How to backup and restore Line 6 Spider V amp presets

This is easy once you know how it's done.

I received an email asking how to do this, and rather than put it all in a reply I decided to put together a quick article about it.

If you own a Line 6 Spider V guitar amplifier, be it a V 30, V 60, V 120, V 240 or V 240HC, the easiest way to back up all your custom presets is to use the Spider V Remote software.

The software is free, but unfortunately does not contain a help file telling you how to do anything. There is probably online documentation for this on the Line 6 web site, but I couldn't find it.

Once you see how this is done, you'll say to yourself, "Oh, okay that was actually pretty easy." Yes, it is once you're actually told what to do.

Why back up?

The main reason to back up your presets is for whenever you perform a Spider V system update. Periodically, Line 6 will release an amplifier software update that adds in new features and/or applies fixes. It is a smart idea to back up your presets before applying any updates so you don't lose anything.

Step 1. Get the drivers

(Important note: If you are prompted to create a Line 6 online account during any of this, do so.)

If you've never plugged in your Line 6 Spider V amp to your PC or laptop before, you'll probably need the drivers.

Go to the Line 6 web site software area.

Choose your amplifier from that page to get the drivers, and install them.

Step 2. Connect the Spider V amp to your PC with a USB cable

Check the back of your Spider V amp first to make sure USB is selected. You will see a small slider switch. One side will be marked iPhone/iPod, and the other MAC/PC ANDROID. You want the switch to have MAC/PC ANDROID selected, otherwise the USB connection won't work.

After you do that, connect the USB cable to the amp and then to your PC. Windows will detect it since you already have the drivers installed. It may take 1 to 2 minutes before the first detection is complete.

Once successfully detected, leave the amp on and connected via USB.

Step 3. Download and install the Line 6 Spider V Remote Software

Go to the Line 6 web site software area.

Choose your amplifier on that page, then your operating system.

On the next page, you'll be prompted to download the software and then install it to your PC. Do so.

Step 4. Launch the Spider V Remote software and back up your presets

When you launch the Spider V Remote software, it will first read all the presets and then bring you to the main screen.

After that happens, click Backup.

A small window will appear asking you what you want for the name of the backup file, and where you want to save it.

Name the file whatever you want, or just take the name the software gives you.

Save your backup file (it will be just one master file) in a place where you will remember it.

After saving your file, you're done and the backup is complete.

Step 5. Restoring a backup

Repeat the instructions in step 4 above, but instead of clicking Backup, click Restore.

You will be asked where your backup file is. Navigate to where the backup is located, and perform the Restore process.

Note: Restoring takes slightly longer than backing up; this is normal.

How do I perform a system software update?

Use the Line 6 Updater software. Go to the Line 6 web site software area like you did before, choose your amp, then Line 6 Updater and your operating system. You will be prompted to download the updater software.

After downloading, install the software.

Before launching the Updater, make sure your amp is turned on and plugged in via USB first.

Once you've connected your amp via USB, launcher the Updater and follow the instructions it gives you.

Remember: Back up your presets first before performing any updates.

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Published 2019 Jul 24