I like the simplicity of the Boss. Give me some good tones in an easy to use package that doesn’t require lots of fiddling or connecting to my computer and I’m happy.
I’ve been listening to a lot of demos before deciding on the IR-2 or Tonex one. I’ve notice the Tonex One sounds more digital and the IR-2 sounds more natural. Has anyone also noticed it too?
@@thesoozeTJ I and many other people make choices on gear based on your and others opinions. If you put out a product and I negatively reviewed it without really trying it. I don’t think you would love that.
Here is why I have ordered Boss IR-2: 1. Effects loop 2. Headphones jack 3. Simplicity. I don't want to spend time playing with the pedal instead of my guitar and want to be able to hear my other pedals when listening on Headphones. The only thing I am missing is to be able to save your multiple settings. Not just 2 that dont really save...
Sure in a bedroom practice or recording environment the ToneX minipedal nevermind any minipedal is a great choice, but in a gigging environment where kicking the pedal over or where the pedal puts stress on the cable connections the Boss IR, Helix pod, the smaller Kemper or any other other non-minipedals are simply superior from a reliability standpoint.
@@rethinktone I don't use them nor do I want my pedals to be practical for gigging only when they are securely mounted on some sort of base like a pedalboard or require straight instrument cable connectors to keep them from getting flipped on their side. You? I'm guessing when you gig with them the instrument cable connectors don't ever get bent or cut or the pedal never gets kicked on its side or perhaps you use a pedalboard?
@@rethinktone Sure if you're bringing a bunch of pedals to a gig then a pedalboard makes sense for a number of reasons. But I don't and never have. So then you're not laying your minipedals on the floor "boomer style" then? You're taking a pedalboard rather than say a larger Boss multi-effects device? If so, that's what I mean. Minipedals must be accomodated in ways that larger pedals don't to avoid headaches & potential damage to them and/or the instrument connector cables. I'm not getting anything helpful from this conversation & will stop now but thanks.
I am thinking about buying the IR-2, because it is simple in its layout but also has the FX loop, stereo out, you can load your own IRs etc. In most other videos, they test the pedal with the stock IRs. And they're OK. But the IR is 90% of the tone. I do not think for what I have in mind, I'd need endless amounts of amp models, like with the Tonex or a Kemper. That only makes sense if you have a very specific amp in mind that you want to have on your board. But I'd just need to load my favorite IR and pick two good sounding amp models and that's my two channel setup.
1:10 You mean how they fundamentally change the sound?? Is that guy kidding? Load in the same IRs into the Boss thing and some other unit, pick similar amp models and you get a near identical sound.
Interesting. I like the IR2 because I like the brown sound and it has an effects loop and I don't think the Tone x does. Also, Bosses high gain stuff which is where I live is great. I will never capture an amp and then upload. I just want something to put on a board and use to go FOH or record with and the Boss IR2 is great. I'm also looking at the US brown sound, but they messed up and didn't put a headphone out which is crazy to me. Just my two cents though. I think the IR2 is a good product especially on a pedal board . ❤
Why I have an IR-2 on order but I’m not a buying a Tonex: I hate those mini-pedal enclosures. I hate the kind of overloading a few controls with too many features like the Tonex. I don’t want captures; I want good digital models. I really enjoy the Boss MDP models, and I love that they’re the only ones I know of that are trying to take modeling beyond simply modeling analog amps. I want the simplicity of having an effects loop and a headphone jack on my amp modeler. (My biggest complaint about the IR-2 is that it doesn’t have integrated DI like my Simplifier.) Oh, and I haven’t had a good experience with IK with multiple products in the past. And, yeah, the POD Express to me is a completely different market. I’m probably going to eventually get one to be my “sofa amp”.
@RobertF. Your comments make sense while the discussion on this channel is a bunch of tired complaining about the IR-2. I guess one shouldn't expect much from somebody who handholds a Shure 55.
Tonex One 1.7 is ok, but I would not try to use it right now as is, without the Stomp. The Stomp has built in Distortions and Modulations that help the Tonex. But we will not know what is what until Tonex Version 1.8.0 is released...
