Mesa Boogie Stereo 50:50 and Pod HD500x

[80sMetalDude]

I just received my HD500x and the plan is to replace an aging Digitech 2120 rack that went on the fritz after many years of happy ownership. 

 

I was going Guitar > 2120 > Mesa Boogie 50:50 Amp.

 

Now:   Guitar > Pod > Mesa

 

 

I'm a little confused about the best way to use the HD500X in my setup as the 2120 was a true pre-amp with 12AX7 tubes etc... going into the Boogie was a killer combo.

 

Now without that I'm wondering if there is a product I should be placing between the HD500x and the Boogie...   or am I crazy?

 

 

The reason I'm asking is it doesnt sound nearly as killer as it did with the 2120 driving the Boogie.    I'm impressed with all the bling/effects etc but it just doesn't sound nearly as wicked in your face like before.    The palm muting sounds fizzy, and fast alternate picking has that fizz as well... just not feeling it like before.

[BillBee]

The 2120 Artist is sweet but you had to really learn the Eq on that (I have the 2101). The HD is no different - stock patches are over the top and worthless for the most part. Nab the manual and cruise through the HD forum - search terms "Fizz, Eq...etc" the usual suspects and if I had the technology I would post a link. But #1 would be Meambobbos PodHD Guide. Just pop that in google and you will find it at the top. Highly recommended.

 

The 50/50 and HD should pair up well.

[80sMetalDude]

The 2120 Artist is sweet but you had to really learn the Eq on that (I have the 2101). The HD is no different - stock patches are over the top and worthless for the most part. Nab the manual and cruise through the HD forum - search terms "Fizz, Eq...etc" the usual suspects and if I had the technology I would post a link. But #1 would be Meambobbos PodHD Guide. Just pop that in google and you will find it at the top. Highly recommended.

 

The 50/50 and HD should pair up well.

Thank you for this response.    I have loved the 2120.  Even today it sounds great (save being blown now) but always hated the default noise gate settings on every patch!   Yeah the EQ is where I have spent most of the time with that.... and go figure I suspect that will be the case here!

 

Yeah I saw that guide...tons of pages of details.   I have been taking it in a little at a time in sections of interest.  Definitely will read that further. 

 

I will give it a few weeks time getting aquainted to tweaking.    I was pretty successful in getting a good Metallica crunch sound by copying "Heavy Chords" and removing almost everything except the amps/cabs chosen.   All I added was a tube screamer and a parametric EQ and that was only after 30 minutes or so.   Once I get better with it I'm sure it will shine.

 

I am still on the original tubes for the Boogie and ended up ordering a new set of tubes as well from Eurotubes.

[BillBee]

Cool my man! Carry on the 80's metal torch (my fave too). \m/

 

There are a few threads in the "Advanced Class" here where the amp parameters are given a proper look at too. Thump, Res, Presence, but little bites at a time for that or you will spend more time turning knobs then jamming. :)

[80sMetalDude]

Cool my man! Carry on the 80's metal torch (my fave too). \m/

 

There are a few threads in the "Advanced Class" here where the amp parameters are given a proper look at too. Thump, Res, Presence, but little bites at a time for that or you will spend more time turning knobs then jamming. :)

 

Ditto   \m/