Let's Put Together A List Of Obvious Things That Line6 Could Have Fixed With The Hd500x

[Astaroth_CY]

I was just asked on Reddit to list the obvious issues that should have been fixed, so I'm copying it over here and asking everyone to chip in anything I've missed.

 

Hardware:

• USB port breaks too easily
• No power switch
• Power supply is flimsy and cheap
• No true bypass (sucks tone)
• Screen is way too small for live use

 

Software:

• Very infrequent firmware updates
• No global EQ
• No way to completely remove the looper to free up DSP
• Looper is a nightmare to use
• Parameters on certain effects sometimes work very counter-intuitively
• EQ parameters controlling frequency are displayed in percentage instead of Hz (this is my "favorite")
• No graphic EQ
• When running dual amps, there are some issues with phasing that I don't fully understand, but are well documented (see memabobbo's work and others')
• No way to run one amp through two cabs, you have to use two amps (chewing up DSP) and have to individually adjust the amp parameters on each even if you want both to be the same
• Some of the effects are virtually unusable (Vintage Pre and Synth-O-Matic come to mind)
• If you adjust an amp parameter using the knobs on the Pod, there is no way to see what your original setting was
• Possibly the worst: NO PEAK METER!!!

 

PC interface:

• The unholy unusable awkward mess that is Pod HD Edit
• Problems caused when using the Pod while connected to a computer with HD Edit open (see recent thread reporting it)

[silverhead]

Have you considered using the new Ideascale area for these ideas? It's the official web-based format to give Line 6 product feedback.

http://line6.ideascale.com/

 

http://line6.com/support/forum-66/announcement-7-post-your-product-ideas-at-line6ideascalecom/

 

 

I'm not trying to discourage you or others from using this thread. It's just that your feedback will carry more weight, and will certainly have more visibility within Line 6, if you put this info where they are looking for it.

[Astaroth_CY]

Thanks, that's a great idea. I think what I'll do is I'll wait for a few people to contribute their opinions, then compile everything and submit it to Ideascale.

[friendship]

In what way are the vintage pre and synthomatic unusable?

[DeanDinosaur]

I'm sorry, but that list is too large and not well though out. To copy and paste makes it difficult to read what resembles a  laundry list. It would be better if you had started with items that you yourself find objectionable. 

My thing is I would like the advancement to be in the amp models  and not just to have extra processing power. I don't use dual amps and for those who use the effects only and no amps, the HD500 is more than enough.

[Astaroth_CY]

In what way are the vintage pre and synthomatic unusable?

Well, in my hands anyway and a few others who chimed in when I posted this back on the old forum, the Vintage Pre is useless because all it does is distort the signal. The only way to not have distortion is to have it at near zero gain, in which case it isn't preamplifying anything. On a couple of occasions I've asked for people to post their settings with the Pre if they've made a successful tone with it but haven't seen any yet.

 

As for the synth-o-matic, it is just so erratic and near impossible to get it to sound good. There was a recent discussion about it. Once again, if you have a good tone that uses it to generate a synth sound, please post it.

I'm sorry, but that list is too large and not well though out. To copy and paste makes it difficult to read what resembles a  laundry list. It would be better if you had started with items that you yourself find objectionable. 

My thing is I would like the advancement to be in the amp models  and not just to have extra processing power. I don't use dual amps and for those who use the effects only and no amps, the HD500 is more than enough.

I'm confused. Isn't that exactly what I've done? That IS a list of items I personally find objectionable. That isn't a copy and paste, I wrote all of it. It's not my fault if it's a long list, there's that many issues! Coming up with a laundry list of fixes we'd like to see is exactly what this thread is about, so I really don't understand what you're saying. And yes, everyone would like more amp models, but that's clearly distinct from actual PROBLEMS with the thing. And, btw, you should use dual amps/cabs, it's great. If you use effects only, sell your Pod and get an M13.

[friendship]

It would be cool to be able to use one amp dual miked

[EnzoLoveless]

I would have been nice to have different colors for the footswitches (based on the type of FX used), for example... in A-B-C-D, it'd be nice to see these colors:

OD/Dist = Yellow
Delay = Green
Reverbs = Orange

Modulation = Blue

Filters = Purple

And for the presets, red.

(this would be also useful if you don't use presets but just individual pedals)

[bjnette]

I for one think there are a lot of plus points to the POD HD 500 which outweigh any less than ideal product release.

