Tonelux - Show and Tell

[Paul_G]

Hey Tonelux Users,


I am now investigating the prospect of a Tonelux system. It has taken me a while to get a handle on it but it seems to be a really great solution and from what I have heard sonically I'm seriously considering a purchase.
I have read all the other old relevant posts but I am interested in the very latest configurations and opinions regarding the gear and the sound. I would also love to see pictures of your racks to help inspire my own set up.
Also Patch bay wise, does anyone have any cool suggestions to help me on my way?
I am initially looking at 16 mx2's, 6 fx2's and the necessary centre section modules, hopefully with a drum buss too.


Thanks a lot,

Paul G

[kellyd]

I have 16 MX2s, 8 FX2s, 4 FX2+s, SM2 mster buss and the CR2 cntrl rm module in 2 16 slot VRacks. Total of 40 inputs w/ 4 aux sends. Love it. Looking forward to a 3rd rack with at least another 8 MX2s. Patchbays you can go with d sub units like audio accessories or solder you're own, ADC/Whirlwind..

[not_so_new]

LOVE my Tonelux rig here. It's a pretty small set up at this point, just 4 FX2s, a summing module and a CR2 but it rocks.

I would really suggest it if you are looking to get into HIGHEND without breaking the bank out of the gate. It's a great way to start building the pieces of a high end console at an attractive price point.

If you have the cash to get started I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to recommend the Tonelux in the least bit.

[Paul_G]

Nice one guys, I emailed Paul earlier and have heard back already.
I think I am getting sucked in. I am really looking forward to a new compact solution.

Does anyone here work with the routing modules?

PG

[slipperman]

The shop has used the EQ's, pre's and compressor's a bunch in the last coupla months.

All very well designed and built.

Outstanding kit.

EQ sounds like "money" front to back and is pretty damn flexible, ESPECIALLY for such a super small footprint. Same deal with the compressor. Very small footprint, lots of controls. Everything works as expected/claimed. Neither of these boxes is a "one trick pony". Both can cover a myriad of sources. I have used them on just about everything you could imagine in a rock music context with great satisfaction.

It's just one of those situations where you say to yourself... "Man... NOTHING about this gear is substandard in the slightest way... NOTHING". I don't know about you guys but, personally, I don't have that happen much trying out new kit anymore.

And lastly... the PRE.

Well...

The pre-amp is just amazing in my estimation.

Like, "insanely out of this world" amazing.

OK. I'm starting to sound like a salesman here.

I'm putting the shoe back in my yapper.

SUMMARY: BETTER PART OF A DOZEN AE's HERE THINK TONELUX = STELLAR GEAR.

Best regards,

SM.

[kellyd]

Ya what he said.

[RoundBadge]

Here's a 16 in/4 sends/8 returns,4 eq's,1 pre T-lux rig riding shotgun to an old Neve 5315.
Great stuff.everybody is digging it.
Super compact,sounds great. super musical/flexible Eq's and lovely mic pre's.
Want some comps

..

[indie]

HOLY CRAP ROUNDBADGE!! Can I move in?

[not_so_new]

Actually I just worked out a plan and I think a pair of TXC comps are coming next month. I have been reading some good things about them and that is enough to at least give 'm a try. Seems like they would be really flexible.

Sounds like I should look in to the preamp as well..... ahhhhh... if I was only made of money.

[Chris]

not_so_new, with your rack you can sum 8 stems? Which summing module do you have?

I'm looking to get into Tonelux of the SSL rack and I'd pretty much start out the same way (few channels of summing and then progress down the road to a bigger setup with comps and eqs).

Do you notice THAT much of a difference between just bouncing/mixing down ITB and then sending the same mix out into the Tonelux? Or are you incorporating outboard in your tonelux mixes?

[GYang]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

Got a 16 in/4 sends/8 returns,4 eq's,1 pre T-lux rig riding shotgun to an old Neve 5315.
Great stuff.everybody is digging it.
Super compact,sounds great. super musical/flexible Eq's and lovely mic pre's.
Note to self:Must get some comps

..

RB Great chaotic place
Reminds me to mine (cables, cases all over), lot of good stuff apparently.

Related to Tonelux, it's quite irresistible to limit growth of system. I still didn't complete my purchase concept (moved from 16 to 24 to 32 ch), Shadow Mix is already must have and even didn't start thinking about EQs, comps etc.
Up to 40 k budget it's no brainer high-end summing solution, over 50k RND 5088 enters into game making things slightly more complicate.
Anyway Tonelux is great choice even with couple of modules

[Sqye]

my friend and tenant, engineer mike rogers just installed tonelux gear in our nyc studio,
and he's freaking out like slippy - selling all his ssl gear, etc.
i can't wait to hear it - when we do some more work next.
he says the comps are killing. he's a great engineer - so if he's blown away, i'm excited.
maybe mike'll chime in, and/or post some pix.

