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Up to Discussions in James Tyler Variax Guitars
3859 Views 33 Replies Latest reply: Nov 16, 2012 2:04 PM by TheRealZap RSS
piratazo1 Just Startin'
piratazo1
7 posts since
Oct 14, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 18, 2011 4:09 AM

How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

Hi all

I apologize, my English is very basic.

 

I bought the guitar James Tyler and I am delighted with it.

 

But I'm very disappointed in is the power system, always relying ion battery does not seem a good choice because the battery don´t provides 10 hours of real use as it says in the manual. And time to recharge the battery is too long.

 

In the manual they give you the option of using the XPS-DI box, but apparently Line6 has stopped manufacturing this box

 

This guitar so fantastic, when you use it live, or if you fancy a long study session with it constantly makes you be aware of the state of charge.

 

My question is: is there a chance to buy the XPS-DI box in Europe or Line6?.

 

Honestly, if I had known that these guitars only use batteries as main power source ...... I would not have bought, I thought Line6 still selling the XPS-DI box as an option.

 

It is assumed that a guitar is to give a very continuous use if you like, without having to monitor state of charge you have left.

 

a greeting

Tags: model, interface, variax, vdi, workbench, battery, tuning, accessories, guitar, connection, switch, power, x3l, pickup, us, james, tyler, jtv, jtv-69, jtv69, jtv-59, jtv59, 59, jtv-89, humbucker
  • TheRealZap Expert Line 6 User
    TheRealZap
    11,829 posts since
    Dec 22, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 17, 2011 5:37 PM (in response to piratazo1)
    Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

    you can also power it with one of the pods.

    • piratazo1 Just Startin'
      piratazo1
      7 posts since
      Oct 14, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 17, 2011 5:57 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
      Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

      Actually this is the best answer you can give me?.

       

       

      I have to spend over 500 dollars on a pedal (which I do not need, because I have the AXE FX Ultra rack) to have continuous power on my Variax?

       

       

      It's a great solution! is like telling me to buy a cow to drink a glass of milk

       

       

      Forgive me but If this is the best solution that can provide an expert user of LINE6, I think this is the first and last time I buy a product LINE6.

       

       

      a greeting

      
  • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo
    edstar1960
    712 posts since
    May 25, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 18, 2011 3:34 AM (in response to piratazo1)
    Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

    Hi piratazo1,

     

    The DI box may be discontinued but you can still get it either on ebay as used or brand new from some stores:

     

    http://www.thomann.de/gb/line6_xps_mini_power_supply.htm

     

    You can also buy the A/B footswitch which was supplied as the power source for the first generation Variax, and these are available on ebay or from stores:


    http://www.dv247.com/guitars/line-6-variax-a-b-footswitch-pedal--41683

     

    Both of these will be able to power your JTV via a TRS cable into the normal 1/4" jack socket.

     

    Your other choices are buying a second Li-ion battery from Line6 or a Line6 dealer - I think you can order these now.

     

    Or the most expensive option is to use one of the POD's that has a Variax interface - but obviously this is not a good option if you already have a multi-fx/amp modeller unit from another vendor.

     

    My advice is to get one or two of the above power supplies while they are still available.

     

    Good luck!

     

    
  • piratazo1 Just Startin'
    piratazo1
    7 posts since
    Oct 14, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 18, 2011 4:11 AM (in response to piratazo1)
    Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

    Thank you very much everyone for providing solutions that are more viable to spend $ 500 on a pedal that can never compete POD with AXE FX.

     

     

    Nor am I asking for something unusual ... a guitar should be totally autonomous and have two ways of handling: direct current and batteries and if we are serious about this .... Line6 has had a major failure to distribute this great guitar model only one stack. At least Line6 manual should notify the options that you have been advised to me.

     

     

    I will try all means you have so kindly advised  to me: buy 2 ion batteries and try to buy the XPS LINE6 MINI POWER SUPPLY.

     

     

    Thank you all for answering and giving me options, I'm new to the Variax guitar and the truth is I was very disappointed, not with the guitar, if not with the battery life (which does not work 10 hours as promised in the manual) and time it takes to recharge.

     

     

    Greetings to all, will keep you informed if I get all these things to enjoy full-time guitar

    
    • sparkyERTW Just Startin'
      sparkyERTW
      271 posts since
      Feb 23, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 18, 2011 5:18 AM (in response to piratazo1)
      Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

      Well, here's another thought: if you're not reaching anywhere near the 10 hours of battery life suggested, is it possible you've got a defective unit?  I can't say as mine hasn't arrived yet (argh!) and I don't know how short of 10 hours you're getting, but if you shared how off-the-mark it is, maybe someone can give you an idea if what you're seeing is signs of a flaw.

      • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo
        edstar1960
        712 posts since
        May 25, 2010
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 18, 2011 6:43 AM (in response to sparkyERTW)
        Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

        True - there have been reports of batteries draining even when the JTV is not plugged in.

