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Hd500 Vs. Hd500x Comparison Video!


ChristianArnold
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I don't get it. This is actually the same product line 6 has sold for the last few years now...with a few more leds. I don't see the point here. In my opinion it's time for something new or at least a decent update for the HD Amps with an IR loader or so. My Pod Hd pro is working on it's limits every day. Time for change...

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I don't get it. This is actually the same product line 6 has sold for the last few years now...with a few more leds. I don't see the point here. In my opinion it's time for something new or at least a decent update for the HD Amps with an IR loader or so. My Pod Hd pro is working on it's limits every day. Time for change...

I'm not trying to convince anyoneto buy the HD500X. I just wanted to help others see the differences in power and what not between the HD500 and HD500X. If they don't need the extra stuff, they can get a cheaper, discontinued model. My POD HD500 did everything I needed it to, and now with the HD500X, it does it even better. 

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I'm criticizing you for your brilliant video, it's direct criticism to line 6 products. I would not buy the 500x if you already own a HD Pod. For replacing the old one it would be ok...but in times of Kemper and axefx2 this release is not what I was looking forward to.

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Great Video! I think it is worth it! The change over that is!

But two Amps on an FX heavy patch are not needed. Wasted in fact as their tones are gone. The last patch is DSP usage in real terms.

I really liked your analogy, if you like the HD500 then the 20% more is valuable

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I'm criticizing you for your brilliant video, it's direct criticism to line 6 products. I would not buy the 500x if you already own a HD Pod. For replacing the old one it would be ok...but in times of Kemper and axefx2 this release is not what I was looking forward to.

 

I still don't understand why people keep comparing the HD500(X) to products that are at least 4 to 5 times more expensive. The AxeFXII and Kemper are probably awesome, but they should be for the price tag assosiated with them. In my mind it's like comparing a Mac Pro with an iPad. Both amazing products but definitely on different levels, and rightfully so due to cost. 

 

So, based on your video and to put it very generally, it looks like the 500X allows you to add 1-3 more effects than the 500 does.  I guess I'm not replacing my 500 just yet

 

Depends on the Dual Amps or just using a single amp. If you only use a single amp, you can push the FXs really far with the HD500X, at least until you run out of FX blocks.

 

Great video! Thanks for being objective and presenting both for us to decide which one will work for us. I don't think one can go wrong either way.

 

Thanks. Both are really awesome pedals. 

 

Great Video! I think it is worth it! The change over that is!

But two Amps on an FX heavy patch are not needed. Wasted in fact as their tones are gone. The last patch is DSP usage in real terms.

I really liked your analogy, if you like the HD500 then the 20% more is valuable

Honestly I rarely ever use Dual Amps and you are 100% right, when you use a lot of FXs to make it sound out of this world, there is really no precise amp characteristics being heard at least not enough to hear all the minute details in BOTH amps. With having more power with the 500x, I am going to be having a lot more fun with dual amps and heavy FX patches. Thanks for watching!

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Very nice video, and you left it to the viewer to decide whether it's worth it to upgrade. My 500X is coming Tuesday and I'm excited about it. I think the buttons are at least as much of an improvement as the DSP.

Great tones, BTW. You have some nice ambient sounds there.

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Very nice video, and you left it to the viewer to decide whether it's worth it to upgrade. My 500X is coming Tuesday and I'm excited about it. I think the buttons are at least as much of an improvement as the DSP.

Great tones, BTW. You have some nice ambient sounds there.

I agree about the footswitches. After actually using the HD500X for worship band practice today, I can say confidently that I would've updated just for the footswitches. But the DSP increase gives me just enough to do some strange things I always wanted to do, or just the capability of doing crazy things. 

 

Thanks for watching BTW!

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"Depends on the Dual Amps or just using a single amp. If you only use a single amp, you can push the FXs really far with the HD500X, at least until you run out of FX blocks."

 

That's what I mean. Dual amp or single amp, at the point that I run out of DSP on the 500,I can add 1-3 more effects depending on their DSP usage.  And based on what your video showed, I'd split the difference and say around 2.  That's not enough extra DSP to bail on something I bought about a year ago and don't really have the extra money laying around to chase technology (partly why I waited so long  to buy the HD500).  I'll wait until the next DSP increase or whatever Line 6 has coming.

