The VOX ToneLab ST is a compact floor multi-effects unit from Vox that combines amplifier modeling, cabinet modeling and a wide range of modeled effects in one box. It belongs to Vox's Valvetronix series, which the maker describes as an example of its "unique, cutting edge vacuum tube modeling know-how"1. The unit is no longer in production, so it is now a secondhand purchase1.
Announced by VOX Amplification on 3 April 2009 and introduced at Frankfurt, with US availability in late April that year, the ToneLab ST carried an MSRP of $275.002. MusicRadar's Trevor Curwen described it as delivering "Vox Valvetronix sounds in an affordable and practical package that's ideal for computer recording"3.
What it does: Valvetronix amp, cab and effects modeling
The ToneLab ST models a five-part signal chain: a stompbox effect feeds an amp and cabinet, followed by a modulation/delay effect and then reverb3. On top of the amplifier and cabinet models, the unit offers a wide variety of modeled effects1.
The model counts break down as follows, all from Vox's product page1:
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Amp models | 33 |
| Cabinet models | 11 |
| Pedal effect types | 11 |
| Mod/Delay types | 11 |
| Reverb types | 3 |
| Noise reduction | 1 |
There are 100 programs in total, split evenly between 50 preset and 50 user slots1. A single noise reduction model rounds out the chain1.
MusicRadar's review found the modeling held up well against its competitors: "As digital modelling goes, the emulations here are up with the best and feel quite responsive to playing dynamics"3.
The controls: chicken-head amp selector, footswitches and expression pedal
The amp in each bank is selected with an 11-way chicken-head rotary switch, a control style that makes the current amp setting visible at a glance on a dark stage3. Vox's announcement described the unit as "a compact floor unit" with "an assignable expression pedal and two footswitches for live performance control"2.
Other built-in tools include an auto chromatic tuner with a detection range of A0 to E6 and calibration from A=438 to 445 Hz1.
Power and connections: 12V DC, 540mA, USB
The ToneLab ST runs on a 12V DC supply through a DC12V connector, drawing 540mA1. That draw is well above what a typical low-current pedal power output delivers, so it needs its own supply rather than a shared daisy chain.
The ToneLab ST draws 540mA at 12V DC1. Its current draw rules out sharing a typical low-current daisy chain with other pedals, so plan on a dedicated supply.
Connections on the unit are1:
- INPUT jack for the guitar
- AUX IN jack for an external audio source
- OUTPUT/PHONES jack, stereo/mono dual use, with a LEVEL knob and an AMP/LINE switch
- USB connector (Type B) for computer use
The AMP/LINE switch lets the output be matched to whether you are feeding a guitar amp or a mixing desk or recorder, and the same jack doubles as a headphone output1.
USB audio and computer use
The ToneLab ST Owner's Manual, posted 05/21/2015, is available from Vox and covers the unit's operation1. The unit stores 100 programs, 50 preset and 50 user1, so settings created and edited on the pedal itself can be kept for later use.
Where it came from and where the line went
The ToneLab ST is a compact floor unit with an assignable expression pedal and two footswitches for live performance control2. It carried an MSRP of $275.00 in the US2, and its owner's manual was posted on 05/21/20151.
Vox later took the ToneLab's effects in a smaller, cheaper direction with the StompLab series announced in September 2012: the VOX StompLab IG, VOX StompLab IIG, VOX StompLab 1G and VOX StompLab 2G for guitar, and the Vox StompLab IB and Vox StompLab IIB for bass, based on VT+ amp models and ToneLab effects. The company also introduced the Vox Dynamic Looper at NAMM 2011.
Videos
VOX Amps
VOX Amps
Gear4music Guitars
Questions
Is the VOX ToneLab ST still made?
No. Vox lists the ToneLab ST as no longer in production on its product page. It was announced in April 2009 with US availability in late April that year at an MSRP of $275.00, and units are now found only on the secondhand market.
Can the VOX ToneLab ST be used as a USB audio interface?
Yes. The unit has a Type B USB connector and Vox's page lists USB audio interface operations plus sound management software for PC. A 2ch Audio Driver for Windows v2.0.0 was released in November 2019, reducing latency and changing the application audio stream bit width to 32 bits.
Does the ToneLab ST work with Windows 10 or 11?
Vox posted a USB-MIDI Driver ver. 1.15 re33e for Windows on 09/26/2019, which covers Windows 10. That driver was later flagged as not to be installed on Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, so Windows 11 support is limited on current builds.
How many amp models are in the VOX ToneLab ST?
The ToneLab ST has 33 amp models and 11 cabinet models, along with 11 pedal effect types, 11 modulation and delay types, 3 reverb types and 1 noise reduction. There are 100 programs in total, split into 50 preset and 50 user slots.
Sources (3)
- ToneLab ST, Vox Amps (voxamps.com), 2019-11-01
- VOX Adds to Valvetronix Pedal Line, Premier Guitar, 2009-04-03
- Vox ToneLab ST review, MusicRadar, 2009-05-21
