ToneHub Capture Guide
Step-by-step instructions for capturing your rigs accurately inside ToneHub.
Welcome to ToneHub Tracer
Powered by advanced Tracing Technology, the ToneHub Tracer can learn and replicate the sonic characteristics of your analog amplifiers, stomp pedals (distortion, overdrive, fuzz, EQ, and boosts), and entire recording rigs that include speaker cabinets paired with your favorite preamps and microphones.
STL Tracing Technology with Adaptive Tracing
Guitarists and engineers can now experience faithful emulations of their individual amps and stomps by combining analog modeling of the original amplifier's design and tone stack circuits with our precise Tracing Technology. The parametric parts of the rigs within ToneHub are analog-modeled, meaning you can tweak the controls and maintain the exact frequency-dependent and gain behavior of the original device.
Important Limitation: Tracing cannot capture time-based or phase-based effects such as gates, reverbs, delays, compressors, pitch shifters, choruses, tremolos, etc.
Interface Controls
Understanding the ToneHub Tracer interface will help you navigate the tracing process efficiently.
Main Controls
Getting Started
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Access the Tracer
Add the ToneHub plugin to your track and locate the 'Capture My Gear' tab in the ToneHub sidebar menu.
Tracing Modes
ToneHub Tracer offers two different workflow modes to suit your needs.
Single Mode
Create one Trace at a time with full control over every parameter. Recommended for first-time users to fully learn the tracing process.
Batch Mode
Create multiple Traces in one streamlined session. Perfect when you have pre-prepared multiple audio files ready for tracing.
Single Mode: Trace Types
Select the type of Trace you'd like to create based on what gear you're capturing.
Amp + Cab
Model an amp head and cabinet setup or combo amp.
Rig
Model one or more stompboxes connected to an amp head and cabinet set or combo amp.
Amp
Model an amp head or the amp section of a combo only (no cabinet).
Stomp + Amp
Model one or more stompboxes connected to an amp head or the amp section of a combo.
Stomp
Model one or more stomp boxes only.
Hardware Setup Examples: Click the 'Hardware Setup Example' button in the interface for routing diagrams on how to set up your hardware.
Merged Traces: To create a Merged Trace (containing settings for the entire ToneHub signal chain), create an 'Amp + Cab', 'Rig', 'Amp', or 'Stomp + Amp' Trace as required, then use the Traces Manager to save the Trace as a new Merged Trace.
Single Mode: Setup Process
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful trace.
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Locate the TracerTone
Click the 'Locate' button to show the 'TracerTone.wav' audio file in a new Finder/Explorer window. Import this file into your DAW, refer to your DAW's manual for the best import methods.
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Create the Processed Audio File
Run the 'TracerTone.wav' audio file from your DAW through the signal chain you want to Trace, recording the result to a 48kHz (or higher) WAV audio file.
Hardware Safety Warning: If tracing hardware equipment, exercise extreme caution when operating analog amplifiers. Failure to connect a speaker cabinet, load box, or reamp box before powering the amplifier can result in significant damage to your equipment. Please consult your hardware's documentation for best practices.
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Import the Processed Audio File
Click the 'Import' button to import your processed Tracer audio file.
Guidelines for Best Results:
- Avoid digital clipping! Do not exceed 0 dBFS
- Aim for approximately -5 dBFS at the loudest peaks of the TracerTone audio file
- Extreme deliberate digital clipping may produce unwanted results
- No wet/dry parallel blends - Must be 100% processed signal
The ToneHub Tracer analyzes the imported audio file and prepares it for tracing. You will be prompted if your selected file contains any errors (preventing you from proceeding) or warnings with suggested fixes or improvements.
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Proceed to Training
Click the 'Proceed' button to begin the tracing process.
Single Mode: Training Process
Configure the Tracer settings and start the AI training process.
Training Mode Selection
GPU / CPU Selection
Training times vary greatly depending on your system specifications. We suggest using the GPU option if you have a good-spec GPU. However, if your computer has a low-spec GPU, using your CPU may be faster.
Important: The quality of your Trace will not change by this selection, only the processing speed is affected.
Expected Training Times (Default Mode)
Expected Training Times (Advanced Mode)
Start Tracing
Click the 'Start Tracing' button to begin the training process. Once complete, click 'Proceed' to continue to the Settings page.
Single Mode: Optional Settings
The Optional Settings section allows you to set default control and cabinet microphone positions for your Traces, and to use Adaptive Tracing technology for selecting a matching tone stack.
