Community : Document List - GearBox

GearBox Plug-In Effect: Discontinued

support@line6.com — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:51:01 GMT

The GearBox Plug-In (AU, RTAS, VST) Effect license and software support has been discontinued since the release of POD Farm Plug-In Version 1.00 on October 29, 2008.

Line 6 has not tested the GearBox Plug-In functionality with any newer DAW version releases since October of 2008. If you are experiencing issues trying to get the Plug-In Effect to work properly in current recording software programs, please use the latest version of POD Farm Plug-In software instead.

For new users with no previous Line 6 USB hardware or license purchase history, the option in 2011 for a Line 6 amp modelling Plug-In Effect is to purchase the POD Farm 2.5 license and run that software version.

NOTE: GearBox "Standalone" software usage is still currently supported for GuitarPort Online subscribers.

Why Does GearBox Not Work In My Recording Software As a Plug-In?

support@line6.com — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:45:25 GMT

GearBox Plug-In license sales were halted upon the introduction of our POD Farm Version 1 Plug-In licenses back in the Fall of 2008.

However, the GearBox software installer STILL contains the GearBox Plug-In file, because we still have end users who had purchased the GearBox Plug-In license prior to the Fall of 2008 who are still using said effect in their recording applications.

If you are a new or recent user who has downloaded the GearBox 3.72 Installer and run this package, you will still see the GearBox Plug-In option appear in your recording program the next time you launch it, as most DAW's scan for new Plug-In files installed by default. If you wish to delete your GearBox Plug-In file (to avoid confusion), please remove the GearBox .dll file found in:

Windows VST: C:\Program Files\Line6\VstPlugIns\Line 6

Windows RTAS: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-Ins\Line 6

Mac AU: Library > Audio > Plug-Ins > Components

Mac RTAS: Library > Application Support > Digidesign > Plug-Ins > Line 6

Unless you purchased the optional GearBox license prior to the Fall of 2008, please note that only POD Farm and POD Farm 2 Plug-In licenses are available for purchase through our Line 6 Webstore.

GearBox 3.72 Release Notes & Known Issues

support@line6.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:11:11 GMT

This release of Gearbox Standalone adds support for Windows 7 and Mac OSX 10.6.

GearBox Plug-In Support does not apply, please see the following FAQ for more details: http://line6.com/community/docs/DOC-1972

New features/changes/fixes in this release:

The currently released drivers and Line 6 Monkey with Windows 7 and Snow Leopard support are bundled with this GearBox package.
A minor bug which could cause the tonedirect volume to be set to 0 with some patches was fixed.

You can download the latest Gearbox release at: http://line6.com/software/.

System Requirements:

WINDOWS®

Pentium® 4, 1.2GHz or better (2.5Ghz or higher recommended)
Windows® XP® (with SP2 or better) or Windows® Vista® (32 bit and 64 bit versions are supported)
512MB RAM minimum (1GB or more recommended)
1GB free HD space minimum (10GB or more recommended for recording)
USB 1.1 or 2.0 port on computer for connecting Line 6 hardware (USB 2.0 port is required for TonePort UX8 and POD X3 family devices)
Internet connection required for activation (once activated, Internet connection is not required, except for access to optional Guitar Port Online membership service).
Host application that supports RTAS* or VST Plug-ins (for optional GearBox RTAS/VST Plug-In)

MACINTOSH®

Intel® or Power PC® based G4 1.5GHz or better (G4 1.67 or better recommended)
OS X 10.4 or better
512MB RAM minimum (1GB or more recommended)
1GB free HD space minimum (10GB or more recommended for recording)
USB 1.1 or 2.0 port on computer for connecting Line 6 hardware (USB 2.0 port is required for TonePort UX8 and POD X3 family devices)
Internet connection required for activation (once activated, Internet connection is not required, except for access to optional Guitar Port Online membership service).
Host application that supports RTAS* or AU Plug-ins (for optional GearBox RTAS/AU Plug-In)

Known Issues:

Master and Record section controls of GearBox app stay active in Tuner mode. They will have no audible effect in Tuner mode, but the application will re-sync all parameters when exiting Tuner mode.
GearBox will not always save the correct amp model and/or settings when transferring to an X3 unit. The work-around at this point is to edit a parameter (i.e. move the volume knob up and then back to the original position), and then the tone will store/transfer correctly.
GearBox Player will not playback .m4a files. You will need to convert them into .mp3 files.
Changing Variax models during ‘Tone Transfer’ with GearBox can cause MIDI device timeout error- please allow Tone Transfer to complete before changing Variax models.
GearBox vocal presets default POD X3 input to guitar instead of mic due to them being created prior to POD X3 hardware - the input can be changed once the tone is loaded.
GearBox application does not prompt save on application exit - users must remember to save changed tones before exiting the application.
GearBox application defaults to Variax Electric panel. If an acoustic or bass is connected, please select the proper Variax type manually to sync software to the attached Variax.
Rapid switching of Variax via 5 way selector switch on the guitar can cause the application to fall out of sync with the currently selected Variax model.
Tones can get out of sync between POD X3 and Gearbox when doing special case tone selection. This includes tone swap, Lock Tone loading, and choosing to only load Tone 1 or Tone 2 of a patch from the X3 hardware. Please use the GearBox software to choose tones, or double click a different tone in the editor to resync the app and hardware.
Gearbox reverts back to American Punk preset upon new launch if last tone is not saved before closing the application.

