For no-compromise feel & responsiveness during
recording, you can send unprocessed audio to
your recording program, but monitor it instantly
through the TonePort DI’s analog outputs.
To enjoy it, connect audio and run the
separate GearBox program alongside
your recording program and plug-ins.
A typical setup for ToneDirect™ Monitoring
TonePort DI alongside a second recording interface
is shown below. MORE INFO
DI Out: This will be the source to
run the plug-in on. Connect to an input
on your audio interface and choose as
the input for the track with the GearBox
computer
Plug-in. Mute recording application’s
monitoring of this track input.
recording sources
headphonespowered monitors
or mixer/amp
& monitors
Want to hear your computer’s internal soundcard and
GearBox sound through the same set of speakers?
MORE INFO
We don’t recommend hooking a TonePort or GuitarPort
to the input of a guitar amp. Still want to attempt this?
MORE INFO
ADDING PLUG-IN
OPERATION
Add plug-in operation to your GearBox setup to
enjoy the same Models you already own — including
any Model Packs you’ve added on — now operating
in GearBox Plug-In mode! It’s all just a click away:
www.line6.com/store
Analog Outs:
These give the
USB
DI Out
Analog Outs
ToneDirect™
Monitoring magic.
Connect to other
inputs on your
recording interface
and enable its
direct analog
monitoring of these
— NOT monitoring
“through” the
recording
application!
Or connect them to
guitar/bass
your mixer for
monitoring.
MORE INFO
TonePort DI’s outputs feed 3 separate inputs on your recording interface
Before using GearBox............................................................................................................................................5
System Requirements and Installation.................................................................................................................5
Updating & Registering with Line 6 Monkey.......................................................................................................5
Searching this Guide’s Contents............................................................................................................................6
GearBox controls and operation............................................................................................................................8
GearBox with TonePort and GuitarPort.............................................................................................................. 13
GearBox with PODxt.............................................................................................................................................20
A Quickie Plug-in Primer.......................................................................................................................................22
Activating the GearBox Plug-in............................................................................................................................24
GearBox Plug-in Controls and Operation...........................................................................................................26
Where can I find the GearBox Plug-in on my computer?................................................................................27
TonePort DI Connections.....................................................................................................................................34
PODxt Live Connections.......................................................................................................................................38
PODxt PRO Connections.......................................................................................................................................39
Routing audio from your Line 6 hardware to an external device...................................................................41
How To…..................................................................................................................................................................43
Change and Save Tones.......................................................................................................................................50
Stay Up To Date....................................................................................................................................................55
Model Gallery..........................................................................................................................................................69
Model List...............................................................................................................................................................101
Online Help and Support..................................................................................................................................110
PODxt - Audio Signal Routing & Re-Amping.............................................................................................111
What Is…...............................................................................................................................................................151
Windows XP Optimization...............................................................................................................................187
Line 6, PODxt, PODxt Pro, TonePort, GearBox, GuitarPort, Line 6 Edit and Custom Tone 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.
Page 3
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
ACTIVATION
Some features of GearBox require “activation” using Line 6 Monkey and your Internet connection.
Activation turns these features on in your GearBox-compatible hardware, so they can operate in the
GearBox stand-alone application and Plug-in. “Monkey, you say?” – get the skinny on Line 6 Monkey in
the next
Detailed information on activating GearBox Plug-In can be found
Model Packs that you purchase from
instructions on just how to do that
You may also transfer your activations to another computer with or without Internet access.
section describes the process in detail.
chapter.
here.
www.line6.com/store also need to be activated. You’ll find
here.
This
Page 4
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
BEFORE USING GEARBOX
OK, you’ve got your guitar, a computer and a head full of songs and cool licks, so how do you get this all
going? You’re just a few steps away from turning your computer into a serious Tone, jamming and
recording machine. First, here is some valuable information to ensure you have all the latest and greatest
updates….
System Requirements and Installation
If you need to check the system requirements or some assistance with installing GearBox on your
Windows or Mac computer, please refer to the separate documents located on the
Help page of the Line 6 website.
GearBox Online
Updating & Registering with Line 6 Monkey
Line 6 Monkey is the intelligent updater utility that is automatically installed with your GearBox
application. You are prompted to run Line 6 Monkey at the end of your GearBox installation, but it’s a
great idea to do this often so you can be sure you have all the latest updates for all your Line 6
software and hardware products. Registering your Line 6 hardware is also very important because it
ensures that you’re dialed in for warranty service and makes it possible for us to contact you if new
software versions or other cool enhancements are offered - cutting edge technology and such! So don’t
put this off any longer. Connect your Line 6 hardware to your computer and follow these steps to
launch Line 6 Monkey...
• On Mac®, go to Applications - Line 6.
• On Windows®, go to Start - Programs - Line 6 - Tools.
Login account
You’ll need to Login so that Line 6 Monkey can communicate with the online Line 6 Server and
provide you with exactly what you need. It’s just a few clicks, and it’s free!
• If you have a Line 6 account, then type in your User Name and Password at the top of
the Monkey dialog.
• If you have not yet created an account, click the New User button and you’ll be walked
right through the steps.
Register your hardware
If you have not already done so, you’ll be prompted to Register your connected Line 6 hardware.
It’s a painless process really, so click that Register Now button and fill in the blanks on the Web
page. This page will list all your registered Line 6 gear in one place.
Page 5
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Searching this Guide’s Contents
To make it easier to “look for stuff” in this guide, please use the search features of Adobe Reader®
(Windows®) or Preview® (Mac®). Here’s how:
Windows®:
Look for the Search button on the File Toolbar. To display this Toolbar, go to View>Toolbars>File.
Clicking the Search button will open a pane on the right side of the screen.
Mac®:
The Search field is at the top of the Drawer, which you can open by clicking View>Drawer.
Page 6
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
COMPATIBILITY CHECK
To check your Mac® or Windows® computer system to see if it meets the requirements to run
GearBox, launch Line 6 Monkey and go to the Compatibility tab:
Just click the Run Check button and Monkey will check your system and list a report of all items
in the window, letting you know if they pass the minimum requirements needed for GearBox.
For a complete list of GearBox system requirements, please see the GearBox 2 Release Notes
document on the
GearBox Online Help page of the Line 6 website.
Page 7
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GEARBOX (FULL PROGRAM)BASICS
The GearBox software is your new Tone Control Central. It gives you visual control, makes it easy to
create, edit and save your Tones, includes plenty of great presets, and connects you directly to our
exclusive online Tone Library of thousands of professionally programmed Tones. GearBox can run
alongside your favorite recording software, letting you easily control every detail of your sound right
from your computer during recording. And our additional
step-by-step instruction for using GearBox with some of the most popular Windows® and Mac®
recording software, to help make your computer recording experience a great one. GearBox even
connects you to GuitarPort Online, our exclusive online world for guitarists who want to play along with
the latest and greatest tracks, lessons and licks, covering the greatest guitarists of all time. Check it out
when you’re looking to pick up a few new tricks, or just want to have a great time playing some tunes.
The GearBox software is free for every owner of our TonePort, GuitarPort and PODxt recording and
modeling interfaces. Combine that with Line 6 Monkey, our world class driver software technology,
options like GuitarPort Online and Model Packs, plus access to the online Tone Library, and it all adds up
to be the world’s most advanced tone system for guitarists. We call the whole shooting match The
GearBox Platform. To follow is a tour of the GearBox interface - note that the GearBox interface includes
different options depending on if you are using TonePort, GuitarPort or PODxt hardware. Click on a
number to go to its description…
GearBox Online Help documentation includes
GearBox controls and operation
1 2 3 4 5678 9 10
23
22
21
20
19 18 17
11
12
13
14
15
16
Page 8
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
The above screen shows GearBox running with a TonePort device in use. There are some differences
when connected to a GuitarPort or PODxt device - look for the mentions of device-specific controls
and behaviors in the descriptions below. Some of the unique GuitarPort and PODxt controls and
behaviors are also called out in following sections. All descriptions that follow are the same for
Windows® or Mac®, unless otherwise noted.
1 - Source Select menu:
TonePort UX1, UX2, KB37 - Here is where you choose which physical input(s) you want to use
for the GearBox Tone path. Note that TonePort devices also offer a Dual-Tone Source option. See
the next Dual-Tone section for more about this.
TonePort DI, GuitarPort, PODxt – No Source Selct is shown since these units offer only one
input.
2 - Show/Hide button: Clicking this button collapses or expands the viewable height of the Amp and
Effects controls. It’s useful to collapse these controls if you want to maximize the size of only the
lower Browser window.
3 - Tone Menu: Click here to choose from all saved Tones – when you create and save your own
masterpiece Tones, they’ll appear here too.
4 - Amp Model menu: Choose from all available Amp Models available for your connected device.
Remember, you can add more models with optional Model Packs from the
Line 6 store!
5 - Cab Model menu: Choose from a huge assortment of speaker cabinets. We’ve pre-chosen cabs to
match up with your selected amp, but you can choose the Cab here independently - a different cab can
make a huge difference on the sound, so try a few different ones!
6 - Tone Options menu: Click this button to do an “A/B” Compare of your settings vs. preset
settings, view or edit the Tone Info, Save the Tone, or Save As to do a copy of the current Tone.
7 - Monitor controls:
•Monitor Volume - the level of whatever input signal you are feeding into GearBox (e.g. -
your guitar) – this is independent of the level routed to your Record Send 1-2 as well as the
“playback” level of audio software that is routing its output to your Line 6 device.
•Monitor/Clip light – will light up green to indicate your signal, and gets yellow and then red
as the level increases. Red means your signal is too hot (in which case you should turn down
your input source and/or Monitor vol.)
•Mute button - Mutes the monitor signal only.
Page 9
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Note – GearBox will not display this Mute button when PODxt is the source device.
•Pan slider - Pans your source input left or right. This affects the signal that is routed to
BOTH your Record Send 1-2 and the Monitor path. Double click on the slider to set it to dead
center.
For TonePort devices - When using a single Tone Source, these control the Record Send 1-2
Monitor signal path. Send 3-4 has its own set of Monitor controls (accessible in the effects panel
when you click the Send 3-4 icon). If you are in a Dual-Tone Source mode, these controls will
affect the current, visible Tone only.
8 - Out To Hardware controls:
TonePort & GuitarPort -
•Volume knob - controls the level of audio routed out the analog Line Outs (and headphone
out) of your device. This will affect both your Monitor signal AND the playback signal
coming into your Line 6 device from your audio software. It does NOT affect the level of
your signal going to the Record Send 1-2.
•Output Indicator/Clip light - will light up green to indicate your signal, and gets yellow and
then red as the level increases. Red means your signal is too hot and you should reduce all
individual levels and/or the Volume knob.
•Mute Line Out button – Mutes all signals routed to the Line Outs only (and not your
headphone out), but does not affect the signal routed to the Record Sends. This is very useful
when recording with a Mic since it stops your mic signal from coming out your speakers (to
avoid feedback) but still lets your hear it and everything else through your headphones.
Note – GearBox will not display this set of Out To Hardware controls when PODxt is the source
device.
For TonePort/GuitarPort devices – These controls affect the Monitor and playback signal paths
for both Record Sends 1-2 and 3-4, or both Tones when using a Dual-Tone Source.
9 - Bypass button:
TonePort - will bypass all amp and effects processing for the currently displayed Tone. Just your
“naked”, unprocessed signal will be heard as well as routed to your Record Sends when bypassed.
GuitarPort - will bypass all amp and effects processing. Just your “naked”, unprocessed signal will
be heard as well as routed to your Record Sends when bypassed.
PODxt - will bypass only the amp
10 - Tuner button: Toggles the display of the Guitar Tuner.
11&12 - Effects Show/Hide and On/Off toggles:
•Clicking on the top portion of each of the little “stomp box” icons in this row will toggle the
lower Effects Panel to display that effect’s controls. You can do this independently of
Page 10
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
switching the effect itself On/Off. Note that you can use your left or right mouse button to do
this.
• Clicking the bottom portion of the stomp box will toggle the effect On and Off.
13 - Send 1-2 VU Meters:
TonePort & GuitarPort - These show the level sent to your recording program tracks that are
receiving Send 1-2. If the little indicator at the bottom of each meter lights red, turn down the
RECORD knob and/or turn off the +18 button, because you are clipping your audio, which can
cause harsh, bad sound for your recording.
These indicators will light up red
when the signal is clipping
Note – Gearbox will not display VU Meters when a PODxt is the source device.
14 - Record Send 1-2 controls:
•Record knob - controls the level of your GearBox processed Tone that is routed to Record
Send 1-2. this will ultimately control the record level into your audio software for any track
receiving this Send 1-2 signal.
•+18 button - Boosts the level of the Record Send – useful if your GearBox signal is a weak
one and you need more level to get a good record level.
•Mono button – sums the GearBox stereo Tone to a Mono signal for Record Send 1-2 (the
same mono signal is fed to both Send 1 and 2 channels). Useful if you want to record from
Send 1 or 2 and ensure it is not one side of a stereo signal.
Note – Gearbox will not display the Mono button when a PODxt is the source device.
15 - USB device connection indicator:
TonePort & GuitarPort - This little USB plug icon appears flashing if GearBox does not find a
supported Line 6 USB device connected to the computer.
PODxt - When GearBox is set to use a PODxt source device, a little red PODxt icon is displayed.
If the PODxt device is disconnected or powered off, the icon appears with a question mark.
16 - CPU meter: Shows how much of your computer’s processing power is currently being utilized. If
it reaches the red then you may experience audible dropouts and therefore need to reduce other
processes running, or bypass some GearBox effects.
Page 11
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
17 - Effects Control display: This panel displays the controls for the selected effect (see # 11 & 12
and #18 for how to choose to show an effect’s controls). For TonePort this can also show the Record
Send 3-4 controls.
18 - Effect menu: Offers selection for which effect’s controls are shown in the Effects Control display
area.
19 - Info Bar: Text appears in this bar relating to what your mouse cursor is currently hovering over.
This is a very handy source of tips while using GearBox – remember to look here for info while
clicking around!
20 - Browser controls: All button in this row control things that appear in the Browser panel below.
We’ll go into more detail on the browser section separately, which includes the GuitarPort Online
functionality, Player, Tone Locker, and more!
21 - UX2 Meters Show menu:
TonePort UX2/KB37 only - allows selection for what signal the VU meters on the TonePort UX2
device will measure.
22 - Show/Hide Effects display button: Click this button to collapse or expand the area which shows
the Effects Control display and Record Send 1-2 controls.
23 - Hum Reducer feature:
TonePort & GuitarPort - Use this feature to eliminate that annoying hum that guitars sometime
have, especially when in front of computer monitors. Click the Hum Reducer button to walk through
the use of this feature:
Page 12
Note – GearBox will not display the Hum Reducer options when a PODxt is the source device.
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GearBox with TonePort and GuitarPort
Using GearBox with a TonePort or GuitarPort device gives you access to multiple Record Sends, and
with a TonePort UX1/UX2/KB37, you get Dual-Tone operation, bringing out the most out of
GearBox!
Note: TonePort DI and GuitarPort can only run in Single-Tone configuration.
Record Send 3-4
GearBox will display this additional Record Send 3-4 for TonePort and GuitarPort devices, and it
provides for several handy functions. Here are a few ways to get to them…
When you have a single input Source chosen in the Source Select menu, you’ll see the Send 3-4
icon in the row of the Effects icons.
Click on the Send 3-4 icon to show its controls in the panel below.
Select PRE to route an
unprocessed signal to Send 3-4
Select POST to route a semi-processed signal to Send 3-4
(see below)
Record Send 3-4 has its own dedicated set of controls and meters that are equivalent in function
to the Send 1-2 controls of the same name (see the
When using an audio recording software configured to use the ASIO TonePort driver (on
Windows®) or Core Audio driver (on Mac®), it is possible to select the GearBox Send 1-2 or
Send 3-4 independently for your track inputs for recording.
GearBox Controls and Operations section).
Page 13
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Please note that the pre/post setting of Record Send 3-4 is not saved within the Tone Preset.
Note – if your audio application is configured to use the TonePort WDM driver (on Windows®),
you will only be able to access Send 1-2 in the recording software, and it will carry both GearBox
Send 1-2 and 3-4 signal paths, pre-mixed into Send 1-2.
Monitoring a GearBox-processed tone while recording “Dry”
With GearBox Send 3-4, you can send a dry, unprocessed signal to your favorite recording
application, while monitoring a fully GearBox-processed tone thru your hardware’s outputs. The
Send’s Pre/Post switch gives you a couple of options:
• In the PRE position, Send 3-4 taps into the audio path before any processing is applied to the
input source, routing a totally dry signal thru the USB port. This of course is useful when
using plug-ins, including the GearBox Plug-in, since you can record a pass with a nocompromise, great feeling tone, without committing any tone shaping to the track (see the
ToneDirect Monitoring section for more info).