Settings by Trace Type
Amp + Cab / Rig Traces
Provides settings for all amp and cab controls, as well as the option to select a tone stack that sets the behavior of the Bass / Middle / Treble / Master controls.
Amp / Stomp + Amp Traces
Provides settings for all amp controls, as well as the option to select a tone stack that sets the behavior of the Bass / Middle / Treble / Master controls.
Stomp Traces
Provides settings for the Tracer Stomp, which include a 3-band EQ.
Match Settings To Trace
The 'Match Settings To Trace' feature allows you to set control positions (and cabinet microphone position) to match those of the original signal chain, enabling the saved Trace to respond to control changes like the original gear.
How to Use:
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Adjust Controls
Set any of the controls and tone stack selection to your desired values/positions.
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Apply Match
Click 'Match Settings To Trace' to revert the sound of the trace and apply the new default control settings.
Notes:
- Certain changes may result in volume drops or increases after matching, use the Volume, Level, or Master control to adjust accordingly
- The Amp Gain control cannot be matched
Click 'Proceed' once you've finished applying the desired settings.
Single Mode: Save Your Trace
Input a name, folder, and metadata for your Trace to ensure it's properly organized and integrated into the ToneHub Trace Browser.
Metadata Guidelines
- Include the brand name followed by the product name, correctly capitalized and formatted as per the product's website
- If entering multiple products, separate each product with a comma
- You will only be able to provide relevant metadata based on the Trace type
Completing the Save
Click the 'Save' button to save the Trace and exit the Tracer. Saving the Trace will result in:
- The Trace being automatically loaded
- The Trace being automatically selected in the Traces Manager
Batch Mode: Setup Process
Batch Mode provides a streamlined workflow for creating multiple Traces in one session.
Adding and Configuring Files
The ToneHub Tracer analyzes all added audio files and prepares them for tracing. You will be prompted if any files contain errors (preventing you from proceeding) or warnings with suggested fixes or improvements.
Click 'Proceed' to begin the batch tracing process.
Batch Mode: Tracing Process
Configure and run the batch tracing session to process multiple files.
Configure the Tracer
GPU / CPU Selection: Training times vary depending on your system specifications. Use GPU if you have a good-spec graphics card; otherwise, CPU may be faster with low-spec GPUs.
Important: The quality of your Traces will not change by this selection.
Run Batch Tracing
Click 'Start Tracing' to begin the batch process. You'll receive real-time information on:
- The tracing progress of the current file
- The overall Batch Tracing session progress
Note: Batch Tracing always uses the Advanced Training Mode. See the Single Mode Training section for expected training times for each file.
Completion
Once tracing is complete, the Tracer will display the name of the folder containing the Traces and provide instructions for next steps. Use the Trace Editor to apply required settings and metadata for each Trace.
Click 'Finish' to exit the Tracer.
General Tracing Guidelines
Follow these best practices to achieve the highest quality traces.
Audio Quality Requirements
- Sample Rate: Use 48kHz or higher WAV files
- Peak Levels: Target approximately -5 dBFS at the loudest peaks
- Never exceed 0 dBFS to avoid digital clipping
- 100% processed signal only, no parallel wet/dry blends
What Cannot Be Traced
Tracing technology cannot capture:
- Time-based effects (delays, reverbs)
- Phase-based effects (choruses, tremolos)
- Dynamic processors (gates, compressors)
- Pitch-based effects (pitch shifters)
Hardware Setup Safety
Critical: When tracing hardware amplifiers, always ensure proper load connection (speaker cabinet, load box, or reamp box) before powering on the amplifier to prevent equipment damage.
Best Practices
Use Appropriate Training Mode
Default Mode for clean to mid-gain tones; Advanced Mode for high-gain and fuzz tones.
Document Your Settings
Take notes on amp settings, pedal positions, and microphone placement before tracing.
Test Before Full Setup
Start with a single trace to verify your routing and levels before batch processing.
Organize Your Files
Use clear naming conventions for processed audio files before importing to batch mode.
Match Settings Carefully
When using "Match Settings To Trace," adjust volume controls as needed to compensate for level changes.
Leverage Adaptive Tracing
Select appropriate tone stacks to ensure your traced amps respond naturally to control adjustments.
Metadata Best Practices
Proper metadata ensures your traces are easy to find and use:
- Use official brand and product names with correct capitalization
- Separate multiple products with commas
- Include descriptive information about gain levels or tone characteristics
- Organize traces into logical folders (by brand, type, or use case)
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