All user reviews of 5/5 for the Line 6 POD HD500

Config and editing sounds very simple via the HD edict
very easy to use it is a treat, not against by the software,
I prefer not to think about it.
and everything is programmed need to touch the volume settings from the pod

I love the fact that it is under the feet have the opportunity to direct four pedals (comp, overdrive, modulation fx, delay ...) + the volume and wha!
And still below 4 switches to wander through the presets!
Indeed, there is nothing better!

Nothing to say about the effects everything is well thought of is upscale and beautiful reverbs and delay are
The loop 45 seconds is very nice just need to understand the functioning and it rolls after you can without

I use a lot of sounds and effects, I like when the sound is clean and not too busy and the result is stunning!
on the other hand do not use the factory presets but must spend time on the machine and presets from vacuum is the best means
So you'll understand a little time provide early
this machine mla demand management!
but what a joy to be able to operate directly on any preset compression, delay, a TS9 to boost a JCM 800 or a soldano for solo ...
can load 8 effect blocks EFIN and feels free to do whatever you want in these three overdrive 8 blocks, no limits!

In terms of style I play pure blues to albert king through the gary moore from hendrix, sometimes metal and also jazz!
A very good versatility

UTILIZATION

sounds are very clean and clear, the guitar fit perfectly into the mix and the bass is always delicious.
This is done to plug into a PA or speaker monitoring.
behind the connector is really complete

-In the studio I use on monitor speakers M-Audio BX8 D2 and it suits me perfectly.
The USB is used for recording because it also acts as a sound card
(In cubase sx3 for me and it was perfect)
In-concert live on the sound, and it is a treat
(Especially if it is a high quality sound)

SOUND QUALITY

I tried most simus market boss GT100 in eleven rack!
and it is this one that I prefer for realism and clarity to line 6 really an incredible effort from the beginning of the simulation
on the other hand I've ever tried fractals.

OVERALL OPINION

So you understand I'm satisfied, it is a surprising machine then
spend some time on it and lots of doors will open!

Y has it all!! Hd and sounds are terrible, incredible stereo ... The connection is complete for stage, studio, home ... We do what we want with it!

UTILIZATION

Be more than on fiddling xt live, the more difficult is the initial calibration, must show the hd that all buttons are ok ... After this step ... Let's go! We go in line 6 with simplicity and usability!

SOUND QUALITY

Perfect again, the individual may find his account. It may suffice to play on stage with a sound without an amp believe me!

OVERALL OPINION

Since 1 month, I have bought without trying because I have confidence in line 6! Again c is complete, you can do anything ... Check out the videos on the net ... Just to tell you the first time I ais wanted to test the stereo with jbl 2.1 Pc but ... J have sub grill! (: (My jbl ...)

The Pod HD 500 is the flagship effects pedal from Line 6. Getting started is as easy as plugging in a guitar and headphones to start picking away at a preset amp model. Tweaking the internal processing of the pedal has a learning curve if you haven't used a Line 6 pedal before. I suggest using the downloadable software application to really go deep in the editing, but some people will always prefer twisting knobs.

UTILIZATION

This pedal has many improvements over the previous generation of POD X3s. The hardware has been upgraded to metal rather than plastic. This gives the pedal more of a rugged feel compared to the old plastic pedal which seemed like it wasn't made to last for very many years.
The internal DSP chips are capable of significantly more processing, which means that the amp sim models sound more realistic. There is also more storage, so there is tons of room for user presets.


SOUND QUALITY

I use a Variax 700 guitar with the HD 500. This allows for even more control because I can assign a specific guitar effects model to a particular user preset. Then with only click of a button, the entire signal chain can be changed. I can change between a Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall JCM800 to a Fender Telecaster through a Fender Bassman, to a Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar all by stepping on a footswitch. This can make for a huge range of possible sounds with only two pieces of gear at a gig.

OVERALL OPINION

The Pod HD 500 is another step forward in amp simulation. There are a wide range of amps included from clean to overdrive to extreme distortion. To me, there are still a few amps 'missing' from the X3 that I hope Line 6 includes as a firmware update to the HD line (Matchless, Orange, Budda). All in all, this effects pedal is capable of some very realistic amp sounds. Unless you are willing to pay for an Axe-Fx, this pedal is the best bang-for-your-buck.

