Apr 4, 2012 7:08 AM
Is there a better Tyler Variax VDI Cable?
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The cable that came with my JTV59 looks like a regular RJ45 cable and doesn't look very instrumental, very unlike a regular guitar cable. Is there a better one? The one shown here --- https://www.globalfulfillment.net/gfsnet/(S(4odmd0el5hezjaz1vm02a445))/line6/10Expand.aspx?ProductCode=98-030-0004 does not mention its use with the HD500.
The one you link to is the correct VDI cable; there's only one model/style and it works with all VDI-equipped devices.
The JTV guitars do not come with a VDI cable; they come with a similar cable designed for the Workbench hardware interface which also comes with the JTV guitar. It does look exactly like an regular RJ45 on one end; the other end (connected to the JTV) is shielded/protected like a VDI cable.
I use the one you linked with a JTV and an HD500. Works well. Doesn't roll up as neatly/lie as flat as a traditional cable, but more than good enough.
I would be cautious about using the cable that comes with the JTV to connect it to a Pod device. One end of the cable does not have the protective housing. Over time this may damage the VDI jack in either the JTV or the Pod HD.
Sorry, I may not have been clear. I was talking about the one he provided a l link to. I have never even unwrapped the one that was in the box. That's really for people that don't have an HD500 and just want to transfer sounds and do software updates. Definitely don't use that for anything live other than in an extreme emergency, I suppose.
Aaah - I see now that I misread your earlier post. I'm glad you are not using the supplied cable.
About that, can the cable supplied with the JTV's be used as an emergency replacement in case of broken VDI cable?
Yes - but carefully and only as an interim solution.
Ok thanks for the piece of advice.
You can build your own with any length of pre-assembled CAT5 network cable with RJ45 ends and these: http://www.neutrik.com/en/data/ethercon/ethercon-cable-connector-carrier/ne8mc to protect the ends.
The one that Line6 makes is of good quality, though, and is black and more plyable.
Whirlwind makes a pro quality Ethercon cable - in many different lengths
http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/pre-wired-cables/digitalnetwork/enc2-cable-ethercon-connectors
One example here 12 ft length
I wasn't impressed with the Variax VDI cable that came with my Tyler Variax, it seems that the Variax cable they give you with the Tyler Variax is actually the cable that comes with the Workbench USB Interface, meaning that while it's simply a regular Cat-5 cable that has an XLR connector on "only" one end - it's definitely NOT the best cable it could be. So I ordered one from Musicians Friend and got it just last week. Very well built, it's actually a "round cable" and not some flat Cat-5 cable. It comes with an XLR connector on both ends and appears very well built. Most online suppliers price them at $39.99 but MusiciansFriend has them for $29.99...http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/line-6-variax-digital-cable
Yes, as some others have noted, Musician's Friend has the right cable. I ordered mine directly from Line 6 and it is very heavy duty. Had been using the cable supplied with the Variax, but only at home. Now I can use my HD500 and JTV59 live!
I've done a little research, figuring I'd build a custom cable. I've had a lot of success building 1/4" mono cables for guitar and pedal board, and have saved a bit of money while assuring a quality cable using neutrik plugs and the like. www.redco.com is an excellent source for all cable parts and they are great, except that their shipping charges are high on small orders ($11 or so.)
I've come to the conclusion that the $30 cable with free shipping from places like Music 123 and Musicians Friend is a very good price. The 25' cable consists of about $20 in parts:
Pair of NE8MC is about $5
Rj45's are about 50c
Duracat cat5e cable is about 50c per foot - this might be a higher quality cable than the Line6 cable - or it may be the very stuff they use.
I was gonna cover it with some techflex at 17c per foot.
With the shipping I was always right around $30 per cable.
Other manufacturers (Whirlwind) are extremely expensive by comparison.
Kudos to Line6 for creating an quality affordable product.
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