Tonex blows blows the competition out of the water, both in features, ecosystem and in price also, which is crazy, even more with the latest big free updates, even if i still prefer bigger all-in-one solutions for live sound. And as a side note let's not normalize companies making us pay for minor software updates (or cut features maybe?), i'm talking to you Kemper 😎.
@@Ic3Ang3l strict tone comparisons on or off youtbe will always be flawed, too many variables and countless of profiles too choose from and too subjective, like how can you say "sounds muffled" in a general way when you have literally potentially thousands of different profiles to choose from for each unit? Let's focus on quality and timbre of the sounds attainable which is similar now for every main competitor more or less. What strikes is that for way less the price Tonex offer more features than units that cost a bit or even a lot more. I will get 50% features against 10% more sound every day, as a gigging/working musican. Btw i use helix mainly so a different thing altogether.
@@manuelrapino5917 " like how can you say "sounds muffled" in a general way when you have literally potentially thousands of different profiles to choose from for each unit?" Simple. I own those units and compared them with the same profiles/captures.
@@LeoGibsonGtr This intro was a banger! Harmonies, time/tempo changes, even some shredding. The pedals and amps sounded so similar I stopped paying attention to that and just enjoyed the music.
@@berndkiltz yeah Leo is the best , no bullshits and the only ones technical comparisons Tech is great but we need someone who can explain how much something is really worth even as musicians we can play with stones but it's also true we all have a gas ..luckily there is Leo to help to decide
Thanks as always for your channel and incredible content. I’ve had a Tonex for about a year. Fell in love with it instantly and still think it’s incredible. Simply can’t wait for the update! Thanks again for what you do!
@@rutger4131 My dear friend, that I know, I had Latin at school for 7 years. Now, it's your turn to convince me, that his family name is Gibson an also very common Italian name! lol
@@user-abcxyz-xr2eg I just don't see what him being Italian has to do with his name being Leo or not. I don't know what he's called, what he calls himself and I don't care. I'm not going to convince you of anything, your story could be very true. But it has nothing to do with the man's nationality, so I don't get why you mention it in relation to his name.
Thank you Leo for this amazing review, please never stop making these! I would just like to add one thing, regarding the time it takes Tonex for the advanced version of capture: as you said, you have the Mac Studio M2 Ultra, however, the Tonex software learning algorithm is optimized for the CUDA cores, which only Nvidia GPUs have...so all the processing and GPU power that M2 Ultra has is kind of wasted here... As I am also a Mac user, and plan on getting the M4 Ultra as soon as it comes out, I'm really hoping to see IKmultimedia develop and optimize the capture process for these systems... Cheers!
You are welcome and I'm really happy that you appreciate the video! Yes, you are right...I also hope that IK will optimise the training procedure also for the Mac...
True, but since Leo captured the Tonex profile with high-end audio gear (costing 10x what the Tonex costs), we don't really know how to interpret the results. Leo's bias is that Null tests are important :)
I think only the transpose function can make one chose the nano cortex over the tonex. Ex kemper, now tonex user here ;) Afyer 4 years of using kemper and not making a single profile myself, I chose tonex in the end.
Perfect video - no wasted words, great production, great meaningful information, and there is no way this comparison will not help someone trying to decide between these units. Thanks for this. I will say that, with a fast PC and Nvidia GPU, my advanced capture training in Tonex software only takes tops of 1.5 hours (that is an estimate from memory rather than a timed estimate, but I think it is fairly accurate).
Nobody goes nearly as in-depth on these reviews as Leo. 1.5 hours is better, but for maybe a 5% difference, the 5 minute NDSP capture is impressive. But Tonex's ability to use those captures in a DAW plugin is a big advantage.
Thank you Leo. Would be good to see what the new ToneX firmware actually looks like and whether it lives up to its expectations. ToneX announced it well before it was ready, so it seems they really don't want people to buy the Nano Cortex.
You are welcome! Good point....this anticipated announcement could be just to stop people buying the Nano...nevertheless competition is good for us consumer....for sure Thanks!
Mine takes 5 minutes for standar capture and 30 for the advanced but this one is unnecesary, the capture depends 100% of your graphics card, mine Nvidia 3060 Ti
Great comparison as always! Ik multimedia just seem to be 2 years ahead of Neural, not only their older unit is now superior in terms of features and amp fidelity, they also have a smaller option, which makes the NanoCortex almost irrelevant. It's nice that the Nano is more portable and faster to create the profiles, but most players will not need that feature frequently.
Great playing Leo! Thanks, I was curious about this comparison a lot I 've just got the small ToneX One to use it as amp for my Boss GX-100 via send and return. I'm stunned by the result! Also ToneX One has usb-C and TRS It's easy to setup by PC and to forget all hardware controls. Not sure but apparently the latency is less than the full pedal Unfortunately there is no midi but for the price it's a lot!! looking forward to seeing a comparison review from you
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video! Thank you also for sharing your experience and your setup....GX 100 + ToneX One seems quite compelling.... Thank you!
Thanks for your video, Léo! Another win for ToneX for me! However, the Nano Cortex sounds great and is compact! The ToneX takes up so much space on my pedalboard!
Brilliant work on this comparison, as always. :-) Thanks for producing these videos. After only hearing the Lone Star and the dynamic range comparisons so far, it‘s clear to me that the ToneX is closer to the original in terms of lower-frequency response and warmth. The Nano, in both comparisons, seems a bit castrated in the bottom range. This was also always my impression with regard to the Quad Cortex when compared to the ToneX (though perhaps one can get around this with EQing, or just loading a different capture). At any rate, I prefer the ToneX, also and especially due to the much more flexible and user-friendly array of effects possible, which is going to be great when the November update is released - also for ToneX One! I feel ToneX is showing great generosity to the community by improving its firmware, even for the ToneX One, in very meaningful ways, thus giving both the full ToneX pedal and the One a huge edge in the market. I have the ToneX pedal and the One, and will be exclusively using the One for the electric sounds in my acoustic/electric pedalboard setup. No need for anything else to impress my audiences with. ;-)
Amazing times we live in. Discussions about what is better, digital or tube, should end now. When compared to headphones, the differences in tones are so subtle that they are almost impossible to distinguish. And in a mix, you can forget that you can tell what is what. Now all I have to do is buy another device and I'm wondering whether I should buy a small or a large Tonex. Both will be useful... And certainly two at the same time as a perfect set for playing live. But I think that a small Tonex One will be purchased initially, because I work as a truck driver. It will be a perfect and small replacement for the ampero one that I took on tour. Greetings to Leo. Very good job. Once again, you help me make a choice regarding equipment. Thank you very, very much. (:
Although I have no real understanding of LUFS other than why the test works, both units offer great results. I'm ashamed to say that only today have I clicked the Subscribe button despite really getting engaged with your videos - great job!
