Community: Latest DT-50 firmware update

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772 Views 24 Replies Latest reply: Dec 9, 2012 2:10 PM by TheRealZap

wolfgang76

29 posts since
Nov 13, 2011

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Nov 3, 2012 12:49 AM

Latest DT-50 firmware update

Has anyone updated their dt-50 with this latest firmware?

Does it sound any different?

I use mine as a stand alone amp with just a wah, tuner and noise suppresor.

Should I bother going out and buying a MIDI interface for this update?

And if yes how would I access the latest updates with just the head alone?

This is a link for the cable that I think I would need, would this work or do I need more stuff?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-to-MIDI-Interface-Cable-for-PC-and-MAC-16-Channels-MIDI-In-MIDI-Out-/170884868173?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item27c988284d

Not really interested in spending hundreds on MIDI devices and what ever else just for an update that I may or may not be able to use anyway...

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markcockerill
246 posts since
Dec 7, 2007

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Nov 6, 2012 9:28 AM (in response to wolfgang76)
Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update

If I have read the blurb correctly then this could be the upgrade I'm been looking for. I pretty much just use two of the Soldano models in the HD500 for the front end to my DT50 head and if these amp models can be programmed to reside in the head then I can do without the HD500 completely. Is this correct?

What looks a little more daunting is how I actually achieve this as I don't have an apple iphone.

I will download the update to my amp when I get home this evening and see what's what. I don't expect the amp to have changed at all immediately after the upgrade.

Any advice from the experts would be most welcome.

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- TheRealZap
  11,829 posts since
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  Nov 6, 2012 9:37 AM (in response to markcockerill)
  Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
  
  the amp won't noticeably change after updating... unless you use midi to change it.
  
  but yeah, you can program any of the current HD500 models directly into the amp...
  4 per channel, so you can have 8 models directly accessible from the DT.
  
  i have updated with the cheap ebay midi device, but as i said... updating alone, doesn't get you much...
  it's what you do after that with midi that will matter...
  be prepared to learn.
  
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  - nd_mustang
    41 posts since
    Dec 22, 2009
    
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    Nov 6, 2012 11:05 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
    Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
    
    That's actually pretty exciting. I have a MIDI cable coming to try this. My question is this - if I change Channel A or B settings to whatever I want when I'm direct via 1/4" cable, what happens when I plug in my HD500 via L6 Link? Does it ignore the changes? Does it use the amp that I set up via MIDI *plus* the amp that I set up via HD500 in some weird "combo"; i.e. it sends the sound of the, lets say, JCM (on the HD500) through to the amp, which is set to a channel that has Soldano Crunch, and somehow kind of combine them? Or does it "unhook" the amp settings in the DT while using a HD500?
    
    For the other guy asking about getting rid of your HD500 - my bet is that you won't get all of the flexibility just thru the amp that you likley want; i.e. all the other pedals, boxes, etc. that are in the HD500.
    
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    - TheRealZap
      11,829 posts since
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      Nov 6, 2012 11:39 AM (in response to nd_mustang)
      Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
      
      the L6LINK will more or less disable the amp's standalone settings and be a total slave to the HD.
      
      the update really doesn't do much of anything in a dream rig type setup.
      
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    - markcockerill
      246 posts since
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      Nov 7, 2012 3:54 AM (in response to nd_mustang)
      Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
      
      The way I use the HD500 for gigs is this, I only use the pre amp model, delay and reverb. So, this update will allow me to take the HD500 from my board and I will use instead my Memory man and program the amp with the reverb I normally get from the 500, of course I will have to revert to using my amp channel switch. So for me, my signal chain will be:
      
      JTV > Crybaby > MXR Distortion III (used like a tube screamer) > amp input
      
      DT50 Head Loop out > Ernie Ball Volume pedal > Memory man > MXR 10 band EQ > amp return
      
      This is pretty much how I operate my rig now with the HD500, so as far as I am concerned I can leave it in the studio. This suits my particular needs perfectly and of couse may not suit other that need extra flexibility.
      
      It does look like I am going to have to get my head around programming the midi codes to change the pre amp structure and when I have worked out an easy solution for doing this I will gladly post an easy to follow guide as to how I did it. I didn't get chance last night, I was out jammin so I will defo be doing this tonight.
      
