Line 6 Toneport question

[fred-tham]

The main reason why I have reservations buying the toneport is because I still wish to use my existing soundcard.

From my understanding, the toneport itself is already a soundcard, and if chosen as the default device, then my existing soundcard would be redundant.

My existing soundcard play mp3s cyrstal clear and I find it a great hassle to always have to switch speaker connections.

I have a question for toneport users.

Can the toneport direct the sound output through your existing soundcard?
ie. just plug the toneport to the usb and sound comes out from your existing soundcard without changing speaker connections.

 

[naviros]

I'm not really sure about that, but I'd advise you to go have a listen to the toneport's sound first... Sounds WAY too digital for my liking...

 

[THOA]

Naviros: Are you talking about Toneport or POD? Cos Toneport is an audio interface with an amp/stomp modeller software (Gearbox), while POD is a full blown amp modeller.

As far as modern audio interfaces goes, Toneport is one of the MANY digital audio interfaces in the market that people swore by. In fact, it's almost impossible to find an audio interface which is NOT digital. In fact, anything that gets recorded into the computer gets converted to digital data, so you cannot really run away from digital unless you are willing to spend quite a sum of money.

Fred: Cab I ask what soundcard are you currently using? And what is the purpose of you wanting a Toneport in the first place?

Be aware that MP3 is a lossy format ie a degraded quality file type where certain data is lost through convertion. Most consumer type audio systems which deals with MP3s are made to compensate for that loss by enhancing certain frequencies that have been loss in the convertion (boosted bass and treble is more likely), so they are not very accurate to begin with.

If you are looking to record guitar for mixing and eventual release, I advice against using your soundcard for that purpose because of the fact that you might compromise your eq settings on your guitar and amp/amp modeller. A sound that sounds good on your soundcard doesn't mean it's gonna sound good on everything else. You have to keep in mind that everyone uses different audio interfaces, soundcards, speaker etc as such tone will vary from one and another. The best approach would be accuracy ie something that gives a flat frequency that doesn't enhance or cut anything.

However, if you are not so anal with sound and tone and you still righteously believes in the power of your soundcard, proceed with these steps (assuming you're using Windows XP at least):

1) Go to Start > Control Panel

2) Go to Sound, Speech and Audio Devices

3) Go to Sounds and Audio Devices

4) In the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties window, click the Audio Tab

5) Under Sound Playback, select your soundcard as your default device

6) Under Sound Recording, select Toneport as your recording device

Hope that helps

 

[vx02]

actually it depends on what onboard soundcard your computer has in the first place. the toneport is ASIO ready/able and imo, it would result in less latency if you use the monitor/headphone outputs on the toneport itself as compared to running it out the one on your computer.

as far as the toneport sounds digital, to quite an extent it is, but then again, it is way up there as compared to many other modelling interfaces. again, line 6 does not pride itself as being a replacement for any of the onboard cabs/amps/effects but just as a modeller.

i totally recommend the toneport for home recording purposes, even the basic UX1 cos not only does it support guitar, bass it also supports XLR inputs and line level inputs for quite an affordable price. hope this helps

 

[pedialite]

What about the 80 dollar TonePort GX? its kinda the same right? less inputs only, does sound quality get compromised?

 

[THOA]

I don't have the GX, (I have the KB37 instead) but I am pretty sure it works just as fine. You are limited to one input for guitar/bass/line, though if that is all you require, it does a fine job.

Personally, I find the modellers in Gearbox pretty ok. Some of the presets are workable, but most really not that good. Best for you to create something for yourself. I'm not very impressed with the drives on the amp modellers in the Heavy Guitar presets especially; they are mostly way too brittle or empty (I have to emphasize MOST, cos some are pretty good).

The modellers I like are actually the stomp modellers. Ok, so the Tubescreamer and Rat modeller is not that superb (and please don't even touch the wah -_-"), but at lower dial settings they work pretty good. And I do say I really like the Delay, Reverb and Modulation modellers. Sounds very very good.

However, if you feel that the modeller on Gearbox software is too 'digital' for your liking, you can still use the Toneport purely as an audio interface by activating the Bypass function:

From there you can record your guitar by micing your amp or using your favourite amp modeller with your personal pedal chain.

 

[fred-tham]

Thanks for all your advice.

THOA mentioned about the Control Panel and the Recording Device.

I think that answered my question. Thanks.

 

[THOA]

It took a while to get your question answered. Sorry about that. You could have gotten a faster response by posting in the Gear - Sound section. The folks there would have the better know-hows to do it.

Anyway, glad to be of help. Just keep in mind all the other stuff posted and mentioned here cos they are just as valid