I've been making ToneX captures for a while now. The audio interface and reamp output quality make a HUGE difference in capture quality. Id much rather use my own audio interface for capturing than be stuck using an inferior built in solution.
Hi Leo, thanks for your precious videos. In my opinion Neural decided not to put an overdrive because they say that one can profile together the overdrive attached to the amplifier, and then use a different patch instead of activating a scene. A shared choice, but not very convenient for an average user, especially without a screen that clearly shows the patches.
You are welcome! Yes, that could be the reason....but as you said, I rather prefer an OD, that is more flexible instead of having to create two profiles or even more to capture different settings of the OD.
Hey leo love your videos. I think people choice for the nano cortex comes down to user interface tbh. I dont know how much dsp is loaded so i wonder if they will come out with updates increasing the amount of fx. Since the price is higher my assumption is there is more dsp. Especially if the dsp is capable of profiling. So in theory it may be more powwrful and will need updates. But i agree, i love my tonex and the nano isnt compelling me to buy it. I got used to the user interface so im happy with ny tonex. But i can see people being drawn to it by the app because it looks user friendly. The tonex tiny screen is more useful while playing, but less useful when tweaking and modifying.
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video! Interesting point...and I do agree...it is possible that in the future Neural will bring fw update, overcoming today limitations....
These pedals sound so similar, I think features are the deciding factor. It baffles me that Nano Cortex only has a mobile app and doesn't support Cortex Control. The ToneX ecosystem offers the same tones in a DAW without buying plugins. NDSP has some catching up to do - if they made Cortex Control a full plugin like Helix Native, it would be a killer app. Greatly enjoyed the intro song composition, fantastic work as always Leo!
Great video Leo, Tone X is undoubtedly superior, the biggest problem with QC is that updates take a long time, with Nano Cortex it will be more of the same, here both Ik and Kemper have a big advantage since the support is incredible, if the updates in the Kemper player were free it would undoubtedly be above Tone X, but they are paid and for me expensive... the Ik and Kemper platforms are much better than in the case of Neural, it will surely get better, but only time will tell, ToneX is undoubtedly the best at the moment, for price, quality and advantages for the user.
Bought a TONEX (a used one for just 250 buggs) after watching the news of IK to update the Tonex in november! For me actually the best solution. Will have t o check out if it works in a cover band setting.
Great video Leo. There seems to be a lot of new products being launched in the modelling and profiling space. So, I think that I’m going to buy a Tonex One to take advantage of the new firmware and wait to see what happens with the other manufacturers over the coming months. We might even see some new stuff at NAMM.
Great demo song Leo 😁 Tone X wins for me too. Any chance you can compare a Fractal unit against these 2? Playing live, I do love the availability of a Bluetooth Phone App. I think Line 6 missed the boat leaving that out of the POD Go. God bless and rock on 😎🎸👍
Thank you so much! Well, Fractal units are based on modeling and here we have profiles...therefore I'm a bit hesitant in comparing these units...but maybe it is interesting to compare "different worlds"....maybe in the coming weeks! Thanks!
I expected more difference in the null test, honestly. With this little difference, and the standardisation of input gain in the Cortex, for me the ToneX loses the fight. If you don't know the maximum input gain of the device, and because of captures being made by anyone with his own audio hardware (instead of the device itself), you never know if a capture is getting accurately played. What Leo started as an advantage is technically a big disadvantage. Capturing with the same device for everybody is the key. This subject has been plenty discussed and it's a known fact nowadays.
I think that both ToneX profiling procedure and Nano Cortex one offer the possibility to check out the input volume, being sure that we are in the right spot while profiling. Thank you for sharing your experience,
Leo, your videos are top tier, always. But this one is specially important at this very moment, as I think companies are watching very closely how the consumers and market will reacts to all this new things going on (if customers will be that passive to them in order to continue asking more money for less benefits). What Kemper did was a big middle finger to their costumers (even when their product is not that great) and Neural possibly is waiting and looking if it’s right to go the same way (as you said with the OD block at the end of your video). While, in the other hand, IK went all te other way giving even more of what they already had to their customers and that’s the way I want to feel when I decide to get something with my well earned money. Hope this kinda “DLC” type of thing on HARDWARE stops just before it even starts. Otherwise, we will be entering in a really obscure era for musicians.
Neither can have an OD or distortion pedal, because they profile them and there's not enough processing power to have two profiles (an overdrive AND an amp). They both sound great but the price makes ToneX more appealing and the more effects is the final factor to get it over Nano Cortex.
@@andrezcabara2774 This guys doens't know what he says. IK or NDSP can easily put a modeled drive in their pedals. doens't need to be a capture in any way shape or form, he's crazy.
