Community : Document List - DT50/DT25

Using MIDI OX with DT50/DT25

support@line6.com — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:59:06 GMT

If you are using MIDI OX you should see the following window:

You’ll want to use the drop down window to select the desired parameter (as referenced in the documentation) and then hit the Send button.

Notice the text by the numbers which are simply part of the standard MIDI spec. These descriptors are irrelevant for the DT amps – again, just look for the number that correlates to the DT parameter you want to send. It also may be confusing that the numbers are not listed sequentially.

If you wanted to change the preamp for the current Voicing of channel A you would select number 11 (labeled expression in the MIDI OX drop down) and number 3 (if you wanted to load the Hiway 100 model for example) using the up/down buttons in the field labeled Value. Hit send and the current Voicing on Channel A should be the Hiway 100.

Here are some links to the MIDI documentation:

http://line6.com/media/dt50/DT50_MIDI_CC_Reference_v2_0_RevA_English.pdf

http://line6.com/media/dt50/DT25_MIDI_CC_Reference_v2_0_RevA_English.pdf

http://line6.com/media/dt50/DT_MIDIGuide_v2_0_RevA_English.pdf

DT25/DT50 Firmware Installation Instructions

support@line6.com — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:54:12 GMT

DT25/DT50 FIRMWARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

NEEDED:

A MIDI interface that connects to your computer via USB (download the current Driver for it if you don't have it installed)
2 MIDI cables (or a MIDI interface such as the M-Audio Uno that comes with attached MIDI cables)

NOTE: Line 6 recommends a name brand USB to MIDI interface produced by an audio company that supports/updates their drivers. Good choices include: M-Audio, Edirol, E-Mu and MOTU. These interfaces have proven to be more robust and reliable when it comes to large MIDI transfers such as the DT25 and DT50 update.

For further infomation on MIDI connectivity and interfaces, please go over the following MIDI Document
Latest version of Line 6 Monkey installed. Download and install the Line 6 Monkey software here.

Procedure

Connect your MIDI interface to your computer via USB cable.
Connect the DT25/DT50 MIDI Out to your MIDI interface In, and connect the DT25/DT50 MIDI In to your MIDI interface Out.
Launch the Line 6 Monkey with the DT25/DT50 connected via the MIDI interface and powered on.
Select the Flash Memory line item and click the Update Selection button to install the flash memory update into the DT25/DT50.
The device will receive the firmware data and the unit will be updated to the latest Firmware.

***If the firmware update fails and you are having trouble reconnecting to Line 6 Monkey, please try putting the unit into SAFE MODE before starting up and connecting to the Line 6 Monkey software. To do this, hold the channel select switch down to 'Channel B' and power on the DT amplifier while holding this switch down. Let go of the switch after 10 seconds or so, then re-start Line 6 Monkey and follow the steps above to update/re-install the flash memory.

DT50/DT25 Dimensions & Weights

support@line6.com — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:11:43 GMT

The following values are out-of-box measurements:

DT50

Weights / Dimensions	112	212	HD	412 Cabinet
Height	21.75"	22.50"	11.00"	30.70"
Width	26.00"	27.50"	27.50"	29.90"
Depth	10.75"	10.75"	10.75"	14.00"
Weight	63.1 lbs	76.2 lbs	39.8 lbs	88 lbs

DT25

Weights / Dimensions	112	HD	112 Cabinet
Height	17.00"	10.75"	17.75"
Width	21.00"	21.00"	21.00"
Depth	11.125"	9.50"	11.25" (Top) to 12" (Bottom)
Weight	47.0 lbs	30.0 lbs	36.0 lbs

DT50/DT25: FAQ

support@line6.com — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:27:37 GMT

Please read through the DT50/DT25 Terminology FAQ first, to familiarize yourself with the terms that will be referenced here.

Application

Q: Are there any presets on the DT50/DT25 amplifier in the manner of previous Line 6 amps?

A: No. The DT50/DT25 behaves like a traditional amp where the user simply dials in a tone to the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) functionality.

Q: Are the DT50/DT25 amplifiers Mono(phonic)?

A: As with most tube amplifiers, yes.

Q: Which type of amp modeling is using with the DT50/DT25?
A: Line 6's newest HD amp models (same as our new POD HD).

