My TonePort UX2 mini-review

I picked up a Line 6 TonePort UX2 ($199.00 street), mainly for my laptop. I am still checking it out, but so far I am really impressed with it's feature set. Some of the key features, for me:

USB Bus powered (2.0 or 1.1 compatible)
2 Mic Inputs with +48v Phantom Power
2 Guitar/Bass Inputs – use the Pad input for guitars and basses with high level pickup outputs, or the normal input
Stereo Digital Output S/PDIF via RCA
VU Meters assignable to input, record send, output and monitor levels
Tone Directâ„¢ monitoring - unique, full tone low latency monitoring regardless of recording software's buffer size

http://www.line6.com/toneport/hardware.html

I was able to setup and install the GearBox software and drivers (ASIO/WDM/MME), in a few minutes and I was up and running. You do need, at least, a minimum spec machine to run the Toneports properly:
(Pentium® 4 1.2GHz or better (2.5Ghz or more recommended)• Windows XP® (with SP2 only) or Windows® 2000 (with SP4 or later) and at least 512MB RAM)


During the initial install process, from the TonePort CDROM, it would not allow me to procede or complete it, without first upgrading to XP SP2. I was running XP SP1.


GearBox:

The TonePort GearBox software is not a VST/DX type plugin. Although all the processing is done natively, there is no DSP, in the actual TonePort box. On my 2.4Ghz laptop, the added native CPU load, at it's most intensive (in dual mode with full processing on two inputs simultaneously), is about 18%-25%, using the various presets. Like recording a singer-guitarist with two mics and using:

Vocals: 90's Alternative Vocal preset - Vintage UK Pre-Amp (based on Neve 1073) -> ER -> Compressor (based on LA-2A)
AcGtr: Acoustic Guitar preset: American Classic Pre-Amp (based on API 512 lunchbox) -> Gate -> ER -> Compressor (based on LA-2A) -> Line 6 Reverb


If you load every conceivable possible FX, on both inputs, you can push it to 29%-35% range. If you do not keep open the GearBox interface and just use the Toneport as an audio I/O, for your host app, the native CPU usage is considerably less. Of course, running at 1024 samples (23.2msec) will be a lot less CPU intensive than say, 128 samples (2.9msec).


The Toneport does use a hefty portion, of your native CPU. On my P4 2.4/1GB laptop, with the Gearbox software app running, I am seeing about 20%-25% added overhead. This is when set @ 24/44 and the it's default buffer setting, of "2", for minimum and nearly undetectable latency.




Audio Drivers and available latencies:

Having used my reliable and stable Delta 66, for many years, I was a bit concerned about the TonePort's audio drivers. Especially, being that at version 1.0, they were untested, in the marketplace and Line 6 has never released and supported an actual audio recording device before. Thankfully, my concern was unwarranted, as the TonePort's ASIO driver implementation has been outstanding thus far. I have used the drivers, in various apps like SONAR 5, Project 5 2.0, Kinetic, Sound Forge 8, ACID Pro 5 and even XP's Media Player 9 and have not encountered any problems whatsoever. Line 6 has just released a driver/Gearbox update, version 1.01, btw. You do have WDM mode available, but you only get (1) audio channel, instead of (2) with ASIO, exposed for recording/playback. I ended up just sticking with the ASIO.

Using the ASIO drivers, you can get as low as 128 samples (2.9msec). No problems so far, I've used both the Dimension (230MB Grand Piano) & Lounge Lizard @ 128 samples, with no dropouts or crackles using an XP Pro 2.4Ghz/1GB laptop, in SONAR 5.
Great for playing softsynths like Dimension in realtime, from my laptop.


The TonePort, in ASIO mode, will expose (2) stereo L/R pairs, of inputs, to your DAW app. You record from your Tonebox inputs (Mic, Instrument or Line) through the GearBox software and into the selected TonePort audio input, of your DAW software. By bypassing the VST/DX plugin paradigm, input monitoring and using the "TonePort Direct Monitoring" you can record virtually latency free, irregardless, of what your DAW latency is set at. I have my Toneport set @ 23.2msec (1024), in SONAR, but I can still play & record (like playing through my external POD 2), in realtime, through the GearBox software, into SONAR. You can also record dry & monitor wet by sending the pre-FX signal to send 1/2 & the post-FX to send 3/4. You can record either one or both signals.
You can analog reamp with the TonePort and GearBox’s line inputs. The TP has two discrete signal processing paths and pretty decent 24bit A/D D/A converters. It uses the exact same converters as the Echo MIA (AKM4528).


