Help with Line6 GuitarPort and Linux

[darkoverlordofdata]

I've installed Debian 10 KDE non-free version. Then I added the KXStudio repositories, and installed it all. To test, I plug my guitar into the microphone input using a mono to stereo adapter. I am able to get playing through Guitarix ok. But as expected, the 1/8” microphone input is not really up to this. I usually use my GuitarPort usb adapter. When I plug it in, the system properly identifies it, but the sound is totally passing thru to my headphones. I have no volume control, I can’t seem to redirect it using Jack, so Guitarix is unaware of it. It sounds great - but I have no control of it, I can’t even turn it off.

I know it works on this hardware; I dual boot, and with win10 running, all is working. I tried using the AVLinux live usb, and get the same results as debian, so at least it’s consistent. I’m hoping this is a configuration issue, but I am struggling with the documentation.

Has anyone been able to figure this out – how to get the Line6 GuitarPort to work on linux?

[darkoverlordofdata]

Well, it seems at one time there was a driver for this in linux - ‘line6usb driver version 0.9.1beta (revision 690)’. It’s not there anymore, at least not in Debian 10 (https://wiki.debian.org/ModulesAll#List ... nux_Kernel).

The links in the instructions to build manually are dead. I found what looks to be the new site - https://sourceforge.net/projects/line6linux/. But, of course, this does not compile.

So, I guess I have to start looking for a distro that hasn’t purged the driver yet. I didn’t realize that linux has such a problem with backwards compatibility. Maybe I’m better off sticking with Windows.

[glowrak guy]

This line6 Helix topic indicates line6 kernel modules are available in kernel 4.4,
and shows the command to load them in a current session :

https://line6.com/support/topic/14935-l ... ith-linux/

I think ubuntu 18 or Mint 17 use 4.4 kernels

and this topic may be more current as a launchpad for researching using a line6 device:

https://line6.com/support/topic/4426-li ... ux/page/2/

I don't think a current audio interface should determine one's choice of operating system,
nor lock anyone in to a certain brand of products. There are plenty of alternatives to line6.

Most Focusrite usb interfaces will work, and basic usb i/o for other brands
usually works. The extended features of deluxe $400 interfaces might not work.

I have been using Fender Mustang usb amps for guitar audio input use
for years, no drivers needed, and with excellent results. Their new LT 25 amp
is $150 max, and has a computer-based editor that might work in wine.
I don't have that Fender model (yet) but the editor gui installs and appears functional.
Cheers
.

[darkoverlordofdata]

Thanks, but I don't really want to stay stuck on an old kernel. And I glad you can afford hundreds for a new interface, when the old one is still working. I can't. No backwards compatibility is like planned obsolescence - it's hostile to consumers, and it's why we should not trust large corporations. So why is Linux doing it?

I don't see it as being locked in. I paid good money for it because I liked it, and I should be allowed to use it until it breaks, and fix it when it does.

But now that my asus has died, so I can't run windows any more. I'm back on my old 2nd gen i3, so I run KDE to keep it relatively fast, while I save for a new computer. Being retired, that will take a while. When I do, it will be a Mac M1 Mini - they are cheap and I get Garage Band.

Oh well,.So I found a guitar cord with a built in dac/usb port, that works on linux, made by DoReMi for $20

btw - I'm hanging on to the Line6 Guitar Port - Mac still supports it.

[glowrak guy]

People like buying apples refurbished M1's. I have a relative who loves his M1, after years of
adobe related software issues in windows computers.

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

A used Fender usb amp could still be a good budget solution, if an M1 is a long journey.
There are always new inexpensive interfaces. Glad you found one! I got a
Nux Mighty Plug II that's got excellent sounds and both factory and 3rd party phone editor apps,
around $75

This may be useful when you get your mac:

https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2022/ ... 1-mac-mini

Cheers