@@andrezcabara2774 You seem very happy to support a shady company, I hope you're happy to get cucked by your kemper mistress edging you with those paywalled software locks 😂😂 They could have easily made that update free, ON A BRAND NEW DEVICE, but no, let's charge for update DLCs 😂😂😂😂
@@JohnWiku With Kemper, you get what is advertised. What's shady about that? "They could have easily made the update free"... sure, technically yes, but as a business strategy? They could have gone the route of Helix, Fractal and sell a device that only has 25% of the DSP power of its big brother. Yes, you have all the options, but you're going to be limited by the DSP. When you reach a CPU limit, some blocks are turned off or you can't add any more. Kemper chose to not go this route and not cheap out on the hardware to give you a lower price point. And, with that, an option to upgrade to something that can run rigs of its big brother. Maybe you don't get the advantages of what Kemper brings you? If not, move on. Look at Tonex. You could buy Tonex CE, SE, MAX... all at different price points, and you had to pay for upgrading from one to the other. Tonex ONE comes with Tonex SE, not MAX. You can upgrade to MAX for a fee. Tonex Anniversary edition is 535 Euros, regular is 384, on the same hardware. Are you just as outraged there because they don't give this upgrade away for free? You don't like it, buy something else. Kemper sells you what is being advertised and owes you nothing.
Great video! One thing I found interesting in your video was the dynamic feel section. My reaction was that the nano seemed to handle the dynamics better. Would you agree? I’ve had the tonex software since it came out, but was skeptical about it. So only used it for demo and then used my actual amps for final reamping. Then I recently got a tonex one for taking my captures with on stage. This is when I finally decided to capture my amp and I was blown away at how great it compared to my amp/mic/preamp setup. This finally gave me complete confidence in tonex. It all comes down to how well the amp, mic placement, cab and engineering was behind the capture.
You are the smartest you tuber considering guitar gear👍 In my experience tonex and UAFX lion are the most realistic feeling digital device, better than Fractal, Neural and Kemper
@@andrezcabara2774 here's the happy cucky shilling for the Kemper mistress. What a load of overweight bullcrap that is that "liquid profile" Kool-aid you've been drinking 😂😂😂
Great work as always, Leo! 5% on the Null Test is really tiny. At this point I am wondering what the Null Test result of the tube amp against itself would be...I could imagine an analog circuit would fluctuate a bit from temperature changes etc.
Bought the Tonex when they announced the Nano when I saw the price. I don't regret it a single second and this video proves even more I was right. This video isn't gonna get the approval of Neural DSP's fanboys on their subreddit but I still wanna hear their arguments. Funny enough, I heard them talk about the "null tests" before and now I see here in the comments that some think the Tonex sounds not as good. I mean yes, when you're biased and there is no evidence of what you think you're gonna get into the "but I feel that..." territory. Truth is you hate your wallet if you buy a nano instead of a Tonex. Plain and simple. NDSP should have just made a hardware unit to load their plugins (that fucking sound great, I own many of them). But instead they rushed into the capture ecosystem with a product that is overpriced. Good for them, they have a huge customer base who buy things because it says "Neural DSP" on it...
Tonex has all the companies shaking in their boots, especially the firmware updates that are coming in November which will include effects, and currently working on the next firmware update that will have a live editor.
Rickenbackers have the most beautiful F-holes, way ahead of their era. In the 21st century, all the brands still use those ugly F-holes in every semiacoustic guitar as if they were a violin or a cello... Nice video, but I couldn't help but admire your new RBKer ... Beautiful guitar.
Outstanding video, again! This is high quality content I enjoy a lot. I have come to acquire a Tonex used for 270 EUR which will arrive next week and I expect them to become even more valuable after the coming update. Looking forward to pairing it with my HX Stomp. Leo, do you have any advice on using DI boxes for a live setup? As most modern units only have (Un)balanced TS out, I am not sure if there is a big quality difference in DI units. Keep it up!
great video, as always. What is your opinion on the lack of a FX loop on these units? Does it matter? Also would be great the test the cheapest profiling pedal on the market, the Tank G. Thanks Leo
Thank you Leo for the comparison, very valuable. However, while the "Null test" is scientific, but aren't blind tests too? What if one device is better at removing unwanted noise or unwanted "flubbiness", causing a worse Null test value, would that be so bad? What if a blind test gives different results over a Null test? I'd love to see a blind test where you play the same track as the Null test, but let people hear without giving away what is what yet. I.e. show R, A, B. R = Reference/Real amp, and A, B being Tonex/Cortex etc. Then play R, A, R, B. Then the poll: (1) A sounds more "authentic" than B (2) B sounds more "authentic" than A (3) Too close to call, I'd be guessing And (1) A sounds better than B (2) B sounds better than A (3) Too close to call And maybe: (1) A sounds better than R (2) B sounds better than R (3) R sounds best (4) Too close to call Of course, the problem with the blind test is that (1) You can get people who don't have good ears weigh in (possibly me), and (2) People listening through poor audio systems. Maybe every participant should disclose: (1) Have you played this amp in real life before? (2) How long have you been playing guitar, and (3) What audio system did you listen to? Then on a next video reveal what A and B is, and also reveal the Null Tests. Then we can get a feel for how valuable Null tests are and what "5% more accurate" means to the listener.
You are welcome and thank you for sharing! In these videos, I'm not only using the Null test, but I'm also let you hear some head to head versus the real amp, like comparing the dynamic range management and the note envelop versus a real Plexi. I think every body can judge by his own which one he prefer.
Nice video, tonex capture software is GPU dependant that's why it took for you 5+ hours in advanced mode(newer cards take around 25 min in advanced mode)... so it depends on the graphics card in your computer.. that affects the price of the tonex product if your PC have an old graphics card so you will need to buy a newer/faster GPU if you will keep creating captures
Honestly, I believe that the fidelity difference is irrelevant. It's about what fits your use case better and cost. This new firmware will live things up, great time for whoever is looking for an amp sim. Edit: 25:30 metalheads, that's why.
Leo have you considered doing a similar test but with the amp/pedal simulators on iOS? Such as Bias FX2, Amplitube or the newer GigFast which can use NAM profiles? Could be useful and a great money saver for people that already have iPads...
Hi, I have tried the ToneX plugin and it performed better in the null test compared to the pedal. As regards other platform, maybe in the future we will do more tests. Thanks!
As usual, your reviews are amazing! In your opinion, which offers the best sound, fx effects (number and quality) and usability: Nanocortex, Tonex (new firmware), Kemper Player or Dime Head Nam player?
