Tonex Walk Through and Interface
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- In this video we will cover how to use the Tonex hardware pedal as an audio interface. When we set the Tonex Pedal up to be used this way we can use the Tonex to control third party software such as Amplitude, Overloud TH-U, Neural DSP, Pod Farm, Neural Amp Modeler, and a host of other third party guitar amp modelers
We will also cover a basic users walk through guide. We will cover the main control features of the hardware device.
The second half of the video's main focus is to show you how to set up and configure the Tonex so you can use it with third party software. The software we use in our demonstration is Amplitude and Tone King. Tone king is a product of Neural DSP. I am not affiliated with IK Multimedia or Neural DSP. I am merely a customer of these products.
Website- www.marcuscurtismusic.com
Facebook- Page / marcuscurtismusic
Thanks for not regurgitating what everyone else has posted, this was most helpful!
Thanks so much ! nobody is showing this very important info for trying out presets on the computer:)
I can't count on 10 hands how many Tonex videos I've watched in the past week and just got mine yesterday. And there's some really good ones. But this one so far is my favorite. Thanks so much for taking the time to go through all of this and share it
For those of you having issues trying out tones with the pedal as an interface:
Under "Global Settings", set the "Operation" to "Live". Under "USB Out" set it to "Dual".
I hope it helps. I was struggling with this!
And… input 2 is your dry signal ;)
The LIve vs Interface info helped me sooooooo much. I kept wondering why I couldn't hear any of my tones were changing while I was working on the computer until I saw your easter egg of making sure my Tonex pedal was physically set to Interface. Thank you for making this video!
Glad it helped! That is exactly why I make these videos.
Very helpful, thank you for your diligence.
Best video I've seen on tonex pedal thanks so much had this for a while now but I learnt a lot from your advice thanks so much all the best
Great video. You've made a lot of new friends with this. Me included.
I'm buying this on the 3rd of next month in a little over a week. You already gave me a huge learning jump ahead of what the do. Thank you! I hope I am going to love this thing.
Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you soooo much for this video! I just got my Tonex and what a learning curve. LOL! In particular I've been trying to figure out to adjust the reverb and noise gate. It seems to be the adjustments should be linked when the ALT light is on. Watching your video I finally was able to realize the ALT light is for the knobs and not adjusting the setting. By clicking the knob I was able to figure out how to get into that part of the menu. Thanks again for posting this. IKM owes you!
This is by far the most helpful tonex video I’ve come across! Thanks so much! 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Some great things here, thanks for sharing the info! well done!
This was so helpful, thank you!
great video , not more of the same other vids on the product , thank you , new sub here
Wow this does so much more off the pedal than any other video I've seen.
So glad I found this. Thank you so much.
I got mine today it's still sitting here in the box.
That was very helpful. Thank you!!!!
Thanks a great video
Thank you finaly the info nobody does great job
Very Helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video.
Just got mine yesterday.
A few questions.
No gui on the software to control the pedals global parameters, i.e. eq, levels, etc?
I like the simplicity of the built in DAW, but get no audio playback out of it.
I can see the waveforms, it shows input and output on the meters, just no audio.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
@marcuscurtismusic - is it only possible to use the amplitude stuff in a live fashion... as in i cant export this as a preset or something to import into tonex? thanks for the video... its made things a lot clearer :)
Amplitude can be used as a plugin for a DAW or as a stand alone app, but as far as I know you can't export Amplitude patches to Tonex. There are some features in Amplitude that the Tonex pedal will not do. You can control Amplitude with the Tonex pedal and that's about it. The Tonex software is the only thing that can be used to export patches and you can also download new patches from the Tonex software to be used live in the Tonex pedal. However, Tonex does work inside of Amplitude. I have seen live setups where guitar players actually use a laptop in order to use software like Amplitude, and other guitar software.
Great video. One of the reasons I bought this is to replace my Line 6 Guitar port and practice at home. I usually practice to songs on CZcams for my cover band. But volume of the musicfrom the PC into my headset is loud AF. Do you have any recommendations on how to adjust that? The guitar volume is fine.
Thanks
I am not sure what kind of computer you are using. I don't have any solutions if you are using an apple computer but I could help if you use a windows system. Everything depends on how you set up your system. Are you using the Tonex as an audio interface or are you using something else? What is the default windows audio interface? You can access this option in the settings section. more information is needed to provide a detailed solution. Usually if you are playing tracks from CZcams the browser will use what ever audio interface is selected as the default audio interface.
