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 VOX VALVETRONIX TONELAB ST
Multi-effect Modelling Pedal
The ToneLab ST is a compact tone machine. It features an assignable expression pedal and two footswitches for live performance control. Guitarists can create 50 of their own programs or use any of 50 new preset programs, including 20 ‘song specific’ presets for recreating the sound of classic rock songs.
Unlike some other modelling units, the Valvetronix Series features a real 12AX7 vacuum tube to accurately capture the tone quality of a tube-driven amp. In addition to 33 amplifier recreations, the ToneLab ST also provides accurate simulations of 11 distinctive speaker cabinets. The cabinet and amp models can be mixed and matched to suit the user’s preference. Twenty-five popular effects are included, ranging from classic pedals to studio-quality rack-style effects.
The ToneLab ST also serves as a full function ASIO-compatible USB Audio interface, providing a direct connection to computer-based recording software. Other connections include a line output that can be set for recording use or for feeding into an external amplifier, as well as a line input for jamming along to CDs, MP3 files, etc.
A chromatic tuner is built in, and it can be accessed silently during performance. The road-ready casing is made of metal, and the large LED display offers high visibility.
RRP US$275. Available late April. www.voxamps.co.uk
 TC ELECTRONIC NOVA REPREATER
Delay Pedal
The Nova Repeater is a new delay pedal from TC Electronic. It’s a pedal for demanding guitarists who live by the ‘ready-set-rock’ mentality of the modern music industry, but want their delay sounds to be as classy as they are unique.
Nova Repeater features the same great sound quality that made the Nova Delay the first choice delay pedal for the likes of Paul Gilbert, Doug Aldrich, Nils Lofgren and Allen Hinds. Despite this success, TC have since listened to feedback from the guitar-playing community and trimmed out the excess baggage while also including additional features that are not found in the original Nova Delay. In short, Nova Repeater is a mean, lean, delay-machine!
Nova Repeater features six delays types, mono in and stereo out, a dedicated tap-tempo switch, audio tapping and a ‘Killdry’ switch. It also sports a handy multi-function pot, enabling you to personalise your sound with a range of chorus and vibrato effects — great for U2-style ethereal effects or the emulation of tape wow and flutter. And with this being a TC Electronic pedal, you already know that these are top-notch modulation effects that will satisfy even the most discerning ear. Turning the modulation pot clockwise will gradually add more chorus, while turning it counter-clockwise will add increasing amounts of vibrato. That’s right — vibrato has been added to Nova Repeater.
It has two inputs matched for instrument and line level signals. In other words, Nova Repeater works equally well in front of an amp or in an effects loop. And with 1200ms of delay you are sure to have enough time to keep everyone – from gentle soundscape creators to slap-heavy country pickers – tapping their feet.
Nova Repeater also features dedicated settings for studio, analogue and tape echo sounds, with a brand-new and advanced tone control that allows you to fine-tune how extreme the chosen effects are. That way it becomes simple to meticulously adjust the delay sound further so Nova Repeater always delivers exactly what you are looking for, but the initial set-up is quick, intuitive and musical.
Nova Repeater also features a Killdry switch. It completely kills the dry sound and only outputs the wet signal from the pedal. This allows you to use the pedal in a parallel fx-loop or mixer without getting phase problems. The FX Level pot on Nova Repeater only adjusts the delay level without messing with your dry tone. This means no more annoying level drops when engaging your delay.
Finally, Nova Repeater features a comprehensive set of tap tempo and audio tapping features. The audio tapping is the same as found on the Nova Delay, so allows you to set the tempo with your playing. All delay subdivisions work in conjunction with these tap tempo and audio tapping features.
RRP US$149. Ships April. www.tcelectronic.com
 MARSHALL HAZE SERIES
Valve Amplifiers
The new Haze line of compact and portable valve-driven performance amplifiers includes the 40-Watt Haze combo and the 15-Watt Haze head. The Haze line was designed for the musicians who need an honest clean sound, a driving blues tone and some biting rock – all from a single, gig-ready amp. The Haze 40 combo is equipped with a single Celestion G12-66 Marquee 12” speaker. The Haze 15 head can be paired with matching single 12” Celestion G12-66 Marquee loaded cabinets as well.
