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4946 Views 11 Replies Latest reply: Nov 8, 2011 12:03 PM by MerlinFL RSS
MDinice Just Startin'
MDinice
31 posts since
Feb 10, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 29, 2010 7:49 AM

L6 Link cable?

For those that have a DT50, does a L6 Link cable come with the DT50 (I have an HD500 and a DT50 212 on order) or is it recommended to go out and get your favorite XLR male to XLR female? Will there be an official recommendation or L6 Link cable made available from Line 6? Are there any length limitations before latency may start to occur? I was thinking a 30ft to be on the safe side?

Tags: dt50, l6_link
  • TheRealZap Expert Line 6 User
    TheRealZap
    11,829 posts since
    Dec 22, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 29, 2010 8:03 AM (in response to MDinice)
    Re: L6 Link cable?

    not sure about length issues... but it is just a standard microphone xlr cable...

    don't even think they will sell a L6 LINK specific cable..

    they did this very intentionally so that you could find a backup cable in a pinch if needed...

    i don't think that any of them come with the xlr cable (mine didn't)

    • MDinice Just Startin'
      MDinice
      31 posts since
      Feb 10, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 29, 2010 8:17 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
      Re: L6 Link cable?

      Thanks, It makes sense not to make it proprietary.

      • MIFKAP Just Startin'
        MIFKAP
        7 posts since
        Feb 26, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 7, 2011 9:23 AM (in response to MDinice)
        Re: L6 Link cable?

        Seems to be a standard XLR cable.  It is funny though that nowhere in the manuals do they specify it specifically.  I ended up trying it, but was a bit concerned until it worked.

         

        On another note - relative to the Variax cable.  Is that truly a "special" cable as suggested or can you use a CAT 5 cable?  Could you use the same cable that came with the POD Floorboard that connected the floorboard to a PODXT?  I have an Acoustic Variax and would like to try the interface on the HD500 out, but the manual warns against using a CAT5 cable.

        • TheRealZap Expert Line 6 User
          TheRealZap
          11,829 posts since
          Dec 22, 2006
          Currently Being Moderated
          Jan 7, 2011 10:06 AM (in response to MIFKAP)
          Re: L6 Link cable?

          you can use a cat5 cable without any real issues... but i would only do so when programming the variax... meaning its sitting still....

          the proper cable has protective end on it that help deal with cable stresses from movement etc...

          basically... i'm saying that a 30$ cable is alot cheaper than a potential trip to the service center....

          • gtrman100 Iknowathingortwo
            gtrman100
            479 posts since
            Jan 24, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Jan 7, 2011 1:42 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
            Re: L6 Link cable?

            +1- the regular Cat 5 connector is smaller than the Neutrik one on the VDI cable and using a regular cable will damage the receptacle on the Variax. There are a few custom cable makers that make really good ones. I've sold my 700 and my cable is very lonely waiting for the JTV's to come out.

    • drdamski Just Startin'
      drdamski
      24 posts since
      Dec 12, 2009
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 19, 2011 5:13 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
      Re: L6 Link cable?

      Just bought the DT50 head and POD HD500... the shop chucked in an XLR for free - which was great.

       

      Just thought I'd mention that I found issues with the XLR cable in this rig. The one I got was admittedly free and quite cheap.

       

      The issue I had was a whistling noise from the amp when the guitar volume was down. By bringing the volume pedal on POD to zero it cut it out. And interestingly the pitch of the sound was changeble when I engaged the wah pedal effect with the toeswitch - like a whammy pedal (guitar volume still down). You couldn't hear it above the actual sound from the guitar when playing - but clearly audible in rehearsal whenever I wasn't playing. No good for gigging or recording.

       

      Having tried everything else first, I narrowed the problem down to the XLR cable (which was a relief because I really didn't want to take the POD or DT back to the shop!) - tried it with an XLR from the mics at the rehearsal studio and it was fine.

