AX7 pre amp tube but they have advanced heaps since then. Cheers, John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Yes mine have a built in gate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410 |
Hi Folks and thanks for all the great comments.
I'm starting to think my unit is more noisy that most of them are. Just plugged in and on the low gain sims, (but output volume on the Vox way up) it shows about -80 on the daw meter. I have to run the volumes all the way up to record at around - 15. I can gate the noise, but when I hit a note I can faintly hear the noise in it. Oddly enough, when I use some of the higher gain sims, the noise increases a bit, but the volume increases a lot. I can turn the output volume down, gate the noise, and I don't hear any noise when I play a note. The problem is, it's the low gain sims that I want to use the most.
Mike, next time you record, would you have time to check some settings for me? If so here's what I'd like for you to try. (this is all set for clean--for example if I turn the vr gain up more I'll start getting some extra grit that I don't want).
Manual mode--all effects off--tweed 1X12--tweed 1X12--vol ~4 --vr gain ~7 -- ch vol full on --
treble 7--middle 6 --bass 4 --presence 3. back of unit set to line out and volume full on.
thanks,
Jim
I'd be completely happy if I had just one more guitar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
Hi Jim,
I used the setting you mentioned and......got a lot of noise.
That's no big deal however, it is just the setting that should be improved. You used a very low VR Gain setting and a very high output level (level knob on the back) The VR Gain on the ToneLab acts as a master volume: it controls the amount of preamp signal that is sent to the power amp (all inside the ToneLab)
What you want to do is turn up the VR Gain to 10 and turn down the output level (knob on the back). This way you'll get a clean sound that sounds like the sound you had, but with a very low level of noise and a much more defined tone to your guitarsound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410 |
Hi Mike,
Thanks so much for testing that for me. On my unit, if I turn the VR up it starts to simulate transformer and power tube distortion (I think). If I turn the input volume up, it simulates over driving the preamp, and in either case I get more grit than what I want. I'll play around with it tho and see what I can come up with. Again, thanks for testing. At least I know my unit doesn't have anything wrong with it. Or -- I just thought of something. If you turn your VR gain up and hit some chords, do you get some distortion? (I'm wearing you out with this one-lol)
I'd be completely happy if I had just one more guitar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,055
Posts799,497
Members40,023
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean