ColonelForbin

Keep the M13, get an HD500x, and put the M13 into the FX loop in stereo in the HD500. Voila! I have the HD500, have had it for a while. Added an M13 briefly, had to sell it recently due to money woes... :( But I really liked it! And I did just that with it, into the FX loop, where since you can program the fx loop position (pre, post, etc) on a per patch basis, you can get a lot of flexibility from the pairing. They use the same 'M class' FX, just vary how you access them. And as noted previously, you can run the M13 in 'true bypass' mode, or in 'dsp bypass' mode, so it does function like a stomp box pedalboard. The manner in which it saves 'scenes' of on deck FX is quite nice - while you can only have four on at one, you can have 16 'on deck'. The number of dedicated footswitch controllers for the M13 is greater than the Hd500, since the HD500 has to choose whether you get 8 FX on/off switches - OR - you get four FX and four patch change.

Technically, you can do more with the Stagesource speakers; since you will have the option to use the Line6Link. This allows you to save the speaker modes on the L2 on a per patch basis with the HD500. Switch from electric guitar amp sounds, to full-range for acoustic sounds, for example.

Ok, not an "ideal" solution, but this would 'technically' work: -run the acoustic models via the 1/4" out from the JTV directly into the L2m. -run the JTV->VDI->HD500->L6Link->DT25->DT50. This will at least allow you to run the two amp models into the two DT's using the correct settings, and it will get the acoustic tones into the L2 in 'studio/reference/PA' mode, as set on the speaker. An additional routing, you could then send the two XLR / DI outs from the DT amps into the L2m..

Looking to get a bit more "in depth" with the M20d. Looking for suggestions on how you all work vocal channel FX, processing - what is your go to channel strip for vocals in the M20d? Best way to run comps or other dynamics processing - do you do that on both mains and monitors, or are you creating presets with certain settings that are only routed to one, or the other>? I will also read up a bit, so I know more of my options - I realize this is vague. More specific scenario, working with a band where one singer projects his voice well, sings loud, so just looking for shaping and subtle clarity related settings. The other singer has issues with volume, sings lower, and having some monitor related issues. Looking for tips to balance the two out with monitor levels, avoiding feedback if possible. Also, mic suggestion for soft singers vs loud singers? Currently using a pair of L2t speakers as the floor monitors; still saving up the coin to get into the L3's for the mains. Typically run the analog main outs from the M20d to the main PA power amp. Thanks!

You have a setting option on the M devices to run it in true bypass mode, or in DSP bypass mode: The Model Select Knob toggles between True Bypass and DSP Bypass. In True Bypass, mechanically switching relays route your signal directly from input jack to output jack, bypassing all circuitry, for absolutely no processing or conversion when bypassing all FX. If you’re playing back a loop, however, or you want your Delay and Reverb trails to be heard when bypassing all FX, you must use DSP Bypass. True Bypass can only be activated when all of the following conditions are met: • True Bypass is enabled in Setup mode (via the Model Select Knob). • All 4 FX Units are in a bypass state. • The Looper is stopped. • Looper Controls mode is inactive (Looper Controls footswitch light is off).

Yup! Reminds me of Metallica 'And Justice For All'; the bass is not even in the mix, it's all completely submerged with the low end of Hetfield's guitar parts.

I started working on Workbench recently, need to spend a lot more time on it. A good way to get 'familiar' with the process; load it up and try to volume balance the models to the mags.. Once you do that, the seal is broken, if you will. I was working on making some Keith Richards style open tunings, with the low E string muted. I tried doing them as guitar models, need to mess with the possibility of making them tuning settings in the alt tuning bank, rather than just in the guitar model, so that can be used on any guitar model. Though, what's cool about doing it in the guitar model level, is you can toggle between the alt tuning 5 string in the model, and the regular tuning 6 string in the mags. Very cool, for jumping between two very different styles of playing guitar. I suppose you could do that same toggle between mags and alt tunings. Just not certain I can drop the volume of the low E string in the alt tuning section, or does it have to be in the guitar model?

