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Difference Between Hd500 And Hd500x


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OK, so we know the 500x has a new processor and fancy buttons, but what else is new?

 

Well, someone had to do this, and I had nothing better to do, so I've just been right through the respective Advanced Guides, page-by-page, side-by-side, and, as far as I can tell, they're pretty much exactly the same.

 

So, to answer my own question: nothing.

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I'm certainly not complaining; I was just providing information to quell the rumours of things like improved signal routing.

 

Like I've said in another thread, it's exactly the same as when Boss replaced the RC-20 with the RC-20XL. A couple of years after releasing the original model, the memory (or, in the case of the 500x, the processor) is so much cheaper that you can release an improved model for the same price.

 

As I've also said elsewhere, those of us who already own a 500 are not the target market at all; they're just keeping things fresh for new customers, which is fair enough.

 

Off the top of my head, I think the only time I've really had any problems with the DSP limit is when trying to use twin Bogners with delay and reverb. As I've been umming and ahhing about swapping the 500 for a Pro, I'd certainly be interested in trying twin Bogners on a 500x to see if it sounds as cool as it does in my head.

 

If it does, maybe that'll tip the balance and I'll get a ProX when it comes out.

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So, any future firmware updates (i.e. new amp models) for the 500X will also include the 500? This is my biggest concern. I just got my 500 a little under 2 months ago after waiting and dreaming of one for a long time (couldn't afford it) and then a new and improved model comes out! Just a bit disheartening. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love my 500 and just hope there will be continued support. I would imagine that customtone will be somewhat affected, tho.

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they've said this is going to be the case on their facebook announcement.

 

So, any future firmware updates (i.e. new amp models) for the 500X will also include the 500? This is my biggest concern. I just got my 500 a little under 2 months ago after waiting and dreaming of one for a long time (couldn't afford it) and then a new and improved model comes out! Just a bit disheartening. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love my 500 and just hope there will be continued support. I would imagine that customtone will be somewhat affected, tho.

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I am hoping against hope Line 6 incorporate a more powerful DSP with the HD500x. I run separate vocal and guitar chains using the unit and being able to process a full signal chain for each, even just a preamp, compressor, reverb and delay for each would be a godsend - 8 effects simultaneously is not enough!

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good news:

 

mralmostpopular wrote:

Just a note for anyone looking to upgrade, the HD500X uses a different file format than the HD500 (.5xe for the 500X, .h5e for the 500). I went ahead and tried simply changing the extension, and they do seem to open in the new edit software. I haven't noticed any issues, but I also haven't yet had a chance to go through and make sure that they retained all of their settings. The reasoning for making a new file format was probably for the customtone gallery, but it seems like an odd move for them not to make the 500X directly backwards compatible with the older format. Luckily, I only had a handful of patches for the 500, but someone who's made a ton of patches over the last couple of years is probably going to find the process of changing the file format and testing the patches to be very tedious.

 

I can confirm that  :) 

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Ok thank you. 

 

That process still seems rather unsure to me.  I wont upgrade to HD500X if I'm not 100% sure I can import my sounds.  Can someone from Line6 confirm what is and what is not possible in that respect?

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the real bomber will be the tone import handling when 500x tones cannot be loaded to the 500, that is my biggest concern

 

 

Please confirm you can import your HD500 sounds into the HD500x without problems at all...

 

Funny, I was on another thread not two weeks ago and folks couldn't understand why backwards compatibility was such a big deal...well here we are...again. 

 

Sounds like there is some hope, albeit it a bit tedious importing every single patch and resaving...I'll still take that any day over having to rebuild each one from scratch!

 

Will still have to verify that no erronous data is missing from each patch...unless someone from Line 6 can verify that the HD500 patches will in fact carry over all previous settings/parameters just by simply renaming the file.  Fingers crossed.  continue the updates on this please.

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I just purchased an HD500x from JRRshop. I'll A/B it with my 500 when it arrives. The dealbreaker for me will be if it still can't do amp channel-switching within one patch (without having to be bare of effects). 

 

I may just be slow, but could you explain "amp channel-switching within one patch"? Thanks

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I mean having two amp models within one patch, then being able to virtually A/B between them by toggling one "off" with the same command that toggles the other "on." Other amp modelers (Even past PODs) allowed you this in your signal chains, so that you could effectively switch "amp channels" with delay/reverb spillover, rather than suffer a muted lag as you switched between patches. While this option is still there in the 500, it practically isn't; as the DSP limit caused by upgrading the hardware demands of the software without actually upgrading the hardware resulted in people having to settle for bare-bones patches in the HD500 if they wanted amp-switching within one patch.

 

That, to me, was the biggest failure of the HD500. I understand that there's still a DSP limit in the 500x, though - So we'll see how much of an obstruction it still is.

 

I just tried it, and there is a little pop/click when switching amps while signal is passing through.  So keep that in mind.