      Things are indeed looking good
      
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      - markcockerill
        246 posts since
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        Nov 7, 2012 7:25 AM (in response to markcockerill)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        Actually guys, this looks straight forward enough now that I have read through the midi section of the HD500 advanced user guide. I'll keep you posted.
        
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        markcockerill
        246 posts since
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        Nov 7, 2012 11:47 AM (in response to markcockerill)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        Indeed it is easy.
        Downloaded and installed amp firmware and followed the instructions as per the updated advanced user guides to program the amp.
        
        My DT50 head is now a Soldano without a HD500 in site, result. Anyone got any stickers?
        
        Anyone need any help on this, feel free to give me a shout.
        
        Regards
        
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        nd_mustang
        41 posts since
        Dec 22, 2009
        
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        Nov 7, 2012 12:17 PM (in response to markcockerill)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        So, what did you do to update it? What software did you use? Just Line 6 Monkey?
        
        I can update the DT50 fine for the software, but what software did you use to adjust the MIDI settings?
        
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        markcockerill
        246 posts since
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        Nov 7, 2012 3:25 PM (in response to nd_mustang)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        Hello mate,
        
        Monkey to update amp via midi leads from my Tascam audio interface.
        
        To program the amp, I just plugged a midi lead from the out socket on my HD500 and connected it to the Midi in on the amp. Hold down the move button on the HD and wait a second or two and you are in midi control command. I programmed simple at first like just changing channels on the amp and from the start it just simply works. You must download the PDF which lists all the midi commands to control the amp. It was all very simple really. I'm so pleased I have the HD as I could not do it any other way without a lot of study of Cubase 6 which is also what I use on the PC.
        
        Need any more help just ask.
        
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        markcockerill
        246 posts since
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        Nov 7, 2012 3:47 PM (in response to markcockerill)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        I have now gone back to this pedal board without the HD500 now that the amp sounds like a Soldano. Only the Wah and MXR distortion 3 run into the amp input, everything else runs in the loop of the amp.
        
        Note, both the Memory Man and the KFK 10 band EQ have dual ins and outs, so if the worst should happen to my amp, I can use my backup Mesa 50/50 stereo head and feed both input channels of that amp. Memory Man is the last in line. My board might not be the way some others may have it rigged it up but it works for me and sounds incredibly good.
        
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        Crusty_Old_Rocker
        3,096 posts since
        Jan 24, 2007
        
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        Nov 19, 2012 1:20 PM (in response to markcockerill)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        markcockerill wrote:
        
        My DT50 head is now a Soldano without a HD500 in site, result. Anyone got any stickers?
        
        +1
        
        Yeah, it's pretty awesome. I have one DT50 that's now my Fender collection (combining Deluxe - both channels, Twin - both channels, Bassman - both channesl & Soldano - Clean and Crunch). The Soldano was added mostly to have a super clean amp tone (cleaner than the Twin). I can channel switch to switch between the normal and bright channels of the Fender amps and to get gritty Soldano goodness.
        
        Try this if you're looking for super clean... Combine the Soldano Clean Pre with a Class A power amp, B+ Low, 12AX7 Normal (not boost). That gives a very clean amp tone.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Crusty
        
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  - wolfgang76
    29 posts since
    Nov 13, 2011
    
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    Nov 10, 2012 2:17 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
    Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
    
    Yes It says you'll have about 10 or 20 something extra amps,different reverbs and lots of other stuff that you can edit using an iphone or pc.
    
    But what if you want to go back to the original sound of the amp (like stock standard from the shop), are the original amp/models part of the list?
    Or do you lose it for the upgrade? It doesnt quite say what the original 'Modern Hi Gain' amp is modelled after, I assume its a rectifier?
    
    The link for the extra amps etc etc http://line6.com/dtv2update/
    
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    - TheRealZap
      11,829 posts since
      Dec 22, 2006
      
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      Nov 10, 2012 5:03 AM (in response to wolfgang76)
      Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
      
      you can go back to factory defaults without even hooking up a midi device...
      simply pinch the topo and triode buttons together while powering on, and the original as shipped settings will load.
      
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      - wolfgang76
        29 posts since
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        Nov 11, 2012 4:13 AM (in response to TheRealZap)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        This is probably going to sound dumb because I have no idea about midi...
        So with this new update and midi thing am I able to plug in a midi board like say a Behringer FCB1010 midi foot controller to the dt50 head and make use of the added extras?
        