Data are known, see previous opinion. (But given the opportunities and the price is really good.)

UTILIZATION

The manual is not included in the original box it is necessary to download. This is not very convenient because I can print but it is still very clear and has been very helpful.

From a general point of view there are some changes from the X3 that I had before but it took me a few days to get used to. From a global point of view I think it is easy to use.

SOUND QUALITY

I use a ESP M-2 and a Gibson SG standard mainly. Sometimes I also use it as an audio interface and I must say that the HD500 Edit software is particularly useful and effective because I do not have to stoop down to change settings every 2 minutes when I register.

Modeling is a really good point of view although overall overdriven sounds a little down (lack of energy) compared with clear sound and crunch but it is high quality.

OVERALL OPINION

It has been almost a year since I have this wonder. I bought it with your eyes closed because I was already very happy with the Pod X3 and I needed a pedalboard. I love the concept and the overall quality of this equipment. It really is perfect for playing in an apartment and to register. If I had the choice again I will take it without hesitation.

was a plateau effect broad and comprehensive (Personal I can used very)
edited via the editing software pod HD 500 using digital technologies (note this is the hd: D) with footswitch plien of 8 + 2 preset selector and 1 foot tap (tempo and tuner) and a looper 48 seconds which is pretty cool
it comes with everything
a loop of effect
One guitar input, microphone (singing, singing and yes), the (2nd guitar or pad) for a Variax guitars and line 6 CD/MP3 in
2 mono jack in
2 stereo outputs on XLR
One afternoon, S / PDIF, and a headphone

UTILIZATION

use the approach with intutive controls amp drive so high mid bass presence and master volume.
extensive editing is with the 1,2,3,4 buttons and controls (or afternoon but I did not understand how) must connaitres commades the alternative view buttons, enter and move
extensive editing is hard but quickly assimilated quickly.
must know the behavior of an amp lamps to play tickle Bias and these controls but we quickly find what you're looking

SOUND QUALITY

€ 500 which may sound a digital BUT not necessarily dégeulasse! no kidding, I used to live, studio, again, to mumuse, create sounds construc no interest, do metal, jazz / blues with a 7-string bass to save my ect ... but it's just great because I do not feel ripped off like with some amp / pedal. It is polivalente, sounds very good with a very respectable qualitée (DO NOT COMPARE WITH THE ORIGINAL simus! Compares it not ^ ^) € 500 play with a ENGL fireball like a good sound with the body I do not ask more I do not have the money (yet) to buy a NOS costom or POWERBALL II or a Mark V or correct this pedal but fills me effects are clear good quality (except the noise gate which is ch ! royally but er ... ^ ^) this pedal fulfilled its role of good cheap amp qualitée Audible and easy to use
amps are well made, the response of the cab / mic is very active and pots are (too reactive)
possiblitée take the preamp aulieu a full amp sends the complete signal in a real PowerAMP (very nice: D) and do not put impluse to connect a cab (which will make its best)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one month and a half, I have a blackstar HT-5 (which sounds better but congestion level: s vlahh when the scene deserves okay: D) that charmed me in this pedal is its price and qualitée and congestion may just very far, possiblitée create a set list of 4 with 4 preset footswitch for effects bypass / use the expression pedal to plien of stuff: D I think with the experience who personally:
simplicitée you seek for cheap and simple is the sound you / you do not have much money. Take this pedal
if you save and take a real amp / cab

All is available, all possible effects!
The editor on PC or Mac is a treat
But it sounds digital,
Xlr top for the scene, everything is digital USB!!

UTILIZATION

Simple configuration, fortunately. Car. Use of factory presets, c is impossible!!!
This lack of possibilities for routing the different outputs have such effects and simulations on xlr and just the effects on output jack (if anyone finds the solution to one I'm interested)
The allocation of pedals, expression is not very intuitive

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are top
I said top when you see the sale price!!
The amp simulations sound you can feel a sensation of preamps response depending on the game he really there's a difference with the attack on the strings and the volume of microphone gain amps react!
J have had the xt live! ..! That I have sold very quickly to move to the Roland VG 99 for real sounds clear and precise
The HD 500 is a giant step forward in the simulation
Some are clear clear!
That crunch when you want!
The effects are efficient and clean!
Half the price of the Roland VG 99
the Japanese are buried!

