Incorporating Line 6 amplifier presets into my POD HD500x

[Hipp1967]

I have been playing guitar for a while, about 30 years, but am new to the POD-type of setup. In the past I used pedals boards and a mic on my amplifier. I purchased the POD HD 500x, due to now having chronic back problems, which preclude me from dragging around my Fender deluxe reverb everywhere I play. The POD is great because it is so lightweight and allows me to plug straight into the soundboard.

 

I also have a Line 6 amplifier that I use for practice. When I purchased the POD, I expected that it would have at least as many presets as the Line 6 amplifier. I was surprised to learn that even though it is one of the cheaper Line 6 products, the amplifier has way more good presets than does the POD. I have attempted to look at the settings of the presets on the amp, and mimic them on the POD, but cannot get them to sound the same.

 

Is there any way to transfer presets from the Line 6 amplifier to my POD HD500x?

 

P.S. - I am a 'green bean' in regards to the POD, and haven't even looked at it through the computer yet. Do I need to first spend some time familiarizing and learn how to interface with the POD via the computer before I attempt this? Do I need to download software to be able to access the POD via my computer? I have an iMac btw.

 

Sorry if this is too basic for this forum, but a fellow has to start somewhere. I am fairly good with computers, but lack a lot of free time to just try and learn this on my own. Any tips are welcome in regards to how I should get started, so that I can increase the number of presets available to me.

[BillBee]

Hey my man, its a mileage may vary thing as "all ears are different". Without knowing what amp you have I can say "no" to the import tones from amp to HD question. I think the L6 amps sound pretty good but the HD will take tones to the next level IMO but you should be able to build some awesome ones that will be just as good as or better. The HDs have optional Amp Packs to further expand into some of the old XT/X3 amps if you need them.

 

At the top of this page is a support tab it should lead you to the downloads area. Pick your device and OS and nab the Line 6 Monkey, License Manager and HD500x Editor and there are drivers too. I don't have a Mac but the latest and greatest software seems to work pretty good from what I have seen.

 

Take the HD slow and easy as patch building and the depth of options can be a bit intimidating at first.

 

The Dudes here can always point you in the right direction if there is a snag.

 

Welcome to the board!

Bill

[Hipp1967]

Thanks a bunch, glad to be here. I am a little disappointed though, as some of the presets on the my L6 amp are ready to go as they are, and I would love to be able to simply plop them into my POD without having to try and build them. I do enjoy building the tones, but more so enjoy just picking up my guitar and playing. The tones I really enjoy on the L6 amp are the ones where they have mimicked old songs, or certain bands or guitarists. When we are covering a certain band or song, it is cool to be able to punch a few buttons and find that guitarist's basic tone, without having to do much work, or try and build it.

 

But, alas, things easily gained are rarely worth having. I will certainly follow your instructions and start delving into my POD deeper. Maybe once I add some downloads some better presets will show up, or at least some that I like better. And, you're right, in the end the POD is much more versatile and has more upside than the amp, I just need to set aside some time to learn how to use it better in order to take advantage of more that it has to offer. Overall I have really enjoyed my POD and am happy that I bought it. I also bought one for my son and he loves it as well.

 

Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to steer me in the right direction, I will check back in to let you know how I progressed once I have had time to do the downloads. In the end, I am just happy that at age 49 I am once again able to enjoy playing in a band and getting better at playing my guitars. I really thought these days were over for me, and had even considered selling my rigs, but I was wrong!

[BillBee]

No problem my man - just turned 48 myself and I understand (the back thing too). Its easy to get caught up killing hours and hours making patches or downloading some patches that sound like reheated poo (all rigs are different). Start easy (maybe a single path amp and put a tube screamer in front see how button assignments work) and limit your patch building time so you can play guitar.