Line 6 Duoverb Combo User Manual

Pilot’s Handbook

An in-depth exploration of the revolutionary

technologies and tonal pleasures of the Duoverb.

Electrophonic Limited Edition. Also available at www.line6.com. Revision A.

The serial number can be found on the back panel of your Duoverb. It’s the

number that begins with “(21)”. Please note it here for future reference:

SERIAL NO:

WARNING:

electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

CAUTION:

pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Before using your Duoverb, carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and safety suggestions:

1. Obey all warnings on the Duoverb and in this Pilot’s Handbook.

2. Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.

3. Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.

4. Connect only to AC power outlets rated 100-120V or 230V 47-63Hz (depending on the voltage range of the

5. Do not step on power cords. Do not place items on top of power cords so that they are pinched or leaned on.

6. Unplug your Duoverb when not in use for extended periods of time.

7. Do not perform service operations beyond those described in the Duoverb Pilot’s Handbook. In the following

8. Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure

To reduce the risk of ﬁre or

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device

The lightning symbol within a triangle means “electrical caution!” It indicates the presence of information about operating voltage and potential risks of electrical shock.

YOU

SHOULD READ THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

EEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE PLACE

unit; refer to the back panel). Current ratings should be 4A for the 120V range and 2 A for the 230V range.

Pay particular attention to the cord at the plug end and the point where it connects to the amp.

circumstances, repairs should be performed only by qualified service personnel:

• liquid is spilled into the unit

• an object falls into the unit

• the unit does not operate normally or changes in performance in a significant way

• the unit is dropped or the enclosure is damaged

to practice “safe listening.”

CAUTION:

do not remove screws. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel.

To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock,

The exclamation point within a triangle means “caution!” Please read the information next to all caution signs.

Please Note:

Line 6, Duoverb, Vetta, POD and Flextone are trademarks of Line 6, Inc. All other product names, trademarks, and artists’ names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. Product names, images, and artists’ names are used solely to identify the products whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6’s sound model development for this product. The use of these products, trademarks, images, and artists’ names does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.

Welcome to Duoverb

Working It

Quick Start Guide....................................................................... 2•1

Front Panel Features ................................................................................................................2•2

Amp 1 & 2 Foot Switch.........................................................................................................2•4

Manual Mode: What You See Is What You Get....................................................2•5

Using The Channel Memories............................................................................................2•5

Rear Panel Features..................................................................................................................2•6

Using Your Direct XLR Outputs......................................................................................2•8

Connecting External Speakers............................................................................................2•9

Hooking up your Combo in stereo to a single Duoverb 2x12..................2•9

Hooking up your HD in stereo to a closed back 2x12..................................2•9

Hooking up your HD in mono to a single Duoverb 4x12...........................2•10

Hooking up your HD in stereo to a single Duoverb 4x12 ..........................2•10

Hooking up your HD in side by side stereo with two 4x12s.....................2•11

Hooking up your HD in stacked stereo with two 4x12s ..............................2•11

Hooking up your HD in side by side stereo with two 2x12s.....................2•12

Hooking up your HD in stacked stereo with two 4x12s ..............................2•12

The Amps

General Notes About the Models...................................................................................3•1

What’s In There..........................................................................................................................3•2

......................................................................................................1•1

Using Your Feet

FBV Class Foot Controllers..................................................................................................4•1

Connecting an FBV...................................................................................................................4•1

So What Do All These Buttons and Pedals Do? ....................................................4•2

Saving and Naming with an FBV.......................................................................................4•4

Appendices

MIDI Capabilities........................................................................................................................5•1

MIDI Program Change Values............................................................................................5•1

MIDI Continuous Control Messaging..................................................................5•2, 5•3

Customer Service......................................................................................................................5•4

Welcome to Duoverb •

ELCOME TO

UOVERB

Register

Thanks for buying a Duoverb! Please send in that included registration card or click on over to www.line6.com to get registered. We’ll wait right here...