While there are no absolutes in the physical universe I do think that yes the critiquing of the product by users is a valid source of improvement that Line 6 I am sure is aware, hence, ideas scale 

[tochiro]

More usable, intuitive EQs.

[Akeron]

In some amps the level of breakup seems lower than normal, so you have to boost the input with an effect (or two) in front of it.

[toneman2121]

add a guitar god button

[Tony-N]

Here is my list, and I guess these suggestions are for the desktop version, if it ever comes:

 

• For someone like me, that never run dual amps or many effects, they could have made new, more detailed algorithms that could take advantage of that extra DSP power, they could even call them Super HD. ;)
  It would be up to the user to use either the HD or Super HD versions.
• Why aren't there on/off axis versions of every recording mic?
• Fix the modelling on the SM57's, they actually sound better on the XT.
  Did they make the same mistake as Avid and modelled a vintage mic?
• Add an Orange amp with a corresponding cab! :)
• Why not an SVT bass amp too?
• A decent acoustic guitar simulation that we could throw way back in the mix. No, I'm not gonna buy a Variax. ;)
• Add another Tweak control button, that Tweak control is a great feature.
• Even though the black color is nice, nothing says Line 6 Bean as that deep, red color. :)

[Colin2113]

I agree with the infrequent firmware updates that's really starting to annoy me when I look over at Fractal Audio and see they're at version 10x or whatever for the Axe-FX II....as for the the Edit software yes it could be better, I don't know if I would trust it on stage setting but it works really really well with my dream rig, I love turning a knob on the DT, HD PRO, JTV, pressing down on the foot-switch of the FBV and seeing whatever I'm doing in real time on the edit software from any of the devices I mentioned...maybe that's due to the fact I'm using the POD HD PRO Edit software, I don't have any of those issues you mentioned....

 

I'm also a little concerned in the original YouTube video L6 posted yesterday about the 500x, L6 compared the POD HD 500 to the iPhone 4 with the HD500x being the iPhone 4s....that leads me to believe if I'm going to stick with Line 6 for my rack FX and amp modeling, I'll need to buy a new device every year just like I do with apple (although I get the iPhone's for free since I simply trade in the older iPhone....hmm something to think about Line 6 a trade in program right???)

 

I really like the way Fractal Audio handles the AxeFx II with all of the updates I've seen released....having said that, I don't have that kind of money for the unit in addition to the foot controller....but if I'm going to have buy a new L6 device every year to keep up...idk Fractal sounds very intriguing to my nerdy amp modeling mind....

 

 

I was just asked on Reddit to list the obvious issues that should have been fixed, so I'm copying it over here and asking everyone to chip in anything I've missed.

 

Hardware:

• USB port breaks too easily
• No power switch
• Power supply is flimsy and cheap
• No true bypass (sucks tone)
• Screen is way too small for live use

 

Software:

• Very infrequent firmware updates
• No global EQ
• No way to completely remove the looper to free up DSP
• Looper is a nightmare to use
• Parameters on certain effects sometimes work very counter-intuitively
• EQ parameters controlling frequency are displayed in percentage instead of Hz (this is my "favorite")
• No graphic EQ
• When running dual amps, there are some issues with phasing that I don't fully understand, but are well documented (see memabobbo's work and others')
• No way to run one amp through two cabs, you have to use two amps (chewing up DSP) and have to individually adjust the amp parameters on each even if you want both to be the same
• Some of the effects are virtually unusable (Vintage Pre and Synth-O-Matic come to mind)
• If you adjust an amp parameter using the knobs on the Pod, there is no way to see what your original setting was
• Possibly the worst: NO PEAK METER!!!

 

PC interface:

• The unholy unusable awkward mess that is Pod HD Edit
• Problems caused when using the Pod while connected to a computer with HD Edit open (see recent thread reporting it)

[spikey]

I noticed there was no "dry output" port on this new version of Pod. Glad they got rid of that useless thing for us Variax digital guitar port users because it didnt work in digital mode with their own digital designed guitar... They did add in an "aux in" port in addition to the FX send and LR receives, and an analog in guitar input. So I wonder what the aux in port is for? Not being able to control the balanced outputs and unbalanced outputs add ons "separately" and then send these signals to the proper stage and PA (at the same time with the right tone setup) is a minus for me.

