OnkelMumin Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 Hi. I just bought a used Variax 700 and now i want to do customized tunings so I need a USB interface to connect to Workbench, and they seem hard to come by at a resonable price.... Has any one tried to use a normal RJ45 to USB adapter such as http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ethernet-10-100-Mbps-Network-USB2-0-Adapter-Dongle-to-RJ45-Wired-LAN-WIN8-MAC-/191534966108 Naturally Line6 want to sell you their own stuff, but I cant understand why the would have developed a non standard adapter to do the really simple job of converting the signals.. The first generation USB device looks a bit hightec with flasching lights and circut boards, the later looks very generic.. I dont want do destroy my guitar or computer, so has anyone tried using a generic adapter? Maybe I will get frustrated and curious/stupid enough to try myself.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_m Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 That certainly won't work and could possibly damage the Variax (although I doubt that adapter actually sends power to the ethernet port). Even though the Variax uses RJ45 connectors and Cat5e cable, it's not ethernet. It's a proprietary protocol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Watt Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 You need to find the Line6 Interface. Nothing else will work. It's USB on one side but it's Variax VDI on the other side which is not Ethernet. That interface was originally sold with Workbench software for the Original Variax. The JTV's come with the interface but the 300, 500, 600, 700 did not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palico Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Workbench Kind of high price to get an old interface. The other options are to find a used POD x3 Live (maybe POD xt live some can pipe in if that works are not) or POD HD500 Live (NOT HD500x live they don't work with the old Variax for workbench). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bromatt1 Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 Will the JTV USB interface work with the Variax 500? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_Watt Posted March 24, 2015 Share Posted March 24, 2015 Yes it will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hermes11 Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Hi ALL - I've just bought a pre-owned Variax 500 and I need the USB interface which did not come with the guitar since that model didn't come with the Workbench software when it was new. I've communicated with the guys at Line 6 in order to try and purchase one from them - NO LUCK and really, NOT very helpful; their only suggestion being that I buy a pre-owned POD in order to access the editing features on my beloved 500! Obviously, as discussed by some of you, this is an expensive option - how much for a cheap circuit board and a plastic box AND Workbench is now a free download from Line 6?!!! (Come on Line 6, this is lollipop!). Mm, obviously 'lollipop' is an automatically generated euphemism - you know what I mean - 'taking advantage' in British English! I am therefore appealing to those JTV owners who have the USB inferface which apparently, was included with their new purchases. Does anyone have one for sale at a 'reasonable price'? I live in the UK and I'm trying to track one down over here but I'm putting this 'out there'. If you can help me out, I'd really appreciate it! Many thanks, Hermes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leesteel Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Hi ALL - I've just bought a pre-owned Variax 500 and I need the USB interface which did not come with the guitar since that model didn't come with the Workbench software when it was new. I've communicated with the guys at Line 6 in order to try and purchase one from them - NO LUCK and really, NOT very helpful; their only suggestion being that I buy a pre-owned POD in order to access the editing features on my beloved 500! Obviously, as discussed by some of you, this is an expensive option - how much for a cheap circuit board and a plastic box AND Workbench is now a free download from Line 6?!!! (Come on Line 6, this is lollipop!). Mm, obviously 'lollipop' is an automatically generated euphemism - you know what I mean - 'taking advantage' in British English! I am therefore appealing to those JTV owners who have the USB inferface which apparently, was included with their new purchases. Does anyone have one for sale at a 'reasonable price'? I live in the UK and I'm trying to track one down over here but I'm putting this 'out there'. If you can help me out, I'd really appreciate it! Many thanks, Hermes Have you checked eBay? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-Variax-workbench-usb-interface-/222092160586?hash=item33b5b96e4a:g:UeAAAOSw1DtXFtbZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hermes11 Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 Darn! I missed the ebay sale but thanks anyway leesteel - I'm still looking. On the same subject, would an FBV Shortboard perform the same function? Someone has one available on this side-of-the-pond (UK). I appreciate all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 No - an FBV shortboard will not substitute for the USB Workbench hardware interface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leesteel Posted May 2, 2016 Share Posted May 2, 2016 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-Variax-Workbench-/401073248958?hash=item5d61d41abe:g:adsAAOSwWTRWxHlG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dailydubya Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Hi - I'm interested in a Variax 500 but am not sure of what I'll need to connect it to the Workbench software. I see the Variax cable is readily available for about $40. I see Workbench with a USB adapter for about $100. What I'm wondering is if the Line 6 99-065-0005 VDI Interface for JTV-69 will work. This is about $35 from full compass systems. It looks like the only other option is to use a POD Live pedal with the Variax port. Are there any other ways of connecting the Variax 500 to the Workbench application? USB aside, Is there any way of connecting to an amp other than through a POD Live or similar pedal? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrillow Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 24 minutes ago, Dailydubya said: It looks like the only other option is to use a POD Live pedal with the Variax port. This is a questionable configuration in 2018, but it used to work just fine. The biggest issue is incompatibility with newer versions of Windows, specifically Windows 10. A forum search will yield several posts which outline difficulties in making this combination work properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CADDICKROCKS Posted September 28, 2018 Share Posted September 28, 2018 I have a line 6 helix Variax 700 acoustic guitar . being a lollipop I tried to update it for the first time via my helix . it has lost all my sounds? any help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 You need a cheap solution to connect your Variax to a computer via USB, as others in this forum are trying to do. Get an older POD (those mentioned), or a Variax power supply and USB dongle. Buy used on flea-bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceboy68 Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 hello all Same problem. I dont have a live pod but i do have the pod x3. will that work as interface? thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_m Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 13 hours ago, spaceboy68 said: hello all Same problem. I dont have a live pod but i do have the pod x3. will that work as interface? thank you For what Variax? Generally, yes, it should work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 Guitar interface will only work for Live POD or directly to the computer. The mod connector on the POD Beans are for FBV controllers only. They are not guitar connections. XT Live, X3 Live, yes, using the VDI connector. XT and X3 Beans, no! Don't do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceboy68 Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 6 hours ago, phil_m said: For what Variax? Generally, yes, it should work. It's for a Variax 700. It came without the usb interface, but i do have a pod x3 (NOT the x3 live though, just the PodX3). So will that work as an VDI interface so I dont have to worry about finding the damn usb interface now? Also, what workbench do i need for this? the only one i see available for download here is workbenchHD, but it was my understanding that i need Workbench (not HD) or maybe im confused. Sorry I'm new at this. Just got a used varix 700 in optimal condition and I'm trying to figure out what exactly i need to make it work fully. thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 " It's for a Variax 700. It came without the usb interface, but i do have a pod x3 (NOT the x3 live though, just the PodX3). So will that work as an VDI interface so I dont have to worry about finding the damn usb interface now? "--- No. can't do that with the POD Beans like the POD X3, only the Lives. The mod connector on the X3 would have "FBV Pedal" marked on it. Don't use that for anything other than an FBV Pedal. Use original Workbench, that is used for original Variax 300, 500, 600 and 700 (acoustic and electric) series guitars. HD series is for JTV, Standard and Shurikens guitars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_m Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 1 hour ago, spaceboy68 said: It's for a Variax 700. It came without the usb interface, but i do have a pod x3 (NOT the x3 live though, just the PodX3). So will that work as an VDI interface so I dont have to worry about finding the damn usb interface now? Also, what workbench do i need for this? the only one i see available for download here is workbenchHD, but it was my understanding that i need Workbench (not HD) or maybe im confused. Sorry I'm new at this. Just got a used varix 700 in optimal condition and I'm trying to figure out what exactly i need to make it work fully. thanks! Sorry, I misread your earlier post - I didn’t see the part where you said it wasn’t the “live” version. The X3 bean doesn’t have a VDI jack. The FBV jack and VDI jack are both RJ45 type jacks, but they’re not the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceboy68 Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 OOOOOK, what do you know... !!! Well, problem solved, I hope: I agreed on Reverb to purchase a mint, very shiny and clean, handsome looking Variax 700 for $425 but since it came with everything BUT the USB interface (and I only had the not-useful POD X3 Bean, as already established), I negotiated the price down to $335 which was pretty good