Worth noting, that you cannot use both instrument inputs at the same time. You can use both mic inputs or (1) mic input and (1) instrument input simultaneously. You can also use the rear L/R Line inputs, as separate mono inputs simultaneously, as well.



In comparison to my current audio card:

I have a Delta 66/Omni I/O combo and I did not notice any obvious differences sonically.
Line 6 states that the gain range on the mic pre is from +9.5dB to +60dB. The DMP2 preamps, on my Delta Omni I/O provide 66dB of gain and seem to run much hotter than the 6db difference, when comparing the gain difference, using my Shure SM7 condenser,
and have a little warmer sound overall. I would not expect too much from the TonePort Mic Pre's, being that the entire TonePort device is being powered solely by a USB port. My Sebatron vmp-1000e single mic pre has it's own dedicated internal power supply and requires 30min to warm up the tubes and cost me nearly (4) times as much as the TonePort UX2 did. But, for an inexpensive, portable USB powered device, that has 24bit audio I/O with low latency ASIO/WDM drivers, XLR, intstrument & line level inputs, phantom power, S/PDIF out, VU meters and excellent sounding guitar & bass amps
/speaker cabs, FX (stomp box/rack) & pre-amp modeling, it is quite a bargain.


Guitar Amps/Cabs:

It comes stocked with 16 classic and modern guitar amplifiers, 24 speaker cab models & 24 stompbox and studio effects (think PODxt) which you can augment with additional content via Model Packs. Fantastic amp, speaker & effects modeling with additional patches you can download from the Line 6 website, via the Line 6 Monkey software.

You can max out the TonePort with these software add-ons that expand the GearBox model set to a total of 72 Amp and 84 Effect Models, including every amp and stompbox model from the PODxt, the Vetta II and HD147. These extra Model Packs cost between $49-$99 and would add another $199 for the complete set. The Model Packs are tied to your TonePort and not your computer. Since you can install the GearBox software and drivers on multiple computers and have full accessibility. I have it installed, on both my laptop and desktop DAW and frequently move from one to the other.

http://www.line6.com/toneport/guitar.html


Bass Amps/Cabs:

There are (5)Bass amp/cab models taken from the Bass PODxt. I think Line 6 purposely set the bass amp master volume levels low to avoid blowing our speakers. Most are in the 65-78 range and some as low as 47. A few things I do to get a reasonable bass recording level is, of course, increasing the master amp volume toward 100, increase the gain on the compressor (5, 10 or 20%) or sometimes blend in the D.I level (for most of the bass amps, it's located, at the right, and is set to "0" so you get a totally wet signal). Usually one of these (or a combination) will do the trick.

Mic Pre-Amps:

I am still working my way through, but from my initial observations, I like what I see and hear. There are 6 different pre-amp multi-models, as Line-6 likes to call them. These are only available, on the mic inputs. I briefly went through the models using one of my mics (a Shure SM-7 condensor), using both my voice and acoustic guitar and was pleasantly surprised, with the results. I can easily see myself doing vocal and acoustic instrument tracks with the pre-amp models.

Edit:It seems the pre-amp multi-models are available, on the Line inputs, Instrument inputs, as well, as the Mic inputs.

For vocals and acoustic tracks, along with the hardware preamp inputs, you get a nice collection of software modeled preamps, inspired by some of the studio classics, like
API,Neve & Avalon. Line 6 calls them "multi-models" , which is the sum of multiple products combined as one model, in a signal path. Like the "American Classic" is modeled after this signal path:

input to device->API 512c Mic Pre->API550b EQ->through a 2inch tape machine

http://www.line6.com/toneport/vocals.html



Note: For the mic pre-amp models, the GearBox software use's what Line 6 calls, "multi-models" to model a particular pre-amp sound. For instance, the American Classic pre-amp model is based on the API 512 Mic Pre & API 550b EQ housed in a API Lunchbox 500 6-B, followed by the tonal elements of an analog tape deck (Revox, Studer, MCI). The controls on the API Mic Pre & EQ can be adjusted, whereas the analog tape modeling is fixed. The Vintage UK is based on the Neve 1073 followed by analog tape. The Modern pre-amp is based on the Avalon VT-737.


ToneDirect Monitoring:

ToneDirect monitoring allows you to get fully processed audio in real time while you track with virtually no latency using the Toneports own amps, mic pre's & effects. Of course, with it's ASIO drivers you can still record native plugins with SONAR's live input monitoring, like a softsynth, down to 128 sample latency (2.9msec).