How do I know? because I replaced several conventional guitar amps and pedals for a much better in every way method of obtaining live and recording tones to die for...that's how I know!...most conventional guitar amps can't go beyond their usual party tricks and end up restrictive because of such, a multi or modeller wins hands down every time! BUT!!!!!! only if being used by a professional who know the capable ones from the not capable units.....cheaper on upkeep, better on your back AND your pocket...and also sweeter on your ears to match!
Having to memorize the tonex one presets because there is no screen is kinda silly. The ir2 user experience is better and more straight forward then the tonex one. I would still pick the tonex in a heartbeat. But i can see newer players or boomers getting into modeling picking the ir2.
It's too small for a battery! But, with all the USB-C portable chargers and battery banks, the solutions for 'battery' powering the Tonex One is pretty much limitless.
$179 or $399. I'd spend the $399. I'm seeing lots of used Tonex One's on Reverb. Roland/Boss rarely misses. But I keep looking at the Jazz Chorus just so you know.
The price difference is negligible. The Tonex one is too trimmed down to be useful. I would never buy a direct amp solution that lacks a headphone output. Also I like running my delays and verbs after the amp (at least after gain) so no effects loops is second deal killer. Now that said, were I to pair either with a Helix Stomp, those would be moot points.
@@ryanpappenfuss Maybe the output can double as one or the USB-C jack on front side can be used for it? Lack of effects loop means on a pedal board, all effects must be before it (I personally like delays and reverbs after gain), or the headphone out is partially useless since it can't be used to monitor your whole pedal board unless it's at the end of your signal chain. Still a great product and deal though for $179.
I recently picked up the Tonex One on a demo deal. I definitely like it but the user interface is a little tricky. They packed a bunch of things into 4 knobs and 2 buttons. The problem is you have to remember a bunch of colors and other steps to use it without the manual. Like most people, I'll probably just set up 2 amps and never touch the settings again.
I'll give you a hint, the I R2, and it's two challengers are more than capable of 'intruding' into sending some suppliers out of business, simply because there is obviously less mark-up or profit margin on them being sold as opposed to a conventional guitar amp/pedal rig....this is why the shops themselves keep making bs excuses that they are in demand and the stock availability is not their fault etc, they blame the manufacturer every time....if the 3 manufacturers had any sense they'd avail them direct only for a while instead, the shops are only telling pork stories about no stock avail yet crap etc....
The guys at the Chairman podcast interviewed one of the IK guys, he kinda hinted the fact that the the Tone X One is capable to do midi via USB C. I think what you guys say about product differentiation is true, they’re just castrating it so they don’t make the bigger unit irrelevant.
I’ve wanted one of the Boss IR-2 for months now. Still not available anywhere. So I’m just going to get a ToneX One and hope it’s as good as people say.
I love my Helix but just bought a Tonex One as a backup rig and to dip my toes into the Tonex ecosystem. For me, the Tonex One is a two channel amp (clean and drive). Between the two channels, the volume knob on my guitar, and playing dynamics, I can get enough variety in my sound.
Can you tell me does the ToneX One respond to standard MIDI Program Change &/or CC messages, from any USB MIDI host? Or does your app have to do some special translation to other USB data protocol? It would be great if ToneX One works with a standard USB MIDI host but I don't know, & it sounds like you do know.. thanks!
@@sonofdirt ToneX one isn't midi compliant. My app translates to another protocol. My app is midi ready too, and allows communication between midi devices with non midi. I hope you helped.
ToneX One has less flexibility with ins and outs. Boss IR-2 has an fx loop and stereo capability. The Boss can be used live easier and doesn't need a computer to load anything. I don't think it was designed to be on every Pro's pedalboard and just because it isn't doesn't mean that it's not a legitimate solution for many budget guitarists and working musicians. The Studio Rats have made some very usable tones with it. Sometimes I think we expect too much out of inexpensive gear and modeling in general. This video was a bit off-putting as if you guys are the be-all end-all of tone. I bought some of your Helix patches and thought they were absolutely terrible. Some find them amazing. It's subjective and I didn't go whining about how it sucked. I didn't like it and moved on. Boss has sold more pedals than probably any other company in the market and no, they are not always the most amazing sounding but they're reliable and give you a workable tone. It's all in how you use it and learning to make the most of what you have and can afford. It doesn't mean they're irrelevant and it's pretty arrogant to make some statement like that especially when you've never even owned one.
