Pod HD Pro: "Input 1-Guitar // Input 2-Variax" Method??

[Indulger777]

So I'm currently playing through a Pod HD Pro. I was initially able to find some serviceable tones, but was honestly a tad bit discouraged. Then I found out about the "Input 1-Guitar Inputer 2-Variax" thing and holy lollipop, it worked like a charm. However, I stumbled across a thread from someone stating that using this method also lowers the volume. I tested his observation, and found it to be true. I don't quite remember the specifics, but I think it had to do with the Pod's pre-chain area being 2 mono signals rather than 1 stereo. So when you set input 2 to Variax, the Pod somewhat averages the Input 1 signal and Input 2 signal, and since Input 2 is essentially set to 0, the overall signal is reduced. 

 

Does anyone have any experience/insight on this matter? Is there a way to get the desired sound of "input 1-guitar input 2-variax" without having the drop in dB? 

 

thanks!

[edstar1960]

The drop in volume is what gives you the "desired sound" because it is accurately reflecting what happens with a normal guitar into an effect or an amp.  The default setting (input 2 - SAME) on the Pod HD gives you a +6db boost into whatever you have first in the chain - either effect or amp - if you are not using a split path - this does not accurately reflect a normal guitar into effect/amp situation and ends up sending too hot a signal into the signal chain.

 

If you are using "input 1 - guitar and input 2 - Variax" but wish to boost the volume then you can do so by using one of the EQ models in one of the fx slots at an appropriate point in your signal chain - or you can use the MIXER block to increase volume levels - it really depends what you want to do and what effect or tone you are trying to achieve.  Bear in mind though that if you boost the signal volume at the start of the chain you are probably negating any benefit you had from using the different input settings.

 

Hope that helps to clarify the situation.

[jandrio]

... The default setting (input 2 - SAME) on the Pod HD gives you a +6db boost into whatever you have first in the chain - either effect or amp - if you are not using a split path - this does not accurately reflect a normal guitar into effect/amp situation and ends up sending too hot a signal into the signal chain.....

 

although there r many cases where this "...boost" is welcome....

[JTSC777]

I just bought and started using an HD500 and made this a global setting and I can tell you that this thing sounds great period! Really digging it and it will soon replace my Boss GT10 which will become my backup.

[jandrio]

@JTSC777: welcome on board !