Community: Message List

Re: Is Line 6 still supporting/ interested in amp modeling?

support@line6.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:22:19 GMT

Line 6 has released major firmware updates for all of their modeling products within the last year. Tonally, they are on the cutting edge at their price point.

IMHO, they need to polish the firmware up a bit and I agree it does make them look sort of dumb. The EQ thing is just egregiously stupid and it is amazing it has been like that for so long. It basically cripples a critical feature of the unit. Honestly they just need to scrap those retarded things and redo them. Having fixed shelf points on the parametric basically requires me to burn two slots and more DSP by putting in redundant EQ blocks because no single block is useful by itself. Look at some of the patches by people like meambobbo, etc, and it's absurd how many EQ blocks they have to use for simple sound tweaks.

But, that said, their main focus with the HD line has clearly been on AMP MODEL QUALITY over speed of updates or quantity of new models/features which they were severely hassled about on previous generation units.

So, given that they have nailed down the bread and butter aspect of the unit, that they are the #1 selling line of products in the field, and that they have pushed new major updates across 7 units (5 PODs+2DTs), saying that it seems like they are "not interested" in modeling is just nonsense. I'd really defy you to explain how, for guitar, the HD units are missing some critical thing that is standing in the way of anyone's creativity/music making. IMHO, in spite of not being perfect, they are pretty much at the forefront of modeling as far as the gear industry goes in the consumer price range (say, < $1000) and they finally compare MUCH better than they used to in the no-expense spared category... to the point where I could see someone picking the HD over the higher priced units for some scenarios or tastes.

Re: Input setting when using HD Desktop in Valve amp's FX loop?

support@line6.com — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:53:13 GMT

Most preamps can drive an array of FX types from pedals to rack units. So, for use in an amp FX loop, you can just set it however you want in the patch based on what sounds best to you (lower input impedances will give a high end roll offm, etc).

I would personally set it to the typical/default 1M most of the time and just control the sound with the POD FX settings rather than relying on some secondary setting like impedance when using the POD as an FX only processor. The setting is mostly useful for guitars going straight into the input to get the feel of that old low resistance vintage effect some people want to emulate and not really a big deal for an FX only application.

Anyway, bottom line is, your amp's preamp should have no problems with the POD's input and you do not have to have some magic setting so you can set it however it sounds the best for any arbitrary patch, with the general rule being higher (1M+) settings would be most transparent for FX.

Re: Why I can't use patch from 500 400 ? I own Pod hd desktop

support@line6.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:40:10 GMT

It is cool that there are workarounds and it is much appreciated that people are willing to come up with them and contribute them here, but, to be honest, as a long time pod 2.0 and XT user who just recently upgraded to the HD desktop, I am surprised and disappointed that Line 6 has not taken ownership of making auto import work across compatible devices.

The internal hardware and firmware of the desktop, 500, and pro units are virtually identical and it is absurd that there are three separate editors and a convoluted import process given the value that a seamless import capability would provide to their customers. The 2.0 and XT lines both supported auto import of patches and a unified editor for related hardware and it is disconcerting that Line 6 has not addressed this given that these are no longer newly introduced products and are the mature core of their modeling technology.

In fact, overall, my first impression of the HD is that the editor/software and firmware are actually not nearly as well thought out or "finished" feeling as the XT was even though the units are up to a 2.x revision... aside from the pretty UI graphics, the entire thing feels like a beta/unfinished product and does not meet the standard Line 6 has set for itself in previous products, which is incredibly disappointing for a long time fan/customer.

So, really, IMHO, the poster's original question of "why" it is like this, and more importantly, if it will always be like this, should be addressed by L6 since they have clearly overcome this limitation on their legacy units and they are no longer meeting that level of capability with the HD.

Re: I found The PROBLEM!!

support@line6.com — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:19:17 GMT

I just had a brainstorm, dudes: Somebody should create an amplifier that uses digital models of tube amplifiers instead of actual tube hardware, then you'd never have to deal with issues like that. Oh wait. Nevermind.

Re: Where to put a BBE Sonic Maximizer with 4CM

support@line6.com — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:59:58 GMT

I've always found that for a guitar rig, the best place to put a Sonic Maximizer is: eBay. PS: Thanks for recognizing on the quote spaceatl!

