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Summary Check the Pod HD ASIO driver is not performing Sample Rate Conversion without you being aware of it. Remove easy potential sources for stutter. Background I had been plagued by the commonly-reported Pod HD-related blue screens (BSOD) on my Win 10 desktop, particularly when working with my DAW, Reaper. I have reached a point where my setup is now stable. Over recent weeks I've had four recording sessions without bluescreens whilst maintaining a USB connection. In this post I'm intending to document what I did, what was effective and what was ineffective. I see many frustrated posts about this issue. Sometimes people seem to be replacing or returning their Pod HD, which is a shame. I have not seen Sample Rate Conversion problems being talked about in the trouble shooting posts I read, so I hope this helps someone. Workarounds or ineffective configurations I tried - Ignoring USB and going direct to my other interface (as I have one). Obviously this works, but the sound quality did not seem as good as the USB connection to me. I'm not saying I can hear the extra DAC/ADC step, but it's another spot where you have to get the levels right, and you need two cables if you want stereo. My other interface only has two channels and I wanted to keep a mic in the other one. So, if you are really stuck this works fine, but was not great for me. - Disabled Selective USB Power Down. You will see other references to this step. It did not reduce BSODs for me on its own. I did leave this setting disabled in my final configuration, though, so it may be a factor. - Using the rear USB vs the front USB. This does have some logic to it as the front USB ports on a desktop tend to be a hub, so if the rears are not then things have been simplified. Using a Rear USB did not make a difference for me. - USB2 vs USB3. Simply swapping to USB2 was not enough for me, but I have continued to use a USB2 port in the stable configuration, so could be a factor. If you have USB2 ports available I think it make sense to use them, as the Pod HD was, I think, designed before the USB3 standard was introduced. - Different combinations of allowing the Pod to be or not to be the audio device used by Windows as default made no difference for me. - Disabling Windows System Sounds on its own made no difference for me, but I have continued to leave them off in the stable configuration, so could be a factor. After trying those solutions I found the official Line 6 advice on USB troubleshooting here: https://line6.com/support/page/kb/recording/computer-audio-set-up-and-troubleshooting/usb-audio-troubleshooting-r443/ and set about eliminating sources of stutter which seem to be less-well handled by the Pod HD driver stack when compared with the driver for my Focusrite Saffire 6 USB audio interface. I noticed that Reaper was reporting that the Pod driver was operating at a 44.1 kHz sample rate, despite the Windows Sound Control Panel settings being set to 48kHz sample rate and Reaper being set to use whatever the hardware was using. Checking the Line 6 Audio-Midi Devices App confirmed the same thing, and the Sample Rate Converter light in that app was on. I went through all the parts of the end to end system where I could set the sample rate and made sure all were aligned to the same settings (48kHz, 24 bit). There are four places I checked and aligned: 1) Windows Sound Control Panel/Playback tab/Line 6 POD HD Device Properties/Advanced/Default Format -> Set to 24bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) 2) Windows Sound Control Panel/Recording tab/Line 6 POD HD Device Properties/Advanced/Default Format -> Set to 24bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality) 3) Reaper/Audio Device Settings -> Request Sample Rate to 48000 4) On the Pod itself, under the IO settings there is a setting for the sample rate of the S/PDIF interface. This name suggests it has nothing to do with the USB output, but I made sure it was set to 48Khz too. Annoyingly, I can't remember what the default was, so I can't remember if I changed this. After step 3 Line 6 Audio-Midi Devices App now reports no Sample Rate Conversion happening and Reaper also reports 48kHz operation. I also shut down some unnecessary audio-using apps (Skype, Google Music Manager and Steam) and removed the Windows System Sounds. I felt these were easy and prudent steps to take. I felt from the Line 6 article the general advice was to remove sources of noise and stuttering, so where I could remove potential sources easily for me I did so. I did not at any time remove my existing Focusrite Saffire 6 USB interface and its driver, so in my case at least the Pod is able to co-exist with other ASIO drivers. Note that the Focusrite wasn't being used as Reaper doesn't provide the option to use two ASIO devices at the same time, but was plugged in and powered on. I have not taken the time to isolate the single factor that has made a difference for me, however the BSODs did seem to clear up once I had got the Pod ASIO driver operating in 48 kHz sample rate instead of doing Sample Rate Conversion. I don't yet know why it was stuck operating at 44.1 kHz, as nothing before or after it was asking for that and I had not changed defaults. Furthermore, when I was trying to force it back to 44.1 to isolate the fix for this post it stubbornly refused to return to that rate. At this point I have arrived at a stable setup for me so I am unlikely to spend more time characterizing the cause, but will report back if I find something. I'd say it is likely others have this problem as I don't change defaults for this sort of thing. Effective Configuration - Disabled Selective USB Power Down - Disabled Windows System Sounds - Shut down unnecessary apps that use audio - Ensured Windows Sound Control Panel properties for Playback and - Recording on the Pod are set to 24bit, 48000 Hz - Reaper/Audio Device Settings -> Request Sample Rate to 48000 (key step for me) - Using front panel USB2 port I am sure not all of these steps are quite necessary for me, but wanted to share as completely as I could. General guidance, summary observations and speculations Clearly, reading the official advice at https://line6.com/support/page/kb/recording/computer-audio-set-up-and-troubleshooting/usb-audio-troubleshooting-r443/ is good practice. I've internalized that article as "you have to be as kind to the drivers for the Pod HD as you can". For me that meant getting over a Sample Rate Conversion that was happening, which I speculate takes extra cycles in the driver stack, introduces more potential error conditions and makes it more susceptible to stutter conditions. I am not sure why the driver was choosing to operate at 44.1 Khz instead of 48 Khz, but I have been able to force it to 48 Khz operation with Reaper. Removing unnecessary Sample Rate Conversion feels like good practice in any case. Getting the USB connection stable has been a big plus for me. The clarity of my recordings is better, I have stereo, so things sound fuller, it is easier to set levels and hear changes. It makes me feel like I need Helix Native less. Happy days :-) DM