         

        Remember to always unplug your JTV when not in use to maximise battery life.

         

        If you don't wish to always unplug it, then remember to turn the volume control down to zero as this will then put the JTV in a sleep mode after a minute - and this will also maximise battery usage.  (Although I have seen some reports from users who have said this also drained the battery for them).  I usually unplug mine and my battery seems to last for ages - I haven't actually tried it for 12 hours though as I usually power the guitar through the VDI from my X3L or my HD500.  I think the advertised maximum battery life for a fully charged battery (ie: one that has been left in the charger for an hour or so after the full charge light is on) in a JTV should be 12 hours.

  • piratazo1 Just Startin'
    piratazo1
    7 posts since
    Oct 14, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 18, 2011 11:26 AM (in response to piratazo1)
    Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

    Hello fellow

     

     

    I was lucky and thanks to you I have bought from an online store (new, not second hand):

     

     

    1 PX-2 AC Power Supply
    1 Variax A / B Footswitch Pedal
    1 Variax Digital Cable

     

     

    Since I have only to wait until I get my order that they inexplicably does have an online music store and Line6 are discontinued. ¿?¿?¿?

     

     

    But there's one more thing that makes you want to mourn or to laugh ...... is that in Europe, (where I am) Line6 distributes all its products, guitars, pedals and so on. and on the contrary, Li-Ion Battery JTV, Line6 will take even 2 months to circulate around the world ¿?¿?¿?

     

     

    How can a company as prestigious as serious like Line6, may have a distribution and sales department full of brainless incompetent?

     

     

    Sadly Apparently they only think about sales and forget to give the user a serial cradle.

     

     

    Line6 has become a serious guitar like James Tyler ... in an expensive toy (until the batteries reach the entire globe or can acquire the Variax A / B Footswitch Pedal, while this happens I doubt that many musicians try give a live concert knowing that only have one battery, which takes over 3 hours to recharge.)

     

     

    It is assumed that a guitar is to use all the time you want, but for now I have a toy that sounds fantastic. I expect my order to arrive soon and return to a real guitar.

    Greetings to all and thanks for the help

    
    • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo
      edstar1960
      712 posts since
      May 25, 2010
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 18, 2011 2:16 PM (in response to piratazo1)
      Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

      Hello piratazo1,

       

      Just wondered why have you ordered a Variax Digital Cable?  This can only be used to power the guitar when connected to a Pod XTLive, X3Live or HD500. (BTW - It can also be used to swap guitar models remotely from the POD when swapping patches on the POD).

       

      To power the guitar from the A/B footswitch you need to order a balanced TRS jack to jack cable.  Effectively a stereo 1/4" jack to jack. These used to be supplied with the Variax 700 along with the A/B footswitch.

       

      The TRS cable runs from the JTV to the A/B box to get power and then you use a normal 1/4" jack or an XLR balanced lead out from the A/B box to either your guitar amp or direct to mixer/PA desk.

       

      If you already have a TRS jack to jack then you don't need to order one.

       

      Hope that helps!

      
      • piratazo1 Just Startin'
        piratazo1
        7 posts since
        Oct 14, 2011
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 18, 2011 3:13 PM (in response to edstar1960)
        Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

        Thank you very much for your help star1960.

        Can you tell me if this is the cable you are referring to the store to order it?: http://www.dv247.es/invt/86/

         

         

        Thank you very much for your help.

         

         

        a greeting

        
        • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo
          edstar1960
          712 posts since
          May 25, 2010
          Currently Being Moderated
          Oct 19, 2011 1:09 AM (in response to piratazo1)
          Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

          Yes that is the type of cable I am referring to.

           

          It does not have to be that specific cable - there are many TRS jack to TRS jack cables available - some are much cheaper than that one.  You should buy the cable that is the quality and price point you are comfortable with.

          • JCJCJC Just Startin'
            JCJCJC
            44 posts since
            Dec 6, 2006
            Currently Being Moderated
            Oct 24, 2011 2:40 PM (in response to edstar1960)
            Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

            Hi There,

            It would appear that you have resolution on this, but if not, I have opened a ticket for you to have contact with me directly.

             

            Thanks

            JC

            • piratazo1 Just Startin'
              piratazo1
              7 posts since
              Oct 14, 2011
              Currently Being Moderated
              Oct 28, 2011 2:54 PM (in response to JCJCJC)
              Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

              Hello

              Thanks for your response, but too late.

               

               

              Line6 really should consider re-building the Variax A / B Footswitch Pedal or other similar option.

               

               

              It is unthinkable to use the guitar James Tyler for professional music production
              , While you do not supply Europe with spare batteries (however, you do sell to Europe guitars, pedals, etc.. But not spare batteries for the moment)

               

               

              A single stack that takes more than three hours to recharge and many users complain that it does not last long promised in the manual. It is the best option that Line 6 can offer to the musicians for live performances??

               

               

              Honestly, if I know that James tyler guitar is a toy with batteries, would not have bought.

