Tonebox 2 User Manual

1. Introduction

What is Tonebox 2?

Tonebox is your secret weapon for adding warmth, punch, and definition to your mixes. This powerful saturation and tone-shaping plugin combines vintage warmth with modern precision, offering versatile tone-shaping capabilities through its intuitive interface and preset management system. Key features include a dual mono non-linear input amplifier emulation, a 3-band parametric EQ, high pass and low pass filters, a tilt tone control, and 64-bit internal precision. Whether you’re aiming for nostalgic vibes or seeking to add a touch of vintage magic, Tonebox delivers.

Why Use Tonebox?

• Enhanced Warmth: Infuse your tracks with the harmonic richness of classic analog gear.
• Precision Control: Shape your sound with detailed EQ adjustments and non-linear processing.
• Versatility: Perfect for a wide range of applications, from subtle saturation to gritty distortion.
• Unique Character: Unlike other EQs, Tonebox’s interdependent EQ bands offer dynamic and interactive behaviors, adding depth and character to your audio.

System Requirements

• Windows:
  • OS: Windows 7 or later
  • DAW: Compatible with any DAW that supports VST3 plugins
  • Hardware: Minimum 4GB RAM, 1GHz processor
• Mac (Coming soon):
  • OS: macOS 10.13 or later
  • DAW: Compatible with any DAW that supports AUv2 or VST3 plugins
  • Hardware: Minimum 4GB RAM, 1GHz processor

2. Features

• Dual Mono Non-Linear Input Amplifier Emulation
• 3-Band Parametric EQ
• High Pass and Low Pass Filters
• Tilt Tone Control
• 64-bit Internal Precision
• Preset Management System

3. Installation

Downloading Tonebox

Download Tonebox from the “My Account” page of the official website.

Installation Process

Installation with Installer:

Windows:

1. Download the installer file.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Ensure the VST3 plugin is installed in your DAW’s VST3 folder (usually C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3).

Authorization and Activation

When you first launch Tonebox 2, you will be prompted to activate the software. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your customer profile, click on “Orders,” and choose the correct order to download your license file.
2. Enter your UUID, serial number, and activation code in the respective fields. You can find these details in your order completion email or on the “My Account” page of our website, under the “Orders” sub-menu.
3. Click the “Import License” button and select the downloaded license file.
4. Finally, click the “Activate Software” button to complete the activation process.

4. Using Tonebox

4.1 Signal Flow

Signal flow refers to the path that audio takes through the different components of a plugin. Understanding the signal flow can help you make informed decisions about how to use the plugin’s controls.

Input Trim → High Pass Filter → Low Pass Filter → Parametric EQ Bands → Tilt EQ → Output Trim

4.2 Interface Overview

4.3 Component Descriptions

• Input/Output Trim: Trim the input and output gain levels.
  • Input Trim: Ranges from -25dB to 0dB.
  • Note: Input trim is gain-compensated and influences the sonic character of the amplifier stage, which is key to achieving the desired sound.
  • Output Trim: Ranges from -5dB to 5dB.
  • Note: Output Trim is used to fine-tune the final volume of the signal after EQ processing.

4.4 Preset Management

• Selecting Presets: Use the preset section list box to browse and choose factory presets.
• Loading Presets: Use the load button to open presets from your file system. Loading a preset from the disk will repopulate the preset list box. You can reset the plugin to access the factory preset list.
• Saving Presets: Adjust settings as desired. Click the save button and name your file. Presets are saved to disk in the .tnbxjsn format.
• Advanced Preset Editing (JSON): Tonebox presets are stored in JSON format. Experienced users familiar with JSON syntax can directly edit these files to create or modify preset banks. However, proceed with caution, as incorrect editing can corrupt preset files.

• Naming Presets: You can use the text entry field to name a preset before saving it to disk. Clicking inside the field will highlight all the text. You can use up to 25 characters.

• Parametric EQ Bands:
  • Frequency: Adjust the center frequency of each band.
    • Low Band: 30Hz to 1kHz (Targets low-end warmth and bass frequencies)
    • Mid Band: 200Hz to 10kHz (Targets mid-range clarity and presence)
    • High Band: 1kHz to 22kHz (Targets high-end sparkle and air)
  • Gain: Boost or cut frequencies around the center frequency.
    • Range: -15dB to 15dB
  • Q: Measure of bandwidth impacting the EQ curve.
    • Range: 20 octaves to 1/5 of an octave
  • Bypass: Disable the EQ band to hear the unaffected signal.

• Additional Tone Shaping:
  • High Pass Filter: Cuts low frequencies. Adjustable from 10Hz to 2kHz, allowing you to remove unwanted rumble or create a sense of space.
  • Low Pass Filter: Cuts high frequencies. Adjustable from 1kHz to 22kHz, ideal for reducing harshness or focusing on the low-end.
  • Tilt EQ: Adjusts the overall frequency balance. Gain ranges from -3dB to 3dB.
    • Negative values emphasize bass frequencies.
    • Positive values emphasize high frequencies.
  • On/Off Switch: Bypasses all EQ and filter sections with a single switch.

