How do I command my DT via MIDI?

[mtreehugger]

Okay, I'm gonna take the plunge, and this weekend will sever the umbilical cord, i.e. L6 Link.  I have an HD 500, a DT25, a PC with no MIDI connector, and a Tascam US-800 Digital Audio Interface with MIDI connectors that I used for the firmware update.  I want to use DT edit instead of my HD500, but I don't know how to send the commands.  Is this something that will be obvious once I begin?

 

To be clear, I am able to connect my amp to my computer via the US-800, but I don't know if this connection will serve my new intended purpose.  Also, is there any way to control the amp via my HD500 using the MIDI connectors rather than the L6 Link?  I haven't heard that this is possible...

 

Thanks!

[Brazzy]

How'z it go'in "m". This is always a good topic for the DT's since midi can offer some really cool abilities, it's just getting it all streamlined so that your A.C.T. (All Comes Together) runs smoothly.

 

I've been toying with the MIDI Memo recorder (iPad) and the DT50 and am able to record my moves from the DT, DT Edit and the HD500 while all of them are hooked up at the same time. After I record my moves when I hit play with the Midi Memo (iPad) it starts to repeat any moves (tweaks) and I better start my act (playing), lol. If ya know what I mean. I can pause it though :). I find it fun and can end up with some cool tone curves from the tweaks depending on how fast/slow I tweak it.

 

Sometimes I'll just plug midi out from my HD500 to DT50 midi in and set up midi patches, as per the MIDI Implementation Guide Line 6 has available. I go right into the front (preamp) of the DT with the guitar. If I want to I can go midi in to the Pod with iPad midi memo recording I previously had and it will send that to the DT through the Pod. I'll say Midi has a lot to offer, it's just tapping into it so that your comfortable, practice, practice and have fun doing it.

 

I usually always set up my patches using the same topology so I don't the pop issue when changing patches, lol.

 

While I have fun with it in the personal setting I would need to really practice an act to feel confident and it is possible. There are a bunch of different ways to control midi though, options are out there.

 

Since my experience is limited I'm always interested in other peoples experiences.

 

Links:

http://line6.com/media/dt50/DT_MIDIGuide_v2_0_RevA_English.pdf

 

http://line6.com/support/page/kb/_/amplifiers/dt50dt25/using-midi-to-change-amp-settings-on-the-dt50d-r129

 

For example, on the DT50 amplifiers, sending MIDI CC# 11 with a value of 0-30 will change the assigned HD amp model set to any one of the voicings on Channel A of the DT50.

So, if you want to change Voicing I of Channel A on the DT50 amp from the original Fender Blackface to be a Hiway 100 amp model instead, do the following:

• On any preset (blank or not) on the POD, go to the POD's MIDI Assign screen by holding the MOVE button for a few seconds. We suggest doing this on a blank new preset so that you can use this preset to send these MIDI messages to your DT amplifier.
• Let's assign Footswitch 1 (FS1) to send MIDI CC# 11 with a value of 003.
• Press on FS1 so that the arrow is pointing to it in the POD's screen. Turn Knob 1 to select MIDI CH: Base.
• Turn Knob 2 to select Message: CC.
• Turn Knob 3 to select CC# 011.
• Turn Knob 4 to select Value: 003.
• You can exit the MIDI Assign screen by pressing the View button once.
• Now, by simply pressing the FS1 footswitch, you will be sending MIDI CC# 11 value 003 to the DT50 amp which will change the Voicing I of Channel A on the DT50 amp from the original Fender Blackface to be a Hiway 100 amp model.
• Press the Save button once, rename the preset with the knobs below the screen, then press the Save button once again to store these settings to the POD's preset.

MIDI CC#11 value 0-30 will change the HD amp model on Channel A of the selected voicing on the DT25/DT50 amp.

MIDI CC#12 value 0-30 will change the HD amp model on Channel B of the selected voicing on the DT25/DT50 amp.

Edited December 4, 2015 by Brazzy

[DarrellM5]

If you're just wanting to use DT Edit to configure the amp, it's a piece of cake. DT Edit has a graphic interface so you just pick the settings you want and it handles the MIDI stuff for you in the background. You don't even need to know what the MIDI commands are.

 

It's possible to control the DT via MIDI from the HD500X but it's WAY more complex.

[mtreehugger]

How'z it go'in "m". This is always a good topic for the DT's since midi can offer some really cool abilities, it's just getting it all streamlined so that your A.C.T. (All Comes Together) runs smoothly.

 

I've been toying with the MIDI Memo recorder (iPad) and the DT50 and am able to record my moves from the DT, DT Edit and the HD500 while all of them are hooked up at the same time. After I record my moves when I hit play with the Midi Memo (iPad) it starts to repeat any moves (tweaks) and I better start my act (playing), lol. If ya know what I mean. I can pause it though :). I find it fun and can end up with some cool tone curves from the tweaks depending on how fast/slow I tweak it.