I thought. Also, while negotiating the very nice and surprisingly honest previous owner told me that those usb interfaces did not come with the Variax 700 at first, had to be bought separately (which is, of course, true), so he ended up also offering me his POD 500HD for the $99 I would have had to pay for the interface alone. I looked everywhere and the cheapest one was at $170 on reverb and looked scratched and very dodgy, plus the variax 700 where all over 500 bucks with little to no cables (some at 700 bucks), etc and of course WITHOUT the usb interface. These 2, guitar and pod, looked MINT and had all cables, footswitch, power unit etc. SO, after a thorough investigation and a ton of pictures from every angle back and forth, now I am the proud owner of a Line Variax 700 Cherry Sunburst (with whammy bar) and a POD 500HD both, in mint condition, apparently without a blem, scratch, or issue. All this, obviously, remains to be seen, but I really felt the guy could be trusted after the patient answering of my million questions and the back and forths. Besides, since I am also protected by both reverb and paypal just in case of unpleasant surprises when the goodies arrive, I thought what the h e l l, right? In my honest opinion the owner wasn't a money grabber, he seemed like a stand up guy from the start and not only knew his s h i t thoroughly, but truly wanted to help, fact proven by the very fair deal we struck (i think). So all in all, I'm hopeful. UPS should be knockin' on my door with a nice package in the very very near future ;)!! meanwhile.... i'm downloading line 6 oldies galore... ;) to be continued... And by the way guys, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THE HELP AND AWESOME SUPPORT Y'ALL SO VERY QUICKLY BESTOWED UPON ME IN MY TIME OF NEED AND IGNORANCE. TRULY APPRECIATED KICK A S S FORUM, IF YOU ASK ME. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basscoach Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 Hi newbie here! Got a 300 electric guitar with power supply, but would ideally like to get the interface to edit some tunings. They’re as rare as rocking horse p@@ here in the uk. I don’t particularly want to get a pod as I’ll never use the guitar live, it’s purely for recording. Anyone got a spare they don’t need that they’d like to sell please? cheers J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thornlv Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 If anyone in the UK is looking for the USB interface for variax, workbench, then Bax music have them in stock, £40 Inc post. https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/guitar-effects-replacement-parts/line-6-variax-vdu-usb-interface-for-line-6-variax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antoniomenendez Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 HI just get a Variax JTV59, but It didn't came with the USB Interface, I tried to updated conected throu the Helix, but show an error. Does Helix don't works as interface with JTV? I need to get a POD HD in order to update the Variax? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted January 7, 2020 Share Posted January 7, 2020 Interface is the best way. More direct. And don't have any USB hubs plugged in when doing updates thru Monkey or using Workbench HD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antoniomenendez Posted January 7, 2020 Share Posted January 7, 2020 5 hours ago, psarkissian said: Interface is the best way. More direct. And don't have any USB hubs plugged in when doing updates thru Monkey or using Workbench HD. Is the Best way or the only way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted January 7, 2020 Share Posted January 7, 2020 Best way, better data flow, less chance of interruption. Newer floor effects are not backwards compatible with earlier Variax and Workbench. A JTV with firmware v2.00 or higher should connect to Monkey and Workbench HD thru floor effects units. Though more direct thru an interface goes more smoothly. Unplug any USB hubs when doing this. Check the OS compatibility on the Downloads page on the Forum. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mincer Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 On 1/5/2020 at 6:39 AM, thornlv said: If anyone in the UK is looking for the USB interface for variax, workbench, then Bax music have them in stock, £40 Inc post. https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/guitar-effects-replacement-parts/line-6-variax-vdu-usb-interface-for-line-6-variax That is a great price! Does anyone know of one available in the US from a retailer at that price? I would like one for my 700 Acoustic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darragh Posted March 28, 2020 Share Posted March 28, 2020 Gents, Can the variax usb interface be used for sound recording on a variax 700 or is it just useful for editing tunings & settings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_m Posted March 28, 2020 Share Posted March 28, 2020 45 minutes ago, Darragh said: Gents, Can the variax usb interface be used for sound recording on a variax 700 or is it just useful for editing tunings & settings? The little external VDI interface just passes data. It doesn't pass power or audio. So, no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darragh Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 Ah okay, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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