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

Recommended Posts

Hey all -

 

Well, my JTV 89F is on the Fed Ex truck as I eagerly await it's arrival.  I'm in a country rock / classic rock band so the Tele / banjo/ 12 string / acoustic models will come in handy.

 

When we gig, I have a DT50 half stack and the HD500, my Ibanez Prestiege and strat, and my G50 wireless.  THe wireless has been flawless in execution.  We try to put on a show, not just stand there and play, and our band has a real frontman who hangs back when I have a solo or whatever so I move around a lot.between my "spot" and the front of the stage and of course sometimes down with the audience and it's helpful on sound checks too.

 

I realized last night that the VDI cable that does not come with the guitar has no wireless option.  As this is just a glorified/fortified ethernet cable, the wireless soluton should be relatively straight forward with the  802.11n protocal. this is only going a short local distance, not a home clunky network and not subject to network traffic slow downs.

 

Oddly, I find little on the subject.  I'm surprised - I would think the demand would be there.  Unless there just aren't that many people gigging with Variax.  I hate having cords underfoot.

 

What I will have to do is use a guitar cable as before and just not keep my JTV models stored in my presets, or use the VDI cable for one set and switch back to a chord when I want to do sound checks, etc.  That kinda sucks.  The dream rig just had an anxiety dream moment.

 

Any ideas/thoughts/hope?

 

-S

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is commonly requested feature, but regrettably not available.

 

While the cable is a CAT5E with the same pin configuration as Ethernet,  the VDI protocol is not packet based like Ethernet. Instead, Line6 uses the four pairs for bi-directional digital signals. It gives them a lot of flexibility, and provides a reliable connection to move a lot of data. Maybe they'll come up with a wireless protocol ... I hope they will.

 

 

The maximum length, according to Line6, is 50'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most Variax Wireless folks use the 1/4" out to feed a typical wireless guitar system.

 

Although the VDI cable connection looks like a Cat-45 cable - ITS IS NOT ETHERNET, and will NOT work with Ethetrnet Routetrs, etc.

 

 

]http://line6.com/support/servlet/JiveServlet/showImage/2-179734-13707/Variax%2Bmidi%2BAES.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for the reply, rchibnik.

 

Ugh - the last time I used a cord on stage it got wedge into my volume pedal and I couldn't turn up  - i had to kick it out.  The longer the cable the bigger the pile to stand on when you're not using the length.

 

Thanks for the exlanation though.  I wonder though - "move a lot of data" - I wonder how much data that really is.  I'm a programmer (C++/Java/Javascript) but obviuosly don't anything about the data and meta data used for their modeling and tuning communication.  I would think it would have to be optimized or else they wouldn't have developed a proprietary protocal. My point is, and this is conjecture - I'm not telling you your're wrong - that I don't thnk it could be that much data.

 

Then again I may well be flat out wrong.  Either way I'm going to have ot compromise a bit to get what I want on stage.  Dang it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As others pointed out, they are using the physical ethernet cable not in a packet-based ethernet manner... Mainly L6 is using the 4 pair cable for 4 paths: 1 for DC power to run the Variax, 1 for Variax model digital audio stream, 1 for digitized magnetic pickups digital audio stream, and one for 2 - way control Variax to HD500/Pro (knob parameter control) and HD500/Pro to Variax to switch models, set Tone, and set alternate tunings on the JTV. Theoretically you could do everything but power the guitar in a wireless device (use the battery), but it seems to me it'd make more sense to have a regular wireless 1/4" setup ready and either for-go the special control abilities, or run with VDI plugged in for needed special abilities, then unplug and go to wireless for those numbers that don't need the pedal to switch the JTV.... I use the VDI 100% of the time, but I'm not a "showy" player....

 

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ugh - the last time I used a cord on stage it got wedge into my volume pedal and I couldn't turn up  - i had to kick it out.  The longer the cable the bigger the pile to stand on when you're not using the length.

 

I am ALWAYS getting the VDI caught in the HD volume pedal, no matter what I do. I would LOVE to have a VDI wireless setup.

 

I suspect they are using at least two of the pairs - one for the signal going from guitar to the pedal, like a typical guitar signal, but likely digital, but maybe its a straight analog. The other is some kind of talk back to the guitar, sending instructions for tuning and model. The POD to Variax is probably not a constant signal, but an instruction on patch change that the Variax listens for. Then again, maybe its sending a heart beat type signal.