Almost bought nano got the tonex But I predict that tonex will come out with all in one solution well wishing they would A full on multi effects board something like boss gx 100 that would be sweet See what the future holds
In a limited, scaled down unit a manufacturer has to make choices. I guess more people have their own overdrive pedals than pitch shifters (like Digitech Drop etc). So I understand (kind of) why the choice was made. On the other hand I am convinced a firmware update will come for nano. But as history showed DO NOT buy a Neural product based on their promises or assumptions, as they may never happen ;)
On the first lone star comparison the nano is way closer to the real deal but sounds a bit dark (exactly like the real device). Tonex as excellent it is sounds brighter this could be appreciated or disliked.
I think also is a fact that 44100 is better for analog capturing than 48000 sound absurd but 44100 and 88200 sound mutch natural than 48000 and 96000 with analog processor. It`s not me but Mr Jack Joseph Puig that said that in a interview! Fantastic Job with this video really interesting your work I love it
Leo, is there a option on these units to put a CabIR on only one of the two outputs? Lets say Left out to the amp return with no CabIR and the Right output via DI to the FoH.
The ToneX is backed by a bigger company with more money and man power . They can afford to sell it cheaper with also delivering a great product. Neural DSP should have focused on their digital products , we have enough hardware solutions. Their hardware is very overpriced and lacking in features . That being said, I'm looking forward to what neural puts out in the future when it comes to new plugins.
I have always hated IK software interfaces and installation. It made me basically abandon all the T-Racks plugins I own. I have messed around with the Tonex software (free version) and I wasn't impressed at all with it. Maybe not fair to judge the pedal based on that, but I still don't like dealing with IK software. The control implementation on the Nano Cortex app seems way more user friendly / streamlined / slick.
compared em at guitar summit. tone x wins. more open. now everybody build some amp that noone ever has built before, wich sounds amazing in a way nothing did. all this backward chasding of sounds.... were becoming like classic musicians.
Tonex blows blows the competition out of the water, both in features, ecosystem and in price also, which is crazy, even more with the latest big free updates, even if i still prefer bigger all-in-one solutions for live sound. And as a side note let's not normalize companies making us pay for minor software updates (or cut features maybe?), i'm talking to you Kemper 😎.
I dont think so. In most comparisons the ToneX sound muffled. 🤷♂🤷♂
@@Ic3Ang3l strict tone comparisons on or off youtbe will always be flawed, too many variables and countless of profiles too choose from and too subjective, like how can you say "sounds muffled" in a general way when you have literally potentially thousands of different profiles to choose from for each unit? Let's focus on quality and timbre of the sounds attainable which is similar now for every main competitor more or less. What strikes is that for way less the price Tonex offer more features than units that cost a bit or even a lot more. I will get 50% features against 10% more sound every day, as a gigging/working musican. Btw i use helix mainly so a different thing altogether.
@@manuelrapino5917 " like how can you say "sounds muffled" in a general way when you have literally potentially thousands of different profiles to choose from for each unit?" Simple. I own those units and compared them with the same profiles/captures.
You could have stopped after the first 3 words. I own a ToneX and a Nano too.
Yes! 😎
When the Tonex FX drops next month it's gonna be awesome.
Great video, Leo!
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Even if I am not interested in a particular gear I always come here for songs ;) As usually a great one!
Thank you so much....when you like my music....I'm super happy!!!
@@LeoGibsonGtr This intro was a banger! Harmonies, time/tempo changes, even some shredding. The pedals and amps sounded so similar I stopped paying attention to that and just enjoyed the music.
Your comparison videos are just the best. No BS, no bias, very professional. Please keep doing them!
Thank you soooo much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the videos!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to live a feedback: it means a lot to me!!!
@@berndkiltz yeah Leo is the best , no bullshits and the only ones technical comparisons
Tech is great but we need someone who can explain how much something is really worth even as musicians we can play with stones but it's also true we all have a gas ..luckily there is Leo to help to decide
Thanks as always for your channel and incredible content. I’ve had a Tonex for about a year. Fell in love with it instantly and still think it’s incredible. Simply can’t wait for the update! Thanks again for what you do!
You are welcome and I'm really happy that you appreciate the channel!
Thank you for taking the time to live a feedback: it means a lot to me!!
Please also do a comparison once TONEX FX drops, thanks for all your work Leo
His real name is not Leo, (he's Italian) he just likes Fenders and Gibsons. How come btw?
@@user-abcxyz-xr2eg Leo(nardo) is quite the Italian name. Leo comes from the Latin for lion, and Leonardo means Lionheart.
@@rutger4131 My dear friend, that I know, I had Latin at school for 7 years. Now, it's your turn to convince me, that his family name is Gibson an also very common Italian name! lol
@@user-abcxyz-xr2eg I just don't see what him being Italian has to do with his name being Leo or not. I don't know what he's called, what he calls himself and I don't care. I'm not going to convince you of anything, your story could be very true. But it has nothing to do with the man's nationality, so I don't get why you mention it in relation to his name.
You are welcome!
Thank you Leo for this amazing review, please never stop making these!
I would just like to add one thing, regarding the time it takes Tonex for the advanced version of capture: as you said, you have the Mac Studio M2 Ultra, however, the Tonex software learning algorithm is optimized for the CUDA cores, which only Nvidia GPUs have...so all the processing and GPU power that M2 Ultra has is kind of wasted here... As I am also a Mac user, and plan on getting the M4 Ultra as soon as it comes out, I'm really hoping to see IKmultimedia develop and optimize the capture process for these systems...
Cheers!
You are welcome and I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Yes, you are right...I also hope that IK will optimise the training procedure also for the Mac...
@@LeoGibsonGtr With an average PC with an Nvidia 4090, the time of the whole advanced capture process goes from 4-5 hours to less than 16 minutes😅
Another excellent comparison done scientifically and without bias. Thank you, Leo. The time you spend on your videos benefits us greatly.
True, but since Leo captured the Tonex profile with high-end audio gear (costing 10x what the Tonex costs), we don't really know how to interpret the results. Leo's bias is that Null tests are important :)
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you like the video!
Great comparison, Leo! As always 😊 Thanks!!
