Line 6 GearBox Plug-in Gold Bundle, GearBox Plug-in Silver Bundle User Manual
Can run with any
TonePort, GuitarPort
or PODXT.
Part of GearBox
Plug-In Bundles.
Can be added to any
GearBox supported
hardware.
IMPORTANT:
Connect Speakers or
Headphones to Line 6
hardware, not directly
to computer.
Line 6 hardware must also be connected via USB.
computer
USB
Line Outs
Hardware Unit
Phones Out
USB REQUIRED:
Line 6 hardware
must be connected
via USB to use
GearBox Plug-In.
Optional ToneDirect™ Monitoring:
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
headphones powered 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
Your Recording Interface
Got different Line 6 hardware? MORE INFO
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
LINE 6 GEARBOX 3.1 – BASIC FEATURES GUIDE
Table of Contents
Activation...................................................................................................................................................................4
Before using GearBox............................................................................................................................................5
System Requirements and Installation.................................................................................................................5
Updating & Registering with Line 6 Monkey.......................................................................................................5
Searching this Guide’s Contents............................................................................................................................6
Compatibility Check...............................................................................................................................................7
GearBox (Full Program) Basics..........................................................................................................................8
GearBox controls and operation............................................................................................................................8
GearBox with TonePort and GuitarPort.............................................................................................................. 13
GearBox with PODxt.............................................................................................................................................20
GearBox (Plug-in) Basics...................................................................................................................................22
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
Hardware Hookup.................................................................................................................................................28
TonePort UX1 Connections..................................................................................................................................28
TonePort UX2 Connections..................................................................................................................................30
TonePort KB37 Connections................................................................................................................................32
TonePort DI Connections.....................................................................................................................................34
GuitarPort Connections.........................................................................................................................................36
PODxt Connections ...............................................................................................................................................37
PODxt Live Connections.......................................................................................................................................38
PODxt PRO Connections.......................................................................................................................................39
Routing audio from your Line 6 hardware to an external device...................................................................41
How To…..................................................................................................................................................................43
Basic Operation......................................................................................................................................................44
Change and Save Tones.......................................................................................................................................50
Hardware setup.....................................................................................................................................................53
Stay Up To Date....................................................................................................................................................55
GuitarPort Online Operation ................................................................................................................................57
GearBox Plug-in Operation ..................................................................................................................................68
Model Gallery..........................................................................................................................................................69
Guitar Amp & Cab Models....................................................................................................................................71
Guitar Cab Models.................................................................................................................................................81
Bass Amp/Cab Models..........................................................................................................................................82
Preamp Models......................................................................................................................................................86
Effects.....................................................................................................................................................................89
Delay
.......................................................................................................................................................................89
Page 2
Mod
..........................................................................................................................................................................90
Stomp
......................................................................................................................................................................93
Verb (Reverb)
Wah
.........................................................................................................................................................................96
Bass Effects
Other Effects
Model List...............................................................................................................................................................101
Online Help and Support..................................................................................................................................110
PODxt - Audio Signal Routing & Re-Amping.............................................................................................111
Recording & Driver.............................................................................................................................................114
Audio Routing......................................................................................................................................................114
The Line 6 Audio-MIDI Device Control Panel..................................................................................................115
Important Things to Know When Recording...................................................................................................125
Sound Cards and Sound Issues......................................................................................................................128
ToneDirect™ Monitoring...................................................................................................................................131
Transferring your GearBox Activation.........................................................................................................134
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................................136
What Is…...............................................................................................................................................................151
Windows XP Optimization...............................................................................................................................187
........................................................................................................................................................95
............................................................................................................................................................97
..........................................................................................................................................................98
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
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 5 6 7 8 9 10
23
22
21
20
19 18 17
11
12
13
14
15
16
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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
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.
Line 6 GearBox 3.1 – Basic Features Guide
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
control display in
the Effects panel
Use the Pre/Post
toggle switch
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
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
Note that the Send meters and control automatically change when toggling between Tone 1 and
Tone 2 Sources as well.
current Source’s Tone
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
Controller Default MIDI/Control message Controller Default MIDI/Control
message
1- Octave up None (internally shifts note numbers +1 octave;
Not Re-assignable)
2- Octave down None (internally shifts note numbers -1 octave;
Not Re-assignable)
3- Pitch Wheel Pitch Wheel (Not Re-Assignable) 13- Stop MMC Pause
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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)
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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\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-Ins\Line 6
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.
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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
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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.
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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
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