Nice UX2 feature:

You do have assignable left/right VU meter's (Input, Send 1-2, Send 3-4, Monitor 1-2, Monitor 3-4 & Output), in the GearBox software, that you can view from your desktop. The UX2 model (one of the reasons I bought it instead of the cheaper UX1) has actual stereo VU meters that mirror the one's in GearBox. There is also a Clip LED, on for each VU meter, at least on the UX2 model. You do need to watch your levels, as you use different sources (guitars, basses, mics etc.) and varying amp models, speaker cabs, fx & mic pres.

MIDI

Even though the TonePort has no built-in MIDI interface, it does have MIDI capabilites.
The TonePort GearBox software can send/receive MIDI data using an external MIDI interface/controller, to control certain MIDI parameters and GearBox functions. There is a MIDI/Control tab, in the GearBox "Preferences" to select MIDI Input. Also, on the UX2 you can assign the Footswitch inputs to MIDI CC parameter's. Using MIDI and a Roland EV-5 Expression pedal, I am able to control the Wah FX, in the TonePort. I have the EV-5 connected to a JX-305 MIDI Keyboard, sending out MIDI controller #4 messages (varies the Wah effect, on the TonePort) into a MIDI interface and then into my UX2.




For someone like me, a singer-songwriter who likes to record vocals, guitars & bass, this seems to be a perfect fit. You even get a copy of Ableton Live 4, on a separate CDROM with serial, to install, as well. For such a portable, sub $200 device packed with an incredible amount of features, the TonePort UX2, is an incredible value.


P.S.:

If you want to see the UX2, in action, recording acoustic guitar, electric guitars, bass & vocals, (5)part "Record, Mix & Burn" TonePort video series, using Live 4:

http://www.line6.com/toneport/movies.html

The video's are well done, with subtle touches like scene fades, disolves, zooms and some nice transparency video techniques to add interest. There are various screen shots, of the GearBox software(showing presets used), the Live 4 Arrangment View and of the performers themselves. The audio is clear and at an appropriate listening level. There are separate "Record" video's to highlight each instrument:

Record Acoustic
Record Electric (3 separate models)
Record Bass
Record Vocals
Final Mix & Burn

Hey Carl,
Yes, you are correct, I just checked and the Line inputs can use the pre-amp multi-models as well. It is only the Instrument inputs where the pre-amp multi-models are unavailable.

Thanks for the clarification, I will go back and edit my review.

ORIGINAL: bmxplosive
Does the hardware do anything besides bring in a signal?

The TonePort device does not have any DSP. All the toneshaping and modeling is done, in software, by the native CPU. The TonePort is essentially an external A/D D/A device for getting audio in and out, of your computer.

Does this mean I can record something, and then go back and change it's characteristics later if I want to? if that is the case, and the software is not VST/DX, do you have to run the other app alongside Sonar anytime you're using a track you recorded with this thing?

What you hear is what you record. You can setup the routing, in GearBox, so that you can monitor wet, but record sans FX, into your DAW software. But any amps/cab sims or preamps selected will always be recorded, unless you choose to record and monitor completely dry.
You do not have to have the GearBox software open to utilize the TonePorts audio drivers. You can play back existing audio tracks or play a softsynth, in realtime, from a MIDI keyboard. In that respect, it is just like using any other USB audio device. Of course, the CPU usage is a lot less, when you are not using the GearBox.

Also, how does this work in conjunction with another preamp? I have the MOTU 896HD and would want to easily use the Toneport to record without having to unplug and replug a bunch of stuff to get back to the MOTU as my primary preamp. Is the usability seamless or a hassle?

I am not familiar with the MOTU 896HD. I have been mostly using the TonePort UX2 with my laptop, in ASIO mode. You can only have one ASIO device open, in SONAR, at a time, BTW.

Hey everyone,

I'm considering getting a UX2 for my laptop. What's the best price anyone's seen? Searching the internet and ebay, I haven't really seen anything lower than list ($199).

BTW, how are the D/As on the unit? Are you impressed with how your favorite reference CDs sound when using the UX2 as a sound card? (I realize that the converters are the same as the Mia but electronics will of course effect the end result as well).

