$399 Tonex Pedal vs $1800 Kemper and Quad Cortex: GAME OVER!!

If you spent $1800 on a digital modelling amp, DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!! I put the Kemper and Quad cortex up against the new $399 Tonex Pedal... Can you tell the difference? Can you justify a $1400 price gap? I eagerly await the PATHETIC EXCUSES!! Get it at: www.ikmultimedia.com/products...
For additional control, I recommend the AirStep: xsonicaudio.com/pages/airstep
I'll be online 90 minutes after the preimere! Bring your comments & questions!
Join the SMG DISCORD at: / discord
Edit: I am aware of the upcoming Kemper software update. At the time of making this video, that update IS NOT AVAILABLE! I’ll revisit once it’s out.
Proudly Sponsored by IK Multimedia!
0:00 The Competition
1:17 The Best Deal Around!
3:36 AirStep
4:07 Phone App
5:12 Desktop Software
6:59 Cab IRs
8:23 Should I Sell my Kemper?
9:41 Blind Test
10:38 The Best Kind of Test
13:42 Fan Comment
14:27 Low-cost Modeller with Low-cost Guitar
17:00 Your Opinion Matters!
18:35 Endscreen

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Kemper’s promised “liquid modeling” Was UNAVAILABLE at the time this video was created and released. I can’t use what DOES NOT EXIST. Quit crying.

[@JohnWiku]

Will "liquid modeling" give you those fluidic piano lows and cow bell highs? Count me in for the test, guys bring out your pickups!!

[@BeefSupreme8]

Also, the “liquid modeling” is irrelevant when comparing equal captures like you did across 3 platforms without adjusting any settings. People love to complain don’t they?

[@algorithm007ify]

@@BeefSupreme8 Are you sure the algorithm is not being updated also? This is Kemper that we are talking about..They have the best upgrade longevity/support.

[@EasyHeat]

The Airstep actually looks rad AF! I've been using a MeloAudio MidiCommander that I initially got for use with a Fractal AxeFx Ultra that I unfortunately no longer have. The Tonex ecosystem is quite honestly blowing my mind right now, and at freakin' $399?!! The price of entry is definitely within even my meagerly limited investment budget. Thanks for the demo Glenn! Keep being FN awesome and LOUD my dude! Cheers!

[@MarkRigler]

Video out of date before it was released 😢

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Here's what I think. If you have a Kemper, stick with the Kemper, there's no reason to throw it away because you already have something that sounds good and it works. the ToneX is not necessarily gonna be an upgrade over the Kemper, the goal should be using the thing you already have to the best of your abilities. If it's your first modeler, get the ToneX

[@nomadsfromneverland228]

thanks for your wisdom, I got my kemper profiler just this year only to find out the emerging 'tonex is better than kemper (and fractal)' videos all over the place. felt a bit down at first, but after using it for a few months, kemper sounds great.

[@RealHomeRecording]

Exactly! Back in the year 2008 I purchased a $7,000 HD video camera that was matched over a decade later by the Galaxy S8 and GoPro Hero 6 in quality. Did I throw that camera away? Absolutely not. For a variety of reasons the least of which is the zoom lens!

[@TokaSFC]

Or you could sell the Kemper before i goes down in price, buy the ToneX and have money to spare

[@TokaSFC]

@@nomadsfromneverland228 just sell it before it loses to much value and recover some of your money buying the ToneX

[@DHGagnon]

Use what you want/can, but it is an upgrade in the sense that it is smaller, easier to use, cheaper, and comes with a really good software suite. Selling the Kemper and buying a Tonex would likely be a net gain too.

[@babahias]

Only the Kemper can capture those warm and spatial piano lows tho! 🙏🙏

[@stephanematis]

We need shirt with "Warm and Spatial Piano Lows"

[@flapjack413]

And let us not forget that crystalline, bell-like top end!

[@JohnWiku]

But muh 3D sounds!

[@Tdonn25]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zaphodrahja]

Its also 'amp like'

[@truthfactreality6814]

I owned a quad cortex. Sold it. I have the tone x now. The captures are better and it doesn’t have effects like quad cortex but that’s kind of a good thing. I can use my pedalboard with it

[@user-ty6kn1dz5v]

Cant wait for the new Tone XX coming it has an effects loop and built in effects, more outputs and features.

[@truthfactreality6814]

@@user-ty6kn1dz5v actually went back to the quad cortex. I didn’t like the tone x screen.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

​@truthfactreality6814 okay lemme get your opinion. Used to play guitsr albeit old tenor guitars 4 and 5 strings. Messed with normal guitars a bit as well. Primarily a vocalist. But gonna be like seriously just jumping hours Into it for writing demos for a band project so it's easier to find members. Guitar wise albeit overkill literally looking at a eastman 59V. Lol. But amp side not sure what to go for for bedroom level practice. Was thinking Kemper. But out of the 2 you've used. For like bedroom usage for just dumping hours in on practicing. Think the tonex is good enough? Or is the screen and other little details really worth the extra cash.

[@MrDmadness]

For practicing tone x is plenty good ​@@bmxriderforlife1234

[@Particle67]

Guys buy the tonex and sell your tube amp for 10$. i'll buy all of them.

[@skirwan78]

sure, you pay shipping ;)

[@Musecrafter]

But why sell such gorgeous paperweights? 😃

[@connorsme71]

After being in a band for over a decade and playing lots of shows, I now mostly record in my home studio! I absolutely loved my Kemper setup for live, took 5 minutes to setup/tear down, and sounded fantastic with the aid of a 2x12 neodymium speaker filled cabinet for stage monitoring. What do I use at home? Amplitude 5 Max with the Tonex going through Kali Audio LP-6's. Sold my Kemper setup to a touring musician, and we're both happy. Nothing wrong with Technology getting better and smaller especially when stage/venue footprints keep shrinking.

[@cornstar1253]

Rock is dead

[@darkstar4494]

@@EffinWityou want to bring a laptop out on gigs?

