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1765 Views 41 Replies Latest reply: Apr 21, 2013 5:45 AM by toneman2121 RSS
Texxxxx Just Startin'
Texxxxx
368 posts since
Aug 13, 2006
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 8, 2012 10:40 AM

POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

My son's Pod HD Pro drops volume siginificantly, randomly, when starting up.

 

He has told me about this for a couple months, and as it rarely happens, has been difficult to troubleshoot.  I hadn't heard it until this morning.  When it happened in the past he would shut down everything in the rack and then turn it back on and the volume would be back to normal.

 

I told him we needed to verify what part of the rack was failing.  Signal chain: guitar>HD Pro>Mesa Boogie 50/50 stereo power amp>DT50 4x12 cab.  The HD and Mesa are plugged into a Furman power conditioner.

 

He has narrowed it down to the HD, and I just heard it myself this morning.  When he first turned it on, the volume was way down.  He turned off only the HD, and when it came back on it was full volume for 2-3 seconds, then there was a pop, and the volume reduced by at least half.  He turned off the HD, turned it back on, and now the volume is correct and staying there.  Been on fifteen minutes by now.  In the past, once it does it, it stays OK and this morning was the first time it did it twice in a row, which could show that it is possibly getting worse.

 

This is not just happening with one patch, as he has complained to me about it when he was starting up with different patches loaded.

 

I guess it is still possible that it is the Mesa.  Turning off the signal to the Mesa (shutting the HD, only, down) and then turning the signal (HD) on, again, might be kick starting a weak part of the Mesa.  I do have another Mesa 50/50 that I will drop in the rack, and see if we still get this problem.

 

Is anyone else having this problem?

 

I remember another thread that mentioned losing volume on the HD Pro, but, apparently, that person didn't have any further problems because they didn't continue the thread.

 

 

  • RhelmTrent Just Startin'
    RhelmTrent
    9 posts since
    Aug 24, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 8, 2012 11:22 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    My HD500 is doing the same thing...I thought it was something else in the signal path but have determined that it is the POD that is doing the volume drop. Seems to only happen on startup and has been an issue for me since updating to 1.4.

     

    Anyone else experience this?

    • MathiasUlrick Just Startin'
      MathiasUlrick
      43 posts since
      Jul 6, 2009
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 25, 2013 1:11 PM (in response to RhelmTrent)
      Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

      I do not want to open a support ticket just yet. I just want your attention.

      • Texxxxx Just Startin'
        Texxxxx
        368 posts since
        Aug 13, 2006
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 25, 2013 5:48 PM (in response to MathiasUlrick)
        Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

        The only way the problem was solved for me was to eventually get a new unit that didn't do it anymore.  I never had the problem in firmware version 1.3, fwiw, in the two faultly Pros.

         

        None of my HD Pros were fixed by Line 6, like Steenhuis, above.  I always received exchange units and the third HD Pro that I recieved never has had the problem, but the first two did.

         

        I know of no way to fix it and suggest that you do open a Support Ticket and try to exchange units.  I would think that would be quicker than waiting for a repair.  I have no idea what Line 6 did to Steenhuis' HD Pro, so I have no idea of what the problem is.

         

        Sorry to hear you got one of the bad ones...it sux, I know!  Good Luck, and try to be patient with Line 6 Support.  I tried everything they asked me to try; different power outlets, isolating it from my other gear, not running it through my Furman Power Conditioner and some other things that I forget.  I felt that by participating in their suggestions, it encouraged them to take me seriously.

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 9, 2012 7:15 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    OK...well i'm still getting the same problem with a different power amp.

     

    I changed out the Mesa 50/50 with another Mesa 50/50 earlier today.  I tried it earlier and it worked well. 

     

    When I just now (three hours later) started up my son's rack, the clean setting it was on was very quiet.  I switched to a different patch, which sounded good and then back to the original patch, which still had low volume.  I turned off the HD, only, and then back on and the clean patch was at the proper volume.

     

    I didn't make any adjustments to the clean setting when I was playing earlier.  I know that sometimes you can make a change in a patch, and even if you don't save it, the next time you start up the little star will be in the corner and your change is still there until you change to another patch and then back again.

