bobsacamano Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 Okay Guys, I need some advice. Although I consider myself somewhat knowledgable on some subjects, when it comes to sound, amps, pedals, and plethora of options, I'm a total boot. Which is a reason I own a HD500X...everything is there for me and I don't have to worry about it. That being said though, the HD500x is huge and I travel a lot for work so I'm not always able to bring it along with me and I'm relegated to subpar travel amp options. Question: - Is there an interface that will allow me to use the programs that are related to my HD500X ("HD500x Edit, Workbench HD, and/or POD Farm 2")? For instance, instead of bringing my pedal along with me, can I just use an interface to plug directly into my computer where I could use those programs as my pedal?...so I could use the output towards a set of speakers/headphones? - Sonic port...is this my best option (I do own a Mac)? Or is there another option that I'm unaware of? - Will the Sonic port allow me to use the setting I have on those aforementioned programs or will I have to use whatever is on their Mobile App? Anyways, just looking for some guidance. I'm just trying to get the sound I've grown accustomed to without lugging the actual pedal with me. Thanks Guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinon2 Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 HD Edit is useless without the POD. It's just an editing tool, a more convenient way to edit patches without having to stare at the tiny little screen on the POD. It allows you to store individual patch settings, but there's no sound engine in the software. It's not good for anything unless you've got the POD with you. Same goes for Workbench, but that is specific to the Variax guitars. If you don't have one, it's of no use to you. There are any number of interfaces and software based amp sims out there that can do what you want, and most of the interfaces will be considerably smaller than the pod. SonicPort is ok, but it draws it's power from either an iPhone/iPad/iPod, so you can't charge at the same time. All the sounds come from the the Mobile POD app...POD patch settings that you've stored in HD Edit are of no use. Also, that app is a HUGE power drain. Doesn't last too long, but there are some decent tones in it. Couple of hours of continuous use and you're done. Check out the Focusrite 2i4 interface...then start looking at various amp sim programs. The are a million of them now...S Gear, Bias FX, Overloud, Amplitube, etc. Most of them let you download a demo and use it for a couple of weeks before you buy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexKenivel Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 Maybe find a Pod hd desktop for travel. If I need a small device for going direct, I use my Korg Pandora PX4D. There's always the Amplifire 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsacamano Posted May 31, 2016 Author Share Posted May 31, 2016 Thanks so much guys! Much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBD_123 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Anyways, just looking for some guidance. I'm just trying to get the sound I've grown accustomed to without lugging the actual pedal with me. Thanks Guys! As suggested above - keep an eye out for the POD HD Desktop (aka 'Bean') which I think has now been discontinued. I've used one for travel for a couple of years now in conjunction with a notebook (Windows) and headphones. It's a very good and reasonably portable solution - the POD will fit into the big pocket on most guitar gig bags. The DSP in the POD Desktop is the same as the HD500 (so a bit less headroom for very fancy patches than you get with POD HD500X). Everything else is in there too - all the effects, all the default amp and cab models - the lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillBee Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Yeah if you have to have the HD tone the Bean is the thing my man. The case for it is pretty cushy too with the flip side for cable and PS storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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