mgamache Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 I am interested in hacking an old Pod (or whatever) to provide a simple 1U (or smaller) unit that can be midi controlled. Basically it's a way to build my Variax VDI Idea so I don't have to wait for Line 6. What is the smallest / most hackible Variax controller that can work with my JTV and output both mags + model? Can you order just a mainboard from Line 6? This would be just for controlling the models and providing both feeds as inputs to another system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgamache Posted January 28, 2017 Author Share Posted January 28, 2017 Also, has anyone reverse engineered the VDI spec? It's most likely AES/EBU audio + MIDI + power, right? Power = 2 wires Midi = 2 Wires AES/EBU 2-4 Wires Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinon2 Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 Countdown to thread being locked: 3....2....1.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgamache Posted January 29, 2017 Author Share Posted January 29, 2017 Countdown to thread being locked: 3....2....1.... That would be unfortunate. There's really no good reason to keep the spec closed (unless it uses a proprietary technology that Line 6 doesn't own). possible objections: Losing control of the VDI spec -- possible, but unlikely unless the Variax & Processor market explodes bringing another player to the market that is bigger than Line 6. They can, of course, always choose to ignore any changes they don't create. Fewer processor sales. Un-bundling the Variax full functionality from other Line 6 products (Helix / HD500x etc...) might reduce the sales of those products. But, how many Variaxs could Line 6 sell if we could use all it's features with other units (like Kemper or Bias)? I don't know the margins for each product so I can't say what is better for Line 6. Support -- if people start playing with the VDI interface they could damage the Variax or processor. Maybe, musicians are pretty dumb, but this doesn't seem to cause problems with the other AES / Midi ports that are on the Pod/Helix units. Anyway, I am not sure I'll have the time to mess with it, First step would be re-boxing an older unit like the Pod LiveXT into a smaller package. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewolf48 Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 This is where you want to start: http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13484.0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgamache Posted January 30, 2017 Author Share Posted January 30, 2017 This is where you want to start: http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13484.0 wow that's really useful thanks for the link. two unanswered questions for me: The amperage of the 7v supplied to the Variax? (edit: it looks like 500ma) Midi command to activate Mags + Models on the line? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Line6Tony Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 Just a reminder that Line 6 does not support modifications or self-repairs. Proceed at your own risk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgamache Posted January 31, 2017 Author Share Posted January 31, 2017 Just a reminder that Line 6 does not support modifications or self-repairs. Proceed at your own risk. Thanks for the warning. I've already replaced my neck (Warmoth) and pickups (Lace Rainbow) on my JTV. I might have already invalidated any support :). I think the chances are good that I might fry the guts of the Variax (esp if I get the power wrong). This is strictly an experiment that could go horribly wrong. I have the dream rig (Variax => HD500x => L2T) and I really like it, but I've been messing with a more traditional pedal setup. Pedals that Line 6 doesn't model (EP Boster, Plim Soul + Zvex Mastertron etc..) and also paring it with my VoiceLive 3. The VoiceLive has really good time based effects (reverb / delay / trem) + talkbox and synth engines. The whole thing is getting out of hand (and not very portable). I am just looking for a way to keep some of the Variax features if i move away from the Line 6 floor controller as a way to shrink the setup. I will probably wait until the Helix Native release to get serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewolf48 Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 two unanswered questions for me: I suggest that you ask on that forum - I am fairly sure Elantric is a member here as well, but if he is then his name is different and I can't remember what it is. It is worth joining it anyway because there is a lot of other information about variax and a patch exchange area which Line 6 haven't given us - so if you want a PRS bank, a bouzouki, a set of volume levelled standard guitars or loads of variations such as "super strat" then that is where you find them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgamache Posted January 31, 2017 Author Share Posted January 31, 2017 I suggest that you ask on that forum - I am fairly sure Elantric is a member here as well, but if he is then his name is different and I can't remember what it is. It is worth joining it anyway because there is a lot of other information about variax and a patch exchange area which Line 6 haven't given us - so if you want a PRS bank, a bouzouki, a set of volume levelled standard guitars or loads of variations such as "super strat" then that is where you find them You are probably right, that forum is a little more focused on these sorts of issues. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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