Re: just about to buy a Pod HD Pro....

support@line6.com — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:39:22 GMT

I have an AxeFx Ultra but I am on an extended work assignment away from my actual home. Rather than take my AxeFx rig, I took my trusty Pod XT. I just pulled the trigger on a bean HD to replace it so I can try out Line 6's new tech (they added the Soldano model so I didn't have to break my solemn vow to never buy a modeler that did not model the SLO). I adored the XT, so I am sure I'm in for a treat. Even though I have a "bigger" rig, I found lots of uses for the XT due to its portability, ruggedness, and inexpensive (compared to the Fractal) replacement/repair cost, I've used it as a preamp/FX unit for a combo amp via the loop, a dedicated sound card for my laptop (Axe was interfaced to the desktop system), etc.

PODs are incredibly useful tools, I sold a ton of preamps, pedals, amps, and other rack units whne I got the Axe but kept the XT, one combo amp, one rack unit, and two stompboxes. To me being on that short list says a lot for those units. I fully expect the HD to be a worthy replacement.

Re: Status of HDs wrt Soldano Models

support@line6.com — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:41:10 GMT

That is awesome that it is officially confirmed. I figured that was probably the plan internally, since I know L6 has always tried to make their technology available in a wide variety of formats to suit their customer needs. But I don't want to drop the coin without at least knowing there's a public commitment of some sort in place.

Status of HDs wrt Soldano Models

support@line6.com — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:49:00 GMT

Hey Guys,

I am an old school POD guy, am stuck in a long term remote assignment for work, only gear I have is one beater guitar and my trusty XT Bean. I was thinking about upgrading it to an HD Bean since it looks like I will not be able to get back to my complete rig for a couple of months yet maybe even six months or longer, but I have taken a solemn vow to not purchase any modeling product that does not have at least one of a PV5150 or SLO100 model (seriously).

I've been mostly unplugged from the cutting edge of PODdom since the HD released.

So... I'm wondering: what is the status of the SLO model for the HD units? I know the 300 has one already. Given L6's history I would expect them to roll this into other units. The bean would probably have the most long term value for me, so I'd strongly prefer the desktop solution. Has L6 released an update for the Bean/500 yet? If not has there been any official confirmation of a plan to add it? If there was a plan I could at least pull the trigger knowing I would get it at some point.

Re: Why does POD HD series have fewer amp models than previous PODs?

support@line6.com — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:07:46 GMT

mabbaticchio wrote:

I used to have an XT bean with all the model packs and I used less than 10 .. let alone 16.... I'd rather have less reallly good ones that cover all the styles.... The only ones I do kinda miss a little are the Roland jazz clean and the Soldano SLO..... but the improved JM 800 more than makes up for that loss. Plus ... if you are going to be using these things live.... you really don't want to be going nuts using different amp models... Your bandmates will hate you and so will the sound guy.

Everyone always trots this stupid apologist argument out every time the lack of selection in a unit comes out but it's BS. I have been into modeling since the original POD and the truth is no matter what product you are talking about you will find one or two standout models in it that everyone loves but if you ask a couple hundred users to name their five most useful models, at some point nearly every single model in the device will be named.

Sure YOU may only use 5 models but I may use 7 or 8 and they may be a completely different. So, the prdocut NEEDS more models than just the one or two YOU like since it is being designed for the general market. So, while, quality is great, if you are going to be a "cover all the bases" product like these units are trying to be, more amp models are better than fewer. Sorry.

For example: the HD model selection completely sucks for vintage high gain tones, whereas the XT/X3 covered it in spades because it actually had a decent selection of models and it is hardly much better at the true high end of gain spectrum.

The HD is an incredibly weak product as a stand alone unit compared to where the 2 and XT were on the technology curve. L6 completely dropped the ball on so many potential things that could have made it perform at an entirely new level. It's an incredibly disappointing unit and the 1.4 firmware update reduces my hope that they are ever going to get it together. IMHO.

Re: Pod HD compatibility with old X3 models

support@line6.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:48:43 GMT

I know it doesn't affect L6 much but I am personally boycotting any POD product that does not have an SLO model or similar, now and in the future. Yes, it's that important.

the OP hit the nail on the head wrt the failings of the HD model selection for me. The new stuff is much less capable than the previous generation in the area once occupied by the Plexi Variac, Spinal Puppet, Purge, L6 MHG, and SLO models.

For now, I'm using POD Farm + Impulses for my L6 tones, this is > HD. IMHO. I don't care if they port every last thing over but they have a gaping hole in their coverage with this amp selection.