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I've had the HD500x for almost a year, and I must say that it's very convenient to use live, going direct and using IEMs. 1) Compressor control parameters However, I've been struggling with using the compressors (and overdrive pedals, but that's another topic). Having used a Zoom G3, I find the compressors on the Pod quite lacking in tweakability. There isn't a single compressor where I can control the attack, release, ratio, and make-up gain. Being able to control mix would be nice too, but I guess that can be done, only post amp, using the 2 signal paths for parallel comp and using the mixer to balance. With so many parameters to tweak in the "HD amp models", it makes one wonder why there isn't a single tonally transparent compressor with controls for attack, release, ratio, make-up gain, and mix. The Zoom G3, with all its shortcomings, has this kinda comp, and perhaps I miss having that level of control, more than I would miss having control over hum or sag. 2) Transparency The other matter is the way the compressors color the tone, even at the lowest compression settings. This is quite noticeable when A/B-ing a patch with comp on and another with comp off after loudness equalization. Even the tube comp does this, although to a far lesser degree. It distorts (mildly) fairly easily at higher levels of compression, which may give that added warmth that some like, but messes up clean stuff like strummed parts with piezo pickups. Side note: the output gain control does not go low enough for equal loudness with the effect on and off. Even at 0, output is quite a bit louder with the effect on than it is when off. For these reasons, I've been avoiding using compressors. Perhaps they are due to my own ignorance/mistakes. Except for this and other small issues, I'm pretty happy with the Pod. Can anyone help me get around these issues? Thanks!