• In the POST position, Send 3-4 taps into the audio path right after the EQ, and before any
post-FX are applied. With this setting, you can apply some amp or mic preamp modeling to
your signal before routing it to Send 3-4.
In the POST scenario, you can designate the Modulation, Delay and Reverb FX to be either
before or after Send 3-4 to determine if that effect is processed on the Send 3-4 signal or not. For
example, if you move set a Delay and a Reverb effect both to “Post”, then they are only processed
on the signal sent to Send 1-2, and Send 3-4 is tapping the signal just before these effects. This
makes it possible to monitor Send 1-2 and hear these effects, but then choose Send 3-4 in your
audio application and actually record the signal without them.
Click on an effect
to display its
The selected effect’s icon moves to the
left or right of the Send 3-4 icon
depending on the effect’s Pre/Post setting
control display in
the Effects panel
Use the Pre/Post
toggle switch
Page 14
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Dual-Tone operation (TonePort UX1/UX2/KB37)
These TonePort devices are unique in that they give you not one, but two independent Tone
paths! This feature allows you to process two completely independent Tones for two separate
inputs at the same time, such as your guitar plus a microphone, and allows your recording
software to record each in its own separate track.
The “Dual-Tone” inputs are the
ones in the Source Select menu
that have the “&” symbol in the
names (e.g. Inst. & Mic 1).
When choosing one of the Dual-Tone input Sources, this displays two distinct Tones within
GearBox, allowing you to tweak each source with its own independent Tone settings. When in
this Dual-Tone mode, GearBox automatically routes Tone 1 to Record Send 1-2, and Tone 2 to
Record Send 3-4, which allows your recording software to record each into separate tracks.
In Dual -Tone mode, the Tone 1 & Tone 2 toggle buttons appear at the top left to allow you to
show the Amp and FX configuration for the respective Tone path. Note that these other controls
across the top of the dialog automatically adjust the currently displayed Tone’s settings. For
example, here the “Inst. & Mic1” Source is selected, and the “Instrument” Source’s Tone path is
selected. Several controls at the top now affect only the Instrument Tone. To adjust the Mic 1
Tone settings, you switch the Tone 1, 2 toggle button, and then adjust the controls independently.
Tone 1, 2
toggle buttons
Monitor controls affect the
currently displayed Source’s
Selects a Tone preset for
current Source’s Tone
Note that the Send meters and control automatically change when toggling between Tone 1 and
Tone 2 Sources as well.
Page 15
Out To Hardware controls
affect BOTH Tones
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
The Send 1-2 controls are shown for Tone
1, and Send 3-4 controls are shown for
Tone 2
Operating GearBox in Dual-Tone mode can require some major processing power from your
computer (not surprisingly, twice as much as a single Tone!). Each effect that is powered “on”
will use some processing power – effects that are “off” do not use processing power.
MIDI Control
When using GearBox with TonePort and GuitarPort devices, GearBox offers options for remote
control of its parameters. You can connect a 3
rd
party MIDI controller device to a MIDI port on
your computer and set GearBox to receive MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) data from it.
GearBox is also capable of sending out MIDI CC data for the adjustment of the onscreen
GearBox knobs and switches.
To send out MIDI CC data from the
adjustment of GearBox onscreen knobs &
switches, check this box.
To control GearBox features (such as Wah or
Volume) from a 3
rd
party hardware MIDI
controller device or software, choose the
MIDI Port that your controller unit is
connected to. GearBox will then receive
MIDI CC data on MIDI Channel 1.
Page 16
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
TonePort UX2/KB37 Controllers
Unique to TonePort UX2 and KB37 are two Footswitch jacks on the hardware which provide remote
control of GearBox functions. Additionally, TonePort KB37 features an expression pedal jack and a
number of knobs, wheels and buttons which can be configured to control various MIDI parameters,
GearBox and 3
controllers, which you can of course re-configure in the Line 6 Audio-MIDI Devices control panel.
rd
-party application functions. KB 37 ships with a default set of functions assigned to its
4
3
9 8 6 75
12 11 10
13
14
15
2
1
16 17 18 19
KB37 default messages for non-GearBox applications
4- Mod Wheel CC 1 (Modulation Wheel) 14- Play MMC Play/Stop
5- Program
increment
6- Program
decrement
7- Knob 1 CC 73 (Attack Time) 17- Button 2 CC 127
8- Knob 2 CC 75 (Decay Time) 18- Button 3 CC 126
9- Knob 3 CC 72 (Release Time) 19- Button 4 CC 123
10-Knob 4 CC 91 (Effects 1 Depth) Expression
Footswitch 1
(Sustain)
+1 15- Record MMC Record/Punch
- 1 16- Button 1 CC 65
CC 64 (Sustain) Footswitch 2 MMC Record Punch
11- Rewind MMC Rewind
12- Forward MMC Fast Forward
(Portamento)
(Poly On)
(Mono On)
(All Notes Off)
CC 11
pedal
(Expression)
Page 17
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
To re-map the functions of any of these controllers, go to Edit>Preferences and follow these steps:
Select the
Hardware tab
Click here to
display the Line 6
Audio-MIDI
Device control
panel
Select the MIDI tab
Click here to recall
any Preset or Default
Mappings …
… Or click here to
create a Custom MIDI
Mapping
Page 18
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
This column populates with all re-assignable controllers
for your device (TonePort KB37 shown here)
Name and Save your Custom
Mapping as a Preset
Choose which GearBox function
(if any) to assign to controllers
Note - For a complete list of GearBox MIDI - parameter assignments, and more help on
Footswitch/Controller setup, please check out the GearBox Online Help.
Choose the Type of Control, which
CC/Action it will perform, and the
Switch Mode for your controllers
Click Apply, then
OK when done
Page 19
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GearBox with PODxt
One difference between PODxt and TonePort or GuitarPort devices is that PODxt’s have their own
onboard DSP processing and Memory. You can think of GearBox as a computer “user interface” for
what is running on your PODxt device. Because of this hardware architecture, you’ll see a few
differences here for GearBox controls with PODxt as compared to TonePort or GuitarPort. It also
means that the processing horsepower used to apply all those juicy amp, cab and effects models to
your Tone don’t need to run on your computer’s processor, which should give you a bit more reserve
processing power for other things, like recording software and more complex sessions.
When using PODxt, PODxt Pro or PODxt Live hardware with GearBox, the GearBox interface offers
a fixed set of Tone options. The Instrument input is “fixed” as the GearBox input source, and the input
signal is routed to the Record Send 1-2. Please refer back to the
section for description of the common interface features. To follow are some details on the items
specific to using GearBox with PODxt devices.
GearBox controls and operation
GearBox controls and operation
The GearBox interface offers controls for a single Tone path when PODxt is in use. Click on a
number to go to its description…
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Source Device indicator: A PODxt, PODxt Live or PODxt Pro* icon appears here to indicate
which type of device is now in use by GearBox as the Source device.
7 8
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
2 - Tone menu: Select from your set of GearBox Tones folder to load one on your PODxt. Note that
you can also select a preset directly on your PODxt hardware and all its settings will appear in
GearBox. You can also use the Tone Locker in the GearBox Browser panel to access items stored in
your PODxt Memory.
3 - Monitor Volume knob: Adjusts the monitoring level of your Tone - this is independent of the
level routed to your Record Send 1-2 as well as the “playback” level of audio software that is routing
its output back to your PODxt.
4 - Pan slider: Pans your source input left or right. This affects the signal that is routed to BOTH your
Record Send 1-2 and the Monitor path. Double click on the slider to set it to dead center.
5 - Amp bypass: Bypasses the current Amp model so that you’ll hear your guitar with no amp
processing (yawn), but you’ll still hear any effects that are powered on. Note that this bypassed signal
is also what is routed to Record Send 1-2.
Note: The Amp Bypass control is an exclusive feature of PODxt devices. Any PODxt tone saved
with the amp bypassed will load in a TonePort or GuitarPort device with the amp active.
6 - Tuner button: Toggles the display of the Guitar Tuner.
7, 8 - Record Send 1-2 controls:
•Record knob - controls the level of your PODxt Tone that is routed to Record Send 1-2. This
will ultimately control the record level into your audio software for any track receiving this
Send 1-2 signal.
Note that for PODxt devices, there is also further control of what type of signal is routed to
Record Send 1-2 within the Audio Signal Routing dialog. Get to this from the Line 6 AudioMIDI Devices control panel – read more about it in this section.
•+18 button - Boosts the level of the Record Send – useful if your signal is a weak one and
you need more level to get a good record level.
MIDI control
For PODxt, PODxt Pro and PODxt Live - MIDI control options are found on the device itself you can connect MIDI cables directly to your PODxt and then dial up the MIDI settings on the
PODxt’s display panel. Please refer to your PODxt Pilot’s Handbook for all the details on MIDI
control.
Using PODxt’s MIDI control features, you can remotely control most parameters on your PODxt
device and hear them in real time. Likewise, PODxt can transmit MIDI CC data back out its
MIDI Out when you adjust its knobs and switches. This interaction all takes place between
PODxt and your MIDI device, without GearBox needing to be involved at all. When your PODxt
is also connected to your computer and you are using it with GearBox, you will see the respective
onscreen GearBox controls also automatically adjust when you are controlling PODxt remotely.
Again, just think of Gearbox as a computer “user interface” for what is running on your PODxt
hardware.
Page 21
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GEARBOX (PLUG-IN)BASICS
Welcome to the wonderful world of GearBox Plug-in, where legendary studio-standard tone and classic
vintage effects are all available to you within your favorite recording application, in a flexible native
software plug-in format!
A Quickie Plug-in Primer
There are many types of plug-ins in the world of software. Plug-ins are relatively small applications
that can only run when loaded inside a compatible host application. Plug-ins operate within the host
application to extend the capabilities of the host. In the world of music software, audio plug-ins find
frequent use inside audio/MIDI host applications, commonly referred to as DAWs (Digital Audio
Workstations). Audio plug-ins provide signal processing for your audio tracks or live audio input.
A helpful analogy for plug-ins is to think of them as effects pedals. Effects pedals change the tone of
your bass or guitar before the signal reaches your amplifier. As with pedals, rack effects units, or any
other conventional piece of outboard gear, plug-ins provide graphical controls for whatever parameters
they might expose. For example, a distortion plug-in will most likely have similar controls to a typical
distortion pedal (such as drive, gain and tone). Visually, plug-ins often resemble the physical gear they
emulate.
When working with DAWs, using plug-ins provides numerous benefits over using outboard effects
like pedals or rack processors. Here are a few of the primary benefits:
• Plug-ins are “non-destructive” to your audio track – this means that you can add or remove
effects and tweak their settings as often as you like without actually affecting the original
audio recording. Recording with outboard gear means that the signal going to tape will be
“wet” (with effects and amp tone) and cannot be changed without recording another pass.
• Plug-ins sound the same way twice. Because you can store plug-in settings as presets, precise
settings can be loaded reliably with tweaking. Every time you go back to work on a specific
song, you can rest assured that your tones will be identical to the last session.
• Plug-ins are automatable. Host applications provide easy ways to create and manipulate
automation, giving you surgical precision of your tone without having to “ride the faders” of
external gear during a record pass.
• Plug-ins don’t break, corrode, take up space on your floor or get stolen
MIDI Remote Control and Plug-in automation
Most audio plug-ins are automatable, meaning their parameters can be manipulated in real-time by
some method. The two most prevalent methods are MIDI automation and plug-in automation. Both
methods provide unique benefits.
Page 22
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
MIDI automation means using MIDI messages, either from an external controller like a KB37, or
from the host application, to modify parameter settings on the target plug-in. Most host applications,
such as Cubase or SONAR, provide robust MIDI sequencing capabilities, allowing you to literally
draw MIDI controller changes (MIDI automation), which then get sent to track plug-ins or externally,
to outboard gear. The latter example is the most common use of MIDI before the rise in popularity of
plug-ins.
Today the most common use of MIDI with plug-ins is simply to control them from a tactile control
surface or, in the case of software instruments, from a MIDI keyboard. This is called MIDI remote
control, because the MIDI control messages are coming from an external (remote) source. To
successfully use MIDI remote control, you must know what parameters respond to a given MIDI CC
function. Manufacturers typically supply this information with their product.
Plug-in automation means controlling plug-in parameters from with the host application.
Conceptually this is similar to MIDI automation, in that you create automation within the track of the
host application. The automation sends parameter change values to the plug-in. But there are a couple
distinct advantages:
• Plug-in automation is sample accurate (far more accurate than MIDI). This high resolution
allows you to create smooth curves and fades, without any stair-stepping effect, ideal for
critical, professional applications.
• Plug-in automation parameters carry the actual names of the parameters, where as MIDI
requires mapping generic MIDI control functions to various plug-in parameters.
Plug-in Formats
There are quite a few available plug-in formats in the digital audio recording world. The GearBox
Plug-in uses the VST® (Virtual Studio Technology) format for Windows® recording environments,
and the AU® (AudioUnits) format on the Mac® platform, and RTAS® (Real Time Audio Suite) for
both Mac and Windows, for compatibility with the vast majority of audio recording software on the
market.
Page 23
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Activating the GearBox Plug-in
So how do I get the GearBox plug-in, you ask? The upgrade process is easy – make sure your Line 6
Hardware is connected to your computer (with an internet connection), and follow these steps:
Launch Line 6 Monkey
You’ll need to log into your Line 6 account, and make sure that your hardware is fully up-to-date.
If this all new to you, get hip
here.
TonePort DI Silver/Gold bundle customers: The GearBox Plug-in is included in your purchase,
and needs only to be enabled on your computer. This way, please…
Grab any available updates
Purchasing the GearBox Plug-in
Click on the Optional Add-Ons tab, select GearBox Plug-in, then click on Purchase Add-Ons.
You will be taken to the Line 6 Store, where you can purchase a license for the plug-in. Follow
the instructions on the resulting page to receive your activation key.
Login to your
Line 6 account
Page 24
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Activating the Plug-in
In Line 6 Monkey, click on Activate Purchase. A window will pop up, that will prompt you to
enter the activation key you just received.
Line 6 Monkey will connect to the server to validate the license, and program your hardware.
That’s it, you’re done! You are now ready to use the GearBox Plug-in with your favorite
recording application.
TonePort DI Customers
Your hardware comes with the GearBox Plug-in activated from the factory, so the Line 6 Monkey
application will display an extra button for you, as shown:
Click the Optional Add-ons Tab
Click
Authorize
This checkmark
indicates the
Plug-in is
activated on
your hardware
When clicking the Authorize button, Line 6 Monkey will connect to the server and enable your
computer to use the activated add-ons. Tada! You are now ready to use the GearBox Plug-in with
your favorite recording software!
Page 25
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GearBox Plug-in Controls and Operation
The GearBox Plug-in Graphical User Interface or GUI (you guessed it, it’s pronounced “gooey”) is
remarkably similar to that of the GearBox application, so we invite you to refer to the
Program) Basics section for a description of all the controls and functions. In this section, we’ll point
out the differences between the Plug-in and its full-version brother.
Only a single tone
path per instance
Click here for
Plug-in help
VU-Meters always show
the GearBox Plug-in
Output level
GearBox (Full
You can create Tones within the Plug-in, which you can save for later recall, or you can use any of the
GearBox application Tones. GearBox Plug-in Tones are totally compatible with its full-version
counterparts, and all Tones are stored in one convenient folder on your hard drive (the default location
is My Documents/Line 6/Tones/GearBox on Windows®, and Documents/Line 6/Tones/GearBox
on Mac®).
Sets the level sent to the
track (or the next Plug-in)
Page 26
Attenuates the level of the
signal fed into the Plug-in
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Where can I find the GearBox Plug-in on my computer?
Your favorite recording application must locate the GearBox Plug-in in order to use it. Some
applications scan your hard drive for all available plug-ins while others need you to point them to the
correct folder.
On Windows® computers, you can define where the GearBox Plug-in is installed during the GearBox
installation process. If you didn’t specify a location, then the VST plug-in is installed by default in the
C:\Program Files\Line6\VstPlugIns\Line 6 folder. RTAS® is installed to C:\PROGRAM
FILES\CommonFiles\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-Ins\Line6
On Mac®, the AudioUnits® specification requires that the GearBox Plug-in be installed in
Library>Audio>Plug-Ins>Components. RTAS is installed to Library>Application
Support>Digidesign>Plug-Ins>Line 6
For detailed help on using the GearBox Plug-in with today’s most popular audio recording software
applications, please visit the GearBox Online Help page.
