Search the Community

James Tyler Variax v 1.8 Update The free v1.8 update gives all James Tyler Variax modeling guitars five next-generation acoustic guitar models based on celebrated 6- and 12-string acoustics from Martin, Guild and Gibson. If you play your JTV with a POD HD500 or POD HD Pro multi-effect processor, the v1.8 update also includes enhanced functionality to make your JTV/POD HD experience even more intuitive and powerful. *Please note that Line 6 Monkey v1.53 is required to update your JTV to this latest version of the flash memory. Please go over the following Line 6 Monkey FAQ for compatibility. Next-generation Models: New modeling technology. Our new breakthrough acoustic guitar modeling technology gives the five models breathtaking depth and detail, capturing the subtle nuances of string vibration through the soundboard and the tonewoods of the original modeled guitar body. Five updated models. The updated models are based on* the Martin D28, Martin D12-28, Martin 0-18, Guild 12 String, and Gibson J200 acoustic guitars. Known Issue Unable to save alternate tunings to the Acoustic Models within the Variax Workbench program. Workaround: Use the Alternate tunings on the guitar to use the Acoustic Models with an alternate tuning. For custom alternate tunings, you would need to create and save your own custom tunings to the Alternate tuning knob, and still use that knob to alter the tunings of the Acoustic Models. Downgrading your JTV from 1.81 to 1.71 If after installing the 1.8 update you decide that you would prefer to return to the original models you may want to downgrade your firmware to version 1.71. However, should you choose to downgrade to 1.71 you will be trading off the deeper integration over VDI with the POD HD family.

Please go through the following checklist before updating the flash memory of your Variax guitar to ensure the update completes successfully: Ensure that the interface you are using to update the Variax with (Workbench Interface, PODxt Live/Pro, POD X3 Live/Pro, POD HD500/HD Pro, Vetta II) is NOT connected to the computer through a USB hub. Make sure to connect the interface into a USB port directly into the computer, especially into the back of a desktop. If problems persist, make sure to test all of the USB ports on the computer. Avoid plugging into USB ports found on keyboards, monitors, or laptop docks. [*]When using the Workbench Interface to update or edit the Variax guitar, ensure that a charged battery is in the guitar (JTV only) and a 1/4" TS mono cable is inserted into the guitar's output jack, or that the stereo TRS cable is plugged into the Variax providing power from the XPS power supply to power on the guitar. [*]On a James Tyler Variax guitar, ensure that the Volume knob on the guitar is NOT set to the '0' position as it will put the guitar into Power Save Mode. Make sure that the Volume knob is set higher than 0 when updating or editing the JTV guitar. [*]Please use the VDI Cable that comes with the JTV guitar when updating the flash memory on that guitar. Avoid using VDI or CAT5 cables longer than 10 ft. in length when updating any Variax guitar. [*]Close out any other applications running on your computer before updating the Variax guitar. Q: How do I update or re-install the flash memory on my Variax Electric 300, 500, 600, 700 and James Tyler Variax guitars? A: These instruments can only be returned to factory reset by reinstalling the flash memory. You will need to connect your Variax to the workbench software using your Variax enabled hardware (i.e. Variax Hardware interface, POD XT/X3 Live, POD X3 Pro, VETTA with VDI, or POD HD500), then you will have to connect your interface to your computer via USB. Once the guitar and interface are connected to the computer, you will need to run Line 6 Monkey. See the following link for more information on connecting your device to your computer and installing Line 6 Monkey: Line 6 Monkey Installation and F.A.Q. USB Connectivity with Line 6 Devices Once you have Monkey installed and your computer is recognizing the connection, see the screen shots for the reflash procedure: 1) Once you run Line 6 Monkey, Monkey may ask you to register. If you do not wish to register (or have already registered) select "remind me later". 2) If you want to reinstall the factory presets (or update the firmware), select "Flash Memory" the select "Reinstall Latest" 3) Select "OK" to agree to the software license 4) Select "yes" or "no" If you want to keep the patches on the instrument 5) Select "Yes" to continue with the update. Do not disconnect the variax during the update. 6) Line 6 Monkey will reinitialize the device and update the flash memory. You can watch the progress on the blue bar on the right side of Monkey. 7) Once the update is complete you will need to select "OK" to continue. Note: Older v1.71 and v1.82 Models might not be compatible with the v1.90 and v2.00 data block formats. Variax Bass 700/705 Reflash Factory defaults must be restored one at a time. Select the Model you wish to normalize, the place the blend and two tone controls in the detent (center) position. Now press the Model select pot down until the indicator light stops flashing. The Model should now be restored to factory settings. Use this procedure for any model you want to restore to the factory setting. The Variax bass series can also be "reflashed" using the procedure for the Variax electric guitars described above.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: We're sad to say that GuitarPort Online is no longer accepting new subscriptions, and will be closing its doors on July 31st, 2012. Why is GuitarPort going away? Since the release of GuitarPort Online, many other companies have started offering downloadable music that can be used for practicing and jamming. This competition challenged our business model, and we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we can no longer maintain GuitarPort Online according to our high standards. To help you continue enjoying your favorite content, we have moved the lessons over to Spider Online and given you a complimentary subscription to this site. We're also happy to give you the POD Farm 2.5 plug-in (a $99 value), which delivers a collection of classic amps, cabs and effects to complement your GuitarPort hardware. Details Annual Subscriptions Annual subscriptions received a prorated refund for the remaining unused time of what was paid for the full year. Saved Jam Tracks If you have GuitarPort Online jam tracks saved to your computer, they expired after July 31st, 2012, and you will not be able to use them any longer. Hardware Line 6 will continue supporting your GuitarPort hardware until September 2014, so keep on rocking with the included guitar amp and cab models, stompboxes and studio effects. Your GuitarPort is still useful as an audio interface. Getting more out of your GuitarPort device 1. The GuitarPort is a USB audio input/output (I/O) interface. It handles both the input of your guitar into the computer AND processed amp/effect modeling tones. You need to connect your headphones or powered computer speakers into the 1/8" or RCA output jacks of the GuitarPort to hear its output. 2. The amp/effects modelling occurs in our software applications, GearBox 3.72 and POD Farm 2.5, both available at http://line6.com/software/. Use the "Software" category down-arrow and select the desired software installer from the drop-down list. GearBox: Amp/Effects Modelling. Was also the Line 6 GuitarPort Online (GPO) subscription service software interface. POD Farm: Amp/Effects Modelling. Dual Tone path processing feature. Functions in standalone mode only with the GuitarPort hardware device. 3. The GuitarPort device can be used as an interface with most recording programs. Reaper (http://www.reaper.fm/), Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) and Riffworks T4 (http://www.sonomawireworks.com/T4/) are a few you can try for free.