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The good news here is HD 500 owners don't have to rush out and purchase a 500x. The cosmetic changes really don't warrant a rush to purchase. 20% more DSP?.....I understand the analogy but that is a pretty weak stretch. Too much glare from the stage lights off of the metal surrounding the buttons?....difference color screen?....This all sounds like a noble attempt to glorify something that really isn't all that glorious. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not speaking about you personally, you did a great job at reporting on what you had in front of you. But Off the top of my head, I can think of much better ways to utilize a 20% improvement on a flagship fx pedal.

 

When the iPhone 6 comes out, do you think the talking points are going to be about screen color and the ability to run a whopping 2 additional apps at the same time? Oh yeah and we've added a light around the home button!!!!! Oooooooooo! Aaaahhhhhh! Even the most staunch iPhoner would laugh!

 

When th HD comes out with a second built in exp pedal, when they give us a Dumble, Two Rock, Hughes & Kettner models, when we get a better interface to use with a DAW, call me. Until then, I will continue to love my dream rig as is.

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When the iPhone 6 comes out, do you think the talking points are going to be about screen color and the ability to run a whopping 2 additional apps at the same time? Oh yeah and we've added a light around the home button!!!!!

 

Actually, I think Apple would make a pretty big deal about those types of things. When they came out with the 4S, the biggest selling point was Siri... A cool little app I suppose, but to most people more of a novelty item than anything.

 

To me it all comes down to what kind of upgrades can you actually expect for the same price point? The price of producing the hardware on Line 6's part is probably about the same, so I think offering anything real in terms of hardware improvements is a good deal. Processing power always becomes cheaper as time progresses, but the curve these little Sharc chips follow is not really the same as mainstream computer chips.

 

I  know a lot of people here say they would be willing to spend twice as much for something that was twice as powerful or more, and that's probably true. I just don't think the people who post here are necessarily representative of the average HD500 owner. I think that selling a floor-based modeler for $1,000 is going to be a tough sell in places like Guitar Center.

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.

 

I  know a lot of people here say they would be willing to spend twice as much for something that was twice as powerful or more, and that's probably true. I just don't think the people who post here are necessarily representative of the average HD500 owner. I think that selling a floor-based modeler for $1,000 is going to be a tough sell in places like Guitar Center.

 

 

Couldn't have said it better.......................

 

Christian, when, or will you be doing a video on the L3t Loudspeaker in conjunction with the 'Dream Rig'.  I would very much like to hear your setup.  I am currently saving up for a JTV-59, and an L3t and would like something to compare as most of the videos on Youtube don't present it that great.  I am also wondering if I should spend the extra couple hundred bucks to get the L3 versus buying an L2.  I will be using the rig for busking, playing alongside backing tracks, as well as beginning to set up a PA rig for parties, company outtings and the possible DJ gig for weddings, parties etc.  Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated, as would one of your killer demo videos.  Thanks.

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Actually, I think Apple would make a pretty big deal about those types of things. When they came out with the 4S, the biggest selling point was Siri... A cool little app I suppose, but to most people more of a novelty item than anything.

Since this is not an apple forum, I will leave it to the individual to look up the differences between iPhone 4 and the 4S. For the sake of this conversation, there were more improvements than just Siri. But let's continue with that analogy. No other smart phone had that cool little app until apple put it in the iPhone 4S. Now you can't get a smart phone without that technology. That cool little app changed the game for all smart phones to follow.

 

That didn't happen with the 500x. No game changers here. Cool red circles around the buttons, a different color screen and the ability to add an extra distortion leaves me kind of ....meh.

 

I think what is going on for me here is this... A year ago, I went looking for a Strat to purchase and my local music store dude said " check out this Variax". I was blown away. I purchased it right on the spot! Then he hipped me to the "Dream Rig". After a bit of research, I went against my gut and purchased the DT 50 and Pod HD 500. (I had never been a fan of anything that Line6 produced) after figuring out how to work this set up, I am blown away at what this rig can do. Comparatively, the 500x is...meh.

 

I'm sure I'll be blown away by a future Pod HD product. The 500x just ain't it.

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I'm sure I'll be blown away by a future Pod HD product. The 500x just ain't it.

 

I understand what you're getting at...