Mac® OS X Exclusive Issues

Typing in GuitarPort Online text fields causes system alert sounds.
Player cannot open mono audio files.
Drive knob redraw in GearBox can be sluggish when controlling Drive from X3 hardware. Turning the knob in GearBox software does not result in sluggish response, only from hardware.

Open Track Failed. Failed to setup Track Engine with file.

support@line6.com — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:31:35 GMT

This error can occur in two instances:

1. If you try to play ANY 24 bit mono audio files in the Gearbox player on Power PC Macs Gearbox will throw this error.

2. If you try to play 24 bit MONO AIFF files on Intel based Macs.

At this time Line 6 does not support these file types in these two situations.

GearBox: Amp/Effect Modeling Software (Getting Started)

support@line6.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:46:05 GMT

GearBox 3.72 is the most current version of our amp/effects modelling software editor for compatible USB hardware devices.

Download the bundled installation file from our Downloads page at: http://line6.com/software/
From the "Software" drop-down list, select GearBox.
Click on the red "GO" button to the right. On the following page, the most current version of our bundled installer should be at the top of the list. Version 3.72 is the most current as of this document.
Click "Get Download", then accept the licensing agreement. Choose: "Save" to begin transferring the bundled installation file to your local hard drive.
Once this file has been completely saved, find it on your hard drive. Make sure your USB hardware device is NOT connected yet. Double click the GearBox installer file to begin installation of bundled components (USB Device Drivers, Line 6 Monkey*, GearBox Editor and optional Plug-In files).

Please read through the manual by selecting the "F1" key when gearbox is open. You can also save the PDF file on your computer for later viewing ot dowmload it at the following link:

Gearbox 3.72 manual

Line 6 Monkey is a USB device firmware/flash memory utility application only. It will enable you to update the firmware, flash memory (if available on your device) and any optional license key purchases to the USB hardware device connected. For certain devices (PODxt/X3), it can also archive patch bundles and restore saved patch bundles.

GearBox is the current /Effect modelling software editor application for the following USB Audio Interface devices: GuitarPort, TonePort, POD Studio, PODxt and POD X3 series devices. Gearbox is also the interface software for Guitarport Online. Owners of POD Studio and Toneport DI Bundles will need Gearbox to use their Guitarport Online subscription.

With it, you can do the following two primary functions:

Open up saved (and downloaded) .l6t patches from your hard drive for editing. Afterwards, you can re-save the modified patch file back to your hard drive or sync/transfer the patch to your USB hardware device connected. ***NOTE: POD Farm 2 tone files will NOT load into the Gearbox software.
The top-half of GearBox is where you can select Stomp, Amp Model, EQ, Modulation, Delay, Reverb parameters and adjust them via mouse-click/drags to affect the input signal on your connected USB hardware device in real-time.

GuitarPort Online (GPO)

If you subscribe (optional monthly or annual fee) to GuitarPort Online (GPO), the lower-half of GearBox serves as a web-browser portal to the GPO service. The Player is provided primarily to open up saved lessons/tracks for playback. The Metronome is a basic timekeeping click device used for praticing.

GPO functions are to be used as playback-only features within GearBox. They are not used for recording purposes. (In other words, the Metronome signal will not stream to a third party recording application. Use the metronome within your recording program for that function).

GearBox Plug-In: ProTools FAQ

support@line6.com — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:36:01 GMT

Q: How do I use the Gearbox stand-alone program to record into ProTools?

A: Both the Line 6 TonePort hardware (GX/UX1/UX2/KB37) and the ProTools hardware (MBox) will need to be connected to your CPU via USB. ProTools needs the MBox designated as the soundcard on the computer (input and output audio device for the computer).

The Line 6 TonePort USB device will need the latest Monkey, drivers, firmware, and GearBox installed on the host computer.
Plug the instrument into the Toneport ¼” input.
Take the Toneport analog output into the Mbox ¼ line input.
Set the MBox controls as you normally would for gain structure.
You will now be able to use the Gearbox stand-alone program processing into your ProTools recording application.

Q: How can I automate the Gearbox Plug-In in ProTools?

A: It is possible to automate the Gearbox Plug-In in ProTools. The directions below will take you step by step through the automation process.

