Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

The pod hd500 is a dream come true for all us rockers on a tight budget. The tone once properly set up is amazing.Any effect in any order and realistic models of 25 of the worlds most sought after amps to boot. I see a lot of complaints about bad tone however this is all due to inexperience with the gear and a poorly written manual. In connecting to a tube amp the best way is the 4 cable method which is easy enough but what is not described is to move the mixer to the end of the chain when doing so. This is where the bad reviews start happening . Without exhaustive digging in to line 6 user forums and other places one will never figure it out. After having it for a few months I finally have it figured out and I am very glad I stuck with it. If you get one don't expect immediate magic to start pouring out of your fingers. Take the time to read the user forums and tinker around with it before giving up and returning it. If anyone from line 6 reads this - You guys need to go bk to owners manual writing class

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

31 years performance experience. I play in a cover band we do it all. Playing all venues. That requires that I have at least 3 amp models at my disposal. Marshall Fender and Vox. The rest can be faked. And of course I need every effects unit out there. This thing has all of that. I've used it for about 2 years now. I plug directly into it and use the amp models as a preamp the output goes into a tube power amp. You really need a tube in there somewhere. With that setup I can control the volume from the front of the stage and of the amp controls are right in front of me. My biggest complaint is that you can only really have one amp model per preset. The do allow amp blending, but it isn't the same and it sucks the life out of the DSP processor. So, swithing from Marshall to fender means I have to have multiple presets per amp type, which means each preset has to also contain all of my effect choices, which means if I want to alter one effect I have to do it on multiple presets. The only reasonable solution I came up with was to purchase a second amp modeler who's only job is amp modeling. The HD500 now just acts as my effects boxes.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

THE GOOD:

1. The unit is flexible and offers a wide variety of tones and effects.

2. The software allowing you to create and edit sounds is straight forward and easy to use.

THE BAD:

1. The power cable is short and made of cheap plastic. It also does not stay in place easily. Given that the unit is designed to sit on the floor where someone will inevitably step on it, I would have expected a more solid cable and connection. If you gig with this, be prepared to replace the power supply or have a spare handy. The connection in the floorboard itself can also be easily damaged.

2. Although the case is made of sturdy metal, the main component of the floorboard is still exposed plastic. Any inadvertent liquid spills will kill it. It would also be easy for someone to break the display and knobs if accidentally stepped on. In comparison, stuff by Boss is usually made to hold up better.

THE UGLY:

1. The way the unit models power amp distortion produces a harsh, mechanical buzzing on almost all amp models. Once noticed it is maddening. It ruins the tone completely. I have had limited success eliminating the buzzing by modifying the bias controls in the amp settings, but the only real way to deal with it is to turn the master volume of the amps way down. When you do, you lose most of the positive traits of the power amp modeling. Some argue the POD replicates real amps, "warts and all." Even if that's true (my real amps don't do this), why model the warts? That, I can't understand.

2. The amp modeling also produces ghost notes that makes it sound like there is someone else playing behind you. Although it does not happen all the time, it happens enough to be annoying.

3. The EQ settings are based on percentages rather than hertz, thus making them impractical. There is information available online to help you navigate this, but why do it in the first place?

IN SUMMARY:

I always have high hopes for modeling units, and although this represents an improvement, the power amp modeling is not pleasing, but harsh. I do not expect a unit in this price range to sound as good as the real thing, but until digital equipment can accurately replicate real gear in a pleasing way, I will spend most of my time with the real thing.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

Bought and use with DT25 line 6 amp. Connects with one XLR cable and is effortlessly seemless. The sound is amazing. Only complaint is the pod does not have an on/off switch. On and off is controlled by the plug.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

I went after the PODHD500 because I wanted something that would function as a versatile pedal board without making a good tube amp sound like it had been neutered. It worked like a charm using the 4 Cable Method. I use a JVM series Marshall capable of receiving midi signals to change channels/modes along with the PODHD500's patch programs and that also works like a charm. For general headphone practice and recording; the amp modeling did not disappoint. With the free firmware upgrade (Mac Motorola Power PC processor not supported - only intel Macs) - you get deep editing of conditions such as biasing, sag and ac hum interaction - and more. I recommend spending some time getting to know the unit before rigging it up. You'll want to know what your doing and focus on sound.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

Great sounds. Great effects.