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So, any future firmware updates (i.e. new amp models) for the 500X will also include the 500? This is my biggest concern. I just got my 500 a little under 2 months ago after waiting and dreaming of one for a long time (couldn't afford it) and then a new and improved model comes out! Just a bit disheartening. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love my 500 and just hope there will be continued support. I would imagine that customtone will be somewhat affected, tho.

 

 

Got you beat....got my 500 about 2 weeks ago...albeit off eBay. I am in the "love/hate" relationship and starting to find myself comparing it to my tried and true XT Live....sort of like comparing the girlfriend with the Ex-wife.....LOLOLOL.

 

 

It would be nice if Line 6 would offer an upgrade package where you send your 500 in and they put the new DSP in it. I would pay $100 for it.

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I mean having two amp models within one patch, then being able to virtually A/B between them by toggling one "off" with the same command that toggles the other "on." Other amp modelers (Even past PODs) allowed you this in your signal chains, so that you could effectively switch "amp channels" with delay/reverb spillover, rather than suffer a muted lag as you switched between patches. While this option is still there in the 500, it practically isn't; as the DSP limit caused by upgrading the hardware demands of the software without actually upgrading the hardware resulted in people having to settle for bare-bones patches in the HD500 if they wanted amp-switching within one patch.

 

That, to me, was the biggest failure of the HD500. I understand that there's still a DSP limit in the 500x, though - So we'll see how much of an obstruction it still is.

Couldn't you do this by putting each amp in it's own A/B signal path and then using the foot pedal to change the mixer gains between 100/0% and 0/100% for A/B? It wouldn't be a push button but it would still be a single foot control. No muted delays. Plus, you could then vary how sudden the switch happens and you would also maybe get some interesting mixing effects in the 50/50% region. In addition, since the reverb/delays are part of the common signal path, you keep your spillover tails.

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Couldn't you do this by putting each amp in it's own A/B signal path and then using the foot pedal to change the mixer gains between 100/0% and 0/100% for A/B? It wouldn't be a push button but it would still be a single foot control. No muted delays. Plus, you could then vary how sudden the switch happens and you would also maybe get some interesting mixing effects in the 50/50% region. In addition, since the reverb/delays are part of the common signal path, you keep your spillover tails.

 

You can't control the Mixer in real time, but you can assign two Amps to the same footswitch to bypass them - have one on and the other bypassed with the bypass volume = 0 then when you hit the footswitch it will turn the off amp on and the on amp off.

 

The alternative is to assign the Volume of each Amp to the expression pedal and sweep between them (which I think is what you were saying), but you are relying on the correct audio curves to get a flat cross fade...

 

[so two problems with the existing HD there already: can't control mixer and can't set curves]

 

What the earlier post was about is that you can't very practically do this because with two DSP expensive amps and two spring reverbs you have hit the DSP limit (you wouldn't necessarily want the same reverb settings for both amp channels) 

 

[another problem - if there was something that allowed you to recall effect state with footswitch then you might get away with only one reverb]

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Got you beat....got my 500 about 2 weeks ago...albeit off eBay. I am in the "love/hate" relationship and starting to find myself comparing it to my tried and true XT Live....sort of like comparing the girlfriend with the Ex-wife.....LOLOLOL.

 

 

Yea..but in this analogy ..you wake up one morning and realize you were an idiot for leaving the Ex-Wife....See if she'll still take your calls before you go thru any more hassles with the Girlfriend.

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Are any of these 500X claims actually new to the X? Is there something new about "dual signal paths" and "multiple routing options"? Is "dynamic DSP" different from the DSP we already have in the 500, or is there just a bit more of it?

Quoting from sonicscoop.com news item:

 

Unparalleled flexibility to craft your tones:
  • Dual signal paths
  • Multiple routing options
  • Dynamic DSP with more power for amps and effects
  • Stereo FX loop can be inserted anywhere in the signal chain
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I mean having two amp models within one patch, then being able to virtually A/B between them by toggling one "off" with the same command that toggles the other "on." Other amp modelers (Even past PODs) allowed you this in your signal chains, so that you could effectively switch "amp channels" with delay/reverb spillover, rather than suffer a muted lag as you switched between patches. While this option is still there in the 500, it practically isn't; as the DSP limit caused by upgrading the hardware demands of the software without actually upgrading the hardware resulted in people having to settle for bare-bones patches in the HD500 if they wanted amp-switching within one patch.

 

That, to me, was the biggest failure of the HD500. I understand that there's still a DSP limit in the 500x, though - So we'll see how much of an obstruction it still is.

 

It's not so bad if you use the HD with a DT amp as you only use the Amp Pre models, which is exactly what I do. My very effects heavy patches I run as single channels amps, the other stuff I do as follows:

 

Set inputs as 'Same'

 

            --------Volume Pedal ------- Amp--------Unused-------------

Wah <                                                                                         >Mixer--------Modulation-------- Delay--------Reverb-------Looper---------

            --------Volume Pedal ------- Amp--------Noise Gate/Eq----

 

 

I set the volume pedals to '0' so that when they switch on they mute the signal, turn off the Exp Pedal control and FS2 controls both to toggle between the two. The Volume Pedal modules use minimal CPU so there's still enough processing power to run a modest modulation, delay and reverb. If I wanted a little more, I could turn off the reverb and use that on the DT but it's not something that I really find happens.

