Community : Discussion List - DT50/DT25

Just ordered a DT25! Need help with:

support@line6.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:29:30 GMT

Hey guys

I got into line 6 stuff when looking for a new multifx processor... I always used Boss's GT something, but I was blown away by the POD HD family an got an HD500 a year and a half ago! I loved it, but after that I just could not be without a variax, and so I bought a JTV-59 just after the pod, and fed my voice and guitar thru the pod to a Bose L1 compact. This "rig" made me happy, considering my needs and means since then, but things have "evolved", I no longer connect my mic to the pod, and I want/need a better guitar tone, so I kept my money on L6 and just ordered a DT25 combo so I can get that nice warm valve sound, retaining all the flexability L6 has gotten me used to, BUT, here are my questions/doubts:

1 - I understand the amp will reconfigure itself to whatever the pod tells it to (via L6 link), but what happens when I select a preset which has 2 amps?!? How will I replicate that preset sound using only 1 DT25!?

2 - I often use the acoustic sounds on my variax. What's the best way to route that sound to a PA and stop it from going to the amp!?

3 - Can I update the firmware on the amp thru my POD HD using L6 link? I'd save me getting MIDI cables

4 - I've read about (valve?) realiability issues...is it really worse than most amps out there?

5 - I've never owned a valve amp before, and I'm not educated at all on how it works. Just tell me the basics please, like, "you gotta have the master knob at least in ____ so the valves will work properly..."! Basic and not so basic stuff you can remember, please

Thanks a lot guys!

DT-25 Died today

support@line6.com — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:13:53 GMT

I turned it on after making a up L6 Link connection , it made a horrible sound for a half second, and then went dark.

RMA ticket turned in to Line 6 support for repair. I had no issues with it since it was bought new last October, until now....

DT50 Noise

support@line6.com — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:53:05 GMT

First off, THANKS to all you guys that responded to my threads regarding "Running Two DT50's with HD500". For some reason, it wasn't readily clear on how to respond to you. I'll have to work on my "posting chops".

The main problem is that my DT50 amps have a HUGE hissing noise, even when not connected to anything at all. I have a ton of other amps (even with tubes), from Gibson to Fender to Johnson to Blackstar to Marshall. None of them even come close to the noise the DT50 makes at rest. When I plug in the HD500, it gets even worse.

Some suggestions from you guys were 1) update firmware on the DT50 (maybe using MIDI to update through Monkey), 2) checking the Presence control and 3) keeping DT50's and HD500 on same power circuit (both already are on my Monster clean power unit). Solution 1 might help, will find out today.

I also understand that certain amp settings in the HD500 will cause the DT50 to hiss even more.

Bottom line - If I can't get "my dream amp scenario" to work (HD and DTs in stereo, yet still able to direct record), I might have to return my two new DT50's. That would be sad.

Anyone else having such hissing issues on the new DT50?

Thanks in advance to all!

Blown Power Transformer Club

support@line6.com — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 13:10:13 GMT

Just wondered how many if you guys have experienced the Ill-fated "blown power transformer" problem with DT-25 and DT-50's that Line 6 won't acknowledge because of the cost it would require to fix it?

Technical Bulletin 059

support@line6.com — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:21:41 GMT

I received a very encouraging email from Line 6 Service today. The email referenced "Technical Bulletin 059" and stated that my amp qualified for a free hardware upgrade to the DT50 that "will prevent the possible failure of its power supply".

I took my DT50 in today. The local service center hadn't heard of Technical Bulletin 059, but they said they would obtain the required information from Line 6, and take care of the amp.

They couldn't give me a decent ETA, but they said their repairs normally take about 2 weeks.

Could this be a pro-active response to the transformer issue?

Speaker upgrade on DT 25

support@line6.com — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:26:18 GMT

Hey All - Here is an FYI -

I have been super pleased with my DT 25 112, and podhd500 combo. Only issue after months of playing was the stock speaker, to my ears, was a bit harsh on the high end and had a very pronounced "beam effect" when directly in front of the speaker - it was very directional. So I replaced the speaker with a Weber Ceramic Blue Dog, 75 watt, light dope. Wow! That fixed so many of the tone issues I have read about on these forums.

What a marked difference! No more harsh, directional high end. The bass response is now there, clear and articualte. The high end is bright, and crisp but not harsh. Also noticed the tone controls are much more usable now! I would highly reccomend this upgrade!

Rick

MIDI controller pedal to control DT amp?

support@line6.com — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:08:00 GMT

Following continuing frustration on getting my HD500 to reliably get the sounds I want from my DT25 it got me thinking...

As everything on the DT is configurable via MIDI and people on this forum have even written apps to control the amps, surely it must be possible to program a MIDI pedal board such as this...

http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/yamaha-mfc-10-programmable-midi-foot-controller--9119

???

What do you reckon? From the product description it sounds to me like you should be able to program the pedal to send the required codes?

Has anyone tried using something like this and was it successful?