I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 since the physical device could be designed better. (The sound is terrific.)

As others have noted, ignore the sounds shipped with the HD 500. Immediately download some new tones from Line 6 to get started and use them to give you some templates/ideas. Then create your *own* custom tones. Your custom tones will sound really good. Use the HD Edit software. There is a learning curve if you have not used Line 6 software to deep edit a Line 6 device before. If you have used any of their software (or Fender software to edit a Mustang), then you will get the hang of it quickly.

The screen on the HD 500 is too small. For live performance, you may have problems. The only usable screen on stage is performance mode - the one showing your patch location. The old FBV Shortboard had a much, much better display. If you play live, you may want to get a HD "Bean" POD (instead of the HD 500)and connect it to the FBV MKII. Then you can see your patch *names* and locations.

The HD 500 footswitch lights are also way too dim for live performance. On a well lit stage, you can't see which switches are on/off. If you use the switches to add or toggle assigned effects (which you probably will), you need to be able to see if they are on or off. So the "Bean" HD version combined with a FBV MKII would actually be something you can see. (I used to use a POD 2.0 with a Shortboard and it worked very well on stage.)

I love the ability to add the effects I want and to arrange them in any order. It's like having a gazillion pedals *and* being able to change the order from one patch to another. You can really change the sound and tone by customizing the order of the effects.

The amps sound really good. You can combine amps, too, so you can get really great sounds. Some amps sound so good you won't need to add any effects (accept maybe a noise gate and some reverb).

I am very happy to have it and would buy it again.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

The POD HD500 is the first Line 6 product I have ever purchased. Not because I haven't used their products, but I found previous iterations of their "amp modeling" to be somewhat sterile and unresponsive. However, with the HD500, that has all changed. The HD500 does an amicable job of replicating tube amp tone. The effects are also extremely high in quality and versatile. Granted, I wish the display was bigger, and the unit is somewhat difficult to use utilizing the small display and editing knobs on the unit. However, I use the POD HD Editing software which really makes it simple to create a dizzying array of tones. I have to disagree with those writers who say that this unit is only good for creating "space tones." For the most part the HD500 has taken the place of my tube amp and analog pedal setup as it is far more versatile, compact, and produces quality, responsive sounds.
I currently run it through a Crate Powerblock and a pair of Kustom PA speakers. I looked into competing products, but found the HD500 to have the most authentic amp tones.
Line 6 has finally got it right. I am extremely impressed with the HD500, especially considering the price.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

Fantastic amps, effects, etc.. Very, very convincing models of almost everything. The default presets are goofy and terrible for the most part. I recommend going to Line 6's site and downloading more useable sounds ASAP. The integration with Line 6 Variax guitars is an absolute revelation. Connect them with the VDI cable and no battery worries, no extra pedals or power supplies. One cable does it all. Add a specific Variax guitar to your POD presets and change it all instantly with a single tap on a footwitch! This setup just kills.

There's only a couple of minor annoyances with the unit. It's not particularly small or light, so why not have the power supply built in Line 6? You'll ask yourself this the first time you show up at a gig with everything EXCEPT the power supply. Also, the LCD display would have been rejected by Casio in 1982. Luckily, it comes with excellent Mac/PC software for editing, so if you don't mind using a computer, you'll never notice the bad little screen.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

First off, I am a tech savvy pro musician who likes to tinker and even after reading how difficult the HD 500 was to use and deciding (incorrectly) that I was smarter than everyone else, I have to honestly admit, this device bested me. I have joined the "Confused Owners Club". The HD 500 is easily one of the least intuitive pieces of tech I think I've ever purchased. I have over 20 years experience programming on small LCD screens (keyboards, rackmount effects etc) and the HD 500 would chase them all up a tree.