Thanks,

urock

During my time, using the TonePort UX2, I have found that many laptops need to be tweaked and re-configured, to some degree, to get acceptable performance for USB audio. The vast majority of laptops are not designed nor setup, for the demands of USB audio, right out of the box. I have a (2) year-old WinXP SP2, P4 2.4Ghz/1GB RAM desktop replacement model that has (4) USB 2.0 ports and a Firewire port. Whenever, I would playback or record audio, using any USB audio device, including the TonePort UX2, I would always encounter (2) major problems:

(1) When I turned the audio output up past a low listening level, I could clearly hear intermittant static, in the audio. This happened only when using the AC power, using the battery was fine, but not practical.

(2) At regular 2-4 second intervals I would get a severe disruption in the audio stream.


After many months, a lot of head scratching and cussing, and a little research, I found out that many laptops do not properly ground their USB ports. I was able to solve number one by inserting a ground lift between the AC connector and the wall outlet. For expedience, I just used a three prong to two prong adapter I had laying around (you are essentially eliminating the ground pin). You can find these at most any hardware/electronics store for a couple of bucks. Works like a charm and did not cost me anything extra. You can always buy a manufactured ground lift for a little more money. But the key is to lift the ground, from the power supply. If you can disconnect your power supply (and run on your laptop battery) and the audio noise disappears, then you have a ground lift problem.


Problem number two was a much tougher nut to crack and no one seemed to know the answer, other than don't use USB, for audio, don't use that particular USB audio device or get another laptop. It took me two years, but I finally figured out what was always causing
disruptions, in any USB audio device I used. It was not until I got the UX2 that I finally figured it out.
So on a hunch and with a little perseverance I was able to finally determine the problem and permanantly fix it and it only took a matter of seconds and did not cost me anything.
It seems many laptop USB ports share resources with other devices and this can lead to problems (contention) with using USB audio as it needs to rely, on a continous un-interuppted flow of streaming audio data. If you are having a similar problem you may need to experiment to find what device is causing the problem and disable it.
For me, it took disabling the "Winbond Fast Infared Controller (DMA)", from the "Device Manager". Right click on "My Computer", from your desktop and select "Properties". From the "System Properties" click on the "Hardware" tab and then "Device Manager". I then clicked on the+sign next to "Infared devices" and right clicked on "Winbond Fast Infared Controller (DMA)" and selected "Disable". For someone else it could be a similar culprit causing problems. That was it, no more disruptions, in the USB audio.


I used the process of elimination, to actually find the offending culprit. I went into the Device Manager and disabled everything that I was not using or did not need (Parallel port, un-used USB ports, Infared Controller, onboard audio device, modem, PCMCIA adapter) and then I checked the TonePort audio output again. Once I verified that the USB audio was working perfectly, through a process of elimination, I re-enabled each device one, at a time and re-checked the USB audio output, until I verified what device was actually disrupting the USB audio stream.

One other thing that I've found after using the TonePort, for a while. It is best to always use the TonePort, in ASIO mode. It's WDM implementation is rather limited & not nearly as robust. Single track recording @ 16/48, at best and some quirky behavior (higher CPU load, slow system response), at worst. I have found that in most apps that I have used it with, SONAR 5.01, Project 5 2.01, Kinetic, ACID Pro 5c, Sound Forge 8b, Vegas 6c, Live 5c, yes even Band in the Box 2005 , ASIO always performed best. In fact, using ASIO, in SONAR 5.01, I have been able to record multiple audio tracks @ 32/96.

Does the toneport ux2 allow you to record 2 mics at the same time? Example, drum overheads.

Can I use the toneport asio with another asio device in Sonar 5? Example, Tascam FW1884 Asio and Toneport ux2 Asio also?

Thanks!

Thanx for the review! Not really something Im gonna need(i own pod2.0 and Amplitube) but a friend of mine wants to get started in recording on his pc and I think this product would suit him very well! He will be recieving a link to this!!! Thanx again!

ORIGINAL: leoleo
Do you know if it's possible to use the TonePort interface only (*without* using the GearBox software) in order to work with native plugins like "Guitar Rig" with a low latency? In this case, do I have to plug my guitar in the LINE IN instead of the guitar/bass input of the TonePort? Up to now, I don't get any signal input to "Guitar Rig" as long as "GearBox" isn't running.