 

 

 

"and will certainly have more visibility within Line 6, if you put this info where they are looking for it."

 

 

 

And as far as updates or anything else go's, as long as Line 6 shelters themselves from the people of this forum by not using a L6 spokesperson to address and discuss with us (and even disagree) current and future plans they may have (within reason of course) along with the ideas and requests that we have,  they will never equal the Fractal Audio guys, or any other.... This I dont know and even if I did I cant say crap is as worthless as the dry output port was for a Variax user.... Why in the world are they not looking for ideas and discussion about their own products on their own user forum pray tell?

[ozbadman]

I'm also a little concerned in the original YouTube video L6 posted yesterday about the 500x, L6 compared the POD HD 500 to the iPhone 4 with the HD500x being the iPhone 4s....that leads me to believe if I'm going to stick with Line 6 for my rack FX and amp modeling, I'll need to buy a new device every year just like I do with apple (although I get the iPhone's for free since I simply trade in the older iPhone....hmm something to think about Line 6 a trade in program right???)

 

Hi Colin,

 

For the record, you most certainly do not get the upgraded iPhone for nothing. They sign you up to a new contract each time. The iPhone is effectively paid for by taking payments out each month. It's simply a way of doing financing, and making the end-user think they get it for nothing. Part of your monthly bill is for Apple, part for your telephone company. The rates are cheaper if you already own the phone.

 

I am however a tad disappointed that Line 6 seems to have a separate firmware release for the HD500x. The differences are so small compared to the HD500, yet with it's own firmware relase I am concerned that over time the HD500x will get updated, but the HD500 will not. Like it hasn't be all year, despite indications at the beginning of the year we were about to get some exciting new features. Definitely a concern. I'd just like to see some of the most obvious things fixed, especially the ludicrous % frequency. I like the sounds, but come on, fix some of the simple. There's some crazy stuff in there. I just hope I don't see the fixes in the HD500x, and not in the HD500. That will definitely make me worry about line 6's concern about their customers. And while I'm ranting, whatever happened to JTV acoustics and JTV Basses? Line 6 said they were definitely in their thoughts 3 years ago. I guess that's still the case. Not sure what's happening over there, but things have been slower the last year or two (maybe everyone was busy working on their sound-stage stuff).

[Colin2113]

Hi Colin,

 

For the record, you most certainly do not get the upgraded iPhone for nothing. They sign you up to a new contract each time. The iPhone is effectively paid for by taking payments out each month. It's simply a way of doing financing, and making the end-user think they get it for nothing. Part of your monthly bill is for Apple, part for your telephone company. The rates are cheaper if you already own the phone.

 

I am however a tad disappointed that Line 6 seems to have a separate firmware release for the HD500x. The differences are so small compared to the HD500, yet with it's own firmware relase I am concerned that over time the HD500x will get updated, but the HD500 will not. Like it hasn't be all year, despite indications at the beginning of the year we were about to get some exciting new features. Definitely a concern. I'd just like to see some of the most obvious things fixed, especially the ludicrous % frequency. I like the sounds, but come on, fix some of the simple. There's some crazy stuff in there. I just hope I don't see the fixes in the HD500x, and not in the HD500. That will definitely make me worry about line 6's concern about their customers. And while I'm ranting, whatever happened to JTV acoustics and JTV Basses? Line 6 said they were definitely in their thoughts 3 years ago. I guess that's still the case. Not sure what's happening over there, but things have been slower the last year or two (maybe everyone was busy working on their sound-stage stuff)

OK, wrong analogy, I meant I get the new technology selling the older model to Radio shack or wherever and getting the newer model with the money from the trade in....not trying to get into ATT bills on this forum, but thank you for pointing that out to people that don't know ;) .....anyway I agree with the JTV acoustics and basses as I'm now in the market for a new acoustic...but how about JTV Update anything???? Come on L6 I was so pumped up for the 2.0 firmware and HD Workbench and it's disappeared as we see new products, speaker systems, and new devices rather than the firmware update we should be getting. They are working on the sound-stage stuff clearly....I miss the old days of an actual firmware update to anything I own from Line6, that does not include the soundscape...

[RhelmTrent]

This one seems almost too easy but this is the kind of thing Digitech had in the old 2112 preamps...