     

    I don't believe that is what is happening here.

     

    Any suggestions or ideas?

     

    Thx

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 10, 2012 4:50 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    I reflashed the firmware today. 

     

    No change...still having the same symptoms.  It does it on different patches.  You go to the patch, it sounds about half volume, you turn off the HD and then on and then the patch is at the proper volume.

     

    If I just switch to another patch and come back, the original weak patch is still half volume.

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 16, 2012 4:04 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    OK...so this volume drop is still happening.

     

    I am trying birro's suggestion of rolling back the firmware and seeing if I still have the problem.

     

    Rolling back to 1.30 as of now.

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 21, 2012 8:38 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    No volume drops since rolling back to 1.3.  I guess there is some bug in 1.4.  Hopefully 2.0 will be better.

     

    Line 6...since you haven't responed as usual, forget the support ticket...just stick it up your output.

     

    I like your products, and own many, but your support system is worthless.

    • birro Iknowathingortwo
      birro
      172 posts since
      Jun 27, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 22, 2012 9:48 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
      Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

      Hey Texxxx

      Ok, you've rolled back to 1.31 and everything's fine. No volume drops. Way to go!

      Have you tested updating it to 1.40 again? Maybe the first update you've done had any problems when sending to the unit...

      Test again upgrading to the 1.40 version.

       

      About the support ticket, I only think that when there's no solution at the forums or nobody can help a user with tips/tricks, they try to investigate.

      So far, everything looks fine. The final test will be when you upgrade to 1.40. If the problem returns, you may be possibly reporting a firmware bug that will help lots of users. But if you upgrade to 1.40 and the problem's gone, it's for sure that when upgrading the first time you had any problems that you haven't seen (like your computer with a very small freeze or something else).

      Try the 1.40 and post the results

      • Texxxxx Just Startin'
        Texxxxx
        368 posts since
        Aug 13, 2006
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 22, 2012 2:12 PM (in response to birro)
        Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

        Thanks, birro, for the suggestion to roll back to 1.3.  I just talked to my son, and we decided to just stay there and with and see what happens with 2.0.

         

        Before rolling back, I did reflash 1.4 with Monkey.  That means it was a fresh download and a fresh install and we had the same, volume dropping problem.  Perhaps the reflash did not overwrite whatever was bad, or perhaps it is a glitch in the firmware.  Whatever the case, our HD Pro is sounding good and working well with 1.3...in fact my son prefers the tone of some of his patches better with it.

         

        I understand what you mean about trying to reinstall 1.4, again, and sharing with the community the results, but I feel like I have been Beta testing for Line 6 for over a year, now, having owned and commented on problems with the HD400, HD500 (2 units), and now the HD Pro.  I rarely bother anymore. 

         

        I am tired of bringing things to their attention and having absoulutely no response from Line 6.  I understand their approach is to count on people, like yourself, to solve their problems for them.

         

        As I have said before, I am a Line 6 fan and own many of their products.  Thanks for your help.

  • Line6Hugo Line 6
    Line6Hugo
    6,580 posts since
    Apr 8, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 27, 2012 4:58 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    RE: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Texxxxx,

       

      Sorry for the delay.  Our online support is a bit behind as you already know.

       

      I have opened a support ticket to investigate this problem further.  Please use the following link to view your support ticket:

       

      http://line6.com/account/tickets/

       

      Regards,

       

      Line6Hugo

  • steenhuis Just Startin'
    steenhuis
    15 posts since
    Mar 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 7, 2012 12:02 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    I have the same issues with my line6 hd pro and firmware 1.4.

     

    Some of my own stored patches dropped in volume after the unit has been switched on. I tried reflashing 1.4 several times, even with deleting all the patches. Also tried a reset (pressing left + power on) but no improvement.

    The strange thing is, when i restart the unit 7 or 8 times, the problem disappears. Once the pod is started without a volume drop, it stays working perfectly all evening.

     

    Now i have switched back to 1.3 the problem is gone.

