Skip navigation
Up to Discussions in Pod HD User's Group
408 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Apr 10, 2012 8:54 PM by anglepod RSS
kriges Just Startin'
kriges
4 posts since
Jul 22, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Mar 18, 2012 2:43 PM

I can't get a great tone out of my POD HD500 through my amp.

I have a peavy valveking 112, and since the speaker on that sucks I have it running through an orange 1x12 cab. It's not the greatest set up, but it's all I can work with for now.

 

I connect the POD from the PHONES output into my amp's input while my guitar is in the standard guitar input on the POD.

 

I'm in an alternative/punk band and I use a pretty hi gain tone, just not exactly like a metal tone. I used to have a POD X3 live and it worked great, but it broke last week and now I have my POD HD500. No matter what I try(changing amp settings, changing amp settings on my POD, trying EQ's, different mic/cab set ups etc.) I can't get the sound I want. I use the treadplate through the 2x12 phd ported cab with the 57  on axis mic and the studio EQ.The  sound that  I am settling with is okay, but not like my x3 live. It isn't very clear, and adding treble makes it too thin. It doesn't have enough punch but adding bass makes it too... bassy(for lack of a better word) Is there anything I can do or do I have to settle with this tone?

Tags: pod, x3, live, tone, bass, modeling, hd, help, 500, treble, hd500, clear
  • dhQk Just Startin'
    dhQk
    40 posts since
    Jan 30, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 18, 2012 4:57 PM (in response to kriges)
    Re: I can't get a great tone out of my POD HD500 through my amp.

    your problem is using the phones output, just use one of the unbalanced mono outputs.

  • anglepod Just Startin'
    anglepod
    172 posts since
    Mar 24, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 3, 2012 1:25 PM (in response to kriges)
    Re: I can't get a great tone out of my POD HD500 through my amp.

    Never use a headphone out, the POD headphone is a high impedance out for high impedance cans not the sort of feed you would want to power an amp feed.

    The normal outs are completely adjustable for any configuration of amp or power amp hookup.

    Check the manuals, easy download on the site.

    Hold down the "View button" to enter the global output configs, try the different settings on your rig as each sound a little different as not to overload the amp type.

    There is a specific combo setting just for your rig.

  • meambobbo Iknowathingortwo
    meambobbo
    1,702 posts since
    Dec 13, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 10, 2012 7:22 AM (in response to kriges)
    Re: I can't get a great tone out of my POD HD500 through my amp.

    1) make sure you're using combo front output mode

    2) tweak the EQ controls in the system menu associated with that output mode.  the defaults might make the sound too thin or wonky.

    3) don't worry about the mic selection - it doesn't do anything in any output mode other than studio/direct

    4) try various cab selections as well as "no cab" - i'd use no cab

    5) make sure you aren't clipping the pod: http://foobazaar.com/podhd/toneGuide/troubleshooting#clipping

    6) Use one of the 1/4" unbalanced outputs; DO NOT USE HEADPHONES OUT

    7) Set the line/amp switch to amp

    8) Start with the Master knob on the unit about 30% and move upwards until you hear some evil start happening to the tone.  Then back off.  The higher you get this the better, but not if it's distorting your amp.

     

    Run through those steps a few times and you should be fine.

  • anglepod Just Startin'
    anglepod
    172 posts since
    Mar 24, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 10, 2012 8:54 PM (in response to kriges)
    Re: I can't get a great tone out of my POD HD500 through my amp.

    If I might add, if you have an amp loop try the Line 6, 4 cable hookup method, allows placement of effects in front of the amp preamp and after it in the loop. (There are a couple documents on the method which explain how to use it.)

     

    If you use the POD loop keep it on bypass or you will get hiss.

    Set your inputs to Guitar and Aux not "same" or you get hiss. I split my main feed into both the main and aux inputs. (New global settings on last update, changes all presets)

    As to models I find using the whole amp model too much for the feed into another guitar amp, try using just the preamp model for the amp. When you think about it feeding another amp an amp is too much and how you have your amp set is of sire importance to the overall tone. You need to have the amp set in a very neutral tone, not gained up or distored, clean and vibrant and let the POD alter the tone.

     

    I find the cabs work better on my tone and you have the plus of being able to tweak the cab params. Try different combinations, you may find some amps work using the whole model, others might be better on your rig just using the preamp model of the amp. Same w the cab, experiment.

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)