Pod Hd500, How many of you own one - first impressions? Options

[SirJamsalot]

Just curious how many of you own a POD HD500, and what do you think of it so far?

I've just started learning the ropes of programming mine and am really digging it so far. Perhaps one of the nicest things is that you can download others' patches and install them, and place effects pre-or post the amplifier. I haven't tried the four cable connection for routing thru my amp, but have been using it directly into the main input of my amp and can get some pretty deep thundering heavy metal tones. The noise gate is really well done IMO.

Something that is lacking though is a good beginners guide to creating and working with patches as well as a recommendation FAQ for creating tones. An HD500 for dummies tutorial would be awesome. If anyone knows of one in written form and want to share it, that would be great. I'm almost tempted to write one up, but I'm by no means proficient at it myself yet! Currently, the only way to get good advice to search google on any topic you can find :/

Something I learned recently through research though is the implementing a 4 cable hook up method:


Of course what is not mentioned is you should use a pre-amp model, and set the global to "Amp - combo or stack" instead of Studio". Otherwise the POD will simulate your cab before your cab does it's own thing.

Also, when adding an amp, if you are not using 2 amp models simultaneously (using only one channel), then setting the unused channel to Variax instead of "Same" is a way to clean up the tone - or mute the channel, which I don't know how to do yet.

This was recommended in thread that I quote below.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rena Rune
Just got a Jag today, which definitely isn't crazy hot... still hear some breakup towards the end of this clip... again the Deluxe model...

I'm AB'ing between it and a Twin(First half of the clip), don't know if that's what's causing it. I had the inputs set to "same" so perhaps it doubles the input into each, but it didn't work otherwise.

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http://www.box.net/shared/gueorpxj8p88hrypqy4k
They should not be set to same when using a single amp model. Input 1 should be set to guitar and input 2 to one of the Variax models (or muted, didn't know that was possible). When set to same you are essentially getting a boost (doubling the input) for which you will never get a clean sound using humbuckers with any of the amps. And if you do want pristine solid state clean, look elsewhere as the POD HD will breakup on pretty much all amp models when you dig in even when set at fairly low gain levels (the Digitech RP series has several clean models which can be set 100% clean).

Quote:
Originally Posted by derek_32999  
Yup, don't set it to same. I set mine to 1st channel Variax cause that is my main instrument and I set the second to guitar (which I don't use). On high gain patches I even mute the second channel and can tell a difference.
You can mute the second input? Need to look at the manual. Been setting my second to Variax as that was the quietest of the options available...

In any case, looking for others that use the HD500 to share tips and tricks and patches.


Chris!

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[Andrew Cockburn]

Of course what is not mentioned is you should use a pre-amp model, and set the global to "Amp - combo or stack" instead of Studio". Otherwise the POD will simulate your cab before your cab does it's own thing.

Great info and fascinating video for the 4 channel method, adds a huge amount of versatility, i will be trying this for sure!

if I understand correctly though, you are already using the amps preamp, so why do you need to set one up on the HD? Why not just turn the amp off entirely? I agree with the Amp Combo stack setting though.

I like this method because it allows you to place Volume and Wah ahead of the preamp wher it should go, and also delays, reverb etc after the preamp - very flexible.

My alternate plan was to use the mic input of the HD to mic up the amp and do all the post processing in the HD then output to a PA. The upside is that you get stereo effects such as reverb and delay, the downside is that you sacrifice the proper placement you get through the 4 cable method and would need separate wah and volume pedals.

Overall I think 4 cable is best if you have a decent power amp you are using as the sole amplification for a venue, and the micing plan might work better for a lower powered amp (I've seen Steve Vai do this)

Interesting!

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This post has been edited by Andrew Cockburn: Jan 4 2012, 09:27 PM

[SirJamsalot]

if I understand correctly though, you are already using the amps preamp, so why do you need to set one up on the HD? Why not just turn the amp off entirely? I agree with the Amp Combo stack setting though.

This method is used to bypass your pre-amp on amps whose loop input/outputs allow for it. My pre-amp knobs don't work when I'm plugged in via this method - bypassed completely - I'm still trying to experiment with it so I can't say from experience but I'm pretty sure that's the objective.