Page 27
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
HARDWARE HOOKUP
The GearBox 3 software is designed to work with your Line 6 TonePort UX1, UX2, GuitarPort, PODxt,
PODxt Live or PODxt Pro hardware. Your Line 6 device, since it connects to your computer via USB and
utilizes the high-performance Line 6 Audio & MIDI drivers, it is easily configured to work as your
computer’s sound card. This means that you can access all your Tones coming out of GearBox directly
from most any audio recording application, all at the highest quality! But you are of course not just
limited to using your Line 6 hardware to record into your computer – the outputs provided on the back of
your device additionally allow you to feed your GearBox signal to external tape machines, DAT
recorders, PA systems, or whatever else will accept an analog line level signal. Additionally, TonePort
UX2 and PODxt Pro devices include a digital S/PDIF output to allow you to make these connections
digitally!
There are some differences in the setup and functionality between the supported Line 6 devices, so be
sure to look for the instructions in the following sections for your specific device. Primarily, TonePort
and GuitarPort devices function quite similarly since all the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is performed
on your computer when using these units. PODxt devices do all their DSP magic inside the PODxt itself.
Using the GearBox software is pretty similar for all these devices once you have everything setup. So
here we go…
TonePort UX1 Connections
Connect a Microphone
Mic - To input a signal from a microphone, connect it here using and XLR cable. This inputs the
microphone signal into GearBox where you can choose your tone, and then route the processed
signal both to your audio software and out the TonePort outputs.
Guitar/Bass - To input your electric guitar or bass, plug it in here using a standard 1/4-inch TS
instrument cable. This inputs the instrument’s signal into GearBox where you can then choose
your tone and route the processed signal both to your audio software and out the TonePort
outputs.
Phones - If you want to listen to the audio from TonePort using stereo headphones, then plug
them into this 1/4-inch stereo jack. This headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the Analog
Outs on the rear panel of TonePort; the audio from your audio software on the computer, as well
as anything plugged into any TonePort input.
Connect your electric Guitar or Bass
Connect your
stereo Headphones
Page 28
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Connect any line level input
source that you want to record
into the Line Inputs.
Connect any line level input
source for monitoring to the
Stereo Monitor In.
Connect your USB cable from
here to your computer’s USB
port.*
Connect the Analog Outs to
your audio monitors.
*Note – be sure to always power off or mute your speakers or monitoring setup before connecting
and disconnecting the USB cable between TonePort and your computer, as well as before booting
up or shutting down your computer if TonePort is already connected. The best practice is to always
power on your speakers last, and power them off first when connected to other audio gear to avoid
a “pop”.
Line Inputs - To record the signal from a line level source, such as a keyboard, your stereo
receiver, the line out from a mixing console, etc., connect them to these Left and Right ins using
1/4-inch TS audio cables.
Monitor In - If you want to hear the signal from a line level source along with all the other audio
coming from your computer, but do not want this audio recorded, then plug the source in here.
Note that this is a stereo jack, so you should use a stereo 1/4-inch TRS audio cable for this
connection.
USB - This of course is where you connect the supplied USB cable to TonePort, with the other
end going to your computer’s USB port. Note that you should always connect to a separate USB
controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide TonePort with the full
USB bandwidth. TonePort also gets its power from this USB connection, so it should not be
plugged into a non-powered USB hub, or operated on the same USB controller channel with unpowered devices. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on your computer
and not into a USB hub.
Analog Outs - These Left and Right unbalanced jacks output all the audio from TonePort; the
audio from your audio software on the computer, and anything plugged into any TonePort input.
These are what you want to connect to your powered speakers or monitoring system for a
recording setup. Use 1/4-inch TS cables to connect directly to powered speakers, mixer or power
amp setup. Note that you can also use the headphone jack on the front of TonePort if you want to
use headphones for monitoring.
Page 29
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
TonePort UX2 Connections
Connect up to two
Microphones
Microphone Inputs - You can receive input from one or two mics at the same time using these
ins. There is also a +48V Phantom Power switch that you should toggle to “on” if your mic
requires phantom power (most condenser type mics do, but check the documentation for your mic
if you are not sure). Connect each mic using an XLR cable. This inputs each microphone signal
independently into GearBox where you can choose your tone, and then route the processed signal
both to your audio software and out the TonePort outputs.
Guitar/Bass Inputs -To input your electric guitar or bass, plug it into one of these inputs. Either
of these routes the instrument’s signal into GearBox where you can choose your tone and route
the processed signal both to your audio software and out the TonePort outputs.
Norm – this input is for a standard instrument level output. Plug your guitar/bass into here using a
standard 1/4-inch TS instrument cable.
Pad - this input is designed for high output level basses and guitars, especially those with active
pickups. Plug your high output instrument into here using a standard 1/4-inch TS instrument
cable.
Headphone - If you want to listen to the audio from TonePort using stereo headphones, then plug
them into this 1/4-inch stereo jack. This Headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the
Analog Outs on the rear panel of TonePort; the audio from your audio software on the computer,
as well as anything plugged into any TonePort input.
Connect your electric Guitar or Bass
Connect your
stereo Headphones
Page 30
p
Connect up to two standard toggle or
momentary pedal switches into the
Footswitches jacks for remote control of
GearBox and audio application functions
Connect any line level input
source that you want to
record into the Line Inputs.
Connect your USB cable
from your computer’s USB
ort.*
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Connect to the S/PDIF input of an
external device to send TonePort’s
output digitally.
Connect any line level input
source for monitoring to the
Stereo Monitor In.
Connect the Analog Outs to
your audio monitors.
*Note – be sure to always power off or mute your speakers or monitoring setup before
connecting and disconnecting the USB cable between TonePort and your computer, as well
as before booting up or shutting down your computer if TonePort is already connected. The
best practice is to always power on your speakers last, and power them off first when
connected to other audio gear to avoid a “pop”.
Line Inputs - if you want to record the signal from a line level source, such as a keyboard, your
stereo receiver, the line out from a mixing console, etc., connect them to these Left and Right ins
using 1/4-inch TS audio cables.
Footswitches - if you want to use one or two on/off toggle or momentary footswitches to
remotely control functions in the GearBox software, you can plug the 1/4-inch footswitch plugs
into these 1 and 2 jacks. To configure each Footswitch, go to the GearBox Preferences. You can
also use these footswitches to trigger recording and playback commands within the included
Ableton Live Lite 5 software!
USB - This of course is where you connect the supplied USB cable to TonePort, with the other
end going to your computer’s USB port. Note that you should always connect to a separate USB
controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide TonePort with the full
USB bandwidth. TonePort also gets its power from this USB connection, so it should not be
plugged into a non-powered USB hub, or operated on the same USB controller channel with unpowered devices. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on your computer
and not into a USB hub.
Page 31
S/PDIF Digital Out - To send the output of TonePort to an external device digitally, connect a
75-Ohm coaxial cable into this RCA jack and then into the S/PDIF digital input on the external
device. This is the best choice for connecting to digital recording devices, such as a DAT
recorder. This S/PDIF output sends the same audio as is sent to TonePort’s Analog Outs* (with
the exception that any audio coming into the TonePort’s Monitor In jack is not routed to the
S/PDIF output). The digital signal is always sent at 24-bit resolution.
Monitor In - If you want to hear the signal from a line level source mixed with all the other audio
coming from your computer, but do not want this audio recorded, then plug the source in here.
Note that this is a stereo jack, so you should use a stereo 1/4-inch TRS audio cable for this
connection.
Analog Outs - These Left and Right balanced jacks output all the audio from TonePort; the audio
from your audio software on the computer, and anything plugged into any TonePort input. So,
these are what you want to connect to your monitoring system when using TonePort as your
computer’s sound card. Use either 1/4-inch TS or TRS cables to connect directly to your powered
speakers, mixer or power amp setup. Note that you can also use the headphone jack on the front
of TonePort if you want to use headphones for monitoring.
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
TonePort KB37 Connections
Connect any line
level input source
for monitoring to
the Stereo Monitor In
Connect your
stereo
Headphones
Connect the Analog Outs to your audio
monitors
Microphone Inputs - You can receive input from one or two mics at the same time using these
ins. There is also a +48V Phantom Power switch that you should toggle to “on” if your mic
requires phantom power (most condenser type mics do, but check the documentation for your mic
Connect any line level input
source that you want to
record into the Line Inputs
Connect your electric
Guitar or Bass
Connect up to two
Microphones
Connect to the S/PDIF
input of an external device
to send TonePort’s output
digitally
Connect up to two standard
toggle or momentary pedal
switches into the Footswitches
jacks for remote control of
GearBox and audio application
Connect an
Expression
Connect your
USB cable from
your computer’s
USB port.*
Pedal here
for control of
MIDI
parameters
Page 32
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
if you are not sure). Connect each mic using an XLR cable. This inputs each microphone signal
independently into GearBox where you can choose your tone, and then route the processed signal
both to your audio software and out the TonePort outputs.
Guitar/Bass Input -To connect your electric guitar or bass, plug it into this input. This
connection routes the instrument’s signal into GearBox where you can choose your tone and route
the processed signal both to your audio software and out the TonePort outputs. This input also
features a Pad switch; engage this switch when using a guitar/bass with high-output or active
pickups, to avoid overdriving the input.
Headphones - If you want to listen to the audio from TonePort using stereo headphones, then
plug them into this 1/4-inch stereo jack. This Headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the
Analog Outs on the rear panel of TonePort; the audio from your audio software on the computer,
as well as anything plugged into any TonePort input.
*Note – be sure to always power off or mute your speakers or monitoring setup before
connecting and disconnecting the USB cable between TonePort and your computer, as well
as before booting up or shutting down your computer if TonePort is already connected. The
best practice is to always power on your speakers last, and power them off first when
connected to other audio gear to avoid a “pop”.
Line Inputs - if you want to record the signal from a line level source, such as a keyboard, your
stereo receiver, the line out from a mixing console, etc., connect them to these Left and Right ins
using 1/4-inch TS audio cables.
Footswitches - if you want to use one or two on/off toggle or momentary footswitches to
remotely control functions in the GearBox software, you can plug the 1/4-inch footswitch plugs
into these 1 and 2 jacks. To configure each Footswitch, go to the GearBox Preferences. You can
also use these footswitches to trigger recording and playback commands within the included
Ableton Live Lite 5 software!
Expression Pedal - Connect a 1/4-inch TS expression pedal to control Volume, Wah or any other
MIDI CC parameter in GearBox or your recording application. To configure the expression
pedal, go to the GearBox preferences .
USB - This of course is where you connect the supplied USB cable to TonePort, with the other
end going to your computer’s USB port. Note that you should always connect to a separate USB
controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide TonePort with the full
USB bandwidth. TonePort also gets its power from this USB connection, so it should not be
plugged into a non-powered USB hub, or operated on the same USB controller channel with unpowered devices. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on your computer
and not into a USB hub.
S/PDIF Digital Out - To send the output of TonePort to an external device digitally, connect a
75-Ohm coaxial cable into this RCA jack and then into the S/PDIF digital input on the external
device. This is the best choice for connecting to digital recording devices, such as a DAT
recorder. This S/PDIF output sends the same audio as is sent to TonePort’s Analog Outs* (with
the exception that any audio coming into the TonePort’s Monitor In jack is not routed to the
S/PDIF output). The digital signal is always sent at 24-bit resolution.
Page 33
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
*Note that when using TonePort KB37 with GearBox, the GuitarPort Player playback audio is
never routed to this S/PDIF output. This is necessary to comply with artist copyright requirements
that Line 6 follows for the GuitarPort Online Tracks and artist content.
Monitor In - If you want to hear the signal from a line level source mixed with all the other audio
coming from your computer, but do not want this audio recorded, then plug the source in here.
Note that this is a stereo jack, so you should use a stereo 1/4-inch TRS audio cable for this
connection.
Analog Outs - These Left and Right balanced jacks output all the audio from TonePort; the audio
from your audio software on the computer, and anything plugged into any TonePort input. So,
these are what you want to connect to your monitoring system when using TonePort as your
computer’s sound card. Use either 1/4-inch TS or TRS cables to connect directly to your powered
speakers, mixer or power amp setup. Note that you can also use the headphone jack on the front
of TonePort if you want to use headphones for monitoring.
TonePort DI Connections
Connect your
electric Guitar
or Bass
Guitar/Bass - To input your electric guitar or bass, plug it in here using a standard 1/4-inch TS
instrument cable. This input also features a Pad switch; engage this switch when using a
guitar/bass with high-output or active pickups, to avoid overdriving the input.
Page 34
d
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Connect your
stereo
Headphones
Connect to your 3
audio interface for recording
with GearBox plug-in
r
-party
Connect USB
cable from here
Analog Line Outs –
connect to your
powered speakers or
mixer
to your computer
USB - This of course is where you connect the supplied USB cable to TonePort, with the other
end going to your computer’s USB port. Note that you should always connect to a separate USB
controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide TonePort with the full
USB bandwidth. TonePort also gets its power from this USB connection, so it should not be
plugged into a non-powered USB hub, or operated on the same USB controller channel with unpowered devices. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on your computer
and not into a USB hub.
Phones - If you want to listen to the audio from TonePort using stereo headphones, then plug
them into this 1/4-inch stereo jack. This headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the Analog
Outs on the rear panel of TonePort; the audio from your audio software on the computer, as well
as anything plugged into any TonePort input.
D.I Out - This connection lets you record an unprocessed signal to your track, to which you can
apply the GearBox plug-in. If you use a 3
rd
-party audio interface, connect the D.I. to one of its
inputs, and route that input to the track you’re recording into.
Analog Outputs - When using TonePort DI as an audio interface for your recording application,
these outputs carry the Master stereo mix from your recording project. If you ‘re using a 3
Audio Interface, these outputs supply the ToneDirect™ magic to your interface or mixer, when
using the GearBox application alongside the plug-in. See the
ToneDirect™ Monitoring section
for more details.
rd
-party
Page 35
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GuitarPort Connections
Instrument input - your electric guitar or bass, plug it into one of these inputs using a standard
1/4-inch TS instrument cable. This inputs the signal into GearBox where you can choose your
Tone and route the processed signal both to your audio software and out the GuitarPort outputs.
Analog Line Outs – connect to
your powered speakers or mixer
Connect your stereo
headphones
Monitor In – connect a line level, stereo
output (from your stereo, MP3 player, etc).
Connect USB cable from
here to your computer
Analog Line Outs - These Left and Right RCA jacks output all audio signals; the audio from your
audio software on the computer, and anything plugged into any the Instrument or Monitor inputs. So,
these are what you want to connect to your monitoring system when using GuitarPort as your
computer’s sound card. Use sheilded RCA to RCA tipped cables to connect directly to your powered
speakers, mixer or power amp setup. Note that you can also use the headphone jack on GuitarPort if
you want to use headphones for monitoring.
Headphones - If you want to listen to the audio using stereo headphones, then plug them into this 1/8inch stereo jack. This Headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the Analog Line Outs; the audio
from your audio software on the computer, as well as anything plugged into the Instrument or Line
inputs.
Monitor In - If you want to hear the signal from a line level source mixed with all the other audio
coming from your computer, but do not want this audio recorded, then plug the source in here. Note
that this is a stereo jack, so you should use a stereo 1/8-inch tipped stereo audio cable for this
connection. You’ll hear any audio coming into this jack via the Analog Line Outs and Phones, but it
won’t go to GuitarPort’s Record Send 1-2.
Page 36
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
USB - This is where you connect the supplied USB cable to GuitarPort, with the other end going to
your computer’s USB port. Note that you should always connect to a separate USB controller channel
from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide GuitarPort with the full USB bandwidth.
GuitarPort also gets its power from this USB connection, so it should not be plugged into a nonpowered USB hub, or operated on the same USB controller channel with un-powered devices. It is
also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on your computer and not into a USB hub.
PODxt Connections
Phones - Connect your stereo Headphones
Instrument Input - Connect
your guitar or bass
Instrument input – Connect your electric guitar or bass here using a standard 1/4-inch TS
instrument cable. PODxt itself contains the processing power that turns your naked input signal
into that roaring guitar Tone, which is then fed out the Analog Line Outs, as well as fed to the
Record Send 1-2 digitally to your computer across the USB connection. When you are connected
via USB to your computer, you can also launch GearBox and use it to alternatively load Tones
stored on your hard disc, edit them on your screen, and make adjustments for output and Record
Send levels.
Phones - If you want to listen to the audio using stereo headphones, then plug them into this 1/4inch stereo jack. This Headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the Analog Line Outs; the
audio from your audio software on the computer, as well as anything plugged into the Instrument
input.
