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1524 Views 13 Replies Latest reply: Sep 16, 2011 9:27 AM by AZGdude RSS
AZGdude Just Startin'
AZGdude
155 posts since
Oct 1, 2010
Currently Being Moderated

Sep 15, 2011 8:23 AM

HD Firmware Update

To my great disappointment the POD HD Pro has been released without an accompanying HD firmware update or any new amp models or amp packs. The HD lineup has now been available for nearly one year, firmware version 1.31 has been out for more than four months and there are still  lots of bugs and annoyances that have yet to be fixed. Seems that fixing what is wrong with the HD lineup is taking a back seat to repackaging the HD500 in different cases (bean, rack).

 

So Line 6, are you ever going to address  the outstanding HD issues or add new amp/effect models? Here are a few of the well documented issues I have with the HD500. If I missed any, and I am sure I have, feel free to add them.

 

  1. 4x12 Cabinets generally have excessive bass (seems to be around 150Hz) and other frequency weirdness that usually requires 1 or 2 EQs to sound decent.
  2. Add patch and global EQ without using effect blocks
  3. Add shelf type EQ
  4. Tap tempo fix
  5. Chorus volume jump fix
  6. Knob latching to current setting to stop big adjustment jumps and setting flutter
  7. New amp/cab/effect models (free or even paid expansion packs)
  8. ...
  • ethyl80 Just Startin'
    ethyl80
    150 posts since
    Jan 27, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 14, 2011 4:51 PM (in response to AZGdude)
    Re: HD Firmware Update

    Have we seen what firmware the HD Pro is shipping with? There might not be any new features, but there might be new firmware fixing the bugs.

    • Nick_Mattocks Best of the Best
      Nick_Mattocks
      9,065 posts since
      Mar 26, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Sep 14, 2011 11:16 PM (in response to ethyl80)
      Re: HD Firmware Update

      I can't say what Line 6 might or might not be working on regarding firmware updates for the POD HD range, but the current HD Pro firmware is version 1.30 which is functionally the equivalent of firmware version 1.31 for the POD HD500.

       

      Nick

      • AZGdude Just Startin'
        AZGdude
        155 posts since
        Oct 1, 2010
        Currently Being Moderated
        Sep 15, 2011 8:40 AM (in response to Nick_Mattocks)
        Re: HD Firmware Update

        nickmattocks wrote:

         

        I can't say what Line 6 might or might not be working on regarding firmware updates for the POD HD range,

        I sure wish Line 6 was a little more open on what improvements they are working on for the HD lineup. Fractal Audio is constantly listening to their users and making updates accordingly. They even drop hints now and again of new features coming in future firmware updates. Line 6 on the other hand usually says nothing leaving end users to guess if anything else is ever going to get fixed or improved. And the more time that passes between updates the more frustrating it gets.

  • relayerjb Just Startin'
    relayerjb
    90 posts since
    Aug 8, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 14, 2011 8:31 PM (in response to AZGdude)
    Re: HD Firmware Update

    # 2, 4, 5, and 6 are major important for me too.  I have a few more, like allowing persistent parameter values when changing amps or effects instead of automatically reverting to defaults...   will post when I have more time.

     

    And new amps and effects are always welcome.

    • AZGdude Just Startin'
      AZGdude
      155 posts since
      Oct 1, 2010
      Currently Being Moderated
      Sep 15, 2011 8:27 AM (in response to relayerjb)
      Re: HD Firmware Update

      relayerjb wrote:

       

      # 2, 4, 5, and 6 are major important for me too.  I have a few more, like allowing persistent parameter values when changing amps or effects instead of automatically reverting to defaults...   will post when I have more time.

       

      And new amps and effects are always welcome.

      This would be a cool option if it could be tuned on/off.

  • FrozenOzone Just Startin'
    FrozenOzone
    175 posts since
    Oct 12, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 15, 2011 11:16 AM (in response to AZGdude)
    Re: HD Firmware Update

    I am still waiting on a live performance option.  This would allow you to disable all the knobs on top of the 500 including volume when you are in this mode.

    I don’t know how many times in the past year I have hit the volume knob either with my foot when using the WAH or my guitar cable runs across it and changes the volume. I have had my guitar cable wedge between the other knobs as well and change during a live performance.

    Did I read somewhere that the Pro version has this option?  If so why?  It’s a rack mounted unit and not at your feet.

    I agree with you on 1,2,3,6 and 7.  What do you mean by # 5?  Is there a particular Chorus that it’s happening on because I haven’t noticed this issue? I don’t use the tap tempo yet.

    And yes I have put in feature requests for the live performance mode to be added many times.  Like that will help because it’s coming from the same person.

    I do like my 500 and haven’t complained about it much since the 1.31 update so I hope they are still listening. 

     

    
    • AZGdude Just Startin'
      AZGdude
      155 posts since
      Oct 1, 2010
      Currently Being Moderated
      Sep 15, 2011 2:41 PM (in response to FrozenOzone)
      Re: HD Firmware Update

      FrozenOzone wrote:

       

      I agree with you on 1,2,3,6 and 7.  What do you mean by # 5?  Is there a particular Chorus that it’s happening on because I haven’t noticed this issue? I don’t use the tap tempo yet.

