POD HD500 Mini-review

LesStrat

LesStrat

Reining PunLowered
I got the new POD last month, but didn't really begin programming it until a couple of weeks ago.

Overall, I really like it.

Pros:
1. amp models are significantly improved.
2. There are some :cool3: amp additions (Engl, Dr. Z)
3. Flexible signal chains
4. It's possible to program one switch/button to control multiple effects.
5. Dual amp tones are possible.
6. #3 includes the ability to "place" some effects into an effects loop.

Cons:
1. Much more difficult to program IMHO.
2. No more delay programming to bpm. I use that feature regularly on the X3L for church.:(
3. Fewer amp models.
4. Because of #3, previous POD patches are incompatible. When I upgraded from the XTL to the X3L, I was able to import and tweak. I had to start from scratch with the HD500.
5. It's too easy to overload the DSP, limiting signal chains.

I'm still programming. Good thing I didn't have to sell the other one yet. It'll probably be another couple of weeks before I have all of my main patches programmed.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

Initial tests are great, yet the programming learning curve is steep.

I've used it in band practice for the last two weeks. The first trial required quite a bit of tweaking. Last practice I hardly adjusted anything.

Some of these amp models sound HUGE.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

I still haven't used mine for anything other than practice and recording. Now that i have the DT25 that'll likely change as it becomes a pretty impressive combination.

Fully agree on your pros and cons, the DSP drove me nuts trying get a few things together. I ended up making 2 patches and putting them next to each other so I just switched between them. I am a bit of a klutz with pedals so I am nervous I would totally take myself out of the game hitting the wrong patch live but I am working on it. It's way out of my on stage comfort zone.

That said I really like HD500 and honestly when hooked up to the DT it is so great. I still hope that they'll add more models etc through firmware updates, be nice if they get it to the point that you had the options of the Vetta/X3L.
 
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Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

I program mine with the computer editor and it couldn't be simpler. I use mine for live playing and recording- even using 'no amp model' for a great pedalboard. I hate that there is no way to control the volume of the loop with the expression pedal...which you could easily do on the DL4 and M-series effects.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

POD question:

Does plugging in headphones disable the line out?

More specifically, Can you use headphones with a separate volume control as a monitor while playing live with the line out with seperate level control to the PA?

That's what I need desperately three time per year.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

I know plugging in the headphones doesn't disable any outputs. I don't think there is separate volume controls for the headphone and line out- I think they both go through the master volume of the unit.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

UMD: I'm no demo man. Check out ut00b.

I can't even find time to finish programming the silly thing. I certainly don't have time to fight my recording software.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

I'm still annoyed at L6 for removing the bpm settings from the delays. :saeek:
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

LesStrat said:
I'm still annoyed at L6 for removing the bpm settings from the delays. :saeek:
Click to expand...

I just use the tap tempo, but found this

"This is not a per effect number, it's per patch.

You can edit it on the HD500 in the setup menu, page 6/8."

midi-tempo.jpg

I have found the included amp models to be more than adequate, and actually found having 1,987,456 models pointless.
The DSP overload bothered me at first, but I found in real world usage it was a non issue (for me at least)

I have a clean preset, and overdrive preset, and a heavier overdrive preset. The fourth is an acoustic preset for when I plug my Taylor in.
Each preset for electric has an overdrive that can be added, and a modulated delay. I have the volume pedal, which changes to Wah with the toe switch.

I have one set for my humbucker guitar and one for my P90
 
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Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

Interesting. I'll look into it. I'm glad it's possible. In the X3L all I had to do was double tap the delay pedal and the menu came up.

You can move the volume control to the amp and free a pedal slot. Go to the amp, double-tap the "move" button to enter the amp setup, scroll (knob 1) to "volume". Set the control to Exp2, set the minimum to 0 and leave the maximum at the level you want. Save.

My only complaint doing it this way is that the pedal does not have an even volume range. Yet it does save a pedal slot for the patch.
 
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Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

I looked this evening and did not find that setup menu. Is it accessible w/o using HDEdit? I want to be able to change on the fly.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

To be clear, I do not want to set ALL delays to the same bpm. I DO want to set it by patch.
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

Ok, after 15 minutes getting the manual to finally download, I found it. Press and hold the "View" button to enter the setup menu.

I said this after the X3 series was released, and it is MORE true with the HD series: Previous POD manuals were written by guitarists who happened to be programmers. These manuals were written by programmers who happen to play guitar.:smack:

:argh::arg:
 
Re: POD HD500 Mini-review

After using it in rehearsals for the last 4 weeks, I really like the tones available. The programming remains quite a bit of an adjustment. Even tonight I tried to enter an effect setting by double-tapping the switch:doh:. That's how it worked on the XTL and the X3L. I miss that. Sometimes I need to quickly check the settings and could do so visually. Now it takes a bit of effort and I have to remember how to get to that screen:(
 
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