Re: RackVax Electric Rack

Started by rackvax, August 07, 2009, 11:46:34 PM

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rackvax

For those seriously unhappy with the VG-99, might I suggest a possible solution?

Sell it.

But wait, I'm not suggesting you do without the functionality it provides.

Pick up a POD X3 Live (amps + effects + floorboard), G-Major 2 (for the harmony, if you need it, and some more really great effects), an Axon AX-50 (for excellent pitch-to-MIDI) and a RackVax (for guitar modeling) instead. ;) That should cover just about everything you can do with the VG-99 and it will improve the quality on all fronts at the same time! Just leave out the units you don't need, a la carte style...
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

germanicus

#1
Quote from:  rackvax on August 07, 2009, 11:46:34 PM
For those seriously unhappy with the VG-99, might I suggest a possible solution?

Sell it.

But wait, I'm not suggesting you do without the functionality it provides.

Pick up a POD X3 Live (amps + effects + floorboard), G-Major 2 (for the harmony, if you need it, and some more really great effects), an Axon AX-50 (for excellent pitch-to-MIDI) and a RackVax (for guitar modeling) instead. ;) That should cover just about everything you can do with the VG-99 and it will improve the quality on all fronts at the same time! Just leave out the units you don't need, a la carte style...

Only $2700?  :o

FWIW with this setup you wouldnt have the VG-99's dual modeled guitars, and the alternate tuning in the original variax doesnt have the dsp horsepower anywhere near equivalent to whats in the vg99 (allowing alternate tuning 12 strings/sitars/etc.). Maybe the vax 2 will be more equivalent but thats vaporware at the moment.  :'(
My albums done with modeling/guitar synth at http://music.steamtheory.com

JTV69/59P/Godin LGXT/Multiac ACS/Variax 700 AC
Helix/FTP/GP10/VG99/SY1000
Traynor k4

rackvax

Quote from:  germanicus on August 08, 2009, 09:33:44 PM
Only $2700?  :o

FWIW with this setup you wouldnt have dual modelled guitars, and the alternate tuning in the original variax doesnt have the dsp horsepower anywhere near equivalent to whats in the vg99 (allowing alternate tuning 12 strings/sitars/etc.). Maybe the vax 2 will be more equivalent but thats vaporware at the moment.  :'(

With two RackVaxes you could have dual guitars, and you could expand beyond that to triple or quad guitars if you were so inclined. ;) In my opinion, the guitar models are much better in the Variax. As far as tunings go, you're right, but you can always throw a real capo on for the 12-string models.

The VG-99 is definitely a cool unit but it was just a suggestion for those that are regretting their purchase.
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

mignolyx

Dear Rack,
i got my selfcustomized Variax with internal GK.
I've carved personally the guitar to union both virtualizers.
The strange thing is that most of coupled sounds (Variax and VG) seems to be phased out each other.
But if you blend correctly the Variax sounds you got a beautiful mix of both systems.
I know that VG-99 is a unique instrument.
I bought it for its skills.
But i must admit that a lot of functions and features must be updated.
The usb audio, the virtualized amps and others.
For example, by now i use Variax with a RP-350 from Digitech that seems to be more "musical" that VG.
I'm not crazy. I got these units. I can make a comparaison between each other.
I think that it's time to upload some mp3 about my system.
And the Vg patches. Maybe someone can appreciate.
Just to let you know, give you some other sound visions.

mignolyx

Dear Rackvax,
but your website is a fake or what?
Why there isn't a real photo of your product, just only a not-so-good graphical ricostruction of that product?
Or you just try to taste the possible customers, without produce anything?
It is a joke or ....
Pardon me, but i have this impression...
This is my Real VariaxRolandReady, custom, with a new design of headstock, with GK3 internal mounted, internal carved to access all cables...yolu can blend both sounds together...Check this out.

rackvax

#5
Quote from:  mignolyx on August 17, 2009, 04:48:33 PM
Dear Rackvax,
but your website is a fake or what?
Why there isn't a real photo of your product, just only a not-so-good graphical ricostruction of that product?
Or you just try to taste the possible customers, without produce anything?
It is a joke or ....
Pardon me, but i have this impression...
This is my Real VariaxRolandReady, custom, with a new design of headstock, with GK3 internal mounted, internal carved to access all cables...yolu can blend both sounds together...Check this out.