              Of course if we talk about the sound and quality ... the guitar is fantastic in these areas

               

               

              I thought you were following distributing Variax guitars with the A / B Footswitch Pedal.

               

              Thank you for forcing me to go to an online store to buy the A / B Footswitch Pedal you should  follow offering along with the guitar James Tyler (that you were doing before with the Variax models and everyone was happy).

              Kind regards

              
  • Rowbi Expert Line 6 User
    Rowbi
    7,745 posts since
    Nov 25, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 28, 2011 11:33 PM (in response to piratazo1)
    Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

    I just wanted to clarify a few things in this thread that are incorrect...  Just in case someone in the future looks for the same info.

     

    The vdi cable doesn't use power over Ethernet, because its not using Ethernet, which is a networking protocol and nothing to do with the jtv guitars...  Yes it's a network cable, but a cable is only a bunch of wires to carry some data.  Line 6 use their own protocols over the wire.

     

    The xps mini I don't think is suitable for the jtv.  Only the xps-DI which is now discontinued, or it's replacement the xps a/b.  to use the a/b you will also need a stereo TRS cable no longer than 6m but shorter is fine, a standard guitar lead or XLR cable and lastly a line6 PX2 power supply to power it.  You will need Te px2 to be bought in your local region so the input voltage is correct.  The xps ab doesn't come with those cables and px2 though.

     

    Of course a POD with Variax connection and a VDI cable would work and give you extra features, but of you don't have one and don't need one then yes it's not a sensible Option.  But it's still an option for some, and for many people that's the desired option to get the most from the jtv.

     

    Perhaps another great idea would be getting spare batteries and a spare charger.  If you play a lot then you could always be charging a spare battery or two.  Andertons.co.uk just started listing the spare jtv batteries so they are becoming available.

     

    Hope this helps for clarification

     

    Rowbi

    • piratazo1 Just Startin'
      piratazo1
      7 posts since
      Oct 14, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 31, 2011 7:25 AM (in response to Rowbi)
      Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

      Thank you very much for the info, but I have visited the online store you recommend: http://www.andertons.co.uk/ but in the search of the store are not on sale Li-Ion Battery JTV. currently only the guitars are for sale (as in all the shops in Europe) but no trace of the batteries at the moment.

      As I have said many times, it is incomprehensible that Line6 distributed to the rest of the world, an instrument with only a battery as the only option

      And most shameful is that advertising of the guitar, Line6 not tell you this clearly. I was falsely convinced that I could easily buy more batteries in Europe and besides the guitar came with the XPS-DI box or other similar option (Line6 did before this with Variax models 600, 700 etc.)..

      I pray that if you know the exact page that appears JTV Li-Ion Battery in http://www.andertons.co.uk/ (or any part of Europe) tell me, I have sought in various ways and did not appear in the list.

      Thank you very much everyone for helping me more than what this company is doing.

      Best regards

      
  • ScottPayer Just Startin'
    ScottPayer
    5 posts since
    Jul 2, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 13, 2011 11:34 AM (in response to piratazo1)
    Re: How is it possible that the XPS-DI box is no longer manufactured?

    I’m not looking for an answer, I’m just sharing my experience. I have read all the previous replies here.

     

    I found myself in the same predicament as the original poster. Yesterday I bought a brand new JTV-89 in the box from the local guitar center. The research I did ahead of time gave me the comfort of knowing I could still buy the XPS-DI since I will only use it at home as a hobbyist and am never that far from my gear. The reliability of having a regular power source was a key part of my purchase decision. Now when I actually go to look for the XPS-DI… well you know… you’ve all read the posts…

     

    Here are the mixed signals I get from the line 6 website after trying to figure out where to buy this thing. Please note the modified dates of the two pages.

     

    On the JTV FAQ page  (Modified date October 14th 2011), under the Battery section it says:

    “…Or, use the optional XPS-DI direct box/power supply and TRS cable.…”

    http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-2322

     

    On another page under the XPS-DI answer for the Question “What is the XPS unit” (Modified date of Oct 28, 2009 9:51 AM) it says it was shipped with a Variax bass and describes how to use it but the very last sentence says: “Note:  This unit is no longer available as the Variax bass has been discontinued.”

    http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-4699

     

    And today, December 13th 2011 I called Line 6 this morning, spoke with Hugo who transferred me to parts where I spoke with Neil. Neil told me they still have them in stock and I would have to do a special order from my dealer and he gave me the part number to use when I asked them to order it. The part # for the XPS-DI is 50-00-0148.

     

    BTW: MusiciansFriend told me they will not do special orders unless it’s over $100.00.

     

    I called my local guitar center and asked them to order it. He said he would call me as soon as they respond to his voicemail and let me know if he can confirm it can be shipped.

     

    Too much negative drama accompanying the purchase of this fantastic mix of music and technology. Kinda takes some of the joy out of it...

     

    I will post again when there is some sort of an end to this story.

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