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3541 Views 12 Replies Latest reply: May 13, 2011 7:14 PM by evolDiesel RSS
evolDiesel Just Startin'
evolDiesel
27 posts since
May 7, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Aug 24, 2010 10:49 AM

FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

I'm new to Spider Valve, but not new to Line 6 (Flextone II, HD147, Vetta II, Toneport UX1).

 

I need to pick up an FBV, but I'm confused on what to buy.  I was just going to buy an FBV shortboard or longboard, but it looks I should be buying an FBV MKII.

 

Is this correct?

Will the older FBV's work at all?  If so, what is/are the limitations?

What's the deal with FBV MKII?  Is it just USB connectivity?

 

Thanks in advance to the Line 6 geek(s) who knows this one in his sleep

  • sofnwhat Just Startin'
    sofnwhat
    687 posts since
    Jan 25, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Aug 24, 2010 11:10 AM (in response to evolDiesel)
    Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

    Any regular FBV will work with your MkII as well a FBV MkII will work with a MkI SV. You're really going to want the FBV MkII with your amp. It has an extra button or 2 for controlling the looper, but more important is the USB. With the USB you can update your amp and access editing software for building and saving your patches.

    • evolDiesel Just Startin'
      evolDiesel
      27 posts since
      May 7, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Aug 30, 2010 2:32 PM (in response to sofnwhat)
      Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

      Let me go full blown noob for a moment...

       

      I have a Spider Valve MK1 HD100 and an FBV MK2.

       

      With that combination, if I go:

       

      laptop --> (USB) --> FBV --> (RJ45) --> HD100


      I can edit tones and update the firmware of the HD100?  I'm assuming the only magic I need are some drivers that Line 6 Monkey will get me?

       

      You'll have to forgive me.  Up to this point I ran Flextone 2, HD147, and Vetta 2... and all of those used the midi-USB cable.


      THANKS!

      • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
        spaceatl
        4,456 posts since
        Jan 24, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Aug 30, 2010 2:57 PM (in response to evolDiesel)
        Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

        You can't update the firmware in a MK1...The MK2 FBV is compatable only...

        • evolDiesel Just Startin'
          evolDiesel
          27 posts since
          May 7, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Aug 30, 2010 3:20 PM (in response to spaceatl)
          Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

          (The lightbulb just turned on above my head)...

           

          Are you saying that the SV MK1 is not upgradeable (firmware) and you can only create/modify/save tones using the front of the unit?  That's going to suck...  I like using the computer a lot more.

           

          DERRRRRrrrrrrr.... maybe this $450 ebay snag of a MK1 wasn't so bright after all

          • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
            spaceatl
            4,456 posts since
            Jan 24, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Aug 30, 2010 4:12 PM (in response to evolDiesel)
            Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

            Not a terrible deal from what I can tell...Yes, the SV Mark 1 is not user updatable...The modeling boards between the MK1 and MK2 are completely and totally different hardware and firmware families.

             

            Not that this will make you feel any better (I hope it does ), but I was a pretty hardcore Flextone III XL user when the SV first came around 3 years ago....Although the Flextone does have more controllable FX than the SV MK1, I have NOT performed live with my Flextone III since I got this amp...There are a total of 9 knobs to turn on an SV MK1 to cook up a tone...Nothing to it...That was one of the other reasons I moved over to the SV...The main reason was the awesome feel this amp has...tone for days...I was a bit tired of deep editing the Flexy...3 years and a few mods later my little SV is one of my favorite amps of all time...It is also the first production hybrid modeling amp that I know of...I think it's a classic in the making...but everyone has thier own needs to satisfy...good luck sir!

            • evolDiesel Just Startin'
              evolDiesel
              27 posts since
              May 7, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Sep 19, 2010 11:59 AM (in response to spaceatl)
              Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

              Spaceatl,

               

              Bought the SV MK1 on ebay for $420 and found out 5 minutes into running it that the DSP board had to be replaced, however the seller is covering the entire cost ($209).  I would urge anyone buying a used SV (or any amp for that matter) to consider ebay.  I say that because had the purchase occured through a forum or craigslist, I wouldn't have gotten it paid for.  At least with ebay & paypal there is accountability.  Just a little FYI for anyone stumbling on this thread ...

      • sofnwhat Just Startin'
        sofnwhat
        687 posts since
        Jan 25, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Sep 1, 2010 4:42 AM (in response to evolDiesel)
        Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

        Sorry man, for some reason I thought you were asking about the SV MkII and FBV's. The MkI is a great amp regardless of it's updating and editing nonability. You got a great deal on a great amp.

        • evolDiesel Just Startin'
          evolDiesel
          27 posts since
          May 7, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Sep 1, 2010 7:39 AM (in response to sofnwhat)
          Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

          Hey guys,

           

          No worries.  I should have researched the 2 amps a little better before I purchased.  I knew that MK2 existed, but I assumed I could upgrade the MK1 to the same firmware (just like a Vetta I firmware to a Vetta II).... but never pieced it together that the MK1 has no USB/MIDI.

           

          It hasn't been since the Flextone II days that I created tones through the front of the amp.  With the HD147 & Vetta 2, I used Line 6 Edit.  And loved it.  But I'm sure I will learn to live with the .... uhhh... simplicity offered through the front of a Line 6 (Vetta 2 most certainly not included in that statement lol).

           

          Hey... to sum it up, I got the SV1 for $450 and a used FBV MK2 off GC's used database for $99.  So, whole set up for $550.  Now if I can just find an Orange or Vader cab for cheap (not happening).

           

          Thanks guys!

          • evolDiesel Just Startin'
            evolDiesel
            27 posts since
            May 7, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Sep 1, 2010 7:44 AM (in response to evolDiesel)
            Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

            One last thing... can you guys post me some useful links/resources in here (or elsewhere) regarding the SV1.

             

            I'm talking about:
            tonal suggestions
            mods
            notorious stuff to look out for
            other important stuff to know about
            accessories (good place to pick up a hard case)

             

            - Thanks

          • tscoolberth Just Startin'
            tscoolberth
            15 posts since
            Mar 27, 2011
            Currently Being Moderated
            May 13, 2011 6:58 PM (in response to evolDiesel)
            Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

            Same here, bought all my stuff used but still happy.  Just trying to figure out most cost-effective way to 1) hook up to guitar port  2) do direct line recording 3) improve the effect situation (would like better stereo choruses & better digital delay and make sure any distortion goes before those two!)

             

            Will one device do all 3 ?  Line 6 POD XT ? X3?

             

            Or is it better to just upgrade to a MKII via  trade in at Guitar Center ?

            • evolDiesel Just Startin'
              evolDiesel
              27 posts since
              May 7, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              May 13, 2011 7:14 PM (in response to tscoolberth)
              Re: FBV compatibility (FBV MKII discussion)

              I started cheating on Line 6 with Guitar Rig 4 and now I can't go back.  It's gotten so bad that I plan to sell my SV and build up a GR4 rack based rig.  I just bought a Kore Control pedal unit today.  Madean offer on a MosValve 2U 1160 today.  Can't think of a more extreme "modeling" based live set up than where this is headed

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