HiJoe Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Can someone tell me if they have found a good way to connect a Spider IV amp (I have the 120) and a POD HD500x fx pedal? I've tried going through "clean" channels/settings, but the sound is never as good as it is listening to my JTV-59 Variax and POD HD500x directly into headphones. I understand that the Spider IV is a modeling amp and doesn't have an FX loop to bypass the preamp on the Spider IV. Is there anyway to use these three pieces (JTV Variax, POD 500X & Spider IV) in some way that can even get close to the dream rig? Been looking into the idea of selling off the Spider IV and either putting my money into a DT25 or DT50 amp or the newer Firehawk 1500. I'd also appreciate advice on the DT's vs. the new Firehawk, understand its a modelling amp based on the Firehawk pedal. Is this maybe just a good time to wait and see what comes after the Firehawk 1500? I'd appreciate any advice any other users or Line 6 techs can offer so I can get the best out of what I've already invested in. I'm generally using the equip. for home use, but may want to do some light gigging locally in the future. Thx in advance, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fflbrgst Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 You should be able to reduce the 'gain' on the Spider with your settings, but this may also lower your overall volumes. Its a matter of adjusting the tones and settings on the HD500 according to what the amp does to the overall sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillBee Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Running a modeler into a modeler usually doesn't go well IMO. Some have had some success running a POD into the MP3 jack bypassing the Spiders FX. I don't have a FH or DT so no comment other than I have heard they are pretty sweet. Mind you the Spider IV can probably handle a lot of tones and with the FBV is pretty flexible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiJoe Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 You should be able to reduce the 'gain' on the Spider with your settings, but this may also lower your overall volumes. Its a matter of adjusting the tones and settings on the HD500 according to what the amp does to the overall sound. Mike, Thx for the quick response, I've tried doing that and haven't come up with anything I really like yet, but appreciate the suggestion, first time I've posted to this forum and I have to say I'm impressed how fast the responses started, thx again, J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiJoe Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 Running a modeler into a modeler usually doesn't go well IMO. Some have had some success running a POD into the MP3 jack bypassing the Spiders FX. I don't have a FH or DT so no comment other than I have heard they are pretty sweet. Mind you the Spider IV can probably handle a lot of tones and with the FBV is pretty flexible. BillBee, That seems to be what I'm finding out. Originally bought the Spider IV with the FBV and it worked pretty well. Spoke to someone at Line 6 who explained the HD 500X was a higher end, newer processor, and actually got a great deal on it (the retailer basically swapped out the $200 FBV for the HD 500X because of some problems with my original order from them). So I couldn't pass it up. Only problem now is exactly what you've found. Haven't tried the MP3 jack, may give that a shot. Worst comes to worst I may try to sell off the Spider and give the FH or a DT a shot. Thx for info. J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thorneven Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 A similar question was asked in another thread and the answer was to hold the TUNER button while turning on the amp. Doing so puts the amp in preamp-bypass mode which means the preset volume, bass, mid, presence, reverb and treble controls are bypassed. That's how you get a pure amp with no coloring, hence letting all your 500X presets do their magic. Works great for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L3apr Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 If your amp haves one use the mp3 imput,it goes directly into the amp controlled by the master volume knob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brazzy Posted December 29, 2016 Share Posted December 29, 2016 A similar question was asked in another thread and the answer was to hold the TUNER button while turning on the amp. Doing so puts the amp in preamp-bypass mode which means the preset volume, bass, mid, presence, reverb and treble controls are bypassed. That's how you get a pure amp with no coloring, hence letting all your 500X presets do their magic. Works great for me. This is what I was thinking. The earlier spiders had the same or similar function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soulshoes Posted May 30, 2018 Share Posted May 30, 2018 The tuner idea sounds like a great idea. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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