New Firmware Expectations

[spaceatl]

i just heard through the grapevine the reason there hasn't been an update and there won't be one is, in the near future, after they exhaust all of the parts inventory, they will announce a new modeler and it won't be called POD. THIS IS FACT. 

I also heard thru the poison ivy vine that the eagles were actually not going to suck this year... :D

[edshaw2]

More loop time.

Ability to edit L2t settings in HD500xEdit - similar to DT settings

Ability to have different output types for different output paths.  i.e. I'd like to use "combo-front" or one of the others to my L2t and at the same time use "studio direct" via the XLRs or SPDIF to the live board or protools.

[Metalliac]

If they said that different output signals for XLR and 1/4 outputs is physically impossible, that implies that they've actually used the same 2-channel DAC (digital to analog converter) to feed both outputs. This means in effect that there's only one stereo source and the signal is "split" for the two stereo analog outputs. It's a design flaw and nothing can be done to remedy it. Now usually on these kind of devices different analog outputs feature their own DAC channels but Line6 has clearly skimped on this to bring the costs down... 

 

That being said - I don't see any reason not to have multiple different virtual outputs via USB or SPDIF to record the dry DI signal with the amped one, except the dreaded DSP limit.

[toneman2121]

I also heard thru the poison ivy vine that the eagles were actually not going to suck this year... :D

one can only hope :rolleyes:

[Crusty_Old_Rocker]

nothing is set in stone... likeliness is slim... but they have made code optimizations in the past that allowed them to do more than they initially expected.

 

+1

 

In the past they've managed through optimisation to get more out of the units, they definitely did that with the PODxt Live.

 

Cheers,

 

Crusty

[Crusty_Old_Rocker]

i just heard through the grapevine the reason there hasn't been an update and there won't be one is, in the near future, after they exhaust all of the parts inventory, they will announce a new modeler and it won't be called POD. THIS IS FACT. 

 

It would be strange for them to drop the word POD which has become synonymous with the Line 6 brand.

 

You'll see ® next to the POD name meaning it's a registered trade mark.  Do you really think they'd ditch that?

 

Cheers,

 

Crusty

[toneman2121]

CRUSTY! where ya been

 

 

. just trying to start trouble

[cgtrox]

They can't put it on the internet if it isn't true... :D

 

cgtrox B)

[anonyrat]

i just heard through the grapevine the reason there hasn't been an update and there won't be one is, in the near future, after they exhaust all of the parts inventory, they will announce a new modeler and it won't be called POD. THIS IS FACT. 

 

This is a FACT:  It is a new model with NO footswitches or pedals it will be called the HD RSOD 1T

They will keep, however, a cheaper version of the HD POD with less power it will be the HD PLOD 

Not sure if this is true but they were designing a model with pointed spikes instead of footswitches, tentatively (literally) called the HD PROD 

[ethyl80]

One will also be released with a faux fur coat, matching vespa, and white shoes called the HD MOD.

[mralmostpopular]

One will also be released with a faux fur coat, matching vespa, and white shoes called the HD MOD.

And the limited Bea Arthur edition, the HD Maude?

[Akeron]

Don't forget the "POD Who" version with the blue telephone booth...

[scheater5]

@Akeron  It has more DSP on the inside than makes it to the FOH.

[spaceatl]

"Outside you can see the difference, inside you can feel the difference."

[arislaf]

Where is the update??

[toneman2121]

eagles 33

skins 27

i admit the skins did come bak with a vegence

[silverhead]

What update? The most illuminating aspect of this thread is its title; in particular the word 'expectations'.  No one should have any expectation of any future update. None has been announced and Line 6 is under no obligation to provide it. Having said that, Line 6 typically does provide periodic updates - often not announced in advance. They simply appear - usually for free - and they are a great bonus for users.