Hi mignolyx,

There are actual photos in the community section. :) Just like cars or just about any other products on the market, we use a graphical representation for marketing materials. We assure you this is no fake. We're getting ready to release very soon.

Apologies for this late reply. I didn't subscribe to this thread.

Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

Elantric

#6


Access Variax tones with your Roland compatible 13 pin guitar, (GK-2-A, GK-3, RMC, Ghost)  WITH FULL MIDI REMOTE CONTROL of the the Variax Models, Tone, Vol controls:

I now have one in my studio and it works remarkably well, even using my old Yamaha G1D mag hex PU !!!
I have been playing with the RackVax for a couple days - its a very intense unit and goes beyond the capabilities of a stock Variax or the typical Variax transplants you see on the web.

I have simply been using a MusicMan Axis guitar with a Yamaha G1D > 13 pin cable > RackVax > Guitar Amp, and its really impressive to have the full range of Variax Guitar tones on tap. Its very clean, has a 13 Pin "Thru" connection, that enables me to play both the RackVax and the GR-55 at the same time. It has the VDI connection to my Vetta or POD HD500, and it works with Line6 Variax Workbench.

The unique aspect of the RackVax is the robust MIDI implementation!. It also allows full remote control of RackVax using the GK-3 controls (GK-VOL = Variax Volume, S1 & S2 switches toggle up/down thru the Variax presets.
They are working on an Iphone / Ipad control app too!

Its a modular system, and the RackVax store is selling an adapter board which allows you to use your Roland GK-3 to drive your spare Variax DSP board too:

http://www.rackvax.com/store#ecwid:category=966022&mode=product&product=3958715

RackVax GK 13-pin to Variax Adapter Module - use this and your Variax to build a poor mans Parker Adrian Belew!



RackVax Electric Rack unit

http://www.rackvax.com/store#ecwid:category=966018&mode=product&product=3897112
There's never been an easier way to obtain an entire collection of vintage guitars.

With over 25 unique instruments, ranging from vintage electric guitars to high-end acoustics, RackVax Electric will turn any guitar into a tone chameleon.

Grab the guitar you want to play. Choose the guitar you want to hear.



Features:

    Powered by included power adapter**, Vetta II, PODxt Live, POD X3 Live, POD X3 Pro or POD HD500
    GK-compatible 13-pin input with ±7V phantom power
    GK thru allows simultaneous connections to additional GK devices
    Full live control over volume, tone, pickup and model select and more via GK controls or with a MIDI foot controller
    Variax VDI Ethercon jack for connecting to POD® XT Live, POD X3 Live, POD X3 Pro, POD HD500, Vetta™ II, and Variax Workbench connectivity
    Standard 1/4" guitar output jack
    Analog bypass for your guitar signal
    MIDI in/out
    Over 25 unique instrument models




Be sure to listen to the RackVax Sound demos - compare the GK-2A vs Ghost Piezo hex pickups driving the RackVax here:
http://soundcloud.com/rackvax


RackVax owners Manual is attached

or8ital

If I understand correctly, the one thing you can't do with this is control the tunings via a midi command. Is that correct?

Elantric

#8
On the 1st gen Variax's, you can pre-assign an Alt Tuning to any preset using the Line6 WorkBench - which also works with the RackVax.

Read page 12 of the RackVax Manual at the link above.


or8ital

I have read the manual, the only thing it mentions is that you can create alternate tunings with the workbench. Looking through the midi implementation chart though I didn't see anything relating to just changing a tuning. So if I understand correctly a preset consists of a guitar model and a specific tuning that you have set for that model? You can't separate them?

I apologize if I'm just not getting it. I saw this and I was trying to decide between this and a Variax guitar.

Elantric

QuoteSo if I understand correctly a preset consists of a guitar model and a specific tuning that you have set for that model? You can't separate them?

Correct!

paults

The tunings are independent of the individual models. Each preset can be contain any pickup or combo of pickups, at any location, any guitar model, with any tuning. 

or8ital

Quote from: paults on July 31, 2011, 05:24:15 PM
The tunings are independent of the individual models. Each preset can be contain any pickup or combo of pickups, at any location, any guitar model, with any tuning.

I was speaking from a midi control point of view. You can't control them separately. The presets will work though.

Curious of the difference between the sound of this vs the new variax models.


TheGuitarPlayer

The double-tab feature on the S1/S2 buttons seems flawed for live performance. How do you quickly get from bridge pickup to neck pickup?