 

Sometimes I'll just plug midi out from my HD500 to DT50 midi in and set up midi patches, as per the MIDI Implementation Guide Line 6 has available. I go right into the front (preamp) of the DT with the guitar. If I want to I can go midi in to the Pod with iPad midi memo recording I previously had and it will send that to the DT through the Pod. I'll say Midi has a lot to offer, it's just tapping into it so that your comfortable, practice, practice and have fun doing it.

 

I usually always set up my patches using the same topology so I don't the pop issue when changing patches, lol.

 

While I have fun with it in the personal setting I would need to really practice an act to feel confident and it is possible. There are a bunch of different ways to control midi though, options are out there.

 

Since my experience is limited I'm always interested in other peoples experiences.

 

Links:

http://line6.com/media/dt50/DT_MIDIGuide_v2_0_RevA_English.pdf

 

Hey Brazzy, it's going well!  But lately I've been noticing that sometimes my tone sucks, so I've been thinking that I'd take the POD out of the equation.  Last night I had killer tone to start out with, but after playing awhile it really sounded awful--kind of edgy/fuzzy yet somehow without the sustain and crunch an amp would normally produce.  I woudn't think it was tubes as my amp is only 6 months old (but I ordered replacement tubes anyway).

 

Please forgive me for posting before reading up!  So are you saying that I can basically install 8 amps, 2 of each voice but otherwise however I like them, into my DT and then select those amps via the switches on the front panel (or A/B footswitch)?  

 

EDIT--12-14-15--TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:  After playing my DT25 without my HD500, I found that it sounds a bit different.  However, I have now concluded that most of my struggle getting the tones I want is because I'm playing too quietly.  Going in the front input and switched to triode, my master is only at 1/4 volume (9:00), which is probably like 10% of the amp's volume and power.  If I crank it half way, I find the tone stack, gain, etc. to be much less volatile and tones much easier to dial in.  

 

With any high gain tube amp and somewhat saturated tones, I don't think you'll ever get the same sounds at low volume that you get at high volume.  The DT's are remarkably fun at low volume (not in low volume mode, FYI), but I think a bit of instability in the settings/results is to be expected given the inconsistencies in today's tube manufacturing--at least until one approaches the volumes the amp was intended for.  

 

I'll do a bit more testing, but I'm probably only going to use MIDI to reach the unreachable parameters of boost (which, contrary to reports,  is switchable in my DT25) and possibly LPM with 1-2 of the amps.  I will most likely continue with my HD500 (which will save the unreachable parameters in the parameters) and L6 Link, because I believe any muffling from the POD can be eq'd away.

 

Good luck!

[mtreehugger]

If you're just wanting to use DT Edit to configure the amp, it's a piece of cake. DT Edit has a graphic interface so you just pick the settings you want and it handles the MIDI stuff for you in the background. You don't even need to know what the MIDI commands are.

 

It's possible to control the DT via MIDI from the HD500X but it's WAY more complex.

Thanks, DarrellM5!  Along the lines of my question to Brazzy, how do I control the DT (via POD or otherwise)?  (If it's in the Line 6 guide, I'll be reading about it later today)

[Brazzy]

So are you saying that I can basically install 8 amps, 2 of each voice but otherwise however I like them, into my DT and then select those amps via the switches on the front panel (or A/B footswitch)?  

 

Yes. Talking about this stuff can get confusing so get the Line 6 info out and read and then start trying it out.

 

You can program the DT with the Pod or the computer (DT edit) the way you want with 2 different channels, 4 different amps per channel with different topos. You can use any of the Pod's FS's to change Channel A/B.

 

After your done programming you can disconnect the pod and/or the computer and the settings are done. Once you make a change the DT remembers it, no saving required. If you want to start over just hook it back up, make changes and disconnect if you want to or you can set the patches to use the FS's to control the midi commands.

 

I've used the Pod to just control midi and used the Foot Pedal to control the Reverbs. When I did that I went into the preamp of the DT with the guitar and the only thing the Pod was used for was changing midi with FS's and Reverb with the Foot Pedal. Works great for certain things.

 

I've also went into the Pod with the guitar and set up a midi patch for midi changes and set up a Wah with the Foot Pedal. I forget exactly what I did and how it worked but I did it, lol. I think I came out of the Pod with the L mono, went into the Dt's preamp and used "Stack Front" in the pods output settings. Sometimes you just have to try things to see what works and what doesn't and remember to take note of what you did so you don't forget.

Edited December 4, 2015 by Brazzy

[DarrellM5]

Thanks, DarrellM5!  Along the lines of my question to Brazzy, how do I control the DT (via POD or otherwise)?  (If it's in the Line 6 guide, I'll be reading about it later today)

 

To control it with MIDI via the POD refer to page B.5 in the POD HD500X Advanced Guide.

