Community: Message List

Re: Spider Valve MK2 - Question about amp models

support@line6.com — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:45:26 GMT

troll?

Not at all. But since you've bumped the thread, here is what I found with the POD HD.

L6 has indeed included this 50/60Hz intermodulation feature in many of the amplifier models. However, this "feature" can be disabled in these amplifiers by going into the settings and adjusting the "HUM" parameter to zero. Once at zero, the intermodulating notes cease to appear.

The fact that the intermodulation can be "dialed in" supports my original notion that this is not part of the actual modeling process, even though the particular modeled amplifier may have exhibited this noise. The HUM function was apparently "added" into the DSP software as a simple means for L6 to model this defect (or effect if you will) in any amplifier they encountered.

Re: RE: I got strange noise from amp simulations

support@line6.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:39:14 GMT

Although hum and the intermodulation it produces with the guitar notes is sometimes present in old amplifiers with failing filtering capacitors, it is rarely if ever a "good" thing. It's a clear indication that the amp's power supply needs refurbishng.

It has been said that some new amplifiers also exhibit this artifact, but like Dennis, I have never heard one, and I would challenge anyone to demonstrate one. I have a difficult time believing any amp designer would be satisfied with their amp sounding this way if it was meant for commercial sale.

RealZap, you have your opinion, and I have mine. I would bet however, that given a choice between two identical amplifiers tested side-by-side, one with the artifact, and one without, 99% of guitarists would choose to buy the amp without.

Re: RE: I got strange noise from amp simulations

support@line6.com — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:43:09 GMT

You're welcome Dennis.

L6 themselves should be letting folks know about this tip. In addition, they should be setting the HUM levels to zero by default.

They spoiled many useable amp tones in the "POD X3" with this silly HUM thing.

Re: POD X3 Future Updates

support@line6.com — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 12:19:37 GMT

John,

I have the POD HD as well, but there are quite a number of amplifier models the X3 has that the HD does not. And oddly, the one or two that DO overlap sound quite different in comparison, and I prefer those in the X3.

I agree that L6 most likely won't be offering any new updates for the X3, but it is still considered an active and supported product. The fact that it is not in the "legacy" section of this forum speaks to that.

If L6 does not wish to update the X3, then I would ask they continue to further update the HD to include all the amps they had in the X3. One fine example is the variac'd plexi lead. This one (and many others) is so polluted by L6's added "HUM" that it is almost unusable, yet this is one of the best sounding amps in the lot.

It is funny that L6 brags so much about this added HUM, yet in actuality, it is most certainly the worst and most ill-conceived "feature" they have ever incorporated into their products.

POD X3 Future Updates

support@line6.com — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 02:04:44 GMT

The forum seems dead, and certainly broken (can't edit posts), but here goes anyway in the hopes that some L6 personnel might see this:

Will there ever be any more updates for the POD X3?

If so, please consider including the means to either adjust or turn off the 60Hz HUM that is being introduced in many of the amplifier models. This HUM causes intermodulation products and sounds quite terrible. This control was offered in the HD, and it would be much appreciated in the X3 as well.

That is the only update I would ask for in the X3.

Regards,

poynt99

Re: Pod x3 live output modes question ( Fender Frontman 2 12 )

support@line6.com — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 15:35:13 GMT

It comes down to what sounds good for you.

I am using both the POD X3 and POD HD with my Spider IV 75, and the only way I can get a decent over all tone is to set the POD outputs to "Combo Front" with the following settings: Low=Flat, Highs=-19, Focus=300Hz, and using the Spider's MP3 input direct from the 1/4 output on the PODs.

Setting the PODs to "Combo Power" sounds aweful.

I'd sure like to know how L6 came up with these outpu frequency contours, when it doesn't even sound right with their own amplifier? Apparently, their ears hear quite differently than mine, and obviously several other people's as well.

Re: POD HD + MK II - Lights not working for STOMP and MODULATION

support@line6.com — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:45:04 GMT

Something wrong with the software here, it wouldn't let me edit my last post.

ETA:

I have a FBV shortboard mk II connected to the POD HD.

Good grief L6, whay can you not auto-detect your own accessories?

Re: POD HD + MK II - Lights not working for STOMP and MODULATION

support@line6.com — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:37:30 GMT

OK, this problem has been figured out (at least in my case).

In System Setup on page 2 is the "FBV EXPRESS" ON or OFF, I had it set to ON when it should be OFF. Apparently I didn't scrutinize the wording well enough, because I thought it basically meant "Do you have an FBV pedal connected?", when in actuality, the EXPRESS is a different animal from the shortboard mk II.

Re: POD HD + MK II - Lights not working for STOMP and MODULATION

support@line6.com — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 00:09:55 GMT

Setting the unused FX blocks to use "none" footswitch did not solve my problem of unlit LEDs.

Re: POD HD + MK II - Lights not working for STOMP and MODULATION

support@line6.com — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:55:16 GMT

The footswitch does change the effect. It is the LED that doesn't illuminate.

I found in a post one of the L6 guys said that this has happened before, and it turned out to be caused by having a foot switch assigned to a blank block in the signal chain. I have not had a chance to check this out, but if this is the case, L6 should fix this problem by automatically assigning "no footswitch" to all empty signal chain blocks.