 

An almost certain way to ensure that you are disappointed (and we've all seen this play out numerous times) is to:

- start to expect an unannounced update, with the basis of that expectation being nothing but a hope

- speculate on specific features that you hope (and soon expect) to be in the update. (A favorite one this time is Workbench HD capability via HD500 VDI. I'd love it, and I actually do expect this one soon. But I have no reason to. :o)

- project a target date on which you hope (and soon expect, again with no basis) the update to appear

- wait, and then wait some more, and then get upset that line 6 is 'late' with the as-yet-unannounced update

- finally, eventually, receive a bonus update - and then get disappointed and even angry because it doesn't contain everything you felt had been promised (your unfounded expectations).

[DeanDinosaur]

That's a very rational and lucid post Silverhead, but logic and rationale has nothing  to do with anything when it comes to Art (guitar playing B) ).  We want updates and more toys. I really wanted an update a long time ago and couldn't wait so I got an Eleven Rack. If line 6 had an update earlier I might have stuck around and bought a Variax or something else from line 6. It's expected of line 6 because line 6 has done it more than most companies (except for Fractal and Kemper). I still like the HD even though Eleven Rack has more realistic amps, because the HD has its own charm and very many good sounds in it. I thought of it this way, I was willing to pay for model packs and line 6 didn't have them so I paid about $300 for an Eleven Rack and got the mother of all updates!

[silverhead]

Yes - you've identified my fatal flaw, rationality and logic. It plays havoc with my marriage sometimes. :D

 

Q:  Does this dress make me look fat?

A:  No, dear, it's not the dress.

[bjnette]

LOLOL

 

It sure would be great to get an update.

 

Meanwhile i am happy with my HD500 and still getting more out of it as it is packed with a huge amount of goodies as is.

[arislaf]

Silverhead, i just don't want to see the next pedal and no update for the current one, especially with the non conectivity for the workbench...

[TheRealZap]

rest assured... silverhead is very pro update and wants improvements for everyone (as am i)

i think he and i simply prefer that the expectations be managed a bit....

expecting a vague "update" is of no consequence...

imagine they just updated the font in the edit window... yay.. its an update....

really... you need meat on those bones...

meaning specific issues... that need addressed...

and we have endless threads of add this amp that effect wishlist etc...

i'm positive there will be an update (based on no real knowledge of any being worked on, just my opinion)

plenty of things that could be "better" but not much actually "broken"

 

Silverhead, i just don't want to see the next pedal and no update for the current one, especially with the non conectivity for the workbench...

[silverhead]

arislaf, I agree with you. I want to see another update too and there are several things I would like to see in it, including Workbench HD compatibility.

 

All I'm saying is that nobody should feel entitled to it. Line 6 may provide one, and may not. Doesn't change the fact that we have (or should have) purchased a product based on what it could do at the time, not based on what it might be able to do at some unknown future date. And it does what we knew it could do. Anything else is a bonus, and lack of it is not reasonable cause for disappointment.

[gunpointmetal]

arislaf, I agree with you. I want to see another update too and there are several things I would like to see in it, including Workbench HD compatibility.

 

All I'm saying is that nobody should feel entitled to it. Line 6 may provide one, and may not. Doesn't change the fact that we have (or should have) purchased a product based on what it could do at the time, not based on what it might be able to do at some unknown future date. And it does what we knew it could do. Anything else is a bonus, and lack of it is not reasonable cause for disappointment.

I feel like that's part of the reason, though, that people often choose Line 6 over Boss or Digitech or Zoom...Line 6 has a history of providing useful, free updates over the life of a product, as well as paid options for additional features. I know that kind of swayed me when I was looking to replace my Boss GT-8. I saw how much extra stuff came down the line for previous POD models and was hoping the trend would continue, because that is the precedent Line 6 set for themselves. Also, I feel like these types of a devices are basically "music instrument computers" and should be treated like any other computer manufacturer handles their stuff...they improve functionality as long as the product is viable in the market...service pack updates on a regular basis to fix minor bugs, firmware updates on phones/tablets, new OS versions that are available to existing customers to deal with issue and new functionality. I think its almost like a FU to customers the way Boss just throws something out there and waits till its obsolete and pushes out a new product before they've exhausted the capacity of the hardware. Line 6 has been pushing away old costumers with the new-ish "less-is-more" approach to updating the existing product line, as far as guitar processors goes anyways.

