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175 Views 6 Replies Latest reply: Mar 14, 2013 4:33 AM by jimsreynolds RSS
dymbur Just Startin' 3 posts since
Dec 20, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Mar 7, 2013 11:20 PM

how to connect the hd500 to an amp.. for room practice.

How do i connect the Hd 500 with an amp???

i am using the Zar 30 amp... .. do i need to use the Eq provided on the amp... to adjust the mid, treble etc... or shoud i turn them of.. and plug it to clean, n use the inbuilt amps on the pod.. Plz help am new to the hd500...

  • RICHJONES Just Startin' 37 posts since
    Sep 1, 2008

    I don't know much about your amp.  I searched the web and found a 60 watt Zar.  If your 30 has the same features, then you have multiple options.  If you like the tone of your amp, then you can set up the Pod with what's known as the 4 Cable Method which uses multiple inputs.  The amp needs to have an effects loop.  The 60 watt Zar does.  The 4 Cable Method allows you to place your amp in your single chain on the pod and then you can place effects before and after the amp.  So your distortions, wahs, etc... go before the amp, and delays, modulations, etc... go after.  Doing it this way, you are not using the HD's amp models. This method also allows you to use the amp models on the HD with only a couple adjustments over the previous method.  See the sticky at the top of this forum regarding the four cable method.  Jim Reynolds really knows his stuff on this.  You can also just plug in through the MP3 input on the amp.  This should bypass any eq on the amp, effectively just using the power section.   In a nutshell you can set this thing up about any way you want.  What works for you may not work for others but that's the beauty of it.  It's flexible.  Have fun man!

      • jimsreynolds Power User 2,227 posts since
        Jun 27, 43450

        I cannot find a 30W ZAR on the web either, though all of the models I did see has an MP3 input.  Does yours not?  If so then your best option may be to connect the POD to that, as RICHJONES suggests.  It gives a very 'clean' input to the power amp of the ZAR.

         

        Assuming that all you have is the guitar input then:

         

        • Select a clean channel on the amp (or turn down the gain/drive).  The cleaner the better
        • Turn all of the FX on the amp off, including the Reverb.
        • Connect the POD left 1/4 output to the amp input and set the output switch by the expression pedal to 'amp'
        • On the POD:  Set the output mode to 'Combo Front'.

         

        This is the basic setup that is available to you.  The trick then is to use the tone controls on the amp to make the tone as neutral as possible.  For many amps, the recipe for this is:

         

        -  Treble very low (1-2)

        -  Middle full on (Max)

        -  Bass very low (1-2)

         

        If you plugged the guitar into the amp direct now these tone settings would sound very boring and flat but that is how you want it for use with the POD.   Now try the POD.  

         

        Be aware that, in 'Combo Front' mode there are also some extra tone controls that allow you to tweak the basic tone to try and match various amps.  You may need to fiddle with these. 

          • jimsreynolds Power User 2,227 posts since
            Jun 27, 43450

            Per StephenSLR's post below ... check out the tone guide linked as it explains a lot of what you are asking about.  Basically though, yeah, Studio direct is for going straight-to-mixer/PA/recording rig.  

             

            Don't expect the tones that you build for use with your amp to be great for direct connection to a desk though so be ready to maintain two sets of presets.

             

            On the 4CM .... your amp needs to have a proper effects loop to get that working so (unless your second ZAR has one) this is not a option for you.

  • StephenSLR Just Startin' 59 posts since
    Aug 17, 2012

    There's many ways to connect and configure the POD and your amp, the right method is what sounds best to you.

     

    Have a read through this, it will open your eyes to the possibilities.

     

    http://www.foobazaar.com/podhd/toneGuide/

     

    s

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