zieke Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 So I learned of Variax not too long ago. I was going to buy a JTV-89 until I saw the Shuriken debut...now I'm holding out for that. I figured i would feed my GAS (gear acquistion syndrome) problem by preparing for it's arrival with some other accessories. I bought a HD500X....then a couple of days later I decided to trade 2 of my amps for a new Spider V 240. Question is, did I make a mistake? Can i use the HD500X with the Spider or should I exchange the HD500X for the FBV3.....BUT neither the FBV3 or the Spider have the Variax connection....HELP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADBrown Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 FBV3 is simply a foot controller and is used to control the Spider V 240. HD500X cannot control Spider V 240. There are options to use them in conjunction but because both units handle amp and efx modeling it is perhaps not an ideal setup. To use HD500X with your Spider 240; one option is to plug into the guitar input on the front of Spider 240 with all modeling in the Spider 240 turned off. Alternatively you could plug in HD500X to the aux input on the back of Spider 240, but this is less than ideal.Out of the gear you mentioned, HD500X is your best option to use with Variax. HD500X can power Variax through the VDI connection. You can also program guitar model and tuning changes to happen on the Variax through POD HD500X. You can use Variax with Spider V 240, you would just plug it in like a regular guitar and as long as the Variax's battery is charged you can still use all the Variax guitar modeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zieke Posted February 3, 2017 Author Share Posted February 3, 2017 I should have been more diligent and researched more. I can still take the Spider back but I really like the metronome and backing drumtracks....BUT I'm for sure buying the Shuriken. What do you suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADBrown Posted February 6, 2017 Share Posted February 6, 2017 I should have been more diligent and researched more. I can still take the Spider back but I really like the metronome and backing drumtracks....BUT I'm for sure buying the Shuriken. What do you suggest? That is a tough one; it depends on which features you want/need from your gear. Somethings to consider; HD500X powers and controls Variax, but will require an a powered speaker or amp for sound. The modeling in HD500X is also more advanced than Spider V. Spider V is all in one (modeling + FRFR sound production), plus the metronome and drum tracks. Spider V also has built in wireless. FBV 3 would be another purchase in controlling Spider V. On HD500X you edit tones on the computer, with Spider V you edit tones on a mobile device (phone or tablet). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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