Q: How does the power amp tubes contribute to the DT50/DT25's sound?

A: The EL34's (DT50) or EL84's (DT25) are the main source of distortion in the amp. The guitar signal is actually being amplified at every progressive stage in the circuit, but the power tubes are the first to truly "clip" and provide the distortion that most tube amp devotees desire.

Q: How does the modeling of the DT50/DT25 contribute to the overall tone?

A: In the DT50/DT25's "normal mode", the modeling performs the function of the preamp: mating the digital preamp with the analog power amp so the whole system creates the sound of the amp modeled. This is different than our previous Spider Valve amps, where we modelled the entire amp model (pre-amp and power amp) and then fed that signal through the output tube power section.

In "low power mode" (pulling the master volume switch out or on the DT25 flipping the switch on the back panel), the digital modeling section will assume duties for the power amp section, so you can have the sound of a driven power amp at lower monitoring volume levels. If you turn the master volume knob all the way up in this mode, you will have Spider Valve-like tones behavior (where the pre and power amp software modeling signal is pushing the EL34 or EL84 tubes).

Q: What is the difference between the DT25 and the DT50 amplifier?

A: The DT25 operates at 25 watts maximum output using two (2) EL84 power tubes vs. the EL34's found in our DT50's. Otherwise, it is essentially the same as its big-brother, the DT50. For more info, please check the new product page for the DT25 here.

DT50/DT25 Voicings Switch

I – Negative Feedback Loop (NFL) setting is high; channel control behavior much like that of a West Coast American amp of the 1960’s.

Recommended settings: Class AB & Pentode.

II – NFL is medium; channel control behavior much like that of a classic British amp of the 1960’s known for it's "glassy" yet warm tones.

Recommended settings: Class AB & Pentode.

III – Zero Negative Feedback Loop operation (a very open/dynamic feeling amp); channel control behavior much like that of a “chime-like toned” British amp of the 1960’s.

Recommended settings: Class A & Pentode (clean) or switch to Triode (for rounder, more vintage feel).

IV – NFL is low in value, with an added low frequency resonance ideally suited for modern high-gain voicing; channel control behavior much like that of a more recent West Coast American amp of the 1990's.

Recommended settings: Class AB & Pentode.

Class A & Class AB Switch

Class A: Cathode biased. Provides the player with more dynamic with touch sensitivity. DT50 operates at 25 watts. DT25 operates at 10 watts.

Class AB: Fixed biased. Provides greater headroom and power than Class A. DT50 operates at 50 watts. DT25 operates at 25 watts.

Pentode & Triode Switch

Pentode: Clearer tone and more headroom.

Triode: Rounder tone, less output and more vintage feel.

L6 Link

L6 LINK is a proprietary Digital Audio connection developed for exclusive connection between the POD HD series modeling processors and the DT50/DT25 amplifier(s). Do NOT connect any other sort of analog audio device that appears to have a standard 3-pin (XLR) connector to the L6 LINK, as damage will occur.

Connect an XLR cable from the POD HD L6 LINK jack directly to the DT amp’s L6 LINK IN jack. Most XLR cables should provide sufficient performance. However, the quality and manufacturing processes of XLR cables vary widely, so we can’t guarantee the performance of every XLR cable. We can recommend the Classic Series Microphone Cable (25 ft.) from Planet Waves, which was among the best we tested.

Specifications

DT50 Specifications

DT25 Specifications

Q: Is there a Topology Chart for the amp models of the DT series amps and the POD HD series?

A: Yes, there is a .pdf document with this information at the bottom of this document.

Q: What speakers are used the DT50/DT25 amps?

A: DT50/DT25 112 Combo has the Celestion custom G12H90 12” speaker. DT50 212 Combo has a Celestion custom G12H90 12” and a Celestion Vintage 30 12” speaker.

Q: What tubes ship in the DT50/DT25 amps?

A: DT50: Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 preamps tubes (2) and Electro-Harmonix EL34 power tubes (2).

DT25: Chinese-branded 12AX7 preamp tube (1) and Sovtek EL84 power tubes (2).

Q: What is the Bias Spec on the DT50's EL34 power tubes?

A: 36 mV +/- 1 mV.

Q: What is the Bias Spec on the DT25's EL84 power tubes?

