Skip navigation
Up to Discussions in POD HD
1723 Views 13 Replies Latest reply: Oct 21, 2011 12:47 AM by Nick_Mattocks RSS
ddsdmm Just Startin'
ddsdmm
6 posts since
Oct 3, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 3, 2011 1:57 PM

POD HD500 verses M13 functions

Hi, Is the functionality in the POD HD500 include all of the M13 functionality and can the POD HD act as a effects unit only?  Why would I purchase an M13 when I can have so much more with the HD500 floor unit?  I'm asking in a good way not saying the M13 is a poor choice but I'm curious what the advantages of the M13 are over the Pod HD500 Floor model

  • phil_m Expert Line 6 User
    phil_m
    4,243 posts since
    Jan 25, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 3, 2011 2:12 PM (in response to ddsdmm)
    Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

    Well, there are a few things that M13 offers that the HD500 doesn't that may or may not be important to you. The M13 can be set to true bypass. The looper playback and overdub levels can be tied to the expression pedal(s) on the M13. And perhaps, biggest imo, is the ease of use of the M13. The M13 is simply one of the easiest multi-FX pedals to use, I think. Especially if you're changing things on the fly. I just think it's a great form factor. The HD500 is a little more difficult to navigate, even with the editor. The M13 feels like a collection of stomboxes. The HD500 feels more like a typical multi-FX pedal.

    • ddsdmm Just Startin'
      ddsdmm
      6 posts since
      Oct 3, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 3, 2011 2:29 PM (in response to phil_m)
      Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

      Thank you for your input and it does help me with my quest for an M13 or HD500 floor unit.  I've read that the true-bypass and DSP bypass differences in live settings the differences are negligable.  I don't see where the POD HD500 has DSP bypass and don't think it does but if someone can correct me please do.

       

      thx - great forum

  • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
    silverhead
    9,592 posts since
    Apr 1, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 3, 2011 2:41 PM (in response to ddsdmm)
    Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

    If you already have a great sounding amp that you plan to continue using for your primary tone, and are mainly interested in FX I think the M13 may be a better choice. It's designed, as Phil says, as a collection of stompboxes and meant to be used with an amp.

     

    The Pod HD series, on the other hand, is primarily designed as an amp/cab modeler and works best (imho) when used direct to PA or in conjunction with a Line 6 DT25/50 amplifier. When used with another guitar amp it can take a lot of tweaking and/or trial and error with various connections and settings to get the tone you want. The amp model and the real amp don't always play well together in the same sand box.

     

    So it depends on what you are mainly interested in: just FX (M13) or primarily the amp/cab models, with lots of FX thrown in, to be used with a very tone-neutral amplifier or PA (Pod HD).

  • jimsreynolds Power User
    jimsreynolds
    2,227 posts since
    Jun 27, 43450
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 4, 2011 3:05 AM (in response to ddsdmm)
    Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

    Don't forget ... the M13 has just four programmable effect slots where as the HD500 has up to eight (DSP permitting).    The Interface on the M13 stompeth on the HD500 - particularly if you come from 'world of pedals'.  However if you are brave, have time to work on and setup your tones and are willing to learn the interface then the HD500 is more flexible overall.

  • THORNSZ Just Startin'
    THORNSZ
    31 posts since
    Oct 17, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 19, 2011 5:26 PM (in response to ddsdmm)
    Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

    this thread helps me a lot on which peds will i buy. but i'm still confused which of the 2 will i get. M13 is pretty a good choice coz it's easy to use. like what they said it's like a group of stompboxes in one. but the problem is you only get 4 FXs together unlike the HD500 which is up to 8. on the other HD500 is pretty complicated to use.

     

    hey PROs
    which of the pedals do you preffer for me? i play in a band and i'm gonna use this stuff for my live performance. is 4 fx(m13) enough for a normal musician? or if it would be better for me to grind up and learn how to use hd500? i'm still pretty confused.

     

    which is accesible to use on a live performance? m13 or HD500?

    • jimsreynolds Power User
      jimsreynolds
      2,227 posts since
      Jun 27, 43450
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 20, 2011 9:39 AM (in response to THORNSZ)
      Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

      Hi Thornsz

       

      I am definitely 'Amateur', but I do play out quite often with my band or jamming.  I can definitely use more than four effects in a patch but to be honest it depends on what you play, the sounds you like to use and the degree of control you want to exert overy your tone.

