ColonelForbin

I am definitely interested in those Stage Source as well - one thing that can be said in their favor, is if you like the way the Studio/Direct sounds through them, the benefit will be you should get a much better rendering of the JTV's acoustic tones. I haven't had time to really dig in deep with the acoustics and eclectic models, but alot of folks are saying they don't play as nice with the DT. I think that the stage source is a killer option, seeing how versatile they are, monitors, ,mains, or the ability to emulate a guitar amp. You may be on to something there! They also use the L6Link, so you've got that going for it as well. I end up gravitating towards the LP models on the JTV and the Plexi on the HD, so the DT does a great job there - the Bogner portion really sounds stellar..

I realize this solution would not be considered ideal from a budget standpoint - however, there is a relatively simple solution... As TheRealZap said: Buy another DT amp. Using the L6Link you can chain two of the DT's together, and within the POD assign the stereo L/R to the two DT's, and then you would have two XLR outs from the two DT's. Basically everything everyone else said is spot on: using the Link to the DT deactivates the cab and mic modelling from the POD, only utilizing the PRE portions of the amp model, hence the tip to build your patches, esp dual amp tones using the PRE models not the FULL models. It does automatically switch to Combo or Stack mode based on whether the DT is combo or a head/cab unit. I am not sure what happens if you chain a DT combo with a DT stack, if it chooses one mode, or sends each amp a different mode. Anyway, the XLR out from the DT is nice, albeit a very low signal level. It could use some gain on the output side of things, but it's a good sounding DI output, in terms of, it's not the scratchy sound being described as you would get from the XLR outs off the POD while in Combo/Stack mode. As far as I am concerned, the best sound you will get from the pairing of the Variax and the HD POD is through a DT amp. I think the POD HD cabinet and mic modelling is good; I used it from 2010-2014 without a DT amp. However, I just got to finally complete the trio, and test out my new DT25 with my new JTV59 (bought both in the past two weeks), it's hands down the best the POD has EVER sounded, and it was the most fun to play. I still don't even know which FIRMWARE I have on the JTV! I don't really care.. Not yet anyway. The DT does something different that the POD can't do; I suppose that credit goes to Bogner. I just know how cool it sounded to be able to leave the POD patch alone, and switch between guitar models in the middle of a jam, and hear how responsive the amp was to all the various tones from the Variax. ALSO, and this is 100% pure speculation - but I feel that the JTV does a better job of handling the Analog>DIgital conversion process, better than the HD500. Even when using the JTV humbuckers, the JTV is handling the A/D conversion, and the POD is getting a pure digital signal. This sounds better than plugging in a guitar using 1/4" to the POD, even with the DT amp. I bought the DT first, and was using my USA Strat (the kind with the humbucker in the bridge slot and single coils in the other two). While it sounded radically better via the DT that it did going into the PA, or a keyboard amp, or in the front of a guitar amp, or in the FX Return - it didn't sound as good as the Variax. Again, just my ears making a guess, but that's the brass tacks of my experience.

Hey thanks for the tip! That's exactly the case I bought, and you are 100% spot on, it's perfect.

Here's what the JTV59 looks like in the Epiphone LP hard case

Yeah, exactly!! I just bought a DT25, followed shortly after by a JTV59. I am totally relieved that this thing in no way, shape, or form competes with the DT25. I am keeping my baby!

I've taken some time, to listen to the recording I made from my first run using the 'dream rig'.. It's a decent recording, in that I can listen to the room mics independent from the DI off the back of the DT25. I also had an SM58 on the other guitarists amp - which was not his regular rig, but still worked well to listen to the two parts isolated, I've noticed - and this is likely by design - that the DI signal level from the DT25 XLR out is very low. Even with the recording level set to maximum, the line level was peaking out at maximum of -21DB, so I suppose I would wonder is there a setting somewhere that controls this signal level?> Since I am recording at 24bit, it's not a big deal, it still sounds clear. The signal is really quite good, definitely sounds better to me that the XLR out from the POD. I don't totally understand what type of emulation is happening off the DT25 in terms of cabinet, but it does sound legit. I was able to get some nice, sweet singing 'feedback' tones without really trying too hard, nor being particularly loud overall. I was really pleased with the JTV59 handling the A/D conversion; something tells me this is the optimal condition for getting the best response from the HD500, especially when connected to the DT25 using the XLR L6Link. So, yeah, quite pleased! I should be able to get some time in this coming week with digging in deeper on the JTV / Workbench side of things. I still haven't had the chance to figure out which firmware I am using!