  • chimp_spanner Just Startin'
    chimp_spanner
    336 posts since
    Nov 7, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 7, 2012 12:12 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    I have an HD500 and an HD Pro. HD Pro, touch wood, has not had any problems since going to 1.4. Not that I know of at least!

     

    HD500 I had the volume drop + squeal, and rolling back to 1.31 fixed it. The problem happened when I switched guitars, not patches as with most users. I went from my passive 7 string to my active 8, and on playing the first note, the problem ocurred. Almost makes me wonder if it's to do with the new impedance controls? But that's total guess work as I don't know a damn thing about what makes a POD tick

     

    Anyway, sorry, not hijacking the thread. Just adding to the description of the problem in the hope it might move us towards a faster solution!

  • steenhuis Just Startin'
    steenhuis
    15 posts since
    Mar 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 7, 2012 3:58 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Not only hd 500, I have the issue with a HD pro.

     

    I have recorded the problem, my spoken comment is in dutch but one can hear the volume differences.

     

    The video is with firmware 1.4

     

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOCscCidx4E

     

    In 1,.3 firmware the problem is gone.

  • steenhuis Just Startin'
    steenhuis
    15 posts since
    Mar 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 10, 2012 10:07 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    it seems that the new firmware solves the problem.

     

    POD HD Pro Flash Memory v1.43 RELEASE NOTES


    Important Note:

    It is highly recommended that this update is installed in a specific sequence along with POD HD Pro Edit v1.08. Please see the installation notes* below.


    Bug Fixes

    This update addresses a bug which allows invalid data to be introduced to presets. The invalid data is caused by asynchronous communication between the POD HD Pro hardware device and the POD HD Pro Edit software application. In rare instances recalling presets containing invalid data may cause intermittent high volume events.

    Installing POD HD Pro firmware v1.43 POD and HD Pro Edit v1.08 prevents invalid data from being introduced into presets. During synchronization between POD HD Pro and POD HD Pro Edit, the hardware displays a “Sync In Progress” message and does not respond to any buttons or knobs until synchronization is complete.


    Additionally any presets which contain invalid data are reset to an initialized state. These presets are easily identified as “New Tone (Reset)”

  • steenhuis Just Startin'
    steenhuis
    15 posts since
    Mar 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 10, 2012 10:08 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    I installed 1.43 and it solved my problem. The HD pro is working as it should. No start up problems.

     

    EDIT YES, THEY ARE BACK, although not as often with 1.4 but 1.43 is not fine.

  • TGospodinov Just Startin'
    TGospodinov
    3 posts since
    Aug 31, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 26, 2012 1:33 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Absolutely the same issues as the described in the original post by Texxxxx with two brand new units (HD500). I coule recover the level though without turning the unit on and off by switching patches -- yes, most of the time when I go back to the problem patch the first time the level is still down, however if I switch a couple of times and especially up and down banks the level would recover. Updated everything the moment I got them and both had the dropping volume issues (one had additioanlly the hi pitched squeel). It was with the most recent version 1.43. Rolled back to 1.4 problem still appears but not as much (actually very rarelly), I will roll back even further tomorrow, I just spent a whole day adjusting the levels of all patches to be consistent (of course used a looper to play something back instead of playing the guitar)... will report what happens.

    • TGospodinov Just Startin'
      TGospodinov
      3 posts since
      Aug 31, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Feb 27, 2012 1:23 PM (in response to TGospodinov)
      Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

      Soo booted yesterday morning, pixelated screen, connected to the USB port on my MB and the screen came back, however dropping level problem is still there. Rolled back to 1.31, it's better, however I got a pixelated screen after the update which went away after reboot. I will test more tonight but this is pretty bad. After rolling back yesterday a lot of my patches are actually really low in volume so I will investigate more tonight, however I am close to returning the unit to GC....

      • Texxxxx Just Startin'
        Texxxxx
        368 posts since
        Aug 13, 2006
        Currently Being Moderated
        Feb 27, 2012 4:54 PM (in response to TGospodinov)
        Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

        Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress, TGospodinov...or lack of...

         

        Yes, 1.31 is working for me, but it seems it is a bit different for each of us.