Connect at www.line6.com

1 •

Join the thriving community at humming with Line 6ers sharing insights to get the most from their gear and the great adventure of making music. Learn what’s new from the artists that rely on Line 6, be the first to hear about new products, and tap into Customer Support.

www.line6.com

. The discussion boards are

Line 6 and Duoverb

You probably know Line 6 as a technological innovator in the guitar world—first to put digital software modeling technology to work in guitar combo amps, pioneering direct recording technology in POD and other products, and capturing the soul of classic pedals in modern stomp boxes. We make gear that’s packed with features and hi-tech breakthroughs, and bring new value and capabilities to guitarists.

With Duoverb, we’ve taken the benefits of all that innovation and focused it down to the bare essentials in what we like to think of as the ideal fusion of technology and tradition: 60 years of amp greatness waiting for you in one box.

Avoiding elaborate features and complication, Duoverb’s got the look and feel of classic tube amps and plenty of volume punch—like driving a classic sports car with the top down. It oozes pure guitar tone, from syrupy tweed rhythm to down right massive crunch, inherited from classic vintage amps and hand crafted boutiques.

Easing in alongside all that heritage is an innovative Two Amps at Once capability to mix and match those legendary amp sounds in a truly decadent array of new tone combinations. Toss in Line 6’s signature A.I.R. II direct outs, and you know that this inspiring tone will always be delivered to its destination without compromise or complication. So you’re always assured of tone, volume, simplicity, and style…

Flip the page, you lucky devil. And let’s take this baby for a spin!

ORKING IT

In a rush? Well, then, just read this page and come back to the rest later:

Quick Start Guide

Working It

Quick Start Guide

2•

SPEAKERS, POWER:

are on Duoverb’s rear panel to your power outlet.

FOOT CONTROLLER:

panel. If you’ve got a Line 6 FBV class foot controller, connect it to the rear panel (the older Line 6 Floor Board and FB4 do

PLUG IN:

(on the far right) all the way down. Flick Duoverb’s POWER switch on. Spin MASTER VOLUME up to 8 o’clock or so. Get ready for tasty tones...

AMP 1

the bottom to select Amp 1, Amp 2 or If only one amp light is lit, push the toggle switch in that direction to run both amps at once. Push the toggle switch towards the unlit amp light if you only want to run the

other

AMP TONE KNOBS:

sound good! The top row of knobs controls Amp 1 and the bottom row controls Amp 2.

BLEND or SPLIT:

both speakers, or ﬂick it down to have the amps speaker only, and amp 2 from the right only.

Connecting External Speakers

Jack your guitar into Duoverb’s INPUT. Turn Duoverb’s MASTER knob

and/or

amp. See

AMP 2:

Amp 1 & Amp II Foot Switch

If you’ve got a Duoverb HD, hook up your speakers (details

on page 2•9). Connect the power cord from

But don’t turn the power on yet.

Connect the included Amp I – II switch to Duoverb’s rear

not

work with Duoverb).

Use the toggle switch labeled Amp 1 on top and Amp 2 on

—to get doubly-delicious—

on page 2•4 for foot switch details.

What you see is what you get here—turn knobs ’til things

Flick the switch up to have Amp 1 & 2

split

so Amp 1 comes from the left

both at the same time.

blended

so both amps feed

CHANNEL MEMORIES:

your favorite stations. Press A, B, C or D to recall one of the 4 Channel Memories. Press the button again to get back to “manual mode.” You are in manual mode if none of the A,B,C,D buttons are lit. As on a car radio, hold any of the buttons for 3 seconds to save your current settings to that memory for later recall.

These are like the buttons on a car radio that remember

Working It

Front Panel Features

2•

1. Guitar Input:

2. Amp Models:

“circuitry” running inside the Duoverb to make your amp sound (see descriptions of the Amp Models). The knob on top selects AMP 1 and the one on bottom selects AMP 2.

3. Amp 1 – 2 Switch:

the toggle switch in that direction to run both amps at once. Push the toggle switch towards the unlit amp light if you only want to run the

4. Drive:

Similar to the input volume control on a non-master volume amp, the higher the setting, the more “dirt.”