I just got a JTV59. Tobacco. It arrived yesterday. I got to play it tonight. Freaking. Awesome. JTV59 > HD500 > DT 25. Purely sweet tone.. did a simple patch or two with Plexi, wah,;comp, drive, verb and delay. I have had this HD500 since 2010, and hands down the best its ever sounded. I used the VDI cable. I am guessing here. But even the mag pickups sounded better. I think the JTV handles the A/D conversion better than the HD500. Used the DI XLR out from the DT25 for the recording, sounds spot on Last; but not least- the Epiphone LP case fits it perfectly.

Yeah. Wow. This thing is AWESOME. Just got home from the first real test drive. It really is incredible. I had previously jammed with my strat > hd500; and more recently added a DT25 combo. But tonight. With the JTV59, WOW. from a technical standpoint, easiest rig setup ever.. From a tone and playability index, totally believable. By that, I mean, changing Variax models while keeping the HD 500 on same patch, some insanely cool pallettes to work with. Pitch shifter: "Impressive. Most impressive." I didn't delve too deep into any particular models, but was loving how the sound clarity was just exceptional. After finally realizing 'press the knob'... â—€;-) for sure there is a learning curve. So. Which firmware? I have no clue... very interested to find out! Have not yet connected to Workbench, Monkey, etc.. I did record, so will post clips of our very rusty (mostly me being musically out of shape) jams. I ran the DT25 DI to hard left. SM58 on the other guitarists amp, panned opposite. Also did another file with onboard mics pointed at drummer. Tascam gadget, does two stereo .wavs at 24/96 to SD card. I can say, the JTV + HD500 + DT25 is a great combination. All it took was one jam session to know this IS the Rig for Me.. Cheers and GoodNight!

You know where this thing would be *brilliant*? BACK STAGE. Or at a house party! On stage? No. But, back stage - before a gig, you need to play a little, loosen up some, sure!

I am guessing that 50watt amp you sold was a tube amp? A 50watt tube amp will be *substantially* louder than this 150watt solid state BoomBox. I mean AmPlIfIeR, I mean Ampli, oh whatever. It's a BOOMBOX. If you love GarageBand, this thing is perfect. If you own a DT series amp, this is several steps away from what a *real* guitar amp is. This thing doesn't even feature the HD models from the most recent POD series. It's clever, looks cool - I would totally use it at home, when I am in the mood to play guitar while watching a movie.. Plug the movie audio in, the guitar in, sit on the couch, jam-film. I am not dissing it in anyway, it's a majestic BoomBox. But as the advertising made it out to be "The Guitar Amp Reinvented", I'd have to say, ummm, no freaking way, not even close. Cool idea! If the price is low enough, I'd consider getting one for the home stereo system. Looks like its going for $400 for the 75watt and $500 for the 150watt. Here's the sales blurbs, these all scream "BoomBox!" to me: - "Sleek, modern look that is "living room approved"" - "Bluetooth audio player" - "Jam along to your favorite tunes using crowd-sourced Tone Matches pulled from the cloud" I am curious - what is the sound quality of Bluetooth? From a purely aesthetic point of view, I don't like the red color in the bottom half. And while I doubt this is true, the whole thing looks 'plastic'. The mesh grate looks plastic, the back looks plastic. I would imagine it's a mix of wood, metal and plastic, but it just looks, for lack of a better word, "easy to break"

It's a BoomBox, people. It happens to function as a guitar amp, but what it really is, is a BoomBox. A Bluetooth enabled speaker. In much the same world as 'Garage Band'; notice there is ZERO mention of this being on par with the HD series?

