Line 6 Variax & Pod HD500(X) users?

[JackJordan]

Well I finally got my Line 6 JTV-69 and I am very happy with it! I had to return the first one I purchased due to the model knob not working (wouldn't press down) and some Fret buzz.

I had to wait 5 weeks, but it was well worth it as I feel I have the superior instrument compared to the last one.

I do have a question as to how to use it with the HD500 though:
How would you set up the global inputs?

I want to use the Variax via the VDI cable, but I would also like to be able to switch to my regular guitars without having to change the global input settings every time. What should I set input 1 and input 2 to?

Thanks in advance!

 

[partytrain]

I've got Variax as input 1 and guitar as input 2. I don't switch guitars during my set, so I don't have much for you there. If i recall correctly, when I originally set it up, the tuner on the hd500 would only work for the variax with the Vdi if it was input 1. I'm not sure if I did something wrong, but since it's working, I haven't revisited it.

 

[JackJordan]

Thank you for your input party train. Has anyone else found a method that they prefer?

 

[beeg]

I bought an HD 500X in December, using it happily with my LP standard ... but couldn't resist the temptation to try 2/3 of the dream rig.... so, rented a JTV-69 for a month, recently returned. I bought a CAT 6 50' cable for use at home and in a couple studio sessions as the VDI input... worked perfect.. one thing that annoyed me for a few weeks is not using the HD 500X tuner... I had input 1 as Variax VDI, and input 2 as guitar (the LP).. in this config, couldn't use the built-in tuner with the Variax... so I changed input 1 to Guitar+Variax and now I could use the tuner regardless of which guitar I was playing or input...

totally loved the fun from so many guitars and effects together... just a 50's guy having fun, but WOW.. such a great time to have fun with this tech.. enjoy.. beeg

 

[randombastage]

I use Guitar+Variax in input 1, Aux for input 2 because it cuts any noise and I don't use any dual paths or dual amps etc.
VDI cable for Variax and standard cable for other guitars.

 

[JackJordan]

I use Guitar+Variax in input 1, Aux for input 2 because it cuts any noise and I don't use any dual paths or dual amps etc.
VDI cable for Variax and standard cable for other guitars.

So if you hook it up the way you prescribed you cannot use dual amps or chains?

Can it not be set up so that input one (both Variax VDI and guitar 1/4" cable) goes through various effects, splits into two amps, comes back together at the mixer, and then has effects afterwards?

 

[randombastage]

So if you hook it up the way you prescribed you cannot use dual amps or chains?

Can it not be set up so that input one (both Variax VDI and guitar 1/4" cable) goes through various effects, splits into two amps, comes back together at the mixer, and then has effects afterwards?

Yea you can probably do all that. I just don't because I want to keep the signal clean as possible, low noise, etc.
I use only amp pre models and instead of L6 cabs and mics Inhave the effects loop right after the amp pre model with a Two a Notes Torpedo CAB providing power amp, speaker and cab and EQ modeling.

I don't need to double up either the signal path or amps to get the sound I'm after. Extra path is just extra potential for unwanted noise or gain staging to manage.

Keep in mind both paths are stereo and any mono effect in a path will collapse the sound to mono at that point and then any stereo effect will split it back to stereo. Both paths end with the sound available at the left and right outputs...assuming they aren't panned hard to only one side.

If you want to have two guitars plugged in, one Variax and one standard guitar in the other input via 1/4 inch jack I believe you can do that and then switch between the guitars.

Keeping the two paths separate takes a little planning but can be done.

I've made presets with electric amp panned one side, acoustic sound of Variax to the other....used an expression pedal to control the panning...all kinds of stuff can be done. Its a great device!

 

[JackJordan]

So if you hook it up the way you prescribed you cannot use dual amps or chains?

Can it not be set up so that input one (both Variax VDI and guitar 1/4" cable) goes through various effects, splits into two amps, comes back together at the mixer, and then has effects afterwards?

I figured it out! Set input 1 to Variax and guitar and input 2 to "same".

With this, both inputs work with your tuner, and both will go through all effects, chains, and amps.

 

[Pietro]

keep in mind that you can use both channels of the VDI at the same time, too.

I always set input one to VDI 1 and input 2 to VDI 2.

You can have two different guitar sounds through two different amps. (WHOAH!) or you can do two-voice with acoustic and electric at the same time, as I detail in the article in my signature. You could also, I think, have both sounds available in a patch and switch between them to just one amp (that would take some creative programming, but could be way cool...)

 

[randombastage]

keep in mind that you can use both channels of the VDI at the same time, too.

I always set input one to VDI 1 and input 2 to VDI 2.

You can have two different guitar sounds through two different amps. (WHOAH!) or you can do two-voice with acoustic and electric at the same time, as I detail in the article in my signature. You could also, I think, have both sounds available in a patch and switch between them to just one amp (that would take some creative programming, but could be way cool...)

Good grief! I didn't know that! VDI 2 ?!?

 

[Pietro]

Good grief! I didn't know that! VDI 2 ?!?

You basically can run both the mags and the models separately to two separate chains on the HD 500... you can ONLY do this with a JTV combined with either an HD 500, HD Pro, X3 Live or X3 Pro.

 

[randombastage]

You basically can run both the mags and the models separately to two separate chains on the HD 500... you can ONLY do this with a JTV combined with either an HD 500, HD Pro, X3 Live or X3 Pro.

Oh, ok, I got confused. I knew the mags and Variax could run simultaneously. I was thinking VDI 1&2 = Variax model x 2

 

[Pietro]

Oh, ok, I got confused. I knew the mags and Variax could run simultaneously. I was thinking VDI 1&2 = Variax model x 2

Wouldn't THAT be awesome... but no...