       

      Many people will be happy with just the four effects and will use just a couple of them.  Equally they may use just one or two basic sounds (clean, crunchy, dirty) and then have one or two special patches with special effects.. 

       

      Others amongst us want a lot more control and flexibility and may need more.  I run in a four cable mode and I use a studio EQ in all of my patches to provide a clean, neutral boost to compensate for a level change between my HD and amp input.

       

      For example, I have a generic clean sound which always has a reverb on (1) and I also have programmed buttons to add Chorus (2), delay (3), mild overdrive (4), compression (5) and the studio EQ (6). 

       

      With my generic highest gain patch, I use a noise gate on both input and in the effects loop (2), the studio EQ (2), an overdrive (4), wah (5), delay (6), chorus (7) and a final switchable level boost using a second studio EQ (8).

       

      I have been known on occasion to not have enough effect slots to complete a patch!!!   Rarely will I have all of these effects on simultaneously but I could easily have more than four.

       

      In general with live performance either unit will work well but if you need to change something in a hurry, it will be easier on the M13.  With the HD you need to have worked things out well in your rehearsals and private time.  That is not to say that you cannot make reasonably quick changes on the HD but I would not like to be challenged with it mid-song !

       

      Finally (other people correct me on this) I think placement of effects is more flexible on the HD, particularly if you want more than one of the same effect type.  I am not sure on this point so don't quote me.

      • phil_m Expert Line 6 User
        phil_m
        4,243 posts since
        Jan 25, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 20, 2011 11:24 AM (in response to jimsreynolds)
        Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

        Finally (other people correct me on this) I think placement of effects is more flexible on the HD, particularly if you want more than one of the same effect type.  I am not sure on this point so don't quote me.

         

        Well, in some sense the placement of effects in the HD500 is more flexible because you have the whol dual path feature that allows you to some things with wet/dry mixes more easily than you could on the M13. However, there's no limitations on effect placement or multiple instances of effects on the M13 either.

      • THORNSZ Just Startin'
        THORNSZ
        31 posts since
        Oct 17, 2011
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 20, 2011 11:42 PM (in response to jimsreynolds)
        Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

        i consider your insights as a guide though. but i am more into the accesibility and at the same time can also cater my sound needs. i'm an amateur too but i play regularly... on my church band which needs me to have some crunch, clean, reverbs, delay, etc... and also on my metal band which i need a heavier sound with some delays and stuff.

         

        i like m13 though when it comes to accesbility but i was considering some features that hd500 has that the m13 doesnt like sound recording and like tweaking your sounds or amp mods through your PC.

         

        dang! why do they need to produce both great pedals almost same features but with genuine purposes... makes me more confusing on which of the both to buy haha!

        • Nick_Mattocks Best of the Best
          Nick_Mattocks
          9,065 posts since
          Mar 26, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Oct 21, 2011 12:47 AM (in response to THORNSZ)
          Re: POD HD500 verses M13 functions

          I have both an M13 which I got about three years ago and an HD500 which I've had since June last year.  They are both priced similarly.

           

          They are both great pieces of kit and they both work well,  The M13 is good if you only ever want to use one amp set-up (which might include a second amp) and if you only ever need a maximum of 4 from 12 instantly available FX to be switched on at any one time,  It's dead easy to use and is a really nice compact unit with most of your favourite classic stomp boxes built in.   You can use it in 4CM configuration.  It does have True Bypass but I can't remember the last time I used this.  In use and in reliability I can find very little to fault the M13 on.  The concept is simple but so useful to someone who doesn't want more than a range of good, solid and dependable FX in one compact unit.

           

          For practical purposes with True Bypass not being an option and the ability of the M13 to vary the looper level based on an expression pedal, the HD500 is for me the more flexible and more generally useful of the two and had the M13 and HD come out at the same time and for a similar amount of money, there's no doubt that I would have chosen the HD500 over the M13 evey time personally, but I do really like the simplicity and form factor of the M13 nevertheless and of course I can integrate the M13 or any other FX unit I like with an HD500.  The M5 is a very useful single effect multi-FX unit in combination with an HD500 and is MIDI controllable too IF you find you need something else.

           

          I'm more or less only repeating what's already been said so I'll shut up now

           

          Nick

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)

Legend

  • Correct Answers - 5 points
  • Helpful Answers - 3 points