 

The ability to store fx scenes and use them when building another tone. I would love to be able to save several of my "go-to" chorus settings and select the one I want loaded to the fx block I just added to my new tone. With the current setup, I have to go find the tone with the settings I like, write down (or memorize) the settings and then go back to the new tone and update the settings. I don't use the editor to create my tones...so this would be nice to be able to this with something other than the HD Edit software. Even my little cheap Roland GS-10 has the ability to do this...wtf L6? Major oversight since I am constantly having to use the same starter EQ settings to fix the tone or even get an effect to work right.

 

Would love to have parameters that don't exist on a pedal like the ability to adjust the amount of script phase without getting creative with left and right inputs...etc. It only has one parameter...why not add a level parameter...just sayin' (<---I'm not a digital modeling purist...I personally think this should be added to every effect in the POD)

 

Why does adding almost every EQ to a patch automatically distort the tone without backing off the volume to a whisper? I agree that something added like a peak meter would be steller!

 

Still would be nice to be able to use two separate mic's on a single cabinet (like a 57 close miked and a U87 15 feet away in the "room")

 

Separation of the modeled power amps from the preamps would be great so you could actually create a loop that sounds and effects the tone like an effect in an amps loop. The effects that are post amp sound like effects added at a recording console...not the same. I used to love the sound that my old RE-301 tape echo sounded like in the series loop of my amp...rolled off the aggressiveness of the amp tone.

 

Oh yeah...the old AxSys 212 had a button to compare the original tone to the current tone when editing. Why isn't this available on the current stuff?

 

Oh yeah...yeah...and world peace! ;)

[DeanDinosaur]

. That isn't a copy and paste, I wrote all of it. It's not my fault if it's a long list, there's that many issues! Coming up with a laundry list of fixes we'd like to see is exactly what this thread is about, so I really don't understand what you're saying. And yes, everyone would like more amp models, but that's clearly distinct from actual PROBLEMS with the thing. And, btw, you should use dual amps/cabs, it's great. If you use effects only, sell your Pod and get an M13.

I'm sorry for being vague, I must've wrote that before I had coffee that day. Please accept my apology.

 

At any rate here's what I really want to say. Unfortunately, and I feel bad when I say that, Line6 don't seem to really care about anything posted on this forum or any other forum. They must get some reliable market research from other sources. I don't mean to go on a rant, but I honestly think it's a waste of time requesting anything from them. I visit this board to learn new tricks and see if I can be of help when I have time. Anyone who thinks this is an unfair statement has to answer this question: If line 6 paid attention to anything on message boards, how come they never addressed the dreadful EQ situation after three years and hundreds of customers requesting changing the retarded lowsy EQ even if it's changed in the editor at least which can't be that difficult with the skill levels they have????!!!  they don't even have the courtesy to respond to any post or issue on this forum unless you start a support ticket.

 

This forum is just to save them money by having good-natured volunteers (they probably call them suckers) who save line 6 customer service man hours (dollars).  They make good money (line 6, not the volunteers), and alot more of it than Fractal or Kemper, for those who seem to think that you have to spend over 2 grands to get participation from company employees with information and feedback.

. I wrote line 6 off already. many long term users are also souring on line6, line 6 don't know it because their sales are still good.  I'm sure they're doing good and they don't need me but I have a feeling that I can't be the only one who feels the lack of caring and deterioration of line 6 image. I think their best years are behind them as I won't be buying any more line 6 products based on my experience with the POD HD500..Let me stop here and finish by saying what sums it all up

 

"Don't waste your breath"

[Jeffsco]

I gave up on my HD500 and bought a Kemper. Yea...the cost is 4x as much but it smply is WAY easier to use and sounds 10x better. Reading this Forum....I remember why I left the HD 500! Now..it's going to be my Midi Floorboard for the Kemper.

 

VERY disappointed to hear how little they actually changed with the release of the 500x. Very disappointed.

[Guitarmaniac64]

I gave up on my HD500 and bought a Kemper. Yea...the cost is 4x as much but it smply is WAY easier to use and sounds 10x better. Reading this Forum....I remember why I left the HD 500! Now..it's going to be my Midi Floorboard for the Kemper.

 

VERY disappointed to hear how little they actually changed with the release of the 500x. Very disappointed.

Ok i havent heard one in real life but for what i have heard thrue studio speakers with a studio soundcard on a lollipop promotion youtube film from some music stores aka anderton,swetwater etc etc it DONT sound 10x better hell i am not sure it is 2 times better..