All I really want to do is get a good amp sound and be able to save it so that I can retrieve it via a pedal switch.

I am done with the DT50!

support@line6.com — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:06:50 GMT

Well folks, I am sad to say it, but I give up on the DT50. It is an amazing sounding amp by itself but the promise of "complete integration" with the PODHD500 simply was not realized in its current iteration. I think Line 6 had a GREAT idea but really flubbed a number of the core details of how to make it a reality. Furthermore, the numerous bugs, etc. have plagued this setup. What I - and I suspect many customers - really wanted was something akin to a Vetta II Tube Amp. They really NAILED the Vetta in my book. If they took that platform, upgraded the preamp models with the HD models, and used the Bogner Power section, they would have had a real winner. Especially if they retained the stereo operation.

Some other interesting observations from my experience that may benefit other L6 users here:

Preamp Models - I know L6 says otherwise but I am quite sure that the preamp models on the v1.1 of the PODHD and DT50 firmware were NOT the same. The DT50 had different, and to my ears, much better preamp modeling. I know there are posts on the boards that say otherwise, but the differences were too severe for that to be the case. And I fully understand all the PODHD output modes and DT50 topologies and such. The bottom line is that they were different.
PODHD/DT50 Firmware Update v.1.2 - The second I played the PODHD500/DT50 combination with the updated firmware, I could hear a big difference - for the better I might add - not withstanding the well document complaints with the Uberschall revisions. I am SURE the L6 Techs read these boards and internally discuss and respond to our feedback. The 1.2 firmware sounds much better than the 1.1 - especially the cleans. Having said that, it too is buggy and like many users, my PODHD stopped recalling the DT50 power amp selections I saved. When recalling presets, all the settings went back to their default values. I did not have this issue in 1.1, where these functions worked perfectly. I know they'll eventually get it sorted out, but why do we have to be beta testers to such extremes when plunking down $2K for the "flagship amplification" setup from L6? They can and should do better!
Control of the DT50 from the POD - Whether its using L6 Link, or MIDI, they current crop of user manuals are severely lacking. I would think for the "fully integrated" setup, I could control the topologies, etc. from the PODHD. Also, why is there not a full MIDI implementation manual. I would have been happy if I could have used my PODHD as a glorified FBV pedal for the DT50. There is so much that should be possible on the integration front that currently requires lots of workarounds. Why make the DT50 fully controllable by the PODHD? Why can't I use my DT50 preamps and the PODHD effects to free up DSP space and get the best of both? This combo has such potential, but its just not there yet. And where the heck is the DT50 Advanced Users Guide
Background Noise - I know this issue is well documented but for a $1300 "flagship amp", the think is way too noisy, in ALL operating classes. And please spare me the "that's just normal for a tube amp" comments. I have owned and played TONS of tube amps and NONE of them have the level of hum at rest as the DT50 does. It is super annoying and from what I understand, L6 is aware of this issue. I got one of the very first DT50s to hit the market and I suspect I have an early production model that has some kinks, because the amp is way too noisy.
Interestingly, after applying the firmware updates, I plugged the PODHD500 into my Vetta II Head's effect returns jack, set the output to studio direct, and was BLOWN AWAY by how good the PODHD sounded throught the Vetta Head. It was infinitely better than any sound I have ever got out of the PODHD with the DT50 and was DEAD QUIET at rest I might add. I was SHOCKED at how much better it sounded, as I tried this setup with the v1.1 firmware and thought the DT50 sounded better at the time. For what its worth, I still think the DT50 by itself sounds the best out of all combinations. They really nailed the tone. Its the platform and the integration - and the background noise - that sinks the total ship.
My new setup is going to be the PODHD500 going through the Vetta head, which will allow me to really take advantage of the dual amp tones and stereo effects, as I have a (2) L6 Spider Valve 4x12s. I can't believe how much better the PODHD sounds through the Vetta than through the DT50, and all of the switching and control options I want are in that package. Line 6 needs to revisint the Vetta III concept. I think they should come out with the "Vetta HD" and give us what we tought the PODHD/DT50 combo really was
In conclusion, I remain a huge L6 fan but they really blew it on the DT50/HD500 integration. My DT50 is going back to Sweetwater tomorrow as I've given up. The platform is just not there yet. L6 should also revisit its communication policies. For sure, trade secrets and competitive/future products information should remain highly confidential. However, if there was better transparency and communication around known issues and plans to address them, foks might hang in with the company and the products a lot longer. This is especially true as appears that L6 is moving upmarket into thinks like boutique-class tube amps in such. For a $300 Spider IV, I'll be patient for a good product at a low price point. For a $2K "Flagship Amplification", "Fully Integrated" platform, my patience is dramtically less. Something to consider.

