[ Bass Patches - Pod Hd Series ]

[Ed_Saxman]

Hello everyone! This is the new thread dedicated to bass presets for Pod HD series.
The original thread was located in the community "Long forgotten bass players", but I think it will be better here.
I hope that this thread will become a place to share experiences, knowledge, and above all, our presets for bass!

 

To start the discussion, here's my Bass Setlist for HD500 with 20 patches:

 

HD500 Setlist V3 - "High Output Bass Amps" (16-Jan-2013)

http://www.mediafire.com/?h4yta8468nawfzt

 

How to convert Setlists:

If you have a different Pod HD, you can use this tool: http://www.jzab.de/content/pod-hd

 

 

All this presets are set on a "single arm chain":

 

 

 

What you get with this Setlist is a high volume of output using a Bass, forget the messes that involved the dual input configuration, and make the pod HD works in a very similar way to how the Bass Pod worked (regarding to mono wet and dry outputs). But here you have the advantage of being able to play your bass in true stereo, too.

Now you can have a balanced sound between the bass and guitar, and record comfortably in your sequencer.

I left the presets configured as inputs Guitar:Same, but please, I do not want to contribute to this confusion.
Using this new configuration (let's call it "single arm chain"), the input 2 has absolutely no effect on the sound (when using the config 1 mentioned below)

If you want to record two mono tracks (wet and dry, panned all the way L/R), then it makes sense to use the second input as "same" (when using the config 2 mentioned below). Unmuting the Channel 2 you actually obtain a completely dry signal from your instrument.
Of course you can also use a combination of both if you want to use another instrument on channel 2.

 

But most important is to understand that in this way we have two inputs completely separated from each other without causing strange effects in the other, or interfere in any way.

As I said before, for me this has been a great discovery. Thank you very much to Meambobbo.

 

This is the structure for v3 patches:

 

1- Noise Gate.
I'm currently using noise gates, until I learn how to use the hard gates. I'm a little slow! More details here: http://foobazaar.com/podhd/toneGuide/ampTone#noiseGates

2- Tube comp.

Almost same settings than before.

3- Classic Distortion.

Still here, for now. You could also use a wah pedal or whatever else here, if you prefer.

4- Analog Chorus.

I removed the ugly delay in front of the amp, and now I have a chorus. I like this effect for bass, and I think this is the best sounding of the three possible. The Dimension and Triple chorus does not sound bad, but have far fewer parameters and are therefore less controllable. In contrast, analog chorus has many controls, a vibrato mode, a tone control, etc. For now I used a basic setting, but it sounds pretty good with the reverb.

5- Studio EQ.

Still here, for now. I'm not using it much now, because I have found that it can be a specific setting for each bass you use. Maybe try a parametric EQ, but it seems much more complicated for me: http://foobazaar.com/podhd/toneGuide/eq

6- Mid Focus EQ.

Hi and Low pass filters, now with settings 5%-65%. Gain between 0-30%

7- Spring Reverb.

I used a reverb that is noticeable, but not annoying. Sounds great alongside the chorus. At least I like to use them together to have a good time.

Note that when using chorus+reverb, overall volume will also rise up! I have had this in mind, so that the volume is not excessive when active.
Still, if you play too hard, this could produce clip, so look first at gain settings I put into the Mid EQ.

8- FX loop.
I´m using a Boss RC-300 loopstation here.

 

About the Inputs and Mixer settings using the config above (single arm chain):

Config 1: Just to play (Stereo)

Input 1 - Guitar

Input 2 - (Doesn´t matter, since PathB is muted.).

Mixer - PathA +12 dB center, PathB Muted (panned 100%R just for convenience when using config2)

 

Config 2: Recording

(2 mono channels, Left Wet (processed), Right Dry (unprocessed, or DI)

Input 2 - Guitar

Input 2 - Same

Mixer- PathA +12dB 100% Left, PathB +12dB 100% Right

 

So you can:

Record a stereo track selecting the stereo input, and then split the track on two separate mono tracks on your DAW.

OR, arm two mono tracks on your secuencer selecting each separate mono input, and record both at the same time.

Personally I like best the second approach, becouse I´m using Logic Pro, maybe in your secuencer there is an easier or practical way to do the first one.

