Community: Message List - Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:07:16 GMT

I find that using Studio / Direct or the Combo Poweramp mode into the DT amps using the Full amp sims seems to work well except for metal type tones then it's Preamp amp sims. I also find that turning off the speaker sims sometimes sounds better.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:23:18 GMT

It's ok if the amp defaults to a certain level. But I don't understand why this volume setting is not accessable from the outside (neither on the HD or via MIDI on the DT).

It renders the looper totally useless in a live stuation if the DT output level is totally unpredictable when changing sounds while looping.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:59:38 GMT

I agree and prefer it that way.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:41:02 GMT

But there is still a strong volume boost in the DT if I use the JCM model compared to other amp models. It looks like there is another hidden boost parameter set somewhere when the POD configures the DT for the JCM model (or a damping parameter for all the others). Maybe that also applies to other amp models but I haven't tested that yet.

Each of the (pre) amp models in the HD has a different volume level, regardless of the DT topology settings. Some are more different than others. If you search the threads, you will see that this has been discussed before, and apparently it's an aspect of the more authentic modeling of the real amps provided by the HD series.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:05:12 GMT

You can put the looper at the front of the chain but then it records the guitar signal only and no FX. I've always thought the looper is a bit of an afterthought on this unit. All I use it for is getting peticular tone correct. As an autoplay while I tweak dials feature.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:44:13 GMT

I know that I have to deal with volume jumps when I switch amp topology or class A/B etc. This can't be leveled out because channel volume sits in front of the looper and not behind. But that's just the nature of things and can be dealt with if I don't change power amp settings with my looper presets.

But in this scenario I set both presets to exactly the same settings on the POD, on the DT front panel and in the DT Edit software, only the preamp model differs. So the power amp should behave exactly the same in both presets. But there is still a strong volume boost in the DT if I use the JCM model compared to other amp models. It looks like there is another hidden boost parameter set somewhere when the POD configures the DT for the JCM model (or a damping parameter for all the others). Maybe that also applies to other amp models but I haven't tested that yet.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 01:52:06 GMT

Makes sense to me as the amp topolgy is automatically switched via L6 Link and it is not when you just connect via 1/4 to the return. So, the (digital) Link way the amp switches its power section to the JCM800 or Blackface power section and the analog way has no way of communicating that info. Unless the plan is to use just two amp models based in the DT I would not connect via the power in as it limits the HD's control over the amp. Use the CH Vol to level it out.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:44:12 GMT

Thanks for all the great work guys. Lot's of fantasic info here.

I've discovered something weird in my DT25/HD500 setup that may be related.

I have created two simple presets, one with a JCM800 and one with a Blackface, amp only. The power amp and cab settings are exactly the same on both presets. Now I play something in the looper and toggle between the two.

If I feed the HD500 into the effect return of the DT then the looper playback is equally loud on both presets. Switching is seamless

If the DT is connected via Line6 Link then the looper is significantly louder when JCM800 preset is on.

So the DT power amp gets boosted by the HD with the JCM800 amp model for some strange reason.

This volume jump is really annoying if I want to use the looper.

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 03:01:04 GMT

Last post on this issue. I created a nice PDF with all the default settings for both amp and preamp models in the HD Edit software package.

Check it out, hope it is useful...

Re: Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25

support@line6.com — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:50:54 GMT

Thanks for the heads up. I'm glad more information is available to other users.