Skip navigation
Up to Discussions in DT 50 User's Group
1141 Views 7 Replies Latest reply: Feb 1, 2012 10:29 AM by MerlinFL RSS
bartpuglise Just Startin'
bartpuglise
104 posts since
Mar 16, 2006
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 12, 2011 6:42 AM

Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

Just a word to the wise. Don't use cheap XLR's when using the L6 Link. For the last few weeks at rehearsal I kept hearing a distant feedback on my DT50 and it was driving me nuts! I checked and rechecked all my patches and couldn't find anything wrong. Finally last night at rehearsal I swapped out my CHEAP XLR with a Mogami mic cable and the feedback disappeared. First  RULE!!! Always check your cables!! DUH!!!

  • Iknowathingortwo
    MerlinFL
    1,667 posts since
    Jul 17, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 31, 2012 1:31 PM (in response to bartpuglise)
    Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

    It's not just cheap XLR cables, the PROPER L6 Link cable is a DMX cable which is NOT stated in ANY manual, but IS the correct cable.  You can buy or order these cables from any quality pro stage lighting store.

     

    ANY microphone XLR cable WILL eventually cause damage and failure.  Go "3 pin DMX" or suffer the consequences!!

     

    Take care,

    Neal

  • BMoe Just Startin'
    BMoe
    62 posts since
    Feb 7, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 12, 2011 4:58 PM (in response to bartpuglise)
    Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

    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

    • Iknowathingortwo
      MerlinFL
      1,667 posts since
      Jul 17, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 31, 2012 1:33 PM (in response to BMoe)
      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 expect when you ask or talk to a tech after having a problem, I do not know, but something I have already written a company/suggestion about in all of their promo material and 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 POD PRO is VERY SERIOUS especially since it's most likely studio owners will have the POD PRO in the control and the amp elsewhere and 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 L6 Link 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 a non-data L6 Link cable.

      • drdamski Just Startin'
        drdamski
        24 posts since
        Dec 12, 2009
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 31, 2012 5:29 AM (in response to MerlinFL)
        Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

        Hi Merlin,

         

        I've posted on one or two threads regarding this previously.

         

        Just thought I'd feedback that I've been using a DMX cable and still getting some unwanted noises when the guitar volume pot is turned to Zero.

         

        This seems to be at least partly dependent on the quality of wiring in the powersupply at the venue/studio, and is particularly noticeable when using a patch with a distortion pedal model engaged.

         

        The search for the best cable continues, but it appears it may not always be only the cable?

         

        Hope this info is useful.

        • Iknowathingortwo
          MerlinFL
          1,667 posts since
          Jul 17, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Jan 31, 2012 1:30 PM (in response to drdamski)
          Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

          drdamski wrote:

           

          Hi Merlin,

           

          I've posted on one or two threads regarding this previously.

           

          Just thought I'd feedback that I've been using a DMX cable and still getting some unwanted noises when the guitar volume pot is turned to Zero.

           

          This seems to be at least partly dependent on the quality of wiring in the powersupply at the venue/studio, and is particularly noticeable when using a patch with a distortion pedal model engaged.

           

          The search for the best cable continues, but it appears it may not always be only the cable?

           

          Hope this info is useful.

          All real world info is valuable in my humble opinion.

           

          Have you checked your GATE setting and where in the signal chain you have it?  I ask since you mentioned this sound is more obvious with the guitar off but the patch is still running.

           

          If it IS purely electrical, then I would strongly suggest saving up and spending the money for a TRUE voltage REGULATOR as well as CONDITIONER.  If you can afford one with a few minutes of backup power, even better as the battery acts as an additional surge protector, line conditioner.  These single or two-space rack units are not cheap, but the difference they make in your gears performance is quite noticable.  Not just for Line 6 gear, but ALL your gear.  "Furman" or "Juice Goose" are just two well established brand names in this market.

           

          All the best and take care,

          Neal

          • drdamski Just Startin'
            drdamski
            24 posts since
            Dec 12, 2009
            Currently Being Moderated
            Feb 1, 2012 7:55 AM (in response to MerlinFL)
            Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

            Appreciate the ideas - thanks.

             

            Gonna check re: noise gate.

             

            Where in the chain would you recommend given the above scenario?

             

            Thanks again!

            • Iknowathingortwo
              MerlinFL
              1,667 posts since
              Jul 17, 2007
              Currently Being Moderated
              Feb 1, 2012 10:29 AM (in response to drdamski)
              Re: Don't use Cheap XLR'S for L6 Link

              drdamski wrote:

               

              Appreciate the ideas - thanks.

               

              Gonna check re: noise gate.

               

              Where in the chain would you recommend given the above scenario?

               

              Thanks again!

              I hope my suggestions help.

               

              In high gain situations, I would put the gate after the amp and before all lengthy FX like delays, etc., or the gate will but those short.  What has worked for me is setting the threshold with the guitar at playing volume, as well as the amp, etc. as would be on stage or in the studio.  Then dial the gate sensitivity up until the sound is cut off.  Then hit a couple of chords and see how much "hiss" you get after you stop the chord by palm muting.  Shorten the release time and hold time (if applicable) until the gate closes almost immediately after your last "hit".  This is best usually for just playing rhythm as the gate will be too hard on single note soloing unless you are playing a thousands notes per sec.  LOL  You might need to use TWO gates in your signal chain so you can have one that is set for soloing, and another that is set for rhythm.  Then you just turn off the one for rhythm and leave the solo one one all the time.

               

              If you have to set the gates so high that you are cutting your sound off then perhaps it's not just noise you are dealing with and it might have to be re-examined?

               

              If you want further explanation of this procedure, please PM me.

               

              Take care,

              Neal

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Incoming Links

Bookmarked By (0)