OVERALL OPINION

Used with an ernie ball Luke c, is home to top top
It there's a lot more expensive but better
There is more expensive but not necessarily better!
It allows having the sound at home, being, my students are excited,
On stage like this, to have sound now!.!.!

The choice again I closed eyes
With the series XT Live Line 6 m were disappointed but they have convinced m

The latest updates are top (especially for vocals, so you can sing it!!!! For the studio c is fine)
A machine to do everything that is good and (j did not say either that c was fine, but there's more expensive! "!)

The Pod has over 100 high quality effects and 16 amp simulated
edited via PC with the Line 6 pod Edit
pedal is very simple and good manufacturing: metal chassis and switch and protection of the monitor
High-quality digital
ultra complete connectivity with 2 input jack (and guitar) and XLR stereo output jack, microphone input, cd in mp3, midi in and out, FX send and return, etc. ............... ..

UTILIZATION

The manual is amber, it is better to go for the manual on pdf line6.com
The POD HD500 is still, despite its small screen very easy to edit when you master well.
buttons gains tone and master volume simplifies modifications amps: well thought out!
A bit of time to master like any multi-effects of this kind, but even easier with the line 6 pod edit hd 500; aesthetic but not super software that facilitates the modification of sounds that can record on your PC and share their presets with other hd 500.
The control switches are quite numerous (12) to manage a looper for 48 s and to manage the signal chain.
The expression pedal is very pleasing to the feet and can change many things as gain a foot pedal, the mix .... through volume and wah whammy.
The registration of over 512 presets available space is feasible very quickly from the good name but is not necessarily so keyboard ....
Multi Effects convenient to live as a headphone.
The dual tone feature is a little complicated to manage but still a good idea even if it is limited to 8 in number of simultaneous effects

SOUND QUALITY

All is in the fineness of adjustment to find a good sound.
we can be sure to have a sound inaudible if married high gain amps and distortion pedal too far or if abuse of reverbs.
The good sound does not come alone we must look above the factory presets are rarely interesting ...
But when we know to do it, the pod can surprise her with a very high quality, nothing to do with the effects of multi vox zoom or even if such are associated with a lamp.
The effects are not perfect copies of their own bankers pedals (although some ..) but sounds great when their sound.
you can really be very close to some of his guitar.
I play primarily U2 and Muse collection delays and reverb is very complete and sublime.
I put an average of 10 minutes has me very close to a preset when I know the good stuff the guitarist.
The sound is clear and limpid meets very well the sound of the instrument and does not blow slightly in high gain when there is no noise gate.
The cleans very good especially the fender but the simulation distos it so pretty
I have a Fender Start deluxe player above and select an eruption yds les paul and each expresses all its potential.

OVERALL OPINION

The pluses and minuses:

+++++++++++++
Free signal routing

+ +
Connectivity and robustness
Editing sounds
Sounds clean and crunch
The modulation effects of delay and reverb
The look and the convenience plug and play

+
8 max effect is good but it is quickly limited below the dsp over
if you are not careful (like taking 2 amps and multiple effects of pitch and reverb and it is being blocked on a 5.6 effects (too many resources requested)
The distortion sounds
The looper
The price for this quality respectable

-
uh .......
After you have to be objective if you want better more expensive
Maybe it lacks a bass amp and an acoustic voice and acoustic guitar but hey ..

Note that I've had two days and it's my third multi effects.
I had a Vox VT40 + and zoom g2.iut. I meters a decree in a few months but I have no regrets now.

