You really need to look at the manuals and controls etc in detail for fuller info on each unit, but here's an overview that I hope is helpful.
There have been 5 Vox Tonelab models:
Original full featured (no longer in production, available second-hand only unless you find a NOS somewhere!)DT - Desktop, launched December 2003, 96 patches (all programmable), compatible with VC4 & VC12 floor controller
SE - Stage Edition, launched 2004, 96 patches (all programmable)
LE - Light Edition, launched January 2007, 120 patches (all programmable)
'New style' - (now discontinued)ST - launched May 2009 - 50 user & 50 factory presets
EX - launched March 2011 - 100 user & 100 factory presets
- The modelling and effects in the originals (DT, SE, LE) is largely the same although there are some feature differences and one or two slight parameter differences. For example the LE compressor does not have the 'attack' parameter that the DT and SE have. Also, LE does have a couple of different delays (slap, & two-tap) and a multi-tap chorus.
- SE & DT use similar amp/effect model names, LE uses some different labelling descriptors but amp models and effect options are essentially the same, just a different name.
- The LE has 5 global EQ options compared to only 2 in the DT and SE.
- The SE has a second expression pedal and A/B channel switching that the LE does not have, and the LE has cab options in menu instead of an easy access additional dial on the SE.
- Modelling in ST and EX is largely identical, but EX has extra effects/features including stomp box mode.
But the key difference between the original trio and the newer ST and EX is that the newer Tonelabs have nowhere near the build quality, range of functionality or parameter control. For example, there are far fewer delay & reverb options, and even to those you don't have access to the refined parameters for delay and reverb found in DT, LE & SE which means you can't accurately set delay and reverb timings etc. On paper ST & EX have more up to date modelling and offer 33 amp models instead of 16, but too many of those 33 amp models sound so similar that they are simply not worth having. Some of the newer effects are quite nice sounding and the EX offers 2 pedal sections for greater flexibility including a nice exciter effect.
But in terms of professional utility and pure gigability they are toys by comparison to LE and SE. Although they have the merits of being much smaller and lighter than the SE and LE, they are made to a budget and are aimed more at the amateur/home player market. Tonally although they do sound quite good to be fair with a brighter EQ floor, IMO they are more digital sounding and 'processed'. To my ears they lack the fuller, bigger, punchier and more valvelike warmth that made the originals such a hit with guitarists. There are several reasons for this:
- The valvereactor circuit has been simplified and 'dumbed down' to save cost
- ST and EX have way less processing power, again to save on cost
- DT, LE and SE mix in DSP with analogue gain stages - ST and EX are more DSP focussed, again to reduce circuit design and cost.
The 2-button ST wasn't meant to be so basic - it was rushed out as a stop gap because Vox unwisely withdrew the LE with no replacement, and were losing ground as they were out of the mfx market for too long. The EX was what the ST was meant to have been although those somewhat tinny, pointless speakers in the EX was the idea of Korg, not Vox. Although EX is advertised as a gigging unit, it falls far short in many essential areas.
- The two button ST has very limited functionality with no stomp box facility, a poor tuner, and was never intended as a gigging unit.
- Although there are 50 user slots in ST and double that in EX, neither ST nor EX offer patch naming facilities and unless you have a prolific memory you cant tell on stage which patch is which, or where it is.
- Both ST & EX have very limited external connectivity with no midi and no editing software (just a basic library store) whereas DT, SE and LE all have full proper editing software via MIDI.
- The ST and EX have lightweight 12v DC psu's that are light, compact and cheap to replace, but the lead is too short and it's so thin it breaks/kinks too easily. The older TL's have longer, professional heavy duty 9v DC psu's with thick cabling and switchable robust transformers.
- In DT, SE and LE every patch is fully programmable. In ST and EX only user slots are programmable whereas factory slots are not.
- With SE and LE you can switch from preset to stomp box mode, and access tuner in any mode, all with a single footswitch. In EX you have to tap dance two switches simultaneously, which is awkward, inaccurate and clumsy at a gig.
- FYI, patches are not interchangeable between LE, SE, ST and EX because of the different physicalities, functionality, modelling etc. There is a 'conversion' programme created by fans for LE/SE but it's fiddly and not wholly accurate.
- LE has a 'metal' distortion option, and it has a SP/Dif out (SP/Dif out also on DT but not on SE, EX, or ST)
- LE has LED patch numbers plus LCD screen. SE has LED patch numbers, LCD screen plus separate tuner display
- DT, LE and SE have insert FX loop (limited - can't change position in chain, so not suitable for 4-cable method)) , ST and EX have no FX loop.
- Headphone levels on ST & EX have restricted volume, SE, LE, DT much louder.
- SE & LE have very useful 'Control' switch for eg tap tempo, or can be set to kick in an effect in patch mode without having to switch to stomp-box mode (great gigging feature)
I have an ST, and had the EX on loan to try. Although there were some features I liked, and its simpler controls had some advantage, whilst it sounded quite decent, the SE and LE knock it into a cocked hat because these are proper, professional gigging units that are better designed, full-featured, and (to my ears) just sounded better. I found a used LE and was so impressed with it that after a year of gigging it I bought the earlier SE too, which had the extra expression pedal, A/B channel switching, and easy access cab dial which make it even more gig friendly. The LE & SE are bigger & heavier units, yes - but its a reflection of their excellent build quality & design.
If you are a gigging guitarist who needs easy, practical on-stage functionality and a warmer more natural valve tone, or you record and need greater parameter control, go SE or LE.
If you are home only player, who wants a smaller, lighter unit that's more basic but simple to use and you don't need the advanced features of SE or LE, then both the TLST and TLEX are fun and decent sounding units albeit EX is more practical & flexible, and gives more options. ST & EX sound different to DT, SE & LE - but whether you prefer their tone to the older units for home use is simply a matter of personal preference. I have no problem at all with ST or EX for home use, and my preference for LE & SE is borne purely from the perspective of my requirements as a gigging guitarist.
Hope this is helpful.
Rich
I started out with nothing..... but I've still got most of it left (Seasick Steve)