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

@@EffinWit Dedicated processing power, I guess.

[@sailacristina]

Which was the Neodymium Speakers model?

[@connorsme71]

@@sailacristina Celestion G12 Century Vintage.

[@80s_kid]

After announcing Kemper's new "Liquid Profiling" and USB Audio functions, it's still among the market-leading stuff. Although there have been many positive changes in the world of plugins since the release of Kemper, I still use it to "reamp" when I think it helps reach my goal. Plus I respect that it is continuously updated and expanded. Don't get me wrong, it's a matter of taste who chooses what (Tonex, Quad Cortex, plugins etc.) because Kemper is obviously not the only way just one option out of many.

[@bigbo1764]

Ok, so it performs similar to toneX, for 6x the price. So is it really “market-leading?” or just over-priced?

[@80s_kid]

@@bigbo1764 It's among the market leading stuff. Do you use Kemper? Those who use it do so for a reason. They are satisfied with it. It's that simple. If I had to decide what to buy TODAY, there are obviously more alternatives on the market than there were 7-8 years ago.

[@carlhardwickofficial]

@@bigbo1764 You'll easily spend more to buy effects for the Tonex to play live. You get what you pay for. Even the original POD bean had a selection of effects for live use.

[@insomnia6961]

yeah. we wont get rid of our kempers. why? 1. We got two Kempers wired with 2 G90s in one single Rack, having the computer from the IEM System switching the patches. Setting up for a gig is basically removing the rack lids and plugging 2 XLR, 1 AC and 1 Midi cable and both guitars are set up. The rack weights around 24kg - so basically the same weight as one single Engl E642 Invader. 2. I/O - i never was confronted with a situation where the Kemper was insufficient. If you need it, it's for sure on the backplate of this thing. You can provide the public address with a direct signal with IR and at the same time drive a 4x12 with the integrated class D. You do not need a reamp-box as it is integrated. It even is smart enough to prioritize the front plate input so you can run a cable very fast in case there is something wrong with the wireless. 3. its everywhere. If a bassist from another band drops our guitar rack, there is still a high chance that there are kempers at the venue and we could plug in a usb stick with your patches. The kemper provides us with a full on solution and is the most convenient way to deliver our guitar tone to stage or studio. Always when i see pedals like the Tonex, even though everything you say about it is true (tone n stuff), the first thing that comes to my mind is the sound of loose contacts. - come on, we all know this guy, using 10 pedals patched with the cheapest cables he could find producing monk hums as soon as the shit is plugged in while any foot switching holds a probability of 25-40% of total signal loss. YES the kemper is expensive, YES there might be better stuff out there in terms of tone, YES the Kemper is not that easy to use but there is no as convenient, reliable, and full solution. Edit: And there is one more thing - nobody cares about guitar tone anyway. I personally cant stand the guitar tone of Metallica and Pantera since mid-scooping sounds like fingernails on a blackboard to my ears - but everyone likes those bands. A none musician cant even discern bass from guitar nor does he even care - are you guys making music for people or just for fellow musicians so that they can pretend to do it better?

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

I'm 60 plus years old and play twice a week at a Hyatt doing yacht rock and am a cowboy chord guy with just me and a guitar. I have no idea what this guy is talking about. I'm still watching...

[@jayslabotsky462]

I've used AmpliTube off and on for several years now and their simulations have always been good. Effects and cab simulations are good as well. Really cool to see this put into a pedal.

[@michalsadlon9472]

But that's not the main mission/point of tonex at all :)

[@masterofreality230]

@@michalsadlon9472 I would be really surprised if IK is not working on doing that though.

[@miracleofsound]

Man, the thumbnail for this video is the best. The Kemper in the plastic bin that it doesn't quite fit into along with Glenn's hilarious expression 😂

[@JaredWebbMusic]

Hey Glenn, I’ve had a Tonex pedal for about a month now and I love it. Sounds great live and in the studio. It’s truly a game changer! Cheers!

[@tyleranderson1015]

How do you use it live?!

[@JaredWebbMusic]

@@tyleranderson1015 my band runs a fully DI Rack with X32. Currently running it into a Direct Box and using a Darkglass X Ultra capture. Sounds identical to the pedal I have. Definitely recommend it for live bass.

[@andresilvasophisma]

The advantage of floor units like the Quad Cortex and Axe FX is that you can create your complete rig, with potentially multiple amps, and program multiple scenes. The Tonex is cool but it's a completely different thing.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

True, but... You could put the ToneX in the effects loop of something like the HX Effects or Stomp and control it with MIDI (from the HX) and switch the ToneX to different amps for each patch/scene/snapshot (choose your terminology)

[@rileywest4900]

I run my vocals and my in ears thru the cortex which is why its a must for me

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

Yeah, to me it appears that Tone X appears to act as a 3-channel head, more than anything, not your full service multi-FX unit. And in that sense it believe it'll have a market.

[@scrotzki789]

@@MotownGuitarJoe Yeah but something simple like blended two amps or having two amps hardpanned while playing, doing that on Axe FX will take you a couple seconds to set-up. I like the things this ToneX thing does and it might be a better replacement for the Kemper as a super slick and cheap amp cloner/profiler, it sounds great but the gear head in me is looking at all the functionality Quad Cortex and Axe Fx offer and this really touches none of those other areas at all in regards to modeling, synth, stupid amount of delays, modeled distortion/tubescreamers, . I respect Glens opinion on the sound/tone being great and such but he kinda glosses over this area a bit. ToneX seems like a great standard amp/cab set-up replacement whereas the others can replace full rigs with entire pedalboard solutions. On the other hand if all you were using those other things for was getting just a good amp/cab which is probably the case for tons of metal bands out there, this would definitely be the one-hitter solution for them.