The HD500 is the top of the line unit in the POD HD series. You can tell since it has the most buttons and the biggest screen. The big screen adds tons of usability to this unit. The small screens on the other models make it hard for you to do complex editing on the unit. You must use the pc editor to do complex patches. With this unit you can edit as much as you want on the unit. The unit comes with the same amount of amp models that the other units have and they all sound the same. The other big difference between this model and the 300 and 400 is that you can have twice the effects on a single patch this is why there are 8 effects switches on the face of the unit instead of 4. In amp mode each of these switches acts like if it was a stomp box effects pedal. This unit just as more user interface features which make it worth the extra cost. Comparing this model to an X3 live what you are dealing with is quality vs quantity. The X3 units have over 80 amp models while this one only has 16 from the factory. The 16 in this amp are the most used models in any of the line 6 units and they are modeled in much more detail than before. An X3 unit can sound as good as this but it will take much more fine tweaking to get the sound perfect.

UTILIZATION

This unit is much more usable than the 300 and 400. This is all due to the larger screen the unit has. The unit has a large screen like on the older POD units so you can see all that is going on in your patches. Unlike the 300 and the 400 it is very easy to edit a patch in the unit itself. You do not need to use the computer based editor on this unit. The funtionality added by the large screen makes this version very easy to use. The 500 has the same buttons on the face of it as the 400 but with twice as many effects buttons. The 500 lets you run 8 effects on a patch instead of 4 so you need to have 8 switches on the face for when you are in amp mode. This unit has all the same outputs as the other ones so you can connect it to anything. It has a large expression pedal that can be programmed to use with many effects. The bar on this model is smaller to it may be possible to hit the amp eq knobs with your foot while switching on the FS3 or FS4 knob. On the 400 and 300 the bar goes all the way across the amp to prevent this.

SOUND QUALITY

All the HD units in theory should sound the same but with the 500s better user interface it is much easier to dial in a great sound. You can do find tweaking on the unit and this makes it much easier for you to get the perfect sound quickly. With this unit you will not have to connect it to your computer to do any fine tweaking it can all be done on the amp itself. The majority of the amp models are based on classic blues amps. So if you are a blues or country player this amp has everything you want. If you are a high gain player it has some classic high gain amps like the JCM 800 and the Mesa Dual Rectifier but the number of high gain amps is a lot less than the number of cleaner blues amps. If you are looking for a large number of amps I suggest you try out the X3 pods instead since they come with like 80 amps on them and a lot more high gain amps.

OVERALL OPINION

If you are wanting to get a POD HD unit this is the best one. It has all the best features from the other units all in one. It has a large screen that enables editing on the unit without the use of a computer and it has the ability to switch easily between patches in a live setting. The amp models sound great and its a good rugged unit that can stand up to live situations. If you are looking for a POD HD I suggest you try and get this one first.

So modeling pedal chain amplification, solid metal, an expression pedal in 2 switchable modes (assignable to any parameter). 512 memory locations available, 16 amp simulation (6 addition announced by Line 6), over 100 pedals / effects racks available, midi in / out (through), in Variax, Line 6 Link (to drive an amp DT50 brand), stereo effects loop, Mic .... short it has everything it takes and a little more.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is affordable but not directly on the single pedal. With the software, it becomes a breeze cons. The various manuals are very clear and quite fun. A good habit Line 6 is to provide the templates in reference manuals, which can get an idea of ​​possible applications of each type of effect. An 8 because the editing is downright painful to pedal, even if it is completely logical and with a little practice affordable, without ever becoming comfortable.

SOUND QUALITY

So in order.

- The dynamic effects are good, but not excel as specialized racks would, but at least as good as any pedal or multi-effect rack, so the SAR side. Honors at the gate who does not completely distorts the sound.
- The distos, there is everything and this is clearly a matter of taste, but the screamer, tube drive, and fuzz face are great, others I use less, but the heavy distortion is really not bad for the old Metal type ... short to drink and eat, but very usable.
- Modulations are just excellent, especially the tri-chorus, bluffing, the analog chorus w / mod, and flanger. The tape and tube are perfectly echoes illusion but there is not full. He must miss the breath or parasites or irregularities, but you'll be the only one to note, therefore after, who cares a little. The tremolo is also excellent
- The delays and reverbs are downright awesome. As good as the TC (which I love), and varied, there are hints of what to do with very wide, deep and textured for CEUs as it amuses. Pink Floyd, attention, here we are!
- The filters I do not use it.