 

Anyway, the system is relatively closed, so we may never know. Like you, I'm a software developer, and so find it  fun to speculate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
  • 1 month later...

I would like to see the next evolution of Pod/JTV be wireless without an intermediate receiver. All in one. And if it could also receive signal from an  XD-V55HS headset, it could all go out on the L6 link from one convenient location, right in front of the live performer with fewer cables and connections in the signal path. (Even though it is mostly digital)

Just a thought, it might not be possible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think wireless VDI could probably be done for everything except power. You would need to make sure you have well charged backup batteries for the JTV, and keep an eye on the charge so you can swap before it dies mid-song.

 

I'd love to see it; I too get the VDI cable fighting with the expression pedal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Keep dreaming.  Sorry, ain't gonna happen.  Yes, it is possible, but you are also talking about it being expensive (2 way wireless communication), and chewing up 2 precious digital channels.

 

Remember, that Line 6 is in this to make a profit.  Without a profit there is no incentive to keep making cool stuff for us to purchase.  Folks have been asking for this for years now.  If Line 6 thought they could manufacture this, and sell it at a price point to be profitable, I'm sure they would.

 

As someone else pointed out in another thread on the same topic not too long ago, it's just one more thing to break during your performance!

 

That said, if someone wants to create this magical device, and figure a way to mass produce it efficiently, I'm sure that Line 6 would pay a tidy sum for your patent.  After all this time, I'm sure that the wizards at Line 6 HAVE thought about it.  :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use my Relay G50 with my Variax all the time.  Yes it would be great to have wireless VDI, but it WOULD be prohibitively expensive, as you're talking about 2 way wireless, and would probably eat up two channels.

 

I find it's really not that hard to change Variax settings on the fly without using the VDI.  It just takes some planning and practice :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

I've read in an other post elsewhere here about someone moding a MIDI wireless unit to work with the VDI.

 

http://line6.com/support/topic/574-help-with-wireless-variax-please/?hl=%2Bmidi+%2Bwireless

 

Worth a read at least.

 

Jd

 

Hi Folks,

 

This was me and unfortunately I never got it to work. That said though, I strongly believe the idea was sound, but my knowledge of electronics is too poor to figure out where it's going wrong...

 

I KNOW that the HD500 will change the patches on my Variax 500 when it is connected to a spare 500 mainboard and only connected to my Variax with PIN 7 of the VDI being split.

 

I KNOW that I can send a midi signal over the air from the HD500 to a Wireless midi sender when I substitute that onto PIN 7. On my sender, I see the data light flash as I changed patches...

 

I THINK that the signal is being received successfully by the midi receiver (I see the data light flash), but when I connect it's output onto PIN 7 of the Variax 500, it doesn't change the patch.

 

I THINK this is due to me being unable to properly configure the voltage/current being sent from the midi receiver to the Variax...

 

 

 

If there are any old timers around, they might remember that this functionality has been asked for pretty much over a decade now, and Line 6 have done it before, without needing to modify anything within the Variax itself. They modified the firmware of the old Flagship Vetta amps in order to be able to send patch changes without having the variax physically connected. See here, from 2006http://www.vettaville.nl/pagmore.php?id=166

 

My vague understanding was that the Variax uses AES to send it's digital audio data to/from the PODs and this relies on a clock sync mechanism. Without the physical connection, the clock sync pulse is not initialised and so the connection isn't completed. I think that when Line 6 updated the Vetta, they added a soft switchable option which somehow removed the need for this. However this feature was never added to the HD, X3 or XT POD series... 

 

This is why I thought if I took an old spare variax mainboard, so I could trick the POD into thinking it was connected and for all intents and purposes, it did work in theory (As per the diagram in my post). I could just never figure out how to get the variax to receive the correct signal after it had been sent wireless....

 

I still have the kit and my request still stands... If someone is able to walk me through the electronics side of things, I'd be more than happy to test and feedback any progress.

 

However, in order for my idea to work practically for JTV, you'd need to purchase 2 JTV's, rip the guts out of one and use it to trick the POD. This is absolutely not cost effective, so the only practical solution is for L6 to somehow implement the same firmware change into the PODs, then release a wireless MIDI/Audio hybrid system...

 

So close, yet so far ;-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I enjoyed reading this discussion and was confused / had a question about one of the posts on what signals actually come out of / go through the variax / VDI.