Launch a new track in Protools: Track/New/Create.
Arm your audio track for recording and record your audio.
Once your audio is recorded launch the GearBox Plug-In and instantiate it on your audio track: Window/Mix/Insert Selector A/Plug-In/Other/Gearbox.
Once the GearBox Plug-In is launched dial-in or call up the tone that you want. You'll notice at the top of the plug-in GUI there is a button marked "Auto".
Clicking on the "Auto" button will open up an interface that lists all of the paramaters that can be automated by ProTools in the GearBox Plug-In. Choose the parameters you want to automate and click on the "Add" button in the middle of the interface. Once you've selected all of the parameters you want to automate, click OK.
In your audio track change the Automation Mode Selector button from "Read" to "Write".
DISARM YOUR AUDIO TRACK FOR RECORDING. Click the play button on your global transport controls in ProTools and WITH YOUR MOUSE, MANUALLY ADJUST THE PARAMETERS YOU PREVIOUSLY SELECTED FROM THE "AUTO" FEATURE IN THE PLUG-IN INTERFACE.
When you play back your track you'll notice that your automation was recorded. The knobs in the GearBox Plug-In should be moving on their own. To verify further click the "Waveform" button in your audio track, scroll down to "(FX A) Gearbox" and click on the automated parameter or parameters. The automation settings should display over your recorded waveform in your audio track.*

GearBox: Model Pack FAQ

support@line6.com — Thu, 31 May 2007 17:04:35 GMT

The GearBox Gold Plug-In Bundle contains the same models that are found in Line 6's flagship product, the Vetta II, plus it adds the Bass Expansion model pack. In essence, the Gold Bundle includes every model that Line 6 offers.

The Silver Bundle had the same standard set of amp models found in the GuitarPort and TonePort. Some of the models included with the PODxt family of devices are not found in the TonePort, GuitarPort or the Silver Bundle unit. As of August 1st, 2008, all TonePort DI-Silver Bundle devices receive a complimentary free update to Gold Bundle status.

Below is a brief summary of how model pack combinations added to the GuitarPort, TonePort or Silver bundle devices compare to those devices that include more models:

Power Pack models update the GuitarPort/TonePort/Silver model set to match the PODxt/PODxt Pro model set.
Power Pack and the FX Junkie model packs update the GuitarPort/TonePort/Silver model set to match the PODxt Live model set.
Power Pack, FX Junkie, Collector Classic, and Metal Shop (also known as the Triple Pack) model packs update the GuitarPort/TonePort/Silver model set to match the Vetta II model set.
Power Pack, the Triple Pack and the Bass Expansion models update the GuitarPort/TonePort/Silver model set to match the Gold Bundle model set.
The model sets used with the GuitarPort, TonePort and PODxt family devices are not VST plug-in ready when purchased. The online purchase and activation of the Gearbox VST Plug-in is needed to add this capability.

Q: Can I put guitar model packs or the Gearbox plug-in onto a Bass PODxt?

A: No, the Bass POD units cannot install model packs or the GearBox Plug-In.

Q: Can I purchase model packs and /or plug-ins without a credit card?

A: Our accounting system is only set up to accept transactions with a credit card. This includes the prepaid type.

GearBox Plug-In: MOTU Digital Performer DAW Compatibility

support@line6.com — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 23:53:23 GMT

In order to run Digital Performer on your Intel based Mac computer you'll need to have version 5.1 or later. MOTU does not officially support earlier versions of DP on Intel based Macs. The link below is to the MOTU website with their official statement. This will result in the Gearbox Plug-In not functioning properly within the recording application.

http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technotes/intel-mac-compatibility/view?searchterm=Digital%20Performer%20Intel%20Macs

GearBox: MIDI CC Reference Chart

support@line6.com — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:01:12 GMT

Q: Can I change presets via a MIDI Continuous Control (CC) in the Gearbox program?

A: No, but you can control most of the other functions in gearbox by referring to the GearBox Continous Control (CC) MIDI list attached to this document. You will need to know how to program your external MIDI Control device control knob/swtich to the corresponding MIDI CC value for the parameter GearBox you wish to control.

GearBox: Using UX2 Pedal Inputs/Wah (MIDI Control)

support@line6.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:47:45 GMT

Pedal Inputs

The pedal inputs on the UX2 are for momentary switches only (like the keyboard sustain pedal used with a synthesizer or digital piano). They're used to step up and down through presets or to control start/stop and other MIDI Machine Control functions (MMC) audio recording application Transport Controls.

Other parameters can be controlled within the software, but to do that you need an external MIDI source (like a programmable MIDI foot controller plugged into your computer's MIDI interface).

GearBox Wah Control

In GearBox under Edit/Preferences/Midi tab select your midi interface ports IN and OUT. Set your midi controller pedal to CC# (continues controller number) to CC# 4. This should engage the wah function in GearBox.