[redlight7777]

I just wish they'd fix the marshall JCM 800 sim.. it sounds nothing like an 800 and add an AFD 100 thats on par with amplitubes (Which is brilliant IMHO)

 

oh and fix the daggum speaker sim setup so it's not a shot in the dark.. use pictures, move the mic around instead of expecting people to guess what the settings are suppose to do. To me that was the most disappointing, it's like tryign to learn a foreign language instead of being really easy and straight forward - QUOTED

I was so glad to find this post. I thought I might be going loopy! The 800 sounds nothing like the Iconic guitar amp of the 80's. I am glad to know I am not losing it! I have messed around with the 800 in my old POD Pro XT rackmount and believe I liked that better.
Interesting Post.

[medbad5150]

"Add an AFD 100 thats on par with amplitubes" No offence mate, but I've said a million times before, everyone wants their own amp of choice included, Line 6 have picked most classics,and left a few, maybe Orange being a major one, it's a multi modeller not a " choice of heavy metal pedal", they can't win, but yeah I agree, I bought this on the strength that they update firmware, that was in my decision making. To say we souldn't expect is wrong.

 

I also have Axe 2 and they update nore than I wash my hair!

[silverhead]

....., I bought this on the strength that they update firmware, that was in my decision making. To say we souldn't expect is wrong.....

 

You forget to add '... imho'.

[guitarno]

I feel like that's part of the reason, though, that people often choose Line 6 over Boss or Digitech or Zoom...Line 6 has a history of providing useful, free updates over the life of a product, as well as paid options for additional features. I know that kind of swayed me when I was looking to replace my Boss GT-8. I saw how much extra stuff came down the line for previous POD models and was hoping the trend would continue, because that is the precedent Line 6 set for themselves. Also, I feel like these types of a devices are basically "music instrument computers" and should be treated like any other computer manufacturer handles their stuff...they improve functionality as long as the product is viable in the market...service pack updates on a regular basis to fix minor bugs, firmware updates on phones/tablets, new OS versions that are available to existing customers to deal with issue and new functionality. I think its almost like a FU to customers the way Boss just throws something out there and waits till its obsolete and pushes out a new product before they've exhausted the capacity of the hardware. Line 6 has been pushing away old costumers with the new-ish "less-is-more" approach to updating the existing product line, as far as guitar processors goes anyways.

 

  

I understand silverhead's point and he's right to a degree - you should buy gear based on what it can do today, but I agree with gunpointmetal's post. Part of the reason I ditched some Roland/Boss gear and bought Line 6 gear was that the Roland and other manufacturer's gear I was using was a couple of years old, and after a while, it became apparent that there was zero chance of it ever being updated, and very limited continuing support (not to mention crappy or non-existent software editors). Makes me question why I should buy a given product under those circumstances even when brand new. All of modern day electronic music gear falls under the paradigm of computers in that the technology races ahead so fast that they are going to be obsolete in a relatively short time, but buying from a company that actively supports and updates their products stretches that out longer so you get a little more out of your investment.

 

   I think I like Line 6's approach to this better.

[silverhead]

I agree that it's a matter of degree, and of managing one's expectations. I think it's fair to expect that a product has a lifecycle, and that early in its lifecycle one can reasonably expect updates. But beyond a certain point (and everyone will have a different personal timepoint) it becomes unreasonable to expect further updates. I still see requests for X3 updates; dream on.

 

Will there be further updates in the Pod HD product line, now a few years old? I hope so, but anyone who considers this thread to be a list of pending new features is (imho) potentially setting themselves up for disappointment.