 

For the various MIDI messages that can be sent to the DT refer to the Line 6 DT Series Amplifiers MIDI Implementation Guide.

 

If you're going to use DT Edit, don't bother with either of the above.

[radatats]

Just remember, the DT was designed to be used with L6 link, not really midi.  You can load up 8 different amp models, but only two are active at any time without the POD.  If you change amp models by midi, the new amp will still have all the settings of the old amp.  That means switching from a Blackface to a Mesa can rip yer face off!  It's just not functional.  You can certainly set up midi to switch channels, reverb on off, change topology or class if you want.  But switching between the 8 loaded amps is not really usable without dialing in the new model on the DT each time.

[mtreehugger]

Just remember, the DT was designed to be used with L6 link, not really midi.  You can load up 8 different amp models, but only two are active at any time without the POD.  If you change amp models by midi, the new amp will still have all the settings of the old amp.  That means switching from a Blackface to a Mesa can rip yer face off!  It's just not functional.  You can certainly set up midi to switch channels, reverb on off, change topology or class if you want.  But switching between the 8 loaded amps is not really usable without dialing in the new model on the DT each time.

 

Well that's discouraging!  But it makes sense.  I'm now reminded why I never bothered checking into this whole MIDI thing before.  And since I'm now using a DT25, I still can't get at those previously unreachable DT50 parameters (another thing I kinda forgot).  

 

I couldn't find a manual and have yet to install, but if you can forgive my ignorant question... Can DT Edit send all those MIDI commands to the DT at once?  (from my computer through either my US-800 or my HD500's MIDI connector?)  In essence that's what I'm looking for:  A way to essentially save patches that doesn't use my HD500 so that I'm using the digital preamp in my amp rather than in my POD.  Every adjustment in the amp is MIDI configurable, but I see now that my POD can't send all those commands simultaneously all by itself.  

 

---edit--it appears that dtedit can't save, and is strictly a "live" editor.   this has me wondering about the other 2 editors as well as MIDI OX.

 

 Another thing I'm confused about is that dtedit has 3 downloads at the bottom of the page:  dtedit-master, dtedit_1.1.1, and dteditraw_1.1.1.  I can't find any explanation as to what these are.  I unzipped dtedit-master but couldn't find an executable so i gave up.  i unzipped dtedit1.1.1 and this is operational.  anybody know what the other downloads are for?  

 

---edit again--i just noticed that the 2 downloads at the top of the page have new filenames as well, making a total of 5 different files to be downloaded from the page with no explanation as to which or why.  my guess is that the zip and the tar are the same, just different compression types.  the zip one seems to be identical to the "dtedit-master" file that did not function.

 

so using the "dtedit_1.1.1," when i use the l6link to change patches, only some of the fields in the editor update.  when i changed amps, speakers, microphones, the editor did not reflect this, but remained unchanged.  i even entered the amp on my pod to select different options, but the editor did not follow those changes.  

 

crap.  i'm not sure i can trust anything dtedit tells me except the voicing info.

[mtreehugger]

Yes. Talking about this stuff can get confusing so get the Line 6 info out and read and then start trying it out.

 

You can program the DT with the Pod or the computer (DT edit) the way you want with 2 different channels, 4 different amps per channel with different topos. You can use any of the Pod's FS's to change Channel A/B.

 

After your done programming you can disconnect the pod and/or the computer and the settings are done. Once you make a change the DT remembers it, no saving required. If you want to start over just hook it back up, make changes and disconnect if you want to or you can set the patches to use the FS's to control the midi commands.

 

I've used the Pod to just control midi and used the Foot Pedal to control the Reverbs. When I did that I went into the preamp of the DT with the guitar and the only thing the Pod was used for was changing midi with FS's and Reverb with the Foot Pedal. Works great for certain things.

 

I've also went into the Pod with the guitar and set up a midi patch for midi changes and set up a Wah with the Foot Pedal. I forget exactly what I did and how it worked but I did it, lol. I think I came out of the Pod with the L mono, went into the Dt's preamp and used "Stack Front" in the pods output settings. Sometimes you just have to try things to see what works and what doesn't and remember to take note of what you did so you don't forget.

 

Brazzy, you don't recall offhand where the default amps (and possibly other settings) are listed, do you?  Or is this something DT Edit will tell me?

 

---edit---it looks like DT Edit will tell me, within limitations of the software.

[Brazzy]

Brazzy, you don't recall offhand where the default amps (and possibly other settings) are listed, do you?  Or is this something DT Edit will tell me?

 

---edit---it looks like DT Edit will tell me, within limitations of the software.

 

Your on the right track.

I think if I wanted to find that I would do the "reset" and then open DT Edit on my computer and go through each channel to see what settings were used.