 

Better perhaps (most likely) but 10x? nope i dont belive that... 

[DeanDinosaur]

Ok i havent heard one in real life but for what i have heard thrue studio speakers with a studio soundcard on a lollipop promotion youtube film from some music stores aka anderton,swetwater etc etc it DONT sound 10x better hell i am not sure it is 2 times better..

 

Better perhaps (most likely) but 10x? nope i dont belive that... 

I used to have the same attitude and rationale, but at the same time I always knew that those who buy and spend 4 times the dollars can't all be deaf or are they??  The answer I found was no, they're not deaf. What convinced me is when I recently bought the Eleven Rack that used to sell for double the price of HD500 at some point, not anymore and that's when I decided to buy one. For modeling I have a budget of 500 and I don't want to spend more than that so getting an Eleven for close to $300 fit the bill perfectly.

 

After a week with Eleven, I can clearly hear how eleven Feels and sound significantly better than the HD so now I have no doubt that AXE II and Kemper will sound and feel significantly better than the rest. I don't even use the HD models anymore at all and I just bought the Eleven Rack. Saying 10x or 20x is just a figure of speech that I might use personally because I set my budget not to exceed 500 (for now) on modeling. AT over 2k I can buy  a few real tube amps, that will sound better than any modeler for live use and small clubs (can't argue this point since modeler model the miced sound so they will almost always sound inferior to the amp in the room sound). Even amplitube is catching up with HD and it can actually be made to sound better much quicker.

If the modeling isn't improved when double the processing power is available, clearly line 6 is not serious about modeling. Watch out when the new revalver comes out this year. HD modeling will sound like a toy in comparison even though HD modeling is quite good and mite be good enough to fool most listeners, but POD farm and Pod 2.0 can fool most listener also!

[Akeron]

I'm sorry for being vague, I must've wrote that before I had coffee that day. Please accept my apology.

 

At any rate here's what I really want to say. Unfortunately, and I feel bad when I say that, Line6 don't seem to really care about anything posted on this forum or any other forum.

 

 

The weird part is when you see that rarely they say something... on The Gear Page! I mean, it seems the official Line 6 forums are secondary...

[guitarguyucf]

This is the first time posting on this side of the forums, but I must say I am a little disappointed at the newest release. I have pretty much upgraded at every advance (the kidney bean, to the xt, to the x3, to now the hd500) and this is one I think I will pass on. Ill admit the added DSP is a nice addition and the new footswitches look better but here is a list of what else they could improve upon:

 

- Reamping ability like the xt live

- Looper/Tap are WAY to close to the volume/wah

- Need to introduce a morley style switchless wah 

- Bigger screen, I cant read anything while on stage

- On/off switch

- More models (Come on no orange/diesel)

- Multiple Mic placements on a cab

 

Just my opinion 

[Jeffsco]

Your right...saying 10x better is a figure of speech. Where as the HD500 was a significant improvement over the XTLive in terms of feel, response..and what I call...the 3 Dimensionality of the sound...the Kemper is that and much more above the HD500. Not to hijack the thread here.....just responding to the posts.

 

For me the biggest issues with my HD500 were the EQ % issues ,the input / Mono / Stereo configuration and what seems to be some sort of Clippng...or running out of headroom at various points in the signal chain or between certain FX.. I can really hear and feel that. Trying to pay attenton to that and TWEAK,TWEAK, TEAK to get it right wasfrustrating and a lost waste of time.

 

The increase in the DSP was a welcome addition but I would have prefered a return to the X3 Dual amp functionality. My X3 sounded better to my ears than the HD trying to do similiar dual configuratons. Just personal taste I suppose.

[rodney13]

It seems no matter what Line 6 try to do you already are complaining about a product that hasn't even it the show room floors yet. If you think better or more features on a pedal board are going to make you a better player then you better rethink why your playing music , I have been down this road and trust me the less complicated setup the better you play

[Jeffsco]

It seems no matter what Line 6 try to do you already are complaining about a product that hasn't even it the show room floors yet. If you think better or more features on a pedal board are going to make you a better player then you better rethink why your playing music , I have been down this road and trust me the less complicated setup the better you play

 

Not sure if you where addressing me specifically rodney 13....or whether your comments were directed to all the posters in general? I've certainly never posted anything regarding becoming a better player because of gear....not sure how you've gotten that from my posting. I certainly don't hold that attitude. The only thing that makes one a better player is practice and experience playing Live.