The preamp section is powered by three ECC83 valves. Both Haze models feature two channels (normal and overdrive) that share a three-band EQ; a Bright switch adds extra emphasis to the highs. A selection of retro-style effects offers authentically-voiced Echo, Vibrato, and Chorus. An emulated spring-reverb is also included. Effect settings are retained by each channel for immediate recall during performance. All effects remain truly bypassed when completely off, providing a more direct signal path.
The Haze 40 combo features unique cabinet construction elements. The closed-back cabinet has been modified with four circular holes to preserve the best aspects of both an open-back and a closed-back design. The speaker is asymmetrically mounted, allowing for extended lows. This combo also features an additional presence control in the EQ, as well as a boost switch to add more depth to the low-mids. A bypass-able effects loop is also included. For recording or directly patching into a PA system, an emulated speaker line output recreates the speaker response. Power is provided by two EL34 valves.
The Haze 15 head is powered by a pair of 6V6 valves. Two 8-Ohm and one 16-Ohm speaker jacks are provided. The matching 1x12 cabinets feature finger-jointed construction and a closed-back design for robust tone and efficient power handling. The MHZ112B is a straight style (base) design; the MHZ112A is the traditional Marshall angled (top) style. Together with the Haze 15 head, they form a striking mid-size stack that is easily transportable.
An included two-way footswitch allows for channel switching and turning effects on and off.
Combo RRP US$1000; head $850. Available July. www.marshallamps.com
 TC HELICON VOICETONE SYNTH
Vocal Processor
VoiceTone Synth brings together a collection of extreme, exotic and contemporary sonic effects, including jagged HardTune effects, classic Vocoder effects, a voice-controlled synthesiser and vocal distortion and megaphone effects. Now vocalists or anyone looking to add a modern edge to their live performances and studio productions can dial-in these effects instantly with the press of a footswitch.
The jagged, stair-stepped vocal sound of key-based hard tuning is everywhere in contemporary R&B, Hip Hop and Electronica. This feature has eluded the majority of performing musicians until VoiceTone Synth came along. Now musicians can produce this effect live by simply recalling a preset and hitting the On button. Easy key input methods include auto-instrument sensing or pushbuttons with a clear display of the current key. Other features of the HardTune effect include dry voice mixing, octave shift and character modification.
The vocoder in VoiceTone Synth is called Massive-Band for a reason. It effectively scales resolution from ultra-clearly-enunciated Robot voices to the sound of the classic, analogue low-band-count vocoders we all know and love. The benefit is that, while typical vocoders require a lot of pre-processing like distortion and EQ to hear the effect properly, with the VoiceTone Synth vocoder effect you can input signals such as clean acoustic guitar and vocode perfectly for sounds that until now have been impossible to achieve.
The Vocoder also features a voice-controlled synth mode – considered by many as the Holy Grail for vocoding. Prior to VoiceTone Synth vocoding required your voice and an instrument input to make cool vocoded sounds. Of course VoiceTone Synth supports the dual input method, but for artists who don’t have another instrument or don’t play one, VoiceTone Synth can generate a synth part directly from your vocal and vocode that. The result? Generated vocoder parts with one input: your voice.
Visit their web site www.tc-helicon.com for more information.
ALESIS TRANSACTIVE SOLO
Portable PA
The TransActive Solo is a complete, battery-powered PA system in a single, portable cabinet musicians can carry in one hand. It has inputs for all kinds of instruments, a dock for iPod, a built-in amplifier and a two-way loudspeaker for complete sound reinforcement. Performers can play small gigs with just one speaker box thanks to the TransActive Solo’s built-in carry handle for easy transport to and from the show.
Musicians can connect their guitar, microphone and other instruments directly to the TransActive Solo’s input section. It supplies a combination XLR – 1/4-inch input for microphones, additional 1/4-inch inputs that support both guitars and line-level instruments, and RCA inputs for drum machines, samplers and other line-level audio devices. With TransActive Solo’s built-in dock, performers can dock their iPod and use it as a backing track or interlude-music source.
Users can take the TransActive Solo with them for remote gigs such as street performances or parties without a wall power source, thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery. The system can deliver up to 12 hours of cordless amplification without a charge, or run limitlessly on wall power. The TransActive Solo has a built-in amplifier for high efficiency and all-in-one performance. Its large speaker delivers excellent low end and powerful, crisp highs.
Available Q3, 2009. www.alesis.com
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