INPUT DRIVE

BLACKFACE 212

SMALL TWEED PLEXI 45

ZEN MASTER HIWAY100

2 3 64 5

AMP MODEL

LINE 6 CLEAN

BLACKFACE

EXPLORER

CLASS A-30

BRIT 800

SOLO 100

MODERN CLASS A

CLASS A-15

RECTIFIED

PLEXI LEADTWEED 410

AMP 1

AMP 2

010

010 010

BASS MID

010

Plug your guitar in here.

When you spin one of these knobs, it’s like swapping the electronic

Chapter 3

Selects Amp 1, Amp 2 or both. If only one amp light is lit, push

other

amp.

Turn these knobs to set how hard you’re driving the chosen amp model.

010

TREBLE

010

for

5. Tone Controls – Bass, Mid, Treble and Presence:

These controls are made to behave like the controls of the amps that were modeled for Duoverb. Twist ’em about until things sound just the way you like. See

6. Channel Select Buttons – A, B, C, D:

Chapter 3

for details.

Duoverb uses these buttons to remember your favorite settings—no more need to mark up the front of your amp with grease pencil to note your favorite settings! Each memory is pre-set with delicious tone when a Duoverb leaves the factory—press a button to hear the saved setting. As you do, notice that Duoverb’s lights indicate which Amp Models are used in the channel memory, which amps are on, etc. To get back to the “manual mode,” just press the lit button again to turn it off. Plus...

Working It

Front Panel Features

7 8

010

PRESENCE REVERB

010 010 010

010 010

VOLUME

BLEND

SPLIT

MASTER

010

POWER

As you come across your own favorite settings that you’d like to keep, you can save them to the A, B, C and D buttons to replace the factory presets. Just hold down any of A, B, C or D buttons for about 3 seconds until all of them ﬂash and presto—Duoverb has now memorized your custom tone for easy recall! See

Memories

on page 2•5 for more detail. The Line 6 FBV class foot controllers let you

Using The Channel

select these channel memories with your feet—and expand the total number of memories available to a total of 36.

7. Amp Volume:

8. Reverb:

You get to decide how much of Duoverb’s luxurious model of spring reverb

Use these knobs to balance levels between Amp 1 and Amp 2.

Chapter 4

has got the details.

each amp gets. Use just a little to subtly add ambience, or crank up for vintage spring reverb style sproi-oi-oi-oing!

2•

9. Blend - Split Switch:

Flick the switch up to have Amp 1 & 2 feed both speakers, or ﬂick it down to have the amps speaker only, and amp 2 from the right only.

SPLIT/BLEND

combinations for both single amp conﬁgurations and dual amp

split

Note:

Duoverb will remember the

blended

so both amps

so Amp 1 comes from the left

conﬁgurations when you save a channel. This control is here because we’ve found that running two amps in SPLIT mode can sound

huge

. When running a single amp, you’ll

probably want BLEND mode, so sound is coming through both speakers.

10. Master:

then use the amp Volume knobs to balance the levels between

Sets the overall volume of your Duoverb. Spin this to set your basic loudness,

Amp 1

and

Amp 2

as the relative volume of the sounds you store with the A, B, C, D buttons.

11. Power Switch:

Flip the big metal switch to apply power to the dilithium crystal mounted

on the front panel above it.

, as well

Working It

Amp 1 & Amp II Foot Switch

2•

Amp 1 & Amp II Foot Switch

The included Amp I – II foot switch connects to Duoverb’s rear panel, letting you control which amp(s) are on with your feet. The lights on the pedal show which amp(s) are currently on. It all works like this:

To turn on Amp 1, step on switch I, and its light will come on.

To select Amp 2, step on switch II, and its light will come on.

To turn on both amps, just step on the switch for the amp that's already on. For example, if Amp 1 is on and you want to get both amps on, step on switch I again. The I and II lights will now both be lit.