Would gentlemen be fine with adding extra on top of tonex one for the fx loop possibly? Or maybe more than “one” without fiddling with the app but all on the knobs. Typical podcast bs.
Interestingly about 2 years ago after trying and buying numerous IR packages and loading them into my HX Stomp, I ended up back to using the stock cabs within the Stomp and they are just fine. I just ordered the ToneX1. With the goal in mind that the captures will add to the number of amp models I am able to use acquire.
They are available at zzounds if you want to do a comparison video. I didn’t like it myself, especially with managing presets. And hi gain tone was not worth the $200 price of admission imho
@@ToneJunkieTV Yep I was set to buy one till the ToneX one came out. Like it, but do have issues with how quiet some of the fender captures from amalgam are. Satriani pack sounds to be less weird but it’s another $100 euro In the end perhaps the pod express would have been better for less headaches
The one benefit to modelers, is that you can create new amp models, some that would not even be possible in the real world. That is the cool thing Helix has been doing lately. That said, I am loving my Tonex One. Also not sure why I watched this since I already watched the whole podcast 🤣
When you said, " and that makes me feel like it's my amp", you nailed it... for me, gigging with someone else's third-party kemper profile that I downloaded from the internet feels like wearing someone else's underwear
Had - and immediately returned (!) - the IR-2, despite all the YT hype on it, with fanboys running rampant for a great long while. It sounded flat and squashed and metallic and ugh. And it alters one‘s sound even when bypassed. Why does nobody else test pedals by removing them from the chain, playing, and then adding them to the chain in (true) bypass? Man, that reveals sooo much about whether a pedal is going to color your sound in unwanted ways! Anyhow, the IR-2 did something weird to the actual sound of my guitar, making it sound like, well, not my guitar (a Fender Jazzmaster MiJ). The ACS1 was better than that, as was the Opus. Even my Katana Go knocks the socks off of the IR-2. Enter ToneX One: For saving pedalboard real estate and getting the job done, it’s a true winner! Makes my combined acoustic/electric board more compact. P.S.: Some folks are even using the ToneX One in the effects loop of their Fender Tonemaster Pros, just for a few extra flavors of amps or drives. That makes the TMP (which already has tons of great amps and drives on tap) user-expandable.
I like the simplicity of the Boss. Give me some good tones in an easy to use package that doesn’t require lots of fiddling or connecting to my computer and I’m happy.
Exactly
I’ve been listening to a lot of demos before deciding on the IR-2 or Tonex one. I’ve notice the Tonex One sounds more digital and the IR-2 sounds more natural. Has anyone also noticed it too?
me
Without an IR2, you are just 3 overweight guys with beards and hats hating on Boss.
You need to get the IR-2 to make this video. You can’t say Boss isn’t good without comparing it. I enjoy the show, sorry to be critical.
Fair. Jon and I both played it at NAMM in headphones with good guitars. Plenty of gear sounded incredible @ NAMM even with the limitations.
It's good and constructive to be critical.
@@thesoozeTJ I and many other people make choices on gear based on your and others opinions. If you put out a product and I negatively reviewed it without really trying it. I don’t think you would love that.
@@jasoncookston Fair point!
your not critical it`s absurd not to have the Boss with them.
A lot of critical comments. You guys need to take notice. Its not just haters. You're all coming off as snobs.
I haven't tried either of them but I would go with the Boss as it looks more straight forward.
Dude, you cant knock the Boss IR-2 since you dont own one and have never tried one ----- COME ON, UNFAIR DUDE....
Yeah. I had enough. This title and not a single real IR-2 unit being tested in this video. I'm out.
🎉
😂
I mean they played it at NAAM and said that right out the gate.
The rest of the podcast is more interesting when they talk about coffee and stuff im gona be making iced coffee ice cubes now
they made a video about the boss and dont even have one? wtf kinda bs is this? what a joke
Here is why I have ordered Boss IR-2: 1. Effects loop 2. Headphones jack 3. Simplicity. I don't want to spend time playing with the pedal instead of my guitar and want to be able to hear my other pedals when listening on Headphones. The only thing I am missing is to be able to save your multiple settings. Not just 2 that dont really save...
