Introduction
The VOX STOMPLAB IIB (SL2B) 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 and an onboard expression pedal, fitting comfortably into minimalist desktop workspaces and complex live stage configurations.
Main Features
The defining strength of the VOX STOMPLAB IIB lies in its high-performance modeling engine and tactile physical expression. 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 61 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, auto-wah, and octave), 10 meticulous bass amplifier models (spanning classic tube stacks, scooping modern rigs, and jazz setups), 8 drive stompboxes (ranging from tube overdrives to heavy fuzz), 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 IIB 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. The built-in physical expression pedal grants real-time, expressive foot control over volume, wah sweep, and various effect parameters.
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 expressive, organic wah sweeps and real-time volume swells using the built-in, rugged physical expression pedal.
- Education: Instruct students on historical bass tones and amplifier architectures using an incredibly visual and easy-to-navigate rotary dial interface.
Features
- Sixty-one premium modeling effects compiled from Vox's VT+ modeling amp engine.
- Integrated physical expression pedal delivers real-time foot control over wah, volume, and effect parameters.
- 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.
Technical Specs
- Pedal Type: Bass Multi-Effects and Modeling Processor
- Number of Effects: 61 Types (9 Pedal-type, 10 Amp models, 8 Drive-type, 12 Cabinets, 9 Modulation, 8 Delay, 3 Reverbs, 1 Noise Reduction, 1 Volume Pedal)
- 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: 207 mm (W) x 125 mm (D) x 64 mm (H)
- Weight: 780 grams (excluding batteries)
CK Music Staff Recommendation
The CK Music team recommends the VOX STOMPLAB IIB (SL2B) 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 IIB 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 expression pedal for real-time wah and volume swells, it operates as an extremely practical and versatile direct-recording or practice tool.