Jan 24, 2013 3:41 AM
Thoughts and Questions on using the HD500 with my DT25
I just got my HD500 and my DT25 and they are both awesome. As suggested, first thing I did was to update the firmware on both, no problems. I installed the HD Edit software and the DT Edit software (http://code.google.com/p/dtedit). I think both pieces of gear are fantastic but the documentation absolutely sucks for usability. I am going to take a whack at laying out some of the features as I believe it to be and I hope to get your feedback and corrections and hopefully some answers to my questions.
1. DT25
- Internal HD preamp models (29) feeding tube power section. No tubes in preamp signal path.
- Topology (Voicing) changes preset configurations of internal preamp model and power section configuration (Negative Feedback Loop, Class A/AB, Pentode/Triode).
- Pentode = 25 watts, Triode = 10 watts.
- All settings configurable with DT Edit software.
- You can setup 4 different internal amp patches for each channel.
2. HD500 into DT25
- HD500 preamp models (29) feeding DT25 tube power section (internal HD models bypassed).
- Patch settings (Drive, Bass, Mid, Presence, Reverb, Volume) set by HD500 regardless of DT25 knob position. Changes can then be made on either HD500 or DT25.
- HD500 Master is bypassed, DT25 Master is functional.
- HD500 sets power section configuration (Negative Feedback Loop, Class A/AB, Pentode/Triode).
- Exception to that rule: if you turn the amp block(s) off in the HD500 patch, the DT25 signal will default to channel B of the DT25 and use the currently selected Topology (Internal preamp, Negative Feedback Loop, Class A/AB, Pentode/Triode) settings on the amp.
3. Preamp vs Full Amp models.
- Both feed signal direct to the tube power section.
- Full amp model just adds more coloration to the signal to help sound like the chosen model.
4. Tube Power Section of DT25
- Only affected directly by the Topology, Class A/AB, Pentode/Triode switches.
- All other switches (Drive, Bass, Mid, Presence, Reverb, Volume) affect modeled signal feeding power section.
- Master switch controls power section output to your speakers.
5. Dual vs Single Amp Patches.
- DT25 cannot process stereo signal. HD500 output is always fed to channel A unless amp blocks are turned off in the HD500.
- Dual amp patches can still be created but the signal will be mixed and summed before passing to the DT25 channel A.
- Channel switching can be done by creating single amp patch and assigning the amp block ON/OFF to a footswitch.
- With the amp block ON, HD500 modeled signal passes to channel A power section.
- With the amp block OFF, signal with effects passes to channel B of DT25 and uses the currently selected Topology including internal preamp modeling and power section configuration.
- Setup properly, you can get a clean/dirty amp change with all effects remaining the same using just the one footswitch.
6. DT25 Power Section Settings Not Set Automatically in HD Edit or DT Edit.
- Epic fail. Big selling point was amp settings automatically adjust when you select the corresponding amp model. However, no matter what amp or preamp you choose in the software, you will have to manually configure the DT25 power section.
- There is no documentation that lists the correct settings for each amp model. So if you select the Gibtone 185 it has the same settings as the Bomber Uber by default.
- HD500 will change the power section to whatever the patch settings are but they will only be what you set them to be when you create the patch. Default seems to be Class AB, Topology 1, Pentode.
- POD HD500 Model Gallery does not describe topology settings.
7. Questions...
- Where can we get the info to set DT25 power sections up properly ourselves?
- Where can we download the original factory set lists? (When I did the Firmware update my factory DT setlist was gone...)
- Is there a way to post set lists to the Custom Tone page?
- Where can we download the complete set of tones from Custom Tone in HD Edit format? I downloaded the Zip file from the FAQ but the patches are not in HD Edit format.
- Where is the best place in the signal chain to place a Volume Pedal?
- If I set it in the beginning, it affects the signal driving the preamp module and therefore gain level and distortion.
- If I set it at the end it should only control the total signal level feeding the power section with preamp gain, distortion and all effects intact.
- Do I have that right? Any thoughts?
- Low Volume Mode (LVM) without the HD500 uses the full internal amp model but what does it do to the power section settings?
- Does it just feed a reduced strength signal to the power amp and therefore compensates with the extra amp modeling?
- Does it automatically switch to the 10 watt mode?
- Is there another lower wattage being output that is not documented?
Appreciate your input and responses... Hope this is clear enough for everyone. Feel free to add on with helpful info you have figured out...
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