codamedia

You really did manage to answer your own question :) That is how you would do it. As much as I prefer my HD500 it's output options are completely neutered compared to the X3 Live before it. I really miss the ability to set the XLR to one output mode and the 1/4" to another.... not to mention the option of only applying the master volume to the 1/4" outputs when needed.

LOL - I made that same error on my desktop... and like you I ended up chalking it up to "user error". My laptop has always connected (I guess I made the right choice years ago) but when setting it up on my desktop it was a little frustrating. It's not the most intuitive interface... but it does actually work.

I put my HX Effects in the loop of my HD500 and use the HD as an I/O, Midi Controller and a few extra effects. Overall it works great, but I want to use the volume pedal block in the HX Effects (it has the taper option)... that is where the problem comes in. I have no problem assigning the EXP1 from my HD to the volume pedal block on the HX... but there is too much latency to make it usable, somewhere around 250ms or so which is not very responsive. Patch changes are instant, as are snapshot changes. I use a short midi cable (3') and have tried two different cables with the same results. In the meantime I just setup a volume pedal block in the HD but I've never liked it because it's linear... I prefer the option of using the Audio (LOG) taper. I could also use an external expression pedal - that seems to work fine, but I'm trying to avoid extra pieces. So - this isn't a big deal as I can work around it... but if anyone has any suggestions about the latency I'd be willing to give it a shot.

I also notice you said you used Monkey to re-install Workbench.... which version of Monkey? I have found the latest version wants to install Workbench HD which doesn't work with the 300/600. I needed to manually download/install Workbench (not the HD version) and Java separately... then it all worked.

Are you getting any "JAVA" errors? The Workbench installer tries to install an old version of JAVA that doesn't connect anymore... you need to install JAVA separately. http://javadl.oracle.com/webapps/download/AutoDL?BundleId=230540_2f38c3b165be4555a1fa6e98c45e0808

Well, I don't think my "user error" is hardly the fault of Line 6.... but I get what you are saying. I'm sure they could update the "workbench installer" to link to a working version of a Java Runtime so people don't have to try and figure this all out on their own. Not to mention... since Workbench does work with Windows 10 they should include it in the Windows 10 search on their own site, not just the Windows 7/8 searches. Those are two very small things that wouldn't take long for them to update.

Quick update on my end. On my Desktop Workbench no longer connects to the Variax (through my HD500). My laptop, which has the same install versions of Line 6 software does connect. Both computer are running JAVA 6.0.10 although on the desktop I also tried version 8 as recommended by MartinHines above... to no avail. EDIT TO ADD - The problem was USER ERROR, My Desktop is Connecting Once Again When opening it was telling me I was almost done and showed my HD500 and my Variax 300. I was trying to connect via the Variax but it was showing offline. When I connected through the HD500 (which is how I connect my Variax to the computer) it worked exactly as it should.

I don't know if I understand your question.... can you elaborate on what you want to accomplish.

I just checked and both my Desktop and Laptop have an old Sun Java installed - 6.0.200... I used to use the JAVA libraries for development, but haven't touched them in years. I don't know if those are what are making my Workbench/Variax run fine or not, but I'm not removing them just in case they are - LOL!

I'm baffled.... I use an older Variax 300, an HD500, and both my computers (a desktop and a laptop) are Windows 10. I have no problems with Monkey, Workbench, and HD Edit. Everything does what it is suppose to, with the lowest level of Variax ever created.

If you bought it new, send it back for warranty or return it. If you bought it used, you now know why... I would be going back to the seller if I were you! If the product is used.... Make sure you are running the right power supply, and make sure the power supply is good. It could be the supply that is failing, not the HD500.

Easy, set the wah to activate using the TOE switch... then make sure the WAH is adjusted using EXP 1 I set my volume pedal up for EXP 2, active the WAH with the TOE switch and control the wah with EXP 1. Works like a charm!

Why limit yourself.... the Helix has a number of loops. Just supplement the Helix that your already own with some of your favorite pedals.

Even with 15 pedals, how often do you use "one of those at each time"... SNAPSHOTS is your answer. Setup your 15 pedals, then use snapshots to setup the configurations you will use. Whenever I feel like I am out of foot-switches I re-think the solution using snapshots. Oddly enough, I never need all the foot-switches anymore :)

Guitar > HX Effects Input > Setup blocks of effects that normally go in front of an amp such as comps, overdrives, etc.... Insert an LOOP Block in the HX Effects > Send that loop out to the input of your amp Effects Send from your amp to the RETURN of the loop in on the HX Effects > Setup blocks of effects that normally go in the loop of an amp such as delays, reverbs, etc... Output of the HX Effects into the effects loop RETURN on your amp. Doing that will limit your HX Effects to 8 effects, and 1 Loop Block... (9 blocks total) Hope that is what you are after.