[@jedimindtrix2142]

@@scrotzki789 There really is no one size fits all solution in music gear. As far as amp modeling and the entire digital rig replacement thing goes that holds even more true. What works well for one may not work well at all for another. Everyone's needs as an artist differ drastically depending on what you do for your project. I am a HUGE fan of Neurals amp models. I have 4 of their stand alones (Plini, Cory Wong, Fortin Cali and Nolly) and I really want to get the Quad Cortex sooner or later. I think the ToneX is pretty cool...I think if I am going to invest in a unit like this I will probably go all in on the Quad but this will definitely serve a purpose and be a really good product for a wide demographic of players.

[@riccardocuoghi2071]

I already had a Kemper and i’m happy with that, even if it’s a old machine they tried to improve and had new features without create new products. I’m surprise with tonex for the price… this can be a beatiful solution for a backup for my Kemper for live show without buy an other Kemper and saving money

[@travisspaulding2222]

The Tonex is good for people that don't need much and don't currently have anything. His advice to get rid of the Kemper and buy a Tonex is complete and utter bullshit. If you already have the Kemper, there's no reason to buy a Tonex. By the time you sell off your Kemper, buy a Tonex, buy the Airstep, and then buy the chorus and delay that you're missing, you've spent way to much just to switch products. I know Glenn has bills to pay, but to say that someone should sell their Kemper and buy a Tonex is just plain irresponsible.

[@ladyjulia4038]

Killer stuff Glenn. Love you channel and keep killing it!

[@effectspedalcentral]

Sounds amazing! I need to get this pedal ASAP!!

[@OvertEnemy]

Got a Kemper and a Quad. Real happy with both particularly for gigs. That said if we were in the market would definitely be looking at this. Regarding “worth” Kempers ongoing support of the platform has been pretty cool to see considering many manufacturers just move on. Still waiting for the Neural plug-ins on the QC. Like the hardware for both. Wish the Quad was available in a Rack because the interface is great. Honestly the bar is super high and they all sound great. Had this been available might have purchased instead as we don’t use a ton of FX. Cool video Glen.

[@truthfactreality6814]

Hey. I’ve had them all. Helix. Quad cortex. Strymon iridium. And many more. I recently sold quad cortex and got tone x with the capture unit too. Wow ! It is amazing. The captures are exact ! I’ve integrated it into my real pedals and use a g3 GIGRIG to switch everything. Also it takes the real pedals just like the real amps. It’s handy to grab the walrus audio canvas STEREO DI unit and have that for live shows.

[@mssqlguy]

That blind test - sounded awesome. Great playing and mix, great job...

[@_hide_-lb1gk]

What a great jam. Great job guys.

[@themetalchronicles.9557]

I already upgraded from my Atomic Amplifire 6 to my brand new ToneX pedal and i love it ! That’s my new rig now ❤.No more ridiculously HEAVY tube amps, no more Kemper and No more Fractal AXE 3 either.

[@alexmarshall9574]

Haven't tried Tonex yet but a big fan of the tones coming out of Amplitube 5. The only issue I see with the pedal is that there is no effects loop. Not a deal breaker but it would be a nice function to have as a block you could put at any point in your chain.

[@poligon6]

For band practice in a studio, what do you think works better Tonex into PA speakers, or into a power amp and regular guitar cab? Also, what's your opinion of the speakers that are promoted as FRFR speakers specifically for modelers (for the life of me i can't get the difference between them and regular PA speakers).

[@Turboy65]

And, yeah, that Driftwood amp, and whatever captures of it those might be, just flat out sounds amazing no matter which amp/modeller/capture device is being used. They all sound awesome and I'd never pretend that I can tell which segment was played with which device.

[@XJR15ftw]

Glenn with the blind tests completely destroying our brethren who listen with their eyes! Love to see it lmao

[@j3rkch1ck3n]

Or get two for 800 and play in stereo. I have one, just bought another for this purpose. I’ve got 3 incredible tube amps for reference. I’m very impressed with tonex. The versatility you get, portability, tone quality etc.. is unmatched when you consider the entire package for the price.

[@keeranimal8]

Great video dude! I think I’m sold on the ToneX! Love your channel…been watching for years, and it got me through the pandemic

[@tlepsh_band]

Some one help me out here please. Do I still need the Tonex Pedal IF I also have the Tonex plugin? Do they sound the same? I don't care about gigging, just recording.... Also, do I need the Tonex Capture if I have a reamper and interface? Since it seems to be the same thing... thanks in advance

[@justinvzu01]

Honestly, I think the biggest problem with tones so far is support. Kemper, QC and AxeFX have huge communities with amazing presets. Of course that's only a temporary issue though. And I don't like pedal format modellers, personally. I'll still be picking up a used Kemper Rack tomorrow.

[@HellaBeatsOfficial]

That's the factor that determines it for me. I want the most options possible, so I'm going Kemper.

[@jeffhirshberg5171]

Using the ToneX pedal live via a Fryette PS100 through a 412 with 2 DV77s and 2 V30s. Very happy with the set up.

[@linnickschlanter4712]

So you can't go directly into the cab? You need something to give power to the tone? That's what i was wondering, if you can really 'substitute' it with an amp or if you need more than that

[@jeffhirshberg5171]

@@linnickschlanter4712 You have to have a power source. Hrnce the Fryette PS100. I use it because it's a 100w tube power amp, and the orher guitarist in the band plays through a 100w JMP 800. But you can use a solid state and iget great reaults. Glenn has shown time and again that ss amps have come a long way. And they're cheaper and easier to transport.

[@linnickschlanter4712]

@@jeffhirshberg5171 i mean, the solid state would be just for the power, not for the tone, right? I have a shitty 100W ss amp, but that shouldn't matter, since it's just making the tone of the ToneX louder, right?

[@jeffhirshberg5171]

@@linnickschlanter4712 Yes. I'm using the ToneX pedal as my preamp. For my needs, I only want a pure power source. The tone comes from the amp captures in the pedal. You can adjust the tone from the pedal. As Glenn said, there's even a noise gate included. I hope this helps.

