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1644 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Mar 30, 2012 9:59 AM by sdunmire RSS
standavitt Just Startin'
standavitt
3 posts since
Mar 11, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Mar 23, 2012 11:06 AM

POD HD 500 DIRECT TO PA???

Can anyone please tell me how to get a good crunch sound when connecting the pod hd 500 direct to a PA system? I have used it through a marshall tube head, and a marshall tube power amp and it sounds great with some tweaking but when i plugged in to the PA using the XLR's on the pod it sounded really really bad. I have already changed the output modes, changed amp volumes, mixer volumes etc, but it still sounds really fizzy on the overdrive tones. Its like plugging your guitar into a cheap OD stomp box and then directly to a PA (not very nice)! The PA is a good quality system ( JBL mrx bins and tops, Crown power amps and Allen & Heath desk ) so I dont think they're the problem.

 

Cheers,

Stan.

Tags: pod, direct, tone, 6, line, hd, pa, 500
  • jasonbogen Just Startin'
    jasonbogen
    357 posts since
    Sep 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 23, 2012 1:00 PM (in response to standavitt)
    Re: POD HD 500 DIRECT TO PA???

    If you were going through an amp head, you probably were using the pre-amp only version of the model.  Check the patch and make sure you are using the full amp model with cab modeling on.  Tweak from there.  If anything, you may find it bottom heavy at first where you would need to eq some of it out and add some more mids,  The screamer can also help get a more balanced crunch.

  • anglepod Just Startin'
    anglepod
    172 posts since
    Mar 24, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 25, 2012 1:32 AM (in response to standavitt)
    Re: POD HD 500 DIRECT TO PA???

    Running through a PA system is problematic and will not sound the same simply because the speaker systems on the PA depending if they are 2way, 3way or even 4way speaker configs are separating and splitting your primary signal through the speaker crossovers. This is always overlooked by PA users. Depending on the speaker crossover circuits it can divide your sound right in two or more.

     

    You have to adjust presets for the medium. Sometimes you have no choice in the matter to get into the mix. I run a stand alone power amp into a split 4x12 cab for my primary tone. If the PA is secondary it helps retain your depth and body of the tones.

    • Iknowathingortwo
      MerlinFL
      1,667 posts since
      Jul 17, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Mar 27, 2012 5:07 PM (in response to anglepod)
      Re: POD HD 500 DIRECT TO PA???

      anglepod wrote:

       

      Running through a PA system is problematic and will not sound the same simply because the speaker systems on the PA depending if they are 2way, 3way or even 4way speaker configs are separating and splitting your primary signal through the speaker crossovers. This is always overlooked by PA users. Depending on the speaker crossover circuits it can divide your sound right in two or more.

       

      You have to adjust presets for the medium. Sometimes you have no choice in the matter to get into the mix. I run a stand alone power amp into a split 4x12 cab for my primary tone. If the PA is secondary it helps retain your depth and body of the tones.

      I have to say that this is the first time in over 30 years of pro performing and running PA systems that I've ever heard this scenario of what could happen to someone's guitar sound with the use or misuse of crossovers.  I AGREE that if the crossovers are used to CUT OUT sections of the sonic spectrum for any reason, then EVERYTHING suffers sonically.  But I guess I've personally not come across that situation in all my years on or in front of the stage.  Something to think about for certain.

      • sdunmire Just Startin'
        sdunmire
        38 posts since
        Oct 4, 2008
        Currently Being Moderated
        Mar 30, 2012 9:59 AM (in response to MerlinFL)
        Re: POD HD 500 DIRECT TO PA???

        Agree with Merlin.  Not to mention that an amp SHOULD be (I understand that it often ISN'T) mic'd and run through said PA.  So, this shouldn't create any differences.  It has to be a setting or possibly just personal preference (dis-preference) for the HD500 sans the head of a tube amp in the signal chain.  Just my $0.02.

  • anglepod Just Startin'
    anglepod
    172 posts since
    Mar 24, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 30, 2012 9:41 AM (in response to standavitt)
    Re: POD HD 500 DIRECT TO PA???

    Hard time getting reponse to post.

     

    Yes the issue is hardly considered these days but it is a result of the PA crossover circuits and nature of the beast. Even if most of the guitar range is coming through the woofer some of the transients and high presence is crossing over. Not to say it sounds bad or terrible but the signal is being divided. Allowing for the speed of frequencies and phase issues (if you do not use a BBE on the PA) the overall signal is reaching the ear of the listener in time lag pieces. One might consider that you would not run the output of a uber guitar head into a monitor speaker no matter the quality. We all must do what we must do with the tools at hand and the range of options me must deal with. If you are faced with going to the PA then I suggest you try and tweak your tones to that system and not phones or an amp rig as it will not be the same. Having the PA system properly pink noised and EQ'd to the room and environment is also more efficient much less professional. A properly engineered system sounds sweet to the ear and is not fatiguing to listen to.

    Been my experience knowing of the real issues of basic sonic physics can help you adjust and compensate for naturally accuring effects and get your rig sounding its optimum within the limitations present.

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