 

radatats has a good point about how the engineers have designed the DT's/ HD's. I suppose it just depends on how you need to use it.

Edited December 5, 2015 by Brazzy

[radatats]

I couldn't find a manual and have yet to install, but if you can forgive my ignorant question... Can DT Edit send all those MIDI commands to the DT at once?  (from my computer through either my US-800 or my HD500's MIDI connector?)  In essence that's what I'm looking for:  A way to essentially save patches that doesn't use my HD500 so that I'm using the digital preamp in my amp rather than in my POD.  Every adjustment in the amp is MIDI configurable, but I see now that my POD can't send all those commands simultaneously all by itself.  

 

---edit--it appears that dtedit can't save, and is strictly a "live" editor.   this has me wondering about the other 2 editors as well as MIDI OX.

 

DT Edit is not a live editor.  It is used to configure the standalone amp/cab/mic/reverb state of the 8 voicings in the DT.  Whatever changes you make using DT Edit are saved in the DT when you disconnect.  It does not save patches as the gain and tone stack configurations do not save.  They are strictly tied to the physical knob positions.

[mtreehugger]

Your on the right track.

I think if I wanted to find that I would do the "reset" and then open DT Edit on my computer and go through each channel to see what settings were used.reset.JPG

 

radatats has a good point about how the engineers have designed the DT's/ HD's. I suppose it just depends on how you need to use it.

 

 

DT Edit is not a live editor.  It is used to configure the standalone amp/cab/mic/reverb state of the 8 voicings in the DT.  Whatever changes you make using DT Edit are saved in the DT when you disconnect.  It does not save patches as the gain and tone stack configurations do not save.  They are strictly tied to the physical knob positions.

 

one thing i'm hearing is that my hd500, even through the l6 link, is muffling my tone.  i'm quite surprised.  

 

using channel b, if i plug straight in i get a bright lively tone (dialed in, natch).  then if i turn on my hd500 with an empty patch open, the dt defaults to channel b, but the tone is muffled, even using the same cord.  (and before you ask, yes, i've got the pod master at 100%)

 

i wouldn't have expected this.  i would have expected that line 6 would have made the dt and the hd so that you can't tell them apart--after all, it's the exact same preamp processors and models etc.  

 

i guess it's like the difference between true bypass and the "other" circuit.  makes me wonder if both units really have the same circuits and software.  i'm now trying to get my computer to update drivers so i can update my pod so i can utilize the global eq so i can compare the eq'd l6 link sound to the natural sound of the amp.  if i can't eq out the signal loss to the point of fooling my ears, then maybe i'll look at using MIDI rather than my pod.

 

have either of you noticed this signal loss in your pods?

[Brazzy]

one thing i'm hearing is that my hd500, even through the l6 link, is muffling my tone.  i'm quite surprised.  

 

using channel b, if i plug straight in i get a bright lively tone (dialed in, natch).  then if i turn on my hd500 with an empty patch open, the dt defaults to channel b, but the tone is muffled, even using the same cord.  (and before you ask, yes, i've got the pod master at 100%)

 

i wouldn't have expected this.  i would have expected that line 6 would have made the dt and the hd so that you can't tell them apart--after all, it's the exact same preamp processors and models etc.  

 

i guess it's like the difference between true bypass and the "other" circuit.  makes me wonder if both units really have the same circuits and software.  i'm now trying to get my computer to update drivers so i can update my pod so i can utilize the global eq so i can compare the eq'd l6 link sound to the natural sound of the amp.  if i can't eq out the signal loss to the point of fooling my ears, then maybe i'll look at using MIDI rather than my pod.

 

have either of you noticed this signal loss in your pods?

 

When I used the L6 Link I noticed the same thing. This why I went into the front of the amp with my guitar and used the Pod for MIDI. Another way I liked was to run the Pod into the FX Return which sounded good. I didn't spend a lot of time fiddling with the L6 Link since the amp sounded better with the guitar into the preamp of the DT. Controlling the DT with the Pod via MIDI was a better option for me. I remember others having the same difficulty. Keep in mind this is just my experience.

 

You can check this out > http://line6.com/supportarchivenew/thread/74045/

Edited December 7, 2015 by Brazzy

[radatats]

I honestly didn't find any issues using L6 link.  Until Helix I never had any cause to use midi other than to update or with DT Edit.  I have since sold my HD500 so can't check anything anymore.

[Brazzy]

I honestly didn't find any issues using L6 link.  Until Helix I never had any cause to use midi other than to update or with DT Edit.  I have since sold my HD500 so can't check anything anymore.

 

There were more than a few people saying the same thing about the "L6 Muffle". When I plugged my guitar in the front of my DT50 and started using DT Edit to try out the models the difference to the people around me was evident. I never trust my own ears completely. I always ask someone else what they think before going forward. With sound there are many variables, just the room/venue your in can make a big difference on the final product.