But the big highlight is the new generation of amp models, and there they have really done their homework. The new models are much more dynamic than the former, the Blackface example is just beautiful with a bit of chorus and reverb, a micro serious. Crunches are super rich, and saturation ... difficult to adjust at first. There are always too this or too that. It takes a few hours before adjusting to get something really nice, but it's worth it.

OVERALL OPINION

So basically, I use the console beast live in rehearsal, multi effect loop of my amp multi-channel (as I switch the pedal with midi) or faux-pedal before my single channel, and within 3 situations, it comes out perfectly, with a minimum footprint. With 512 presets arranged, it has something to do, and virtually everything is possible with this machine. Is it going to replace your vintage tube amp? No. Is it going to the complement effectively? Absolutely. A job at this price that performs many functions (not to mention they can be used as ASIO sound card to record USB), with such versatility and not too be a gas plant, but rather a successful challenge for Line 6 that changes with time these new series. The X3 was nice, but I missed, because having had the series Xt, evolution seemed too slight to justify reinvestment. There I just waited a few months, and I plunged, and I'm very glad you did.

The HD500 is a POD pedal simulation chain for his guitar. Yes I said his chain because all too often on forums and user reviews from people who do not understand the principle of the machine ... POD simulates an amp that is in a room ... this amp is transplanted by a microphone that is plugged into a preamp and you, you listen to the result from another room on a monitoring system ... So to compare it to a real amp, there must be real amp in the same conditions! So you put your amp in another room, you put a microphone in front of you and listen to all on the same monitoring system as the ... POD IN this case and only in this case, the test is valid ... otherwise it's like comparing an ostrich and a taxi ...

For the effects and amp see the features available on the website ...

The connections are especially attractive and can fill bcp different configurations that either live or in studio.

2 inputs (guitar in and in) or not independent.
2 XLR outputs which can be connected directly to an address system, a mixer or mic sound cards without going through boxes of live
2 output jack that can be plugged into guitar amps, line or DI box
1 spdif
1 headphone
LINK 1 output for connecting to an amp POD DT50
1 Mic more anecdotal than anything else (like the POD can be used as sound card, it may be practical, but then we could have Line6 drag at least one or two simulated pre amp ... it was not that of podfarm ...)

MIDI input and output to control another MIDI module (or another POD) or to be controlled from a MIDI controller. Small flat on control MIDI in, only changes in the bank or presets are controllable. we would love to control the parameters of the effects or amps via MIDI CC as was the case on the X3 Live ...

Possibility of adding a second expression pedal
Ability to add an effects loop

the pedal seems sturdy and well built!
He still criticized the failure to be provided with ON / OFF.

Variax input
USB output for use POD as sound card and have access to the software publisher

UTILIZATION

Use the manual is childish and very clear.

We still blame the failure to record the sound via USB AND DRY sound process ... require to go through the spdif to be able to do ... and therefore it requires a sound card ... Too bad ...

Too bad also that the internal DSP can not handle certain strings effect too greedy ...

SOUND QUALITY

The most important point!

First, if you do not have a Variax, forget the factory presets ... plus'être done "to show the possibilities of the beast," they are mostly built on the basis of Variax ... and with other guitars it sounds ... not

POD This is a beautiful machine with lots of advantages but also disadvantages!

The real problem is that the HD500 POD its price is not related to its ability ...

Let me explain ...

It would be sold € 2,000 he would go to a public more knowledgeable and more aware ... There it is sold 500 € and is therefore accessible to a large mass that does not necessarily understand the philosophy of the machine ... I've seen I do not know how many users compared with their big tube amp and screaming foul because the POD does not sound too good! ... and when you dig a bit you realize that these same people compare the sound of their amp placed beside them with the sound of POD plugged into their multimedia speakers .... Obviously it sounds worse! AC still an advantage ... there are already HD500 hand and AC back even cheaper!

Otherwise ... sound!

The amp models and effects of high bills. It's very very good and we feel that we are dealing directly with the heavy.

Remains the weak point (as in previous products of LINE6) simulations cabinet and microphones for transplanting. In my opinion (and it only causes me) is MUCH difference with the axis FX which uses the principle of convolution ... Simulations of cabinet and microphones for the HD500 are "too typed" clumsy and caricatured. Very specifically, that of SM57 ... (Yes the SM57 adds a little bump in the upper midrange ... but NOT THE POINT THAT !!!!)

