Skip navigation
Up to Discussions in POD HD
331 Views 6 Replies Latest reply: Jan 10, 2012 4:22 PM by BulldogXTRM RSS
Emmo Just Startin'
Emmo
20 posts since
Jan 27, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Dec 26, 2011 1:05 PM

Best way to equal out the volume on a HD500

Hi out there in Line6 land, hope you all have had enjoyed the holidays.

 

I was wondering which is the best way to equal out the volume on a HD500.  I like to download user tones from customtone, but find that the volume can be way too loud on one preset and then whisper quite on the next.  So far I have just been using the amp chanel volume, but find some patches start lacking a bit when this is altered.  I have read on a couple of threads that the best thing to do is to set the Pod's master volume at 100% to really enjoy the HD, so the only other thing I can think of is the amp volume?

 

My set up is simple - guitar >> HD500 >> Bose L1 Compact.

 

Any ideas out there?

  • Hey_Joe Iknowathingortwo
    Hey_Joe
    606 posts since
    Jan 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 26, 2011 4:38 PM (in response to Emmo)
    Re: Best way to equal out the volume on a HD500

    Emmo wrote:

     

    I was wondering which is the best way to equal out the volume on a HD500.

    Use the Mixer to set the individual tone (patch) level. You can read all about the Mixer Block on page 3·4 in the latest PDF manual Advanced Guide rev. B. Download it from the Support drop down on top of this page -- Support>Product Manuals>POD HD. It will tell you about the Mixer’s Level & Pan options. You can use the HD500 controls or the HD500 EDIT software to set the mixer levels. There is no simple magic button set unity gain for all patches. Even using something like a level meter will not be as good as your ears in a live setting, whether it be headphones, bedroom level or gig level. I have used meters myself with headphones to get close but live... it's a whole different story.

    • Emmo Just Startin'
      Emmo
      20 posts since
      Jan 27, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Dec 30, 2011 4:55 AM (in response to Hey_Joe)
      Re: Best way to equal out the volume on a HD500

      Thanks for heads up on that, looks like I've got a date with a manual and some headphones this weekend!!

    • BulldogXTRM Just Startin'
      BulldogXTRM
      83 posts since
      Jul 31, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 8, 2012 4:49 PM (in response to Hey_Joe)
      Re: Best way to equal out the volume on a HD500

      Joe,

       

      I don't think that leveling the volume of a patch is as simple as using the mixer if there are FX blocks in the patch after the mixer. Some of the FX adds to the volume of patch such as the EQ's. Then there are also some FX that are level sensitive and the effect is more pronounced or can clip if the input is to high.

       

      Other than that I do agree that the Mixer is a good place to start for leveling the volume of a patch but just be mindful that you don't add to much or take away too much that your post FX are affected.

      • jimsreynolds Power User
        jimsreynolds
        1,359 posts since
        Jun 27, 43450
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 9, 2012 5:51 AM (in response to BulldogXTRM)
        Re: Best way to equal out the volume on a HD500

        Yeah, I am kind of in with that on the mixer and post-effects.  I actually tend to put the mixer at the end of most patches to try and keep things consistent.

         

        To level patches, you need to identify the quietest patch (or amp model) that you use and set your levels down to match that.  Make up any master volume shortfalls on the amp/mixer/PC that you plug into.

         

        I try and set up my patches so that the 'Volume' knob in all my patches is somewhere close to 12 O'clock.  Most of the amp models will be around the same volume level with the knob in that position.  Where a particular amp (e.g. Class A-30) is way too quiet:  I will use a combination of the mixer and clean boosts (Studio EQ's with gain boost only) to bring the levels into a similar level.

         

        The point of keeping the volume around 12 O'clock is that you then have lots of boost headroom to play with when you get into a performance situation or similar.  There is nothing worse than hitting a stage, realising your patches are totally imbalanced and not having enough boost on a given knob to correct things !!  What sounds well balanced when quiet often sound really poor at volume due to Fletcher Munson effects and speaker responses.

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)

Legend

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