 

The only reason I mentioned Siri along with the iPhone 4S is because I was having a conversation with one of my bandmates at dinner the other night, and he was talking about Siri. He just mentioned offhand how he didn't feel a great need to upgrade his iPhone 4 simply because nothing in the newer models of iPhones impressed him all that much. Personally, I haven't upgraded my 4, either. I'll probably wait until September when Apple does release something new. My comment was more about Apple's marketing department than about you... :)

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I understand what you're getting at...

 

The only reason I mentioned Siri along with the iPhone 4S is because I was having a conversation with one of my bandmates at dinner the other night, and he was talking about Siri. He just mentioned offhand how he didn't feel a great need to upgrade his iPhone 4 simply because nothing in the newer models of iPhones impressed him all that much. Personally, I haven't upgraded my 4, either. I'll probably wait until September when Apple does release something new. My comment was more about Apple's marketing department than about you... :)

I'm with you! I recently got an iPhone 4 after years of being the old grumpy guy who refused to pay the premium for a smart phone. "Phone are for phonin', cameras are for picture takin'! In my day a text required a piece of paper, pen, envelope and a stamp!".... am I dating myself?!? I could have chosen the 4s or the 5 but I opted for the 4 'cause it was cheaper and Siri, like the Pod HD500x is just....meh!
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Couldn't have said it better.......................

 

Christian, when, or will you be doing a video on the L3t Loudspeaker in conjunction with the 'Dream Rig'.  I would very much like to hear your setup.  I am currently saving up for a JTV-59, and an L3t and would like something to compare as most of the videos on Youtube don't present it that great.  I am also wondering if I should spend the extra couple hundred bucks to get the L3 versus buying an L2.  I will be using the rig for busking, playing alongside backing tracks, as well as beginning to set up a PA rig for parties, company outtings and the possible DJ gig for weddings, parties etc.  Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated, as would one of your killer demo videos.  Thanks.

 

I'm in the process of moving into my house right now. I had an apartment for all my previous videos. The L3t video is coming soon. I am also changing careers by starting a new job on monday. Life is really changing for me this summer. But as soon as everything settles down a little, I am going to work hard on many L3t videos, as well as "Dream Rig" videos with it. Thanks for watching!

 

Since this is not an apple forum, I will leave it to the individual to look up the differences between iPhone 4 and the 4S. For the sake of this conversation, there were more improvements than just Siri. But let's continue with that analogy. No other smart phone had that cool little app until apple put it in the iPhone 4S. Now you can't get a smart phone without that technology. That cool little app changed the game for all smart phones to follow.

 

That didn't happen with the 500x. No game changers here. Cool red circles around the buttons, a different color screen and the ability to add an extra distortion leaves me kind of ....meh.

 

I think what is going on for me here is this... A year ago, I went looking for a Strat to purchase and my local music store dude said " check out this Variax". I was blown away. I purchased it right on the spot! Then he hipped me to the "Dream Rig". After a bit of research, I went against my gut and purchased the DT 50 and Pod HD 500. (I had never been a fan of anything that Line6 produced) after figuring out how to work this set up, I am blown away at what this rig can do. Comparatively, the 500x is...meh.

 

I'm sure I'll be blown away by a future Pod HD product. The 500x just ain't it.

 

Comparing iPhones with Line6 products is always going to fall apart, but I tend to do it too. The issue really is that if you wanted something like Siri then the 4S was exciting for you. If you bought the 4 a month before the 4S, then you were angry and annoyed. Thats basically how I see the 500X. If you wanted better switches, brighter lights, more DSP, and you owned the HD500 for a while, then the 500x is exciting. Not so much if you got the HD500 within a year before now. 

 

I'm with you! I recently got an iPhone 4 after years of being the old grumpy guy who refused to pay the premium for a smart phone. "Phone are for phonin', cameras are for picture takin'! In my day a text required a piece of paper, pen, envelope and a stamp!".... am I dating myself?!? I could have chosen the 4s or the 5 but I opted for the 4 'because it was cheaper and Siri, like the Pod HD500x is just....meh!