      

      Placing a chorus after the mixer (not sure about other locations) cause a big increase in volume when turn on. And since there is no output level you can not adjust it.

  • hansvaneven Just Startin'
    hansvaneven
    372 posts since
    Jan 31, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 15, 2011 12:30 PM (in response to AZGdude)
    Re: HD Firmware Update

    Global EQ like on the GT10 would be great and the EQ's are currently total toys IMHO, some of them already color sound without making any mods to it, which is not good, surely not transparent, I actually prefered the EQ's from X3 and pod farms. A good updated  fullly parametric EQ is really needed.

     

    Also, X3 live had nice options so you could re-amp pure guitar tones from a track, after one year, the HD500 still can't do this, which I can't understand. The only thing that's better in the HD500 are the amp models, but that's it ... and yes they still can be improved.

     

    I may want to look into other devices, because I don't have much hope anymore to see important updates. Would be great if Line 6 could let us know, because if they don't expect to update the EQ's and some FX, I'd consider selling the unit for something better.

     

    Cheers,

     

    Hans

    • AZGdude Just Startin'
      AZGdude
      155 posts since
      Oct 1, 2010
      Currently Being Moderated
      Sep 15, 2011 2:42 PM (in response to hansvaneven)
      Re: HD Firmware Update

      hansvaneven wrote:

       

      I may want to look into other devices, because I don't have much hope anymore to see important updates. Would be great if Line 6 could let us know, because if they don't expect to update the EQ's and some FX, I'd consider selling the unit for something better.

       

      Maybe that is why they don't say anything? Can't or don't want to make many of the requested updates and figure saying anything will hurt sales? After a year on the market I am really surprised and disappointed by the pace of development of the HD lineup. Thought for sure we would of seen new amps (either free or paid) by now.

      • hansvaneven Just Startin'
        hansvaneven
        372 posts since
        Jan 31, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Sep 16, 2011 12:42 AM (in response to AZGdude)
        Re: HD Firmware Update

         

        Maybe that is why they don't say anything? Can't or don't want to make many of the requested updates and figure saying anything will hurt sales? After a year on the market I am really surprised and disappointed by the pace of development of the HD lineup. Thought for sure we would of seen new amps (either free or paid) by now.

         

        Yes, probably the reason of the silence, still there's some good potential, they simply have to update a few things, but the models are already very good, just more of 'm, better FX, re-amping via USB (and not via analog) and a very good EQ that's usefull, and for the HD pro x2 the DSP, .... puleeeze ?

         

        Hans

        • AZGdude Just Startin'
          AZGdude
          155 posts since
          Oct 1, 2010
          Currently Being Moderated
          Sep 16, 2011 9:27 AM (in response to hansvaneven)
          Re: HD Firmware Update

          hansvaneven wrote:

           

          Yes, probably the reason of the silence, still there's some good potential, they simply have to update a few things, but the models are already very good, just more of 'm, better FX, re-amping via USB (and not via analog) and a very good EQ that's usefull, and for the HD pro x2 the DSP, .... puleeeze ?

           

          Hans

          I agree there's lots of potential and most of the models do sound pretty good. Although I do find it annoying that I often need to use 1 or 2 EQs after the mixer to get it to sound good (going direct to PA/monitors). With the Axe and 11R EQ is not needed to get a good tone. EQs are used as icing on the cake.

  • mput Just Startin'
    mput
    66 posts since
    Nov 4, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Sep 16, 2011 3:50 AM (in response to AZGdude)
    Re: HD Firmware Update

    I'm with you guys. I'm getting really frustrated with the lack of concern by L6. I've been a L6 guy for a long time but I'm having second thoughts about continuing with them. Never felt this way before. People always ask me how I like the HD500 and it’s difficult if not impossible for me to recommend it to anyone. This is not good. Update is severely needed. If we don’t see an update in the next few months I will move on. Don’t want to...  but I will.

    
    • DeanDinosaur Iknowathingortwo
      DeanDinosaur
      443 posts since
      Jul 30, 2009
      Currently Being Moderated
      Sep 16, 2011 7:16 AM (in response to mput)
      Re: HD Firmware Update

      I still have no problem recommending the HD500 to anyone. I certainely would be much happier if line6 would give us all these updates. Regarding EQ I think they sound great but if the Editor will give a visual representation of what happens when I change any setting, even  a simple crude graph would make  things a whole lot better. I'm very happy with the sounds I'm getting, but for now I have to live with the nuisance of having to work with an EQ that has no visual representation. Everything that I learned about EQ in the past seem to prepare me very little to using the EQ in the HD products in an efficient manner. 

       

      A quick fix would be to give visual graph in the editor for starter and a real fix would be to provide an EQ that you know the actual frequency with a Q, and if they give the choice of the shape of the filter (Shelve, Bell, Hi pass, low pass etc) for each of the bands they will have the most flexible EQ available anywhere that most of us can use without even seeying a graph. Three bands EQ where you can customize each band to your needs would be perfect for everyone. It shouldn't eat the much CPU and if you need you can stack 2 of them to conroll 6 bands of EQ.  Better yet if the EQ allows you to customize the number of Bands (up to six let's say) and dynamically change the DSP usage based on how many bands you use, it would be the ultimate EQ, you can use as little as one band and preserve DSP or whatever you choose

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