This is doable. Here is my setup to accomplish this. I'm on a PC and using Ableton Live (Mac version is also available) as my DAW software. I'm sure other DAW software is also capable of doing this.
Use POD HD500 to control Ableton Live
- Program each preset that I use in HD500 to have FS5, FS6, FS7 and FS8 footswitches to trigger Ableton live to play loops, stop playback of loops, move to next song and move to previous song. This is done by assigning MIDI event (note, control messages) to the HD500 FS5-F8 footswitches
- Configure Ableton live to recognize the MIDI events assign to HD500 footswiches and map them to appropriate Ableton Live command (play, stop, next song, previous song)
Use Ableton Live to control HD500
- In Ableton Live, create a MIDI track (clip) that contains the program change to switch preset in HD500. Also, you can create control messages in Ableton Live MIDI track to control the assign effect parameters on HD500 footswitches (FS1-FS4) and expressions pedals (EXP1, EXP2) but I have not done this since I prefer to control these parameters using HD500 pedal
Note:
- Make sure that you connect both POD HD500 MIDI In and Out to the computer.
- Make sure that you configure HD500 FS Mode in System Setup (Page 1, Knob 1) to 'Pedal Mode' instead of 'Preset Mode' to trigger loops
- To separate the song tracks from metronome, you will need an audio interface that has at least two stereo outputs, 1 to the PA and the other (metronome) to band. You can also use audio interface with 1 stereo out and split them into 2 mono signals but this will mean that your PA will only have mono signal.
Hope this helps!