[Ed_Saxman]

Bass Compressors

A compressor is easily the most often used effect used by bassists. It’s also one of the most unglamorous effects. If you have a compressor, you will probably always use it as you play. Compressors fall into the family of dynamic effects. In music, dynamics refer to how loud or soft a sound is. Dynamic effects alter how loud or quiet a signal is.

What is Compression?

Compression squeezes, or compresses, the dynamic range of a signal. A compressor will reduce the volume of loud notes which in turn allows the overall volume to be boosted.

An excellent example of compression is when you hear a vocalist singing a quiet passage followed by a loud one. How come you can hear the whisper quiet passage, but the loud one doesn’t distort and blow out your eardrums? Most likely compression is being used on the vocals to compensate for the wide range of dynamics. The loud vocal passage’s volume is reduced by the compressor making room for the quieter passages to be turned up.

Why Do Bassists Use Compressors?

Using a slight amount of compression on bass beefs up your bass tone a bit. Compression can give your bass sound that smooth, glassy tone. You can get a punchier sound using compression. Compression can really balance out very dynamic playing styles like slap bass. If you use too much compression your bass tone might sound lifeless. But, just a little makes a big tonal difference.

A bass compressor is about the only must-have effect for bassists regardless of the style you play. I highly recommend getting a compressor both for live playing and home recording. The average listener won’t know it’s there, but you will enjoy the subtle effects.

Compression Threshold

Compressors usually have an adjustable threshold setting. The compression threshold is the volume level (gain) at which the compression effect is engaged. Any signal passing through the compressor which is louder than the threshold setting will be compressed. Any signal lower than the threshold will be unaffected.
If you can adjust the threshold setting on your compressor, adjust it to taste. It depends on if you only want really loud notes compressed or most everything compressed.

Compression Ratio

The compression ratio selects the amount of compression to apply on signals above the threshold. The ratio might be something like 3:1 (3 to 1). That means for every 3 dB you send to the compressor beyond the threshold only 1 dB comes out. A 1:1 ratio would not compress anything.

An ∞:1 (infinity to 1) means any signal above the threshold sent to the compressor only 1dB comes out. This is known as limiting. You may see units called compressor/limiters. Limiters are often used to prevent damage to speakers. (Many TV sets now include limiters to squash loud commercials.)

On some effects units the ratio is just marked as ‘compression’ or ‘amount’. This setting increases the ratio.

Most bass players use a 2:1 up to 5:1 compression ratio. You really have to listen closely to adjust it. It’s very subtle. At first you might wonder if it’s even on and working! Try starting at the highest amount of compression and you’ll hear the dynamics squashed. Then slowly lower the compression amount until it suits your taste. A little goes a long way.

Makeup Gain

A compressor is a gain reduction device, therefore all compressors have a make up gain control so that if you are using 3db of gain reduction you can turn the output by that amount and still retain the same headroom.

Sources:
http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_effects_guide/bass_compressors.html
http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_effects_guide/bass_compressor_settings.html
http://www.sae.edu/reference_material/audio/pages/Compression.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression

 

About Pod HD / M Series:

We are all at a bit of a disadvantage with the L6 Dynamics because:

a) almost all the parameters are fixed and b ) they don't give you ANY information about the specific parameter settings including Ratio, Attack, Release, plus there is no Gain Reduction metering.

From the HD500 Manual ... they ONLY mention Threshold, Sustain, and Level in explanation yet the Vetta Comp uses "Sensitiviy" and "Amount" .....

• Threshold: For compressor FX, lower values result in greater compression, along with an automatic makeup gain stage dependent upon the Threshold setting.
• Sustain: Some compressors include Sustain, which is much the same as a Threshold control, but functions in reverse - higher settings add more compression and thus more sustain and squishy goodness.
• Level: Adjusts the overall volume - higher settings typically offer an output boost.