...oh, and RB - methinks you're really in a time capsule hurtling about the planet!

[Paul_G]

Wow!
Thanks for all the input. It sound like I am about to get hooked on a new drug.

I wish I hadn't seen the pictures with the old Neve Roundbadge, I thought I had gotten over my vintage Neve aspirations.
Still space wise I definitely want a smaller system than my present one and I want to pull the trigger and get on with making music again without the constant gear insecurity.

Cheers

Paul

[Paul_G]

Hello again,

Could anybody describe in simple terms what the TR8 & TR8+ modules are capable of?
The terminology on the TX site is a bit beyond my tiny mind. I obviously understand the concept of basic routing but its all the other sh** it can do.

PG

[engmix]

Originally Posted by Sqye

my friend and tenant, engineer mike rogers just installed tonelux gear in our nyc studio,
and he's freaking out like slippy - selling all his ssl gear, etc.
i can't wait to hear it - when we do some more work next.
he says the comps are killing. he's a great engineer - so if he's blown away, i'm excited.
maybe mike'll chime in, and/or post some pix.

...oh, and RB - methinks you're really in a time capsule hurtling about the planet!

Thanks mate! Right back at ya.

I have a small system to start. In fact I was going to go for more input modules, but couldn't resist the compressors. The difference they have made on my drum sounds have been incredible. They remind me of the G series SSL channel compressors, but can do far more. The other day I went for an 1176 all buttons vibe, and it nailed it. I can't think of a more flexible compressor.

I just freed up some dough, so will go ahead and get more input modules.

Speak of the devil, I did a test this past week. I took a stereo drum mix, into the TXC's into some other outboard, and directly back to disk and printed it, sounded great. Then, took the same signal flow, and returned to 2 MX2's and direct out to disk. What the MX2's did for the sound was great. Bigger, and more punch, almost like it inflated the drums. Just like what you would expect from a high end desk.

Most of all what I really like about the sound of the Tonelux gear, is it's fast. It doesn't round out the sound to the point of where you have to start fixing everything, but it gives you that unquestionable hi-end analog desk end result.

Got to get me some of those EQ's!

[GrooveMerchant]

Originally Posted by engmix

Thanks mate! Right back at ya.

I have a small system to start. In fact I was going to go for more input modules, but couldn't resist the compressors. The difference they have made on my drum sounds have been incredible. They remind me of the G series SSL channel compressors, but can do far more. The other day I went for an 1176 all buttons vibe, and it nailed it. I can't think of a more flexible compressor.

I just freed up some dough, so will go ahead and get more input modules.

Speak of the devil, I did a test this past week. I took a stereo drum mix, into the TXC's into some other outboard, and directly back to disk and printed it, sounded great. Then, took the same signal flow, and returned to 2 MX2's and direct out to disk. What the MX2's did for the sound was great. Bigger, and more punch, almost like it inflated the drums. Just like what you would expect from a high end desk.

Most of all what I really like about the sound of the Tonelux gear, is it's fast. It doesn't round out the sound to the point of where you have to start fixing everything, but it gives you that unquestionable hi-end analog desk end result.

Got to get me some of those EQ's!

Engmix, those TXCs look awesome! I need to understand the linking thing, just gotta read the Web literature. Paul Wolff from Tonelux is working on a bus compressor, but using the TXCs as a stereo comp/lim would be real nice - as they also double as mono units too. His bus compressor will probably work fine on individual tracks as well. His bus comp looks like it'll even have more options for stereo compression, but the TXCs look like they cover a wide range of needs. Is it as easy as just hitting the link button on two TXCs then setting them the same?

[engmix]

Originally Posted by GrooveMerchant

Engmix, those TXCs look awesome! I need to understand the linking thing, just gotta read the Web literature. Paul Wolff from Tonelux is working on a bus compressor, but using the TXCs as a stereo comp/lim would be real nice - as they also double as mono units too. His bus compressor will probably work fine on individual tracks as well. His bus comp looks like it'll even have more options for stereo compression, but the TXCs look like they cover a wide range of needs. Is it as easy as just hitting the link button on two TXCs then setting them the same?

Ahhhh, yes, the new compressor sounds like it's going to be bad ass.
Regarding the TXC's link. First off I tend to not use link functions due to shifting stereo image. But, the link function has a percentage knob. Meaning, the silver knob directly below the black "Type" knob allows you to set varying degrees of linking...from 50% - 100%. That way if you have program material that might suck the life out of one of the sides of the link, you can now back off on it, freeing up more dynamics.