In order to use the input options, on the hardware, you have to have the GearBox software active. In the case, of using other amp sims with the TonePort, I created a preset (which I called "Totally Dry"), in GearBox. I just took an exisiting preset and for the "Amp" & "Cab" models selected "No Amp" & "No Cabinet" respectively. I deactivated any active FX so there is zerp processing going on. I then saved this as a preset. I use this preset whenever I want to use the TonePorts inputs, but want to totally bypass any of it's modeling and FX. I also activate the "Bypass" switch (middle icon to the right of the preset menu) which then "greys" out the GearBox's modeling/fx. The reason you want to create a dry preset is that even though you select "Bypass" the CPU load is still there, from whatever preset you have loaded, hence the creation, of a totally dry preset. This will bypass all GearBox modeling & fx and also give you minimal CPU load. You can then minimize the GearBox window. I would also use the front panel 1/4" jack for any Bass/Guitars.
I found that selecting 256 buffer (5.8msec) works for most amp sims. You can go as low as 128 (2.9msec), but that will consume more CPU, of course. You can easily adjust the
latency, by going into SONAR's "Audio Options" and clicking on the "ASIO Panel" button to bring up the TonePorts Control Console.
If you are not using the TonePorts inputs, but only for playback a project or recording a softsynth (playing from a MIDI keyboard), you don't need to even open up the GearBox. Sometimes I will fire up my laptop, open SONAR and add a softsynth (via Synth Rack), adjust the ASIO latency, if needed (5.8msec is usually good) and start playing from my MIDI keyboard using the TonePort, as a low latency audio device and I never even touch the GearBox.

Billy, thx again for your advices. Just one more thing...
If I bypass GearBox in order to use a Plugin (lets say "Guitar Rig") as you said, during recording I can hear both signals. The totally dry signal from GearBox and the “coloured” one from the Plugin.
Is there a way to avoid this (to hear only the “coloured” one)?
To turn the level knob in the GearBox to low volumes (minimizes the portion of the dry signal) is not really a sufficient option since the recorded signal becomes very weak.

Billy, thanks for helping me.
I have to activate (can this cause the problem?) the "Input Monitoring" in DAW on the track I'm recording, otherwise I don't get any guitar sound through my headphones...
-nico-

Heya! Billy Buck HELP please! I'm aobut to buy the Tascam US122 or maybe the TONEPORT UX2 or maybe even a PCI ESI Juli@ - that's my pricerange anyway if you have any better ideas. Just what're the differences between those two? I know the specifications are out there but I'm not that fluent in those things to fully understand. I'm looking to start a home studio to make music from trip-hop to metalcore and hip-hop - basically everything! Don't need the effects that bad because I've got a good guitar rig, a good dynamic and a condenser mic and a marshall amp + ton's of VSTi-s. Which should I choose or none of those? Which has better converters, other properties etc. Especially comparing the Tascam and Esi.. . . . ... .This is urgent! Thanks!?!!

Ago
www.purevolume.com/sethh

ORIGINAL: Billy Buck

ORIGINAL: bmxplosive
Does the hardware do anything besides bring in a signal?

The TonePort device does not have any DSP. All the toneshaping and modeling is done, in software, by the native CPU. The TonePort is essentially an external A/D D/A device for getting audio in and out, of your computer.

Does this mean I can record something, and then go back and change it's characteristics later if I want to? if that is the case, and the software is not VST/DX, do you have to run the other app alongside Sonar anytime you're using a track you recorded with this thing?

What you hear is what you record. You can setup the routing, in GearBox, so that you can monitor wet, but record sans FX, into your DAW software. But any amps/cab sims or preamps selected will always be recorded, unless you choose to record and monitor completely dry.
You do not have to have the GearBox software open to utilize the TonePorts audio drivers. You can play back existing audio tracks or play a softsynth, in realtime, from a MIDI keyboard. In that respect, it is just like using any other USB audio device. Of course, the CPU usage is a lot less, when you are not using the GearBox.

Also, how does this work in conjunction with another preamp? I have the MOTU 896HD and would want to easily use the Toneport to record without having to unplug and replug a bunch of stuff to get back to the MOTU as my primary preamp. Is the usability seamless or a hassle?

I am not familiar with the MOTU 896HD. I have been mostly using the TonePort UX2 with my laptop, in ASIO mode. You can only have one ASIO device open, in SONAR, at a time, BTW.

Billy - have you used the UX2 with Guitar Tracks Pro 3? I'm considering getting both (I've heard the Mackie Spike has far too many problems when used with XP).
Thanks for the detailed review and tips, it's been quite helpful.

-CSC

I upgraded the gear box software for my Toneport UX2 from 1.02 to 3.20. It seems the "D.I. blend" for the bass presets are missing. Has anyone else have this problem?