 

In regards to gear being less complicated...I plugged in the Kemper and didn't look up for 3 hours. Playing and changing parameters and navigating is very, very easy compared to the HD500. I consulted their manual twice and that was for some extremely deep obscure editing function. Overall... I found it to be an incredibly easy and intuitive piece of hardware to use. Contrast that to the massive PDF handbook that came with my HD500...not to mention Meandbobbo's excellent reference manual, and the hundreds if not thousands of posts from HD users on this forum , trying to understand how their HD works....

 

That's been my experience....hopefully yours was different?

 

I'm very good with manuals and gear. I'm considered the Go-To guy when people have issues with their guitars and amps. I've modified and built Acoustics, electrics and Guitar amps from scratch... along with 30 years of professional and part time musical experience...so I'm not a newbie in that sense. Line 6 had the opportunity to hit it out of the park with this re-issue. Time will tell if they have. I hope they do...I've been a user of their gear for the past 11 years.

[rodney13]

No it wasn't directed at yourself , it was directed at the whole subject ,

[Melodyshine]

In my opinion the most important things would have been

• controlling POD HD500 fx parameters via midi or via amp knobs(drive,etc..)
• fixing that bug: when you control the delay time via a pedal and then tap a new tempo then you can't control the delay time anymore, you have to configure it again

[Guitarmaniac64]

Even amplitube is catching up with HD and it can actually be made to sound better much quicker.

If the modeling isn't improved when double the processing power is available, clearly line 6 is not serious about modeling. Watch out when the new revalver comes out this year. HD modeling will sound like a toy in comparison even though HD modeling is quite good and mite be good enough to fool most listeners, but POD farm and Pod 2.0 can fool most listener also!

I dont have a problem to dial in good sounds quickly on my HD (desktop version)

But i use it only for recording and use the edit software i have never ever tried to dial in a sound using the units knobs..

So i guess you mean dial in sounds using the units knobs and button?

 

When it comes to good sound it also depends on what type of music you are playing i play everything from Jazz (not much but i play it sometimes) to Dire Straits clean to some bluesrock ala SRV to AC/DC hard rock to Iron Maiden metal to Dream Theater prog rock and i use many different guitars also...

 

I have read that many young metal players are not happy with the HD modeling

Well i am not playing that downtuned music so i dont know..

 

For me all highgain ampmodels has more gain than i ever gonna need.

 

Well there is another problem many people facing when dial in sounds they use way to much gain and whay to many effects and they dont seems to know how to blend the pure guitar sound with the effects

Hey they probably also cant play the guitar if it has a lower gain setting and no effects as it will not cover every mistake they make when they play as the high gain settings do..

 

 

I am not saying i am totally pleased with EVERY sound i dial in on the HD but on the other hand i dont spend so much time trying to finetune it..

 

To my ears where all modeling seems to fail is with that "broken up" sound that you get from a real tube amp..

 

Amplitube?

 

Well to my ears amplitube is not as good sounding as the HD that goes for many other computer software aswell ( i have tried almost every one some of them only in demo mode like Eleven so i dont know how it sounds in full version but if i where to release something in demo mode i would have "unlocked" the best one and said you can have more instead of unlock a bad one and said hey it is better versions if you purchase the full version..

 

 

Reavlver? yeah the Peavey amps they are very good but defenitly not the Marshall and Vox ones but then there is NO peavey model in the HD version..

But i like the fact that you can construct your own litlle tube amp in Revalver and it is gonna be interresting to hear the new version but as i dont know anyone who is beta testing it i would NOT go for the hype..

 

I am to old for that..

As for Eleven it dont sound as good as you say on thoose promo vids i have heard and where i live there is no music store that is selling them..

 

 

Some people i know was using them in the past most of them switch to real amps soon after well that goes for any Lin6 product aswell..

 

As for KPA and AXE FX II it starts to pop up used ones now so i guess people is not happy with them either..

 

But i would not pay so much for a modeling unit no way i rether buy a real 4 channel amp and an effect unit as it will cover all my basic tones anyway..

 

But then i still have to carry that heavy and BIG thing around when playing live..

 

It would be nice to have a small unit i have seen pictures of heavy metal bands that have a 1 watt blackstar amp in a box and miced them out when they play live so why not?