         

        I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 2.0 to fix the volume dropping, but add the features of 1.4 and 2.0.

         

        I understand you considering returning your HD.

        • TGospodinov Just Startin'
          TGospodinov
          3 posts since
          Aug 31, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Feb 28, 2012 7:46 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
          Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

          well, I actually am returning it today, exchanging more like it since I already sold my xt live . Yes, last night booted to a blank screen with a few pixelated lines here and there and the volume was still dropping. Yes, I could have gotten it to a load screen by reinstalling a firmware (seems like that helps), but at this price I don't think I should have to do this ....

           

          Tim

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 4, 2012 6:46 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Upgraded to 1.43 today and immediately had the volume dropping problem.  Went back to 1.3 and all is OK.

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 1, 2012 6:10 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Two weeks ago, support asked me to go to 1.43 and try isolating the power source, instead of having it go through my Furman.  Still having the occasional volume drops.

     

    Going back to 1.3, today, and see if volume dropping goes way like it has done in the past with 1.3. 

  • Texxxxx Just Startin'
    Texxxxx
    368 posts since
    Aug 13, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 11, 2012 5:26 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Well, 2.02 didn't help out my volume dropping problem at all.  Line 6 suggests it is a hardware problem, and has offered to evaluate/repair it at their plant with their techs...a very nice offer, imo.  Minimum two week turnaround. 

     

    I contacted the online retailer that I originally bought the HD Pro from when they first came out in September, 2011, and sent them the log of my Line 6 support ticket that opened in January of this year.

     

    Much to my surprise, the retailer is sending me a new HD Pro today with a return shipping label for my present unit.  That is pretty spectacular customer service for something I bought from them seven months ago!  I am choosing not to name the online dealer, as I think I am just lucky in this instance and can't believe they would/could do this on a regular basis.

     

    I also feel fortunate that Line 6 worked with me for the last two and a half months to try to sort out this issue.  Believe me, I know that every issue doesn't get a support ticket, or the continuous support that I received.  Line6Hugo was extremely patient and helpful.

     

    Case closed!

  • steenhuis Just Startin'
    steenhuis
    15 posts since
    Mar 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 13, 2013 4:58 AM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    The boot faillure is probably a software bug. Because the problem never occurs with firmware 1.3, it only happens with higher firmware versions. I also think that there are small differences in hardware components of the HD pro and that the new firmware is only tested on the latest models of the HD pro. There are so to speak "old model hd pro's" and 'new model hd pro's" and the problem never occurs on the new models. It would be helpful to compare the inside of a hd pro which is working fine with my version. Strange is that after several fail boots, the line6 hd boots fine, without volume drop and stays working. I don't like this because i want to turn my machine on and want to trust it 100%. I have zero tolerance for bad equipment. As long as i don't upgrade my hd pro is working fine. Line6 techs, get to work :-)

  • knobsmcgee Just Startin'
    knobsmcgee
    14 posts since
    Sep 9, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 15, 2013 9:45 PM (in response to Texxxxx)
    Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

    Hey all,

     

    Sorry to chime in so late but my HD Pro that I bought about four weeks ago also has the input gain bug.  I emailed back and fourth with L6 customer support and the agent didn't seem to know anything about this problem.  I assume that it's an older unit because it came loaded with V1.3 and the problem started a few days after I updated.  The support agent finally recommended that I take it to the warranty center in Sacramento.  It's been there for two weeks as of today.  I guess I'll have to call tomorrow to see if I can get info on what's going on.  I'll let you know if I get any useful information.

     

    Knobs

    • knobsmcgee Just Startin'
      knobsmcgee
      14 posts since
      Sep 9, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Apr 20, 2013 10:44 AM (in response to knobsmcgee)
      Re: POD HD  Dropping Volume-Need Support Ticket

      Good morning all. I just got My HD Pro back from the local Line 6 warranty repair. Since they replaced the main board, it again has v1.3 loaded. When I tried to load v2.1 I got a message that it's not a valid piece of Line 6 hardware and to contact customer support for instructions. Has anyone found a fix for this dropping gain problem other than going back to v1.3?

       

      Thanks,

      Knobs

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