Line 6 POD HD500X + Line 6 POD Studio UX2 ?

[manojla]

Hello, I have a question... I own a Line6 UX2 audio interface, and use it for home recording with my DAW software... so I was planning to buy a Line 6 POD HD500X processor next week, and I discovered it can be used as an audio interface also, as far as I understood... so my question is... when I buy the HD500X, do I need the UX2 anymore? ... Does it becomes basically unnecessary if I can use the HD500X as the audio interface too, with all the features UX2 has? ... If so, I think I would sell the UX2. If not, I will keep it.  :unsure: When I used UX2 for recording my guitar, I usually recorded the "dry" signal direct from my guitar and then processed the sound via FX effects like VST plugins... I have read somewhere on this forum, that it would be best to connect the HD500X s/pdif Out to s/pdif In on the audio interface... but I was checking and I don't see the s/pdif Input on the UX2, only s/pdif Output... ?  :huh: I would be thankful for any advice, I am not much of experienced user.

[Brazzy]

When I got the HD500 I ended up not really using the UX2 at all. I used them both at the same time a few times in a few different ways but unless you really need it for a condenser mic I would sell it or keep it for backup or other options as "H" stated. I gave mine to a family member recently. I don't really need it anymore and if I need phantom power I can get something else.

 

I'm pretty sure if you bought the model packs for the UX2 they're linked to the device so it must be plugged in via USB in order to use them. There might be a way to unlink them but I'm not up on the subject.

[manojla]

Ok, thanks for the answers guys, it clears a situation for me very much. "Brazzy", you said something about condenser mic, does that mean I can't use it with HD500X like I would with UX2?

[manojla]

I was just planning to buy a decent condenser mic too, so I could record vocals and acoustics. Ok, I didn't know that, it's very important for me to know. So I guess that means selling UX2 is off, if I can't use the HD500X with the condenser mic, then it's definitely better to keep the UX2 rather than sell it.

[Brazzy]

I was just planning to buy a decent condenser mic too, so I could record vocals and acoustics. Ok, I didn't know that, it's very important for me to know. So I guess that means selling UX2 is off, if I can't use the HD500X with the condenser mic, then it's definitely better to keep the UX2 rather than sell it.

 

Yeah you might want to keep it and try the new mic with your UX2 to see what kind of tones you can obtain. I had a lot of fun with Gearbox and my AKG Perception 420. You could also ReAmp two speakers with it at the same time. The UX2 is a very cool device. Since I still have my X3 Pro I basically have everything the UX2 had so I was good by giving the UX2 to my nephew.

[manojla]

haha, thanks for the help.  :) one question, what exactly reAmping means?

and second thing, I've been reading some things on the forums tonight regarding HD500X (which I was definitely planning to buy this week) ... and I think like I'm starting to concider the older POD X3 Live as a potential buy too... this was due to the fact that HD500X doesn't have the possibility of direct wet and dry signal recording straight via the USB, and X3 despite being an older model has this feature. Also, the used X3 is at least half of the HD500X price these days. Plus, as Brazzy mentioned himself, maybe having the X3 would basically mean it could completely replace the UX2 as the audio interface (except the phantom power feature), and in that case, maybe I could sell the UX2 and make myself a low expense in the end. As I understood, the X3 offers more amps, sims, fx tones, but they are more digital sounding in comparison to HD500X which has fewer of that, but better quality and feel a little bit closer to real amp. So since I see you guys are experts (at least from my point of view), can you please tell me your thoughts about the possability of buying X3 instead of HD500X, or it just isn't the deal? Many people praised the X3 as a very good processor even vs. the later HD500 in some ways. Btw, I'm into the alternative and progressive rock mostly. Sorry if this is a little bit off topic, and I know there is a lot about it on the net, but I really would like to hear your thoughts about the X3 / HD500 choice.

cheers  :)

[Brazzy]

haha, thanks for the help.  :) one question, what exactly reAmping means?