[Netfly]

I really really would like a tone match function. It's missing now on whole HD series

[lilguitar]

sound significantly better than the HD so now I have no doubt that AXE II and Kemper will sound and feel significantly better than the rest

I purchased the AXE FX II...the quality was not noticbly different than the HD500.  You could tweak a few more parameters, it was easier and more inuitive than the HD and it did have more HD amps...$2k better...or 5x the cost of the HD500 better...before buying the $700 midi foot controller...no way. 

Even amplitube is catching up with HD and it can actually be made to sound better much quicker.

I hope you're talking about Amplitube on a PC, which I haven't tried, but the one I have sitting on my iOS devices sux!! 

 

HD modeling is quite good and mite be good enough to fool most listeners, but POD farm and Pod 2.0 can fool most listener also!

That's the thing...I think HD modeling today is quite good too and that the discernable differences here on out between products are going to exponentially smaller and smaller.  I agree with you that Line 6 needs to step it up...the devil is in the details with fixing the stuff that drives us all crazy...lack of global eq'ing, weird labeled parameters in %, ease of making changes...and all the other stuff that folks find irritating...function wise and interface wise.  Hopefully the Line 6 Ideas site will bring about some of these changes. 

[psilbert]

Hello :)

I need in my HD500 more than one PC command simultaneously!

[Colin2113]

Hey at least us Windows users can all agree on the fact that we finally see the year 2013 when Line 6 Monkey is booting up is kind of a good sign? Then again, it took them 6-7 into the year 2013 to even update that aspect.

[bjnette]

I am pretty sure the 500X is a replacement 500 model to fully utilize the existing firmware.

 

Even with more DSP power it still might not be enough to overhaul the HD Amp modelling but could be enough to rework some of the FX and give users what they been asking for which may mean that the next firmware update might only be workable on the 500X

 

I for one would love it if existing 500 users could upgrade their DSP from line 6.

[bjnette]

Before my HD500, I liked Revalver, then Amplitude2 better than 3. Hell there are even freeware amp simulators that sound good but what the HD models have over them is feel, so much so they are helping the resurgence of tube amp sales.

 

Fractal's Axe has more quality FX and DSP for new sound creation. Perhaps the 500X is now comparable FX creation wise.   To me the HD Amp models sound better. ( I did my A/B one afternoon in the shop) Of course the HD500 was a no brainer at a fifth of the cost.

 

KPA Amp profiles are better and has quality bare bones FX. I have yet to try one out but from all reports these are good but still have some areas to be improved upon per their forum. (mainly hardware related)

[DeanDinosaur]

Before my HD500, I liked Revalver, then Amplitude2 better than 3. 

 Hell there are even freeware amp simulators that sound good but what the HD models have over them is feel, so much so they are helping the resurgence of tube amp sales.

..

 

You haven't tried the amplitube custom shop. Try the new Slash Models and the Soldano, with these amps they caught up even in the feel, with a little more improvement Amplitube will clearly be a head...

[DougDavies]

I'm pretty sure this feature is not available, but when running dual amps from the POD into a stereo setup - if you could add a delay to one of the amps (5-20ms) so you get a more stereo feel and sound coming through the amps.  This sounds really great with palm muting. 

I'm not talking about adding a delay pedal, because that wouldn't work in this case.  I would of loved to see this on the 500X

[joemama78]

I second the EQ parameter controls and would add the following:

 

1. A more reliable and tweakable tremolo. I had the Seymour Duncan Shape Shifter, and the rise-fall shape function was fantastic.

2. Better signal-routing. Signal splitting is cumbersome and doesn't function much like a real pedalboard.

[D_Hollingsworth]

The one glaring issue that has not been addressed yet has seen several posts on is the output volume change when routing a signal through the HD500 to an AMP. I don't use the four cable method on purpose. I have a rack mounted wireless (a Relay G90 at that) and don't need more cables than I already have going to and from my amp. The current system requires that you add a Studio EQ to every preset (waste of DSP) and boost the output gain by 12db or more. A output level preamp with a attenuation pot would do the trick to make sure the right amount of signal goes through to the effects return. My GNX3000 which I was going to retire has this feature. The effects (especially the pitch glide where you can set it for specific pitch drops) and the MIDI capability works great to control my live setup (yeah I don't use it for amp modeling except in the studio) but it's this one thing that just eats at me....