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        TheRealZap
        11,829 posts since
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        Nov 11, 2012 8:17 AM (in response to wolfgang76)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        the things you can change aren't the kind of stuff you'd really want to change on the fly like that...
        i don't have that particular foot controller, but it would probably work...
        i'd recommend just getting a pod hd500 if you really want more control on the floor.
        
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        wolfgang76
        29 posts since
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        Nov 17, 2012 4:58 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        I do not want the HD500 if it bypasses the pre amp.
        Besides if the HD500 basically turns the DT50 head into a slave, then what is the point of buying the head? You might as well just buy any power amp with a midi interface.
        
        I really like the sound of the DT50 head, that is why I am interested in this new firmware with the different pre amp configs and etc etc.
        
        I am willing to learn about this Midi if thats what it takes, everyone had to start somewhere...
        
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        TheRealZap
        11,829 posts since
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        Nov 17, 2012 5:55 PM (in response to wolfgang76)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        uhm... the pod hd500 and the DT have the same pre-amps....
        
        but whatever dude.... you can put your cart in front of your horse and keep pushing.
        they are designed as an integrated system, so they've made many "points" to having the 2 units used together.
        
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        BluesPlayer76
        9 posts since
        Feb 1, 2012
        
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        Nov 19, 2012 10:56 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        Hey there -
        
        I'm a guitarist, not a keyboard player - and hooking my DT50 up via midi cables to my computer is the most I've done with midi (to get this update).
        
        Are there any resources out there - pdf, videos, etc. to understand how to take advantage of this update?
        
        Additionally, the Midi Mobilizer II - does it work with ipad (3rd generation aka "new")? I'm thinking it does not, which is a bummer for me.
        
        I still need the HD500 for drive, delay, wah, volume and chorus/flange. Is it better to stay with the "dream rig" approach?
        
        Spencer
        
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        TheRealZap
        11,829 posts since
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        Nov 20, 2012 5:55 AM (in response to BluesPlayer76)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        i use mobilizer II with an ipad3, no problem
        
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        wolfgang76
        29 posts since
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        Nov 24, 2012 7:03 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        Im sorry mate but I am just pointing out what another 'Expert User' has said about it ok, and thats the answer I got. "yes the head turns into a slave", not the same sound as head alone etc etc etc...
        
        You were saying ' I can put my cart in front of my horse and keep pushing', Are you trying to be smart mate?
        
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        TheRealZap
        11,829 posts since
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        Nov 25, 2012 6:53 PM (in response to wolfgang76)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        No i'm telling you... it is 100% the same sound... just because some novice users come here and moan about not being able to figure it out.... does not make it true...
        the pre-amps in the hd500 and the dt50 are both identical and 100% digital... of course "the head turns into a slave" because a pre-amp into another pre-amp would suck....
        the internal power amp relays change just the same as if you were using the head/amp alone....
        
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        wolfgang76
        29 posts since
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        Dec 7, 2012 10:20 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        Ok no worries I get it, its 100% the same... It does not appear to be novice users that moan and complain about not figuring it out. They are actually experienced users who have been using L6 gear for years such as working musicians, I.T. guys and just the usual hobbyist. So yes I take note from guys that have years of experience with this gear.
        
        Anyway I have worked out how to use it now, didnt know all I needed was a program like MIDIOX and your pretty much set. Quite simple.
        
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        TheRealZap
        11,829 posts since
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        Dec 9, 2012 2:10 PM (in response to wolfgang76)
        Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update
        
        wolfgang76 wrote:
        
        It does not appear to be novice users that moan and complain about not figuring it out.
        probably true... but sometimes experience works against us... wanting things to work like they used to...
        when it's a whole new piece of equipment....
        glad that you were able to get what you needed out of it...
        
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wolfgang76
29 posts since
Nov 13, 2011

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Dec 7, 2012 9:58 PM (in response to wolfgang76)
Re: Latest DT-50 firmware update

Thanks for all the helpful tips to everyone that posted here, appreciate it

I found a video that maybe of help to anyone that has no idea about how to access the latest amps on your DT-50 head.
It sure helped me as I have no idea about using midi, or have the time (and/or patience). Once you have the Midi-Usb cable, download MIDI-OX
and then watch this video, check it out here -http://youtu.be/yPttFc-iCYE

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Nov 3, 2012 12:49 AM

Latest DT-50 firmware update

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