Tube Comp
Based on the Teletronix® LA-2A® studio compressor, is a fat dirty sound that is supposed to be like a vintage tube/optical compressor. It adds a layer of subtle distortion, and pumps the lows. Seems to be one of the most prefered choices by the (M and HD series) users when using a bass (see talkbass link below).
(quote: "It also has the most gain of all the models, such that I had to set the output level at minimum in order to avoid clipping the rest of my gear. So when I used it to push a tube amp into overdrive, it sounded really terrific--but it was almost unusable with a solid-state rig due to the nasty clipping.")
The original LA-2A has 40dB gain.
The compression position on the compress/limit switch on the LA-2A (again, the original thing) is considered 4:1, but really the ratio will fluctuate depending on the source.The LA-2A has a release time which requires about 60 milliseconds for 50% release, and then a gradual release over a period of 1 to 15 seconds to the point of complete release. You may think of the LA-2A as having a “composite†release; made up of several stages. When compression is heavy and/or the signal has been above threshold for a long time, the LA-2A's release will be slower.

Vetta Juice
The ‘Juice’ in Vetta Juice comes from the 30dB of available gain in the LEVEL knob.
It’s got a fixed threshold of -40dB with the SENS knob varying compression ratio from 1.5: 1 all the way up to 20:1 (which is a whole heck of a lot). This combination of design features gives you the option of cranking the level enough to get some serious gain boost, or setting the gain lower and dialing up a smooth, clean sustain.

Vetta Comp
Vetta Comp has a fixed ratio of 2.35:1 with the threshold (that would be your SENS knob) adjustable from -9dB to -56dB.
Up to 12dB of gain available at the LEVEL knob.
In other words, turn the Sens knob ’til you like the way your signal’s compressed, then set the volume with Level.

Boost Comp
Inspired by* a MXR® Micro Amp but with compression and EQ added. (Quote: "It's funny to me that the Boost model has the most controls, when the pedal it was based on has only one knob.")


The Vetta and Boost have the most natural, flattish frequency response of the group, good for "general purpose" use (including for bassists). Of those two, the Vetta is basic and clean while the Boost allows some extra drive and coloration, as well as having two-band EQ.
The Vetta and Boost both have better lows than the Blue, and the highs are about the same as the Red; and the Tube has massive lows, and OK highs.

Just like the majority of other digital comps, the POD HD it's not so good at peak limiting. You can get some decent limiting in the Vetta Comp, with the threshold low, if your playing is steady; but its ratio is only about 3:1, so if you hit it hard and fast (e.g. with slapping), it will certainly not stop those peaks.
However, the Vetta Juice has a widely variable compression ratio and a extra amount of gain to boost.

 

Among these first four compressor models, my personal choice are the top three for use with a bass (tube comp, and both Vettas). The Boost Comp model, although it may be perfectly valid, adds too many unnecessary parameters (at least for my personal taste and needs), and I think it may be better to keep things as simple as possible at this point.

Regarding the rest of compressors included in the pod, we could simply discard them, being more suitable for use with a guitar:

Red Comp
Based on the MXR® Dyna Comp.The Red model rolls off the lows severely, but has fairly open and present highs. Clearly meant for guitarists who want a bright sound.

Blue Comp
Based on the Boss® CS-1 Compression Sustainer with the treble switch off.
The Blue model has a little better lows, but the highs are muted; Clearly meant for guitarists who want a dark sound.

Blue Comp Treb
Based on the Boss® CS-1 Compression Sustainer with the treble switch on.

Sources:
Vetta II manual
http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/l6m13.shtml
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/compressors-m9-m13-704413/
http://line6.com/support/thread/86064

[meambobbo]

here's a clip using one of my bass tones.  i have a few others but they're a work in progress.  link to the patch is on the soundcloud description:

https://soundcloud.com/meambobbo/periphery-tone-demo2-pod-hd

[rshjr4]

Hi Ed!   Like you, I'm very interested in using my POD (HD400) with my Bass, and have found your posts here and elsewhere very helpful.

 

I wonder, would it be too much trouble to post your 20 presets individually, as opposed to a single HD500 setlist?  The conversion program won't let me convert HD500 setlists to HD400 presets, but I'd really like to try yours out.  Thanks!  In the meantime; I've posted two of my own feeble efforts to CustomTone one for POD Farm Platinum and another for the POD HD400.  Links here and attached:  

 

http://line6.com/customtone/tone/224387/

[Ed_Saxman]

Wow! Three guys called Robert (my middle name) are the only ones who have written on the same thread. You realize how exceptional is this possibility to occur, statistically speaking?

As for what says the third Robert... could do that for you, but a simple way to extract the presets of a bundle of HD500 is downloading the "HD500 Edit", who also works in stand-alone mode (no need to have the machine), from which you can load the entire bundle, and then extract any preset individually.