I think only the transpose function can make one chose the nano cortex over the tonex. Ex kemper, now tonex user here ;) Afyer 4 years of using kemper and not making a single profile myself, I chose tonex in the end.
That and the price lol.
Good for you
Thank you for sharing
L'aggiornamento di novembre cambierà tutto e forse smuoverà la concorrenza a migliorare...grande Leo,sempre ottimi contenuti 💪
Grazie mille Alex, sono felice che ti piaccia il video!
Concordo!
Perfect video - no wasted words, great production, great meaningful information, and there is no way this comparison will not help someone trying to decide between these units. Thanks for this. I will say that, with a fast PC and Nvidia GPU, my advanced capture training in Tonex software only takes tops of 1.5 hours (that is an estimate from memory rather than a timed estimate, but I think it is fairly accurate).
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!!!
Thank you also for sharing the info about your profile timing!
Nobody goes nearly as in-depth on these reviews as Leo. 1.5 hours is better, but for maybe a 5% difference, the 5 minute NDSP capture is impressive. But Tonex's ability to use those captures in a DAW plugin is a big advantage.
Thank you Leo. Would be good to see what the new ToneX firmware actually looks like and whether it lives up to its expectations. ToneX announced it well before it was ready, so it seems they really don't want people to buy the Nano Cortex.
You are welcome!
Good point....this anticipated announcement could be just to stop people buying the Nano...nevertheless competition is good for us consumer....for sure
Thanks!
Another mind-blowing demo song. Thank you Leo, very inspiring.
You are welcome and...when you like my music...I'm super happy!!!
The best is back at it. Thank you Leo 🎸🔥
You are welcome!!!!
thank you, Leo. these video are something we all need!
You are welcome and I'm very happy that you appreciate the videos!!!
Thanks Leo for great comparison video!
You are welcome and I'm happy that you appreciate the video!
5 hours for Tonex !?!? My windows based system takes 18 minutes for the advanced mode in Tonex....Great video as usual....thanx....
Agreed. I have a really nice GPU and it doesn't take 5 hours. That's a plus for the Nano if you don't have a nice PC with a good GPU or CPU.
Mine takes 5 minutes for standar capture and 30 for the advanced but this one is unnecesary, the capture depends 100% of your graphics card, mine Nvidia 3060 Ti
That’s my worry. I only have a Mac book that’s probably five years old. Haha.
@@nickm.9474 That would be like 5 hours total, one time though. How many times do you need to capture your amps? And Leo seems to have a lot of amps.
Thank you for sharing your timings and your set up, and I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Great comparison as always! Ik multimedia just seem to be 2 years ahead of Neural, not only their older unit is now superior in terms of features and amp fidelity, they also have a smaller option, which makes the NanoCortex almost irrelevant. It's nice that the Nano is more portable and faster to create the profiles, but most players will not need that feature frequently.
Thank you, I'm happy that you appreciate the comparison!
Thank you also for sharing your findings!
As always! Incredible and very useful information! You rock amigo! Grazie Mile!
Prego!!!
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!!
Came for the review but Really enjoyed your pre-review song.
Great playing Leo!
Thanks, I was curious about this comparison a lot
I 've just got the small ToneX One to use it as amp for my Boss GX-100 via send and return.
I'm stunned by the result!
Also ToneX One has usb-C and TRS It's easy to setup by PC and to forget all hardware controls.
Not sure but apparently the latency is less than the full pedal
Unfortunately there is no midi but for the price it's a lot!!
looking forward to seeing a comparison review from you
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Thank you also for sharing your experience and your setup....GX 100 + ToneX One seems quite compelling....
Thank you!
Wow so impressed how tonex sounded in dynamic test.
Thank you for sharing!
Great information....some pretty slick guitar playing! thanks once again Leo.
You are welcome and I'm really happy that you appreciate the channel and the playing!!!!
Great comparison as always! These videos are great!
Thanks for your video, Léo! Another win for ToneX for me!
However, the Nano Cortex sounds great and is compact!
The ToneX takes up so much space on my pedalboard!
What? Tonex takes so much space. R u frikin kidding me. It’s the size of a pedal.
You re welcome!!! Thank you for sharing your findings!
Brilliant work on this comparison, as always. :-) Thanks for producing these videos. After only hearing the Lone Star and the dynamic range comparisons so far, it‘s clear to me that the ToneX is closer to the original in terms of lower-frequency response and warmth. The Nano, in both comparisons, seems a bit castrated in the bottom range. This was also always my impression with regard to the Quad Cortex when compared to the ToneX (though perhaps one can get around this with EQing, or just loading a different capture). At any rate, I prefer the ToneX, also and especially due to the much more flexible and user-friendly array of effects possible, which is going to be great when the November update is released - also for ToneX One! I feel ToneX is showing great generosity to the community by improving its firmware, even for the ToneX One, in very meaningful ways, thus giving both the full ToneX pedal and the One a huge edge in the market. I have the ToneX pedal and the One, and will be exclusively using the One for the electric sounds in my acoustic/electric pedalboard setup. No need for anything else to impress my audiences with. ;-)
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Thank you also for sharing your experience and your findings...interesting points!
Amazing times we live in. Discussions about what is better, digital or tube, should end now. When compared to headphones, the differences in tones are so subtle that they are almost impossible to distinguish. And in a mix, you can forget that you can tell what is what. Now all I have to do is buy another device and I'm wondering whether I should buy a small or a large Tonex. Both will be useful... And certainly two at the same time as a perfect set for playing live. But I think that a small Tonex One will be purchased initially, because I work as a truck driver. It will be a perfect and small replacement for the ampero one that I took on tour. Greetings to Leo. Very good job. Once again, you help me make a choice regarding equipment. Thank you very, very much. (:
You are welcome, I'm very happy to have been of some help!
Thank you also for sharing your opinion, experience and your findings!
You’re the man Leo! Thank you ❤🙏☀️
You are welcome and thank you soooo much!!!