I think Paul said you need to start off by setting both comps to the same settings. Maybe he can chime in on this function just in case I'm not quite describing it correctly. He could also start you off in the right direction for master bus settings.

Make sure you live with this compressor for a long time. It can do so many things in comparison to other typical comps.

[GrooveMerchant]

Okay, there's more to it than I was thinking - makes sense. The great thing though, is that it's possible to use it for mono/stereo. And, you could still pick up his bus compressor later. There's just something cool about using modules. Interesting that you used 2 MX2 units just to get an OTB sound hitting Tonelux electronics - I'm wondering if I could do the same using a single FX2 or FX2+ - or whether I'd need 2. Cool stuff.

[drmmrboy]

Originally Posted by GYang

Anyway Tonelux is great choice even with couple of modules

Yes, indeed!!
I only have a few.. 2 preamps & 2 EQs.. (and I want more!)
The EQs are amazing. Very flexable. The preamp has been knocking my socks off too. Gotta love that *tilt* control.

[engmix]

Originally Posted by GrooveMerchant

Okay, there's more to it than I was thinking - makes sense. The great thing though, is that it's possible to use it for mono/stereo. And, you could still pick up his bus compressor later. There's just something cool about using modules. Interesting that you used 2 MX2 units just to get an OTB sound hitting Tonelux electronics - I'm wondering if I could do the same using a single FX2 or FX2+ - or whether I'd need 2. Cool stuff.

I did read a post from someone saying that they use less 2 bus compression due to the glue factor of the SM2. I thought, yea right, but he was right. I too find I use it a bit less often. But, yesterday was mixing an electronic ambient piece for a film, and inserted a stereo compressor into the SM2 and it sounded killer.

I have to say I was a little surprised how good the MX2's sound. But then again, this stuff isn't cheap. You get what you pay for.

I like being able to insert outboard directly to the MX2, and able to take the signal out of the ST Bus. From what i understand the FX2 are basically identical, but without the above stated functionality.

[GrooveMerchant]

Originally Posted by engmix

I did read a post from someone saying that they use less 2 bus compression due to the glue factor of the SM2. I thought, yea right, but he was right. I too find I use it a bit less often. But, yesterday was mixing an electronic ambient piece for a film, and inserted a stereo compressor into the SM2 and it sounded killer.

I have to say I was a little surprised how good the MX2's sound. But then again, this stuff isn't cheap. You get what you pay for.

I like being able to insert outboard directly to the MX2, and able to take the signal out of the ST Bus. From what i understand the FX2 are basically identical, but without the above stated functionality.

That's why I've been moving slowly - understanding the Tonelux routing options takes time - I want to build it up over time so I need to keep researching the options. To get started, I considered the V8 and 2 MP-1A, 2 TXC, and 4 EQ4P just to get going on the general use stuff before diving into the mixing I/O - but when you step back the VRack starts to make more sense.

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by Chris

not_so_new, with your rack you can sum 8 stems? Which summing module do you have?

I'm looking to get into Tonelux of the SSL rack and I'd pretty much start out the same way (few channels of summing and then progress down the road to a bigger setup with comps and eqs).

Do you notice THAT much of a difference between just bouncing/mixing down ITB and then sending the same mix out into the Tonelux? Or are you incorporating outboard in your tonelux mixes?

Hi Chris

I have a SM2 which summs the 2 buss to two outs. It also has an insert with an on / off button and a gain fader for overall output.

I will say this, anyone looking for a monitor controller you would be really missing out if you didn't look into the CR2 (which I have as well). It will let you take external sources for input as well as the Tonelux 2 buss and send them to multiple speakers, it has channel mutes and mono monitoring. I did the math and it was about the same price as other monitor controllers and you get a V-Rack to expand into. A GREAT way to start out with a Tonelux system if someone were just getting started.

I also have 4 FX2's which will let me take 8 channels of input from my DAW. I usually run these as 1/2 uncompressed drums, 3/4 parallel drums compressed (soon to upgrade to Tonelux Comps with the mix knob so this will open up these inputs in my rig), 5 bass, 6 vocals, 7/8 everything else (for me that usually means guitars and keys).

Do I notice a difference with the summing? Well that is really a question of "does digital summing have an inherent problem." Depending on where you are on that religious debate you have your answer.

I don't have good point of reference on this because I have a pretty good amount of outboard hardware stuff, Germ comps, RND comps and tape emulation thing'ie, Great River EQ (soon to be a Hammer as well) so I notice a HUGE difference between ITB and OTB. I see the Tonelux as just a piece to a much larger puzzle but it is a pretty important piece.

If had it all over again to choose between the Tonelux and SSL I still think I would go with Tonelux. The stuff sounds great and it is very flexable.