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@linnickschlanter4712 Nothing could be further from the truth. Every piece in the signal chain is important and will make a difference. Especially the amplifier. All were talking about here is DSP. The DSP, analog preamp (tube or solid state) and power amp (tube or solid state), are your 3 main components in the system. Once the Tonex converts the signal to analog and sends it to the preamp, it still has to travel through 2 more components. If you plug into crap equipment, you get crap sound. It doesn't matter how good the signal is from your source. The biggest obstacle to overcome for the average musician is knowing how these products work on a fundamental level. Here's something that may help you out. I'm going to make a statement. If you agree with it, you most likely have a very good working knowledge of these products. If you disagree, you need to do some research. "There is no such thing as a digital amplifier." 99% will say I'm wrong. However it really is a true statement. Assuming you disagree, find out why its true. If you do that, everything I just said will make complete sense.

[@nc1969]

I currently have an EVH Iconic head (80w) into an EVH 2x12 cab. In your opinion, would I be getting the best out of the TONEX if I ran it through the loop of my amp? Or would I be better off getting a powered speaker/monitors?

[@Kcducttaper1]

Love the tech that the ToneX brings for the price! I'm still a little leery though. I've been eyeing the Quad Cortex ever since it came out specifically for its ability to create an entire signal chain start to finish from scratch including parallel processing (primarily for bass). I don't really see the ToneX being able to compete on that front and appears to mostly just be a (really good) capture device. Having never owned either of them, is that a fairly accurate description or not so much?

[@seancooper779]

That Driftwood guitar sound is as good as any I've heard on even the most high-end studio recordings. And no, I couldn't tell where one sound changed to another.

[@meipr]

The Kemper and the Quad Cortex are out of my price range. I'm just a hobby musician. This looks very interesting and it sounds killer. That should be the only thing important. How it sounds, not how much a unit costs. I'm getting one for sure. Cheers for the content Glenn!

[@snap-off5383]

Look at a "cube baby" if you want a cheap IR/Cab loader to fart around with. It can be fed custom IRs&Cabs.

[@mrblues1981]

i sold my helix floor 950 pound and bought cortex second hand fir 1.300 and loving it ,very simple to use ,make your life much easier then helix

[@Ostin3232]

Kemper was an ideal investment, whoever bought it at the beginning of sales or a little later, even after 12 years, this device is relevant and not outdated

[@coffinfeeder7732]

I bought a Kemper power rack and foot switch for $2,000 about three years ago because I heard how simple it was for live sound and saw hundreds of videos of its profiling capabilities. I’m not a live musician at this moment but I know I don’t have to worry about moving and breaking down an analog/tube amp setup. I also saw one of my friend’s waning patience for his Quad Cortex preorder being stymied by COVID’s impact on shipping and manufacturing at the time and decided to just go for the Kemper. I have very few regrets, but I do think Kemper should revisit and maybe release a revamp with more current processing tech.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

I bought a Helix Floor years after it had been out as a dent and scratch and saved a bundle. After the latest big update with actual irs and better dsp management I’m perfectly happy. I’m into using effects for my ambient work and it does that very well. It also provides me with heavy tones I love and I have the ability to create unique sounds. I always buy older tech to save money as I know the audio quality difference is negligible (as shown i your audio examples). So, would I sell something because a new thing that’s better and less expensive is out? Hell no. I would still be spending extra money for something I don’t need. If my Helix breaks then of course I’ll look at the Tonex. Question, does the Tonex allow you to mix amps and cabs? Thanks as usual Glenn.

[@hairnation68]

Ok question, 1 XLR Out to one 1/4” stereo. Does that make that dual mono? Or am I missing something and it’s stereo. Sorry if this is a dumb question.

[@kibagami25]

This looks awesome and it reminds me of the Boss Katana. It's good for a lot of people that do not want want to spend the 1800$ on a Kemper and the Boss Katana are for people that do not want to spend 1800$ for an amp head.

[@tylorkenniston1192]

I can confirm the Boss Katana is an excellent modeling head, spent like $350 on mine last year and I have been really enjoying it, also have an airstep pedal for an extra 100 bucks to allow me to control the head via Bluetooth with my phone, but if you don’t wanna spend that it’s easy to hook to the computer for free. Only thing that makes me sad is the built in cab sim isn’t the best, but it’s real easy to bypass if you use it to record and I even have experimented with using a power amp sim (free from ignite amps) to give it a little tube sag and a custom ir after and it sounds killer

[@tommilitello198]

The katana sucks imo,sounds like garbage out of the box and was extremely noisy,and if I need internet to access anything I’ll pass

[@tylorkenniston1192]

@@tommilitello198 you may want to stay away from the tonex then, ToneNET is the main way to to get captures outside of your own equipment, and you do need internet access to download the software And, the katana sounds pretty good for my money, but I can see why it might not be for everyone Cheers! 🤘🏼

[@algrundau9441]

@@tommilitello198 They CAN suck if not set up right. Speakers make a HUGE difference. I have the older MK 1 100 Watt head and run it through my Marshall and Peavey Cab's. BIG difference. You are correct about it getting noisey. I use a pedal Noise Gate. They have an internal Noise Gate and an internal "Global EQ" that make a HUGE difference as well. It's just the idea that I have to get my computer to access them has left me lukewarm to it........I mean, I have Fender, Johnson and Vox amps that all have Noise Gates available right on the panel....To me BOSS fumbled the ball on the 1 yard line with that over sight. They were so close.....Still, good bang for the buck. I paid $300 Canadian with Foot Controller. ($170 new for Foot controller, still current)

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

Katana is more effects based and not AI based Amp modeling

[@rinok9662]

To be honest, it's been a while since I am not interested in new equipment or amp emulations or things like that, with what I already have and what already exists you can get professional results, I just keep watching Glenn's videos because I love his demos and mixes XD

[@inevitableveganfuture3915]

Relatable comment. I used to be all about pedals and gear 24/7, but since I got a Kemper it's like I already have everything and there's nothing left to chase. I guess I have to learn how to play and produce now...Bummer.