 

The DT all by itself is a great sounding tool. I find myself using my HD500 all by itself recording via USB more these days.

[mtreehugger]

When I used the L6 Link I noticed the same thing. This why I went into the front of the amp with my guitar and used the Pod for MIDI. Another way I liked was to run the Pod into the FX Return which sounded good. I didn't spend a lot of time fiddling with the L6 Link since the amp sounded better with the guitar into the preamp of the DT. Controlling the DT with the Pod via MIDI was a better option for me. I remember others having the same difficulty. Keep in mind this is just my experience.

 

You can check this out > http://line6.com/supportarchivenew/thread/74045/

 

Ah, that's an old thread ya got there!  (I was wondering if it was one I posted on back in the day, but didn't have time to read all those pages)  As I was skimming it I did find a possible explanation for my muffle--the pad switch.  I've always had that engaged, which would bring down the volume.  I will do my A/B testing tonight with the pad disengaged and report my findings.

 

There are SO many settings on the hd500 that I now think i've forgotten more than most people know about this device.

[mtreehugger]

I honestly didn't find any issues using L6 link.  Until Helix I never had any cause to use midi other than to update or with DT Edit.  I have since sold my HD500 so can't check anything anymore.

 

So how well do the DT and Helix work together for you?

[radatats]

So how well do the DT and Helix work together for you?

 

just started using them together and have to use midi with L6 Link but the tone is off the charts... loving it.

[mtreehugger]

just started using them together and have to use midi with L6 Link but the tone is off the charts... loving it.

 

MIDI with l6 link?  to control the helix, I assume?  How does one best connect the Helix to the DT?  Do you think your rig works better than a Helix with a StageSource (or some other type of FRFR solid-state amplification)?

[Brazzy]

Ah, that's an old thread ya got there!  (I was wondering if it was one I posted on back in the day, but didn't have time to read all those pages)  As I was skimming it I did find a possible explanation for my muffle--the pad switch.  I've always had that engaged, which would bring down the volume.  I will do my A/B testing tonight with the pad disengaged and report my findings.

 

There are SO many settings on the hd500 that I now think i've forgotten more than most people know about this device.

 

I hear Ya on the PAD! I rarely use it. Recently I've been having a blast with just the HD500 and putting a BeatBuddy in the Pods FX Loop and recording it into RiffWorks. I think I'm actually starting to understand the FX Loop much better by using it this way. Also, I'm realizing that a little noise with the high gain patches means nothing when mixed with the drums this way. Should be obvious but not always, lol.

 

Anyway good luck on your A/B test.

[radatats]

MIDI with l6 link?  to control the helix, I assume?  How does one best connect the Helix to the DT?  Do you think your rig works better than a Helix with a StageSource (or some other type of FRFR solid-state amplification)?

 

No, Helix doesn't have full integration with the DT amps most likely because it's amp architecture is completely different to the HD series the DT is based on.  The midi is to control the DT configuration.  I can honestly say that it sounds amazing and definitely better than when I was using it with my HD500.  I don't have L series so can't say there but my Alesis Alpha 112's sound awesome too...

[mtreehugger]

No, Helix doesn't have full integration with the DT amps most likely because it's amp architecture is completely different to the HD series the DT is based on.  The midi is to control the DT configuration.  I can honestly say that it sounds amazing and definitely better than when I was using it with my HD500.  I don't have L series so can't say there but my Alesis Alpha 112's sound awesome too...

 

Are you going into the DT from Helix via the FX in located on the back of the amp?  You are using Helix amp models, correct?

 

actually, don't answer if you don't want to.  the helix forum is actually the place for this type of discussion.  i just found a good thread that you posted on here...

 

http://line6.com/support/topic/17033-anyone-using-dt-amp-with-helix/

[mtreehugger]

So I A/B'd with my guitar going straight in the front of the amp against my HD500/L6 Link with an empty patch--pad set to normal, master volume at 100%--and my signal loss is still noticeable.  It's louder with the pad switch at normal, obviously, than when engaged (my previous test), but there's still a difference here.  Who'da thunk it?  the L6 Link and POD combo is a tone suck!  I wonder if the HD's muffling is responsible for all my difficulties in dialing in tones.  EQ would obviously help close the gap, but it'll never be EXACTLY the same tone.  To my ears, the HD/L6 Link is very much like putting a pedal in the signal chain (turned off, no true bypass).

 

Thanks to MIDI, I'm now able to compare my favorite amps from the HD500 to the DT's performance, and also have an alternative way to operate that I'm about to explore.  Better to have 2 great sounding amps than 512 so-so patches.  However, if I cut loose my HD but put in a stomp box, I've still got a tone suck unless I go buy something that has true bypass.