[user-1775361]

Hi Saxman,

 

Glad to see there's a forum on here for bassists.  Thanks for your tips.  I'm a newbie to sophisticated pedals and to Line 6 products in general.  I just bought the Pod HD500 and plan to use it for bass and guitar, but one of the first groupings of patches I want to set up for my bass are some envelope filters to get the types of sounds that funk players used in the 70s with the mutron, and which Harmonix is trying to recreate with their Enigma, etc.  Flea of Chili Peppers is using similar effect beginning at 1:57 of "The Power of Equality" on Blood Sugar Sex Magic album.  I know there's on preset on the factory settings that's sort of like that, so my thought is just to copy those basic settings and then enter them into a New Tone setting and start playing with them in there.  So, that's my best idea for now, does anyone have a better idea or some suggestions for what types of effects go into those types of sounds and if there's a particular order of effects that will help you achieve it?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Joyce

[Artgiver]

Ok, this may sound like a dumb question, but will these patches, as well as any bass patch, sound as good using just a six string electric instead of a typical bass, of which i don't have? I just bought the HD500 and now, can't afford to buy a bass, so will they sound the same (or close even) with just my six string?? Thanks mucho!!

 

Timothy

[TheRealZap]

they will not make your 6 string guitar sound like a bass, if that's what you're asking.

 

 

Ok, this may sound like a dumb question, but will these patches, as well as any bass patch, sound as good using just a six string electric instead of a typical bass, of which i don't have? I just bought the HD500 and now, can't afford to buy a bass, so will they sound the same (or close even) with just my six string?? Thanks mucho!!

 

Timothy

[stumblinman]

There is an octave-down effect on the HD that can do a passing simulation if you absolutely must do something. It's not great, but I've used it when I'm looping before. Might be worth a try in a mix too if you are recording.

[bjnette]

Good on you for putting this up Ed. My name isn't Robert but my son is named Ed. LOLOL

You really did your homework and the data is a useful read.

 

I am a bassist primarily but have taken up the guitar parts for songwriting.

 

Personally I found the pre amp on the POD not as good as cranking the input on my GAP 73Pre which does an excellent job of smoothing out those lumpy notes. The iron in input and output transformers even stock is so good at evening the response I can get away without a compressor. I bypass the HD500 pre and come in on the FX loop receive.

 

To add a compressor also raises the noise floor and differs from limiting which is a ratio generally above 20 times. I prefer hardware but with your write up and description I might be able to rework some of the FX.

 

While I like cleaner tones for bassand am of the opinion the fat strings have enough modulation already without needing effects, there are some that work great on bass in the POD HD

[rshjr4]

Thank you! Kinda embarrassed I didn't think of that.

[Artgiver]

Yes that is what i was asking. Thanks RealZap! 

Thanks also for the idea ramblin......uh, i mean, stumblinman  :) (remember? ..from the song "ramblin man" by The Alman Brothers? Is that where you got 'stumblinman' from?).

 

Timothy

[rshjr4]

For those of us slumming with the POD HD400 but who want to try out Ed's bass patches, I've converted them to a POD HD400 bundle.  As Ed notes, there's no tube comp on the 400, but the available compressors seem to substitute serviceably.  Also, because the 400 only allows three effects in sequence, I took out the classic distortion, 4-band EQ, and spring reverb effects (but they're easy enough to add back on FX1, in lieu of the compressor).  And obviously it's a single signal chain.  For reasons that escape me, this forum won't allow the attachment of Line 6 preset or bundle files, and you can't post bundles in Custom Tone.   So if anyone wants the bundle, gimme an email address.  I've posted them all in Custom Tone as well.

[Ed_Saxman]

For those of us slumming with the POD HD400 but who want to try out Ed's bass patches, I've converted them to a POD HD400 bundle. For reasons that escape me, this forum won't allow the attachment of Line 6 preset or bundle files, and you can't post bundles in Custom Tone. So if anyone wants the bundle, gimme an email address.

Send me the bundle and I'll upload to Mediafire, to be linked on the first post

I've posted them all in Custom Tone as well.

:( That was not so good. Fortunately I can see that apparently you have not done yet.