Sure in a bedroom practice or recording environment the ToneX minipedal nevermind any minipedal is a great choice, but in a gigging environment where kicking the pedal over or where the pedal puts stress on the cable connections the Boss IR, Helix pod, the smaller Kemper or any other other non-minipedals are simply superior from a reliability standpoint.
Have you had mini pedals break on you? I personally haven't
@@rethinktone I don't use them nor do I want my pedals to be practical for gigging only when they are securely mounted on some sort of base like a pedalboard or require straight instrument cable connectors to keep them from getting flipped on their side.
You? I'm guessing when you gig with them the instrument cable connectors don't ever get bent or cut or the pedal never gets kicked on its side or perhaps you use a pedalboard?
@johnnylayton1672 yeah I use a pedalboard. Who brings a bunch of singular pedals with no board?
@@rethinktone Sure if you're bringing a bunch of pedals to a gig then a pedalboard makes sense for a number of reasons. But I don't and never have.
So then you're not laying your minipedals on the floor "boomer style" then? You're taking a pedalboard rather than say a larger Boss multi-effects device? If so, that's what I mean. Minipedals must be accomodated in ways that larger pedals don't to avoid headaches & potential damage to them and/or the instrument connector cables.
I'm not getting anything helpful from this conversation & will stop now but thanks.
the tone x one has the multitude of sounds but the IR-2 wins for simplicity, the tone x sucks for navigating on the fly (i have both)
I am thinking about buying the IR-2, because it is simple in its layout but also has the FX loop, stereo out, you can load your own IRs etc. In most other videos, they test the pedal with the stock IRs. And they're OK. But the IR is 90% of the tone. I do not think for what I have in mind, I'd need endless amounts of amp models, like with the Tonex or a Kemper. That only makes sense if you have a very specific amp in mind that you want to have on your board. But I'd just need to load my favorite IR and pick two good sounding amp models and that's my two channel setup.
Tonex is for beginners/dabblers and has plastic RGB mini pots that wont last if you actually end up using it. IR-2 is for legit musicians.
Ir-2 does have an FX loop. I go TONEX but honestly, the IR-2 is still a good pedal.
But do you prefer your Tonex technology?
1:10 You mean how they fundamentally change the sound?? Is that guy kidding? Load in the same IRs into the Boss thing and some other unit, pick similar amp models and you get a near identical sound.
Interesting. I like the IR2 because I like the brown sound and it has an effects loop and I don't think the Tone x does. Also, Bosses high gain stuff which is where I live is great. I will never capture an amp and then upload. I just want something to put on a board and use to go FOH or record with and the Boss IR2 is great. I'm also looking at the US brown sound, but they messed up and didn't put a headphone out which is crazy to me. Just my two cents though. I think the IR2 is a good product especially on a pedal board . ❤
Why I have an IR-2 on order but I’m not a buying a Tonex: I hate those mini-pedal enclosures. I hate the kind of overloading a few controls with too many features like the Tonex. I don’t want captures; I want good digital models. I really enjoy the Boss MDP models, and I love that they’re the only ones I know of that are trying to take modeling beyond simply modeling analog amps. I want the simplicity of having an effects loop and a headphone jack on my amp modeler. (My biggest complaint about the IR-2 is that it doesn’t have integrated DI like my Simplifier.) Oh, and I haven’t had a good experience with IK with multiple products in the past. And, yeah, the POD Express to me is a completely different market. I’m probably going to eventually get one to be my “sofa amp”.
@RobertF. Your comments make sense while the discussion on this channel is a bunch of tired complaining about the IR-2. I guess one shouldn't expect much from somebody who handholds a Shure 55.
Tonex One 1.7 is ok, but I would not try to use it right now as is, without the Stomp.
The Stomp has built in Distortions and Modulations that help the Tonex.
But we will not know what is what until Tonex Version 1.8.0 is released...