[@raym5767]

This the Air step, and a Line 6 M5, and you should have have everything pretty much covered. Really looking forward to checking this out. Thanks for the review Glen!

[@swagner89]

I already have Amplitube 5 on my computer for home recording... what would be benefit to buy this pedal- maybe for use live? How does it integrate? thx

[@Anshul1614]

I think it’s the best option for most people. For me I like the QC because it has multi inputs and outputs.

[@PerryCodes]

I look at it the other way, the fact that a 10 year old device sounds just as good as something that's BRAND NEW tells me everything I need to know about which company I'm going to support.

[@shitmandood]

Exactly. Why the hell would you want to keep buying a new box from the same manufacturer over and over again for years on end while the previous box is ditched and unsupported? Not to mention the landfill problems created by all the dead gear.

[@chrisjalbert1997]

I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide whether or not I should get something like a ToneX or a real amp. I’m not gonna be recording with it since I have ToneHub but I want to get away from plugins when playing to myself and doing jam sessions. Digital rigs are more practical live but I don’t really gig enough for that to be a consideration. I like playing through my friend’s 5150 and there is just something about it you don’t get through studio monitors (again, not that there is an audible difference) but that could rack up money real quick. Any advice?

[@bojamisinglauhol2]

Does it have a solo boost? I don’t know anything of this type of equipment. All the reviews said nothing of it. Everyone talks about capture mode, but I won’t use that feature. Do the presets sound great and indistinguishable from a quality tube amp? Do you need a real cabinet or does it sound awesome through the PA with powered speakers using the cab simulator?

[@bluematrix5001]

Cool, but if you consider the lack of delay and chorus there is a good 700-800 bucks for 2 pedals plus the cables and the 1/4”/xlr $100. Then u have 1200/1300 bucks…

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

On what planet???? $800 for TWO PEDALS? Dude, please read a price list before commenting!!

[@notalkguitarampplug-insrev784]

I confirm ToneX made me sell the kemper after months of comparisons at the studio and at home. And I discovered NAM too. Of course AxeFxIII is still in my collection but thinking about reselling it as I captured my beloved amp blocks too.

[@algorithm007ify]

#BadProfiles

[@livius16]

Had the pedal for about 3 weeks. I'm super impressed with it. I started playing with the software before that and then I realized how good it was. I literally stopped using any other amp plugins (I mean I'll use the ampknob from time to time - but this will stop me from getting any more amp plugins honestly) - and it even cut down the time I use my real amp. Because ... I literally captured it and uploaded it to tone net in the way I use it most of the time. This thing is absolutely incredible and if it would have been out last year when I bought my amp - there's a good chance I would have gotten only the tonex pedal + a better set of monitors or a solid state power amp and a cab. Really excited to see what comes next with this tech and pedal.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Very impressed with it, myself!

[@killacoiler1707]

@SpectreSoundStudios Glen so I have to ask this question because of conversations and videos you have done regarding speakers affecting an amplifiers clarity, articulation, and overall tone. Pedals like the Tone-X, Boss IR 200, and so on have Amp Models, and Speaker Cab models (IRs) that emulate 4x12 Marshall, Fender Twins, and Yada Yada, which is great if you are midi straight into a computer or recording board that captures that sound as intended, but what about using such things for live performances? Wouldn't the PA or powered cabinet change these tones drastically as they are not loaded with the speakers that a 59 Marshall 4x12 or Fender Twin Reverb are loaded with? I am not sure that these are going to be useful as part of a live rig. It would seem to me that an album and the live show's tones would be vastly different, no? Just curious as I have never played with IR gear and am not sure how one would use such tech in a live setting and achieve the same results as in a studio. Thanks for all the rants and demos you are not only entertaining but are a cornucopia of musical wizardry.

[@TheSpineSplitter1990]

I tried to like the ToneX plugin, but I honestly thought it was nothing new as far as the amp models. In fact, I thought they sounded like something out of a Line6 Fizz Pod. I get it, its cheaper and it's convenient for a hobby guitar player/recording at home, or those who have expensive amp collections. As for me, the Fractal FM3 in my opinion based on how I use it and need it for my situation is by far the best. The amount of support, constant tweaks and updates we are getting is incredible. Honestly If it were to discontinue It wouldn't bother me at all. Do I even have to explain what the FM3 is capable all its features? Before you comment about "amp capture" I don't think Fractal has to worry about the amp capture features, their models are very close and each eq and master volumes react just like an amp would from my experience tweaking these parameters with a 2x12 cab at loud stage volume. Not knocking the ToneX down, but I can assure you just like any other modeler give it a few years and you'll end up seeing it on Reverb and Craigslist for $200.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

So if it sounded like a line 6 pod…. Where was it playing in the full mix?

[@Mike-hh7bo]

ToneX is amazing! I own a Quad Cortex and I’m super satisfied with it. Not only it does the job amazingly, but for a smaller band like ours it helpes us with the space for fly-in/fly-out gigs since we have both guitars and bass routed through the same Quad Cortex 😁

[@darkstar4494]

You can have 3 different instruments all going through same cortex? With different fx and outputs for each ?

[@gsimongear]

This!! You can pack so much into the Quad Cortex. Neural Capture is just one small feature, but it seems like a lot of people have pigeon-holed it into just being a profiler.