[radatats]

Personally, I am happy with the amps and effects in the current firmware/hardware.  I will be happy with what ever they can improve along the way.  What I REALLY want is a complete rework of the Edit software.  I would much prefer to see an Amplitube style GUI and there are fare better visual interfaces available to represent signal flow, wave form and especially EQ.  How about when I move an effect in the chain, it moves in the stack below accordingly.  I hate when the first effect in the chain is listed in the middle of the stack somewhere. I would like to see a clipping indicator for each stage in the signal flow. There is no way to analyse your signal strength at various points along the path and there are so many opportunities to introduce clipping in your signal.  Turning down the master won't eliminate clipping introduced earlier in the chain...  Cabibnet and mic placement could be greatly improved with a better GUI too

 

I think Line 6 would take a great product to new heights with this relatively easy upgrade and make life a lot easier for a lot of us users...  IMHO...

[hoodcreeper]

I bought HD500 because the X3 live was so jam packed with features that I ASSUMED that they would continue that logic with a NEW and IMPROVED line.  My mistake.  Lesson learned.  Waiting for another company to step forward in this price point so I can move on.  IMHO  Everyone is entitled to that .... right?  Don't get me wrong.  HD is a great little toy....I'll say that again...TOY

[markcockerill]

I'm still waiting for a FW upgrade for my Vetta 1, any idea when that might be available?

 

I'm pleased I kept the HD500 as was the easiest way to return my JTV back to 1.9. I'll hang on to it in case they fix the Strat models in FW 2.01.

 

I'm playing around with other gear at the moment, feeling a bit dissillusioned with Line 6 over the last year. I think they are spending more money on very clever marketting to make as much money as they can out of us and believe they are not really follwing the same ethos they once had. If they were, then I'd be on a Vetta Mk 12 amp with firmware 190,002.013 and it would be the best amp in the whole world, ever. Actually, it still is a good amp and frickin amazing if one has the Armin Cab Mod.

 

My opinions of course.

[toneman2121]

play guitar

[phil_m]

IMHO  Everyone is entitled to that .... right?  Don't get me wrong.  HD is a great little toy....I'll say that again...TOY

 

I don't think anyone is entitled to anything as far as companies providing certain products... Companies are going to do what they think is their best interest to move forward. Having happy customers is certainly generally within a company's interest, but trying to fulfill their every whim is a losing proposition.

[medbad5150]

I'll be controversial in that okay 'imho' as stated, but truth be told as an avid lover of players EVH, Jake E Lee, Blackmore, Rhoads, Lifeson, Sambora, fed up with people who play and expect these pedals to be aimed at purely them, I still adore these players but know that players into jazz, Nile Rodgers, blues, pop, reggae, soul and which some of who are great players don't moan about hijacking a product only for own needs, I know we all want a 100W Marshall, variac with a flange retro modern detune drop C, but some some go on as if overdrive and distortion is the only requirement on a pedal.

 

Line 6 cater to all musicians, yeah as I said before I'm always searching for tone, but before they give another version, is your EQ spot on? Can you pinch harmonic on a clean setting?

 

The versions provided are not perfect, but ample, if I want the Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal setting, is that in the mix, or Lifeson's flanger in Jacob's Ladder, maybe not but another amp probably won't be the answer! I'm still trying to find the Angus Young Powerage tone, but many hate distortion and don't need another saturated metal amp, that some one hit wonder played in 1990. Line 6 must read these forums and laugh, they will never please everyone, I've played for 20 years and never heard of some of these amps!

[wnxwakko]

I remember wishing for all of this.  I wanted to get the POD HD PRO.  I even ordered when it was on back order and then I realized, Line 6 has no interest in putting any programmers into these.  They are sold as is with no upgrades in sight.

 

So I saved a bit more and bought the AXE FX II for a major price.   Made in the USA it says on the back, not China and the sound will blow your mind.  Dual processor, firmware updates weekly, more amps, cabs and configuration possibilities than the Line 6, Eleven and whatever else is out there combined.  

 

Yup expensive but it was so worth it I don't regress missing meals to pay for it.  