Lately I have been happy with what I am hearing in recordings off the DT XLR DI out, using the HD500 in link mode to it. I still struggle with making patches at home, and getting volume consistency at louder rehearsal volumes.. I had to narrow my approach to things. That, and as mentioned above, take time to sort out what the HD500 does to process your guitar vs what the DT25 does. As mentioned, the HD500 is working in a doubling mode, when inputs are set a certain way. That, and the entire signal chain is "dual stereo" if you are using any two amp model patches. This all changes when using any given mono effect both before and after. Such as, sums to mono when going through a noise gate effect. If you put this before the amp model and only use stereo effects after the amp model, the signal chain is stereo until it is summed to mono going to the DT25. The looper is also mono. If you have a mono effect after the amp model, it sums to mono. I often use a mono effect or two (EQ, comp, etc) after the amp model, then go to stereo effects, into the stereo effects loop to an M13, back to the HD500 then mono link to the DT25. Sometimes, the stereo effects ended up causing more trouble than they were worth, and even the drummer told me to turn down! *(along with everyone else in the room..) And the DT is only 25 watts; they were having trouble hearing the 40watt Fender tweed that my buddy plays through over me, go figure..) So, yeah. Take a look at what is happening with the HD500 processing; try something as simple as only the amp model, and figure out what you need to do to make it sound closer to the DT stand alone. Perhaps things like panning left/right in the mixer block, or making sure to assign the inputs to different sources. Mess with the input pad and the mixer block levels - maybe too loud or not loud enough?> Also - are you using the FULL amp models, or the PRE amp models? I have been using the PRE only when going to the DT and it helps to a certain extent. Also, it's a bit dated, but still has much relevant info, check out the MeAmBobbo guide: http://foobazaar.com/podhd/toneGuide/

using Line6Link? Standard XLR cable, or the recommended AES/EBU digital cable? (looks exactly like an XLR)

I don't use two HD500's, but I sometimes put an M13 in the HD500 effects loop. Depending on how I am outputting, it can be useful if you want to make stereo things occur. I was typically placing the M13 in the end of the Hd500 signal chain, and adding various reverbs, chorus, delays, and various other 'extended' effects. Since the FX loop can be moved on a per patch basis, it can also be bumped into the 'pre' amp model slot, for extra comps, drives, boosts, wahs ,etc. In that concept, you could basically put an HD500 into the FX loop, and using a dual channel patch on the first HD500, assign 'no amp model', then run the FX loop for the second HD500 only in that second no amp model signal chain. The two amp model chains are both in full stereo, so you don't even need to pan them left/right, if you final output is in stereo. From there, if you wanted to add yet more, you could put an M13 into the FX loop of the second HD500, using the configurations I have mentioned. M13 works perfect in the FX loop, sounds fantastic. Definitely an additional A/D D/A conversion, but I don't have any signal issues. This would also make for an interesting use of dual L6Links. You can route one HD500 to a StageSource speakers, and run the other HD500 link to a set of DT amps. The HD500 in the FX loop can be run in a manner which works best for it's link output, while still feeding the first HD500 with a second amp model signal. Seems like overall, it would get very complex quickly. I think what you are thinking, is akin to how you can link two stagesource speakers together using the two Line6Link send and receives. In this manner, you would line6 link two HD500's together, but then there would still need to be an additional link to send out to the speakers! Try the M13 or M9, you may be able to do much with the extra FX on the outboard M13/M9, so that your DSP on the HD500 can handle the full dual amp models. Or, you could get a JTV and send the VDI to one HD500, and the 1/4" to the other HD500. If you really wanted to get interesting with it, with the VDI signal, define that input as "variax mags", and then send the JTV models through the 1/4" to the other HD500. This would give you two full signal routing options and two Line6Link outputs. One to a DT amp, the other to Stagesource speakers. Electric mags through amp + Acoustic model through full range