Starbucks + Radio Shack!

This may be something that will be resolved moving forward but I cannot say that with any certainty or time frame at this time. Jon Line 6 Customer Support ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Funny response!! Considering this was NOT A PROBLEM with the 1.9 firmware. That guarded and carefully worded response makes me think the problem is not going to be solved anytime soon. My guess: DSP max out related - which they don't want to admit since they cannot fix it. So, if you stay forever on 1.9, you will never get HD models. If you roll forward, you must endure a [glitch / error / noise]. The reason I speculate "DSP" related, is because the new models are higher fidelity, which translates to more file size allocation, and ultimately which requires higher end processing power. Just guesses really. I will get to jam on it for the first time tonight, and if I can find a 1/4" cable, I will at least update to 2.0 before go. One question / clarification : Does the Popping Sound occur when changing patches with the guitar "muted" as L6 support indicated we should do? For me that's not a terrible thing; as long as some kind of patch change can occur without that popping sound.

It would appear the answer is "no". But, figured I would ask! Is there anyway to connect the JTV using that VDI box, in order to check which firmware is installed - but without using a 1/4" cable? From what I have read, it seems the 1/4" "Wakes Up" the guitar, and without that in the jack,Workbench, Monkey, etc. won't recognize the JTV. It's going to be a LONG day waiting to test this thing out for first time tonight!!! It's sitting next to me at work, I've got all the software and whatnot installed here, but the light just flashes red on the VDI box for the Variax input. p.s. HAPPY FRIDAY!!! :)

I used to do it that way; and then I bought a DT25 1x12... I used to think since the HD500 could model the amps and the cabs and the mics, that Studio/Direct mode was the way to go, and the gear should accommodate that. I did several jams using only the POD. I found, that relying on PA's, monitors, and mismatched amps to hear myself was not the best option. By the way, I am 40, will be 41 in a few months, so I hear ya with not wanting to lug heavy gear! Which is why I didn't get a DT50; beyond the design, look, and volume - it's also alot heavier than the DT25. But for me, the DT25 made the HD500 sound alive, and made it fun to play, and it cuts through the mix, no matter what. I do put it up on an amp stand, so that helps. Some people just prefer the sound of an actual amp; others prefer the full range flat response type sound. I can relate; I used to love hearing the X3Live going into my SWR head and 4x10 bass cabinet. But in the end, I realized - for what I personally like, that carrying the 45lb DT25 (or whatever it weighs) was well worth it! To turn a pun, "it was well worth the weight" :) I do not see the point in carrying a 45lbs amp if I am using a modeler.So, DTs do not make sense to me.

Honestly, I am glad it doesn't compete with the DT amps!! I won't feel some inane need to return my recent DT25 purchase - though I'd be lying if I said this thing is not intriguing. First up, It isn't really a guitar amp to me. It's a wireless speaker system. I mean - this thing has no tubes. It's not "Just" a guitar amp, though, and that's what makes it interesting. I have a DT25, it lives in the band practice spot. I'll probably bring it home over the weekend since I have Saturday off, work on some patches in low volume mode, give the new JTV59 that arrived today a proper session. From the literature, they literally call it a boombox. That's what they should have called it. Line6 BoomBox! quote: "Need to play back songs during rehearsal? Or crank up the volume at a party? This isn’t your dad’s boombox." That being said, I could totally see this thing in my living room. It's more akin to the iHome type stuff, but with some "fun" guitar modelling features. Notice how they don't use the word "HD" ANYWHERE in the product description"? I would hazard a guess that means these are NOT the HD amp models in the HD500x, etc. I could be wrong, but it seems like they chose IOS for a reason. The primary reason I can think of, is iTunes app and music library. They want people to create a Cloud user buzz, and IOS has a pre-existing entity in place to help. This thing depends on some form of WIFI signal I would imagine, given this statement: "The AMPLIFi cloud automatically keeps all your devices up to date and synchronized. You can store an unlimited number of presets in the cloud—and access them anywhere." How exactly does that work? Is it relying on the IOS device using 3G/4G or WIFI to connect to the Cloud, then uses the onboard Bluetooth to transmit that data to the amp? For me, this thing would LIVE at home. Stage? No Freaking WAY. Also, no tubes.. 150w of SOLID STATE power. This is not the guitar amp reinvented. It's the BOOMBOX reinvented! And that, is a cool idea.

