I'm a kind of new Variax owner (little more than a month) and.. the 6-string models sound better to me, way more usable without using EQs. Not really sure about the 12-string models though... They do sound different, but again... I never had a real 12-strings guitar, so... can't tell if better or worse.

Now... for those who got 'issues' with the new models AND ALSO have an HD500.... this could help you out. Try using just this in an empty bank (on the HD500).

1. You chain should have NOTHING but the new VINTAGE PREAMP

2. Use this settings:
     - Phase: 180

     - Gain: 46%

     - Output: Whatever you use (I use EXP 1)
     - HPF: ~120Hz
     - LPF: ~ 12.4Khz

3. In the MIXER use +6.5dB (usually I have it on the right side of the chain -dual tone-).

This should help you getting a better sound out of the new models.

Lemme know if it helps/works for you.

Regards
~Enzo Heavenly

+1, I play through FRFR only and these new models are just top notch.  I have overtones that tend to ring a little loud on the low E, F and F# and their octaves.  With a really good EQ I could dial that out, as it is I'm guessing.  That said, I have it to the point where I can just play and it sounds great, and even then it's less problematic than any real acoustic I've ever used which also have overtone issues on certain notes (plus the soundhole feedback that you have to find an answer for).  I have switched from the 1.7 models where I used the D28 model as my go to because it the most manageable of the lot.  With the 1.8 models I use the J200 because it's just the best sounding live acoustic I've ever used.  I don't think I would go so far as to say the D28 sounds worse in 1.8 I just can't see using it so much when the J200 sounds as stellar as it does.  Both 12 strings sound amazing, the Guild sounds a little better to me but the D28-12 sounds really nice in certain situations.  I alos find that I need to roll the tone control all the way off to get a nice smooth rich sound, with the tone control all the way up it's just to bright and brittle.  To be honest, even to have one good acoustic 6 string and as a bonus a good acoustic 12 string that I can go to on the fly is a dream.  Even if every model sounded equally as good I would probably still have a favourite and just use that anyway.  But I'm totally with Jason on this, I really am not hearing what others are hearing when they say the would like the old models back.  Man, I had to EQ the crap out of those old models, it was nice to have acoustics but they just kind of passed. 

Hi guys,

in case you missed it, a 1.82 update of the firmware was released a few days ago, including a fix on the roominess (highest range of the tone setting gives a no roominess guitar as it emulates the mic' positioned in front of 12th fret)

That's worth giving it a try for tose who were unhappy (and for others)

It also fixes sone alt tunings issues on new acoustic models (but as I did not meet issues I don't know what it was exactly)

I gave it a quick try and indeed at highest tone setting on the guitar the sound is dryer to my ears.

NB. update instructions precise you need to accept the replacement of old models to get the new setting, so save your models before!

Cheers

Philippe

I just updated and have only had the chance to play through headphones. I like it and am SO pleased that Line 6 listened and made this change. I haven't really used the acoustics much on my JTV, but I do like the change and it augurs well for other issues and future upgrades.

1st post - I was on my way to but a variax in October...but,had a heart attack... so I went to hospital instead!

Anyhow...I have a pod 500 which I honestly haven't used much, I seem to have a hard time with learning lol - love the shared patches online though

As of 10 minutes ago, I order a JTV 59 Black! - I do like a tremolo but...I just can't like the 69...shallow as that may be( I'm sure I'll be pleased either way)

Hope to continue breathing...& learning from all of you

Cheers

PS - just happens to be the most $$$ model outta the 3 too....damn my taste!

I recently updated to firmware 1.82!

Guitars sound a little better compared to 1.81, though I still don't find them better for my live gigs compared to 1.71. Gotta try to work it out fiddling with the EQ's and so on...

I have a problem with the 1.81 though...maybe it was just an isolated case (I have a JTV-59), but most tunnings on the knob are now wrong, and when I try to create a new tunning, it goes crazy. Lets say I go to drop D...instead of having DADGBE, I get EGDGBE, and if I try to correct it by holding the model knob and then getting it to DADGBE using the 12th fret as the "0" fret like i've done tons of times before, all strings get super grazy tunnings!!!

I'm re-installing the firmware tomorrow and hope this will cure the tunnings problem, so I can then work on new patches for the acoustics...If this doesn't resolve it, I'm sticking to 1.71 FOREVER!!!!