Although I have no real understanding of LUFS other than why the test works, both units offer great results. I'm ashamed to say that only today have I clicked the Subscribe button despite really getting engaged with your videos - great job!
Thank you for sharing and I'm happy that you have joined the community!!! It means a lot to me!!!
Great review as always, thank you
You are welcome and I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
I've been making ToneX captures for a while now. The audio interface and reamp output quality make a HUGE difference in capture quality. Id much rather use my own audio interface for capturing than be stuck using an inferior built in solution.
Comparision video please?
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Hi Leo, thanks for your precious videos.
In my opinion Neural decided not to put an overdrive because they say that one can profile together the overdrive attached to the amplifier, and then use a different patch instead of activating a scene. A shared choice, but not very convenient for an average user, especially without a screen that clearly shows the patches.
You are welcome!
Yes, that could be the reason....but as you said, I rather prefer an OD, that is more flexible instead of having to create two profiles or even more to capture different settings of the OD.
Hey leo love your videos. I think people choice for the nano cortex comes down to user interface tbh. I dont know how much dsp is loaded so i wonder if they will come out with updates increasing the amount of fx. Since the price is higher my assumption is there is more dsp. Especially if the dsp is capable of profiling. So in theory it may be more powwrful and will need updates. But i agree, i love my tonex and the nano isnt compelling me to buy it. I got used to the user interface so im happy with ny tonex. But i can see people being drawn to it by the app because it looks user friendly. The tonex tiny screen is more useful while playing, but less useful when tweaking and modifying.
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Interesting point...and I do agree...it is possible that in the future Neural will bring fw update, overcoming today limitations....
Thanks for all the hard work :)))
You are welcome!!!
Good stuff Leo, thanks!!
Excelente video Leo 🤘🎸
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
These pedals sound so similar, I think features are the deciding factor. It baffles me that Nano Cortex only has a mobile app and doesn't support Cortex Control. The ToneX ecosystem offers the same tones in a DAW without buying plugins. NDSP has some catching up to do - if they made Cortex Control a full plugin like Helix Native, it would be a killer app. Greatly enjoyed the intro song composition, fantastic work as always Leo!
Great video Leo, Tone X is undoubtedly superior, the biggest problem with QC is that updates take a long time, with Nano Cortex it will be more of the same, here both Ik and Kemper have a big advantage since the support is incredible, if the updates in the Kemper player were free it would undoubtedly be above Tone X, but they are paid and for me expensive... the Ik and Kemper platforms are much better than in the case of Neural, it will surely get better, but only time will tell, ToneX is undoubtedly the best at the moment, for price, quality and advantages for the user.
Thank you so much, I'm happy that you appreciate the video!
Thank you also for sharing your opinion and your findings!
as always great! bravo!
Thank you sooo much!!!
Bought a TONEX (a used one for just 250 buggs) after watching the news of IK to update the Tonex in november! For me actually the best solution. Will have t o check out if it works in a cover band setting.
Thank you for sharing!
Nice comparison!
Thank you!
wow great comparison!
Thank you so much, I'm relally happy that you appreciate the video!!!!
Great video Leo. There seems to be a lot of new products being launched in the modelling and profiling space. So, I think that I’m going to buy a Tonex One to take advantage of the new firmware and wait to see what happens with the other manufacturers over the coming months. We might even see some new stuff at NAMM.
Thank you so much, I'm happy that you like the video!
Thank you also for sharing your decision and the reasons why!
Great demo song Leo 😁 Tone X wins for me too. Any chance you can compare a Fractal unit against these 2? Playing live, I do love the availability of a Bluetooth Phone App. I think Line 6 missed the boat leaving that out of the POD Go. God bless and rock on 😎🎸👍
Thank you so much!
Well, Fractal units are based on modeling and here we have profiles...therefore I'm a bit hesitant in comparing these units...but maybe it is interesting to compare "different worlds"....maybe in the coming weeks!
Thanks!
I expected more difference in the null test, honestly. With this little difference, and the standardisation of input gain in the Cortex, for me the ToneX loses the fight. If you don't know the maximum input gain of the device, and because of captures being made by anyone with his own audio hardware (instead of the device itself), you never know if a capture is getting accurately played. What Leo started as an advantage is technically a big disadvantage. Capturing with the same device for everybody is the key. This subject has been plenty discussed and it's a known fact nowadays.
I think that both ToneX profiling procedure and Nano Cortex one offer the possibility to check out the input volume, being sure that we are in the right spot while profiling.
Thank you for sharing your experience,
ua-cam.com/video/99aEcvrOCwY/v-deo.htmlsi=7iNAYo8Ouhg9yk4B
Your opinion is GOLD! Great guitar playing ! Excellent comparison. ToneX is a great alternative to the more expensive brands.
Thank you so much, and I'm really happy that you appreciate the playing!!!
Your solo is crazy!! It reminds me a bit of the song Hotel California, inspiration? :-)
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the solo!
Leo, your videos are top tier, always. But this one is specially important at this very moment, as I think companies are watching very closely how the consumers and market will reacts to all this new things going on (if customers will be that passive to them in order to continue asking more money for less benefits).
What Kemper did was a big middle finger to their costumers (even when their product is not that great) and Neural possibly is waiting and looking if it’s right to go the same way (as you said with the OD block at the end of your video). While, in the other hand, IK went all te other way giving even more of what they already had to their customers and that’s the way I want to feel when I decide to get something with my well earned money.
Hope this kinda “DLC” type of thing on HARDWARE stops just before it even starts. Otherwise, we will be entering in a really obscure era for musicians.
Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!!!
Thank you also for sharing your opinion and your findings!
Neither can have an OD or distortion pedal, because they profile them and there's not enough processing power to have two profiles (an overdrive AND an amp). They both sound great but the price makes ToneX more appealing and the more effects is the final factor to get it over Nano Cortex.
Kemper Player has enough horse power :) Not saying it's better, just an objective observation.
@@andrezcabara2774 This guys doens't know what he says. IK or NDSP can easily put a modeled drive in their pedals. doens't need to be a capture in any way shape or form, he's crazy.