Hi everyone, I'd like to know if anyone of you could help me : I've created patches that are - to my opinion - cool, but I need extra volume to play during solos. I've used by the past other stuff that used to feature a solo switch (without changing from one patch to another). HD500X doesn't have it. Any suggestion ? Thanx \m/

Qué tiempo de vida le queda a la pedalera POD HD500X, que tiempo en tiendas, tiempo para que no la fabriquen más, para que la descontinuación??? Agradecería alguna respuesta.

is there any way i can separate two guitars one in the aux and one in the guitar input? Can i separate both guitars into different amps if i am running stereo ? like having aux input into left amp and guitar input into right

Ok, I am getting a little tired of this error. I have an awesome sounding channel with one open spot to add one last effect. low and be hold i get the error, so i say bye bye to my pre-amp EQ, which is really a large part of that tone. Well it wont even let me change the preamp to a pitch/bass octaver...WTHeck is wrong with this pedal!! I try dropping the delay too and it still gives me the error?? I seem to held back by this pedal now and it seems i can only replace it now to a different brand, since there is no patch to fix this PITA error. UNLESS..... someone has an answer to why Line6 cant fix this annoyance. yours truly, VERY Frustrated. Rick

If anybody has a print out of the factory presets on the HD500x such as: User1 1A - Whatever 1B - Whatever User2 ​User3 so I can easily read it off my music stand for my upcoming gig I'd appreciate it. I realize I can get my HD up here on my Computer and screen snap sections but I'd rather get a printout for I'm sure someone has done that. Also, How do you with your Foot, Switch User Banks? I now push down the Knob but use Foot for ABCD but need to know and also want to confirm that if I full up the foot pedal then the volume will be off . My First public gig with HD 500x and yes I have read the manuals and been messing with it for months just that gig time closing in.

ЗдравÑтвуйте Ð¡ÐµÐ³Ð¾Ð´Ð½Ñ Ð¿Ñ€Ð¸Ð¾Ð±Ñ€ÐµÐ» HD METAL PACK активировал его но в окне LINE 6 LICENSE MANAGER Ñтот пакет не поÑвлÑетÑÑ Ñ‡Ñ‚Ð¾ делать? Hello. Today I purchased HD METAL PACK activated it But in the window of LINE 6 LICENSE MANAGER, this package does not appear what to do?