[Brazzy]

So I A/B'd with my guitar going straight in the front of the amp against my HD500/L6 Link with an empty patch--pad set to normal, master volume at 100%--and my signal loss is still noticeable.  It's louder with the pad switch at normal, obviously, than when engaged (my previous test), but there's still a difference here.  Who'da thunk it?  the L6 Link and POD combo is a tone suck!  I wonder if the HD's muffling is responsible for all my difficulties in dialing in tones.  EQ would obviously help close the gap, but it'll never be EXACTLY the same tone.  To my ears, the HD/L6 Link is very much like putting a pedal in the signal chain (turned off, no true bypass).

 

Thanks to MIDI, I'm now able to compare my favorite amps from the HD500 to the DT's performance, and also have an alternative way to operate that I'm about to explore.  Better to have 2 great sounding amps than 512 so-so patches.  However, if I cut loose my HD but put in a stomp box, I've still got a tone suck unless I go buy something that has true bypass.

 

Thanks for your input. I just tried to use my L6 Link today and I couldn't get it to work at all, lol. I've previously updated both DT/HD successfully, I remember it was successful, and I always reset and recalibrate whenever I update the HD500. You should've seen my face when It didn't work, lol. I even checked MIDI Channel settings, looked good, and as far as I know unless I changed that setting it should work for sure especially with one DT. I'll have try it again later maybe I did something wrong but I don't really think so. I remember long ago before I had to send it back that when I had everything powered up and I plugged in the L6 Link I could tell intstantly that it was connected. I forget exactly what happened but I think because I had a patch on I could hear the settings getting changed in the DT.

 

So I fooled around with some patches using Studio Direct into the DT's FX Return. Not too bad but nothing like going into the front with my guitar and using the EHX Tube EQ in the FX Loop. I think I'm going to try to put the Pod into the FX Loop just for Mod/Delay just to hear how that works.

Edited December 8, 2015 by Brazzy

[mtreehugger]

Thanks for your input. I just tried to use my L6 Link today and I couldn't get it to work at all, lol. I've previously updated both DT/HD successfully, I remember it was successful, and I always reset and recalibrate whenever I update the HD500. You should've seen my face when It didn't work, lol. I even checked MIDI Channel settings, looked good, and as far as I know unless I changed that setting it should work for sure especially with one DT. I'll have try it again later maybe I did something wrong but I don't really think so. I remember long ago before I had to send it back that when I had everything powered up and I plugged in the L6 Link I could tell intstantly that it was connected. I forget exactly what happened but I think because I had a patch on I could hear the settings getting changed in the DT.

 

So I fooled around with some patches using Studio Direct into the DT's FX Return. Not too bad but nothing like going into the front with my guitar and using the EHX Tube EQ in the FX Loop. I think I'm going to try to put the Pod into the FX Loop just for Mod/Delay just to hear how that works.

 

Yeah, sadly, hooking my POD into the FX loop for FX only might be my end use for this device as well.  Then again, maybe not.  Satriani says he's a pedal junkie, and I've gotta confess similar inclinations, so in the end some kind of muffling and compensation thereof could be what I continue to do.

 

I'm not aware of any way to defeat the L6 Link.  If memory serves, once you connect it your POD is in control.  However, I do recall having some kind of negative experience before I got the data cable.  could that be the problem?

[Brazzy]

Yeah, sadly, hooking my POD into the FX loop for FX only might be my end use for this device as well.  Then again, maybe not.  Satriani says he's a pedal junkie, and I've gotta confess similar inclinations, so in the end some kind of muffling and compensation thereof could be what I continue to do.

 

I'm not aware of any way to defeat the L6 Link.  If memory serves, once you connect it your POD is in control.  However, I do recall having some kind of negative experience before I got the data cable.  could that be the problem?

 

I see nothing wrong with pedals or all analog and that's coming from someone who started to learn music using digital modeling, lol, If I was made of money I would most likely have an all analog rig, etc ,etc. The space I've got is limited and funds are even more limited ,lol. Actually had I had more money and room I would be building those analog tube amp kit by MojoTone and most ;likely pedals too.

 

I'm going to have to try one of my known good monster mic cables. The cable I normally use for L6, is a short 5' AES/EBU by Hosa which I thought was the one I needed for this. Personally I think something is wrong elsewhere and I don't think it's the Pod but I can't prove it so later I'll try one of my new mic cables, which I know work which I tried briefly before with success.

 

On the brighter side:

 

I didn't use a midi set up with the following, I could've but I kept it simple this time, lol, took 15 minutes to setup everything and a patch from scratch.

