Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Jump to content

mgamache

Members
  • Posts

    50
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by mgamache

  1. It might include a Workbench interface that would be nice. However, that would only address part of the functionality of the Helix (model and tuning changes per patch). I am also interested in direct processing of the digital Variax signal alone and combined with the mag pickups. This is one of the cool benefits of Helix (and PodHD series). That would require audio data be passed on the USB interface (directly or via an external VDI box). I hope you are correct and this is something that Line 6 has anticipated, but I am worried that Helix Native is just a reaction to the threat from BiasFX so it may not have Variax features out of the gate. It might also be that adding the digital audio is just difficult, and too costly to develop (again, who knows?).
  2. The Helix Hardware has good support for the Variax. Wondering if the software will integrate somehow with the Variax? I know the communication with the Variax is currently limited over USB, but because the VDI spec is closed we have no idea of what's possible using that or USB. FYI.. Here's my ideascale to build a stand-alone Variax interface that could be used along with Helix Native.
  3. Sorry, I am probably not as clear as I thought. Yes, patch changing and Variax parameters (via Midi) is one of the main reasons for the proposal. What I mean by 'advanced users' was in response to your comment: "once you start talking about relatively advanced MIDI control, the field of potential buyers becomes pretty small". I was thinking that Midi control = advanced users. You would still get more features with my unit vs the current Variax Cable power unit. Does that make sense?
  4. Right, the VDI would of course supply power, actually that's a big issue (battery anxiety). Midi control is just a bonus for advanced users not required, but if you are switching patches on a non Line 6 setup (say Kemper, Bias FX head or AxeFX) it can assign a model to each patch. Does it make sense as a stand alone product (cost, market size etc...)? We'll see. Here's my IdeaScale post (vote if you like): http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Stand-alone-VDI-interface-for-the-Variax/864230-23508
  5. The 1/4 would be just output the guitar audio signal at the start of the chain into pedals or amp. The midi input would be converted to VDI signals to control the Variax. The midi output would convert the Variax knob changes to midi messages. Does that make sense?
  6. I know this has probably been suggested frequently, but I'll bring it up: Please add a stand alone VDI interface for the Variax. I love the Variax, but I don't want to be stuck with my HD-500 (or Helix) if I want to control the model switching / provide power and get the digital signal from the onboard processor. This unit would of course have a VDI connector to the Variax and 1/4 plugs for standard gear. This unit would also accept midi-in and provide mini-out with the Variax knobs providing Control-Change messages. I know this is how Line 6 gets you to buy into their 'eco-system', but I really think the Variax would be even more popular if it was easier to integrate all it's features into non Line 6 setups. Yes, I know you can hack an old PODXt or something, but I don't have time for that.
  7. right, plugins like waves doubler use a tight but moving delay (like 1-20ms) and a moving detune (like 1-5 cents) to simulate the additional instruments. I am thinking that this might be possible by adjusting the delay and tune of one channel of my HD500x (or Helix when I buy one) via midi or using a VST plugin and routing the signal through my laptop. Just wondering if anyone has spent time on this issue.
  8. As anyone been able to get a passable simulation of two guitars using a combination of mags combined with a model? I am interested in combining the acoustic models with my mags for a fuller sound (for courses etc..). I am thinking of passing one signal through something like Waves Doubler (set at 100% wet). Even delaying one signal 10-30 ms might help. Just wondering if anyone has tried and what works / doesn't work. thanks, mark
  9. It's what economists call bundling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_bundling It's probably not that complicated but it's beyond me to reverse the protocol. I wish they would just publish it.
  10. Does the USB support audio? I thought it was just for Workbench control/setup?
  11. I am really interested in reducing the amount of gear that I need to carry. I doubt this exists, but I would really like a small Variax interface that was not embedded within a large controller (HD500x or Helix). I just need something that provided access to both mags and model sounds and allows model switching via midi commands. AFAIK, there is really nothing smaller then a PodXt that will allow that type of access. I own a HD500x and it's not too big, but it could be replaced with an ios device or computer (that I am using for other stuff). Let me know if I am missing something. thanks.
  12. To be a little snarky, all those level controls make things worse:) I am not looking for auto-magic leveling, just maybe some metering to see the levels at each point in the signal chain?
  13. mgamache

    Variax HX

    I have a Variax JTV-69 that I replaced the neck and pups and I really-really like it now... Could it be more realistic? Maybe, but don't forget besides the modeling it offers alternate tunings / HD500 parameter control / No-Noise pickups (if using the models) / Acoustic Sounds / long lossless cable runs with the digital cable.
  14. mgamache

    Volume Leveling

    I have an HD500x and have trouble getting patches' volume to be roughly equal. Does the Helix have any facilities to help with that?
  15. FYI my system (Windows 8.1 + HD500x - Latest Firmware) with Variax Attached It shows up as a midi input device via USB. I haven't done any testing to make sure it works, but it's there.
  16. I noticed that my HD500x shows up as a midi input device, but not a midi output device on my windows computer. Is this normal? Is there a way to enable midi control of the HD500x from usb? I am building some software to manage my bands live show and want to do patch changes etc.. from my computer.
  17. That gets the job done for me, but I still wish the file format was published, thanks.
  18. the title says it all.... HD500x Edit saves in a binay format that is not human readible. Is there documentation on that file format? I really wish device manufacturers would open-source some of these tools and formats. It would make building tools much easier.
  19. That is a fantastic bit of detail that will really help. I hate the tedium of leveling patches on my hd500x I suppose you will have to do the same thing with the guitar models. It looks like I will be spending some time with workbench. Also, I've always put a noise gate as the first device in the chain 100% of the time because I hate the noise (I play single coil/p-90s most of the time).
  20. Hack of an endorsement! What is modeling vice mags? You mean both mags and modeling? The biggest draw for me would be the acoustic models. Switching between verse and chorus from acoustic to model/mags and back seems like a killer application. The alt turnings are also cool.
  21. I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a JTV-69 (HSS) I assume the bridge humbucker does not have a coil tap? I haven't been able to play one in person yet. Anything about the humbucker model I should know? the black HSS are going cheap right now. thanks, mark
  22. Yes. I've seen rosewood necks on a few guitars (PRS models for example) odd yes, but not out of the question. thanks for your help.
  23. Just to be clear. The current production neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard, right? The older models had a completely rosewood neck and there's a variation of the 69s with a comply maple neck (my personal favorite). Is that correct?
  24. I was informed by a a retailer that the cheap black models that are on sale are actually closeouts (discontinued) models with rosewood necks and the new models have maple necks. Is that accurate? Was there any issues with the rosewood necks?
  25. I noticed that the black JTV-69 is cheaper then the white/blue/red models. I can understand why the 3 tone burst finish is more money, but not why the other color models are higher cost. Are they the same except for the color? thanks, mark
×
×
  • Create New...