Hello guys. I recently bought a pod hd 500, I need to find some good patches for live. Unfortunately I do not have time to create my own patches. I hope that you can help me to find some custom tones that I can use in my performance. I have a stratocaster american standard (with single coil), I'm going directly into the PA and use one speaker cabinet. I need: - 2 clean tone (as twin reverb), one of these for funky rhythms - 2 crunch, (one with more gain for songs like 'Black or White') - 2 lead tones (For songs like 'Beat It', I want it all, The show must go on,) I hope you can help me thanks in advance :) Ps. sorry for my bad English

I'm using PODs since 10 years, started with XT now STILL using my X3L with Gearbox, because later PODs are NOT downwards compatible. I play about 500 songs (cover and own) and for each song I configured at least 1 or 2 Tones (slots). With X3L - having 2 Tones in one slot - I'm using the (2nd) Expression Pedal to switch/blend between two Tones. Regarding the Models I'm using a lot of them. Besides the usual Plexi, JCM800, Fender, Boogie and other common Models etc. I'm using the Matchless D30, Angel P-Ball, Bomber X-TC, JCM-900, Silver Jubilee, Line-6 Spinal Puppet, Insane and other less common models. All-in-all a lot of work done to configure my Tones. I had learned that with the HD Series I can NOT use my previous Tones. Additionally the model pack strategy is different. So I'm about to switch to Kemper or AXE-II. But now I saw a Report about the HD Technology based Firehawk FX - and found all my previous Models included. However the Firehawk FX doesn't meet my requirements regarding plugs and connections etc. Now my Question: Are there any plans for the HD 500X to offer a model pack with ALL previous X3 models - ideally with a Tone/Bundle migration utility from X3/Gearbox, which would convince me to wait.

You can use the cabinet simulation without amp simulation? I would like to use a pedal valve that I have as a pre THROUGH Loop effects and cabinet simulation only. PODHD 500X

Hi everyone, I own a X3 Live which is my gig companion for years, a true workhorse battered and proved. The years are passing, however, and I'm considering to leave it as a backup and purchase a newer unit. I have an eye on the HD500x, which seems to be overall good, except for one thing... On the X3L I use a headphone for stage monitoring, so I assign the master vol to control to XLR only, this way I have the 1/4 outs at full volume, and I can control the headphones volume with the master vol knob. I haven't seen any mention to this on the HD500x reference... can't it do this? Thanks in advance.

My HD500X is producing a noticeable hiss when I try to add analog pedals via the effects loop, even if that loop is not active. For example, I have the effects loop programmed into a block in front of the amp(s) block. Even if I turn the effects loop off, I can still hear the noise AND a hissy version of the analog stomp pedal itself. In this case, it's an EVH Phase 90 MXR pedal. The same issue is present when I try the EVH 117 flanger pedal. Using standard instrument cables, the HD500X's FX SEND connected to the input of the stomp box. The stomp box output is connected to the FX RETURN L/MONO on the HD500X. The FX level switch is set to STOMP. Also, the stomp boxes sound better when NOT used in the FX Loop of the HD500X. For example, if I plug my guitar directly into the stomp box itself, then connect the output of the stompbox to the GUITAR IN jack of the HD500X it sounds less noisy and more natural. I use batteries to power the stomp boxes. Any advice for solving the FX loop noise issue? Thanks!

I wan' to buy an 500X because I had it with carring a heavy amp had and tap dancing on my pedal board. I have a 212 cab with V30s. If I use the POD HD500X with a power amp to power my cab, should I turn off the cab/mic simulation? Can you plug 2 guitars in the POD HD500X? For example I want to put a piezo bridge in my guitar and it would be cool if it could handle both outputs.

After so many years happy with my analogic Ibanez guitar effects pedalboard I wanted this new thrilling object... Hope it will not turn my life into a nightmare with crazy settings etc... but make it an heaven! Hints, Tips, Dos and Undos for an absolute beginner, to be prepared/ready when the box arrive? :D Thank you, ciao. Carlo_C

Will we be seeing a new rack unit, or is the 500X now exactly the same as the HD Pro just with built in floor control? If someone from Line 6 could tell me whether the HD Pro is powerful enough to match all the new features and DSP power specs of the 500X (albeit with firmware upgrades etc)? Or does the 500X surpass the HD Pro's capabilities? Cheers,