 

I set up a stereo amp patch with an FX Loop, inserted the BeatBuddy into the L & R FX Loop Returns and took the L & R 1/4" outs, ran one into the DT50 and the other into the Spider Jam and went to town jamming to the really good sounding BB drums. The drums sound "real" and it sound like they're in stereo. I set my patch up so the guitar was mixed with the drums by a pedal and the delay and mod rates controlled by another pedal. It was great private freestyle show, lol. Also had my KB37 run into the BB's L & R inputs.

Edited December 9, 2015 by Brazzy

[mtreehugger]

I see nothing wrong with pedals or all analog and that's coming from someone who started to learn music using digital modeling, lol, If I was made of money I would most likely have an all analog rig, etc ,etc. The space I've got is limited and funds are even more limited ,lol. Actually had I had more money and room I would be building those analog tube amp kit by MojoTone and most ;likely pedals too.

 

I'm going to have to try one of my known good monster mic cables. The cable I normally use for L6, is a short 5' AES/EBU by Hosa which I thought was the one I needed for this. Personally I think something is wrong elsewhere and I don't think it's the Pod but I can't prove it so later I'll try one of my new mic cables, which I know work which I tried briefly before with success.

 

I didn't use a midi set up with the following, I could've but I kept it simple this time, lol, took 15 minutes to setup everything and a patch from scratch.

 

On the brighter side I set up a stereo amp patch with an FX Loop, inserted the BeatBuddy into the L & R FX Loop Returns and took the L & R 1/4" outs, ran one into the DT50 and the other into the Spider Jam and went to town jamming to the really good sounding BB drums. The drums sound "real" and it sound like they're in stereo. I set my patch up so the guitar was mixed with the drums by a pedal and the delay and mod rates controlled by another pedal. It was great private freestyle show, lol. Also had my KB37 run into the BB's L & R inputs.

 

 

Mine is the Hosa AES/EBU 10-ft  cable.  I have had no L6 Link issues since I bought it.

 

I'm not convinced that analog is the best choice, although there are times when I wish I weren't using modeling.  I bought my HD500 so I could get cranked tube amp sounds at any volume, and it did that and a lot more.  When I decided I needed more gain than I could get from my Fender amp, the first thing I ran into was a great deal on a DT50-112 (used).  Then I got an even better deal on a DT25-head (restock).  If I were to go to an analog amp, I'd be giving up a lot of capabilities.  Of course it all comes down to getting the tone(s) you want.  I think for most of us this is a journey and never a destination.  

 

I'm going to see about saving MIDI settings and uploading to the DT.  One cool thing about the HD500 is that you can assign a midi command to each patch, so possibly I could go that route.

[bcappnyc]

Just remember, the DT was designed to be used with L6 link, not really midi.  You can load up 8 different amp models, but only two are active at any time without the POD.  If you change amp models by midi, the new amp will still have all the settings of the old amp.  That means switching from a Blackface to a Mesa can rip yer face off!  It's just not functional.  You can certainly set up midi to switch channels, reverb on off, change topology or class if you want.  But switching between the 8 loaded amps is not really usable without dialing in the new model on the DT each time.

 

The DT50 MIDI implementation guide shows values for each of the knobs so theoretically couldn't one load a controller to send CCs for preamp, cab, drive, bass, mid, treb, pres, and channel vol? I would think with some trial and error one should be able to switch between amp types and keep the levels fairly unison. I have the HD500 but I'm looking to move to just controlling the internal digital controls of the DT50 with MIDI via another device and using an analog pedal rig. Ideally this would be with one of the pedal loop switchers that can also send MIDI program changes. If I can figure out how to make this work it feels like I would be able to use my analog pedal rig with essentially many many different amp sounds in the DT50 - almost like being able to plug in to whatever amp I need for the situation. If anyone can explain how best to set up that would be amazing. Thanks

[Brazzy]

The DT50 MIDI implementation guide shows values for each of the knobs so theoretically couldn't one load a controller to send CCs for preamp, cab, drive, bass, mid, treb, pres, and channel vol? I would think with some trial and error one should be able to switch between amp types and keep the levels fairly unison. I have the HD500 but I'm looking to move to just controlling the internal digital controls of the DT50 with MIDI via another device and using an analog pedal rig. Ideally this would be with one of the pedal loop switchers that can also send MIDI program changes. If I can figure out how to make this work it feels like I would be able to use my analog pedal rig with essentially many many different amp sounds in the DT50 - almost like being able to plug in to whatever amp I need for the situation. If anyone can explain how best to set up that would be amazing. Thanks

 

Sounds good to me. Your on the right track. I use my iPad with MIDI Mobilizer to record the moves I make and then just start playin' after I hit the Mobilzers play button, It makes for very interesting improvisations.

