JamnThang

Ohh yeah, my Greenie!

Well, I'm quite excited to find so much content about paring an HD500X (Pro X Rackmount for me) with my new Spider Valve Mkll 112. This one is my 3rd since introduced. I return to them like a 7 year itch. Since I turned 70 in May, I hope I settle in with this one long-term. I found and immediately bought this unused SV Mkll on Reverb for $350. Bought a minty fresh FBV Mkll Shortboard Footcontroller; a Line 6 padded, fitted cover; a hardcopy Pilots Guide; and an FBV2 2-button footswitch... All that same day. Now, in my third week of patch work, I've determined I like the quality and versatility of HD Amp and FX models far above any previous Line 6 modeling. Sooo, now I'm shopping for an HD500X Pro X Rackmount unit. Geez, I see them still selling new at zZounds and AMS (same family of dealers, alongside Musicians Friend) for $549 in an interest free 6 Pay Plan... less my 15% coupon will put me at $468. That's not much more than most used units I've seen. I'm researching threads like this to learn how/if I can obtain my best, most affordable sonic results in a rig to amplify my beloved 2021 Fender USA Jeff Beck Surf Green Artist Series Stratocaster (a 70th Birthday Gift to myself!).

As it turns out, I hated my POD HD Pro-X with my new FBV3 (which really already like, particularly for how easily the toe switch works!). I've already replaced that POD HD Pro-X with a new Spider V240 with Performance Pack (had to return original FBV3 to buy it again in the Performance Pack). Pack includes: 1.) Spider V240 stereo with 2x12 and horns (very cool eye sounds for all guitars); 2.) FBV3 Footcontroller with much sturdier buttons and loop control and immediate, quiet channel changes; 3.) Relay G10T transmitter, since the V240 has built-in Wireless Relay Receiver...waaay cool, and long batter life, with easy, fast charge in Guitar Input every few days. I bought the fitted amp cover for $35 dollars with the Performance Pack. ANYWAY, now I've loaded the Spider V240 Remote Android App to bachup, edit, save and share my presets with a simple USP cable connection between amp and Android (available with IOS, as well). I'm pleased with the preponderance of very good, usable factory presets in 32 banks of 4, named for songs, artists, FX amps and sounds... this bundle is all new generation, and very compatible. Also ALL for just under $800, discounted by AMS, and on a free 8-Pay plan. My Jeff Beck Strat is made for this rig with its Hot Output Noiseless, dual coil ceramic pockups... technically very hum cancelling, with very adjustable tonality on a straightforward 5-way blade.

I actually just sold my POD HD500X, and the FBV Shortboard Mk2 I used with it, to upgrade to the HD PRO X and FBV Mk3, primarily because I prefer having the two components: like the HD Desktop I had was well within reach like my amp; while the controller remains at my feet. That's all I didn't like about the 500X. As for expression pedals, I feel certain I can use the pedals as you've described, fortunately. Thanks again.

hurghanico, thank you very much for this swift, helpful response to my inquires about assigning 1st and 2nd expression pedals. I'm particularly glad I don't need to rely upon the toe switch any longer. And, since I really like the Mission Engineering EX1 L6 pedal for how much it resembles a Dunlop Crybaby Wah, and it's designed to work with most all the Line 6 expression outputs, I plan to use it in whichever exp pedal outpit I use for wah. I hope that I can get my FBV3 footboard's onboard pedal to default to volume, or easily obtain that result with it somehow, since I only rarely ever use a volume pedal. Those are my plans and hopes for best configuring my new FBV3 with my new POD HD PRO-X. Thanks again for your considerable help, hurghanico. JamnThang

I just bought a new POD HD PRO-X rack unit (coming UPS Monday) and a new FBV3 Footcontroller (arrived today). I'm glad I've found and read these comments first so I'll be up and running them together properly ASAP. I plan to Update Firmware and software versions before doing anything else to obtain best potential for success, learning from what I've read here. I'm considering buying a Mission Engineering EP-1 L6, the regular cord model expression pedal designed for use with FBV Shortboards, and dedicating Exp 1 and Exp 2 as Wah and Volume pedals to use full time. Can anyone tell us if it's possible to set Exp 2 as the WAH full-time? I have understood that Exp 2 defaults to VOLUME PEDAL. I prefer the heavy Crybaby vibe and design of the Mission pedals for my Wah, and want to set it to Exp 2 globally, and simply use the FBV3 onboard pedal (Exp 1) for Volume on every preset. Besides, I don't like how difficult it is to operate the toe switch to change from volume to wah. It is very tough to push without standing with my full weight upon that toe switch! JamnThang P.S. Please share about pedal assignment experience for achieving what I've described.

I just bought a new POD HD PRO-X rack unit (coming UPS Monday) and a new FBV3 Footcontroller (arrived today). I'm glad I've found and read these comments first so I'll be up and running them together properly ASAP. I plan to Update Firmware and software versions before doing anything else to obtain best potential for success, learning from what I've read here. I'm considering buying a Mission Engineering EP-1 L6, the regular cord model expression pedal designed for use with FBV Shortboards, and dedicating Exp 1 and Exp 2 as Wah and Volume pedals to use full time. Can anyone tell us if it's possible to set Exp 2 as the WAH full-time? I have understood that Exp 2 defaults to VOLUME PEDAL. I prefer the heavy Crybaby vibe and design of the Mission pedals for my Wah, and want to set it to Exp 2 globally, and simply use the FBV3 onboard pedal (Exp 1) for Volume on every preset. Besides, I don't like how difficult it is to operate the toe switch to change from volume to wah. It is very tough to push without standing with my full weight upon that toe switch! JamnThang P.S. Please share about pedal assignment experience for achieving what I've described.

Actually, you might enjoy "learning" with gigging in mind, and should find the FBV Shortboard Mk2 a good choice, and develop your overall playing games skills at the same time. There are many Mk2 Shortboards to be found in very good condition for around the $100-$120 price point. TRY TO FIND & BUY ONE FROM A FELLOW PLAYER THAT includes the FBV Cable, the simple Cat 5, fitted for the J-45 jack. BTW, I just noticed that the Mk3 has a power supply input... DOES THE NEW FBV Shortboard Mk3 REQUIRE USE OF POW SUPPLY??!!! OR, will it take its power from the HDPRO-X Rack unit WHICH I JUST BOUGHT? Hmmm, I'm going to find that out ASAP, BECAUSE I ALMOST BOUGHT a Mk3 Shortboard this afternoon. Thanks and good luck, Gkf9