With simulations of cabinets and mics available there is a little difficult to manage the upper midrange and treble ... It's getting (too) fast and loud whistling; tiring limit. So it takes time and patience to reach to find something (especially with distortion). Especially since the amp simulations are they very good job! It just turns a knob and we feel that it is reactive, it has the same sensations on a conventional amp head. Patience is a must. Despite this small flaw, the sound is more than convincing and will fill more than one!

Cons by the firm if it bypasses and one enters a convolution, there is at the very heavy! The sound finally becomes neutral! It finally lost that side caricature and we typed in block "sound LINE6" and we can finally carve his sound as you want it!



OVERALL OPINION

Line6 spear (again) a huge stir with this product ... with some risk-taking still ... they send a product to the value for the incredible price, that 's great, but far from being a product IDIOTPROOF and that's dangerous ... I fear for them to get a lot of negative opinions based on simple misunderstanding of the product!

brief ... For my part, I think it's fantastic

The positive points:

+ Connectors and more than sufficient
+ Value for great price
+ Simulation amp and effect of very good quality
+ Can be used as a controller
+ MIDI Controllable
+ Pedal to look nice and seems robust
+ Choice of amps and effects very smart!
+ FX Loop
+ Soft editing hyper simplistic
+ Its more than convincing

The negative point:
- No ON / OFF
- Controls MIDI IN only for presets and bank change
- Factory presets made for Variax and too "demonstrative"
- Simulation and micro firms below the rest
- Unable to record sound DRY + WET simultaneously via USB
- No HD500 POD for bass, or VST format sound card for now ... Too bad ... it might be better to strike while the iron was hot!

It is a multi-effects pedal for guitar, with 512 submissions, fully editable, emulating the best effects pedals (compressor, distos, wah, overdrive, EQ, flanger, chorus delays, reverbs, filters, pitch) and simulates 16 legendary amps and their cabinets, loop 48 seconds, with full connectivity: 4 inputs (Gtr + For + mp3 + XLR mic), insertable loop effect, and DT50 Variax connection, midi, USB (editor delivered ), etc. ... all das a robust chassis with 12 switches, a clear display, expression pedal assignable to any effect ...

UTILIZATION

Extremely well designed, easy to tame, with an editor to return with more comfort in the effect parameters. With 512 submissions, editing is easy with the + editor, buttons then allow the pedal to refinish. The "manual steering" delivered succinctly showing the possibilities of the craft. The rest in PDF ...

SOUND QUALITY

The amps are very good. The clean sounds are amazing, also the crunch, chroma-Hard Rock too, then on some amps I am less convinced when you push the gain. To my taste, I think it becomes plastic, for example extreme metal ... Electro-acoustic guitars, even classical ring of hell above. The stratos in clean or bluesy as well. The humbuckers blues, rock, sending the heavy. The Aux input allows you to enter an electro-acoustic guitar in 2nd. The internal routing is flexible and saved with each patch ...
8 effects can be routed in all directions, and even enchainer 8 times the same effect, a cumulative effect of each parameter on the pedal and adjust them simultaneously. In short, it is huge in terms of possibilities. The looper is very nice and easy to use, with very clean sound, to the point of regretting it only 48 seconds. The memories are organized into 8 banks of 64 patches, all editable, and banks are renowned.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought new when it ships. I have owned other pedals before. This is the + full time. The sound quality is top, and unlike previous Line6 products, this pedal is really transparent. Leaving the settings to zero, no color, nor compresses the electro-acoustic, for example. As I said earlier, in the extreme saturation, large amps pushed beyond 50%, it becomes mush, synthetic. The adjustment range of amps being offered large, we can sculpt the sound with onions. Bass players will be worthwhile because it is not really suitable for bass, unlike the Pod XT Live, you must know. Also, if you try it in store, do not rely too much on his factory patches, which are frankly not that great, limit to zero for some. Reprogram it! This is a computer dedicated to guitar sounds.
I will not comment on the reality of emulation whatsoever effects or amps from their original hardware, but in any case, it sounds to hell, and this is by far the best pedal I possessed. I would buy without hesitation!