A: 25 mV +/- 3 mV.

Q: What Line 6 controllers work with the DT50/DT25?

A: Any of the POD HD series units. They utilize the new proprietary L6 Link (3-pin) digital connection to control amp topology settings in Channel A to whatever parameters are set in the active POD HD patch.

There is a jack labelled for "Footswitch" on the back of the amp to allow for switching between Channel A and B. Please use a "tip-sleeve" (mono 1/4") latching-type footswitch to use this feature.

Setup/Connection

DT50 & POD HD Connectivity Video

Q: Is there a headphone output on the DT50/DT25 series?

A: No.

Q: Is there a bias switch to change the power tubes to 6L6’s or other tube types?

A: No, the DT50/DT25 series do not offer bias-switchable options and were designed to operate with the EL34 (DT50) or EL84 (DT25) power output tubes.

Q: Can I run my DT50/DT25 without a speaker load?

A: No! You should always run a tube amplifier with a speaker load present. Please follow the properly load connection requirements as silkscreened on the back of the amplifier chassis.

Q: Will installing casters on a DT50/DT25 112 or 212 combo chassis void my warranty?

A: No, correctly installed casters will not void the warranty. However, if you are not 100% sure on how to correctly install casters, please take your amp to a qualified amp/service technician and have them install the hardware. We do NOT cover damage caused to the amplifier from an incorrect installation!

*** Here is a link to one of our Forum Members (MDinice) who was kind enough to share a template for Ernie Ball type casters: http://line6.com/community/thread/57744?tstart=0 (the template is also available at the bottom of this document).

Known-Issues

12AX7 Preamp Tube Swapping: If you decide to swap out different 12AX7 preamp tubes, do NOT use anything labeled “LP” (Long Plate) for the first preamp tube stage (labeled as V3), as “LP” labeled tubes are extremely microphonic.

Troubleshooting Your Tube Amp

DT50/DT25: Terminology

support@line6.com — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:42:50 GMT

DT50/DT25 Terminology FAQ

Headroom: how much signal “room” you have before encountering distortion, particularly saturation. If you have more headroom, the amp will feel like it responds to your playing subtleties better and you’ll have more dynamic range for expressive playing.

With less headroom, you get into serious distortion without playing as hard.

Topology: the layout of a “feedback topology” of the amp circuit referring to the voicing of the global negative feedback of the DT50. Changing circuits will change the voicing of the amplifier.

Class A: an amp design where current is flowing through the tubes constantly. Headroom is deceased, so tone becomes distorted sooner.

Class AB: an amp design where a pair of tubes work together by “trading” duties (one is conducting current while the other is in cutoff). Sometimes the term “push-pull” operation is used to describe this mode. Provides greater headroom and tone remains clearer as a result.

Bias: the voltage value between the control grid (grid #1) and the cathode, which dictates the power tube’s behavior in terms of distortion cutoff/saturation. There are two types of biasing methods: fixed-bias and cathode-bias (sometimes called self-biasing or auto-biasing).

The DT50 operates in fixed-bias when in Class AB. It switches to cathode-bias when in Class A.

Pentode: the power output tube is a 5-electrode object (cathode, control grid, screen grid, suppressor grid and anode/plate). In the DT50, when you select “Pentode” mode, you’re operating the EL34’s as pentode tubes.

Triode: a mode of operation where the power tube has 3 active elements (cathode, control grid and the anode/plate). Setting the front panel control switch of the DT50 to “Triode” alters the behavior of the EL34’s to act more like a triode, which reduces the power output and affects the high end as well.

Negative Feedback Loop (NFL): a certain amount of the amplifier’s output is fed back into the amp to reduce distortion and increase headroom. A higher amount of NFL results in a tighter response overall, which some guitarists may be seeking in their tone. A lesser amount of NFL can make the amp feel more “wild” and “unruly”, which can be also desirable to many guitarists. It depends on what you’re after and the context of what you’re after, musically-speaking.

Tonestack: the EQ-region inside of an amp where the Bass, Mid and Treble controls live.

Sag: the response of the amp to what is being played on the electric guitar, usually heard at the beginning of playing a note or chord that follows a rest. Sag will cause the amp to get a bit quieter, while also causing more distortion.

DT50/DT25 FAQ