[@Mike-hh7bo]

@@darkstar4494 yup! You can have 4 different signal chains with 4 different inputs and outputs, that would limit your processing power, indeed, but for simpleer rigs you can also do that. The way we have it set is like this: 1st path one guitar, 2nd path the clean bass, 3rd path the other guitar and the 4th path de distorted bass. Bass requieres for us 2 signals to compress the low end without distorting it and to apply distorsion only to the mids and highs. The only thing with this kind of setup is to be aware of how to maximise the processing ability, for that you should be aware that the QC has 2 ADSP-SC589 processors and the first 2 paths use one and the other 2 another one, so you should think a bit ahead how to spread the effects to take full advantage of its power

[@Mike-hh7bo]

@@gsimongear indeed, plus it does a wonderful job with the captures as well. I have to agree with Glenn, if the captures are literally the only thing that someone would be interested in there is no point to pay the price of the Cortex when the ToneX is sounding just as good, but for me having the QC is the best option right now.

[@darkstar4494]

@@Mike-hh7bo huh. I guess that’s the quad part. I didn’t realize it could handle so much, thanks. I’m thinking about trying it

[@TinkMcGathy]

I always carry a direct box with me to solve any 1/4” to xlr problem. Will the tonex work with a direct box ok?

[@coryfriesen]

Wow. That thing sounds awesome Glen!

[@trollstjerne]

If someone already spent $1800 on a Kemper, why would they throw it out and spend another $399 on the Tonex? Im sure the Tonex is good, but it wasn't available 10 years ago.. Hell, even if they bought the Kemper 3-5 years ago and use it daily they still got a lot out of it (5 years is like $1 a day). But, yeah, for new users it looks like Tonex could be great. Personally i just use the Polychrome McRocklin plugin and also the NDSP Fortin Cali plugin.

[@bobzmuda3940]

title should be: “TONEX GAVE ME THEIR PRODUCT FOR FREE!”

[@CitAllHearItAll]

It’s an ad for sure. But not hating on this awesome guy making money. Gotta fund the other content somehow! The truth is, if you have the funds for a Kemper or QC, you’re gonna appreciate the benefits. But for $400, it’s an awesome option! Perfect backup rig, entry point into modeling/profiling pedals, a fly rig, amp sim on a pedalboard, etc.

[@delanoarts3703]

Haha probably true still that tone x is killer for the price it's mind blowing really get one seriously won't be disappointed I'm not it's seriously amazing

[@AMusicalPsychosis]

Found the Kemper owner

[@bobzmuda3940]

@@AMusicalPsychosis im an Axe FX Gen 1 Standard owner actually 😂

[@NovianLeVanMusic]

I’m done watching his vids, tbh.

[@iamnotanumberiamafreeman2021]

Been looking for a nice amp after decade of dealing with my solid state half stack. I dont play nearly as often as id like to because of life. I picked this up back in feb after seeing kyle bull demo it, and i have no regrets. It works great and allows me to test a great deal of amps I'll never own. My only complaint is how the switch engages. It activates on lift up rather than being depressed like a pedal usually engages. Well worth the money, very happy with it. Wish I had more time to play it.

[@steveareton697]

Wow, that Driftwood capture is great! Any chance it can/will be made available to DL or purchase for ToneX users?

[@wardvi6570]

Have them all, still preferring the Kemper.

[@80s_kid]

It all depends on whether it helps you achieve your goal in terms of the sound you're looking for. I think it is still a great stuff. As they say, if it sounds good, it sounds good, I don't care how it does it. There is no "holy grail" but if what you record with the Kemper sounds great, won't fool yourself that it's not that good after all based on someone else's opinion.

[@nheto666]

It's a matter of time until a Chinese brand to make a pedal that runs NAM and then Kemper, ToneX, Quad Cortex, Fractal etc are doomed.

[@tommj4365]

Maybe a raspberry pi and a few foot switches? 50 bucks in parts maybe

[@C0nnie]

Kind of unrelated, but maybe someone here can help me as I’m kind of going crazy lol I just upgraded my noname chinese 2x12 to basically a pair of Matamp 2x12s and the difference is kind of disappointing. My chinese cab sounds so clear and studio like, and the new ones with ''real'' speakers almost sound fake, like a small practice amp or old school solid state kind of tone, as well as being kind of distant. any ideas at all? the new cabs are also huge 2x12s so maybe that has something to do with it? I had an Emperor 2x12 with V30s and same issue. Using an Orange CR120 so maybe thats it ?

[@MikeSingSing]

The Kemper and the QuadCortex (neurals plugins still don't work on it) lack what line6 is doing with the Helix stuff: Constant updates. Time will tell if IK multimedia will keep the unit up to date. For now i'm sticking with my Helix and Amps for live.

[@Rubenios]

The Kemper has been getting constant updates for 12 years

[@MikeSingSing]

@@Rubenios Yes and no. Biggest update ironically came a few days ago. A lot of the updates since the Kemper's release were on the things it simply lacked compared to it's competitors, when it hit the market. Adding usable really good delays 4 years after it's release, adding latching functionality to the remote in like 2017. Given it was a great product to start with, it feels like nothing drastically improved besides fixing/reducing it's obvious flaws.

[@HenryhyphenS]

Glen love ya stuff but sorry the Kemper has Rig Editor which basically tears everything else up. The Cortex has zero software (it’s in selected beta users) and is not general release and has taken 2 years to come out. The Kemper is also rock solid, you don’t see Kemper amps failing onstage often, why would a brand new product not have an xlr out and use a stereo jack? Also the delay and modular effects on a Kemper are a whole lot more than just Phaser or Delay….you can create some insane chains. $399 is great to access a new pedal….what it doesn’t have is 10 years of delivering on what counts and that’s why I’m keeping my Kemper and why I’ll buy a Kemper 2. It was a £1400 investment that has lasted for 10+ years and they are still putting out stuff for it. On the other hand IK multimedia abandoned a lot of stuff and have plugins out every year… so I have a feeling this won’t kill Kemper in the slightest, it seems that it’s missing two key effects (what type of guitarist doesn’t use any form of delay?!) and modulation effects are again so useful. Keeping my Kemper but nice try 🤘

[@shitmandood]

I’m guessing the ToneX will probably be discontinued in a year as everyone moves to the next, new best thing that comes out to top it, whilst the Kemper used will still be using Kempers and getting updates lol.

