The VOX StompLab 2B is a multi-effects pedal made by Vox that puts a whole modeled rig in one floor unit. Its effect lineup covers 9 pedal effects, 8 drives, 9 modulation effects, 8 delay effects and 3 reverb effects, for 37 effects in total across those categories, processed with 24-bit conversion1. It carried a US street price of $89.992.
Vox describes the StompLab series pedals as having "compact and sophisticated looking metal bodies"1. The 2B sits in the line alongside the simpler VOX StompLab 1B, and its own effect set spans pedal effects, drives, modulation, delay and reverb, with 24-bit signal processing1.
What it does: 61 bass effects and amp models
The StompLab 2B carries 61 modeling effects dedicated for bass, organized into effect categories, amp models and cabinet models1. The amp side of the unit models ten bass amplifiers, from vintage-flavored names like Valve 1, Valve 2 and Classic to more specific voicings like Scooped, LA Studio, Gold Panel, Jazz, Studio, AC100 and UK Major1. Twelve cabinet models pair with them, covering configurations from an 8x10 Classic to a 1x15 Jazz, plus LA 4x10, LA 1x18, Metal 4x10, UK 4x12, UK 4x15, Modern 4x10, Studio 1x15, AC 2x15, Combi and Custom1.
The pedal effects break down as follows1:
| Category | Count | Models |
|---|---|---|
| Pedal effects | 9 | Compression, Exciter, Fixed Wah, Auto Wah, Brn Octave, Acoustic, U-Vibe, Tone, Ring Mod |
| Drives | 8 | Tube OD, Fat Distortion, Orange Distortion, Shred Distortion, Fuzz, Octa Fuzz, Techno Fuzz, Crusher |
| Modulation | 9 | CE Chorus, Multi Chorus, Flanger, Org Phase, Twin Tremolo, G4 Rotary, Pitch Shift, Filtron 1 (auto), Filtron 2 (manual) |
| Delay | 8 | Analog Delay 1 to 4, Echo 1 to 4 |
| Reverb | 3 | Room, Spring, Hall |
That spread means a bassist can cover a lot of ground with one unit: compression and an exciter up front, overdrive, distortion and fuzz flavors for grit, octave effects for synth-like bass, the usual chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo modulation, plus delay and reverb. There is also a noise reduction block in the signal chain1. Signal processing is 24-bit for both A/D and D/A conversion1.
Power and connections
The StompLab 2B runs on four AA batteries, which Vox includes with the pedal for testing purposes, or on a 9V AC adapter that Vox lists as optional1. Connections are simple: one normal input jack for your bass and a stereo headphone jack for output, which makes the unit workable for silent practice without an amp1.
The built-in expression pedal is the main real-time control. As Premier Guitar reported at the announcement, "The StompLab 2G and 2B also contain an expression pedal that can be used to control wah and volume, as well as the parameters of each effect"2. Vox's own feature list also includes a dedicated volume pedal function1.
Vox states that specifications and features are subject to change without notice1, so details on current production units may differ from those listed here.
Tuner
The StompLab 2B includes a built-in chromatic tuner with a measurement range of A0 to E6 and a calibration range of A=438 Hz to 445 Hz1. That calibration range lets you tune to a reference pitch slightly above or below the standard A=440, which covers most situations a bassist will run into.
StompLab 2B versus StompLab 1B
The StompLab 1B is the other model in the series aimed at bass players. The 2B itself offers an effect lineup of 9 pedal effects, 8 drives, 9 modulation effects, 8 delay effects and 3 reverb effects, 24-bit signal processing, and a US street price of $89.9912.
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Questions
Does the Vox StompLab 2B run on batteries?
Yes. It runs on four AA batteries, which Vox includes with the pedal for testing purposes. It can also be powered by a 9V AC adapter, which Vox lists as an optional accessory rather than something supplied in the box.
What is the difference between the StompLab 1B and 2B?
Both are bass multi-effects pedals in the same Vox StompLab series announced in 2012. The 2B adds a built-in expression pedal that can control wah, volume and effect parameters, and it carried a higher US street price at launch, $89.99 against $69.99 for the 1B.
Does the StompLab 2B have a built-in tuner?
Yes. It includes a chromatic tuner with a measurement range of A0 to E6 and a calibration range of A=438 Hz to 445 Hz, so you can tune to pitches other than standard A=440.
Can you use the StompLab 2B with headphones?
Yes. The pedal has a stereo headphone jack among its outputs, which makes it usable for silent practice, and it also provides a volume pedal for level control while playing.
What does the expression pedal on the StompLab 2B control?
The built-in expression pedal can be used to control wah and volume, as well as the parameters of each effect. Vox also lists a dedicated volume pedal function among the pedal's features.
Sources (2)
- StompLab 2B, Vox Amps, 2023-05-23
- VOX Announces StompLab Multi-Effect Pedal Series, Premier Guitar, 2012-09-04
