pianoguyy

well, businesses can't make things for countries of 200 people, when the rest of the 7 billion people in the world can't use it

As long as the 500/500x works with your Variax, it is the "most economical" unit - especially if you are looking on the used market. But, to answer the question - no, it is not easy to use or not user friendly. It is, however, easy to use once you understand how to use it. It is like walking. Today, we think it is quite easy (maybe at 77, you are starting to find it hard again). But when we first started walking, it was tough. The Pod is much like that. It is not something I suggest buying today and using on stage tonight.

No. That is not for a self-proclaimed newbie. That is more of the master's class, not the pod for dummies.

press

So at any place where there is wifi, the huge library of patches(sounds) is accesable. An another advantage is that connecting to L6 just requiers an account. You connect faster to L6 First, updates are one thing. But, being that updates happen once every year or two, you want to add Wifi to a unit? Seems like a wasted expense. The editor shouldn't be hosted at L6, so that is still one download you need you on your own device. But, more importantly, are you carrying your 32 space rack unit to Starbucks with you? How about taking your Pod to the public library? If not, where exactly are you getting this free wifi because Joe's corner pub doesn't provide it. Recording studios don't provide it because the signal causes interference. Life on the road, you don't want to plug your pod into your cigarette lighter, but also Route 66 between Chicago and LA, does not have service. I can't imagine L6 writing a program which will needs us navigating ( sweep sweep etc ect)as u mentioned. It may not be that many taps and swipes, but it isn't going to be a single click like an iPhone - unless you want to pay $2k. Now, if you advocate for android and ios support, I am right there with ya. If you advocate for some sort of L6 Cloud, where all of my L6 material can be stored in one place instead of me providing 3 and 4 different backups, I am right there with ya. But central servers are rarely a good idea.

I remember when Roland first put touch screens in their pianos --- like 1995-ish. Give me some f'n buttons. They were dreadful. And in 20 years, touch screens haven't gotten any better. Some people think that you can use touch screens like the phones use, but there is a reason why a new iPhone costs a grand - and it isn't programming or better antennas.

you are safe to use your unit

The term "brick" means that it can't be fixed through normal means. Bricks need sent back. In fact, most repair shops cannot fix bricks. Since you fixed it, it wasn't bricked.

what unit r u using it makes a difference

LOL I only come to this section on Monday mornings and I review all of the topics for the past week. --- ALL FOUR OF THEM. But I think it needs mentioned, that the USER FORUMS are not L6 Customer Support. I don't think the previous poster made that part clear enough.

Even at $40 - WTF.

the word "better" is totally subjective and no one but you can answer it for you. but to answer the question without actually answering the question --- the main thing to remember is - you are not hearing a guitar amp tone. You are hearing the "album ready" tone - the final product. Most guitar players run into problems because "it sounds different than my old rig". It's meant to be that way. Think about it, you are skipping a step when you go direct, that skipped step changes the tone. So it gets added back in. But since most people are not familiar with album tone, or pa tone. They are only familiar with amp tone. It causes problems for them.

$10 dollars for an unknown plug. $20 for the real one. What would you rather risk your $500 gear on. Is ruining a $1500 gig worth saving $10.

try typing in the big box

There probably won't be another Pod. L6 won't admit it. They might not have even acknowledged it to themselves. But, the Pod is done. The Helix IS the next generation. The reason why the current Pods do not have those things is because they are old. The 500 is 7 years old, and the technology is even older. Those things weren't as perfected, and certainly weren't as cheap, as they are today. But, tell me.... Why would we want to connect directly to L6? What good is that to anyone?

Well, you hit the nail on the head. You need to direct the signal via Windows. *I don't use the Helix or USB music.

I played guitar for Alice Cooper - did not have a tube amp. Solid State. Peavey Bandit 65. Tone controls flats. Used just for amplification and some killer reverb. Distortion came from a Rocktron Pro G.A.P. I played guitar for Meat Loaf - did not have a tube amp. Solid State. Peavey Bandit 65. Tone controls flats. Used just for amplification and some killer reverb. Distortion came from a Rocktron Pro G.A.P. Had been using that same setup for 20+ years (except when backlined), until I switched to my Pod...

1. You didn't look very hard. The forum is littered with them. 2. If it has been that long --- when was the last time you installed firmware? 2a. Factory patches have change since 1.0. 2b. Installing firmware gives you updates to the machine, but can also reinstall the patches. 2c. If you sell your device, installing firmware and doing a global reset will also set all settings back to default.

Hey, this is off topic, but I went to this guy's page because one of his videos was one of the recommended videos when I watched the one that was posted above https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvhdK4-QIzo76Y_RIbxZctg He seems to be making some decent "artist" tones with a Helix LT. Too bad he doesn't tell you how, nor links to a download.

seems like you already made up your mind.

You need what is called FRFR. You could also substitute it with studio monitors or a keyboard amp. Those would be the closest things to a pa system on a small/personal scale. I would like to point out one thing - Most pa systems run in mono. So, running in stereo isn't always the best option.

an easy way to find out would be ---- find a used 500. It doesn't even have to be the 500x. Buy it and try it. If you like it, buy a new X. If you don't like it, buy the Helix.

Disclaimer: I have never used either unit exclusively for bass. So I cannot give an informed opinion. But I can speak of the two devices in general terms. I think both units have been made for guitarists - which only makes sense, being that they are the ones that do the most sound manipulation. But they can be used for other instruments. I've used the 500 for bass. It suited my usage fine. But I don't know what a "bass player" needs 24/7. The 500 does have optional model packs. One of which is exclusively for bass amps. Helix ($1500) vs HD500x ($500) On the surface, the Helix does not sound 3x better than the 500. But, the Helix does allow for far more fx blocks and routing options. So, in theory, you can make your tones better because you have more options. But certainly a simple "all things equal" patch, does not justify a 3x price tag. My opinion is, I don't think it sounds 3x better, even with the additional options available. But, that could be based on my usage. The primary differences between the two units is not the "sound", it is the extras. Color monitor. Larger display. Touch screen. Touch-sensitive pedals. Android connectivity. So many inputs and outputs. Those kinds of things do not change the tone, but do change the user experience. As well as, previously stated, the possibility of more options will, in theory, allow you to make better tones. So, really, between this and your other topic, you need to decide what is more important to you. Tone or routing. Tone - HD500x Routing - Helix

In other words - it can be done, but it is not a one-click solution. Quite frankly, however, you really don't need it. The goal is to go direct. The direct sound is the sound you need to perfect. Any sort of amp/monitor is for your personal hearing. You don't need to hear the exact tone that you are putting out if you have already perfected the direct tone. All you need to do is hear it. Oh, and, honestly, if you need that sort of routing capabilities, the Helix is a far superior device. (more about that on your other topic)

But modeling is not a simple "turn on, turn off" thing. You need to build your patches around the model you are using.