[@stratter71]

Great demo!

[@mrk4510]

Fantastic Video! It sure makes me want to try it. So do you just have to daisy chain a Chorus and Delay pedal to it? Maybe they could add that in a Software update or something?

[@scotteepunk]

The Tonex doesn't offer enough effects for me. I use my Kemper on the stage and for recording. My Kemper has all the effects I need. I also use the Neural DSP Archetype Rabea for recording. The guitar synth is amazing.

[@TheMasterOfMetal9]

You should sell that thing, because you don’t need all those effects when you’re only playing one at a time.

[@MyToneTV]

Saying that a 400$ tonex beats the Kemper and the Quad that cost a lot more, while ignoring the fact that they give you *a complete rig*, is very unfair. As a performing guitarist, the ToneX is pretty useless, and when I'm in the studio I use real amps. If there will be a version of the ToneX that has all the effects and stuff that would be great but it would cost a lot more and only than, the pricing comparison will be relevant.

[@erikunkrich2636]

Not sure if said already but do you need the cable or can you use regular quarter inch inst cable to a di box ?

[@flachmann161]

I'm using a Helix LT right now. Is it worth getting the tonex if i dont capture amps and only use the built in models?

[@Particle67]

Happy with my kemper i don't care about new gear. Waiting for the big Next updates. 😛 Nice try Glenn

[@jzoomradog583]

i never owned a Kemper, but it looks WAY better than that other thing. Totally worth the extra $$$

[@misanthropolist1808]

Hey Glen! About a year ago, I sold my tube amp 6505 with a 4*12 Marshall cab, due to the need of space. Now I want to get get back to playing in bands, and I thought about getting this tonex pedal, with a Harley Benton GPA-400 power-amp into the 4*12 cab. Is this good enough for rehearsals? I have never tried out this kind of setup before….only tube amp into a cab. Thanx man!🍺

[@Grindermetalhead]

I saw on your livestream that you're using Tonex in the amp section of Amplitube with Amplitube's tubescreamer modeled pedal in the pedalboard section. Did you know that you can drop another instance of Tonex into the pedalboard section and use the Tonex capture of tube screamer instead?

[@budafool3333]

I wish this thing had an FX LOOP.

[@bot-uz9ph]

Why? You don't need this with ToneX

[@JohnWiku]

​@@bot-uz9ph please explain why he doesn't need an FX loop with the tonex. Nobody seems to understand why and it's not the first and last time someone will bitch and moan about that 😂😂😂

[@MrWebsie]

NAM….. seriously great stuff there! Can’t recommend it enough. I haven’t used anything else since I downloaded it.

[@tommj4365]

Yes, so glad I didn't go the Tonex route... all in the box is what I prefer too, and the quality is just as good apparently

[@richarddwjensen]

Wouldn't you want a cable that is stereo 1/4 inch to two XLR cables if you are running to front of house so that you are actual getting a stereo output?

[@crappyfellow]

Can you load additional software into a ToneX. For example, can one loan the IK Multimedia AmpliTube Joe Satriani Collection Software Suite into this?

[@JohnSmith-oe4bw]

Honestly, a POD Go is all most players will need to cover the bases. You'll need FX, boosts, scenes, etc. I have POD GO, Kemper Stage, FM9, AX8, (had/have plenty of others including Boss GT1000, Ampero, Helix), and play the POD GO more than the other ones. It's practical, has everything (including volume/wah pedal) and is easy to carry around. This ToneX is cool, but its too limited in functionality. I want one box that can do as much as needed.

[@Ryan_Messenger]

This comment section is going to be uh oh spaghetti-Os

[@zachmoney7952]

I got a iridium and dream to replace my amps. Tonex seems super interesting but I was wondering. For live giggling should I look into a PA system or a powered cab to run it though?

[@HenryTheN1nth]

Sup Glen, I've been enjoying your show for about a year now. I got a Tonex about a month ago for my studio band. My other guitarist told me about it and I was quickly convinced. I have a Blackstar Club 40 that I was using for recording. It's done the job but man. Now that I can record with any amp and 4x12 cab I can dream of I think my Blackstar might end up in the closet.... Or at the least I can use the pedal sans cab IR for some wicked sounding practice sessions. Hey, even though I already bought this pedal thanks for the review. I'll definitely have to check out any captures you post for us to use! Thanks for an awesome YT channel man!

[@inevitableveganfuture3915]

Pro presets are what is going to make or break these platforms. You can get countless Kemper profiles by professionals, maybe even by the bands or producers who made your favourite record. The Quad Cortex has lots of technical improvements but doesn't have the same level of adoption by pros, you can't get the same pro presets and even the big amp simulators by Neural (Fortin Nameless, etc.) CAN'T EVEN RUN ON IT YET. If the Tonex can get real pro tones, it stands a chance - especially at the price. But otherwise who cares in an oversaturated market of digital amp sims?

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Because it's only $399. MANY will csre.

[@JohnWiku]

​@@SpectreSoundStudios covfefe

[@OliverReviloTheReal]

First: I like your channel. Really great informations. BUT I don't know how much money you get for the nonsense you're spouting here. But the Kemper is something completely different than the Tonex. As an expert, you should already know that the Tonex is completely limited compared to the Kemper. Especially when it comes to live use as an all-in-one solution.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Nobody needs to spend an extra $1400 for chorus & delay

[@OliverReviloTheReal]

@@SpectreSoundStudios WHAT? ;) Have you ever played LIVE? Then you know why the kemper is so good. And above all why the current version of ToneX can't even come close to matching the kemper

[@CookingNoise]

Love my Amptweaker tight metal pro into my two notes cab m. But if I trade those for the Tonex, would I get the same or similar tones and more?

[@MantusRietBaalberith]

What do I do if I want both, going into a cab AND directly to the mixer at the same time?