In terms of sharing tones / etc from the Spider to the HD500; far as I know, they are not compatible like that. I believe the Spider IV uses the amp modeling and effects from the XT / X3 era? Anyone else want to clarify that, "chime" in (amp model puns, lol) Line6 rebuilt their amp models from the ground up for the HD series, and same for the effects (M series). -You would have to essentially rebuild your existing patches into the HD500, by recreating the basic settings and effects choices using the HD500 editor. -You might be able to load up the Spider patch editor at the same time as the HD500 editor, in order to make transferring the settings somewhat less painful. -You may find other people have already done some work recreating tones from the older rigs into the HD series, those might be good starting places. But it will really require you recreating your tones and spending some time recreating the sounds you already have. The naming jargon on the Spider is totally different from the amp model names they use on the HD series, and my guess is the effects may be similar in name / what they are modeling, but those were also re-created for the HD series, and it's sister/brother hardware, the M13, M9, etc. (The HD500 has all the same effects as the M13, but also has HD amp models. The M13 just has the effects, no amp modeling) It is the kind of thing where, when you hear the HD500 properly amplified, you will need to let your ears decide if the new 'HD' amp models and M series FX sound alot better, a little better, or comparable. For me, it was an easier comparison - I had an X3Live, upgraded to the HD500. The X3Live did extra routing options which the HD500 cannot do, so in some ways it's all a compromise. But the *sound* to me, was wayyyyy better. The amp models just sound alive in the HD500. Add a DT amp, and it takes it up another notch. So much so, that I had to start from scratch on all my tones, the X3 didn't port into the HD, and beyond that - when building patches for 'studio/direct' vs 'combo/poweramp', or even for specific use with a DT amp - different patches for everything. In terms of how the DT works, you just choose the 'PRE' versions of the HD500 amp models. These model only the preamp characteristics not the power amp.

That seems like it will be tricky.. The looper can be set to pre or post; I use it in the post position 99.99999% of the time. Since you are already splitting the signal path into left / right, presumably into two sections of amp model and no-amp model, before the mixer block? In that case, you might be able to do something with the FX loop to intercept the output of the vocal portion of the path before it gets to the looper, but then you wouldn't be sending the vocals through the XLR output. Put the FX loop effect block at the end of the vocal signal chain, just BEFORE the mixer block, set the mix to 100% and only connect the send out from the HD500. Technically, you wouldn't need to pan the signals left right anymore - when you have two paths like that, they are both in full stereo. It's only when there is a mono effects block after the mixer that the signal becomes mono, or when the loooper is involved. In theory, this should prevent the vocal portion of the signal from merging with the guitar signal, and prevent the vocals from being sent out the main outputs of the POD, hence also removing the vocals from being sent to the looper. So, the upside to this workaround is you could put some cool stereo delay effects on your vocals, and using a stereo 1/4" to dual mono 1/4", (since the FX loop send is stereo) run that into the mixer with the 1/4" cables. You could also do stereo effects on your guitar this way, if applicable - though the looper is mono no matter what you do.

Found this in the archived forum: http://line6.com/supportarchivenew/thread/66051 -Use the CD/MP3 input on the amp - you'll need a dummy jack plug in the Spider IV's normal front input to enable the CD/MP3 input -Start the Spider IV in TEST mode by holding down the Tap button as you power the amp on - this will disable all DSP functionality as far as amp modelling, tone and FX - I would recommend this method as being a bit more robust instead of using the mini jack approach of going in via the CD/MP3 input.

You might have some issues making that work; from what I just read, is it accurate that the Spider head you have does NOT have an FX loop? IF that is the case, then the HD500 will not connect easily to your rig. Think of the HD500 as the tone and amp modeling portion of the rig, with the fx and expression/wah pedal - but it's not actually powering the speaker. So, to be clear and answer your original question: No. The HD500 is not a power amp. It emulates various amp models, and cabinet models, in much the same way as your current Spider rig, but doesn't actually have a power amp. Just a floorboard. If your Spider half stack had an FX loop, you would be able to do things like, bypass the Spider's tones entirely, and just use the HD500 amp modelling. You could also (with an FX loop) incorporate the HD500 with your existing tones, using the four cable method. That's not gonna work for you though, so I won't waste your time discussing it in detail. What *will* work for your rig, and it's not ideal, but would allow you to at least hear the HD500 tones through the power amp portion of your rig is this: "CD/MP3 Input for jamming with tracks or your favorite drum machine" You would have to connect the HD500 to the 1/8" jack on the Spider using some combination of cables. You could get a converter to go from the two XLR outs to something that can step down to 1/8", or you could just go from the HD500 headphone out to the 1/8" input. Not ideal.. But, then you can decide if the HD500 amp models are enough of an improvement over the amp models in the Spider to warrant upending your whole rig. In terms of half stacks, the DT series would cost you around $2,000 if you bought it new if you wanted to do the full upgrade.. The DT50 head alone is $1200, which presumably would work with your current cabinet. The new DT50 4x12 cabinet is $800 new. But that is a whole other world of amp modeling interacting with the Bogner tube amp - goes well beyond just 'modeling' the sounds of the amp. Take a few minutes and read up on how the HD500x and the DT amp series interact. Pretty stellar. The HD500 (when Line6Linked) to a DT amp provides the preamp digital modeling, and the FX. The Bogner portion of the DT amp does all the poweramp / tube tones, without digital modeling - all analog. When you switch amp models on the HD500, it switches power and analog relays in the DT to 'become' the power amp corresponding to the amp mode you have chosen. http://line6.com/dreamrig/ http://line6.com/dt50/

