haller88 Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I own a HD500 already and really like it - except that there hasn't been any meaningful updates in around a year. I am contemplating buying a HD500X so my HD500 can be placed in backup mode (I want to have a newer model for gigging). I am on the fence about buying one since Line 6 doesn't appear to be supporting it too much in terms of meaningful updates etc. I have been looking for any updates utilizing the capabilities of the 500X or adding amps and there is none in the last year or two (even if there was a charge - I would be happy to pay for some amps or signs of support). Anyone have a clue whether they are actively supporting the HD500X or should I look to buy a different board from a different company? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 The HD500X remains actively supported. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigChas52 Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 The HD500X is the current, shipping, POD model, so it is definitely supported. That said, if you are going to purchase ANY product from ANY company, consider buying it for what it can do NOW, and not what the company may add to it in the future. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 I upgraded to a 500x from a 500 and the 500x is what the 500 should have been when it first came out. Line 6 has said the pod hd series isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so as far as it being supported, I wouldn't worry about it too much. But if you can hold off a few more days, see what happens at NAMM. Might be something interesting. And maybe even not just stuff from Line 6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haller88 Posted January 19, 2015 Author Share Posted January 19, 2015 That is an excellent suggestion on waiting for NAMM - I wondering what will be coming out especially in the price point of the 500X. My main issue is that there have been a couple of things missing on the 500 (I have owned it for 3 years now) and I think the community has been vocal on this and it doesn't appear that Line 6 will provide any additional features. I almost wonder if Line 6 will introduce the next series and move on from the 300/400/500 series... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pianoguyy Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 1. most of the literature says that the 500 users have no real reason to get a 500x. 2. the 500 is supported, just as much as the 500x. Bugs are fixed. How much more 'stuff' are you looking for, and how fast do you expect it to be released. 3. You just missed your chance to own a 500x at very nice prices (christmas). 4. If you aren't shopping today, for a gig tonight, NAMM begins at the end of the week. New gear is 'exciting', so old gear goes on sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 That is an excellent suggestion on waiting for NAMM - I wondering what will be coming out especially in the price point of the 500X. My main issue is that there have been a couple of things missing on the 500 (I have owned it for 3 years now) and I think the community has been vocal on this and it doesn't appear that Line 6 will provide any additional features. I almost wonder if Line 6 will introduce the next series and move on from the 300/400/500 series... I would say there's more than a couple of things missing, but i wouldn't expect much in new features. Possibly an amp or two within the next year. Or maybe something more for bass players. Maybe some minor bug fixes in the firmware and desktop software. Most of the features people seem to want Line 6 can't (technical reasons) or won't ($) implement. Such as user loadable IRs, EQs in decibels, and better output flexibility to name several. I have a feeling (I'm probably wrong) that LIne 6 might introduce the next effects only device at NAMM, and possibly the next gen HD series at summer NAMM for their main things catering to guitar players. But I doubt it they're going to move on from the current HD series. Digital Igloo has said multiple times that the the HD series is not at its end of life. One device that seems to be generating a lot of buzz lately is Studio Devil's Atomic Amplifire. A pretty compact modeler that's around the price of an HD Pro X. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dino334 Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I've seen and heard the AmpliFire...it was at last year's NAMM too. Yea it's compact and pretty cool. Any better than the HD500x? It has it's pros and cons. Good amp modeling, solid standard effects, IR capability...but no expression pedal, limited in turning stuff off & on, which means the extra expenditure of an fcb1010 or other suitable midi pedal. Sure, it's new and everyone will be buzzing about it for a minute. As good as Fractal or Kemper, not a chance. Better than the HD500x, I think they're both on the same playing field in price point. If Line 6 would ever fix their glitches, i.e. volume boost when using the analog chorus, unusable lag when switching patches, eq in decibels (which to date still doesn't bother me...use your ears, not your eyes, when dialing in your tones and effects), tweak the effects to be a little more competitive, and the unit would be above. Looking forward to seeing what else is going to be offered this year. Though truth be told, since I've had my AxeFx XL, I've really had no GAS. Now guitars, that's another story :) Always room for one more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjnette Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 I kinda feel Line 6 might release more gadgets for iphones and ipads. The rationale being to create new customers making music accessible via apps and an interface guitar that replaces guitar hero guitar with a real electric but now on your phone. Great way to learn LOL Once the bug has bit Line 6 have the next steps well covered. I am kidding, but I would like to be able to get my son back playing again LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jandrio Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 @OP: with hd500x u cannot "workbench" a jtv with non hd firmware (ie 1.9 'n below). only jtv v2.n hd firmware is supported. so, if u have a jtv or variax 'n with 1.9 or older flash, u must "workbech" her thru ur hd500... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haller88 Posted January 20, 2015 Author Share Posted January 20, 2015 Thanks for the responses. Up until last year - I was planning to buy a Kemper but luck changed and finances dried up so I am focused on making the most of my HD500. I am primarily buying a 500X to take over as my main rig because the 500 is about 6 years old and showing a bit of signs of middle age (I use it practically every day and for occasional gigging). The 500X seems a bit more road worthy and at least it seems that Line 6 will support it for a while. It would be nice for Line 6 to put a bit of effort into a $500 unit to fix some of the nagging things that have been out there since the intro of the 500. I would love to see an Orange amp simulation and a nice jazz amp but that appears to not be in the cards. I will probably pick one up becasue I don't have 4x to spend on a Kemper or AxeFX. It is what it is (and it is pretty good but could always be a bit better!).... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dshow Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 I also still have the HD500 and I'm not going to update to the HD500x because for me there is no reason. I don't run into DSP Overload that often because I mainly use minimalistic setups - I don't like my tone overloaded by a lot of effects. One reason to update to the HD500x would be if in future the HD500x would be shipped with all the Expension packs included (just like Avid did with Eleven Rack). Then yes I would update. Other than that I will update only if a follower comes out. I really think you can get lucky with any gear as long as you learn to use it right (If you basically like it). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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