Variax Connected Through Hd500x Not Recognized

[K3NTaj2]

I recently traded in my HD500 at Guitar Center and bought a new HD500X POD. Today I tried to run Variax Workbench while connected through the HD500X and Workbench does not recognize my Variax as being connected. I ran Monkey and all my software is updated. Tried disconnecting and reconnecting all cables. I previously had no problems running workbench connected through the HD500. Any ideas?

[TheRealZap]

Variax workbench does not currently work with the hd500x... workbench needs updated.

[clay-man]

Variax workbench does not currently work with the hd500x... workbench needs updated.

 

Ouch are you serious? Does the X3 Live work with workbench?

[TheRealZap]

yes the x3 live works with workbench.... (nothing changed with workbench... it just doesn't have the code to support the new hd500x yet)

the fix for the hd500x should happen quickly... I think they are hopefully just finishing up the new variax 2.0 update and the new version of workbench before they go back and fix the original workbench...

i assume they'll fix the original workbench... they may not... depends on if the new workbench supports the older variaxes or not...

if the new workbench supports older variaxes they may not bother...

 

if your variax is a JTV (or you bought one separate), just use the workbench interface temporarily.

[clay-man]

yes the x3 live works with workbench.... (nothing changed with workbench... it just doesn't have the code to support the new hd500x yet)

the fix for the hd500x should happen quickly... I think they are hopefully just finishing up the new variax 2.0 update and the new version of workbench before they go back and fix the original workbench...

i assume they'll fix the original workbench... they may not... depends on if the new workbench supports the older variaxes or not...

if the new workbench supports older variaxes they may not bother...

 

if your variax is a JTV (or you bought one separate), just use the workbench interface temporarily.

 

I was hoping if I got a 500 I could drop the interface, but I guess not. Does the HD500 variax stuff at least work with the original Variaxes?

[TheRealZap]

the regular 500 (not x) works fine with the current variax workbench software and the original variaxes.

 

I was hoping if I got a 500 I could drop the interface, but I guess not. Does the HD500 variax stuff at least work with the original Variaxes?

[blebrozec]

Hi,

 

I think I have a very similar problem, I bought a POD HD500X and a JTV-59P last week. The JTV is connected to the HD500X through the VDI cable which is then connected to the Mac through usb. I've got all the latest drivers and software programs according to Monkey on my Mac.

 

Monkey can see both devices and the POD Edit works fine, the JTV works fine with HD500X. But when I launch Variax Workbench then the JTV is not detected.

 

TheRealZap, could you confirm that it's the same problem and that I need a fix in Variax Workbench to make it work?

 

Thanks,

Ben

[TheRealZap]

Yes, you workbench needs an update before it will work with the hd500x, since you have a JTV you can of course use the usb interface that was included until then.

the fix should be released soon.

[chameleonpua]

the regular 500 (not x) works fine with the current variax workbench software and the original variaxes.

I own a variax 600 and I'm buying a podhd500x...can the 500x currently control the old variax through VDI when playing live?

[TheRealZap]

That shouldn't be a problem, the only known issue is connecting to workbench.

 

I own a variax 600 and I'm buying a podhd500x...can the 500x currently control the old variax through VDI when playing live?

[chameleonpua]

That shouldn't be a problem, the only known issue is connecting to workbench.

Ok, thank you

[blebrozec]

Hi everyone,

 

And thx for the valuable help!

 

I have tried to connect my JTV (with a battery) through the USB interface provided with the guitar and then to my Mac through USB and Variax Wrokbench could see the JTV. Surprisingly a cable has to be plugged in the guitar jack for any transmission to go through the USB interface. If not, the light for the connection between the Variax and the USB interface blinks in red.

 

So it's good to be able to access Variax Workbench but it involves several plugging and unplugging between the JTV, the POD HD500X, the USB interface and the Mac. I look forward to having the updated version of Variax Workbench to ease the process.

 

Does anyone have any idea when the update will be released?

