Community: Message List - Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:58:04 GMT

But it says "PRO" LOLOLOLOLOLL

To me, yes, the price difference is not justified, as I don't think I'd use ANY of the extra features, while I do need to use the foot controls.

But it was not designed for me - it was designed for Pro Studios who may NEED the extra I/O or Pro musicians who want their gear in racks away from danger (or don't want to run too much cable on stage as mentioned above). This is a different market, and they are willing to spend more for their ideal solution. Line 6 is willing to provide it, at what may be a higher profit margin (but that depends on the necessary capital investments and expected number of units sold).

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:58:36 GMT

There are a few differences where the Pro has more than the 500:

Switchable Pad, Filter and Phantom power on Mic input - you can use Condenser Mics but only self powered condensers or dynamics with the 500

S/PDIF Input - you can feed a digital input into a Pro (and it acts as an input source so the effect chain can be applied to it), the 500 can only output one - this means that you can connect a Pro as an extension to a 500 for double the power

AES/EBU Inputs and Outputs - not available on 500

Direct Dry 1/4" Output

The above mean that the Pro can be used to "re-amp" much more easily in a studio than a 500.

And obviously it fits in a rack. But for live use it does need a controller such as an FBV.

http://uk.line6.com/podhd/multi-effects/compare.html

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:16:01 GMT

I've been thinking about this a little recently.

Here's my situation; I have an HD500, which is great. I bought it when it hit the shops, before the Pro was available. Turns out, the way I use it is only in the studio, using the Mac to dial in tones, and running the XLRs to the mixer (which runs out to the PA and also into my recording computer via FireWire). I never use any of the foot switches or the expression pedal.

The annoying thing for me then, is that it takes up a whole load of space on the desktop, and nothing can sit on top of it because of the form factor. So, it sits on the floor under the desk, getting in the way and the every so often getting kicked.

Ok - so I figure I'll change it for the rack/desktop friendly HD Pro, seeing as I don't use it live or use the switches...

WAIT A MINUTE - the Pro is exactly the same thing as the HD500, but has LESS stuff... No buttons, no sturdy metal case all round, and no expression pedal... But it costs £200 MORE than the HD500?!?!?

WHAT? Am I missing something here? With the HD Pro, you are paying MORE money, to get LESS product. There is simply no way this bit of gear is worth £200 more than the HD500.

Or is there? I'm intrigued because from my perspective I can see no earthly reason why someone would go for a Pro over an HD500 given their vastly different price-points.

Until I get a good answer, I'll happily live with the inconvenience of the HD500 shape, with the knowledge that all the foot switches are there if I want them, and put the £200 ($323!) towards a new guitar.

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:46:53 GMT

Thanks for everyone who replied!

It helped a lot ;-)

I'm getting my HD500 now ;-)

ROCK ON!

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:25:31 GMT

I've had both and settled on the HD PRO.

The only reason was, I didn't like running power to the front of the stage for the HD 500 and G50 wireless I was using, and then running two 20' guitar cords back to my stereo amp from the 500. Now I have the HD PRO and a G90 wireless in the rack and the only cord running to the front of the stage is the Cat5 for the FBV Shortboard (Mark I) that I use.

Kind of pricey, but I like the lack of clutter and quick, easy, setup/teardown.

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:17:45 GMT

I have a HD500 and do it this way for my homerecording:

- I create seperate presets for recording over usb to DAW. They are different from my live presets because I don't use special effects for recording like chorus, delay and reverb.

- I create dual path sounds and record in mono.

> Left channel is my amp-channel with compressor / tube driver / overdirve etc. before the amp sims. This one I monitor to my ears over a mixer.

> Right channel is my "direct-in" channel, although inside the "dry channel" I also use the new EQ/preamp block taking care for input and output leveling.

Later in the mix I can choose and / or mix between amped - channel and dry channel.

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:06:09 GMT

maestro8989 wrote:

......
..... I'm planning to record guitars through USB. ......
It will be just Pod HD model, my DAW and a guitar....

Based on this requirement there is no added value to the HD Pro over the HD500. In fact, the cheaper HD500 will be better because of its built in pedal.

If you wanted to record the dry guitar track and reamp with the HD device using another audio interface then the HD Pro supports that more easily then the HD500 - but you don't mention this so I would recommend the HD500 for you.

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:23:17 GMT

The HD500 and HD Pro have exactly the same internal sound engine - therefore they sound the same. It may be that you just preferred the tones the guy deming the HD Pro used! Also, YouTube demos vary hugely in quality and in how they are recorded.

So you choice is whether you want/prefer a rack or floor unit, and whether you'd ever need the additional input/outputs available on the Pro. Of course if you got the rack you have the additional cost of buying one of the separate Line 6 FBV series models. I think the HD500 would be a better bet for you as the tones you'll get recorded will be no different than the Pro.

You can use any additional pedals in the effects loop of the HDs and integrate them fully anywhere within you HD-created tones. Of course you may like the HD wahs and not feel the need to bother, but Morleys are nice.

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:04:34 GMT

There should be no tone difference between the HD500 and Pro. They have exactly the same amps, effects and processing available to both units.

The Pro has more inputs and outputs and has better facilities for direct (clean) recording than the HD500. It is also (obviously) rack friendly). However you would need an FBV Floorboard or MIDI Controller if you want to do Wah, Volume swell or other expression pedal tricks.

The HD500 takes up floor/desk space but has all of the switching and expression pedal available.

Re: Pod HD 500 vs Pod HD Pro?

support@line6.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:37:38 GMT

I have an HD500 that I use live and an AXFXII for studio..

I have not used an HD PRO but I'm really happy with the 500 and use the editor for most changes... therefore, I think you are better off with the HD500 from a flexibility standpoint (and cost)...

I also use a JTV-69(K) live with the HD500... a great combination..

Good luck, either way is a good choice..