 

I've been looking at some of the more advanced presets for using the HD500 with a JTV and I recall seeing a video where you could have one "guitar" with standard tuning and another with say an alternate tuning (like a 3rd or 5th up/down) for doing harmony.  What wasn't clear was do I need to run both a 1/4 line AND a VDI cable or can it all get done with the VDI?  I'm also assuming I want the HD500 to change the models/tunings on the JTV when I select the preset.

 

My 2nd question would be is there ever a case where you would want to have both a 1/4 cable and VDI going to the HD500?

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1stq:

vdi signal carries both the variax model AND the mags sound, so if u set input1=variax and input2=variax mags u have both sounds.

furthermore, u can force alt tuning 2 the JTV from a HD500 preset, so in this way u can obtain what u described.

 

2nd q:

practically speaking no.

however u cld send the 1/4 JTV out 2 the recording console 4 recording a dry signal.

 

here is mags+model patch:

http://line6.com/customtone/tone/409204/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's what duct tape was invented for :-)

OR - order one (or two) of the cloth cables made by one of our locals (Dallas-something-or-other, I'm not at my home pc...), then just run a strip of male velcro down the sides of the HD.  Cable sticks well to it, lets you route it down either side.  And no sticky residual....

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

OR - order one (or two) of the cloth cables made by one of our locals (Dallas-something-or-other, I'm not at my home pc...), then just run a strip of male velcro down the sides of the HD.  Cable sticks well to it, lets you route it down either side.  And no sticky residual....

What a great idea! I'm definitely gonna try that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

There is ( I think ) a cheaper way to do it. The reason we want VDI is to:

 

A. Have both the mag and variax sounds available to be mixed into a patch.

B. Change patches on the Variax from the Pod

 

To my thinking the following could work

1. We get the Variax signal out the 1/4" which can go wireless

2. Tap the mags separately out to another 1/4" which goes likewise

3. Variax VDI is connected to a wireless unit on the strap that provides power and is wirelessly connected to its counterpart that plugs into the POD VDI for transmitting patch and controller changes over Wifi

4. You can use the Guitar and Effects Receive inputs to mix the Mag and VDI tones ( using the Pod as an effects unit )

 

So you need to :

A. Hack the Vx

B. Have 3 wireless units on your back one of which has to be custom developed by Line 6 , but seems doable given the Vetta was able to change patches.

 

© and (patent) protected :-) not ... Would love to see it happen

 

Otherwise just extend the pins and give me a MIDI pickup too? please pretty pretty pretty please......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:-) The Ultimate Guitar -

 

space on the 89F is v limited or I would have added a fish man pickup already. Nothing like playing a sax solo when you want ... I'm spoiled by my Gr-33 and Roland-ready Mexican strat. Right now using the Pod as the effects system for the Gr-33 Roland sounds + guitar sound switching. ( Guitar and Aux inputs ). variax used mostly for recording....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am sure there is including a number of audio feeds, especially with 802.11ac.

 

There are even starting to be some commercial products such as "Jack" but there is some time to go yet before it hits the shelves.

 

http://www.gizmag.com/jack-wi-fi-guitar-interface/35287/

 

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/namm-2015-jack-the-wi-fi-guitar-cable-launches-via-kickstarter-613123

 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/432967670/jack-the-wifi-guitar-cable

 

It looks to me as though this is inevitable, and logically the stereo in-ears + dual channel instrument + control connection will be relatively easy to achieve; if I was a maker of digital radio gear for musicians I would be seriously considering this sort of technology after all 802.11ac is available in a phone these days so it is not as if the chips are not on the market.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most packet  technology would have way too much delay to play real time guitar music.  Remember that things like music players can have as much delay as they want.  Variax wireless would require a special designed unit to work with VDI and there is not a large enough market to justify the engineering expense.  If you want to kludge together something that works, it certainly can be done but it just isn't going to be practical.  If you need wireless, use the 1/4 inch cable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did you follow the links and watch the video of the guy playing his guitar over a WiFi link? (yes it is a pre-sales video and I don't necessarily trust it)  

With ac you have real world 750mbs and in the 5G band it is practical to get really low latency.

 

Another tech company Killer Networking claim 1ms latency and no drop outs for real time streaming of video not just audio:

 

http://www.killernetworking.com/products/wireless-ac-1525

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...