If both amps are on, and you would like to go back to a single amp, press the footswitch for the amp you'd like to keep on. For example, while both amps are on, step on the I switch, and now only Amp 1 will be on.

Working It Manual Mode: What You See Is What You Get

Manual Mode: What You See Is What You Get

When none of the A, B, C, D Buttons are lit, Duoverb is operating in Manual Mode, meaning that all of the controls are active and the sound of the amp is determined by the current knob settings. Just like pretty much any other amplifier, right?

If you are not in Manual Mode and would like to be, simply give the lit A,B, C, or D

Button a quick press.

Using The Channel Memories

Duoverb can store and recall your favorite settings using the A, B, C, D Buttons.

Save: Any time you’ve dialed up a sound that you’d like to save for later recall, all you

have to do is hold down button A, B, C or D for 3 seconds. At the end of that 3 seconds, the button you held will flash to let you know that you’ve successfully stored your present setting of all the controls to that button. Now you can carry on tweaking away to make other sounds, and when you’re ready to go back to that perfect one you

just saved, just tap the button again....

Recall: When you tap one of the A, B, C, D Buttons to light it up, Duoverb recalls the settings that were stored in that button’s Channel memory. This will affect basically everything except the Master volume, including choice of Amp Models, the on/off state of Amp 1 and Amp 2, the Drive, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence,

Volume settings for both amps and the Blend/Split option.

2• 5

The various front panel lights will show the recalled settings, but the knobs will not. Turning any knob or operating any switch will override the recalled setting for that control only. To override all the recalled settings and get the sound determined by the current setting of all the knobs, press the lit A,B, C, D Button. You’re now back in What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get Manual Mode.

See Chapter 4 for details on how to store and recall a total of 36 Duoverb Channel Memories using your feet.

To reset all the Channel Memories (including all 36 available from an FBV) to their factory state, hold the A and D Buttons while powering up Duoverb.

Working It Rear Panel Features

Rear Panel Features

2• 6

12 15 16 17

RIGHT LEFTRIGHT

connect FBV Class Foot Controller here

(not compatible with Floor Board or FB4)

SPEAKER OUTS / CLASS 2 WIRING

- MONO -

EFFECTS LOOP

MIDI OUTMIDI INPEDALPHONES LEFT (MONO) RIGHT LEFT (MONO) RIGHT

OUTPUT

CABINET

IMPEDANCE

MODELING

4 OHMS

8 OHMS CLOSEDOFF

OPEN

I/ II SWITCHLEFT

RETURNSEND

XLR OUTPUTS - PIN 2 HOT

LEVEL TRIM

-22dBu

+4dBu

GROUND

LIFT

SERIAL NUMBER

RIGHT LEFT

18 19 20 21

12. Phones: Keep it quiet around the house by connecting headphones to the Phones

jack. Just remember to unplug your headphones when you want to rock the house again—plugging in headphones disables your speaker outputs. The Master knob sets the output level while you’re using headphones—be sure you turn the knob down as you switch between headphones and the speakers to make sure you don’t unexpectedly blast yourself with volume.

13. Pedal: Connect the RJ-45 cable supplied with your FBV or FBV Shortboard here. Chapter 4 has the full details.

14. MIDI In & MIDI Out: Connect standard MIDI cables here. Duoverb always sends

and receives on MIDI Channel 1. See the MIDI appendix for more details.

15. Effects Loop: Use the Left(Mono) Send and Return for a mono rack effect. Connect stereo effects as shown below. Generally stompboxes go before the amp, not in this loop. When your amps are Split, Amp 1 comes out left only, and Amp 2, right only.

Duoverb FX Loop

EFFECTS LOOP

LEFT (MONO) RIGHT LEFT (MONO) RIGHT

RETURNSEND

Rack FX unit

RIGHTLEFTRIGHTLEFT

INPUTOUTPUT

Working It Rear Panel Features

16. Level Trim: The level of the XLR Ouputs is set by the small rear panel trim, and is not affected by the Master knob.

17. XLR Balanced Outputs & Ground Lift: These versatile connections are designed

with Line 6’s exclusive A.I.R. II technology to give you the perfect pair of direct connections for live performance and studio recording sessions. See Using Your Direct XLR Outputs on page 2•8 for details. Try the Ground Lift switch to break ground loops when you get grounding hum from connections to the other equipment.