@@andrezcabara2774 You seem very happy to support a shady company, I hope you're happy to get cucked by your kemper mistress edging you with those paywalled software locks 😂😂
They could have easily made that update free, ON A BRAND NEW DEVICE, but no, let's charge for update DLCs 😂😂😂😂
@@JohnWiku With Kemper, you get what is advertised. What's shady about that? "They could have easily made the update free"... sure, technically yes, but as a business strategy? They could have gone the route of Helix, Fractal and sell a device that only has 25% of the DSP power of its big brother. Yes, you have all the options, but you're going to be limited by the DSP. When you reach a CPU limit, some blocks are turned off or you can't add any more. Kemper chose to not go this route and not cheap out on the hardware to give you a lower price point. And, with that, an option to upgrade to something that can run rigs of its big brother. Maybe you don't get the advantages of what Kemper brings you? If not, move on.
Look at Tonex. You could buy Tonex CE, SE, MAX... all at different price points, and you had to pay for upgrading from one to the other. Tonex ONE comes with Tonex SE, not MAX. You can upgrade to MAX for a fee. Tonex Anniversary edition is 535 Euros, regular is 384, on the same hardware. Are you just as outraged there because they don't give this upgrade away for free?
You don't like it, buy something else. Kemper sells you what is being advertised and owes you nothing.
Great video! One thing I found interesting in your video was the dynamic feel section. My reaction was that the nano seemed to handle the dynamics better. Would you agree?
I’ve had the tonex software since it came out, but was skeptical about it. So only used it for demo and then used my actual amps for final reamping. Then I recently got a tonex one for taking my captures with on stage. This is when I finally decided to capture my amp and I was blown away at how great it compared to my amp/mic/preamp setup. This finally gave me complete confidence in tonex. It all comes down to how well the amp, mic placement, cab and engineering was behind the capture.
You are the smartest you tuber considering guitar gear👍
In my experience tonex and UAFX lion are the most realistic feeling digital device, better than Fractal, Neural and Kemper
Have you played all of them? Did you play the Kemper with a Liquid Profiles profile?
@@andrezcabara2774 here's the happy cucky shilling for the Kemper mistress.
What a load of overweight bullcrap that is that "liquid profile" Kool-aid you've been drinking 😂😂😂
Thank you so much, I'm happy that you like the video! Thank you also for sharing your experience!
Great work as always, Leo!
5% on the Null Test is really tiny.
At this point I am wondering what the Null Test result of the tube amp against itself would be...I could imagine an analog circuit would fluctuate a bit from temperature changes etc.
Currently, Tonex has no built-in modulations, 6 reverbs and 2 delays. The new firmware will be available in November.
Yes, that's what I said in the video too...
Great analysis. Subscription, like and comment completed...
Thank you soooo much and welcome to our community!!!!
I'm very happy that you appreciate the video!!!!
Bought the Tonex when they announced the Nano when I saw the price. I don't regret it a single second and this video proves even more I was right.
This video isn't gonna get the approval of Neural DSP's fanboys on their subreddit but I still wanna hear their arguments. Funny enough, I heard them talk about the "null tests" before and now I see here in the comments that some think the Tonex sounds not as good. I mean yes, when you're biased and there is no evidence of what you think you're gonna get into the "but I feel that..." territory.
Truth is you hate your wallet if you buy a nano instead of a Tonex. Plain and simple.
NDSP should have just made a hardware unit to load their plugins (that fucking sound great, I own many of them). But instead they rushed into the capture ecosystem with a product that is overpriced. Good for them, they have a huge customer base who buy things because it says "Neural DSP" on it...
Thank you for sharing your opinion and your findings!
Tonex has all the companies shaking in their boots, especially the firmware updates that are coming in November which will include effects, and currently working on the next firmware update that will have a live editor.
Thank you for sharing
Rickenbackers have the most beautiful F-holes, way ahead of their era. In the 21st century, all the brands still use those ugly F-holes in every semiacoustic guitar as if they were a violin or a cello... Nice video, but I couldn't help but admire your new RBKer ... Beautiful guitar.
Nice comparison Leo! Kind of expected I would say. 🙂
For my taste Neural sounds better.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you , I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Outstanding video, again! This is high quality content I enjoy a lot. I have come to acquire a Tonex used for 270 EUR which will arrive next week and I expect them to become even more valuable after the coming update. Looking forward to pairing it with my HX Stomp.
Leo, do you have any advice on using DI boxes for a live setup? As most modern units only have (Un)balanced TS out, I am not sure if there is a big quality difference in DI units. Keep it up!
Thank you for your hard work. Signed up.)
You are welcome, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Thank you so much for joining the community: it means a lot to me!!!
Thank you!
great video, as always. What is your opinion on the lack of a FX loop on these units? Does it matter? Also would be great the test the cheapest profiling pedal on the market, the Tank G. Thanks Leo
Thanks!
You are welcome!
Amazing!
Than you, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
I'm first. Grettings from Vipiteno 😊
Thank you!
Thank you Leo for the comparison, very valuable. However, while the "Null test" is scientific, but aren't blind tests too? What if one device is better at removing unwanted noise or unwanted "flubbiness", causing a worse Null test value, would that be so bad?
What if a blind test gives different results over a Null test?
I'd love to see a blind test where you play the same track as the Null test, but let people hear without giving away what is what yet.
I.e. show R, A, B. R = Reference/Real amp, and A, B being Tonex/Cortex etc. Then play R, A, R, B.
Then the poll:
(1) A sounds more "authentic" than B
(2) B sounds more "authentic" than A
(3) Too close to call, I'd be guessing
And
(1) A sounds better than B
(2) B sounds better than A
(3) Too close to call
And maybe:
(1) A sounds better than R
(2) B sounds better than R
(3) R sounds best
(4) Too close to call
Of course, the problem with the blind test is that (1) You can get people who don't have good ears weigh in (possibly me), and (2) People listening through poor audio systems.
Maybe every participant should disclose: (1) Have you played this amp in real life before? (2) How long have you been playing guitar, and (3) What audio system did you listen to?