OFFER TO LINE 6 - I will offer to do beta testing for you for FREE on future products. And I will be very happy to pay full price for any future products that I might ultimately purchase after providing product testing. I am a 20-yr. IT consulting professional and very well off so I am not looking for income or product free bees. I am simply a devoted music fan and longtime L6 user. I just love making music and L6 products so if you ever need another set of educated ears and thoughtful feedback, let me know. Thanks - Tom

Just got a DT25

support@line6.com — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:37:15 GMT

Greetings!

I just got my DT25 last week, and I am amazed by this amp! I've had a POD HD500 for about a year and enjoy it, but connecting it to the DT25 is just a whole other level. This amp is nicely oud! I haven't turned it up beyond 3. I have read this forum for awhile and I was concerned about getting a good tone. I have to say the POD/DT combo worked right away for me. I have uploaded my frrst attempts at tones here:

http://line6.com/customtone/profile/grandinq/

DT50/HD500 levels in full power mode

support@line6.com — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:21:31 GMT

Anyone notice that using the HD500/DT50 in full power mode(master volume knob "in") that the levels are very hot? Plugging straight into the front of the DT50 is much lower level than through the HD. The master volume higher than about 8 'o clock on the dial is extremely loud even with my pretty loud rock band. My channel volumes are mostly around 12 o'clock depending on the amp models. Is there any way to lower the over all volume through the Line 6 link?

Part 2 - DT50 Initial Impressions....

support@line6.com — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:02:33 GMT

OK - So its Day 2 with the new DT50 and I have couple of additional observations and one feature request of sorts.

Dislikes:

The amp hums and hisses more than my SV MkII Head. I've seen posts to this effect already on the forums and I can confirm them. The DT50 is a bit louder at rest. Not oppressively so, but enough so you notice it when tuning, pausing, etc. Would love it if it was a bit quieter. On a related note, the hiss and hum seems to be worse when using the PODHD500 then when going straight into the amp. I am not sure why that is so I'll have to mess around with it somemore to see if I can reduce it. The noise issue is not a show-stopper, but it is something to be aware of so you are not surprised.
It would be more convenient to check and update the firmware through the POD HD USB port connections but thanks to the great folks on this forum, I was able to connect to my PC using MIDI from my ProTools Mbox2 and Line 6 Monkey recognized it right away. So at this point, this is a minor issue for me
Last, and in this case least, the volume pot on my DT50 Head feels like a speed knob. There is very little resitance (i.e., physical) in the pot itself so I have to be careful when turning it up. It feels so loose that it could spin (but in actuality it does not - at least not yet). Surprised the volume pots - and really all of them - aren't a bit more "secure" feeling. Admittedly this is a nit, but for the "flagship amplification" series from Line 6, you would think the pots would feel a bit more premium

Likes:

The HD Modeling just rips! To my ears, the HD models built into the DT50 itself sound better than comparable tones in the POD HD500, however, I am still in the tone-tweaking mode and I am sure I will eventually get them comparable. The cleans are big and full. The in-between sounds are gritty and glassy, and the metal tones are just brutal. Today I started playing around with the different amp models using the POD HD, then messing around wiht the topology, operating class and pentode/triode switches.
Building on point 1 above, it is WAY COOL to be able to have a given amp model on the POD HDs, say a Mesa Recto, and then change the NFL topology, operating class, pentode/triode settings for each. Originally, I thought that when you selected an amp, the analog components of the DT50 automatically switched to match the selected amp model. In fact, that is what does indeed happen. What I did not realize, is that you can any and all of these parameters for a given amp model. So today, I dialed up a Mesa Rectifier tone that originally was NFL IV, Class AB, and Pentode. Turns out, it sounds mean as all you know what in Class A mode. And so on.... Very cool and opens up a world of opportunity. Also, an early "best practice" for me has been to dial in the basic tones on the DT50, then fine tune them on the PODHD500 vs. building them from scratch on the POD.
The overall "feel" of the HD models is more lively and rich. The amp really feels like it pushes, and for metal tones, they have so much more bottom end than the SVs, without the annoying high-end fuzz/sizzle. Not to trash the SV MkIIs - I love mine - its just the DT50 blows it away.

Feature Request:

I would like to have the capability to use the DT50 models on the POD. Let me explain. Without the POD, when you plug into the DT50, you essentially get four "models" based on the NFL topology switch, which you can then tweak as desired. These base models - as best as I can tell - do not correlate directly to the modesl on the PODHD500. For example, the POD had Bogner, Mesa and Engl models for high-gain tones. They all sound different than the DT50 high-gain model plugging straight into the amp (i.e., NFL IV, Class AB, Pentode). I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see an amp "model" available in the POD HDs that is the EXACT same model as plugging directly into the DT50 itself - with no "extra" EQ or coloring of the sound due to cab models, mic models, early reflections and such. The goal would be to be able to select the "DT50 model" in the POD HD and get the SAME EXACT sound as if you plugged into the DT50 directly. The amp stand-alone sounds THAT good.

***

OK - That's it for now. I have found these forums invaluable in the past so this is my attempt to contribute some positive perspective to this community.

Tom