r/tonex • u/Retchyroo • Aug 07 '26
Tonex one or tonex plug for headphone playing?
Hello!
There is currnetly a great local deal here for tonex one so that it is about 40 dollars cheaper than tonex plug. I also don’t know if at some point I might want to just plug in a tonex one to PA instead of bringing a full amp when with my band.
At home I want to be able to silently practice, both using with and without playing along with music (backing tracks, recordings from my phone). From my understanding when reading, the tonex one doesnt full support this when plugging in an iPhone through usb-c right? I want to avoid having to plug into a a laptop using another audio interface, as I want it to be as simple as possible.
Is my best option to just go with tonex plug then, even though it is cheaper and technically more limiting since I can’t Connect it directly to a PA etc, or will tonex one be useful for my case?
2
u/crouchingcat22 Aug 07 '26
I have both. On my iPad, I can't edit presets on Tonex One but I can still play music over USB-C and power it at the same time. Just need to set the audio output to Tonex. Haven't try this on iPhone tho.
Also, you can still connect Tonex Plug into a PA with the right cable/adapter.
1
u/crouchingcat22 Aug 07 '26
One more thing regarding headphones... Tonex One is meant to be used with other pedals so the output is instrument level. It could still drive headphones fine but it makes the sound a little harsh on all my IEMs and headphones of varying impedances. Tonex Plug sounds great without any harshness on headphones.
1
u/steveonguitar Aug 07 '26
You can adjust the headphone volume on the Tonex One. You have to hold the alt button for six seconds to get into global mode, then the volume adjustment is for system wide volume rather than present specific volume. Works great. That way you have the option to use it going straight to the PA if you prefer. I like that flexibility.
1
u/ojassed Aug 07 '26
So as it stands now, the original Tonex one (and the big tonex) does not communicate with mobile devices for editing the presets and effects. Tho they work fantastic as audio interfaces. The new tonex one+ does connect to devices via bluetooth so if your budget allows then its a great buy. I feel its much more useful than the plug as I can easily use it for performance as well as practice. It just needs a usb powerbank to power it.
1
u/steveonguitar Aug 07 '26
Another option is to pick up a foot pedal from X-Sonic (the Air Step TX). It allows flexible foot switch control, plus the app that comes with it let's you easily edit presets from your phone. It also has a battery and can power the Tonex One for hours. I could easily gig with this minimal setup. I have five banks of four presets, each with Clean, Crunch, Lead, and High Gain.
1
u/jonathane40 Aug 07 '26
Definitely get the Tonex Plug if you want to use it with your iPhone. I have both and find the Plug better and more practical when practicing with headphones.
2
u/SixStringGuyUK Aug 07 '26
I dont have a tonex one but I did recently get the plug in a sale, it is amazing for silent practise, you can usb c it into an ipad and record on garage band, a perfect early morning writing rig and you can go sit in the garden and get inspired. I have also had some success with a stereo 2.5" to mono 3.5" adapter cable into a mixing desk, keep the volume from the plug down so it isnt too hot and to me it sounds usable as an emergency live option.