USB - Connect to your
computer
Analog Line Outs - These Left and Right ¼-inch jacks output all audio signals; the audio from
your audio software on the computer, and anything plugged into any the Instrument input. So,
Analog Line Outs – connect to
your powered speakers or mixer
Page 37
play
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
these are what you want to connect to your monitoring system when using PODxt as your
computer’s sound card. Use shielded ¼-inch tipped cables to connect directly to your powered
speakers, mixer or power amp setup. Note that you can also use the Phones jack on PODxt if you
want to use headphones for monitoring.
USB - This is where you connect the supplied USB cable to PODxt, with the other end going to
your computer’s USB port. Of course your PODxt is capable of processing your guitar Tone all
by itself, but you’ll need to connect the USB cable to your computer to use it with GearBox, and
to use PODxt as your sound card device. Note that you should always connect to a separate USB
controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide PODxt with the full USB
bandwidth. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on your computer and not
into a USB hub.
PODxt Live Connections
Instrument Input - Connect
your guitar or bass
Analog Line Outs – connect to
your powered speakers or mixer
Aux Input – (Monitor in) connect a
line level, stereo output (from your
stereo, MP3
er, etc).
Phones - Connect your
stereo Headphones
USB - Connect to your
computer
Instrument input – Connect your electric guitar or bass here using a standard 1/4-inch TS
instrument cable. PODxt Live itself contains the processing power that turns your naked input
signal into that roaring guitar Tone, which is then fed out the Analog Line Outs, as well as fed to
the Record Send 1-2 digitally to your computer across the USB connection. When you are
connected via USB to your computer, you can also launch GearBox and use it to alternatively
load Tones stored on your hard disc, edit them on your screen, and make adjustments for output
and Record Send levels.
Analog Line Outs - These Left and Right ¼-inch jacks output all audio signals; the audio from
your audio software on the computer, and anything plugged into any the Instrument and Aux
inputs. So, these are what you want to connect to your monitoring system when using PODxt
Live as your computer’s sound card. Use shielded ¼-inch tipped cables to connect directly to
your powered speakers, mixer or power amp setup. Note that you can also use the Phones jack on
PODxt Live if you want to use headphones for monitoring.
Aux In (Monitor In) - If you want to hear the signal from a line level source mixed with all the
other audio coming from your computer, but do not want this audio recorded, then plug the
source in here. Note that this is a stereo jack, so you should use a stereo 1/8-inch tipped stereo
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
audio cable for this connection. You’ll hear any audio coming into this jack via the Analog Line
Outs and Phones, but it won’t go to PODxt Live’s Record Send 1-2.
Phones - If you want to listen to the audio using stereo headphones, then plug them into this 1/4inch stereo jack. This Headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the Analog Line Outs; the
audio from your audio software on the computer, as well as anything plugged into the Instrument
and Aux inputs.
USB - This is where you connect the supplied USB cable to PODxt Live, with the other end
going to your computer’s USB port. Of course your PODxt Live is capable of processing your
guitar Tone all by itself, but you’ll need to connect the USB cable to your computer to use it with
GearBox, and to use PODxt Live as your sound card device. Note that you should always connect
to a separate USB controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide PODxt
Live with the full USB bandwidth. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on
your computer and not into a USB hub.
PODxt PRO Connections
Phones -
Connect your
stereo
Headphones
Instrument Input -
Connect your guitar or
bass
Instrument input – Connect your electric guitar or bass here using a standard 1/4-inch TS
instrument cable. PODxt Pro itself contains the processing power that turns your naked input
signal into that roaring guitar Tone, which is then fed out the Analog and Digital Outs, as well as
fed to the Record Send 1-2 digitally to your computer across the USB connection. When you are
connected via USB to your computer, you can also launch GearBox and use it to alternatively
load Tones stored on your hard disc, edit them on your screen, and make adjustments for output
and Record Send levels.
Phones - If you want to listen to the audio using stereo headphones, then plug them into this 1/4inch stereo jack. This Headphone jack outputs the same signal fed to the Analog Line Outs; the
audio from your audio software on the computer, as well as anything plugged into the Instrument
input.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Connect any LineLevel source you want
to record to the Line
Input
Unprocessed Instrument Out- When
using GearBox Plug-in, connect to
rd
3
-party audio recording interface
USB - Connect to your
computer
Analog Line Outs, Use either Unbalanced (¼
-inch) jacks or Balanced (XLR) jacks to
connect to your powered speakers or mixer
Digital Input and Output – use the
AES/EBU or S/PDIF type connections to
connect to other digital gear that uses one of
these formats
Line Input - if you want to record the signal from a line level source, such as a keyboard, your
receiver, the line out from a mixing console, etc…, connect it to this input using a 1/4-inch TS
audio cable.
Unprocessed Guitar Out- This connection allows you to send an unprocessed signal to your
recording application, while monitoring the fully processed signal thru the main Outputs. Very
handy if you’re using a 3-rd party recording interface with your recording application and the
GearBox plug-in. For more info, go to the
ToneDirect™ Monitoring section of this Guide.
Note: Your PODxt PRO can also send an unprocessed signal thru its USB connector, as explained
here.
Unbalanced and Balanced Analog Line Outs - The Left and Right Unbalanced ¼-inch jacks
and the Balanced XLR jacks output all audio signals; the audio from your audio software on the
computer, and anything plugged into any the Instrument inputs (and effects loop, if you are using
it). So, these are what you want to connect to your monitoring system when using PODxt Live as
your computer’s sound card. Use shielded ¼-inch tipped or XLR tipped cables to connect directly
to your powered speakers, mixer or power amp setup. Note that you can also use the Phones jack
on PODxt Pro if you want to use headphones for monitoring.
USB - This is where you connect the supplied USB cable to PODxt Pro, with the other end going
to your computer’s USB port. Of course your PODxt Pro is capable of processing your guitar
Tone all by itself, but you’ll need to connect the USB cable to your computer to use it with
GearBox, and to use PODxt Pro as your sound card device. Note that you should always connect
to a separate USB controller channel from other USB audio or MIDI interfaces to provide PODxt
Pro with the full USB bandwidth. It is also recommended to connect directly into a USB port on
your computer and not into a USB hub.
AES/EBU and S/PDIF Digital connections - To connect to another digital audio device with
your PODxt Pro, use the pair of these digital jacks that matches the format of your other device
Page 40
(AES/EBU or S/PDIF). Connecting digitally is the best choice for routing to external digital
recording devices, such as a DAT recorder. These digital outputs send the same audio as is sent to
PODxt Pro’s Analog Outs.* The digital signal is always sent at 24-bit resolution. All settings for
configuring the PODxt Pro’s digital in/out options are found on the PODxt Pro device itself by
pressing the “I/O Dig Select” button on the front panel (these digital I/O options are not
accessible in GearBox). For more information on using these digital connections, please see your
PODxt Pro Pilot’s Handbook.
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Routing audio from your Line 6 hardware to an external device
In addition to the ability to route digital audio directly within your computer , you may instead want to
route your GearBox or PODxt signal into another sound card on the same or separate computer. Better
yet, with all the great tones you can now create for your mics & instruments with GearBox, there is no
need to limit them to the inside of a computer! You may also want to send the signal to external
hardware such as an analog or tape Multitrack unit, a DAT or video tape recorder, or even to an
amplifier or P.A. system for live performance. To follow are instructions for these different types of
setups.
Connecting analog outputs to an external device
You can route your GearBox Tone to just about any type of external device simply by connecting
the Analog Outs from the back of your GuitarPort, TonePort or PODxt directly into the external
device’s line level inputs. This allows you to amplify or record your GearBox signal using any
external device that accepts analog line level inputs.
Connect your TonePort, GuitarPort or PODxt
Analog Outs to the analog inputs on any
external audio device
Routing analog outputs to another sound card
If you want to use GearBox and your Line 6 device in a computer recording setup where a sound
card already exists, then you might find it useful to connect your Analog Outs into the analog
inputs of the existing sound card. More information can be found in the
Issues section of this guide.
Sound Card and Sound
Connecting the Digital Output from TonePort UX2, KB37 or PODxt PRO to
an external digital device
TonePort UX2, KB37 and PODxt Pro also include digital outputs, which allow you to connect to
digital devices such as a DAT recorder, Minidisk, another sound card, or most any device that offers a
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
S/PDIF (or AES/EBU for PODxt Pro) format digital input. Please refer to your hardware’s User
Guide for more information.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
HOW TO…
Basic operation
Turn Knobs
Fine-tune GearBox’s software knobs and Model or Tone menus
Show Effect controls without turning on an effect
Show/hide all Tone controls
Show/hide the Browser
Show/hide the Effect control panel
Resize the GearBox window
Use the Tuner
Use the Metronome
Change and Save Tones
Initialize a Tone
Save a Tone
Change the factory Preset Tones
Set the De-Esser
Use the Wah and Volume effects
Hardware setup
Select Hardware for GearBox to use
Select your Preferred Audio Device
Connect your Hardware to a guitar amp
Stay up to date
Check versions and get updates with Line 6 Monkey
Register
Purchase Model Packs
Use my Model Packs
GuitarPort Online and Player Operation
Adjust the volume balance between your guitar and the Track
Connect to the Internet
Disable Download Accelerators
Find FAQs
Find GearBox Tone and GuitarPort Track files on your hard disk
Join GuitarPort Online
Load an MP3, WAV or AIFF file
Load a Track from an Audio CD
Load a Track from GuitarPort Online
Load a Track from your hard disk
Load the GuitarPort Tutorial Track
Prevent GuitarPort from trying to connect to the Internet
Set Loop Start/End Points
Page 43
Share your Tones with other GuitarPort users
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GearBox Plug-in Operation
Activate the GearBox Plug-in
Locate the GearBox Plug-in on your hard drive
Basic Operation
How to turn GearBox's software knobs
• Click your mouse anywhere on the knob (Windows® users, you'll be using your left mouse
button for this).
• While continuing to hold the mouse button, drag the mouse up and down.
• Do not drag your mouse in a circular turning motion.
Also, check out the details on fine-tuning knob and other settings…
You can double-click many knobs such as Pan, Record, Monitor, Amp Model knobs and the Out
To Hardware volume knob to re-set them to their default settings.
Return to How To Topics
How to fine-tune GearBox's knobs and Model or Tone menus
You can fine-tune the setting of most of GearBox's on-screen knobs as well as the Model and
Tone menus.
For knobs:
• Click the left button of your mouse anywhere on the knob or other control.
• Use your keyboard's left/right arrows to jump big steps. The up/down arrows fine-tune.
• Or, use your number keypad's / and * for big jumps and + and - to fine-tune.
For Model and Tone menus:
• Your keyboard's up/down arrows select items in the menu once you've clicked on the menu
to select it.
Return to How To Topics
Page 44
gg
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to show an effect's controls without turning on an effect
To see an effect's controls without turning it on, click on the top portion of the effect’s “stomp
box” icon. (Click directly on the On/Off portion of the icon to toggle the effect On/Off).
Windows® users can also right-click anywhere on the icon to show its controls. Mac® users can
control-click.
Click here to show effect’s controls.
Return to How To Topics
Click here to to
le effect On/Off
How to show/hide all Tone controls
Click the Collapse/Expand arrow button to the left of the Tone menu at the top left of the
GearBox program's window to show/hide the Amp and Effects controls in one click. Note that
this is independent of the Browser window, allowing you to keep the Browser window’s contents
visible and toggle your Tone controls to be shown or hidden as you need them. There are also
separate show/hide arrows for the Effects section and the Browser.
Return to How To Topics
How to show/hide the Browser
The bottom portion of the GearBox window, where the GuitarPort Online content and other
items are shown, is called the Browser. Click the arrow button at the top left side of it, to the left
of the Back/Fwd arrow buttons, to show/hide the Browser. There are also separate show/hide
arrows for showing/hiding the Amp and Effects controls together individually, or you can click
the top-most arrow button to show/hide the Amp and Effects in one motion.
Return to How To Topics
How to show/hide the Effect control panel
It can be handy to hide the Effects’ details when you don't need to fine-tune them and want
more space available to view items in the Browser. Click the arrow button at the left side of the
Effects area to show/hide the Effects control panel.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
There are also separate show/hide arrows for showing/hiding the Amp and Effects controls
together individually, or you can click the top-most arrow button to show/hide the Amp and
Effects in one motion.
Return to How To Topics
How to resize the GearBox program window
The width of the GearBox window cannot be changed. However, when the Browser is expanded.
The height of the main Gearbox windows can be increased to allow the Browser to take as much
vertical space as you have available on your computer's display.
On Windows® - When the main GearBox window is not maximized (and when the Browser is
expanded), you can click and hold the top or bottom edge of the main GearBox window and
drag to make it taller or shorter. You can also click the maximizing icon (at the top right edge of
the program window's title bar) to maximize its vertical size.
On Mac® – When the Browser is expanded, you can click on the bottom right corner of the
main GearBox windows and drag to resize it vertically.
The Show/Hide “arrow” buttons work in conjunction with the show/hide arrows for the Effects,
Browser and Track sections display to allow you to show/hide portions of the GuitarPort
controls and maximize the space available for the Browser to display information.
Return to How To Topics
Use the Tuner
Click the button at the top right of the GearBox interface to display the Tuners tuner. You
can then play an open single string on your guitar (or bass guitar), and the display on the right
side of the tuner will show you which note that string is currently tuned to. The large meter in the
tuner shows you whether the string is sharp or flat relative to that note. When the needle is
pointing anywhere on the left side of the meter, your string is flat and needs to be tuned up. When
the needle is pointing anywhere on the right side of the meter, your string is sharp and needs to be
tuned down. The Mute/Bypass switch lets you choose whether your guitar will be muted while
tuning, or if you will hear it with amp/cab/effect processing bypassed.
The Tuner’s Reference control tells the Tuner what to tune to. 440Hz is the standard reference
value for A and is generally used for tuning reference. Unless you have a particular need to adjust
the Tuner's reference, you probably want to stick with the standard 440Hz setting for this control.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
The standard tuning for guitar is, from the largest string to the smallest, E-A-D-G-B-E. Other
tunings are also sometimes used. For instance, "Drop-D" tuning is accomplished by tuning the
biggest string down to D instead of E. The table below provides a number of alternate tunings for
you to try. Tunings are listed on the left. Columns labeled String 6 (the fattest string) to String 1
(the thinnest string) tell you the pitch to which you need to tune that string:
Standard
Down 1 Half Step
Down 2 Half Steps
Down 3 Half Steps
Down 4 Half Steps
Down 5 Half Steps
Drop D
Drop Db
Drop A
Drop B
Drop C
Open E
Open E7
Open G
Open D
Open A
DADGAD
E A D G B E
Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
D G C F A D
Db Gb B E Ab Db
C F Bb Eb G C
Bb Eb Ab Db F Bb
D A D G B E
Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
A E A D Gb B
B Gb B E Ab Db
C G C F A D
E B E Ab B E
E B D Ab B E
D G D G B D
D A D Gb A D
E A Db E A E
D A D G A D
Note: All half-steps use flats to match the chromatic tuner.
Return to How To Topics
Page 47
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Metronome Tips
The Metronome p
the metronome, pr
rovides a simple "beat sequencer" you can use to practice your timing. To use
ess the Metronome button above the Browser. The metronome will then be
displayed within the Browser panel.
Metronome Controls
•Speed - The metronom
is measured in beats-p
click on the text box and manually enter the speed you want.
Volume - The metronome's monitor volume is controlled by the Volume knob. The
•
metronome will not be sent to the digital out of GuitarPort. So
without recording the metronome. So turn it up!
e's tempo is controlled by the Speed knob and text box on the left and
er-minute. For fine tuning, click the text box and drag it or just double
you can Record Digitally
Start/Stop - The Start/Stop switch will turn metronome play on and off.
•
Presets
Presets al
•Style - GearBox comes with several preset drum sequences available - just click on the
low you to instantly play along with a variety of patterns.
"STYLE" menu and select the one you want. If you can't find what you need, you can build it
with the "beat sequencer".
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
•Saving - The last modified sequence will be automatically saved as "Custom", but you may
want to click the "Save" button and give your percussive creation a name. This also keeps
you from overwriting it later by modifying another sequence. If you get bored of one of your
creations, just load it up from the "STYLE" menu and press the "Delete" button. You can not
overwrite or delete the original presets.
Bu
ilding a Beat
If you don't find a p
attern you like, you can customize your own.
•Beat Slider - The Beat Slider indicates how many beats are played before the loop repeats
itself. Every tick mark is one half-beat. Two make one beat, so the numbers below
half-beats
the tick marks indicate the total number of whole beats played per loop. You can have a
maximum of 8 beats or 16 half-beats or a minimum of 1 half-beat to every loop.
Now comes the fun part - making the drum sequence. Each row in the matrix beneath the beat
slider is a separate percussion sample and each column is a beat. To sound a drum sample on
a particular beat, just click the button where the percussion row meats the beat you want.