Just here to add my vote: VARIAX WIRELESS PLEASE!! Without it, the "dream rig" is not a dream. I have the DT25, Helix, and Variax, but in order to have the Helix control the Variax I need a stupid cable at my feet. No way. So now I'm on stage with my head down finding the next patch with my feet, finding the model on the Variax while saying to my bandmates, "Wait...wait...wait... OK!" Not a dream! Still better than using a cable. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just here to add my vote: VARIAX WIRELESS PLEASE!! Without it, the "dream rig" is not a dream. I have the DT25, Helix, and Variax, but in order to have the Helix control the Variax I need a stupid cable at my feet. No way. So now I'm on stage with my head down finding the next patch with my feet, finding the model on the Variax while saying to my bandmates, "Wait...wait...wait... OK!" Not a dream! Still better than using a cable.

Well perhaps if you cut and paste the same post into just a few more threads...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am ALWAYS getting the VDI caught in the HD volume pedal, no matter what I do. I would LOVE to have a VDI wireless setup.

 

I suspect they are using at least two of the pairs - one for the signal going from guitar to the pedal, like a typical guitar signal, but likely digital, but maybe its a straight analog. The other is some kind of talk back to the guitar, sending instructions for tuning and model. The POD to Variax is probably not a constant signal, but an instruction on patch change that the Variax listens for. Then again, maybe its sending a heart beat type signal.

 

Anyway, the system is relatively closed, so we may never know. Like you, I'm a software developer, and so find it fun to speculate.

I tape my cable down with gaffers tape so it's only loose behind me. Works great!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I tape my cable down with gaffers tape so it's only loose behind me. Works great!!

...wiretaped instead of wireless :D ...

Maybe there will be a wireless solution by Neutrik for VDI /  ethercon some day (they developed 'XIRIUM', a new wireless solution for audio)?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I enjoyed reading this discussion and was confused / had a question about one of the posts on what signals actually come out of / go through the variax / VDI.

 

I've been looking at some of the more advanced presets for using the HD500 with a JTV and I recall seeing a video where you could have one "guitar" with standard tuning and another with say an alternate tuning (like a 3rd or 5th up/down) for doing harmony.  What wasn't clear was do I need to run both a 1/4 line AND a VDI cable or can it all get done with the VDI?  I'm also assuming I want the HD500 to change the models/tunings on the JTV when I select the preset.

 

My 2nd question would be is there ever a case where you would want to have both a 1/4 cable and VDI going to the HD500?

I've read elsewhere in this forum (including post by Line 6) that if you run the 1/4 and VDI at the same time you'll likely burn out the PCB board in the JTV.  Probably not worth the risk.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

Just want to add my voice to the choir. Line6, please give us a wireless system that gives the same functionality as connection a Variax guitar to the HD500X through a Cat5 cable. I would buy two of these immediately!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Hey all -

 

Well, my JTV 89F is on the Fed Ex truck as I eagerly await it's arrival.  I'm in a country rock / classic rock band so the Tele / banjo/ 12 string / acoustic models will come in handy.

 

When we gig, I have a DT50 half stack and the HD500, my Ibanez Prestiege and strat, and my G50 wireless.  THe wireless has been flawless in execution.  We try to put on a show, not just stand there and play, and our band has a real frontman who hangs back when I have a solo or whatever so I move around a lot.between my "spot" and the front of the stage and of course sometimes down with the audience and it's helpful on sound checks too.

 

I realized last night that the VDI cable that does not come with the guitar has no wireless option.  As this is just a glorified/fortified ethernet cable, the wireless soluton should be relatively straight forward with the  802.11n protocal. this is only going a short local distance, not a home clunky network and not subject to network traffic slow downs.

 

Oddly, I find little on the subject.  I'm surprised - I would think the demand would be there.  Unless there just aren't that many people gigging with Variax.  I hate having cords underfoot.

 

What I will have to do is use a guitar cable as before and just not keep my JTV models stored in my presets, or use the VDI cable for one set and switch back to a chord when I want to do sound checks, etc.  That kinda sucks.  The dream rig just had an anxiety dream moment.

 

Any ideas/thoughts/hope?

 

-S

I already own a HD500x and Varix 500, which is the old circuitry ... but if the new JTV had wireless to HD500x capabilities , I would buy one right this very second ! I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way ! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I already own a HD500x and Varix 500, which is the old circuitry ... but if the new JTV had wireless to HD500x capabilities , I would buy one right this very second ! I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way ! 

Would you pay approx. $1,000 for it? Line 6 recently asked the community about this, explaining a bit about what would be required to provide full VDI capability (excluding power) and indicating this approx. cost/price. There weren't too many takers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...