timmay8612 Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 Hi all, new to the board. I recently acquired a sonic port after years of hating on amp modeling. Being a father of toddlers drove me to needing a headphone practice solution and my church plans all of their sets (all of my gigs) on iOS, so it seemed like a good fit. Anyway, really impressed by the HD amp models. This leads me to wonder, could I use my M13 (see gear in sig) with my sonic port/iPad instead of my amp? Second, at that point isn't an M13 + HD amp models on mobile pod pretty much the same sound wise as a 500x except without the switching convenience? I'm wondering if I'm not better off losing the sonic port and M13 and getting a 500x. Having said that, can anybody chime in on how the M13 sounds compared to the 500x? Sonic port and mobile pod vs 500x? Ease of use of mobile pod versus software that comes with 500x? Thanks everybody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 The Mobile Pod app, used with Sonic Port, does not include Line 6's HD amp models. It is based on earlier modeling technology. The amp models in the Pod HD500x are much better than those in Mobile Pod, at least in my opinion and I believe in the opinion of most users here. The HD500x and the M13 use the same FX models, but the HD500x buys you more flexibility and options in the selection and routing of the FX. Portability could be an issue - the HD500x is bigger than the M13 and of course way bigger than the Sonic Port / iOS combo. You will still need an amp of some sort, but with the HD500x you may want to investigate using an active speaker/monitor (FRFR) rather than a regular guitar amp, or a guitar amp with an FX Loop and a separate input for its power amp section. Your current Savage amp, with its single input into the preamp section, will unavoidably colour the tone that's coming from the HD500x. When using the HD500x amp models, it will be like using two amps and cabs: the HD500x model plus the preamp and cab of your physical amp. That can be tricky to get a good sound. The HD500x is a much more complex beast than the Mobile Pod app. If you do make the switch, plan on spending a good deal of time getting used to the beast. Don't plan on using it immediately as a replacement in a gig setting. You'll experience a learning curve. My advice? If you're looking for great sound and tonal flexibility, and are willing to spend some time at it, I would recommend the HD500x and something like a keyboard amp or active PA speaker. If you want simplicity and you are satisfied with the Mobile Pod sounds, then stick with what you've got. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmay8612 Posted January 19, 2014 Author Share Posted January 19, 2014 Thanks a lot for the response. If I did get the 500x, I'd be running it direct to front of house at church, which is the only place I gig. At home I only get to play when my kids are in bed, so its headphones only. Having said that, I've considered keeping the Savage and running 500x for some gigs and running without amp sims for those gigs. Can that be done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted January 19, 2014 Share Posted January 19, 2014 Yes, that can be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.