How do I know? because I replaced several conventional guitar amps and pedals for a much better in every way method of obtaining live and recording tones to die for...that's how I know!...most conventional guitar amps can't go beyond their usual party tricks and end up restrictive because of such, a multi or modeller wins hands down every time! BUT!!!!!! only if being used by a professional who know the capable ones from the not capable units.....cheaper on upkeep, better on your back AND your pocket...and also sweeter on your ears to match!
Having to memorize the tonex one presets because there is no screen is kinda silly. The ir2 user experience is better and more straight forward then the tonex one. I would still pick the tonex in a heartbeat. But i can see newer players or boomers getting into modeling picking the ir2.
Boomers! I felt that.
The Tonex one can't run on a battery. Totally different use cases.
It's too small for a battery! But, with all the USB-C portable chargers and battery banks, the solutions for 'battery' powering the Tonex One is pretty much limitless.
$179 or $399. I'd spend the $399. I'm seeing lots of used Tonex One's on Reverb. Roland/Boss rarely misses. But I keep looking at the Jazz Chorus just so you know.
The price difference is negligible. The Tonex one is too trimmed down to be useful. I would never buy a direct amp solution that lacks a headphone output. Also I like running my delays and verbs after the amp (at least after gain) so no effects loops is second deal killer. Now that said, were I to pair either with a Helix Stomp, those would be moot points.
The Tone X one output is a headphone out as well.
@@ryanpappenfuss Maybe the output can double as one or the USB-C jack on front side can be used for it? Lack of effects loop means on a pedal board, all effects must be before it (I personally like delays and reverbs after gain), or the headphone out is partially useless since it can't be used to monitor your whole pedal board unless it's at the end of your signal chain. Still a great product and deal though for $179.
Tonex get "better" if you paid for unlock all the features on his app, then is easy to handle with a computer and a "screen" otherwise is a nightmare.
I recently picked up the Tonex One on a demo deal. I definitely like it but the user interface is a little tricky. They packed a bunch of things into 4 knobs and 2 buttons. The problem is you have to remember a bunch of colors and other steps to use it without the manual. Like most people, I'll probably just set up 2 amps and never touch the settings again.
I'll give you a hint, the I R2, and it's two challengers are more than capable of 'intruding' into sending some suppliers out of business, simply because there is obviously less mark-up or profit margin on them being sold as opposed to a conventional guitar amp/pedal rig....this is why the shops themselves keep making bs excuses that they are in demand and the stock availability is not their fault etc, they blame the manufacturer every time....if the 3 manufacturers had any sense they'd avail them direct only for a while instead, the shops are only telling pork stories about no stock avail yet crap etc....
The guys at the Chairman podcast interviewed one of the IK guys, he kinda hinted the fact that the the Tone X One is capable to do midi via USB C. I think what you guys say about product differentiation is true, they’re just castrating it so they don’t make the bigger unit irrelevant.
I’ve wanted one of the Boss IR-2 for months now. Still not available anywhere. So I’m just going to get a ToneX One and hope it’s as good as people say.
"an infinite number" of random dubious snapshots.
I dub this segment, "clueless reviewers"
I love my Helix but just bought a Tonex One as a backup rig and to dip my toes into the Tonex ecosystem. For me, the Tonex One is a two channel amp (clean and drive). Between the two channels, the volume knob on my guitar, and playing dynamics, I can get enough variety in my sound.
You can use a midi foot controller to control the ToneX one with my app Midi Chief.
Can you tell me does the ToneX One respond to standard MIDI Program Change &/or CC messages, from any USB MIDI host? Or does your app have to do some special translation to other USB data protocol? It would be great if ToneX One works with a standard USB MIDI host but I don't know, & it sounds like you do know.. thanks!
@@sonofdirt ToneX one isn't midi compliant. My app translates to another protocol. My app is midi ready too, and allows communication between midi devices with non midi. I hope you helped.
ToneX One has less flexibility with ins and outs. Boss IR-2 has an fx loop and stereo capability. The Boss can be used live easier and doesn't need a computer to load anything. I don't think it was designed to be on every Pro's pedalboard and just because it isn't doesn't mean that it's not a legitimate solution for many budget guitarists and working musicians. The Studio Rats have made some very usable tones with it. Sometimes I think we expect too much out of inexpensive gear and modeling in general.