5. Tips and Tricks

• Subtle Adjustments: Start with subtle EQ adjustments and increase intensity gradually to avoid over-processing.
• A/B Testing: Use the bypass buttons to compare processed and unprocessed audio, ensuring your changes enhance rather than detract from the original sound.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes unconventional EQ moves can create interesting and unique sonic textures.
• High Frequencies: For vocals or acoustic instruments, try a gentle boost in the high frequencies (around 8-12kHz) to add air and presence.
• Narrow vs. Wide Q: Use a narrow Q setting when targeting specific problem frequencies, and a wider Q for broader tonal shaping.
• Gain Staging: When boosting frequencies, ensure the overall output level doesn’t become too loud, which can lead to clipping or an undesirable balance in your mix. Adjust the Input/Output Trim accordingly to maintain a healthy signal level.
• Workflow Tip: For an effective workflow, follow these steps:
  1. Start with Input Gain: Set the input gain knob initially at around -23dB. Slowly increase the gain until you reach the desired level of saturation, ensuring the signal remains clean and free of unwanted distortion.
  2. High Pass Filter: Apply the high pass filter to remove any low-end rumble or unwanted sub-frequencies.
  3. Three-Band EQ: Use the three-band EQ to shape the tone of your audio. Adjust the frequency, gain, and Q settings as needed to target specific areas of the spectrum. Making your adjustments to boosts or cuts in small fractions of a dB increments can be highly effective in Tonebox, allowing for precise tonal shaping without overwhelming the sound.
  4. Output Trim: Adjust the output trim to balance the overall level after EQ adjustments. This step helps prevent clipping and ensures a consistent output level.
  5. Low Pass Filter: Use the low pass filter to smooth out any harsh high frequencies or to focus the sound on the low-end, depending on your mixing goals.
  6. Tilt Tone Control: Utilize the tilt tone control to fine-tune the overall frequency balance. You can boost low frequencies for warmth or high frequencies for presence, tailoring the sound to suit your mix.
  7. A/B Comparison: Periodically bypass the plugin to compare the processed sound with the original. This helps ensure that your adjustments enhance the audio rather than detract from it.
  8. Final Tweaks: Make subtle adjustments as needed, considering the context of the entire mix. Ensure that the changes work harmoniously within the track and contribute positively to the overall sound.

6. Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Plugin not showing up in DAW: Ensure the plugin is installed in the correct folder and that your DAW is set to scan for new plugins.
• Audio artifacts or distortion: Lower the input trim or check for clipping in the signal chain.
• Preset loading/saving problems: Ensure presets are saved in the correct format and location.
• Plugin crashes or freezes: Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements and try reinstalling the plugin.
• No sound output: Check the output trim settings and ensure the plugin is not bypassed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I install Tonebox?
   • Follow the installation instructions in Section 3.
2. How do I load a preset?
   • Use the list box with a downward-facing arrow in the preset menu to browse and load presets as described in Section 4.4.
3. What is the purpose of the Tilt EQ?
   • The Tilt EQ adjusts the overall frequency balance, emphasizing either low or high frequencies.
4. What are some typical uses for Tonebox on vocals?
   • Use the high-frequency boost for added presence and air, and adjust the mid-band for clarity.
5. Can I use Tonebox on instruments other than drums and vocals?
   • Absolutely! Tonebox is versatile and can be used on guitars, bass, synths, and even the master bus.
6. How does Tonebox’s saturation differ from other saturation plugins?
   • Tonebox offers a unique dual mono non-linear input amplifier emulation, providing a distinct vintage warmth and character.
7. Is Tonebox compatible with all DAWs?
   • Tonebox is compatible with most DAWs that support VST3 plugins.
8. How do I deactivate the plugin and delete my license?
   • Click on “Registration Info” and then in the menu click on “Deactivate License”. Please note that you will no longer be able to use Tonebox after you delete the license. Warning: Deactivation will prevent the user from using Tonebox until they reactivate it.

7. Support & Contact

For technical support, questions, or feedback, contact us through our website or email support@salisburyplugins.com. Visit our social media accounts for community support and additional resources.

8. Uninstall or Remove Tonebox

1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Tonebox 2, select More > Uninstall.

9. Appendix

Glossary

• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Software used for recording, editing, and producing audio files.
• VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology): A plugin format that allows virtual instruments and effects to be used in DAWs.
• AU (Audio Units): A plugin format developed by Apple for use in macOS and iOS devices.
• Parametric EQ: An equalizer that allows you to adjust the frequency, gain, and bandwidth (Q) of each band.
• Highpass Filter (HP): A filter that cuts low frequencies below a certain threshold.
• Lowpass Filter (LP): A filter that cuts high frequencies above a certain threshold.
• Tilt EQ: A filter that tilts the frequency spectrum to emphasize either the low or high end.

Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Fine Tuning: Ctrl/Cmd + Click for fine-tuning knob parameters.
• Reset Knobs: Alt + Click or Double Click to reset knobs to their default values.

Release Notes:

Current version: 0.8

• Initial release with dual mono non-linear input amplifier emulation, 3-band parametric EQ, highpass and lowpass filters, tilt EQ, and preset management system.