       

      Going to try to source this one: "Planet Waves Classic Series Microphone Cable" which is what Line 6 recommend here:http://uk.line6.com/l6link/

       

      Anyone else experienced similar?

       

      Seems there's no set way of telling which cables may cause issues so mayne an online thread/database from users with these experiences could help others?

      • bartpuglise Just Startin'
        bartpuglise
        104 posts since
        Mar 16, 2006
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 19, 2011 9:12 AM (in response to drdamski)
        Re: L6 Link cable?

        I posted a thread a week or two ago about exactly the same issue. I thought it was a tube or some global setting issue on my HD500. I purchased a Live Wire DATA/DMX XLR cable and all is fine again. I bought the cable at Guitar Center

      • Iknowathingortwo
        MerlinFL
        1,667 posts since
        Jul 17, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 19, 2011 10:28 AM (in response to drdamski)
        Re: L6 Link cable?

        drdamski wrote:

         

        Just bought the DT50 head and POD HD500... the shop chucked in an XLR for free - which was great.

         

        Just thought I'd mention that I found issues with the XLR cable in this rig. The one I got was admittedly free and quite cheap.

         

        The issue I had was a whistling noise from the amp when the guitar volume was down. By bringing the volume pedal on POD to zero it cut it out. And interestingly the pitch of the sound was changeble when I engaged the wah pedal effect with the toeswitch - like a whammy pedal (guitar volume still down). You couldn't hear it above the actual sound from the guitar when playing - but clearly audible in rehearsal whenever I wasn't playing. No good for gigging or recording.

         

        Having tried everything else first, I narrowed the problem down to the XLR cable (which was a relief because I really didn't want to take the POD or DT back to the shop!) - tried it with an XLR from the mics at the rehearsal studio and it was fine.

         

        Going to try to source this one: "Planet Waves Classic Series Microphone Cable" which is what Line 6 recommend here:http://uk.line6.com/l6link/

         

        Anyone else experienced similar?

         

        Seems there's no set way of telling which cables may cause issues so mayne an online thread/database from users with these experiences could help others?

        Here is something I replaied to on an other thread on the same topic.  Actually there are several threads all talking about XLR cable instead of the CORRECT 3-pin DMX cable.  I really wish Line 6 would get this crap corrected ASAP so people stop having problems or even worse damaging their DT amps!!

         

        Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

        BMoe wrote:

         

        Hey Bartuglise

         

        Found this on youtube, explains the difference between the two cables,

         

         

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4f7WxnMa0Q

         

        I'm guessing the L6 LINK is a data transfer link, so the DMX is the cable to use

         

        If that is the case, Then why don't Line 6 recommend a data cable, instead of a audio cable.

        According to the video, The data cable offers more shielding.And an audio cable is suspect to noise.

         

        I have been using a "good quality" audio cable, but sounds like that's not the "proper cable".

        Anyway, will have to look into getting a DMX cable.

         


        My two cents worth.

         

        BMoe

         

        Yes BMoe - the DMX cable is a data cable and that is EXACTLY what is being transferred from the POD HD pedalboard to any of the DT series amps.  Thanks for finding that YT posting.  I've not looked at it, nor do I know who did it - but I'm glad that others know about this situation and are trying their best to let others learn without having an equipment breakdown first.

         

        Why does Line 6 NOT mention this ANYWHERE except when you ask or talk to a tech after having a problem, I do not know, but I have already written to the company a strong suggestion about mentioning this important detail in all of their promo material, owner's manuals, & website.  Or perhaps offer a DMX cable as a optional accessory for those who want to have a POD HD & DT amp connected??  Oh yeah - and for all those rack or studio people - using a DMX CABLE to connect the new POD PRO...this is VERY SERIOUS especially since it's most likely studio owners will have the POD PRO in the control room and the amp elsewhere.  Usually more than 20 feet away.  The longer the cable the MORE IMPORTANT THIS DMX CABLE BECOMES due to the difference in shielding!!!  Yes - still nothing in any promo material or manual discussing the iLink requiring a DMX cable and these are brand new products!!