[@skirwan78]

Early adopters faces when something 11 years later comes along and does the same job at 1/5 the price : People remember all the money they spent on arcade games and console video games as a child right?...and now you can play ALL of them on a handheld raspberry pi game controller you get off ebay for 30$??? Almost like technology advances with time. Almost. There is SO much coping from Kemper people in these comments. Quad people are already not happy with Neural waiting for those plugins and that desktop app they promised at launch. Comparison is the thief of joy. The point is that you can get the job done in the future with cheaper products. If your old device (Kemper/QC) still works for you then continue to use it and stop bitching. This is about what people should buy NOW and in the future. But please go on and tell me how you're still playing your Play Station 2 and using your iphone 3. It's STILL JUST A TOOL in a toolbox.

[@louistorres]

FML, please don't swap your Kemper for this $400 thing. You can't listen/ do everything this dude says. Ugh.

[@shitmandood]

lol, he’s crazy to think the ToneX replaces a Kemper. I would at least go for an HX Stomp if I was looking for cheap comparable solution.

[@romanwestenholtz4396]

Glenn did you give up on the Neural Amp Modeler from Steve Atkinson??? :You mentioned it about a month ago and since they came out with an update and soon they are going to come out with another update for appearance and Less CPU usage...Would like to know!

[@Inverse_Sense]

Tonex sounds great, but please tell me how to replicate the arsenal of fx in the kemper or quad with the tonex and be able to control it in one unit for less than an additional $1400. I have a feeling the next tonex will be bigger, and more expensive with fx.

[@AustinGrandi]

Great context, everyone needs more than there salary to be financially stable ,the best thing one can do with there money is to invest wisely because money not properly used will bring no return. I started investing in Bitcoin mid November 2022 with the help of a registered company Anchorage digital, the profit from that funded my recent house.

[@JaredGunstonTV]

test sounds great man! I don't have ANY of those, but i've watched a few ToneX vids outa curiosity and the biggest thing that annoys me is that scrolling Text Menu UI... hahaha! Cheers man!

[@Pingvinian]

Maybe I'm being too much of a musician and less of an engineer, but on the 'piano lows' topic, the word 'piano' might not have been used for the piano instrument, but for the dynamic level (the volume of your playing/picking). In wind instruments (my main field), dynamics go (with some exaggerations on both ends) from piano to forte, where notes played at a 'piano' level are quiet, and 'forte' notes are loud. History lesson for those interested: the piano (instrument)'s original name was pianoforte, meaning that it could play more dynamics than, say, a harpsichord, which only had one volume level of playing. i can't remember why it was shortened to just piano, but that's why it's called a piano instead of a 'loud-soft harpsichord' or something. piano literally translates to soft in italian, and forte is loud

[@johncook2913]

I've got a combo amp, whats the best way to connect the toneX? I have just been using the headphones so far.

[@tonybowen455]

Thanks so much for doing this. I've been out of the loop since kemper and helix. I came back in with the recent fender tone master, but I was shocked by its price. Tonex looks like it nails it. I sold my katana a while ago because I wasn't happy with the sound, but this nails it in that sample track you did. I couldn't hear any diff, and more importantly, I get that excited feeling of a "real" dimed in amp while listening to it.

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

even plugins sound better than katana

[@tommilitello198]

Took my katana back the next day,has to be the most overrated amp in history lol

[@tanx0r]

We're living in great times with machines such as this hitting the market. It sounds really good. That said, I just ordered me a Quad Cortex after much consideration and watching tons of videos about modelers/capture gizmos. I understand there's quite a delay before the preset you kick in activates on the Tonex? That would kind of make it unfit for live use where you switch between different presets within one song? Or am I seeing ghosts here.

[@timvd9086]

Hey Glenn again, a sublime video. I recently got into the digital world with an open source appliance, the MOD Dwarf. Since I don't play or record metal I cannot say what it can do for that matter but for met it is working fine. This just to say why don't we just use equipment and if it is good, it is good, no matter what technology it is. Just play and use the gear you already have. I still use the SansAmp GT2 and I love that thing

[@_robespierre]

tonex is ok, its software is probably ok too, but im sure you have to install their pesky shop on your system to get all the good stuff. and im even more sure that if you use the community presets u get these little hints that you miss a ik plugin for it so "JUST BUY IT IN OUR SHOP"...if you tell me that doesnt happen ill buy the tonex in an instant. and last but not least, which cab or speakers is recommended to get the most out of the tonex. or is it just a studiomonitor tool? jsut asking cos i still have my 4x12 cab that came with the jcm800

[@milkmoneystudios]

I couldn’t tell the difference. Can you recommend a power amp other than the powerstage. Ive been looking at the tubeworks stuff

[@4huge4]

is it possible to use one out with cab ir and one without? for FOH and real cab at the same time

[@leonardobucci6801]

400 contra 1800, algo le debe faltar que no sea solamente cargar un profile de sonido, tiene pitch shift?

[@rag103]

GLENNNNNN!!!! Ya bro sounds like you never changed. Sound the exact same to me. I’ve never used a digital rig but I’ve been thinking of trying one. I’m a bit intimidated by it all and I already have a massive amp, speaker and cab collection so that been keeping me from taking the plunge. Thanks for all you do. P.s. have you already done a video “getting started on your first digital amp for old farts”?

[@void_snw]

I'd say get something for a reason. Back when I got into gear I went for an HX Stomp cause I wasn't sure what kinda amps I liked, and wanted to explore on a budget, both amps, cabs, pedals, and whatnot, before I spend tons of money and time on amps I might not even like. If you wanna just explore different amps, get a modeler. If you wanna use very specific amp models, or have a digital print of your own favorite ones with your favorite settings as backup or so, get a profiler. If you want to do it all on your PC instead, just get any decent interface and explore plugins!

[@xxtingyxx9497]

This will be my next piece of kit. This with the headrush MX-5 that I've already got combined with two air steps is going to be a pretty awesome setup.