You can record the Bluetooth stream if you are sending the SPDIF signal to another recording device, but that would be expected, since the intent there is integration to certain receivers/ home stereo equipment utilizing the digital input format.

No, really - Moderato was being 100% totally serious. AMPLIFi options #1 (75), #2 (150), and #3 (FX100) currently do NOT support USB recording function. HOWEVER, please welcome AMPLIFi option #4 "TT" which DOES include USB recording..... For $200, it can be yours. http://line6.com/amplifi-tt-desktop-guitar-amp/ http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AmplifiTT Line 6 AMPLIFi TT Desktop Guitar Effects ProcessorGuitar Amplifier Emulation and Multi-effects Desktop Processor with Bluetooth Connectivity, USB Audio Out, and iOS/Android App Control - USB output for direct recording to your computer

I think the question pertains more to how the AMPLIFi handles the guitar effects as dispersed through it's speakers. For example, say with an HD500: running a mono guitar signal into a stereo delay effect will still give stereo sound IF the speaker system can handle stereo. Like, plugging a mono guitar signal -> HD500 -> ping pong delay ->stereo speaker configuration. Left, right, left, right. The reality, is that the AMPLIFI amp *itself* acts like a single MONO speaker unless being connected with a pre-existing stereo signal, then it acts more like a stereo boombox. But it seems that the AMPLIFi amp models / FX are not routed through the STEREO portion of the speaker system, only the single MONO guitar amp speaker. This comment has been mentioned before, people saying they don't hear any stereo with the onboard effects. I would guess this would be to prevent any overzealous playing to blow out or damage the substantially less robust / tinier / smaller 'stereo' speakers. Just guesswork here, though piecing together the comments of people not hearing stereo when they think they should. IE, run your mono guitar into a stereo delay effect, you expect to hear stereo. Instead you hear mono.

Yeah, if you can get a used HD500, go for it. Then you have a useful tool for recording, but also for jamming / gigging / etc. You can do a whole lot with that thing, and since the newer HD500x are out, you will be able to find a used unit for that $300 range. Guitar Center has a few currently on their 'used' gear website for $279, $249, $299, in various locations around the country. There is one at the Guitar Center in Nashua, New Hamplollipope for $249. Mine is almost five years old, and still works fine. I have been eyeing the HD500x, but haven't had the need to upgrade yet. I am guessing there are folks out there who upgraded to the HD500x when it came out, and would unload their HD500 for a nice price. That option gives you a bunch of future 'expansion' options, while having the sweet HD amp models. Some folks prefer the quantity of the amp models in the older X3 / XT gear - I prefer the quality of the amps in the HD line. Not to mention the FX; I just hear them as being better. Especially when you are listening carefully, doing recording in 24bit/96k - it makes a difference. There is also an Ampeg bass amp model in there, for some additional recording options. Tons of EQ's, compressors, boosts, drives - and definitely some amp models that will work quite well for metal / nu-metal / your metal.. Some things to consider there- -USB to computer low-latency recording and playback as ASIO soundcard -XLR input, 1/4" input -Stereo FX loop -Stereo XLR outputs and Stereo 1/4" outputs + headphone outputs -Output modes : studio/direct for recording, or to main mix / PA, or combo/poweramp modes for connecting to FX return or front input of guitar amp -MIDI in / MIDI out 'expansion options' down the road: -Line6Link for use with DT amps and StageSource speakers -VDI input for Variax Reverb.com has charted the selling price of HD500 units (used) over several months, definitely in that $200-$300 range. As they get older, the footswitches can be an issue, hence the 'redeisgned' footswitches on the 500x. You will notice when you are reading descriptions, sometimes people will mention if a bank up/down is acting up, or maybe the tuner / tap tempo footswitch. FS7 is acting weird on mine, but hasn't gone out yet. So yeah, worth keeping an eye out for a 'problem' unit. But as both a soundcard + footboard, you can't go wrong. Having the ability to impact the tones you are working with your feet whil recording is quite beneficial; put some wah in there, volume pedal swells - whammy pitch shift dive bombs!! You get the idea. But for me, in your case, the key would be having the tones on the board, dial in for recording, and have the same tone to take with you, offline so to speak - it's not depending on the computer to make the tones. Plus, one last thing; the HD500 software is excellent, so building patches / tones with a computer to use while recording will be outstanding. I liked the visual vibes of the PodFarm stuff, the HD500 editor is along the same lines.

