output mode question

[royfa]

hey

 

im using the pod for two years now and i like it, untill now i used it direct for recording or live. im trying to get a good sound going to my amp now, and having trouble with the output modes, it sounds like what ever i do my guitar sound is thin , im not using amp sim or any effect just playing with the output any tips or thoughts?

thanks

roy

 

[Charlie_Watt]

If you are on Studio Direct, try one of the other modes if you are going into a guitar amp.

[edstar1960]

The POD converts the guitar signal to digital and then back to analog and with no fx or amp sims selected will lose about 6db of the signal strength - so comparing it to a guitar going direct in to an amp - it will sound quieter and therefore weaker and thinner.  The first thing you need to do is select an output mode and stick with it and then adjust the straight through guitar signal so it sounds the same as when the guitar goes direct.  This will usually involve using an fx block for an EQ fx or the VIntage PRE fx and boosting the signal - or just boosting the signal at the mixer block.  Try this with each output mode and see which you prefer and then stick with that and tweak it.  Remember the output modes are effectively just applying a master EQ curve to the final output to adjust for whatever amplification you are using. The COMBO and STACK FRONT settings allow you to tweak that EQ curve as they provide controls for high, low and mid focus, which will help when going straight into an amp by allowing you to compensate for the amps own pre-amp.  If you go in via the amps fx return or directly into the amps power amp then you should be fine with the other COMBO/STACK settings or STUDIO DIRECT.   Remember that STUDIO/DIRECT will include the cab's mic and air simulation if an amp/cab combo is selected - in other words you will get a mic'd up amp sound going into the amp rather than a direct guitar signal - so it will sound different - but if you are not using the amp or cab sims then it should not make any difference to you - so experiment and find whatever setting suits you best.

 

Also check the setting of the slider switch next to the foot pedal marked 1/4 out - set it to AMP if going into the input jack on a front of an amp which will ensure the POD output matches instrument level and won't overdrive the input of the amp - but if you are going into the power amp or fx return you may need to switch it to LINE to boost the output signal t the correct level for the input chosen on the amp.

Edited November 14, 2014 by edstar1960

[bvaladez74]

For me the POD HD's in general are all about using the EQ shaping tools to get a real amp, warm tone.  Stack Front, for me...is what I use.  You can really dial out nasely mids and shrill highs.  It takes away some output...but if your amp, or power amp pushes enough output...then it doesn't matter. 

[robertmcollins3]

I don't know if it helps, and I'm a new HD500x user, but I find I get great tone from my amp as well as our PA system.

 

I just make sure to switch the POD to amp instead of line (button on the top of the POD).  And I make sure my amp (already a modeling amp VOX Valvetronix VT40+) is set to manual so I'm not mixing effects with the actual amp.

 

I do still use the amp modeling in my chain though on the POD, but I use the AC30 model most of the time with the Blackback speaker.  Sounds great to me, especially since I just use it for practice at the house - I go straight to the PA otherwise.

[royfa]

thanks for all the answers guys.