I am going to assume that the Tonex is selected as the default audio interface and that your headphones are plugged into that. In this case the audio for your backing track can be adjusted directly from the CZcams video itself. Just click on the speaker icon in the video and adjust it that way. This would be the simple way to do it. If you are using a different audio interface as the default then adjust it from the default audio interface. That option is found in the lower right hand corner of your screen. It is the volume icon.
Another option would be to install a program called 4k download. It will allow you to download the Backing tracks from CZcams you want to use right to your computer. When you play the backing track back you adjust the audio through what ever software you use to play videos in windows. If you are looking for software to play videos on your computer then consider VLC media player. It's free. The free version of 4K download lets you download 30 videos a day for free. the paid version removes this restriction.
Excellent review, thank you - new at this and just got the device! Really just have two short questions: When you ran the two "outs -L/R" - did both go into the mixer? You stated the right did, but not sure of the left. If you did, would using this option of L/R outs plugged into the mixer create or mimic a faux stereo sound for mixing purposes (not talking about the Tone King sim functionality). I'm thinking of doing this and then connecting the mixer out (USB) directly into the DAW. BTW,I know I can mimic stereo (multi/triple tracking mono and delaying one of them etc). Thank you, Cheers!!
I went out of the Tonex left and right and into two channels of the mixer. I panned the input from the right full right and the input from the left full left. I think you got the idea and it is a clever process. The DAW records from the mixer and you use the Tonex to control third party software. This allows and gives you the ability to record directly from the Tone King or what ever third party amp modeler you are using. Some amp modelers may not allow you to reamp and this is a way to get around that.
Thank you!!
Thanks! It’s necessary to have a áudio interface to plug guitar on tonex and play in the computer ?
No, it is not necessary to have an audio interface. The Tonex is an audio interface. It is perfect for plugging your guitar into your computer. It is good for using guitar software like TH-U, and Amplitude with the Tonex hardware.
Holy moly thank you.
I was struggling understand how to get it to register the tonex after plugging it in. You’d think they’d make it a little easier to adjust rather than download an app that makes you download another app as well as firmware to acknowledge that the pedal is a device blah blah blah.
Not very user friendly.
Looking forward to getting some sweet tones out of this pedal now!
But again, thank you!
"You would think they would make it a little easier," I say this all the time about most hardware manufacturers.
I didn't see this in the video. But I was worndering can you hook u heaphone though the tonex and is there any way to play music though the heaphone that you hook into the tonex?
Yes to both questions. It has a headphone jack, and it can be used as an audio interface with allows you to play music or backing tracks through it.
I have the tonex pedal. quite honestly it's not very intuitive to go trough preset and to modifiy them. I think they need to look at the L6 Helix, to have one application to load and modifiy parameter directly from the computer and to load the IR.
couldn't agree more
Mine won't connect to the librarian anymore. Great idea, bad support.
Can you send to seperate outputs at the same time? One without the cab sim to feed a guitar cab on stage and another with cab sim on to feed to the house mixer?
I know that the stereo outputs allow you to send your signal in stereo, or you can send two separate signals. I am not sure of the exact details. Likewise, I plan on spending more time with the Tonex and making more videos about it. As soon as I am done with the Guitar synth series, more Tonex videos will be researched and released.
Am I correct that in interface mode, I could use the third party software and play that through an FRFR or an amp? If so, that adds a lot more versatility than just the Tonex ecosystem. Thanks for the informative video.
You are correct.
Literally the only video of ToneX that stopped me on my way to flinging it into the sea! Because I don’t know all the vernacular of this industry, I needed ToneX for dummies. That said, I don’t know how it’s in any way intuitive to find that ‘interface’ menu. And what to do with it.
IK should be paying you for the effort you’ve put in. Compared to their piss poor attempt.
And obviously thanks is the main reason for my message. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. How are there not 3000 likes on this.
@@chaos4316 I am glad the video was helpful. That is truly the only reason I make these videos. I ran into all the same issues that most people have when I was trying to figure out how to use the Tonex. Thank you for your comment.
@@marcuscurtismusicI still feel like I keep screwing things up though. At the moment my levels are all over the place, and if I go into interface and take it off ‘live’, it goes straight to screaming. But no matter how much I clean it up now, it’s way off. Clean tones are sounding muddy.
Can you think of an obvious remedy?
@@chaos4316 The problem is you got to play with it and run tests to see what everything does. Practice with this device and become familiar with all the settings. I would start by determining if your Tonex needs a firmware update and use the Tonex software to update the firmware. many times there are firmware updates that are released after the product has been sent to a distribution center. Then go into the global settings and do a factory reset. Once that is done go into settings and switch from live to interface. See if that resolves your issues. You can reload your tones from the software so if a tone is really messed up try starting over and load it from the librarian tab. hit the preset button to find your tone.