Enabled beats appear red with a small circle while disabled beats are blue. You can make
modifications to the sequence while running the metronome - just click the Start switch to get
it going. The light will sit over the currently playing beat.
Return to How To Topics
Page 49
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Change and Save Tones
How to initialize a Tone
Select Basic Guitar, Bass, or Vocal Tone from the Tone menu at the top left of the GearBox
program's window to call up a Tone we've included as a basic starting place for use when you're
creating your own Tones (hence the name "Basic Tone").
All the effects have basic sounds programmed so they're ready to go if you turn them on. This
Tone is, of course, completely customizable by you, so you can turn it into whatever you want.
Saving the Basic Tone - Once you've made alterations to this basic Tone, you can then choose
Save Tone from GearBox's File menu if you'd like to have your changes replace the Basic
Tone. Or...
Save As - Choose Save Tone As from GearBox's File menu if you'd like to leave the Basic
Tone as it was, and save the new setting you've created as a new Tone. You'll then be given a
dialog to name the Tone, and provide additional information to categorize the Tone if you like.
Return to How To Topics
How to save a Tone
You can create, edit and save your own Tones any time you like. A Tone includes your Guitar or
Bass Amp & Cab, Preamp, and Effect Model selections and their settings. The yellow Tone menu
at the top left of the GearBox program's window shows which Tone is currently selected and will
also give you access to the new Tones you save.
If the Tone name is shown in italics in the Tone menu as shown above, it has been altered versus
the saved version of the Tone. If the Tone name is shown without italics, the Tone has NOT been
altered versus the saved version of the Tone. Once you've altered a Tone, if you want to keep that
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
altered version you'll need to decide whether you want to Save your Tone or Save As, as
described below.
Save Tone – If you select Save Tone from GearBox's drop down menu, your current settings
will
replace the Tone whose name was shown in italics in the Tone Menu. The old version of
the Tone will be erased and replaced by this new Tone, which will now be available from the
Tone menu whenever you want it.
Save Tone As – If you select Save Tone As from GearBox's drop down menu, your current
settings will be stored as a brand new Tone. The Tone whose name was shown in italics in the
Tone Menu will not be affected. The new Tone you create will be added to the Tone menu so
you can call it up again in the future whenever you want it. To Save As:
• From GearBox's drop down menu, select Save Tone As. You'll be able to name your Tone
and save descriptive information.
• Click the Browse button at the top of the Save Tone As dialog box if you want to choose a
different location to save this Tone, or you want to create a new folder for storing Tones in.
Tones must be stored within GearBox's Tones folder in order for them to be accessible from
the GearBox Tone menu.
• Click on the Save button to finish saving your new Tone.
Return to How To Topics
How to change the factory Preset Tones
If you want to tweak one of the factory Preset Tones, all you have to do is:
• Select a Tone from the Preset Folder in the Tones menu.
• Make the changes you want.
• From the File menu, select Save to update the Preset Tone with your changes.
• To save your new Tone without replacing the Preset Tone, choose Save As instead.
Return to How To Topics
How to set the De-Esser
The Female and Male De-esser Stomp effects are available in GearBox only when used with
TonePort devices.
A de-esser is an audio tool designed to reduce sibilance (Sss and Shh sounds) from vocals. It does
this by "listening" for audio energy focused at a selected FREQUENCY (the frequency where the
objectionable part of the Sss and Shh sounds are occurring). When it hears high level audio at and
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
around this frequency, it quickly ducks the volume by the AMOUNT you choose, effectively
reducing the volume of Sss and Ssh sounds that get recorded.
To use the De-Esser appropriately, try first recording a test vocal track without it. If you hear
more Sss and Shh sounds that you would like, try adding a band of EQ to that recorded track in
your recording program. Set that EQ to provide a bandpass with a narrow width or Q, and set it to
cut quite a bit, maybe something like -20dB. Now set the frequency for that band of EQ to one of
the frequency points available from GearBox's De-Esser, and playback the recorded track,
switching back and forth between enabling and bypassing the EQ to hear the results. Try different
frequencies until you find the one that seems to have the most effect on the Sss and Shh sounds,
then disable that EQ. Use that frequency setting in GearBox's De-Esser, set the AMOUNT knob
to a medium setting, and record another test track. If all has gone well, you should hear that your
Sss and Ssh sounds are being reduced, and you can then further adjust the AMOUNT knob as
needed.
See the
Model Gallery for specifics of the Female De-Esser and Male De-Esser Models.
Return to How To Topics
How to use the Wah and Volume effects
GearBox's Wah and Volume effects can be controlled via MIDI using a hardware controller or
messages from MIDI software. See the
more about setting up MIDI control. The Wah effects can also be used without a MIDI controller
for a "parked wah" sound: just turn the Wah effect on, and set its Position knob to get the sound
you like.
Return to How To Topics
GearBox Online Help page of the Line 6 web site to learn
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Hardware setup
How to select hardware for GearBox to use
GearBox software can be used with TonePort UX1, UX2, GuitarPort, PODxt, PODxt Live, or
PODxt Pro* hardware. When you start GearBox, it automatically looks for the Line 6 device
connected to your computer. If GearBox cannot detect your Line 6 device at startup, it will show
a ‘No Hardware Found’ message, and ask you to choose what Line 6 device to configure for.
You can also select use GearBox's Preferences to set how it will configure itself for your Line 6
hardware. Choose Preferences from GearBox's Edit menu (Windows®) or GearBox menu
(Mac®) and select the Hardware tab:
If your Line 6 hardware is connected to your computer and it's not available from the "Launch
GearBox using:" menu there, there is a USB connection error. It is specifically recommended to
always connect your Line 6 device directly to your computer’s USB port, and not into a USB
hub. USB hubs can sometimes cause communication errors with USB audio devices.
* Note – On Windows® systems, it is not recommended that you connect both a PODxt and
PODxt Pro unit to the computer at the same time. These two specific Line 6 devices utilize a
common device driver, and only one can be initialized at a time.
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to select your Preferred Audio Device
See the Sound Cards and Sound Issues section of this guide to learn how to set your Line 6
device or some other soundcard as your Preferred Audio Device in Windows® or Mac®.
Return to How To Topics
How to connect your Hardware to a guitar amp
We get this one a lot – Many Line 6 users want to know how to physically connect their hardware
to a guitar amp, because they think it will sound better that way. In fact, the opposite is true:
Because the audio signal we provide for direct monitoring features a virtual amp emulation that’s
optimized for full-range systems, the results you’ll get when using a guitar amp will be less than
ideal, due to the limited range of guitar speakers.
If a guitar amp is your only monitoring solution, following are a few pointers to help you get the
most out this connection:
If your amp has an effect loop, plugging into the effect return is the preferred connection, for 2
reasons:
• You are bypassing the preamp’s tone stack, which tends to color the signal in an undesirable
fashion.
• Your Line 6 Hardware generally puts out a line-level signal, which is generally too hot for the
guitar input of your amp.
If your amp has no effect loop, then plug into the front input, following these steps:
• Place all your tone controls at the 12 O’clock position.
• Turn your amp’s Drive or Volume setting all the way to zero. If your amp has a Master
Volume, place that control at 12 O’clock or below.
• Plug in your hardware, and slowly bring up the Drive until you hear a satisfactory level of
volume, being careful not to overdrive the input.
You can also try disabling cabinet modeling, by selecting No Cab in GearBox’s Cabinet menu, to
further enhance your tonal experience.
PODxt (PODxt PRO, PODxt Live) Users: Your device features an output setup menu that
optimizes the output for different monitoring systems, including the front end or the loop of a
guitar amp. Please refer to your PODxt Manual for more information.
Return to How To Topics
Page 54
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Stay Up To Date
How to check the versions of GearBox, Line 6 hardware driver & firmware,
and get updates
To easily see what version of GearBox software you are using, just go the Help menu and choose
About GearBox. This also lists the credits for the creation of this software.
To check for any available updates for GearBox or your Line 6 Gear…with your Line 6 hardware
USB cable connected, and with your computer’s Internet connection active, launch Line 6 Monkey from GearBox's Help menu. Don’t forget to check out all those additional items
available for you in the Optional Add-Ons tab of Line 6 Monkey!
Return to How To Topics
How to register your Line 6 Hardware purchase
It’s important to register your Line 6 hardware so that you can obtain customer support and stay
informed about the latest new products and Add-Ons. Visit the Line 6 web site Support section
and select the
Return to How To Topics
Register Gear option there.
How to purchase Model Packs
Model Packs are additional sets of amp, cab and/or effects that you can purchase to expand your
Tone possibilities for your Line 6 device! You can purchase, install and authorize Model Packs
using Line6 Monkey online – you don’t even need to get out of your chair! With your Line 6
device connected, just launch Line 6 Monkey and go to the Optional Add-Ons tab and see
what’s available for your Line 6 hardware. Follow the steps to easily purchase and download
Add-Ons and start using them in minutes.
You can launch the Line 6 Monkey program from the GearBox Help menu by choosing Update & Configure with Line 6 Monkey.
Alternatively, you can launch Line 6 Monkey directly by going to:
• Windows® - Start Menu / Programs / Line 6 / Tools / Line 6 Monkey
• Mac® - Finder / Applications / Line 6 / Line 6 Monkey
Return to How To Topics
Page 55
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to use your Model Packs with GearBox
Once you've purchased and authorized your Model Packs, simply restart GearBox with your Line
6 hardware connected and you’ll see the new models available within the GearBox.
The Metal Shop, Classic Collection & Bass Expansion pack models will appear under the AMP
MODEL drop down menu with either an MS, CC or BX prefix added to the start of their names.
The FX Junkie pack models will be spread out among Stomps, Mods, and Delays and will be
preceded by an FX.
The Power Pack is included as a standard feature set on PODxt family devices, and is an optional
upgrade on TonePort/GuitarPort. Power Pack models will not have any special prefix, but they
will appear under AMP MODEL, Stomps, Mods, Delays, and Verbs.
For more info on Model Packs, please check out the
Model Pack Handbooks.
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GuitarPort Online Operation
How to adjust the volume balance between your guitar and the Track
Use the Track Level slider under the Player button above the Browser to set the level for the
current Track playback…
…and use the Volume knob on the amp panel to set the level of your guitar signal
More tips…
• Guitar still too quiet versus your Track? Try Guitar too quiet in the Troubleshooting section.
• For Track Level problems, see Track Level issues Troubleshooting.
• Getting distortion or clipping as you try to make these adjustments? See Noise and Distortion
troubleshooting.
Return to How To Topics
How to connect to the Internet
You need an Internet connection to use the GuitarPort Online features of GearBox. If you do not
already have an Internet connection, you will need to contact an ISP (Internet Service Provider)
and purchase an Internet access plan from them. We recommend a "broadband" connection such
as DSL, ISDN or cable modem for use with GuitarPort Online. LAN (Local Area Network)
connections such as many businesses have also should work well with GuitarPort Online (you can
tell the boss you're doing "research"!). You can also use a "dial-up" connection, but these are
generally slower and downloading Tracks from GuitarPort Online will take some time over a
dial-up connection.
Page 57
Note – you will need to enable Cookies in your Internet Browser software to successfully connect
to GuitarPort Online.
Return to How To Topics
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to disable Download Accelerators
Please see the troubleshooting topic for Download Errors – Download Accelerators.
Return to How To Topics
How to find FAQs
For the latest Frequently Asked Questions and up-to-the-minute support information, please visit
the
GearBox Online Help page of the Line 6 website. You can also go to the Line6.com web site
directly, navigate to the FAQTRAQ system within the Support section and search for information
on all Line 6 products!
Return to How To Topics
How to find GearBox Tone and GuitarPort Online Track files on your hard
disk
GearBox stores Tones and GuitarPort Online Tracks as files on your hard disk. By default, the
GearBox installer creates a GearBox folder and stores all your Tone files in this location:
Windows® - My Documents\Line 6\Tones\GearBox
Mac® – Documents/Line 6/Tones/GearBox
Tones must be stored in this GearBox folder to appear in the Tone menu at the top left of the
GearBox window, and to appear in the Tone Locker. You can organize your Tones without
leaving GearBox by using the Tone Locker, which is available from the Tone Locker button
above the Browser.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Additionally, by default the GearBox installer creates a Tracks folder and stores your GuitarPort
Online Tracks within it at this location:
Windows® - My Documents\Line 6\Tracks
Mac® – Documents/Line 6/Tracks
Alternatively, Tracks can be stored anywhere on your hard disk, and can be opened from The
GearBox File menu - Open command, or via the LOAD FROM HARD DISK button available
from the Player button above the Browser.
To get to the default Tones and Tracks folders and access the Tone and Track files outside of the
GearBox program:
Windows®
• Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
• Double-click Drive C:, then Program Files, then Line6.
• Double-click the Tones or Tracks folder.
Mac®
• Open the Finder and select Documents.
• Select Line 6 and then look in the Tones or Tracks folders.
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to join GuitarPort Online
If you're not already a member of GuitarPort Online, click the GuitarPort Online button above the
Browser with your Internet connection active and the Browser will show you how to become a
member or take a tour to see what GuitarPort Online is all about.
If you want to be a better player, and learn more licks, technique and songs, this is the place you
need to be!
Return to How To Topics
How to load an MP3, WAV or AIFF file
Click the LOAD FROM HARD DISK button under the Player button above the Browser to load
an MP3, WAV or AIFF file from your hard disk to use as a GuitarPort Track.
The recently used Tracks are also available in the GearBox File > Track > Recent Tracks menu
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to load a Track from an Audio CD
Note – you do not need to be a GuitarPort Online to use the Player to load CD Tracks or audio
files from your hard drive and play along with them!
GuitarPort can load audio from a standard Audio CD. The steps are slightly different depending if
you are on Mac® or Windows®:
Mac®:
• Click on the Player button above the Browser.
• Insert an Audio CD (you can disable auto-launch of CD player programs).
• Click LOAD FROM: CD, select the Track you want, and click the Open button.
• This launches the Open window, where you can choose your CD drive to access its contents.
Choose your CD drive here to
view its contents.
Select a track and click Play
to preview the track before
loading it.
Click Open to load the
selected track into the Player
• Once you click Save, the CD track is automatically loaded in the Player and played directly
from your CD drive. You can play just like with any other GPO Track or Hard Disk file using
the transport.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
TIP – You can launch the Mac® iTunes® program if you want to have it connect to the Internet
and retrieve the CD Artist name and Track info for the CD. Once iTunes® does this, you can
close it and the Open dialog will then show all the actual CD Track names since they will be
stored in memory from iTunes®.
Windows®:
• Click on the Player button above the Browser.
• Insert an Audio CD (you can disable auto-launch of CD player programs).
• Click LOAD FROM: CD, select the Track you want, and click the Open button.
• You should now see the contents of your audio CD in the window.
If you want the dialog to
retrieve the actual name of the
CD, Artist and Track names,
click the Get CD Info button.
Select a track and click Play to
preview the track before
loading it.
Click Refresh if you have a
CD inserted but its tracks do
not appear in the list.
Click Open to load the selected
track.
• Once you click Open, you are prompted where to Save a copy of this Track – this “rips” the
CD track to your hard drive as a WAV file. The default Save directory is your \My
Documents\Line 6\Tracks folder.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
• Once you click Save, the CD track is automatically loaded in the Player and you can play this
track just like any other GPO Track or Hard Disk file using the transport.
Return to How To Topics
How to load a Track file from GuitarPort Online
Note – you must be a GuitarPort Online member to gain access to GuitarPort Online tracks. For
membership details, please visit www.guitarport.com
Click the LOAD FROM: Online button in the Player to load a Track from GuitarPort Online.
The recently used Tracks are also available from the Track Loaded menu:
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to load a Track file from your hard disk
Click the LOAD FROM: Hard Disk button in the Player to load a GuitarPort Track file that you
have saved to your hard disk.
The recently used Tracks are also available from the Track Loaded menu:
Return to How To Topics
How to load GuitarPort's Tutorial Track
GuitarPort includes a Tutorial Track to introduce you to its basic features and operation. You can
load it from the Help menu at the top edge of the GearBox program's window, by selecting Open Tutorial Track.
Return to How To Topics
How to prevent GuitarPort Online from trying to connect to the Internet
By default, GearBox is configured so that GuitarPort Online will attempt to automatically connect
to the Internet as needed to access the online features. You can disable the auto- connect behavior
via the GearBox Preferences:
• Select Preferences from the GearBox menu (Mac ®) or Edit menu (Windows ®) and click
the Internet tab.
• Click the Help question mark at the top of the dialog box and click an item for details.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
•Uncheck the Network Enabled box and then click OK to exit the Preferences.