Also, for a PA system, seems you can change your settings to studio, and send your L/R directly into the P/A - you'd need to also set up your cab response simulation settings, but I think that would probably work better than the mic option because then you'd have true stereo for said effects - I was playing with the pong-delay in my senheisers and it sounds wicked good in stereo. The POD is great in terms of being able to move effects pre-post it's own cab-settings. If you want your existing stack's tone, then I think I would just have a set of boss or other pedals (chorus, delay, tube-screamer) plugged into a Mesa (if I could afford one) and mic the stack!

There seems to be some crossover these days between amp simulation and the real-deal. I think POD's are intended to be your virtual amp sent through a PA system. I think they try to accommodate those who want all the cool effects of the POD as a flavor to be added to your normal rig's tone. I don't know that a hybrid use like that has all its wrinkles ironed out - but that's just based on what I've been reading over the past several weeks, and one reason why I started this thread - to see how others are using their POD and the results!




This was an interesting read:
http://line6.com/support/thread/77225?tstart=0

Two things to pull from this thread - the headphones you use for your HD500 should have greater than 40 ohms - Senheiser280's are used internally by the POD team? I found this odd, but seems to be a point of interest in the thread.

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I have actually asked for clarification on that 150-600ohm range, as if you look out there most studio cans are under 150ohms.  there are some Sennheiser HD280Pro's in a 300ohm version, but they're not as easy to get hold of as the 64ohm versions.  BUT Line 6 has confirmed previously that the 150-600ohm range is accurate.

that said it seems cans with 60ohms or more seem ok, it's when you start getting to below 40 that people report audio problems like hearing a hum all the time or the audio quality being affected... DJ headphones usually have under 30ohms so you should stay well away from them.

there is a post on this forum where even one of the LIne 6 tech's says you should stay between 150 and 600 ohms, but then suggests using Sennheiser HD280Pros, with a link to the 64ohm versions...  quite a few users seem to like them, and I have never noticed any hum or audio issues, so they seem like a solid option and they work which is why I suggested them.

But it's your choice in the end.

Secondly - KRK Studio Monitors are great for home practice

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KRK Studio monitors are great for guitars.  You could just use 1, and for that I suggest getting a Rokit G2 8" model.  if you want a pair, then the 6" or 5" models will do.  of course it does depend on your tone.  if you like a thick lump of bass in your tone, the bigger speakers may help a little, but the 5's and 6's are surprisingly good at giving a lot of bass too... so I guess it also depends on the volume level you want...
Myself and several of the other experts here all use KRK Rokit's...

Sennheiser HD280Pro Cans are good for late night jamming if you don't want to wake your family or neighbours.  At least one of the other experts also uses these Sennheisers too.

for your bedget you could get a pair of the 6" KRK's and the headphones for $500 from sweetwater.  If it was my choice that's what I'd be buying.

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[Todd Simpson]

Secondly - KRK Studio Monitors are great for home practice
]KRK Studio monitors are great for guitars. You could just use 1, and for that I suggest getting a Rokit G2 8" model. if you want a pair, then the 6" or 5" models will do. of course it does depend on your tone. if you like a thick lump of bass in your tone, the bigger speakers may help a little, but the 5's and 6's are surprisingly good at giving a lot of bass too... so I guess it also depends on the volume level you want...
Myself and several of the other experts here all use KRK Rokit's...

for your bedget you could get a pair of the 6" KRK's and the headphones for $500 from sweetwater. If it was my choice that's what I'd be buying.

------------

BINGO! When I got my KRK Rokit 6 monitors and started using Guitar Rig with an external Pre-Amp, I actually took my physical Guitar Rig apart and started selling pieces of it. The emulation through the rokits was just that good. Recording decent tone got wads easier and going between mic reposition and mouse over and over is a thing of the past. I recently added a pair of AKG MK II and Booya! Killer sound from heaphones or speakers.

The cones in the KRK are a carbon weave that does a really good job on guitar. Especially big / heavy/ crunchy guitar

Todd

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This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jan 17 2012, 10:55 PM