pianoguyy

Forgive me for sounding like a broken record --- The HD500 and HD500X are the same unit. Anything you did with your old 500 is exactly the same as the 500x. Also, for future reference (you and anyone else reading this)... Saying things like "User 2" mean nothing to us. The original firmware had 3 predefined setlists, leaving 5 user setlists. As the various firmwares were released, they added more presets (requiring more setlists) to show off new features. The latest firmware has 6 predefined setlists and 2 user setlists. So, when you say "User 2", you could be talking about slot 5, 6, 7, or 8 depending on which firmware you have. Also, since these things can be renamed, moved, and removed... I have a saved setlist called "User 1". Sometimes I have 8 "User 1" setlists at the same time.

The HD500 had far less when it was released. But there's been a dozen updates since.

There is no new HD unit. The 500x/Pro X are it. And based on comments made by L6 employees, they will be it for the HD line. When I say that they are 8 years old, it isn't that simple. The 500 and 500x are the same unit. Due to a supply issue, a minor internal change was needed. And because they had some complaints about the footswitches and had been testing footswitches for the then-unreleased units, they changed the footswitches. They had an inner change, and an outer change, so they added an X to the name and people thought "wow, new unit, must buy". So, the 500X may not be 8 years old, but the 500 is, and 500 and 500x are the same unit. As to other units that are newer - there is the Helix, which is the new "mothership". There's the Firehawk. And I think there was a 3rd one, but I find nothing written about it. However, as previously mentioned, just because something is old, does not make it a bad product. Prior to switching to digital, my previous rig went more than 2 decades without having any changes or additions. And since switching to digital, I have one product - I may have a dozen of them stashed away at various points across the country so that I don't need to travel with them, but they are all the same unit.

The other unit is 8 years old. So if you are looking for "the latest", this ain't it.

correct. you can put any effect anywhere. and, yes, you can use the same effect in all 8 if you wanted.

You can hook it up anyway you want. Everyone has different needs, which then leads them to hook it up different ways.

Not exactly correct. The rule is - use an amp if you are using a PA. Use the pre amp if you are using an amp. But the rule that trumps that rule is - do what you need to do to make it sound good. If you can make a pa sound good while using a preamp, do it. Many people use preamps going direct because it works for them. But the rules (which are more like suggestions for starting points) are there because of the millions of people that came before you and tried various things and came to a consensus of what does and does not work. But, remember, prior to Jimi Hendrix, feedback was a bad thing. He shoved the rulebook out the window and made feedback his lollipop. That doesn't mean we tell every newbie that feedback is ok.

But the complete "factory reset" procedure goes beyond the firmware. I think you are correct, that the firmware flash leaves model packs. But what about the next step, the "global reset". I can't confirm which step removes the model packs, but one of them does. Also, I assume you flashed your Pod on your account. If the OP bought it used, he would be flashing the firmware using his account which isn't the authorized account.

Not a simple yes or no answer. Because, the truth is, it is both yes and no depending on the situation. If you bought the bonus packs, you can keep them. In fact, you can put them on multiple devices. If you bought a used pod and the previous owner did not give you his license, you will not keep the extras.

My one suggestion would be... Make sure they use 1/4" jacks. You always want XLR going to the pa. You can run 1/4" to your gear while the XLR goes to the pa. That way you avoid any personal wiring conflict.

The Pod is not a power amp. You will need something to power your speakers.

That stuff is mostly keyboards. The guitars are fairly straight forward.

First, it depends on what your definition of "big 80s" is. Tesla sounded different than Bon Jovi who sounded different than Judas Priest. Either way, in 1986, we didn't have modelers and dual amps with delays and pitch shifters. And the few effects we did have, were nowhere near as advanced as we have today. So, there is no way we did all of that stuff.

Anytime someone says "I can't make it sound good", I blame it on user error because this is a fantastic device. But, as to the headphones... I don't think they are for use with the Pod. They are more for common uses.

Yet, I have never used those techniques to get "big 80s" sound.

"in the old days", we played along with our vinyl records and 8-track tapes.

But you said the volume difference between active and passive is why you are switching your pad. So, instead of using the pad...

You say that your pickup height is fine, but you have a volume difference between guitars. Sounds like you need to adjust the pickup height.

If you have upgraded to the latest firmware, there are 6 pre-populated setlists. If you only have 4, the Variax setlist won't be one of them.

Adjust the height of your pickups.

But I think most people would agree, and the reset link alluded to it, that flashing the latest firmware, even if you already have it, is a good thing to do before a global reset.

The easiest way to start using the unit (after you get your unit set up)... forget that it is a all-in-one digital device. Treat it like it is the physical devices. Choose an amp. Choose some pedals. Place them where you normally place them. Set them as you would normally set them.

They aren't made to be used, otherwise every musician you hear would sound exactly alike. They were made to show capabilities. Also, because you are new, it is also quite possible that one of the numerous settings (that are not patch related) are not optimally set.

racks are a standardized size. The length and height are all the same. Depth is the only variable.

software and customtone are not the same thing