 

Again, you didn't just get Siri: you got a whole bunch of stuff that, if used (and you would use them if you got the 4S), you would be excited about. Like a better camera and faster processor, etc. Also, if that 4S never came out, you wouldn't have got that 4 for cheaper. Same thing for the HD500x. I guess it has a lot to do with perspective. For me, I just got my first iPhone (5) last year. So I am okay with not getting this new one when it comes out this fall. But I've had the HD500 for years and I am actually wanting these upgrades, even though they seem small to most people. And for people that are confused, watch the video again. It's more than the ability to add another distortion pedal. 

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I've had my HD500X for a few days now and compared to my former HD500 you can clearly use 2 amps and still have a reasonable choice of FXs, which was not possible before.  So IMO the 20% more power is really useful.

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I've had my HD500X for a few days now and compared to my former HD500 you can clearly use 2 amps and still have a reasonable choice of FXs, which was not possible before.  So IMO the 20% more power is really useful.

That's my experience too. Unless someone sits down with an HD500x and starts playing around, the 20% will just be laughed at. If you actually play with it, you notice that 20% is amazing.

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I am always astonished and wondering when user are claiming for more DSP-power  to setup the ultimate dual amp presets with another 8 slots for FXs.  Sorry this is not my needs I am looking for. But each to their own ...

 

I bought my HD500 in Sept 2010. And I am willing to spend after nearly 3 years with this amazing piece of gear some money in a new generation of POD HD with really ENHANCED functionality (from my perspective).

 

But the enhanced functionality I am looking for is improved sound quality in the amp models and the FX.

 

Not shure, if the +20% DSP-power of the HD500X enables the L6 developers to improve their algorithms in the future ...

 

Another major disappointment I see for many users (not for me) is the fact that the new HD500X is not capable to support different Output modes (studio Direct for FOH; Combo Power Stack for the amp).    

 

So all in all: no reason for me to switch to the HD500X for me. BUT Line 6: the first release of the POD HD is now nearly 3 years! Time to come up with a REAL next generation model with REAL enhanced functionality to cover the EXISTING customer base. And that makes me thinking ...

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I've got the 500X, but I haven't had time for programming patches since I got it.

But IMO, this is an easy upgrade for 500 users to skip. Unless you're bumping up against the DSP limit often or love glitzy footswitches, there's nothing revolutionary here to entice musicians already satisfied with their 500s. Although I do think the light on the power cord is a little greener than the original. :-)

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Great video Christian,

 

What are the ear buds you use? I have been using sennheiser hd280 and having some fizz on tail end of notes on my pod hd. Curious on your ear buds there would be easier to record as headphones can be a pain.

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Great video Christian,

 

What are the ear buds you use? I have been using sennheiser hd280 and having some fizz on tail end of notes on my pod hd. Curious on your ear buds there would be easier to record as headphones can be a pain.

That set I believe are called Skull Candy. They're pretty decent.

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Thanks for the video. Good to see both units side by side.

Although you show things that you think are better on the HD500x, for me there's no reason to change from the HD500 to the x.

 

In my ears all the tones you show are overloaded with effects (This of course is my very personal opinion). I always use effects very subtle and never run into DSP-overload when creating my tones. I don't care if a light shines brighter or the font is other color eighter.

 

The things I'm missing on the HD500 can't added just with a firmware upgrade or more power. So I'll wait until a new generation comes out, if that ever happens. Until then I'm happy with my HD500 as it is.

 

Thanks

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If you are using single amp set ups, you can load the heck out of the DSP.  I think the 500X is targetted more at the guys who don't already own a 500, and those that want the dual amp set up.  I'll wait I believe.  I want the JTV 59P, that's where my next dime will go.  And Christian, thanks for the response, very much looking forward to your "Dream Rig" vids.

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If you are using single amp set ups, you can load the heck out of the DSP.  I think the 500X is targetted more at the guys who don't already own a 500, and those that want the dual amp set up.  I'll wait I believe.  I want the JTV 59P, that's where my next dime will go.  And Christian, thanks for the response, very much looking forward to your "Dream Rig" vids.

You bet! The videos will be coming soon.

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My two cents: 

I've owned the HD500 since around April of 2011 and a DT50 2x12 since around November 2011. Never really had problems with them, and only using a lot of higher end effects ever bumped me against the DSP limit. The only time I use dual amps is for metal rhythm patches(and then it's just the two amps layered with different cabs to get around the 'meh' IRs) with an OD and noise gate. 

 

Do I have any reason to upgrade? No. Personally I don't.