and second thing, I've been reading some things on the forums tonight regarding HD500X (which I was definitely planning to buy this week) ... and I think like I'm starting to concider the older POD X3 Live as a potential buy too... this was due to the fact that HD500X doesn't have the possibility of direct wet and dry signal recording straight via the USB, and X3 despite being an older model has this feature. Also, the used X3 is at least half of the HD500X price these days. Plus, as Brazzy mentioned himself, maybe having the X3 would basically mean it could completely replace the UX2 as the audio interface (except the phantom power feature), and in that case, maybe I could sell the UX2 and make myself a low expense in the end. As I understood, the X3 offers more amps, sims, fx tones, but they are more digital sounding in comparison to HD500X which has fewer of that, but better quality and feel a little bit closer to real amp. So since I see you guys are experts (at least from my point of view), can you please tell me your thoughts about the possability of buying X3 instead of HD500X, or it just isn't the deal? Many people praised the X3 as a very good processor even vs. the later HD500 in some ways. Btw, I'm into the alternative and progressive rock mostly. Sorry if this is a little bit off topic, and I know there is a lot about it on the net, but I really would like to hear your thoughts about the X3 / HD500 choice.

cheers  :)

 

I was thinking about what you said here. I would say think about warranty. If your buying used there's no warranty. I do like the X3 Series and wanted the X3 Live but ended up with the Pro, forget why exactly, the Lives may've been sold out.

 

The HD's models sound better to me though. It's a tough decision for me since I have both. I use the HD more than the X3 these days. but I'll break out the X3 every now and then. IMO, the X3 has tones the HD doesn't.

 

The X3 may be the way to go for you. You already know it since you've had the UX2 and it has the feature you want. You could save money for sure. Ultimately it's choice to make. Whatever happens I hope you get what you want.

 

PS: I really liked how the X3 Live looked. That pedal was cool!

 

 

 

[manojla]

reamping means that you record using a certain amp tone, but what is really recorded is only the guitar dry signal, so you can use it to re-amp it by using any other amp model you have at disposal..

 

ohh, Ok, I'm using that method since I bought the UX2, I just didn't know the term in english.  :)

 

 

the HD500/X can deliver a pure dry signal only through S/PDIF which means that you need another audio interface with S/PDIF to record it in your DAW software.. but if you are not too picky about getting a perfect pure dry tone you can get a dry signal also through USB with some tricks..

 

think about the X3 as a comfortable car for the city and family holidays full of handy optionals, and instead the HD as a sports car, smaller and less comfortable, with just a few optionals, but powerful, you must know how to drive it to do no harm..

 

jokes apart, the HD really needs more time and efforts to get the best it can give, but if you get there!!...

 

haha, that's a very good metaphor, I got it. :) ... yes, not every audio interface has a s/pdif input, unfortunately the UX2 doesn't. It's a little odd to me how Line6 didn't put the "dry unprocessed recording" usb feature on HD500 (don't need to patch it and improvise to make it work like on the HD500), when the previous model (X3) had that feature.

 

 

I was thinking about what you said here. I would say think about warranty. If your buying used there's no warranty. 

 

That's exactly what I thought. The warranty is very important to me, I would always pay a lot more money and buy a new product straight from the shop with warranty, rather than pay e.g. three times less for the same product, but used and without warranty. So I totally agree on that, but if I go for the used X3, I must take that risk.

 

 

The HD's models sound better to me though. It's a tough decision for me since I have both. I use the HD more than the X3 these days. but I'll break out the X3 every now and then. IMO, the X3 has tones the HD doesn't.

 

The X3 may be the way to go for you. You already know it since you've had the UX2 and it has the feature you want. You could save money for sure. Ultimately it's choice to make. Whatever happens I hope you get what you want.

 

PS: I really liked how the X3 Live looked. That pedal was cool!

 

X3 Live.JPG

 

Thanks Brazzy. Yeah, it looks so cool, that pedal and the chrome bars... I mean the HD500 also looks great and solid, very quality made. Well, it's a very tough decision to make. :) All I know is I have to buy one or another as soon as possible. From all I read, the X3 is a great product, with lot and lot of possabilities. It still is the deal. The HD is an improved product, with maybe a little less features, but with better sounding amps. How much better, I would ask? How much better is that "sound" difference in favour of HD500 comparing to the X3? Is it like drastic, or imperceptible? Maybe in the and it all comes to a subjective feeling of one or another user.