It's a great feature with many uses - even without any pre-amp models included. If you run the HX Effects in the loop of your amp, you can setup an IR and go direct to the FOH/Monitors while returning a non IR signal to the amp so it's poweramp/cabinet has full effect. You can run any pre-amp / amp sim in the loop of the HX Effects and use an IR for cabinet simulation Load Acoustic IR's and use it to supplement acoustic instruments.... similar to a Fishman Aura for example. Surprisingly.... if you think outside the box... you don't need an amp preamp for good electric tones. An EQ, optional compressor and/or dirt pedal, and an IR cabinet can get the job done very nicely. In my case.... I run my HX Effects with my HD500... the IR's are a welcome addition and a big reason I decided to buy the unit. I call the combination my "poor man's helix". I'm sure there are many other practical reasons for IR's on this device... that's just a few that come to mind.

There are a couple things here. 1: The loops in some amps are "line level" and some are "instrument level"... make sure you setup the loop in the HX Effects to match accordingly 2: Watch your gain structure in the HX when creating patches. In general, you want the volume to be the same whether effects are engaged or not. If one is too loud, turn it down. Each effects has a master volume to accomodate this.

The tuner is great, extremely accurate and sensitive... Offsets are a great feature, but why only one? As a multi instrumentalist, I would love to be able to store custom tuning offsets in each patch. My electric patch(es) can be standard My acoustic patch(es) can have an acoustic offset loaded My dobro patch(es) can have my dobro offsets loaded My mandolin patch(es) can have my mandolin offsets loaded My banjo patch(es) can have my banjo offsets loaded. Take this a little further, and expand the offsets to a full chromatic tuner, not just 6 strings. That would take away any limitations.

In this instance, what would have been solved by hand testing every unit? If it worked for two weeks before it started to act up I don't think any level of QA would have found it. Just sayin'

You say "No, not connected to a controller. But I have assigned to a foot switch the amp block where I may want to adjust volume. ". So, is something assigned to the amp volume or not? If anything is assigned to it (controller, footswitch, volume pedal, etc...) then that is where the settings need to be stored. For reference... I assign my volume pedal to the output of the amp module. This allows me to control volume (like a volume pedal) but I don't have to use up an FX block for a volume pedal. However - if I want to increase my amp volume, I now have to adjust my "MIN/MAX" values for the controller (volume pedal) rather than on the amp module itself. The MIXER is the small block the usually appears at the end of the "duel" chain. It is always present. It controls the volume and pan of each path. If you increase the volume here it is stored with a save. If you have a volume block AFTER the mixer that is fine to. The mixer volume will still work, as will the volume block.

Is the volume you are adjusting connected to a controller in any way? If so, the controller is where you have to make the adjustment, not on the amp module. I find it easier (during a show) to adjust the volume using the mixer section.

IMO, I wouldn't use the Global EQ to sculpt tones at all... as once it is set you have to sculpt every tone around it. I set up all of my tones without engaging the global EQ and with the intent that they can be used "flat" in the FOH and monitor rig. The tech will have the freedom to adjust what is required, but won't have to "fix" any poor choices you may have made. I think of the global EQ as an emergency "last line of defense" against bad rooms, bad techs or bad monitor rigs. On occasion I'll go into a room and all of my patches are thin and bright, or all of them are boomy and lack clarity. It is then that I reach for the global EQ and make a quick adjustment to get through the gig. That's just how I approach it... not the only way to approach it :)

Thanks for this info - I'll give them a call. But I have one more quick question - if you don't mind? In searching "x-insert" I am not coming up with anything. Neither on the LR Baggs site, or the net itself. It's a term that doesn't seem to exist. Is an "x-insert" a complete saddle (similar to what Line 6 sells), or just the piezo pieces that appear to drop into each saddle. Also, since you already bought some - do you remember what they cost?

@clay-man! You said "I highly suggest ordering X-inserts from LR bags". I have to ask - Where? I went to the LR-Baggs site, and don't see these anywhere. I assume they are the Piezo Inserts for their X-Bridge, but I can't see where you can buy parts like this. I'm in Canada, and Line 6 will not ship here - so buying the Saddles is next to impossible.