Q: What is the XPS Unit? A: The XPS unit is the power supply that powers the Variax instrument via 1/4" TRS cable. The Line 6 XPS box must be powered by a Line 6 PX-2 power supply for correct operation. There are three variations of the XPS: XPS-AB: This units acts as both a Variax power supply and has an A/B footswitch to send the guitar output to either a 1/4" or XLR output. Use a standard XLR (microphone) cable to connect the XPS-AB’s XLR output to feed any balanced input. Use a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve/Stereo) cable to connect your Variax to the INPUT jack of the XPS-AB, a standard mono instrument cable to connect the 1/4" output of the XPS to any standard amp rig. XPS-Mini: This unit ships with the Variax 300 series, and has an 1/4" input and output. XPS-DI: This unit shipped with the Variax Bass Instruments and had an line/mic level switch, as well as an XLR ground lift option. The XPS-DI uses a standard XLR (microphone) cable to connect the XPS-DI output to feed any balanced input. Use a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve/Stereo) cable to connect your Variax to the INPUT jack of the XPS-DI, and a standard mono instrument cable to connect the 1/4" output of the XPS-DI to any standard amp rig. Note: This unit is no longer available as the Variax bass has been discontinued. Usage F.A.Q.s Q: Can I use the XPS-AB as a replacement for my XPS-DI? A: Yes, the XPS-AB is the direct replacement for the XPS-DI. Q: Can I use the XPS-mini if I do not have access to the XPS-AB box? A: Yes, the XPS-Mini can be used in place of the XPS-AB box. Be aware that the XPS-mini is the only supported power supply for the Variax 300 series instrument, due to a slight increase in the power requirements for the 300 series. Q: Will the XPS-DI recharge batteries in Variax Instruments? A: No. Q: What type of cable do I need to use to connect the XPS unit to my Variax Instrument? A: You will need to use the supplied 1/4" TRS cable (or equivalent) to connect your XPS box to your Variax instrument to deliver power. Any mono 1/4" cable will work if you are using the internal batteries for power, but the power will be drawn from the batteries rather than from the cable. Q: Can I use the XLR and 1/4" outputs simultaneously? A: No the XLR and 1/4" outputs can only be used separately. Q: Does the Footswitch provide phantom power to another device? A: No, the A/B footswitch for your Variax will not provide phantom power. Q: Can I plug my regular electric instrument into the XPS box? A: Yes, if using a standard mono guitar cable, you can plug your regular electric instrument into the XPS box without damaging your guitar. We do not advise the use of a TRS cable with anything but a Variax because of the power it carries back to the guitar from the XPS box. Also, we do not recommend using an XPS box with active guitars. The combination of voltage potentially feeding back into the guitar, and how the guitar is wired, which can vary, can potentially damage the guitar and/or the XPS box. Q: What is the length of the Variax digital cable? A: The Variax digital cable is 25 feet long. Troubleshooting F.A.Q.s Q: There is no audio signal and I am only seeing a "red" power light on the XPS A/B (DI) when connected to the Variax guitar using a TRS cable? A: If the XPS-AB/DI has the proper power connected (and is connected to the Variax) and is showing a "red" power light, this means that the XPS is not recognizing the Variax and not sending power. If a different TRS 1/4" cable does not resolve the problem, try a different XPS box to see if there is a problem with the XPS box. If a different 1/4" cable and XPS box does not solve the problem, the Variax may have an internal failure that will need to be resolved by an authorized service center. Q: I am getting a "popping" sound when changing between the XLR and 1/4" outputs when connecting to a PA system? A: This situation can happen when the mixer has phantom power applied to the channel that the XPS input. One solution is to turn off the phantom power on that channel, another solution is to put another DI between the XPS and sound board. Some end users with switch to using the different (compatible) Line 6 device. Q: My XPS Box is damaged/lost. How can I get a replacement? A: The XPS box can be special ordered from your favorite Line 6 dealer: Line 6 Dealer Locator