[drid05]

tag. Will try out when I get home

[rshjr4]

Happy to not post to Custom Tone, but curious as to why you don't want them there?

[Ed_Saxman]

Happy to not post to Custom Tone, but curious as to why you don't want them there?

 

Well... Mostly because I would like people share their tricks, ideas and presets here, rather than in a space where there is no communication, as CustomTone.

 

Moreover, there may be a version 4 soon, with more presets, and I would keep the bundle under control, instead of multiple coexisting versions.

 

And finally, if someone has to upload my own presets to Custom Tone, I'd rather be myself who do it, or at least someone with my prior consent.

 

But don´t worry, next time I'll try to upload here the bundles for other PODs too. :lol:

[stumblinman]

Yes that is what i was asking. ThanksRealZap!

Thanks also for the idea ramblin......uh, i mean, stumblinman :) (remember? ..from the song "ramblin man" by The Alman Brothers? Is that where you got 'stumblinman' from?).

 

Timothy

For some reason I just noticed the question. No, it's actually a song by an old Seattle band called Tad. Sorry for the late reply.

[Artgiver]

No problem.

I see, well thanks for replying anyway. 

Blessings..

Tim

[djohnson223]

Running this patch on my HD Pro with 2 Eden cabinets, best sound I have ever had. Thank you for this patch.

[aspiller]

Ed thanks for doing this thread, I'm a recent convert to Bass from guitar, but want one pedal board for both, and have a lot to learn about crafting bass tone. Your post has taught me few things already. Looking forward to tinkering with your patches. Are there any other repositories of bass patches out there?

[juansilvajazz]

Hello bass players!!! i have a question, do i have to change something in the impedance configuration of my POD HD500. i have an active preamp in my bass

[arislaf]

Nothing needed for this. Better set it to auto, to have the effects in their true sound ;)

[arislaf]

Great work Ed!thanks for sharing!

[brian6string]

Thanks for sharing this Ed. I'm the "bass player of last resort" and at 9pm on Saturday I found out that I was needed to play bass on Sunday at 9am. I hadn't set up any patches for bass on my HD500X yet. I downloaded your setlist, used the first patch and it sound 1000% better than the one I quickly hacked together. Great work!

[SlideshowFreak]

hello.  I'd like to have some bass presets and am very new to using this edit software.  I have the hd 400 and cannot seem to covert thigs.  any chance anyone could send me the files as hd400 bundles?

cheers

[jandrio]

http://line6.com/support/topic/2164-pod-hd-tone-conversion-utility/

[charlcronje]

Here's one I've just been working on.

 

http://uk.line6.com/customtone/tone/530291/

 

Nice for Flea-like bass tones on e.g. Rain Dance Maggie and Factory of Faith

[jaredchester]

Old topic I know, but did anyone ever post a bundle for the HD400. I've tried the convert linked in the original post, but it's not working great for me!

[Meiannatee]

Ok, this may sound like a dumb question, but will these patches, as well as any bass patch, sound as good using just a six string electric instead of a typical bass, of which i don't have? I just bought the HD500 and now, can't afford to buy a bass, so will they sound the same (or close even) with just my six string?? Thanks mucho!!

 

Timothy

I suppose you mean adding a pitch effect in front to transpose down an octave? No, I tried that and it doesn't work. It works as a makeshift bass for jamming with the looper, but it definitely sounds like a pitch-shifted electric guitar, not a bass guitar.

 

I got a cheap bass for that very reason. To me, a $200-300 Ibanez/Yamaha/Cort will sound better than any pitch-shifted guitar. Try the used market as well; you may get a good deal depending on where you live.

[Dougmanbaby]

Hey people,

 

New to the pod world as a bassist.

 

Is there any way to manipulate a throbber or modulator speed through the expression pedal?

I want to have control of the speed of the effect through the expression pedal. Looking for a similar effect to "radioactive" Imagine dragons.

 

Also - given the guitar orientation of this unit any thoughts on the best bass specific effects in the unit would save me a whole lotta time.

 

Cheers and beers

 

[pianoguyy]

Is there any way to manipulate a throbber or modulator speed through the expression pedal?

 

If it can be adjusted, it can be controlled by the exp pedal. 

So, can the throbber or modulator speed be adjusted? 

[Bamtz]

Thank you guys for your insights and presets.