Then on a next video reveal what A and B is, and also reveal the Null Tests. Then we can get a feel for how valuable Null tests are
and what "5% more accurate" means to the listener.
You are welcome and thank you for sharing!
In these videos, I'm not only using the Null test, but I'm also let you hear some head to head versus the real amp, like comparing the dynamic range management and the note envelop versus a real Plexi. I think every body can judge by his own which one he prefer.
Noise Gate and Pitch is for the Metalheads ;) And the pitch is really good for downtuning guitars :)
Thank you for sharing
This is a good one
Thank you, I'm happy that you like the video!
Nice video, tonex capture software is GPU dependant that's why it took for you 5+ hours in advanced mode(newer cards take around 25 min in advanced mode)... so it depends on the graphics card in your computer.. that affects the price of the tonex product if your PC have an old graphics card so you will need to buy a newer/faster GPU if you will keep creating captures
Thank you for sharing!
Honestly, I believe that the fidelity difference is irrelevant. It's about what fits your use case better and cost. This new firmware will live things up, great time for whoever is looking for an amp sim.
Edit: 25:30 metalheads, that's why.
Thank you for sharing
My M2 MacBook Pro takes about 1 hour to do an advanced capture. The results are worth it though.
Leo have you considered doing a similar test but with the amp/pedal simulators on iOS? Such as Bias FX2, Amplitube or the newer GigFast which can use NAM profiles? Could be useful and a great money saver for people that already have iPads...
Hi, I have tried the ToneX plugin and it performed better in the null test compared to the pedal. As regards other platform, maybe in the future we will do more tests.
Thanks!
As usual, your reviews are amazing! In your opinion, which offers the best sound, fx effects (number and quality) and usability: Nanocortex, Tonex (new firmware), Kemper Player or Dime Head Nam player?
Almost bought nano got the tonex
But I predict that tonex will come out with all in one solution well wishing they would
A full on multi effects board something like boss gx 100 that would be sweet
See what the future holds
Thank you for sharing!
Yes, a full fledged pedalboard would be nice....
To be fair ToneX has a lot of nice features yet Nano Cortex sounds better in dynamics test and that's more appealing to me.
Thank you for sharing!
Where can I buy your Tonex captures? It’s so good..
Here you are: www.leogibsonguitar.com/shop-online/p/tonex-amps-profiles
Thanks!
In a limited, scaled down unit a manufacturer has to make choices. I guess more people have their own overdrive pedals than pitch shifters (like Digitech Drop etc). So I understand (kind of) why the choice was made. On the other hand I am convinced a firmware update will come for nano. But as history showed DO NOT buy a Neural product based on their promises or assumptions, as they may never happen ;)
TONEX IS THE BEST
Thank you for sharing!
Meanwhile, at the Neural headquarters: Oh man.......................
😀
👍👍👍
🙏🙏
Leo could you look into the workflow of these pedals? I have both and also an opinion about that....
Hi, may I ask you what you mean with "workflow"'
Thanks!
How to deal with presets and captures. Adding effects. Etc. In short the interface of Daily use.
I like NDSP, but man, IK is eating their lunch with the firmware update.
On the first lone star comparison the nano is way closer to the real deal but sounds a bit dark (exactly like the real device). Tonex as excellent it is sounds brighter this could be appreciated or disliked.
the real amp won’t null with itself, the phase with the real gear is slightly different on each pass
I think also is a fact that 44100 is better for analog capturing than 48000 sound absurd but 44100 and 88200 sound mutch natural than 48000 and 96000 with analog processor. It`s not me but Mr Jack Joseph Puig that said that in a interview! Fantastic Job with this video really interesting your work I love it
Thank you, I'm really happy that you appreciate the video!
Both are aliasing machines and real amps are superior. Great video though.
If only the Tonex UI was more intuitive….
Thank you for sharing....there is always room for improvement....😀
Leo, is there a option on these units to put a CabIR on only one of the two outputs? Lets say Left out to the amp return with no CabIR and the Right output via DI to the FoH.
Hi, as far as I understood it is not possible...
thanks!
i got both devices and in my opinion both units are pretty good but i prefer a llittle bit more the Cortex
why?
@@rickymaina sound better
Thank you for sharing!
@@Nig6tWalker same capture??what does mean sound better???
@@rickymaina what part you dont understand the Cortex sound better for me?
The ToneX is backed by a bigger company with more money and man power . They can afford to sell it cheaper with also delivering a great product.
Neural DSP should have focused on their digital products , we have enough hardware solutions. Their hardware is very overpriced and lacking in features .
That being said, I'm looking forward to what neural puts out in the future when it comes to new plugins.
Thank you for sharing!
And soon Tonex will include effects!!!!!!!!
Yes, as I said in the video.
Thank you for sharing!
I’m really surprised about your advanced training time. My M1 Mini takes about 50 minutes on advanced.
The Tonex pedal itself is ok but the software interface is garbage. However, both are mere toys compared to Fractal and Helix.
Thank you for sharing your findings
Helix sucks.
Tonex does not support m2 chips. You need a PC and a Nvidia RTX gpu to speed up the process.
I have always hated IK software interfaces and installation. It made me basically abandon all the T-Racks plugins I own. I have messed around with the Tonex software (free version) and I wasn't impressed at all with it. Maybe not fair to judge the pedal based on that, but I still don't like dealing with IK software. The control implementation on the Nano Cortex app seems way more user friendly / streamlined / slick.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
As much as I enjoyed tonex, I sold it after getting a cortex. For me, Cortex sounds better, feels better and much easier to use. No brainer.
Thank you for sharing your experience and your findings!
Tonex -> The king
Thank you for sharing!
Yep the Nano Cortex is a hard pass
Agreed! And the kemper player is even more passable 😂😂
Software updates paid like DLCs, what a load of overweight cow shit 😂😂😂
Thank you for sharing
compared em at guitar summit. tone x wins. more open. now everybody build some amp that noone ever has built before, wich sounds amazing in a way nothing did. all this backward chasding of sounds.... were becoming like classic musicians.
Thank you for sharing!