[arislaf]

wnxwakko, i see that all your posts you made, are against pod, wich make me asume that you are the latest effort (and the more civilized) paid from another companies to disfame - subterfuge the pod. In case you didn't notice, the line 6 forum comparing to the fractal forum, is much more friendly , respectfull and helpfull...

 

You choose fractal. I respect that.

 

But to stay here complaining for a unit you never had...

 

Go and complain in fractal for the axe and see what will happen. ;)

[wnxwakko]

I still come here because I have other Line 6 equipment.   I just cant help myself when I see these kinds of posts.   Believe me, I don't work for them, everything I've said is true and I'm just a new fan of them.   My points are that maybe others will see the light.   I honestly didn't even know about AXE FX II until I read it in another post in this forum, so I thank this forum for that insight.

[DeanDinosaur]

 

So I saved a bit more and bought the AXE FX II for a major price. ...

 

Yup expensive but it was so worth it I don't regress missing meals to pay for it.  

Damn right it's a major price.  You spent too much money into the HYPE of AXE II. sure it might be more featured with more amps and effects etc.but it doesn't come with a controller like the HD500. you should sell it and for the money you get from the sale you can get this:

 

1-POD HD 500 

2-JTV Variax

3-DT-50 Amp

 

POD HD500 modeling is good enough for whatever it is. I recently bought an Eleven Rack because they were so cheap but still didn't get rid of my HD500 because I programmed sounds that I still enjoy. Any way forget about me, the POD as is today  is good enough for professionals as well as anyone who plays guitar, I'm not going to list professional who use it but it's worth mentioning that Steve Howe from YES uses it on stage it to faithfully recreate the sounds  True to the record. So the modeling in the HD is pretty damn close to the actual amp (close enough for all intended purposes). Presuming there's a marginal improvement in the AXE II,  spending that money isn't justified specially if it involves missing meals. 

 

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Rig_Rundown_Yes_Steve_Howe_and_Chris_Squire

[medbad5150]

Damn right it's a major price.  You spent too much money into the HYPE of AXE II. sure it might be more featured with more amps and effects etc.but it doesn't come with a controller like the HD500. you should sell it and for the money you get from the sale you can get this:

 

1-POD HD 500 

2-JTV Variax

3-DT-50 Amp

 

POD HD500 modeling is good enough for whatever it is. I recently bought an Eleven Rack because they were so cheap but still didn't get rid of my HD500 because I programmed sounds that I still enjoy. Any way forget about me, the POD as is today  is good enough for professionals as well as anyone who plays guitar, I'm not going to list professional who use it but it's worth mentioning that Steve Howe from YES uses it on stage it to faithfully recreate the sounds  True to the record. So the modeling in the HD is pretty damn close to the actual amp (close enough for all intended purposes). Presuming there's a marginal improvement in the AXE II,  spending that money isn't justified specially if it involves missing meals. 

 

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Rig_Rundown_Yes_Steve_Howe_and_Chris_Squire

 

No disrespect to ya mate, but I have an Axe 2 as well as the MFC, compared to my HD500, we are talking night and day, nothing wrong with buying on a budget, and the HD is a superb piece of gear. But saying it's overpriced is the same as me asking you what guitars you have. A Fender or a copy? a Gibson or a copy? It is for pro musicians, have you seen prices for 59 Les Paul? How about Eventhide effects? Of course hype is involved, but the sound is non negotiable.

 

Bet your life you own a quality instrument rather than a £99 copy which probably looks as nice, but I don't know for fact.

 

Not going to go into ins and outs of Axe but, it sounds like a true amp straight out of the box, yeah I know we can tinker with the HD and most people get awesome sounds, but how much time do we all have?

 

I can comment cos I also have GT 100, VG 99, GR 55, HD500, all good value at what they cost, but if £3,000 which is not for everyone's pocket, it is very pricey, firmware updates are regular and sounds are always improving.

 

I earn from my band so get the money invested in gear back anyway but lol!!! Wouldn't miss meals to buy it!