         

        Yes - all iLink users PLEASE go out and buy a DMX cableto give your gear the best chance possible from breaking down due to any problems caused by using an incorrect iLink cable.

        

         

        Take care,

        Neal

        • markcockerill Just Startin'
          markcockerill
          246 posts since
          Dec 7, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 2, 2011 6:28 AM (in response to MerlinFL)
          Re: L6 Link cable?

          I thought my HD500 to DT50 head was a tad noisy even with a good quality mic lead. So after reading this topic, bought a DMX cable from DV247 and have to agree. The noise has somewhat abated. I bought a 10 metre one and no issues with that.

           

          I feel more confident knowing I have the right tools for the job, now I can concentrate more on playing and not worrying unduly about what might or might not happen. Like someone said earlier, give your gear the best possible chance of survival.

          • Line6Tony Line 6 Support
            Line6Tony
            1,917 posts since
            Jan 16, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 8, 2011 11:51 AM (in response to markcockerill)
            Re: L6 Link cable?

            http://line6.com/l6link/ says:

             

            "What kind of cable does L6 LINK use?

            L6 LINK works with a standard XLR cable. Because the quality and manufacturing processes of XLR cables vary widely, we can’t guarantee the performance of any particular XLR cable. However, if you are looking for a cable to use with L6 LINK, we recommend the Classic Series Microphone Cable (25 ft.) from Planet Waves, which was among the best we tested."

            However, the POD HD L6 Link Connectivity Guide says an AES-EBU cable is recommended, so it seems there is a bit of confusion here, since the Planet Waves classic series is not an AES cable:

             

            "Connect an XLR cable from the POD HD L6 LINK jack directly to the DT amp’s L6 LINK IN jack (the use of an AES-EBU type XLR cable is highly recommended since this is a digital connection)."

             

            I'm working to have this clarified on the website. Thanks greghall and Rowbi for the research.

             


            • Iknowathingortwo
              MerlinFL
              1,667 posts since
              Jul 17, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Nov 8, 2011 12:03 PM (in response to Line6Tony)
              Re: L6 Link cable?

              Line6Tony wrote:

               

              http://line6.com/l6link/ says:

               

              "What kind of cable does L6 LINK use?

              L6 LINK works with a standard XLR cable. Because the quality and manufacturing processes of XLR cables vary widely, we can’t guarantee the performance of any particular XLR cable. However, if you are looking for a cable to use with L6 LINK, we recommend the Classic Series Microphone Cable (25 ft.) from Planet Waves, which was among the best we tested."

              However, the POD HD L6 Link Connectivity Guide says an AES-EBU cable is recommended, so it seems there is a bit of confusion here, since the Planet Waves classic series is not an AES cable:

               

              "Connect an XLR cable from the POD HD L6 LINK jack directly to the DT amp’s L6 LINK IN jack (the use of an AES-EBU type XLR cable is highly recommended since this is a digital connection)."

               

              I'm working to have this clarified on the website. Thanks greghall and Rowbi for the research.

               


              Hi Tony - does this mean I get my well deserved "EXPERT" tag under my name since I knew the correct answer to the iLink situation even though all the material in the original releases and demo videos said using a typical XLR cable was perfectly fine??  I wrote about this when I got my first pair of DT50 1x12s about 9 months ago.  I just didn't make any sense to use a mic cable, but instead use a cable with shielding designed for data transfer like all the lighting rigs use.  Afterall, it IS only data being sent both ways through the ilink connection, right?

               

              I really would greatly appreciate it getting that tage under my name after all these years of giving correct answers and not getting points for them.  Thanks and I'm glad that at least the website will have the correct info about the iLink function and what cable to use.

               

              Will Line 6 also put that as an addendum to all their owners manuals for the DT line of amps?  I understand that even the brand new DT25s have the same "old" info regarding the iLink?

               

              Take care,

              Neal

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