What are you using to monitor your tones? are you using headsets or do you have this plugged into an amp? I actually designed some tones using my studio monitors. This helps to isolate tone issues better. I would not use your guitar amp to design tones.
With all these devices stereo is better than mono. I discovered long ago that it is better to use a simple Y cable and go into a mono jack on an amp rather than using just the mono output. I don't know why this makes a difference but it seems to work with all my other gear too.
Really looking to buy one. Do you just plug the tonex into a clean amp?
That is one approach. I prefer to plug it into a mixing board or a powered P.A. speaker. The reason for this is because the Tonex models Amplifiers. If you plug it into an amp then you got the Tonex amp model competing with the tone from the real amp you are plugged into. You also have the cab model tone competing with the tone from the speakers in the real amp. It is like being plugged into two amps at the same time. While you may personally like the result it is not a true representation of the amp model found in the Tonex and this is where a lot of people are having problems. It makes it harder to dial in a tone you are happy with.
If you do plug it into a clean amp do an A/B comparison. Try bringing up a tone you like on the amp you are plugged into and then unplug from the amp and listen to that same tone using headphones plugged into the Tonex. You may discover that you like the tone in the headphones better. The reason for this is because you have two amps competing with each other for tone. This may add unwanted bass and low end. Also consider that a guitar amp usually does not go over 5k in the frequency range and a mixer or powered speaker will go to 20K in the frequency range.
It has been my personal experience that amp modelers like the Tonex sound better when they are plugged into a P.A. system or a self powered P.A. Speaker. I use two channels in a mixing board and I pan one left and one right. I keep the E.Q. in both channels flat. I get the best results this way.
Once you save the Tone King to the Tonex software can you download it to the pedal?
No you can not. You can only download Tonex amps to the Tomex pedal. But you can use the Tonex to control the Tone King software.
Great Video! My remaining question is, what sampling rates does the pedal offer in Audio Interface mode? All my projects are at 48k all I ever see it running at is 44.1k. I kept watching the screen begging for you to click the pull down menu on your configuration screens, to see if/what other options are available! Any chance you could check and report back? Thanks
I probably should have mentioned this, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Tonex only runs in 44.1k. I know there are forums out there that supposedly runs you through command codes to try and get you to convert it to 48k, but in the end you will only get 44.1k. Trust me when I tell you I have tried some of the hacks on the internet, and they don't work. There is no way to change it in the global settings, and there is no way to change it in the software. Even if you change to 48k in your DAW software you will still only get 44.1k.
You can still use it as an audio interface, but it is far from being a great audio interface. I only use it as an audio interface if I am using guitar software such as Overloud's TH-u or Neural DSP plugins. I never use the Tonex as a DAW audio interface simply because it is not that great in this department. That being said, if you are in need of an audio interface for your DAW then I would recommend this one. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RevelatorIO24--presonus-revelator-io24-usb-c-audio-interface.
Hi quality for just 99 bucks. Not only does it do 48k, but it will also do up to 24 bit 96k. Lots of hidden features and things you would expect from an audio interface costing hundreds of dollars more. Once again, sorry for the bad news. Don't waste your time trying to get 48k out of the Tonex. It won't be true 48k. It is still a great piece of hardware for guitar players.
@@marcuscurtismusic Wow, thank you for such a complete response. Amazing help. Yes, it is an unfortunate hardware restriction. I'm already using a UAD Apollo but recently started using tonex sims as well. I was hoping to get a similar thing like I get with UAD, where 'hardware plays the guitar sims' but that I could also use with iPad/USB. I guess I''ll see if Tonex v.2 pedal fixes this shortcoming. I can't remember how many years ago I had an audio interface that could only do CD quality sample rates.
How do you hook it up to speakers? Just to normal Studio speakers?
You can hook it up to normal studio speakers, you can use headphones, or you can plug it into a guitar amp. It sounds the best when it is plugged into a powered amp like a QSC or some other P.A. powered speaker. If you are on a tight budget, the Headrush speakers work well with this. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FRFR108MK2--headrush-frfr-108-ii-2000-watt-1-by-8-inch-powered-guitar-cabinet
Can the tonex be muted? or Bypassed when using live. As any other pedal?
This is not something that the Tonex does. There is no bypass function to my knowledge. However a quick fix would be to make a patch or preset that essentially bypasses the Tonex. Your custom patch would shut off all effects and have no amp or cabinet. The E.Q. would be set flat. Name the patch Bypass. Then load that patch in one of the preset areas. In order for this to be effective you may want to load that Bypass patch in a few different places. When you want to shut the Tonex off just go to the bypass preset.