Return to How To Topics
How to set the Loop start and end points
When the Loop is on for the Track loaded in the Player button above the Browser, you'll be able
to see and set the Loop's start and end points in the Track Sections Display:
• Click the Loop button to light it red if it's not lit already.
• The looped portion of the Track is shown in orange.
• Light the BY SECTIONS button if you want the loop points to "snap" to the sections.
• Click, hold and drag the orange arrow at either end of the loop to set the start/end.
• There are also Hot Keys for setting Loop start, end and on/off.
• You can also double-click a section to set the loop start and end points to loop that section.
• You can hold the SHIFT key and double-click a section extend the loop to include that
section.
• If you choose Save Track from the GearBox File men u and save the Track to your hard disk,
the Loop points will be saved with the track.
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to share your Tones with other GuitarPort users
If you are a GuitarPort Online subscriber, you can put Tones you want to share in the Public
folder of your Tone Locker. From there, any other GuitarPort Online member can access them
and experience your Tone-creation genius! Tone is your Private folder will not be visible to other
GuitarPort Online members.
You can also, of course, share Tones that are stored on your local hard disk by emailing them as
individual file attachments to your friends who also have GearBox.
Return to How To Topics
GuitarPort Online members have access to the Online Tone
Locker, which appears in this right pane of the Tone Locker.
How to show/hide all Tone controls
Click the Collapse/Expand arrow button to the left of the Tone menu at the top left of the
GearBox program's window to show/hide the Amp and Effects controls in one click.
Note that this is independent of the Browser window, allowing you to keep GuitarPort Online
visible and toggle your Tone controls to be shown or hidden as you need them. There are also
separate show/hide arrows for the Effects and the Browser sections as well.
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
How to show/hide the browser
The bottom portion of the GearBox window, where the GuitarPort Online content and other items
are shown, is called the Browser. Click the arrow button at the top left to show/hide the Browser.
There are also separate show/hide arrows for showing/hiding the Amp and Effects controls
together individually, or you can click the top-most arrow button to show/hide the Amp and
Effects in one motion.
Return to How To Topics
How to show/hide the effect control panel
It can be handy to hide the effect details when you don't need to fine-tune the effects, and you
want to have more space available to view items in the Browser. Click the arrow button at the left
side of the effects area to show/hide the Effects control panel.
There are also separate show/hide arrows for showing/hiding the Amp and Effects controls
together individually, or you can click the top-most arrow button to show/hide the Amp and
Effects in one motion.
Return to How To Topics
How to show/hide the Track sections display
When you've selected the Player button above the Browser, you'll see a display like the one
above. You can click the arrow button to the left of the GuitarPort Online tab button to show/hide
the bottom portion of this display. Separate show/hide arrows control the display of tone controls
together, Effects and the Browser.
Return to How To Topics
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
GearBox Plug-in Operation
The following topics are covered elsewhere in this guide, but we’ve included links here for
convenience:
Activate the GearBox Plug-in
Locate the GearBox Plug-in on your hard drive
Return to How To Topics
Page 68
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
MODEL GALLERY
You probably know by now that we're relentless tone fanatics here at Line 6. Once we've set our sights on
creating a software emulation of a particular piece of gear, we go to great lengths to be sure that we've
gotten our hands on the very best example of an amp, preamp, effect or speaker cabinet that we can find
to study. We will (and have) scoured the globe in search of just the right specimen — that one, very
particular piece of "holy grail" gear that has the magic. In fact, we pride ourselves on hand selecting each
and every one of the amps, effect, preamps and speaker cabinets that we studied to create the software
models in GearBox and all of Line 6's other products. The result is an extensive line up of Models, some
completely original to Line 6, some based on well loved classics.
To follow is the list of amp, cab and FX models that are included as “Factory-Standard*” models for
TonePort. Many Models in this list are also included as standard with GuitarPort hardware. For the
breakdown of the Factory-Standard Models for each Line 6 device, please see the Model List section in
this document. For descriptions of the Factory-Standard Models included in PODxt, PODxt Pro and
PODxt Live devices, please refer to your
Model Pack Handbooks.
* Factory-Standard Models are those that are included as permanently installed models on a Line 6
device. These models cannot be transferred to other Line 6 devices. However, it is possible to transfer the
License Key that you are granted for any Add-On Model Packs that you purchase separately between any
supporting Line 6 device that you own by using Line 6 Monkey. Please visit the Line 6 Online Support
pages for more about Transferring License Keys.
PODxt Pilot’s Handbook, and more info is also available in the
Guitar Amp & Cab Models
Line 6 Chemical X
Line 6 Insane
Line 6 Piezoacoustic 2
Line 6 Spinal Puppet
Line 6 Treadplate
1953 Small Tweed
1958 Tweed B-Man
1964 Blackface 'Lux
1967 Class A-30 Top Boost
1968 Plexi Lead 100
1968 Plexi Jump Lead
1987 Jazz Clean
1990 Brit J-800
1993 Solo 100 Head
2001 Treadplate Dual
Brit Gain 18
Citrus D-30
Tube Instrument Preamp
Guitar Cab Models
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Bass Amp & Cab Models
Rock Classic
Flip Top
Adam and Eve
Silverface Bass
Eighties
Bass Cab Models
Preamp Models
American Classic
Vintage UK
Lo-Fi
Vintage
Modern
Console
Effect Models
Delay
Analog Delay w/ Modulation
Tube Echo
Digital Delay
Mod
Sine Chorus
Line 6 Flanger
Phaser
U-Vibe
Opto Tremolo
Rotary Drum + Horn
Stomp
Facial Fuzz
Fuzz Pi
Screamer
Classic Distortion
Vetta Comp
Verb (Reverb)
Standard Spring
Brite Room
Medium Hall
Cavernous
Slap Plate
Wah
Vetta Wah
Weeper
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Bass Effects
Bass Overdrive
Bronze Master
Sub Octaves
Other Effects
Comp (Compressor)
EQ
Gate
Vol (Volume)
Female De-Esser
Male De-Esser
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Guitar Amp & Cab Models
Line 6 Chemical X
Just like those secret ingredients that detergent companies used to crow about (Now! Contains
Ingredient X-27!), the Line 6 Sound Design guys wouldn't tell us anything about what the
inspiration for this one was or who it might have belonged to (no matter what type of bribery we
attempted). Suffice to say that it's a very punchy hi-gain sound that also cleans up quite nicely
when you roll your volume back.
Return to Model Gallery List
Line 6 Insane
Our goal here was to provide you with as much input gain distortion as possible short of complete
meltdown. You get ridiculous, rich tube drive to shame the distortion of pretty much any amp on
the planet while still retaining tonal definition and character. As a result, you get way lots of
bottom end and cabinet character with tons of wide-ranging tone shaping. Crank up the Drive
control and take no prisoners!
Return to Model Gallery List
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Line 6 Piezacoustic 2
This one is designed to work with the piezo output of solid body electrics that have one of those
newfangled bridges with the 'acoustic' pickup built in. Since you don't have to worry about the
body shaking itself to pieces with feedback on that type of guitar, we've cooked up this model
with more low-mids and low frequencies.
Return to Model Gallery List
Line 6 Spinal Puppet
You know how, when you're playing head-bangin' music, you look out into the audience and see
all those heads bobbing up and down? Those are Spinal Puppets. Need we say more?
Return to Model Gallery List
Line 6 Treadplate
Looking for tight, high gain tone? The kind of sound that powers classic Metallica or Dream
Theater tracks? Then you've come to the right place, my friend. This model lets you dial in plenty
of distortion perfect for chunk-chunk-chunking, and also ready to power some mosh pit punking.
Its tone controls have plenty of range to let you scoop out your mids, or beef up the bottom for
just the tone you need.
Return to Model Gallery List
1953 Small Tweed
Modeled after* a 1953 "wide panel"
Fender® Tweed Deluxe Reverb®, the
1953 Small Tweed Amp Model will snarl
with the best of them. The original amp
had only a single tone control, essentially
a treble roll off. We set up the Treble knob
to give you this treble roll off when using
this Amp Model, which left us with the
Bass and Middle knobs just sitting there,
so we set up the Bass and Middle as postAmp Model controls, which essentially
lets you EQ up your tone as you would do
on a mixing console after recording your
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
amp. Set the Bass and Middle knobs at halfway to put them in 'neutral', turn the Presence to 0,
and try the Treble knob somewhere above halfway for a classic Tweed sound.
* FENDER® and DELUXE REVERB® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation and are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These
product names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the
specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
1958 Tweed B-Man
The 1959 Tweed B-Man Model is based on* the classic '58 Fender® Bassman® 4x10 combo, the
amp that started it all — instant rock and roll tone. Originally a bass guitar amp, the Bassman®
became a Blues staple for 6-string guitarists. It has the fat bottom end you'd expect from a bass
amp, but also has the Fender® twang on the top.
Incidentally, when Jim Marshall built his first amps with
Ken Bran they were heavily influenced by the early
Bassman®.
One of the interesting things about the Bassman® is just
how interactive the Middle and Treble controls are. The
Middle control isn't a bandpass, as in most tone control
setups. Instead, it's almost like a second treble control.
The two are additive, so if you're running your Middle
knob higher than halfway up with this model, you'll find
that the Treble control might give you more bright than
you really want. On the other hand, when you turn the
Middle knob down, you'll probably want to boost the
Treble.
The Bassman®, like many of the amps modeled for
GearBox, didn't have a master volume. So to get the kind
of tone that the Bassman® can deliver at higher gain
settings, you had to crank it up loud enough to do some
serious damage to anyone who might be standing close by. Now you can get that kind of tone at
bedroom or studio level — or even through your headphones! Try a Drive setting of about 4 or
— it's guaranteed to dredge up the best R & B licks you know.
a
5
* FENDER® and BASSMAN® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation and are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names,
descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific
products that were studied during Line 6’s sound model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
1964 Blackface 'Lux
The Holy Grail for many blues, country, and
"roots" players has been a blackface Fender®
Deluxe Reverb®. After listening to quite a few
candidates back when we were seeking the
ultimate Deluxe Reverb® for our 1964 Blackface
'Lux model to be based on*, we stumbled upon an
extremely cool '64 Deluxe Reverb®. We still
haven't found one better.
Most players love a Deluxe Reverb® when it's
turned up to about 7 for a nice gritty sound that
cleans up when you back off your guitar's volume
knob just a little. Notice how the tone control response changes as this Amp Model's Drive is
changed: clean settings are crisp and present, while more driven settings will mellow the high
end. This is typical of what you get from a Deluxe Reverb® and is nicely captured here. The
Deluxe Reverb® itself has only Bass and Treble controls, leaving us, once again, with the
prospect of a couple knobs with nothing to say for themselves. But fear not; in this case, we've set
up the model's Middle knob so you can add some post-Amp Model Midrange contouring for a
little more flexibility, while Presence adds, well, Presence. Once again, set the Middle knob to its
"neutral" 12 o'clock position and the Presence knob to 0 for the classic Deluxe sound. Tweaked
up right, this tone will cut through and sing. We jacked into Input 1 of the Vibrato Channel to get
this model cooked up.
* FENDER® and DELUXE REVERB® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation and are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These
product names, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the
specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
1967 Class A-30 Top Boost
The 1967 Class A-30 Top Boost model is based on* a Vox® AC 30. Music was changing in the
early '60s and guitarists were asking for more brilliance & twang. So the Jennings Company,
makers of Vox® amps, decided to add Treble and
Bass controls (and an extra 12AX7 gain stage,
incidentally) in addition to the Treble Cut knob it
already had (which in actuality was a sliding
bandpass filter that always seemed like it was
working backwards); this additional circuit
became known as Top Boost.
The AC 30 with Top Boost was the amp made
famous by many British invasion bands. Much of
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
the unique character of the Vox® sound can be attributed to the fact that Class A amps overdrive
in a very different way than Class AB. Brian May of Queen, Mike Campbell of Tom Petty's
Heartbreakers, and The Edge of U2 have all used classic AC 30s to make their music. Although
usually played fairly clean, a cranked AC 30 has a great saturated lead tone, a la Brian May on
the early Queen albums.
On this Amp Model, the Middle control acts like the original Cut knob on the AC 30. We plugged
into the Hi gain input of the AC 30's Brilliant channel when creating it. We also turned the tone
controls around, since original Top Boost amps had the bass and treble turned all the way down
when the knob was all the way up. Go figure.
VOX® is a registered trademark of Korg Europe Limited and is in no way associated or
affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are provided for the
sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound
model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
1968 Plexi Lead 100
The 1968 Plexi Lead 100 is modeled after* the infamous '68
Marshall® 'Plexi' Super Lead — coveted by tone
connoisseurs the world over. We literally scoured the world
for this particular amp, finally finding a great example of a
Super Lead languishing (we like to think fate preserved it for
us) in Holland. By the time this amp was built (ca. 1968),
Marshall® had completely changed the circuitry away from
the Fender® 6L6 power tube heritage and moved to an EL34
tube. Another major tone difference was due to the necessary
output & power supply transformer changes. All this
mucking about added up to create a tone forever linked with
Rock Guitar. Amps of this era didn't have any sort of maste
volume control, so to get the sound you'd have to crank yo
Super Lead to max — just the thing to help you really make
friends with the neighbors. Hendrix used Marshall®s o
era; a decade later Van Halen's first two records owed their
"brown sound" to a 100-watt Plexi (Our Super Lead, in fact, has the 'lay down' transformer that
was unique to '68 models, the same as Hendrix and Van Halen's Marshalls®.). To get a crunch
sound out of a Plexi, you would likely crank the input volume and tone controls (to 10!). You'll
find that, in keeping with our "make-it-sound-a-whole-lot-like-the-original" concept, this mo
set up to do pretty darned near the same thing.
r
ur
f this
del is
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
Page 75
during Line 6's sound model development. MARSHALL® is a registered trademark of
Marshall Amplification PLC. FENDER® is a registered trademark of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation.
Return to Model Gallery List
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
1968 Plexi Jump Lead
Guitar playing is all about experimentation, isn't
it? That, and finding all the possible ways to get
more distortion out of whatever gear you have at
hand. One of the fun things you can do with a
Plexi is take a short guitar cable and jumper
channel I and channel II (as they're frequently
numbered) together for a little extra saturation.
Some guys loved this sound so much that they
pulled the chassis and permanently wired a jumper
into the amp. Being the obsessive/compulsive tone
freaks we are, we just had to give you the 1968
Plexi Jump Lead model to give you a sound based
on* of this setup.
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6's sound model development. MARSHALL® is a registered trademark of
Marshall Amplification PLC. FENDER® is a registered trademark of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation.
Return to Model Gallery List
1987 Jazz Clean
The 1987 Jazz Clean Amp Model is modeled
after* the classic Roland® JC-120.
This transistor amp was known for a strident clean
sound and built-in stereo chorus. When using the
JC-120 model, try cranking up the Treble for a
shimmering clean sound that'll cut through just
about any mix. It's also perfect for that 80's "new
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
wave" sound (after all, it was Andy Summers' favorite amp with The Police).
You should also try setting all the tone controls at 12 o'clock for a darker jazz tone. It'll give you
an essentially flat response, providing a balanced tone across the fret board for jazz chord
melodies or single-line phrasing.
* ROLAND® is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation and is in no way associated
or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are provided for the
sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound
model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
1990 Brit J-800
The 1990 Brit J-800 Amp Model is based on* a Marshall® J
CM
800.
Turn to this Amp Model to conjure up tones of the coveted J
CM
800, one of Marshall's most universally acclaimed modern
amps. This updated version of the Plexi continued Marshall's
heritage with added gain and edge for a new generation of rock
guitarists. One of the biggest differences here is that the tone
controls are located after the preamp tubes.
Incidentally, some versions of JCM 800's get their distortion by
clipping a diode. The amp we modeled uses a tube for
distortion.
The JCM 800 is, of course, the metal sound Marshall made
famous. And although not many people play Marshalls clean, it
is a great tone, so you should also be sure to check out this model with a low Drive setting. Of
course, you can always pump up the drive and rage...
* MARSHALL® is a registered trademark of Marshall Amplification PLC and is in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
1993 Solo 100 Head
The 1993 Solo 100 Head Amp Model is based on* a Soldano
SLO-100 head.
Mike Soldano first came to fame as the guy who could do all t
really cool mods to your Marshall®. It wasn't long before he
started building his own 'hot-rod' amps — sporting chromed
transformers and chassis, no less. Mike's amps are also famous
for their bullet-proof construction and military spec wiring and
components.
While primarily known for its high gain personality, the SLO100 has a great clean tone as well. Eric Clapton put Soldano on
the map when he played "Saturday Night Live" with his
Soldano SLO-100.
