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325 Views 12 Replies Latest reply: Nov 6, 2012 5:22 PM by pigwing76 RSS
pigwing76 Just Startin'
pigwing76
13 posts since
May 4, 2007
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Oct 29, 2012 6:59 PM

Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

Hi all. So I've had my HD400 for almost two years now and I love the tones I get out of it but I am constantly thinking I should trade up to the Hd500. The extra effects spots are the big selling point for me. I constantly feel restricted by the effect slots in the HD400. Can I get some opinions on whether or not an upgrade would be worth it?  Or do I bide my time and wait for the next Line 6 product which I'm sure is in the works?

 

Thanks!

Jeremy

  • drschultz Just Startin'
    drschultz
    78 posts since
    May 20, 2010
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    Oct 29, 2012 7:46 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    Do it!  I did.  I had the 400 for 18 months and when I got the 500 I just  kicked myself for not doing it sooner.  I will say that you have to get use to the edit program.  You have a lot more options to deal with.  You also have to remember that there are no dedicated blocks for wah, vol, fx loop, and noise gate.  You have to place them in there yourself.  The great thing is the ability to place multiple instances of an FX in the chain.  I think the looper is way better as well.  I could never get a good loop on my 400, always got a pop or something.  The 500 looper is longer and better IMO.

     

    I will say the programming of the footswitch is kinda tricky.  I am not to happy about it.  It does work but I wish there was a better way to do it.  Also, the reverb FX take up alot of dsp so don't get too crazy. 

     

    In short, if you have surpassed the finctionality of the 400 and want more, go for the 500. 

     

    Good luck,

    dan

  • spikey Just Startin'
    spikey
    378 posts since
    Feb 1, 2007
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    Oct 29, 2012 7:46 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    I would wait. For me, there are just too many changes in the current line that need to be done before I would upgrade now. I own both the 500 and the Pro model.

  • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User
    spaceatl
    4,456 posts since
    Jan 24, 2007
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    Oct 29, 2012 9:00 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    I have an HD400 and an HD bean which is basically the same as an HD500 or Pro without the extra IO...Extra FX slots AND the unprecendented control you have over them is a completely different world from the HD400...If you want more FX and control, then an upgrade might be a good thing for you...You will realize right away just how annoying the Mode switch can be...

     

    It sounds like an upgrade is what you want, but you have to make that decision as to whether it is worth it or not...

  • Crusty_Old_Rocker Expert Line 6 User
    Crusty_Old_Rocker
    3,096 posts since
    Jan 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 29, 2012 11:06 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    If the aim is increasing the effects slots, then it's a 'no brainer' do the upgrade because that's what you'll get from the HD500.  Some people just upgrade or go for the 500 model because it's the top of the line without actually needing all the bells and whistles.  You have a clear understanding of what you want and the limitation of the 400, so I'd say go for it.  Be aware, however, that with the extra capabilities comes some extra complexity too.  I have both the 500 and the Pro.

     

    Cheers,

     

    Crusty

  • hurghanico Just Startin'
    hurghanico
    399 posts since
    Jan 28, 2007
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    Oct 30, 2012 3:40 AM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    pigwing76 ha scritto:

     

    Or do I bide my time and wait for the next Line 6 product which I'm sure is in the works?

    who knows when will be a new product?!?

    The extra effects spots are the big selling point for me. I constantly feel restricted by the effect slots in the HD400.

    how long are you willing to wait still feeling restricted?

  • jimsreynolds Power User
    jimsreynolds
    2,227 posts since
    Jun 27, 43450
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 30, 2012 6:05 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    Just bear in mind that the HD500 does take more from the user to get it set up the way you want to.   You will need to recreate your patches from scratch cause there is no direct transfer/upgrade path from the HD400.     There is lots to adjust and tweak but it can be overwhelming initially. This forum and resources can take some of the load there but be ready for an initial learning curve.

     

    With that said, you can do so much more with the HD500 and that is ultimately why I went for it personally.  The freedom over effects placement is a really big deal.

  • pigwing76 Just Startin'
    pigwing76
    13 posts since
    May 4, 2007
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    Oct 30, 2012 9:22 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    Thanks for all of your replies. I'm pretty sure I'm going to take the plunge and get the HD500 soon. I've been watching some YouTube videos and the extra features of the HD500 seem amazing. I'm looking forward to many more editing possibilities. Being able to set various parameters to the expression pedal is a huge benefit. Am I correct in understanding that you can assign multiple effects to one switch so you can turn on/off more than one at a time with a single button? 

     

    Question for current HD500 owners, how often do you use two amps at the same time?  Is this mostly for running in stereo or are there other uses?  I had a X3 prior to this bit never used that feature too much.

     

    Thanks

    Jeremy

    • jimsreynolds Power User
      jimsreynolds
      2,227 posts since
      Jun 27, 43450
      Currently Being Moderated
      Oct 31, 2012 2:10 AM (in response to pigwing76)
      Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

      Yes, you can assign multiple effects to a single switch (e.g. turn a distortion on and chorus off).   You cannot however assign the same effect to multiple switches which can be a little limiting in some situations.

       

      Dual amps:   well I don't personally spend time mixing two amps together but I will often have two amps within the same patch and toggle between them using a single switch as above.  This is great for going from a clean to dirtier amp sound in some cases.

  • pigwing76 Just Startin'
    pigwing76
    13 posts since
    May 4, 2007
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    Nov 1, 2012 7:30 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    Just an update for anyone following this thread. I should be picking up my new HD500 tomorrow from GC (as long as the truck arrives). I got it for $400. I also ordered one of the Rondo CBN pedal cases to put it in. I can't wait to get this baby home and started playing with it.

  • pigwing76 Just Startin'
    pigwing76
    13 posts since
    May 4, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 6, 2012 5:22 PM (in response to pigwing76)
    Re: Opinions on upgrading from HD400 to HD500

    So good ol' GC still hadn't gotten my HD500 at the store as of today so they went and ordered me one to have shipped to my house for the same price. They waited until today to tell me their "in transit" for their shipment could be as much as a month. So now I just need to wait another 3-5 days my shipment to arrive at my door.

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