Chema

There is another small equipment in the RackVax site, the Variax Adapter Module.

I don´t know exactly how works the GK 13-pin to Variax Adapter Module. I Have a Variax 700, and I dont know if, with this adapter, I can connect the variax to the gr55 thru the Variax Adapter Module. I have to insert the adapter inside my variax?? That´s could be the way to convert the variax in a midi guitar. So, please could somebody explain us exactly how works the Variax Adapter. Thanks so much !!!! .

or8ital

How many user presets slots are there? Thanks.

Elantric

#16
Review the RackVax Electric Manual - MIDI Implementation chart is on pages 14-15

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3928.0;attach=3707

It appears to support 112 different presets. 59 are user presets.

or8ital

#17
Quote from: Elantric on August 03, 2011, 05:41:10 PM
Review the RackVax Electric Manual - MIDI Implementation chart is on pages 14-15

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3928.0;attach=3707

It appears to support 112 different presets. 59 are user presets.

Thanks, thats how I read it as well. I got confused because RackVax posted a video on the facebook page today and it seemed to imply in the video there were only 10. Thanks for clearing that up.



at minute: 2:23




A2theT

my only complaint about the VG acoustic models is the hiss that sits behind them........wish they could improve it with an update or something.
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Elantric

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/341653.html


Line 6 50-02-0005-2
Main PCB For VARIAX 700
OUR PART #  50-02-0005-2
$128

Elantric

#20
RackVax is no longer in production

Here is an alternative DSP Guitar Modeler box that any GK 13 pin guitar can drive.

Antares ATG-1 - Now Shipping
http://www.autotuneforguitar.com/products/products.php?category=ATG-1_Auto-Tune_for_Guitar_Floor_Processor_1

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13067.msg95369#msg95369

or ATG Internal DSP kit
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13462.0


See Group Buy for either here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=175.0

ZenBalancer

#21
Quote from:  admsustainiac
The RackVax story is  a bit like this parable
(the story and the names have been changed to protect the innocent!)

A young entrepreneur dreams of being Owner and Chief Engineer of an Electric ski boat company.
He buys a new $50K Tesla Motors Electric Car, and then completely disassembles it in his garage and proceeds to spend the next two years installing all the Tesla Electric Motor, Tesla Power management system and Batteries into his self designed V drive Electric Ski Boat. He sends Tesla Motors pics of his progress every 6 months,  describing all the effort he is putting in. Figuring its a one off, Tesla sales reps respond with encouragement. Upon completion of his Electric Ski Boat, our entrepreneur places the retail price at $80K each, after calculating his overhead, required profit margin  - all assuming that once the Tesla CEO sees this new Electric Ski Boat, he will be happy to sell raw components below wholesale price to build 100 boats a month. Our young entrepreneur posts computer generated pics on social networks, and accepts new product orders, and over an 18 month period actually builds, sells, and delivers around a dozen electric boats to paying customers, but these all must be built using working 1st generation Tesla Motors components removed from used cars located on Ebay and on craigslist.
Eventually Tesla discontinues the 1st generation model car , and releases an updated new 2nd generation version of their electric  car, forcing a redesign of the Electric boat.  Our young entrepreneur implores Tesla Motors to consider selling him their latest greatest components at "dealer cost", in order to continue his dream to produce Electric ski boats. The outcome was  predictable -  with Tesla saying: "sorry,  cant accommodate your request", so the Electric Ski Boat company folded. 


All that effort was not wasted though , as it did help Cory (RackVax Chief Designer / CEO) land a job at Intel. Last I heard he was involved with the Oculus Rift
https://www.oculus.com/en-us/

and now working the bitcoin opportunities 

Alough I like eventual at least semi-happy-endings, it's also kind of a dick move to not put on the site that it's over, and only for suppprt of past customers and for archive purppses, left everything as it is. Someone is still processing the orders, not? Why not tweet or FB a definitive statement about what to be expected? The company has not been disolved nor filed bankrupcy, have they?

The only thing that I can think of to subjectively justify it, is that he doesn't want to see what he had to leave behind, broken visions, and negative sh**. And also doesn't want to completely close the door in some way other than leaving things to assumptions?

Anyway. Eyes remain on Line 6's roadmap.
Often, I find myself. Wasting time. Splitting hairs. Imagining.
Often, quietly.