[NAMM] Line 6 POD HD & JTV Firmware Updated

Downloadable for free on line6.com, JTV firmware v1.8 for the James Tyler Variax series features  updates to the guitar’s five acoustic models and new functionality when the guitar is connected to a POD HD500 or POD HD Pro multi-effect processor.

The updated models are based on* the Martin D28, Martin D12–28, Martin 0–18, Guild 12 String, and Gibson J200 acoustic guitars.

Also downloadable for free on line6.com, new POD HD v2.0 firmware update for POD HD Pro and POD HD500 includes three brand-new HD amp models that expand the POD HD family’s sonic palette and extend the Line 6 HD modelling technology to bass amps and mic pre-amps. First up is an HD bass amp model based on* an Ampeg B-15NF Portaflex.  Next is a new HD guitar amp model based on* the Marshall “Plexi” 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head.  The third new HD model is based on* the classic tube goodness of the Requisite Y7 mic preamp, which can be placed at any point in the signal chain.

In addition, the free updates contain new features useful when a JTV guitar and a POD HD500 or POD HD Pro are connected to a Line 6 DT-series boutique tube amplifier.  The announced result is “complete, full-scale, analogue and digital reconfiguration of guitar models, effects, HD amplifier models and analogue tube topology” with the press of a footswitch.

New changes to this guitar rig include the ability to use POD HD500 or POD HD Pro presets to engage/disengage the JTV guitar’s onboard Variax modelling, allowing footswitch control over magnetic pickups, guitar models and the combination of the two. Additionally, the guitar’s volume and tone knobs can now control the POD amp model and effect parameters. Alternate tunings can be saved together with POD HD500 or POD HD Pro presets allowing up to 512 custom guitar tunings with footswitch control.

The new firmware updates are available now at line6.com.