* MARSHALL® is a registered trademark of Marshall Amplification PLC and is in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development.
he
Return to Model Gallery List
2001 Treadplate Dual
The 2001 Treadplate Dual Amp Model is based on* a 2001 3 Channel Mesa/Boogie® Dual
Rectifier® Solo Head. The Dual Rectifier® was part of Boogie's more modern, high gain
approach for that "big hair" sound. In contrast to the earlier Boogies, the Dual Rectifier's tone
controls have more influence at high gain settings, so you can scoop the mids and increase the
bottom end.
We used Channel 3 on the Modern setting for this one with the
rear switches set to Bold and Tube Rectifier®, respectively.
* MESA/BOOGIE® and RECTIFIER® are registered
trademarks of Mesa/Boogie, Limited and are in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names,
descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose
of identifying the specific products that were studied d
Line 6’s sound model development.
uring
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Return to Model Gallery List
Brit Gain 18
Based on the Marshall® 1974X “authentic re-issue” of the
famous 1974 18W Combo from the late ‘60’s. (brief editorial
aside: Marshall® has had a long tradition of coming up with
model numbers that can easily be taken for years. The Model
1974 combo was manufacturer from 1965 to 1968, the Model
1961 and 1962 combos were first made in 1965. Is it any
wonder we look confused sometimes?). The 1974 has a basic
preamp, (gain and tone controls) and a cathode biased twin
EL84 power amp. It is a great recording amplifier, with a
wonderfully com-pressed and harmonically rich tone.
*All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development. MARSHALL® is a registered trademark of Marshall
Amplification PLC.
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Citrus D-30
In 1968, in a little music store on Old Compton St. in London,
Clifford Cooper was having trouble getting amplifier
manufacturers to take him seriously as a dealer, as they thought he
was too young, and his shop too small. So he did what seemed
only logical to an enthusiastic young man with a background in
electrical engineering – he designed and built his own amplifiers.
Since he had come into a large quantity of bright orange vinyl that
was what he used to cover his cabinets. It wasn’t long before highprofile musicians like Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, and Frank
Zappa were beating a path to his door. This model is based on an
Orange® AD30TC head, a 30 watt, Class A number with a great
personality that gracefully marries vintage British mid-gain
breakup with modern shimmer and presence. Back off the drive
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
and you’ll get chimey boutique tones, dig in with the drive up and the AD30 purrs pure Brit Rock
tone.
*All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development. ORANGE is a registered trademark of Orange Musical
Electronic Company, Ltd.
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Tube Instrument Preamp
Before we created the dedicated Preamp Models featured in GearBox, we developed this simple
tube preamp model for the Amp Model slot of our PODxt® and GuitarPort®. This model was
created to give PODxt and GuitarPort users a solution for plugging the output from an acoustic
guitar's piezo pickup or a bass into GuitarPort or PODxt hardware. It can also deliver some tasty
tones with a standard electric guitar. With the tone controls at 12 o'clock, the EQ is "flat."
Adventurous recordists will find that it can even be used to add some tube warmth or distorted
grind to just about anything — warming up keyboards, crunching up drums, and fuzzing up
vocals the way producers and engineers often do in the studio with vintage tube gear. When you
do this stuff, you want to use the Drive control like a mix knob on a reverb to control how much
processing you want to hear.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Guitar Cab Models
While we're not going to bore you with complete descriptions of each cabinet that's modeled in
GearBox ("...and with the change from 12 ply Finnish Spruce to 13 ply Baltic Birch in October of
1973, the resonant frequency of this cabinet dropped to 113.7Hz"), here's a list of all the speaker
cabinets that were modeled for GearBox:
1 x 6 — 1960 Super O (based on Supro S6616)
1 x 8 — 1960 Tiny Tweed (based on Fender® Tweed Champ®)
1x10 — 1959 Gibtone (based on Gibson® combo)
1x10 — 1960 G-Brand (based on Gretsch® 6156)
1x12 — 1953 Small Tweed (based on Fender® Tweed Wide Panel Deluxe Reverb®)
1x12 — 1964 Blackface 'Lux (based on Fender® Deluxe Reverb®)
1x12 — 1960 Class A-15 (based on Vox® AC-15)
2 x 2 — 2001 Mini T (based on Fender® Mini Twin)
2x12 — 2001 Line 6
2x12 — 1965 Blackface (based on Fender® Blackface Twin Reverb®)
2x12 — 1996 Match Chief (based on Matchless Chieftain)
2x12 — 1987 Jazz Clean (based on Roland® Jazz Chorus 120)
2x12 — 1967 Class A-30 (based on Vox® AC-30 Top Boost)
4x10 — 2001 Line 6
4x10 — 1959 Tweed B-Man (based on Fender® Bassman® cab)
4x12 — 2001 Line 6
4x12 — 1967 Green 20s (based on Marshall® "Basket Weave" cab with Celestion® Greenbacks)
4x12 — 1968 Green 25s (based on Marshall® cab with Celestion® Greenbacks)
4x12 — 1978 Brit Celest T-75s (based on Marshall® cab with stock Celestion® T-75's)
4x12 — 1996 Brit Celest V-30s (based on Marshall® cab with Celestion® Vintage 30's)
4x12 — 2001 Treadplate (based on Mesa/Boogie® Dual Rectifier® cab)
1x15 — 1962 Thunder (based on Supro® '62 Thunderbolt)
2x12 — 1967 Wishbook (based on Silvertone '67 Twin Twelve)
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6’s sound model development. SUPRO is a registered trademark of Zinky
Electronics. GIBSON is a registered trademark of Gibson Guitar Corp. GRETSCH is a
registered trademark of Fred W. Gretsch Enterprises, Ltd. FENDER, CHAMP, DELUXE
REVERB, TWIN REVERB and BASSMAN are registered trademarks of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation. VOX is a registered trademark of Korg Europe Limited. ROLAND
is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation. MARSHALL is a registered trademark of
Marshall Amplification PLC. MESA/BOOGIE and RECTIFIER are registered trademarks of
Mesa/Boogie, Limited. SILVERTONE is a registered trademark of Samick Music
Corporation.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Bass Amp/Cab Models
Rock Classic
For 30 years now, we’ve heard the tone and felt the power of t
mighty Ampeg® SVT® that GearBox's Rock Classic model is
based on*. This workhorse has appeared on innumerable
recordings and arena stages worldwide – there is no equal to the
original SVT® and its 300 watts of pure tube magic. First
introduced in July 1969, the SVT® set the tone, punch and
arena-rattling standard for all future big gun bass rigs. Its users
have included everyone from The Rolling Stones to Van Halen,
and pretty much every “rock” bass player in between. For
GearBox's Rock Classic Model, we selected a 1974 Ampeg®
SVT®, and we’ve also given you a 70’s SVT 8x10 speaker
cabinet to pair it with. The sonic combination of this head and
cab is beyond big, but you had to pray that your bandmates
would help you move it! Thanks to GearBox, you can now get
big classic rock bass tone without frequent visits to the
chiropractor.
* AMPEG® and SVT® are registered trademarks of St. Louis Music, Inc. and are in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development.
he
Flip Top
The Flip Top model is based on* a 60’s Ampeg® B-15
Portaflex® — one of the most popular studio bass amps of all
time. It’s tuned and front-ported, has a closed back, is 25 watts
with a single 15-inch speaker, and set a new standard for cabinet
and speaker efficiency, tone and convenience in bass
amplification. If we had to sum up the amp’s sound up in one
sentence, we would simply say: Listen to James Jamerson’s bass
playing on the Motown®/Tamala records of the 1960’s — The
Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye,
Stevie Wonder, and many more. Jamerson played bass on more
Motown hits than anyone else, and his choice for amplification
was the Ampeg® B-15. We think you’ll agree that the sound of
his P Bass® through that amp on those records is as fresh and
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Page 82
exciting today as it was 35 years ago. And if he’s not enough to convince you, how about “Duck”
Dunn! Don’t get us started....
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6's sound model development. AMPEG and PORTAFLEX are registered
trademarks of St. Louis Music, Inc. MOTOWN is a registered trademark of UMG
Recordings, Inc. P BASS is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Adam and Eve
After David Eden made cabs for SWR® for 3 or 4 years, he went into the business of making his
own bass amp and cabinet line. Jim Demeter designed the electronics of the first Eden amps, and
they were quickly adopted by a veritable who’s who of modern bass society. GearBox’s Adam
and Eve model is based on* the WT-300, one of Eden’s latter offerings which produces a clean,
clear and rich tone.
* SWR® is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and is in no
way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
Silverface Bass
The Silverface Bass is modeled after* a 1967 Fender®
Bassman®. By ’68, when the Beatles went in to record The White
Album, they had pretty much done away with their Vox® amps in
favor of the new “silverface” Fender® line. John and George each
played through a Twin Reverb®, and Paul through the 2x15 “tall
cab” Bassman®. This amp remained his favorite through the end
of the Beatles’ recording career, and can be seen in the Revolution
video (the cab is laying on its side), and all over the Let It Be
movie — including the infamous “rooftop” concert which closes
the film. Paul went on to use the amp for his first solo recordings,
and live during the early Wings period. We’ve paired this
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Bassman® head with a 2x15 closed back cab loaded with JBL®s. The sound of this cab also
reminds us of the theme music from Barney Miller, and all of those days practicing with the high-
school jazz ensemble. Try playing a little of the Peter Gunn Theme....
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners,
which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions
and images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were
studied during Line 6's sound model development. FENDER, BASSMAN, and TWIN
REVERB are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. VOX is a
registered trademark of Korg Europe Limited.
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Eighties
What would any collection of bass amps be
without a Gallien-Krueger 800RB? This model is
based on the solid state amp that helped define
what new bass amps sounded like for the better
part of that decade. Geddy Lee had one. Will Lee
used one on “Late Night With David Letterman”.
And bands like Def Leppard powered through a
decade of pop metal with the 800RB. The GK
800RB produces a very scooped sound, and
doesn’t really distort. Try pairing this amp with
another legend of the Eighties, the Hartke 410
cabinet. This rig is known for producing what we
call the “mid 80’s metal bass” tone. It’s the perfect choice when you’re ready for a little
Pyromania....
*All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6's sound model development.
Return to Model Gallery List
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Bass Cab Models
1 x 15 Flip Top Based on a 1960’s Ampeg® B-15
2 x 15 DoubleShow Based on a Fender® Dual Showman® D130F
4 x 10 Adam Eve Based on an Eden 410 cab
4 x 10 Silvercone Based on a Hartke 410 cab
8 x 10 Classic Based on an Ampeg® SVT® Cab
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6's sound model development. AMPEG and SVT are registered trademarks of St.
Louis Music, Inc. FENDER and DUAL SHOWMAN are trademarks of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Preamp Models
American Classic
This model is based on* an API 512 Mic Pre and
API 550b EQ housed in an API Lunchbox 500 6B. In 1967 API introduced the 512 as the first
modular mic pre. Along for the ride also came the
550 EQ and together the modular components
were housed in a 4 position rack complete with a
handle — the lunchbox. This combination is
responsible for many legendary recordings of the
60’s and 70’s. The resulting American Classic
model also incorporates tonal elements of the
analog tape machines of the day, by Revox,
Studer, and MCI. Hence, our model is designed to
give your inputs the "sonic love" of the entire analog recording process from the API mic pre,
through the EQ, to the sound of recording to tape.
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6's sound model development. SWR is a registered trademark of Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation. REVOX and STUDER are trademarks of Studer Professional
Audio GmbH.
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Vintage U.K.
GearBox's Vintage UK model is based on* the
truly classic Neve 1073 pre-amp. Designed by
Rupert Neve in the early 1970's, as a discrete
transistor mic/line amp with 3-band EQ and highpass filter, the 1073 was used in a variety of Neve
consoles. NOT known for being the flattest or
cleanest kid on the block, the Neve 1073 became
the “Gold Standard” of pre amps regardless. It’s
credits are endless and likely numerous songs
playing on the radio right now, as you read this,
were recorded with a Neve 1073. Like the
American Classic, this model's sound is based not just on our analysis of the 1073, but also
incorporates the kind of "sonic love" you'd have gotten when recording through a 1073 to
legendary Revox, Studer, and MCI analog tape machines.
Page 86
* All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6's sound model development. NEVE is a registered trademark of AMS Neve
Ltd. REVOX and STUDER are trademarks of Studer Professional Audio GmbH.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Lo-Fi
Looking for something aggressive, trashy, or just plain interesting? Try the Lo-Fi tip. It gives you
tones that are very band passed (meaning there's little low end or extreme high end), with lots of
distortion available from the driver knob. You'll find it's just the thing when you want your vocals
to sound like they came through a telephone, megaphone or toy microphone.
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Vintage
Incorporating elements of analog tape machines of the day, this composite model is true to form,
lacking the crystal clear 8k and above which wouldn’t arrive for years.
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Modern
This model is based on* an Avalon® VT-737,
which is an excellent example of a modern tube
preamp design incorporating an all-discrete, Class
A transistor circuit in the built-in 4-band equalizer.
This is a good choice for clean, bright, noncompressed sound, with soft transients.
All product names used in this document are
trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with
Line 6. These trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of
those manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6’s sound model
development. AVALON is a registered trademark of Avalon Industries, Inc.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Return to Model Gallery List
Console
Here's our model inspired by solid state console mic pre designs, delivering flat frequency
response that is very clean and without the additional personality that the other Preamp Models
provide. This is a great choice when you want to capture quality audio without adding color, as
you might want to do when recording line level instruments like keyboards.
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Page 88
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Effects
Delay
Delay Effects create echoes by repeating a delayed version of the signal that feeds them. The
FEEDBACK knob on Delay control panels determine how many repeats you'll hear. TIME determines
how late the echo will be versus the input signal, and allows Tap Tempo. A short delay time and low
feedback setting will give you a classic "slap back" delay. Longer delay times give you a distinctly
separate echo, and higher feedback settings increase the number of echoes. There's always a MIX
control, and each of the Models has a few other controls as well....
Analog Delay w/Modulation
The Analog Delay w/ Modulation model is based
on* the Electro-Harmonix® Deluxe Memory Man
which is a pedal that uses the "bucket brigade"
electronics of other analog echoes, and adds a
chorus circuit to boot. This adjustable chorus is
applied to the echoes only, leaving the direct
sound unaffected. The Memory Man, with its
warm, distorted tone and swimming echoes,
became an important tool for many guitarists, and
was an essential part of the guitar sounds for the
first U2 album. Part of the Deluxe in Deluxe
Memory Man was the increased delay time of 500
milliseconds. Analog w/Mod emulates that classic
Memory Man tone with the added advantage of 2 seconds of delay time. The mod speed and
depth controls set up the chorus on the delays.
* ELECTRO-HARMONIX® is a trademark of New Sensor Corp. and is in no way associated
or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are provided for the
sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound
model development.
Tube Echo
The classic 1963 Maestro EP-1 was the first of a series of
"Echoplex" designs distributed by the company, and made by
Harris-Teller in Chicago. As touted in a Maestro advertisement,
the Echoplex's "...special effects range all the way from a
controlled high speed reverberation to a full, throbbing echo"!
The main feature of the Echoplex design is a special cartridge of
Page 89
looped 1/4-inch audio tape that wraps past separate record and playback heads. The position of
the playback head can be moved to adjust the delay time from 60 to 650 milliseconds. Tube Echo
is based on* the classic Echoplex tone with the extra advantage of up to 2 seconds of delay time.
DRIVE lets you dial up some tube warmth like the original and FLUTTER (short for wow and
flutter) adds that unique sound of a slipping, dirty tape capstan!
* MAESTRO® and ECHOPLEX® are trademarks of Gibson Guitar Corp. and are in no
way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
Line 6’s sound model development.
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Digital Delay
This model is a straight up digital delay with Bass and Treble tone controls. Nothing fancy here,
just basic echo-cho-cho-cho. After all, it’s good to cleanse the palate every once in a while.
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Mod
Mod Effects are things that swoosh, pulse and warble — from phase shifters to flangers to choruses.
Why are they called Mod (Modulation) effects? Well, if we consult a dictionary, we discover that
'modulate,' in the electronic world means to "alter the amplitude or frequency of (a wave) by (using) a
wave of a lower frequency to carry a signal" (definition courtesy of The Oxford Encyclopedic English
Dictionary, Third Edition, thank you very much). That modulating wave is what causes all that
swooshing, pulsing, and warbling. The SPEED of the Mod effects controls how quickly (or slowly)
the modulating waveform sweeps, and generally allows Tap Tempo. DEPTH controls overall
amplitude of the modulating wave, which usually determines just how intense the effect will be.
There's always a MIX control, and sometimes there are also other controls, as we're about to
describe....