The only complaint I have is availability in the past. Every order I have made was a little bit of an ordeal, long wait times etc. I think that Paul has worked out the production stuff so things are a little better now and it is a small price to pay for great sounding gear but it is something to mention.

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by engmix

I like being able to insert outboard directly to the MX2, and able to take the signal out of the ST Bus. From what i understand the FX2 are basically identical, but without the above stated functionality.

Yes... the routing takes a little time to get used to. It's like a "REAL" console (imagine that ) but with a little more flexibility like a DAW on the routing side.

The FX2's are just inputs that can be set to different buss assignments with jumpers. Out of the gate they are set to go to the 2 buss.

The FX2+ can act as a buss master for the standard FX2's set to any of the buss lines even the 2 buss. Meaning you can use a pair of FX2+'s in place of a summing module, obviously you wound not have the 2 buss insert options.

The MX2 lets' you do bussing to aux's with at least one FX2+ as the buss master and also let you send out the output of the MX2 to the 2 buss. Also the MX2 will let you use a long fader and the ShadowMix DAW automation. The down side to the MX2 is that it can only do one channel of input. You can get 32 inputs with 14 FX2's and 2 FX2+'s but you can only get 16 inputs with 14 MX2's and 2 FX2+'s.

The point is there is a WHOLE lot of routing options with the system.

[jindrich]

Just wanted to say I think the Tonelux system is great, it's extremely flexible and sounds very nice. The amount of things you can do with just ONE properly filled V-Rack is amazing.

On the other hand, I personally wouldn't go beyond that ONE V-Rack. I say this as I tried to price out a small 16ch mixer: in the end it ended up being way more expensive than a REAL brand new console (API, SSL, etc).
Try it for yourself. Go to the configulizer and build a Tonelux rig just like an "empty" (no eqs) API 1608, inputs, busses, faders, etc. It's considerably more expensive and still there're a ton of things the Tonelux lacks in comparison.

[engmix]

Originally Posted by jindrich

Just wanted to say I think the Tonelux system is great, it's extremely flexible and sounds very nice. The amount of things you can do with just ONE properly filled V-Rack is amazing.

On the other hand, I personally wouldn't go beyond that ONE V-Rack. I say this as I tried to price out a small 16ch mixer: in the end it ended up being way more expensive than a REAL brand new console (API, SSL, etc).
Try it for yourself. Go to the configulizer and build a Tonelux rig just like an "empty" (no eqs) API 1608, inputs, busses, faders, etc. It's considerably more expensive and still there're a ton of things the Tonelux lacks in comparison.

People who dive into a larger Tonelux systems do so for many reasons, sound being one of them. Yes, perhaps you could by a small SSL, or API 1608 (haven't heard this desk yet...anyone?) but still, maybe the sonics, footprint, and maintenance of those desks are not what one might be looking for. I personally backed off of a small SSL because of the previous comments. A lot of people think of a Tonelux system as a cheaper route into a hi-end solution. It can be that initially, But as the poster above points out, it's not when you dive into a full-on setup. At the same time, I feel it stands out on it's own. I like the fact that I can rack the whole thing and I'm on the go. And it's sonic quality is no compromise.

[mu6gr8]

Originally Posted by jindrich

...in the end it ended up being way more expensive than a REAL brand new console (API, SSL, etc)....and still there're a ton of things the Tonelux lacks in comparison.

Hmmm... I'm inclined to say that Tonelux IS the new paradigm for "REAL" consoles. It sounds great, has a small footprint, and is easily customizable.

[arrogantbastard]

I've got a 32 MX2/8 TR8/ 8 TR8+/ 8 EQ4P/4 MP1a/4TXC/4 FX2+/SM2/CR2 setup w/ 8 ShadowMix faders. This setup is amazing. I can't even tell you with words how happy I am with this rig. It's really the bees knees. I don't see how anyone would not be satisfied with the sound of this console, especially considering its small footprint. Truly the next generation of analog consoles imo.

[Paul_G]

Originally Posted by arrogantbastard

I've got a 32 MX2/8 TR8/ 8 TR8+/ 8 EQ4P/4 MP1a/4TXC/4 FX2+/SM2/CR2 setup w/ 8 ShadowMix faders. This setup is amazing. I can't even tell you with words how happy I am with this rig. It's really the bees knees. I don't see how anyone would not be satisfied with the sound of this console, especially considering its small footprint. Truly the next generation of analog consoles imo.

Wow thats quite a console.
Would you mind explaining how you use the TR8's and TR8+'s?

Cheers
PG

[shaggseb]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

Here's a 16 in/4 sends/8 returns,4 eq's,1 pre T-lux rig riding shotgun to an old Neve 5315.
Great stuff.everybody is digging it.
Super compact,sounds great. super musical/flexible Eq's and lovely mic pre's.
Want some comps

..

Sorry