Please Note: there can be an audible ‘pop’ on the outputs when powering Duoverb on or off. We recommend that you either disconnect the direct outputs or power down whatever the direct outs are connected to before powering your Duoverb on or off.

18. Speaker Outs: Hook up additional speaker cabinets here (see Connecting External Speakers on page 2•9).

19. Output Impedance: It is important to set Duoverb’s output impedance to properly

match the speakers that you are connecting. When using a combo to run its internal speakers in stereo, set this switch to the 8 ohms position. See Connecting External

Speakers on page 2•9 for details on other setups, including the HD.

20. Cabinet Modeling: This switch is used to activate Duoverb’s Cabinet Modeling

Technology (see Chapter 3)and properly match it to the type of physical speaker cabinet(s) you are using. The standard setting for the Duoverb combo with its internal speakers or the Duoverb 2x12 open-back extension cabinet is OPEN. If you’re running a 4x12 or other closed-back cabinet, use CLOSED.

2• 7

21. I/II Switch: Plug your included Amp I/II Switch pedal here. See Amp 1 & Amp II Foot Switch on page 2•4 for details on pedal operation.

N222

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

22. Power Connector: Little bitty electrons ﬂow in here to make things work. Connect the supplied power cable to the source of electrons (your wall outlet), then ﬂick the power switch that’s on the front of Duoverb to let the electrons in to do their stuff.

Working It Using Your Direct XLR Outputs

Using Your Direct XLR Outputs

One of the nifty features inside your Duoverb is Line 6’s exclusive A.I.R. II technology

2• 8

that enables you to get that great mic sound out of your amplifier without the microphone! Your Direct outputs can be used either in the studio or as a direct feed to the house sound system for a live performance.

The Master knob on your Duoverb sets the level for the internal speakers (and any external speakers you connect), without having any effect on your Direct Output level. This is a good thing, for instance, when you’re playing live. It means you can set a low volume level for your amp on stage (maybe it’s a small venue) while still pumping out full level at the direct outs so the house sound system is getting plenty of juice. And any adjustments you make to your on stage level during the gig don’t send the soundman scrambling to compensate on his end. This is also a good thing if you’re recording in the studio, using your amp to monitor with the other band members while your direct out is being recorded. Once again, an appropriately low master volume level that you might want for the amp doesn’t force you to have a low level signal going to tape, and adjustments you make to your level don’t interfere with the levels in the control room.

Duoverb can pump out enough direct out level to light up the input meters for +4 dBu pro recording. For live sound systems, as well as many recording setups designed to work with lower levels, this can sometimes be overkill. The Level Trim knob on Duoverb’s rear panel lets you roll back the direct out level and keep your sound guy or lower-level recording system happy.

If you’re setting the levels yourself, and want to make sure you don’t overdo it, you can follow these basic steps. First, plug the hottest output level guitar you plan to use into Duoverb, switch to your hottest pickup setting, and crank the guitar’s output volume (or put it as high as you ever set it). If you plan to change sounds on your Duoverb during the gig, start by selecting the Duoverb settings that seems to have the loudest output level. You can set your Master knob on Duoverb low as you do all this so you don’t blow yourself out; it won’t affect the direct output level. Now, with this guitar and Duoverb setup, play hard (so you’re sending maximum volume out those direct outputs) and have someone adjust Duoverb’s rear panel Level Trim knob until a good healthy level is being received by the equipment you’re sending sound to. The level shouldn’t be so hot that it’s causing input distortion on that receiving equipment. If the receiving equipment has an input level adjustment, you’ll probably get your best signal-to-noise ratio by setting it as low as possible while setting Duoverb’s Level Trim as high as possible.

+ 29 hidden pages