Sine Chorus
Here's your basic digital chorus, which gives you the classic swimmy/watery sound of chorus,
plus BASS and TREBLE controls for bass-ing and trebl-ing. :-)
Subtle settings of the chorus can also be used to give a fatter sound. Extreme settings can totally
change the character of your sound.
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Line 6 Flanger
Flanger is most famously known as the "jet-plane" whoosh effect of several classic 70s
recordings. It can also be used to give a "swooshy" or "swept" sound to guitar and other sources,
or just to create a "bigger" sound. Eddie Van Halen, for instance, used flanger effects as an
important part of his signature sound on many classic Van Halen recordings, including "Ain't
Talkin' 'Bout Love" and much of the Van Halen I album. For details on each of the Flanger
controls, move your mouse over the control and look in the Info Bar at the bottom of the GearBox
window. The Line 6 Flanger really shines when you set CONFIG to POST, letting the stereo
sweep offset serve up luscious harmonic shimmer.
Phaser
GearBox's Phaser is based on* the MXR® Phase 90 — the
guitar stomp box phaser that changed the world. The Phase 90 is
relatively subtle compared to other phasers, and when you use it,
it becomes part of the overall guitar tone rather than trying to
grab the spotlight all to itself. Its lush, organic, and groovy swirl
can be heard all over the first two Van Halen albums, as well as
Jimmy Page's work on Physical Graffiti. The Phase 90 is a four
stage phaser; its single knob controlled only speed. GearBox's
Phaser gives you additional flexibility with MIX and
FEEDBACK controls to adjust the intensity of the effect.
* MXR® is a trademark of Applied Research and
Technology, Inc. and is in no way associated or affiliated
with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images
are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific
products that were studied during Line 6’s sound model development.
U-Vibe
The U-Vibe model is based on* the nowlegendary Uni-Vibe, which was put on the map in
1969 by Jimi Hendrix. Essentially a four-stage
phase shifter, the Uni-Vibe is best known for its
watery texture and sultry tones. One listen to
"Machine Gun" and you'll know what we mean.
You can recreate the effect of the original UniVibe's vibrato switch by turning the MIX control
to 100% wet. (That's what the switch did on the
original.) The DEPTH control acts like the UniVibe's "Intensity" knob.
*All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which
are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6’s sound model development.
Opto Tremolo
The Opto Tremolo model is based on* the optical tremolo circuit that was used in the blackface
Fender® amps, like the '64 Deluxe Reverb® and '65 Twin Reverb®. Basically a light bulb and a
photo-resistor, when the light got brighter, the tremolo got louder. It's a very smooth, even
tremolo, and the obvious choice for use with the
amp models that are based on Fender® originals.
* FENDER®, DELUXE REVERB® and
TWIN REVERB® are trademarks of Fender
Musical Instruments Corporation and are in
no way associated or affiliated with Line 6.
These product names, descriptions and
images are provided for the sole purpose of
identifying the specific products that were
studied during Line 6’s sound model
development.
Rotary Drum + Horn
Fine furniture and cool tones — the Leslie® 145 that the Rotary Drum + Horn model is based
on* gave you both at once! That tube-driven behemoth (you
definitely don't want to try picking one up on your own) f
a belt-drive rotating high frequency horn along with a
downward-facing 15-inch speaker that had a segmented drum
spinning under it to disperse the sound. It was originally
designed to be used with electric organs like the Hammond B3,
but once guitarists (and even vocalists!) heard it, they just had t
get in on the rotate-o-rama. Our model gives you all that
whirligig glory, without giving you a herniated disc. Slow/Fast
switch acts like the one that came on the Leslie 145’s preamp,
ramping between the two speeds. This effect also gives you
TONE and MIX settings. For the truly authentic kind of spin
that a Leslie delivers, you'll want to set the MIX knob to max,
since a Leslie had no 'dry' path.
* LESLIE® is a trademark of Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and is in
no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images
are provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied
during Line 6’s sound model development.
eatures
o
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Stomp
Stomp Effects give you a choice of Models of classic distortions stompboxes, a stomp box-style
compressor, and a couple of De-Esser effects designed for taming Sss and Shh sounds that are
common when recording vocals.
Facial Fuzz
Sometime in late 1966, an infamous circular stomp box hit the London music scene. Designed
and built by Arbiter Music, the Fuzz Face would soon begin its
famous association with guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. Like all
stompboxes from the early era, the Fuzz Face would see many
design changes, as well as re-issues. Our model is based on* the
germanium diode-powered treasure pictured here: an original,
very early "gray with black screening" Arbiter Fuzz Face. Call
the Facial Fuzz model up, and treat yourself to our faithful recreation of the original's fuzz and glory. Crank up the drive, and
you’ll be seeing Purple Haze right before your eyes!
*All product names used in this document are trademarks
of their respective owners, which are in no way associated
or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, d
and images are used solely to identify the specific produ
whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6’s so
Fuzz Pi
be outdone by the Brits, the colonies came up with their own twist on the fuzz rage. Mike
Not to
Mathews and his band of merry men at ElectroHarmonix® had been cooking up all sorts of nift
effects when their attention turned to the
distortion/fuzz pedal. Their most popular
was the Electro-Harmonix® Big Muff Pi, which
GearBox's Fuzz Pi model is based on*. The Pi
was known more for its sweet sustain than for i
buzz.
*All product names used in this document
are trademarks of their respective owners,
which are in no way associated or affiliated
with Line 6. These product names, descriptio
specific products whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6’s sound model
development.
escriptions
cts
und model development.
y
offering
ts
ns and images are used solely to identify the
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Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Scream
Classic
er
Stevie Ray Vaughan to Michael Landau, the simple
From
Ibanez® Tube Screamer® is the overdri
world. T
and in many blues circles, you're not allowed to solo witho
one. Over the years, Ibanez® issued several variations of the
venerable Tube Screamer®, but none have reached the fabled
status of the TS-808® that this model is based on*.
his medium-gain pedal was introduced in the early '80s,
* IBANEZ® is a trademark of Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd. and
is in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6
product names, descriptions and images are provided for
the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that
were studied during Line 6’s sound model development.
ve heard 'round the
Distortion
Born and bre
the beginning of a new generation of dist
boxes. With a soun
aggressive than a fuzz, the Rat put teeth into a new
breed of metal that was beginning to crawl to the
surface of the music scene. The TONE knob on
GearBox's Classic Distortion Model based on* the
Rat model functions like the original's "filter"
control, giving you brighter tone at lower settings,
and darker tone at higher settings. Once bitten,
you'll know why we call this one "tone with
teeth!"
d in the late '70s, the ProCo Rat was
ortion
d that was angrier and more
ut
. These
* All product names used in this docume
are
in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and
images are used solely to identify the specific products whose tones and sounds were studied
during Line 6’s sound model development.
Vetta C
omp
This effect is
Comp has a
SENS knob
In other words, turn the SENS knob 'til you like the way your signal's compressed, then set the
volume with LEVEL.
taken from the Vetta II, Line 6's flagship guitar amplifier. A Line 6 original, Vetta
fixed ratio (2.35:1, in case you're asking) with the threshold (that would be your
) adjustable from -9dB to -56dB and up to 12dB of gain available at the LEVEL knob.
nt a
re trademarks of their respective owners, which
Page 94
Return to Model Gallery List
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Verb (Reverb)
Verb Effects
combines with countles
physical environments (
with some sort of speaker driving it plus multiple pickups to pick up the vibrations of the plate) and
spring reverbs (the kind guitar players know best). Choose a Spring Reverb when you want the kind of
classic sound created by spring reverb tanks built into guitar amps, or used for studio processing
classic recordings. This is the place to come, for instance, when you're looking for that signature Sur
Music sound of splattering reverb. Choose a Room Reverb when you want a polished, modern studio
sound. It simulates the sound of ambience in a room, and can be set to subtly enhance the size and
polish of your tone, or make it sound like you're playing in a large, resonant chamber.
S
tandard Spring
One of the many things that people have loved
about the blackface Fender® Twin Reverb® over
the years has been
The three-spring t
sound than the Fender® earlier spring reverbs, a
of course that's what the GearBox Standard Spring
model is based on*. Go find yourself a bevy of
bikini-clad beauties, wax up your board, and di
in.
simulate the reverberation of sound in a physical space, where the source sound
s, tightly spaced echoes. GearBox's collection of reverb models emulate
rooms and halls), plate reverbs (which traditionally feature a big steel plate
on
its rich, dense reverb sound.
ank offered a more complex
nd
g
f
* FENDER® and TWIN REVERB® are
trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation and are in no way associated or
descriptions and images are provided for the
products that were studied during Line 6’
affiliated with Line 6. These product names,
sole purpose of identifying the specific
s sound model development.
Page 95
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Brite Ro
Medium Hal
om
Here's the sound
of a live, bright room to add life to any track.
l
A medium sized hall with heavy reflections - this one is meant to be heard.
Cavernous
Now that's big! Fire this verb up and get set for a long night of dandelion dreams...
Slap Plate
This reverb dishes up the vibe of early rock and roll recordings, like Sam Phillips’ great work
Sun Studios. Thank you very much.
rn to Model Gallery List
Retu
Wah
at
The GearBox Wah effects simulate classic wah pedals, and can be used to provide a "parked wah"
sound, or can be controlled via MIDI for wah pedal effects.
Vetta Wah
This is the original PODxt/Vetta Wah Model, which is a bit of a play on an old classic. We’ve
made it a nice balanced wah, designed to sound great in
most any style of playing.
Weeper
Modeled after* an Arbiter® Cry Baby, this is yet another variation on the original Vox®
wah design. The biggest variation between many of these wah pedals is the inducto
and the tolerances of the capacitors and resistors that make up the filter circuit. Just like
vintag
e guitar amps, two of them made on the same day, by the same person, from the
same parts bin m
we could find.
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images
provided fo
Line 6’s sound model development. VOX® is a registered trademark of Korg Europe
Limited. ARBITER® is a registered trademark of Arbiter Group PLC.
ight sound totally different. As always, we went for the best examples
r the sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during
r
are
Return to Model Gallery List
Page 96
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Bass Effects
Bass Overdrive
This model wa
taken by the Line 6 sound design team. The Sans Amp is famous for delivering a very quiet and
crisp signal under all circumstances, wh
metallic quality
producers in all genres of music have come to favor the Bass Sans Amp for crunching up loops
The Bass Overdrive covers the same sort of territory, with a bit of a uniquely Line 6 bent. Choose
this distortion for your bass or any other signal and it will immediately become a very close and
furry friend. Note for non-bass players: this stomp box absolutely rocks on signals other than
bass. No, really, try it.
Bron
ze Master
The Maestro® Bass Brassmaster is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of bass distortion
units, and ultra-rare bird designed in the ear
Oberheim. It showed up o
Brassmaster wa
mind, and man, did Mr. Oberheim get it right! The original has a fairly elaborate set of controls
include two separate volumes and toggles for accentuating different harmonic voicings. We
weren’t able to make an exact duplicate of some of that complexity when creating the Bronze
Master for GearBox, but you’ll find that this model does give you a luscious palette of supersweet bass fuzz in the style of the Brassmaster, with righteous distortion that doesn’t take away
that all-important low end. For guitar players, think of it as somewhere between an Octave Fuzz
and a synth. You can get positively freaky with this one.
s inspired by our look at the Tech 21 Bass Sans Amp, plus a few extra liberties
ile also serving up a very distinct distortion. Is pleasingly
makes it a favorite with the Post-Metal crowd and Industrial bands, and
ly ‘70’s for Maestro® by synth genius Tom
n Chris Squire’s gear list in a mid-70’s Yes tour program. In fact, the
s the first distortion unit we can think of designed primarily with the bassist in
.
,
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way
associated or affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are
provided for the sole purpose of identifying the speci
Line 6’s sound model development. MAESTRO® is a registered trademark of Gibson Guitar
Corp.
Sub Oct
aves
All b
assists know that in just about every musical situation, lower can be better! But we couldn’t
just let bass players have all the fun, so we’ve included an Octave device in
your PODxt t
you down in
below what you’re playing. Remember, lower can be better, especially when it makes
the booty shake!
Return to Model Gallery List
All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way
associated or
hat’s inspired by the very popular Boss OC-2. Your Sub Octave gets
to booty-shaking territory mighty quick. Use it to create additional voices
fic products that were studied during
Page 97
affiliated with Line 6. These product names, descriptions and images are provided for the
sole purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound
model development.
ther Effects
O
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
Comp (Compressor)
The Comp (Compressor) effect in GearBox is modeled after* the classic, studio-standard LA2A® tube compressor. It’s just the thing when you
want to smooth out your
would typically do in a recording studio. The
THRESHOLD knob determines how aggressive
the compressor will be in smoothing things out.
Turning the knob farther to the left give you more
aggressive compression. The GAIN knob lets you
increase level once you've smoothed things out.
But be careful: if you add too much gain here, you
may see that you start clipping, and need to back
off again on the gain.
levels the way that you
* LA-2A® is a trademark of William Putnam
Line 6. These product n
identifying the specific products that were studied during Line 6’s sound model development.
ames, descriptions and images are provided for the sole purpose of
nd is in no way associated or affiliated with
a
EQ
earBox's 4 Band Semi-Parametric EQ lets you emphasize and de-emphasize selected ranges of
G
audio frequencies, from bass to midrange to treble. The knobs on the left of the EQ's control
panel let you
amount of gain that will be added to or subtracted from that frequency band.
The top knob pair is for the highest frequency range (the treble), providing a high shelf which
boosts all the audio at and above the frequency point you select. As you make changes to this an
the other EQ bands, the resulting EQ curve is shown in the EQ control panel's display area. The
second knob pair down controls a bandpass filter for the for the high-mids, boosting frequencies
at and around the frequency that you select. The third knob pair down is for the low mids, and the
bottom knob pair, for the bass, controls a low which boosts all the audio at and below the
frequency you select. Press the RESET button to "zero" out all the gains, and set each band to a
default frequency point, which is generally a good starting point when you want to make EQ
adjustments. As you make EQ adjustments, it's a good idea to frequently check what the Tone
sounds like with the EQ turned off, to make sure that you're really making improvements when
adding EQ!
choose the frequency that each of the 4 bands of the EQ will focus on, and set the
d
Page 98
Gate
earBox's Gate is designed to reduce the noise that your guitar or other source makes when you
G
are not playing. You can think of it as a gate that opens to let your guitar or other sound through
en you play, and closes when you stop playing to shut out the noise you would otherwise hear
wh
er you stop playing. (For guitars and basses, the Hum Reducer is available to tame noise in
aft
another way.)
The Gate works by detecting the input level coming into GearBox. When the input level is below
the level set for the gate's THRESHOLD knob, the gate will close at the speed set by the Gate's
DECAY knob, and cut off the signal from your input. When the input level is above the
reshold, the gate will open to let
th
clockwise increases the aggressiveness of the gate in its effort to cut off sound. The idea is to set
the threshold low enough so that it doesn't cut off the signal as you are playing or a note is
sustaining, but high enough so that the background noise from your guitar or other source doesn
keep the gate open. When you're using a Stomp effect, Amp Model or Preamp Model that a
lot of distortion to your Tone, you'll need to adjust the Gate to work well with that, and you'll
probably have to tweak the Gate if you change Models, change drive settings, or use different
guitar(s), pickup configurations, or other changes to your input source, and the volume of audio
that it's providing.
You can turn the Gate on/off by clicking its icon, and the setting of the Gate is saved as part of
Tone.
your input signal through. Turning the Threshold knob
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
't
dds a
a
Vol
(Volume)
earBox's Vol (Volume) allows a MIDI controller to operate a volume pedal effect in GearBox
G
to control the volume of your processed sound. The CONFIGURE switch on the Volume control
panel lets you
processing ("P
Fem
ale De-Esser
he Female De-esser should be your first choice when taming the Sss and Shh sounds of female
T
vocalists, although as with all things musical, you may find many uses for it and may find that for
some male vocalis
Essers, see the Set
to know that this de-esser performs its gain reduction only on the selected frequency band, unlike
the more typical insert-style De-Essing of the Male De-Esser.
Mal
e De-Esser
he Male De-esser should be your first choice for controlling the Sss and Shh sounds of male
T
vocalists, although as with all things musical, you may find many uses for it and may find that for
some female vocalists it works better than the Female De-Esser. For general information on DeEssers, see the Set the De-Esser topic in the How To section. Technically-savvy users will want
decide whether the volume pedal will run before the amp/cab/mic or Preamp
re"), or after ("Post").
ts it works better than the Male De-Esser. For general information on De the De-Esser topic in the How To section. Technically-savvy users will want
Page 99
to know that th
is is a standard insert-style de-esser, performing gain reduction on the full
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
bandwidth audio signal.
Return to Model Gallery List
Page 100
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