 

Is this a good opportunity for new customers? Yeah. I think so.

 

It'd be cool if Line 6 did a promotional where you could get like $75-$100 off the 500X if you owned a 500(and then I think a lot more people would go for it, because it would cover the cost of the lost value of the HD500) but overall does it really matter? Not really. 

 

If you own an HD500 and like it: cool, it's still an excellent unit. 
If you don't and want one: an awesome unit just got better, and for the same price as the thing it replaced.

If you hate the HD500: well, there are plenty of other alternatives out there.

 

Cheers.

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  • 7 months later...

Hey Christian Just Wondering when you are gonna help us out and put the Spurgeon Patch. Cant seem to find it in Custom tone,. Thanks.

 

As soon as I get everything in my new music room set up, I will put those presets on the custom tone website.

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  • 9 months later...

Hey! Great video bro! Recently I bought POD HD500X to upgrade my POD HD500.Today I made a sound comparison demo,because I noticed some sound difference between the two units! I made research and I found what CPUs are used in both units.The PODs are using 32 bit/40 bit floating point processors,so that's the reason for the sound difference! When you use the CPU with floating point function,there is a limit,when you reach some point(for example 80% CPU usage) the CPU starts to "round" the values and the sound becomes "weaker"or let say not what it's meant to be.So you don't get 20% more power only for the stompboxes,that you may or may not add,but with this 20% you will reach the CPU limit later on and your sound will be better overall :-) The POD HD500X sounds much more clear to me,than the HD500.
Other than that,the foot switches are exactly the same (mechanically) as on the old HD500,they've just made some visual changes on them! I mean,that they won't last longer than the switches on the HD500.Anyways I really love the new look of the POD HD500X :-)
So here is the video I made today :-)

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Well guys, I just uploaded the video. Hopefully this will answer some questions of how the two units compare when trying to build patches. Please share the video if you can!

 

I've never thanked you for the video CA. Very good presentation on both of the pods. Have you experimented as far using the two together somehow? I know I would've, lol. Thanks Again.

 

Hey! Great video bro! Recently I bought POD HD500X to upgrade my POD HD500.Today

 

Another good video on the caparison, Thanks "A". It's giving me a better perspective on the 2 pods.

 

I have quite a bit of fun with pods that I have and I don't have money to burn although over the years have collected quite a few devices, lol. The 20% more DSP isn't quite a game changer for me but might be for the expert musician. So for now I'm going to run my HD500 into the ground ever so slowly, lol. I'm still using a TonePort UX2 and X3 Pro on a regular basis and they're rock solid. Rock On! Best Wishes and Future Blessings in up and coming New Year Everyone. :)

 

P.S.: I like Line 6's innovative attitude toward sound and will continue to follow them 'till the end. I also like Yamaha's. :)

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Great chops and tone/tune selection. Jealous of your fingerpicking skills!

Hey! Great video bro! Recently I bought POD HD500X to upgrade my POD HD500.Today I made a sound comparison demo,because I noticed some sound difference between the two units! I made research and I found what CPUs are used in both units.The PODs are using 32 bit/40 bit floating point processors,so that's the reason for the sound difference! When you use the CPU with floating point function,there is a limit,when you reach some point(for example 80% CPU usage) the CPU starts to "round" the values and the sound becomes "weaker"or let say not what it's meant to be.So you don't get 20% more power only for the stompboxes,that you may or may not add,but with this 20% you will reach the CPU limit later on and your sound will be better overall :-) The POD HD500X sounds much more clear to me,than the HD500.

Other than that,the foot switches are exactly the same (mechanically) as on the old HD500,they've just made some visual changes on them! I mean,that they won't last longer than the switches on the HD500.Anyways I really love the new look of the POD HD500X :-)

So here is the video I made today :-)

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

This video is *outstanding*!! Well done sir, and thank you. I have an older HD500; bought it around the time it came out, 4 years ago?

 

Lately been looking into adding a second DT25 to run my rig with dual amp models; wasn't sure if I would be able to squeeze that in just sticking with the older HD500 since it's just the 'pre' versions of the amp models, or if I should look into upgrading - or waiting for the 'next' POD release..

 

Either way, this video is an excellent demonstration, that for anyone using full amp models, the 500x does offer more flexibility with that extra DSP. 

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