 

You could probably just program your HD500 with your analog pedals in the loop and plug the pods analog out and go right into the DT's FX Return. You should try this if you haven't

[cr1000]

On 12/4/2015 at 10:59 PM, radatats said:

Just remember, the DT was designed to be used with L6 link, not really midi.  You can load up 8 different amp models, but only two are active at any time without the POD.  If you change amp models by midi, the new amp will still have all the settings of the old amp.  That means switching from a Blackface to a Mesa can rip yer face off!  It's just not functional.  You can certainly set up midi to switch channels, reverb on off, change topology or class if you want.  But switching between the 8 loaded amps is not really usable without dialing in the new model on the DT each time.

 

Hi, i'm using a DT25  with a Harley Benton FXL8 Pro and i am using midi to change channel and switch reverb on/off. I understand the part about melting the face off, because if I use the midi to change voicings the EQ and volumes will be completly wrong x). In my case I don't have a problem with that, because i'm simply going to use 2 "amps". I play in a band and I will be using cleans with the Blackface (voicing I) and lead tones with the marshall (voicing II) and a bunch of pedals. So basically via midi, i'm gonna be using channel A and B, with and without reverb. I have my FXL8 programmed for:

 

1A - Channel A rev. ON

1B - Channel A rev. OFF

1C - Channel B rev. ON

1D - Channel B rev. OFF

 

The ones OFF are lead sounds and I'm using delay and reverb from pedals. My problem is that sometimes the reverb doesn't go off! For example if I go from 1A to 1B it goes off, but if I go from 1C to 1B it doesn't go off. The contrary never happens though, it never turns off when it is supposed to be on, but it does go on when it is supposed to be off, depending from where i'm coming from.

 

Am I programming it wrong? IS the flaw in the HB fxl8?

 

Thanks,

Carlos

[m6255]

I know this is a super old post 2015 and I’m in the future 2021. Just a couple comments. I noticed you using a pad switch? Not sure where that is I have a DT 50 head and a DT 50 212 combo. (Heavy sucker). Mine have no pad button, unless it’s on the hd 500, come to think of it, probably is.  I’ve always understood you only use pad if you have a hot instrument and you’re getting close or clipping. The pad button muffles everything.  I have a HD500x, I use 2 L6 Link blue digital cables. When I first got my first dt50 head I just used a regular mic cable and it didn’t sound right. I don’t know if you’ve read the advanced 500x manual but there are multiple ways to use the pod HD500x with the DT 500 or 25. You can use no amp, when setting up a preset use no amp this I believe sends your signal directly through your DT preamp. Then you can use your pod to switch through the 8 amps you setup using DT edit. I have Apple computers but last night I dug up an old dell latitude i7 e6520 installed DT edit and had some fun messing with editing the amp with the DT edit. Note the power section has boost , piv hi lo, and smooth,and I forgot the other. Only boost does anything significant. I don’t even know what piv is I suppose they are more power amp settings. 
 

at any rate I didn’t ab anything but I didn’t find using the DT edit alone no pod very interesting as far as quality of sound. 
my setups are always an amp pre amp not the upper amps that model the whole amp. I am completely happy with starting with like the twin reverb pre for my clean amp, there are a number of great amps for crunch and sustain. On YouTube you’ll find a couple of super line 6 xperts my favorite is Richie Castellano a guitarist from blue oyster cult. Look him up he’s got several channels. I first found him looking for line 6 settings years ago. When I listen to him it’s through my iPad Pro and it although is tiny speakers he does a lot of ab examples shows you how he does stuff and it’s awesome. He does not use the DT amp. But he uses a ton of different tube amps. That’s all he does is music and recording he’s got a masters in sound engineering. . When he’s not playing with BOC he and his wife host a bunch of musicians playing tons of cover songs. You should hear his bohemian rhapsody. He uses a bunch of pip and plays and sings every part himself. It’s excellent. Anyway he now uses just the helix floor and leaves that with the BOC equiptment . For his studio he has the helix pro rack mount and helix controller. He’s gotta have hundreds of k dollars of equiptment. Before he was helix he was HD500x then HD500x. I believe he also works with line 6 as a rep because he has videos on all the helix units plus he uses the helix with that solid state 1500 dollar fire something . It’s one of those full frequency flat speaker cabs. A dollar a watt. Lol. Anyway years later I hope something helps. I haven’t bought a helix yet because I’ve always been slow to switch. I still have my pod x3 pro. Thinking od selling it but I like recording in my studio and that is the only pod with full acoustic guitar sections, vocal sections, bass pres etc. no other pod since has been as complete. I do like the HD500x only had mine for a year paid 213 bucks for it. I’m retired on a fixed income so I can’t afford a months income for a helix right now till I get back to making custom guitars again. Have a great life. I’m a line 6 fan now for a couple decades. Btw try the line 6 Variax standard. It’s my favorite Variax to date. It’s actually a Yamaha Pacifica . Richie Castellano uses the standard for a few live songs, if I write to het a JT Variax it be the Les Paul looking one. Don’t like the others.