 

Ben

[silverhead]

... Surprisingly a cable has to be plugged in the guitar jack for any transmission to go through the USB interface. If not, the light for the connection between the Variax and the USB interface blinks in red....

 

That's because the 1/4" jack is also the power switch for the JTV electronics. The USB/Workbench interface does not power the JTV.

[blebrozec]

Hey silverhead,

 

I understood that the Variax wasn't powered and that's why I put the battery in it. But it's not enough. With this configuration the 1/4" jack is also the power switch as you said. It makes perfect sense. Thx for the clarifications ;-)

[K3NTaj2]

Thanks for all the replies.  Helpful to know Workbench doesn't work with the HD500X - now I will stop tinkering with all my connections trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.  As for the USB interface that  came with the Variax -  I stopped using that long ago, when I got the HD500 - and now unfortunately cannot find it.  I don't see it available for sale on the Line 6 site.  Any other suggestions how to connect via USB without the Line 6 USB device?

[TheRealZap]

only the 500x, 500, hdpro, x3live, x3pro, xtlive, xtpro,vetta2, vetta with expansion... and the usb drive.. thats it.

you can still buy the interface if you wanted...

http://www.amazon.com/Line-6-Variax-Workbench-1-5/dp/B000JKR81A/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1376137099&sr=8-6&keywords=variax

personally i'd put the money towards a used pod that fit the bill... just think its more bang for the buck.

 

Thanks for all the replies.  Helpful to know Workbench doesn't work with the HD500X - now I will stop tinkering with all my connections trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.  As for the USB interface that  came with the Variax -  I stopped using that long ago, when I got the HD500 - and now unfortunately cannot find it.  I don't see it available for sale on the Line 6 site.  Any other suggestions how to connect via USB without the Line 6 USB device?

[K3NTaj2]

I checked out the link to amazon.com and searched for the VDI interface connector.  Can't find anywhere the connector can be purchased without paying a hundred bucks to buy the entire workbench software.  Very frustrating.  Why do they not sell this device separately directly from line 6?  I can't believe I'm the only JTV user who has lost one.

[phil_m]

Well you're not really paying for the software... You're paying for the device. The software can be downloaded for free. They just happen to give you a copy of the software when you buy the device, but even that is kind of silly, because the software that comes in that package will be out of date.

[K3NTaj2]

I understand what you are saying - it just seems so wrong.  Should be a way to buy the cheap VDI connector so I can use my "free" software.

[K3NTaj2]

Okay!  After searching my entire house from the basement up I found the VDI connector in a box of batteries and cables (in the laundry room).  

Now I will NEVER lose it again.

[silverhead]

I understand what you are saying - it just seems so wrong.  Should be a way to buy the cheap VDI connector so I can use my "free" software.

Actually, it's designed the way it is so that the software isn't actually free - Line 6 provides software piracy protection via the hardware. Anybody can go ahead and download the 'free' software. But you can't use it unless you buy a Line 6 hardware device - either a Pod processor (relatively expensive, so they're able to include the software) or the Workbench hardware interface which is more expensive than it need be. Why? To pay for the software development.

[K3NTaj2]

I understand the need for software piracy protection, to prevent just "anybody" from downloading and using the software.  But I'm talking about myself as owner of a Variax JTV-69, POD HD500x, PODXT Live and POD XT, all registered with the company. Certainly Line6 could provide an option for Registered product owners to purchase hardware such as the VDI piece without having to pay retail price for the software package that just "anybody" would have to pay. I believe I have contributed towards the cost of their software development through my buying their products over the years.  And I am a satisfied product user!

[silverhead]

Putting it that way, I agree with you. You might want to contact Line 6 directly (See Contact Us button at the foot of this page) and plead your case. You never know - they might make you a deal. It can't hurt.

 

Ooops.... I just re-read an earlier post of yours and see that you have found your original. Good! I will leafve the above comment for the benefit of others who may have lost their original hardware interface unit.

Edited August 18, 2013 by silverhead
Update:

[crillev]

@RealZap

Hi, You were expecting a fix from Line6 soon in the beginning of August for this issue.

