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.

CODE

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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