It makes me 100% confident in my very recent purchase of a DT25 1x12 combo!!! That, and my JTV59 arrived today :)

That French website added more pics

http://im4.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/LINE6+AMPLIFI+75-1.JPG http://im2.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/LINE6+AMPLIFI+75.JPG £296.07 (=$492.36)

Just copying this from another thread... ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.woodbrass.com/line-6-p165468.html £370.29 (=$615.79) Woodbrass Evaluation : The AMPLIFi is not a conventional amplifier. It delivers every note with amazing precision thanks to a revolutionary stereo system 5 speakers. Specifications • 150W • Speakers Celestion 12 " custom • 2 woofers • 2 tweeters • Input Guitar 6.35 mm and AUX 3.5mm stereo • Headphone output of 6.35 mm • Functions Tap Tempo / Tuner • 4 internal memory (access to an unlimited number of presets with the application) • Effects Stereo (Wet / Dry) creating a perfect sound immersion • Compatible with FBV MkII Line 6 • USB connection • Streaming audio via Bluetooth (compatible with Android , iOS and Mac or PC). Application " amplification " (iOS compatible) • More than 70 amps, 100 effects and 20 pregnant • 8 effects simultaneously available • Remote- amp settings to tweak the sound • Automatic selection of the guitar sound depending on the selected song in your library • Access to thousands of sounds online • Sharing and evaluation of sounds in the Cloud • Archiving and Backup an unlimited number of presets in the Cloud • Compatible with iPod touch (4th and 5th generation ), iPhone 5 , iPhone 4S , iPhone 4, iPad ( 3rd and 4th generation ) , iPad 2, iPad mini and iPad.

It just looks like a modern wi-fi, cloud enabled boom-box! without the dual cassette feature... But, can it hold it's own next to the mighty Sharp GF777!? ;)

Yes. Get a Keeley 4-knob compressor pedal. Best investment you'll ever make in an analog pedal! Seriously. I had the X3L previously, currently use the HD500, and I still like to put the Keeley in the mix, either up front or I've also tried the FX loop. In terms of using with a tube amp, it works wonders in the FX loop. Use the "level" control as a master speaker volume. With enough comp dialed in, when you roll back your guitar volume, instead of less volume, you get more clean. As you roll up the guitar volume, more saturation. Allows you to turn your amp up to 5 or 6, when normally you cannot go past 1 or 2. Use the other three knobs - "clipping" to to dial in the correct input, "Attack" for the speed of compression effect, and "sustain" for compression amount. Seriously awesome tone awaits. https://robertkeeley.com/products/compressor/4-knob-compressor/

And best of all, this amp can reproduce!!! Pair it with another of it's kind, and soon you will have 20 PREGNANT amps!! lol, best typo describing an amp ever! ;)

Does the JTV handle patches and programming in a way where they can be uploaded / shared in some way? It would appear there is no Variax / JTV section in the Customtone page..

It just occurred to me today that with the impending launch of their "new" amp product, I would imagine the various firmwares for the HD500 and possibly the JTV would need to be upgraded in order to accommodate the new gear. I am just guessing here, no basis in reality... My JTV arrives tomorrow, so I am both excited and nervous - knowing going into it that the firmware issues exist, I am resigned to certain problems being dependent upon a future firmware update. Of all the issues, though the popping noise is a definite "bug", I was also really excited to use the acoustic models. However it seems they have sensitivity issues, and playing technique must be adjusted and/or substantial amounts of time must be exhausted editing the device with a computer...