Hello,
The quality of the tonex being used as an audio interface as good as a Focusrite?
As far as quality goes, I think you will find that the Focusrite is a better audio interface for recording music. However, the Tonex does a good job when you want to use an audio interface for the purpose of playing third party guitar modeling software like Overloud's TH-U software, POD Farm, Guitar Rig, Neural DSP, or other software of that nature. If I was going to record music, I would definitely use something other than the Tonex pedal. Just my opinion, but in testing for recording audio, I found other hardware does a better job.
@@marcuscurtismusic Thank you very much for such a complete answer
How do I install the drivers? You just say as you can see our drivers are installed. Thanks!
You need to setup an account with IK media and download their installer software. The installer will install the drivers and any software Tonex requires.
Can I save a 3rd party software for example a Neural-DSP Plug in, on the ToneX as a Preset? So that I can take the Neural DSP Plugin with me, without having to use a laptop?
The Video was really helpful! :))
To be honest I don't know if that is possible. I do have more Tonex videos coming after I finish up this guitar synth series. during production I will test and see if there is a way to do what you want to do. If I find a way I will put it into the video.
@@marcuscurtismusic That would be awesome!
could i save a preset to the first bank and then use it as an interface? trying to avoid using the software in my DAW. Mac Mini w Logic Pro.
basically, I want to be able to connect ToneX to the Mac directly, then be able to use the 3 bank/preset buttons as my amp tones, so I don't have to pull up the software in Logic. does that make sense?
@@christian_silo Yes I think I understand what you are saying. You don't need to use Logic or any other DAW. There is a stand alone version of Tonex that does not need a DAW in order to work. If you are going to use this approach you would unlock more features in the stand alone software versions if you were to set the pedal up as an audio interface. You can use the amps on the inside of the Tonex pedal (hardware) or you can use the amps in the software, but you can't do both at the same time.
Not to worry though because all the amps that are in the pedal are in the software too and amps tones that you create and download can also be stored in the software as well. Certain sections of the Tonex software will not work unless you use your Tonex as an audio interface. You can still use the Pedal to change patches and it will function as normal. The only difference is the amp models are coming from the Tonex software on the mac instead of the Tonex pedal itself.
To use your Tonex as an audio interface go to the global settings, then go to operation, then switch from Live (amp models in pedal) to interface (amp models in software) When you do this all the features of the software will work and you can also use Amplitude which also comes with Tonex. It has many more effect types. Tonex can work inside Amplitude. They are meant to go together.
I saw on the pedal it had stereo out or dual, what is dual for? I thought you couldn't have dual amps out?
@@cameronlaing2829 I have not tested it but I believe dual is for creating two separate signal chains while stereo is one chain in a stereo field. Dual will give you two separate mono signals.
@@marcuscurtismusic Excellent video, man! Thanks. Can i use the tonex pedal as interface and use the headphone out to monitor the tones i will edit in the software? I ask this because i don't have any monitors at the moment. Thank you!
Why is there no power switch?
I don't know why there is no power switch but this seems to be a trend with new gear. Just plug it in and go. Most people use a power strip to plug their gear in. I guess the idea is to just flip the switch on the power strip and everything turns on. Personally I like the power button. how much extra money are they saving by not installing a power switch on new gear?
Bro I can hear you breathing!
Thanks for this video, but you might want to ease off the compressor a bit on your microphone, because the excessive noise when you're not talking is quite annoying. Cheers!
Believe it or not I am still trying to figure out the making videos thing. Thanks for your feedback. Not just audio but video editing lighting and other things. The video editing can be the most challenging. In most cases, I only make videos about a topic if I can't find the information I am looking for on CZcams. There is a lot involved in making these things. Still trying to figure out the audio aspect of things too. working on getting better lapel mics
I understand. No problem. The time and effort you've put into this video alone deserves all my respect. :-)
My comment was just meant as a bit of constructive criticism. Keep it up!
@@BenvanGeest I do appreciate your comment and I value your input. I like when people point out things that can be improved. You did a good thing by pointing this out and I agree with you. I am only saying that I am working on it and I hope to improve the audio soon. i got to stop spending money on music gear and start buying better video gear...lol That is really hard to do.
One thing I’m most interested in hearing is if it’s too bass heavy. I’ve had a lot of modelers and profilers sound super bass heavy, then you said you were going to use a 7 string guitar, with an extra low end sting, right there is where you lost me. Hope the rest of video goes well for you.
Jeeze!] Just give me an amp in a couple of rack mount units and screw this computer crap. Whatever happened to just plain old good old analog wiring this stuff is like you press this this this this this this this now this this this this this this this this this this this this this this this this and it goes on and on and on endlessly