This video was a bit off-putting as if you guys are the be-all end-all of tone. I bought some of your Helix patches and thought they were absolutely terrible. Some find them amazing. It's subjective and I didn't go whining about how it sucked. I didn't like it and moved on. Boss has sold more pedals than probably any other company in the market and no, they are not always the most amazing sounding but they're reliable and give you a workable tone. It's all in how you use it and learning to make the most of what you have and can afford. It doesn't mean they're irrelevant and it's pretty arrogant to make some statement like that especially when you've never even owned one.
I would say generally a Boss pedal is worth learning the ins and outs of how to use and it will still be in good enough shape to be of use by then.
Just get both and be happy! I did and when paired together they rock!
Why?
Unless you use them in parallel, otherwise 1 pedal will be a waste
Would gentlemen be fine with adding extra on top of tonex one for the fx loop possibly? Or maybe more than “one” without fiddling with the app but all on the knobs. Typical podcast bs.
Is this the guy version of The View?
@@9unslin9er hahah it’s from a longer podcast.
Tonex is only à snapshot of an amp with specific settings, not an amp at all
Fake , Boss pedal react more like a real amp I guess,
Interestingly about 2 years ago after trying and buying numerous IR packages and loading them into my HX Stomp, I ended up back to using the stock cabs within the Stomp and they are just fine. I just ordered the ToneX1. With the goal in mind that the captures will add to the number of amp models I am able to use acquire.
I feel like that elote dog smelt like feet, and it makes me mad.
They are available at zzounds if you want to do a comparison video. I didn’t like it myself, especially with managing presets. And hi gain tone was not worth the $200 price of admission imho
I can’t take this video seriously. Lots of talk and no rock. Get the pedal and play it.
I would have bought one had they been available before the TONEX came out 😂
This was a big factor for lots of people.
@@ToneJunkieTV
Yep I was set to buy one till the ToneX one came out.
Like it, but do have issues with how quiet some of the fender captures from amalgam are.
Satriani pack sounds to be less weird but it’s another $100 euro
In the end perhaps the pod express would have been better for less headaches
@@ToneJunkieTV Blame the shops for the lack of ease buying the IR2, you now know 'why' they were UN-AVAILED deliberately
I found a open box deal, $150 on a TONEX ONE. When it arrives, I will have a place for it between these 2 pedals
Duke of Tone & Line 6 POD Express
To much bad ir stuff unusable crap. Who needs more than 4 or 5 excellent tones. More is not better
The one benefit to modelers, is that you can create new amp models, some that would not even be possible in the real world. That is the cool thing Helix has been doing lately. That said, I am loving my Tonex One. Also not sure why I watched this since I already watched the whole podcast 🤣
You're a junkie thats why!
When you said, " and that makes me feel like it's my amp", you nailed it... for me, gigging with someone else's third-party kemper profile that I downloaded from the internet feels like wearing someone else's underwear
Correction : it is okay to finance any amount the buyer chooses to finance. To state there is a minimum amount, amounts to discrimination.
Had - and immediately returned (!) - the IR-2, despite all the YT hype on it, with fanboys running rampant for a great long while. It sounded flat and squashed and metallic and ugh. And it alters one‘s sound even when bypassed. Why does nobody else test pedals by removing them from the chain, playing, and then adding them to the chain in (true) bypass? Man, that reveals sooo much about whether a pedal is going to color your sound in unwanted ways! Anyhow, the IR-2 did something weird to the actual sound of my guitar, making it sound like, well, not my guitar (a Fender Jazzmaster MiJ). The ACS1 was better than that, as was the Opus. Even my Katana Go knocks the socks off of the IR-2. Enter ToneX One: For saving pedalboard real estate and getting the job done, it’s a true winner! Makes my combined acoustic/electric board more compact. P.S.: Some folks are even using the ToneX One in the effects loop of their Fender Tonemaster Pros, just for a few extra flavors of amps or drives. That makes the TMP (which already has tons of great amps and drives on tap) user-expandable.
#annoying
I miss the podcasts from the porch, watching the birds and talking about Starbucks. Now it's all about guitar stuff.....
I mean, some would strongly disagree with you! Haha