Things I Learned About POD HD500X in last 2 Years

[PANT666666]

I have spent much time jamming on the POD HD500X in the last two years - I found it to be an amazing beast and am happy to have spent the money to buy it, a JT Variax 69, and a DT25 112 amp.

 

Here are some things I now know that I could not figure out when the unit was new, and some others that just bear repeating.  Hopefully these will help any newbies who don't want to read the manuals five times over before getting the info.

 

- L6 link to DT25 amp is amazing - if you get the chance to try it out - you should.  Even though I hardly use it - the DT25 is a fine amp with lots of options - just like the POD HD500X - the two working in harmony is just plain amazing.   To be honest, I don't spend too much time with my DT25 and plug my POD into a Fender Champion 600 (all tube 5W) so my girlfriend doesn't leave me.

 

- Direct out to mixer from the DT25 also amazing - if anyone ever spent 100 hours futzing with microphones only to get the sound wrong knows the value of the direct out.  Plug it in and record - that's it.   A must try feature if you have the DT25.

 

- JTVariax to the POD HD500X - again, mind blowing synergy brings the capabilities of both the guitar and POD into a whole new dimension of awesome.  Furthermore the modeled guitars are whisper quiet (no single coil hum) means the recordings are crystalline and amazing.  Even if your DAW or recording device is complete lollipop (like my PC).

 

- Microphone input - loved to feedback - girlfriend would scream at me - until I discovered the Vintage Pre (microphone preamp) hiding in the "Dynamics" section.   Its a little weak, but works great with Shure SM58 and you can up the volume adjustment on the mic connection.

 

- Path A for microphone AND Path B for guitar:  Create separate signal chains for microphone and guitar - oh my.   Its so easy when you make sure there are NO blocks before the path splits to A and B.  

 

- Learn to use the LCD screen - it takes a some effort but is worth it.  You don't need to involve the PC / laptop and USB interface once you learn the LCD - worth the effort.

 

- Create custom guitars - use the software to generate custom guitars with unique combinations of bodies and pickups as well as with your favorite tunings - that's what its there for.

 

- Harmonica microphone into POD to get the dirty Chicago blues sound - to this day - still not happening.

 

- I know I said you can avoid reading the manual - but don't.   The manual contains tons of goodies and requires re reading to absorb what you are looking for - but it can be worth it.  I have read over certain sections repeatedly like I have OCD - only to find all sorts of things I really wanted to know after all.

 

Conclusion: The POD HD500X and Dream Rig have prevented me from spending money on needless gear since I purchased it two years ago.  I mean why buy that telecaster or another tube amp or more FX pedals when you already have everything in a nice neat package.

 

Hope my post helps.

[Indianrock2020]

Great write-up.  Early on I read the recommendation to set input 1 to guitar and input 2 to variax ( not using a variax ) to avoid noise or  ?    Forgot the reason now but that's how my 500x is set up.  On the JTV, I've been considering a JTV 59, but probably would need to sell a guitar as part of the process to keep the Mrs. happy.  They seem impressive.

[joel_brown]

Things that helped me:

 

1) Changing the Input Impedance.

2) Input 1 and Input 2 different.

3) Res, Low Cut, and Thump helped a lot.

4) Digital Delay on one side of Amp output set at 20ms and 100% mix gives a cool stereo sound live - if you have a rig (or P.A.) that does stereo.

5) Turn the Drive down.

6) Turn E.R. Off or adjust to taste.

7) EQ the crap out of it.  Adjust like crazy with tone knobs, Low Cut, Impedance, then add EQs in the FX chain and tweak yourself crazy.  As a last resort use the Global EQ.  And make sure to do all this at the volume your normally play at with the amp/speaker that you normally use.  Then when you think you have it right, save it, turn everything off, and come back in a few days.  Ear fatigue is real.

[cruisinon2]

but probably would need to sell a guitar as part of the process to keep the Mrs. happy. They seem impressive.

Rule #1: They all come unhappy. It's standard issue.

 

Rule#2: It's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

 

Unless you sit on the couch all day while she goes out and works, then go buy your toy...otherwise, next time she wants a new handbag, tell her she has to sell 3 pairs of shoes first.

[joel_brown]

Rule#2: It's easier to get forgiveness than permission ?????????????  I was going to ask "How long have you been married ?", but a better question would be, "How many times have you been married ?".

[PANT666666]

I was on forum looking for help on the Pan control to blend path A and B and noticed my write up from exactly two years to the day... 

 

I thought " I have to throw in about some additional things I have learned"   so here goes...

 

Ditto on all the stuff in the original post - with some clarifications:

 

Mic input - tricky and likes to feedback - yes but when set as input and using the trim pot on the gain can be a nice addition to the possibilities of the POD.  However, I spent time recently trying out different FX with the mic as input, and Im not particularly impressed... the FX are really for guitars.

 

I bought a Trio plus and attaching it to the POD is totaly doable but not as straight forward as simple FX loop - scan on Trio plus in this forum and write down the information and use it on your POD or Helix.  I have eliminated the Jam Man XT looper I was using.

 

The JTV 69 Variax is a great versatile guitar that is my only electric guitar to date... Get one if you have the means.

 

Im still digging through the manual - frequently - if you have a POD HD do the same - its a world unto itself.

 

Well, thats it for now. 

 

One more thing to consider; 25 years ago I was promised an entire room of the house as my "Studio" (by my now ex-wife).   Well kids are moved out and all I eventually got was 30 square feet of a bedroom which was converted to an exercise room.  Im not bitter.