There are a whole bunch of existing AMPLIFi 75, 150 and FX100 owners yelling "WTF??????????????" right now... Whether the previous offerings in the line will offer USB recording has been a persistent and ongoing question to which zero answer has been given, except for that which this device offers - if said customers are willing to spend yet more $$$. I get it, savvy marketing campaign. There will always be "first buyers" who grab something when it comes out, and other who hold out for rounds 2, and in this case, round 3. All's fair in love and gear - they never stated the AMPLIFi 75, 150 or FX100 would *ever* have USB recording features. Lol :)

Yeah, the press release is really vague! It does strike me as the most practical of the whole AMPLiFi line; it is really weird that the recording USB function was not addressed in the amps and the floorboard. The Sweetwater page sums it up as: "USB output for direct recording to your computer" Digital Outputs 1 x S/PDIF (Optical) Other Outputs 1 x USB Type B, 1 x FireWire In their connection diagrams, they just show it connected to PC while also connected to speakers. Doesn't indicate whether it's full duplex, or if it can playback audio from the PC as a soundcard, though I would imagine that's reasonably likely, since all their previous POD tech could do exactly that. http://l6c-acdn.line6.net/data/6/0a06439cefc4546408032e5ec/image/jpeg/play-record_r17295.jpeg

Just received an email from Line6 advertising the special introductory sale price on the table tob (TT) version of the Amplifi gear. What caught my interest, is the tag line about recording: "Plus, with the super low-latency monitoring and easy standalone operation, Amplifi TT offers a much more satisfying and realistic guitar recording experience than ordinary tone plug-ins and apps." What it doesn't say, is does that mean you can use this similar to their soundcard devices, via USB for direct to DAW recording? That is one feature that was oddly absent from the 75 and 150 amps, and from the FX100 floorboard... Perhaps a soon to be released firmware update will bring that functionality to the preceding Amplifi equipment? http://line6.com/amplifi-tt-desktop-guitar-amp/ http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AmplifiTT

If you intend to use the vocals and HD500 with the L2 speaker, you probably need to go about connecting them a bit differently. Or get more speakers! I use my L2t's as monitors and sometimes mains with the band, sticking with the HD500-DT25 far as L6Link goes. Not ideal (DT) for those acoustic tones. Gets tricky trying to do what you want to do; you could run the HD500 in studio/direct mode, but then you lose that 'amp in room with me' vibe - that's why I prefer the DT25, and I just use the XLR out from the DT25 DI to the main mix, to the L2ts. Anyway, studio/direct on the HD500 and build your patches to accommodate the acoustic vs electric change in sounds, and use the two XLR cables from the HD500 to the inputs on the L2, and also run the vocal mic to the L2t directly. If using two L2t speakers, Line6Link them together so they form a stereo pair.

Yeah, I think I spent hours when I first paired the HD500 and DT25 just auditioning all the amp models (PRE versions) with no other effects. Such a cool partnership between Bogner and Line6. SImilar to the manner in which they paired the Variax tech with the James Tyler guitars. A well done symbiotic relationship in both cases

Hd500 Amp Pre Vs. Full Models http://line6.com/support/topic/3262-hd500-amp-pre-vs-full-models/

http://line6.com/support/topic/7263-a-chart-for-noobs-or-frustrated-dream-riggers/