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Did they address the issue of the weak power input socket of the HD500?

 

s

Nope, still the same poor lollipop design. L6 engineers are a strange lot. They seem very intelligent about modeling and effects, then do dumb stuff like the power plug design on the HD500 and the poor circuit board layout on the M5 that causes it to short out and reboot if you step on both buttons. Documented grounding issue, dig around the M series forums and they give a simple fix.

 

In my line of work, I work with engineers almost daily, and most of them have this "it works on paper" attitude. Implementation is what matters. But then again, if they make a little extra coin on accessories when this stuff breaks...

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In my line of work, I work with engineers almost daily, and most of them have this "it works on paper" attitude. Implementation is what matters. But then again, if they make a little extra coin on accessories when this stuff breaks...

 

I also work with engineers and what they design is not always what gets produced. Some of them like to have the most robust and exotic equipment to make it last but it's too expensive for the client.

 

s

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I'm glad to see calm discussion (and semi-calm disgruntlement) going on now that the worst of the anger of the release of the 500X is over.  

 

There are some disappointments in the new unit.  For me, they're mostly software.  A little DSP increase for the same price is welcome.  However, it doesn't fix a single one of my problems with the unit.  I could get CONSIDERABLY more DSP "bang for my buck" out of the original 500 if things like comb filtering were fixed instead of me wasting blocks to compensate.

 

If there was an option to automatically (or not) compensate for comb filtering, and the EQs were in decibels and frequencies instead of "percent," I'd be satisfied.  Go further and allow me to separate the amp block from the cab block and I'll be ecstatic.

 

I know comparisons of other modelers are always controversial, but this is the bottom line for me - fix the software and I'll buy two to alleviate my DSP problems.  Until then, I'm planning on buying one of the "other guys."  

 

And for what it's worth, I'm still here, keeping an eye on the board, hoping for some sign that a fix is coming, because I'd honestly rather stay with Line 6. 

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Unfortunately when I rename the files .hxe Microsoft thinks they are system help files windows 8 and doesn't like it.

 

I get an error message "you are attempting to open a file of type system file (.hxe), doing so could cause damage to your system.

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I get an error message "you are attempting to open a file of type system file (.hxe), doing so could cause damage to your system.

 

If you open the file from within the HD500X program itself, do you still get that error message? I could see you getting error if you just try double clicking on the file itself, but it shouldn't matter if you open the program first.

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  • 3 weeks later...

I had 3 hd500s get the "logo loop of death" returned all and settled for Bean HD for recording. I suggested problem may have been in the limited processing chip. Line 6 rep came to music store I taught at and SWORE the Bean never had the "loop" problem. And he was correct, still runs perfect. LINE 6... IF YOU SEE THIS,,, here's an idea for all who have the HD 500. Years back you OFFERED A UPGRADE CHIP for the pod 2. It was easy to put in, well worth the money, and I instantly heard the sound diffrence. How about offering a UPGRADE CHIP FOR PROCESSING CHIP FOR HD500's? Of course I would put stipulations on installation so YOU would not be responsible for noobs wrecking there units! Lol Customer could find a qualified installation "tec" if they felt they needed such. Bottom line is YOU WOULD MAKE ALOT of money selling this update chip! And a lot of hd500, 400, 300 and hdpod customers happy!

 

Hmmmmm, maybe next generation pod could have user friendly plug in/swap out slots to occomadate chips. Chips you could sell as technology races forever faster..... Customer could perchase particular upgrades to fit "there needs" Just saying,

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  • 5 months later...

I'm just amazed that this product (HD500) can be "maxed out" with the effects chain, etc.

 

For one reason or another I have been disappointed in the later models of the POD.

 

I gig w/the 2.0 on a regular basis. I'm use to getting compliments on my guitar sound(including guitar players).

 

I use the XT Live for a Vax Acoustic 700 preamp and parametric(NO AMP or SPKR sim)  and power source

w/ the Digital cable.

 

The rest I have found to be unuseable.

 

What is it , like a minute of looping on the HD Desk and HD500? ONE MINUTE? GOLLY!

 

Disappointed. :blink:

 

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What is it , like a minute of looping on the HD Desk and HD500? ONE MINUTE? GOLLY!

 

Disappointed. :blink:

You cannot expect every product to have all of the best of everything. You want a good looper, get the Boss rc-300. You want amazing guitar tones, get the HD500X. Or whatever you want really. They throw the cheap looper in there as an added bonus.

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I didn't buy it for the looper. I already own some Real Looping pedals. The looper in this unit is a joke, not a bonus.

L6 maybe could have assigned the extra memory for the effects chain so that in won't fall short. Or perhaps developed the

amp models like Matchless and Dumble that they removed. You're right about  one thing though, I did buy something else

and will continue to do so.

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