[Brazzy]

That's exactly what I thought. The warranty is very important to me, I would always pay a lot more money and buy a new product straight from the shop with warranty, rather than pay e.g. three times less for the same product, but used and without warranty. So I totally agree on that, but if I go for the used X3, I must take that risk.

 

Thanks Brazzy. Yeah, it looks so cool, that pedal and the chrome bars... I mean the HD500 also looks great and solid, very quality made. Well, it's a very tough decision to make. :) All I know is I have to buy one or another as soon as possible. From all I read, the X3 is a great product, with lot and lot of possabilities. It still is the deal. The HD is an improved product, with maybe a little less features, but with better sounding amps. How much better, I would ask? How much better is that "sound" difference in favour of HD500 comparing to the X3? Is it like drastic, or imperceptible? Maybe in the and it all comes to a subjective feeling of one or another user.

The warranty might be the deciding factor in this. You might be able to get both. Buy one and save up strategically and get the othe later. For me having a back up device was always important.

 

"Sound is so very subjective" is truth.. My experience concerning reliability with the UX2, X3 Pro and Hd500 have been very good. Keep in mind I don't gig with them and they generally stay put. Since they've lasted all these years I would have to say they are all great builds. Many people buy used and have good experiences, too.

 

do you still remember the old CRT TVs?.. and of course you know the modern TVs in high definition..

 

both of them are good and usable, but what is the difference between them?..

 

well, between X3 and HD is more or less the same difference above

That's a good way of putting it "H" I have to agree :)

[silverhead]

I think it boils down to what you value more: better tones or better features for studio use. The Hd500 definitely has the former; the X3 has the latter (direct dry signal recording over USB; better built-in support for acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and vocals; Pod Farm tone compatibility). The X3 also has a feature called Lock Tone 2 that is very handy for a singer/guitarist when performing.

 

If you do decide on the X3 Live make sure you get one that has already had an inherent USB issue fixed. It was called USB Audio Dropout and affected the recording process. Line 6 has offered a lifetime warranty for this issue so if you do get a device that has the problem Line 6 will fix it, but it will be inconvenient for you. Better to get one that's already been fixed.

[manojla]

do you still remember the old CRT TVs?.. and of course you know the modern TVs in high definition..

 

both of them are good and usable, but what is the difference between them?..

 

well, between X3 and HD is more or less the same difference above

 

Yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about, I really had a lot of experience with CRT tv's and computer monitors btw.  :lol:

 

 

The warranty might be the deciding factor in this. You might be able to get both. Buy one and save up strategically and get the othe later. For me having a back up device was always important.

 

"Sound is so very subjective" is truth.. My experience concerning reliability with the UX2, X3 Pro and Hd500 have been very good. Keep in mind I don't gig with them and they generally stay put. Since they've lasted all these years I would have to say they are all great builds. Many people buy used and have good experiences, too.

 

What you said about getting them both eventualy is a very good idea. :) One thing is certain, UX2 is not for sale, I'm definitely keeping it for like forever. :)

 

 

I think it boils down to what you value more: better tones or better features for studio use. The Hd500 definitely has the former; the X3 has the latter (direct dry signal recording over USB; better built-in support for acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and vocals; Pod Farm tone compatibility). The X3 also has a feature called Lock Tone 2 that is very handy for a singer/guitarist when performing.

 

If you do decide on the X3 Live make sure you get one that has already had an inherent USB issue fixed. It was called USB Audio Dropout and affected the recording process. Line 6 has offered a lifetime warranty for this issue so if you do get a device that has the problem Line 6 will fix it, but it will be inconvenient for you. Better to get one that's already been fixed.

 

Thanks for the important info, silverhead. One thing is bothering me. Let's assume I buy the used X3. No box, no manual, just the adapter, the unit works great and everything is fine... ok, but should I be able to register it online and have a internet support, like I have with the UX2 which I bought in the store? I suppose not, but I'm not sure.

[silverhead]

Yes, you will be able to register the X3 and receive full support from Line 6. There will likely not be any more firmware updates but the product is still supported.

[manojla]

Oh, well that's great, it was very important for me to know, thank you for the answer.  :)