Introduction
The VOX STOMPLAB IB (SL1B) is a highly compact, powerful multi-effects processor and amplifier modeler designed to pack a massive world of bass tones into a single, travel-ready metal chassis. Engineered for gigging bassists, bedroom recording producers, and beginners alike, this versatile pedal features an intuitive, genre-sorted interface, fitting comfortably into minimalist desktop workspaces and complex live stage configurations.
Main Features
The defining strength of the VOX STOMPLAB IB lies in its high-performance modeling engine and compact, road-ready footprint. The pedal is driven by the exact same high-fidelity sound engine found in Vox's world-famous VT+ modeling amplifiers and ToneLab multi-effects processors, delivering 60 high-quality modeling effects. Bassists can chain and run up to 8 modeling effects simultaneously (including noise reduction) to craft complex, multi-layered tones. The DSP library features 9 pedal types (including compression, exciter, fixed wah, and octaves), 10 meticulous bass amplifier models (spanning classic tube stacks, scooped modern rigs, and clean jazz setups), 8 drive stompboxes (ranging from warm tube overdrives to heavy fuzz and synth crusher tones), 12 speaker cabinet emulations, 9 modulations, 8 delays, and 3 independent reverbs.
To eliminate the typical menu-diving frustration of multi-effects units, the StompLab IB categorizes its 100 factory presets into 10 distinct musical genres—such as Rock, Funk, Metal, Pop, Jazz Fusion, and Dance—allowing you to recall stage-ready sounds instantly. It also provides 20 user-programmable patch memories to save your custom-designed creations.
Usage Scenarios
- Studio: Capture a vast array of high-definition, direct-to-console bass tracks by plugging the stereo master output directly into your recording interface.
- Live performance: Travel light and speed up stage setups by replacing an entire pedalboard and amplifier rig with this single, robust metal stompbox.
- Practice: Run late-night silent rehearsal sessions using the combined stereo Headphone/Line output jack and standard battery power.
- Recording: Track highly consistent bass parts in the studio using the built-in active studio compressor and low-noise preamps.
- Education: Instruct students on historical bass tones and amplifier architectures using an incredibly visual and easy-to-navigate rotary dial interface.
Features
- Sixty premium modeling effects compiled from Vox's VT+ modeling amp engine.
- One hundred genre-categorized factory presets let you access great tones instantly without menu-diving.
- Twenty customizable user program slots allow you to edit, save, and recall your own original creations.
- Stack up to eight modeling effects simultaneously (including noise reduction) to build dense soundscapes.
- Ten realistic amplifier models and twelve speaker cabinets recreate classic and modern bass stacks.
- Built-in automatic chromatic tuner with a clear three-LED indicator supports fast, silent on-stage tuning.
- Sophisticated, high-quality metal body construction balances vintage aesthetics with road-ready durability.
- Combined stereo Output/Phones jack allows for direct connection to headphones, amplifiers, or mixers.
- Highly portable design operates continuously on four AA batteries or an optional 9V AC power adapter.
- Specialized bass effects library includes tight dynamics, auto-wah, and modern synth-bass filters.
Technical Specs
- Pedal Type: Bass Multi-Effects and Modeling Processor
- Number of Effects: 60 Types (9 Pedal-type, 10 Amp models, 8 Drive-type, 12 Cabinets, 9 Modulation, 8 Delay, 3 Reverbs, 1 Noise Reduction)
- Program Patches: 120 (100 Presets divided into 10 genre banks, 20 customizable User slots)
- AD/DA Conversion: 24-bit resolution
- Signal Processing: 24-bit digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion
- Tuner Measurement Range: A0 (27.50 Hz) to E6 (1318.51 Hz)
- Tuner Calibration Range: A = 438 Hz to 445 Hz
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4-inch Standard Monaural Phone Jack (Instrument Input)
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4-inch Standard Stereo Phone Jack (Combined Line Out / Headphone Out)
- Power Requirements: 4 x AA batteries (alkaline or nickel-metal hydride) or optional 9V DC AC adapter (center-negative, Zoom AD-16 compatible)
- Current Consumption: Approximately 200 mA
- Battery Operation Life: Up to 7.5 hours of continuous use (using standard AA alkaline batteries)
- Dimensions: 145 mm (W) x 125 mm (D) x 57 mm (H)
- Weight: 590 grams (excluding batteries)
CK Music Staff Recommendation
The CK Music team recommends the VOX STOMPLAB IB (SL1B) for bassists, students, and home recording producers who need an extensive, multi-genre palette of bass tones in a highly portable and budget-friendly format. Typical multi-effects units can be incredibly overwhelming for novice players, requiring users to navigate complex, deep digital menus just to find a basic clean or overdrive sound. The StompLab IB completely solves this, grouping its high-quality VT-class amp models and drives into 10 highly familiar musical genres like Rock, Funk, and Heavy. Combined with its rugged metal chassis, built-in chromatic tuner, and dedicated headphone output, it operates as an extremely practical and versatile direct-recording or practice tool.