Now it's mid-October and no fix in sight yet!

It seems that everybody is content with the VDI/USB work-around ?!?

Personally I threw away my USB interface years ago when I bought an XTLive, which I recently sold and got a HD500X.

Any news about the Workbench fix for HD500X?

Do I really have to buy another Workbench kit?

Cheers / Chris from Sweden

[TheRealZap]

Unfortunately the only word i have is that they intend to make this happen.

i'm only ever privvy to the smallest amount of information, and generally not able to share any specifics.

I think that information above is widely assumed and not really a secret... 

 

short term the answer is you need an interface to use workbench (sorry)

but the good news is that you can still update and use 2.0 at its factory settings... better than nothing....

if like me, you'd rather not spend the cash on stuff you know will have limited shelf life.

 

@RealZap

Hi, You were expecting a fix from Line6 soon in the beginning of August for this issue.

Now it's mid-October and no fix in sight yet!

It seems that everybody is content with the VDI/USB work-around ?!?

Personally I threw away my USB interface years ago when I bought an XTLive, which I recently sold and got a HD500X.

Any news about the Workbench fix for HD500X?

Do I really have to buy another Workbench kit?

Cheers / Chris from Sweden

[crillev]

@TheRealZap

OK, thanks for the quick reply.

I assume that you're referring to WorkBench HD 2.0?

Sorry, No can do, since I have a Variax 600 :-((

Cheers / Chris

[TheRealZap]

the regular workbench software should work just fine for you then! :)

that never stopped working through the pods...

where are you stuck at?

 

@TheRealZap

OK, thanks for the quick reply.

I assume that you're referring to WorkBench HD 2.0?

Sorry, No can do, since I have a Variax 600 :-((

Cheers / Chris

[crillev]

@TheRealZap

Everything between the HD500X and the Variax 600 is communicating OK.

The HD500X shows correctly when I'm changing presets on my Variax.

 

But, Workbench 1.75 just says "No connection or no device" and does not react to what I do on the Variax.

When I refresh the Workbench window to the right, it scans, beeps and says "no connection".

So, it seems that I'm stuck with the presets I have on the Variax 600 until Line6 fixes Workbench.

I sure did not see this problem coming when I happily updated from my XTLive to the HD500X.

[TheRealZap]

You're right! I forgot about the 500x not working with regular workbench... sorry dude!

i'll ask around and see if I can't get some info.. no promises... :)

 

@TheRealZap

Everything between the HD500X and the Variax 600 is communicating OK.

The HD500X shows correctly when I'm changing presets on my Variax.

 

But, Workbench 1.75 just says "No connection or no device" and does not react to what I do on the Variax.

When I refresh the Workbench window to the right, it scans, beeps and says "no connection".

So, it seems that I'm stuck with the presets I have on the Variax 600 until Line6 fixes Workbench.

I sure did not see this problem coming when I happily updated from my XTLive to the HD500X.

[TheRealZap]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news:

 

http://line6.com/support/page/kb/_/effects/pod/pod-hd500x-compatibility-with-workbench-175-an-r565

 

it appears that you will need the interface afterall.

[crillev]

OK, thanks for the bad news anyway.

I won't shoot the messenger!

Now I at least know it's useless to wait for an update.

If I only had known this, I would have settled for a HD500 instead, but oh well ....

I'd better start scouting eBay for a VDI/USB-interface then.

[TheRealZap]

go on, treat yourself! get a JTV :D

 

[crillev]

Great idea, but...... let's see now ........ let me think.

Oh yeah, uhmm, the missus has a slightly different opinion about that.

Yupp, she da man in da house! :-))

[TheRealZap]

christmas is coming up, maybe tomte can bring you one? :)

 

Great idea, but...... let's see now ........ let me think.

Oh yeah, uhmm, the missus has a slightly different opinion about that.

Yupp, she da man in da house! :-))

[CJRThomas]

Will all of the Variax Guitars now work with the HD500X version 2.26 ?