Having to download the "real" manual from the website as well as the Amp Model Guide is absolutely bushleague. I'm all for saving a tree but if I didn't have internet, I can't imagine how incensed I would have been. Sure most of us have internet and high speed at that, but Line 6 is assuming an awful lot. I like to curl up with a good manual and dig into it. Certainly Line 6's intent wasn't to save a tree, becuz if I print this out single sided, it's going to waste WAY more paper than if they had just professionally printed it - say like, oh, every other manufacturer on the planet.

The best part? Even with the "real" 2.0 PDF manual, I have had to rely on the kindness of strangers via Youtube and Forum boards to REALLY tell me how to use this device. That is simply unforgivable!

Immediataly upon setup, you are asked to download the latest update for the pedal, which requires a USB connection to your PC or Mac. No problems there - and the update provides you with different preset patches. I played around with the originals before updating the machine and like many people, found many of the presets gimmicky and almost useless. Granted, this machine is meant to provide great amps and effects and once you start building them yourself, you will see how fanastic it is.

Line 6 provides its own software (PC / MAC), POD HD 500 Edit which is a very helpful GUI for programming the system as the LCD display on the unit will most likely confuse you too. This software is an absolute MUST HAVE.

My other complaint about the presets is the volume settings which are set at either level 1 or Spinal Tap 11. Some consistency would have been appreciated. Don't be testing this out on headphones.

Once you start programming the device (and have logged a few hours of Youtube vids) you'll begin to see the genius behind this unit - and eventually your frustration will melt away leading to a child-like sense of wonder, as to the endless capabilities of what you have at your fingertips.

I don't play with a lot of effects. I like a great clean sound, a great dirty sound - maybe toss in some verb, Wah and chorus to taste depending on the style. I'm not fussy. I play a USA Fender Strat and an Ibanez Electric Acoustic, therefore this unit is way more than I need. But I had the funds, so this is what I bought. When I experimented with just the amps, I was satisfied with the purchase right there. Really great sounding stuff!

Now that we've gone through the rough stuff, and came out the other side to the positive, we can answer the Q, who is this unit for? Certainly it's not for Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen or Buddy Guy... a pro guitarist ouldn't be caught dead using amp modelling, right? Why would they?

I bought it because I can't afford a ton of different amps (or effects) and don't want to lug a Marshall Stack to a gig. I bought it, because I'm willing to settle for "this is as close as I'm going to get to the real thing". I have hearing damage as well (not from music) and am single-sided deaf, and want the sound of a cranked amp, without actually cranking to the point where my other ear is gone. I have a vintage Fender amp and this POD sounds just as good. I can't compare to the other amps I used to have that are emulated here because I can't remember what they sounded like. So, I'll take Line 6's word for it.

I do a lot of recording and lite gigging so this unit will be perfect for me. I have not gigged with it yet as I am not comfortable with the sounds yet - but I am looking forward to hitting the stage with it soon.

I love the fact that there are some emulated bass amps in here. I haven't recorded with the bass yet, so I can't comment, but I'm hoping for some inspired results.

Tip: Make sure you change the factory setting sound output (depending on how you are connecting to a PA, AMP or recording device) as that makes a big difference.

In conclusion, your Honor, the HD500 is all that you could possibly want and more in an amp modeliing effects al-in-one, but that comes with a price, namely , well the actual price and secondly, the very steep learning curve. Don't buy this and expect to rely on it for a gig the next day.

I promise it may not be love at first sight (which could be disappointing) but that love with grow with time.

Comments about Line 6 POD HD500 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor:

My first board...Still learning it, but I won't have to upgrade for a long time!