Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Line 6 and Planet Waves Announce iPhone Interface to Control Musical Instruments

Line 6 and Planet Waves Announce iPhone Interface to Control Musical Instruments

New portable interface and iPhone software are the first to enable guitarists to control Line 6 guitars and amplifiers via Apple iPhone

San Francisco, CA (June 8, 2009) -- Line 6, Inc., the industry leader in digital modeling technology for music-creation products, and D'Addario announced today at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference the development of the MIDI Mobilizer, a portable Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) device, and Planet Waves Rig Remote iPhone software for use with Apple iPhone and iPod touch using OS 3.0.

"With the MIDI Mobilizer, the iPhone becomes the most portable and versatile editor and tone storage device for your Line 6 gear," remarked Marcus Ryle, Line 6 co-founder and SVP of research and development, as he demonstrated a prototype this morning at Apple Inc.’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. "Finding the perfect tone has never been easier."

When used with Rig Remote, the forthcoming iPhone app from musical-instrument company Planet Waves, MIDI Mobilizer gives guitarists the freedom to control Line 6 Variax digital modeling guitars and Vetta II digital modeling amplifiers.

Digital modeling technology, which was pioneered by Line 6, makes it "possible to put the sounds of hundreds of amps, guitars and effects into one system," stated Ryle. Digital modeling "greatly simplifies the amount of gear needed for a guitarist to play a wide range of sounds."

Line 6 Variax guitars accurately model the distinctive sounds of 25 celebrated instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, a banjo and even an electric sitar. Line 6 Vetta II amplifiers feature models of 80 guitar amplifiers, over 80 effects, and more. All models can be controlled with Rig Remote and adjusted in real-time via its realistic, amp-panel-inspired knobs.

Planet Waves’ Rig Remote app features an attractive graphical display that takes a nod from the Line 6 software commonly used to adjust Variax and Vetta II tones via personal computer. The iPhone display and touch screen make it simple to scroll, choose and adjust models of amps, guitars, pickups, pickup placement, alternate tuning and more. Guitarists can easily save their favorite settings and apply them to any Variax guitar or Vetta II amplifier.

MIDI Mobilizer and Rig Remote 1.0 are currently in development, with pricing, availability, and more detail on the complete feature set to be announced at a future date.

For more information:
Line 6's FAQ Site
Line 6
Planet Waves

Trey Anastasio unveils plans for a special solo acoustic run starting in March, 2025.

Read MoreShow less
Fender Jack White Collection Demos | First Look​
- YouTube

Watch John Bohlinger and Fender’s mad scientists dissect and rip away at Jack White’s new trio of visionary, eclectic, and multi-dimensionally magical electric, amp, and acoustic-electric.

Read MoreShow less

100% of "I Can Breathe" song proceeds to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI.

Read MoreShow less

Made in close collaboration and with significant input from Jimmy Page, the Jimmy Page EDS-1275 uses new 3D scanning technology to aid in handcrafting an effective clone of his original EDS-1275.

Read MoreShow less