I always thought the tube in the Tonelab was more of a gimmick than anything. Turns out, of course, that I was wrong.

In search of a decent hi-gain rhythm sound, I went out and bought two cheap tubes for fun. The JJ ECC832 and the Groove Tubes 12AX7-C. I wanted a GT Mullard reissue but couldn't find any.

So when I get home, I anxiously pop the small plastic cover off of the top of my Tonelab, plug a new tube in, give it 30 minutes to warm up, and try it out. I must say I am pleased with both of these tubes.

Here's a clip of me (badly) playing some simple rhythm/palm muting stuff with the different tubes. I start off with the original stock Electro Harmonix 12AX7 Russian tube, then with the JJ and then to the GT. On all three passages I use the exact same patch on the Tonelab, without any changes whatsoever, and I play my Ibanez SZ with stock pickups, in the bridge position. The JJ seems to clean up the bottom end a bit, and the GT makes a huge difference. Everything seems nice and tight with the GT.

Anyone else here use a Tonelab?

I recognized that song.......... just forgot the name. Something Metallica. Real men play Queen. I prefer the 2nd tube.

Ummm... I just re-uploaded it. I accidently used the wrong patch on the third tube.

I'm still undecided between the 2nd and 3rd, but the GT seems to have more presence, which I like.

And the song is "For Whom The Bell Tolls" by Metallica.

Was it a regular Tonelab, or was it the SE?

i also like the GT tube...

The regular desktop version.

I forgot to mention, the GT has a considerably increased bass response when I play bass through the Tonelab. It really sounded like crap through the original tube, now it sounds really nice. If I didn't like the Ampeg sims so much on my Bass PODxt, I'll sell it.

Here's a crappy clip of me trying out the new tube on numerous patches, and with my bass as well, using the Fender Bassman amp sim. I didn't EQ anything in it, so it's not the best sounding clip either. The lyrics are in French, so a PG-13 warning to whoever can understand them. :p