The Line 6 POD HD500 is the flagship model of the new HD series; the latest incarnation of the company's popular Pod modeling units.
The following specs for the HD500 are taken directly from the Line 6 website:

16 HD Amp Models
100+ Effect Models
Up to 8 Simultaneous Effects
512 Preset Locations
48-second Looper
1/4" Guitar Input
1/4" Aux Input
XLR Input + Microphone Preamp
Variax Digital Input (VDI)
MP3/CD Input
Unbalanced 1/4" Outputs
Balanced XLR Outputs
1/4" Stereo Headphone Output
S/PDIF Output
1/4" Stereo FX Send/Return
5-Pin MIDI Input + Output/Thru
Expression Pedal
Aux Expression Pedal Jack
Chromatic Tuner
Tap Tempo
Assignable MIDI Footswitch Controls
USB
L6 LINK™
Software Editor/Librarian
Metal Chassis, Pedal and Footswitches

This unit is a floorboard with foot switches and knobs, as well as a rocker pedal that works as a combination volume/expression/wah pedal.

The HD500 is not a rack mount unit.



UTILIZATION

By flipping through the stock presets I was able to find some great usable tones, as well as some over the top noisy creations that were more fun and experimental than functional in a live setup.

Getting deep into the programming aspect of this device can be time consuming and a little frustrating if you don't like tweaking and just want immediate satisfaction. But compared to other multi effects units and modelers, this one is laid out very logically and has a streamlined design that is easy to get the hang of, even for a novice tweaker.
There are so many features, connections, and routing capabilities in this unit that only a good look through the downloadable manual will give you all the information you need about this product. A stripped down "quick-start" guide is shipped with the unit and only scratches the surface of what this thing can do.


SOUND QUALITY

NOTE: I tested the HD500 through several tube amps, into the front end of a Dual Rectifier, through just the power amp section of the Dual Rectifier, and into a P.A. system and monitors. I had the best results with the tube power amps, and that is what I'm basing my review on, as that is how I use the unit in a live environment.

I have owned or used almost every version of the Pod since they debuted, as well as many of their modeling amplifiers and effects.

I can say with confidence that the modeling has been improved greatly in the HD series. Finally, digital is starting to catch up with analog! The amp models really sound and feel similar to the real thing. Probably the biggest difference is the feel and subtle overtones and responses that can be coaxed from the unit.
For example, rolling back the guitar's volume cleaned up the plexi model until it had just the slightest bit of dirt, but the tone stayed chimey and didn't become "jittery" like the simulations from the previous pod models would. There was no jumpy digital artifact sound, just a convincing amp like sound.

The Marshall and Park (made by Marshall) amps are my favorite and are very true to the real amps modeled. The trademark Marshall high cut and wiry, complex distortion is there and it feels and sounds great to play! I was able to nail Slash's "Sweet Child" tone, or at least 95% there, Angus' back in black, and I got a great early Pearl Jam tone.

The "Treadplate" model, which is based on Mesa Boogie's Dual Rectifier, is very faithful to the real deal, and I can switch between the two to A/B them and tweak the Line 6 until they're almost identical. It feels big and crushing, just like the Boogie.

The Fender models are gorgeous and very convincing. Beautiful clean tones can be had and I bet if someone took a blind listening test, they'd have a tough time telling the Fender Deluxe Reverb apart from the simulation!

The Divided By Thirteen and Dr. Z models get an amazing semi-clean grit sound that's amazingly touch sensitive and fun to play!

The Engl Fireball 100 model is extremely tight and has your modern metal needs covered. I was really pleased with how well this model blended when setting up a two-amp patch/sound.
I actually am considering buying an Engl now after playing this simulation!

The Vox models sound like only a Vox can, enough said! Amazing for recording semi-dirty rhythms and for layering.

Using the Bogner Uberschall model, I was able to create a sound almost identical to Jerry Cantrell's huge sound on "A Looking In View" from Alice In Chains' latest release. Big and chunky like the rectifier model, but with a sweeter midrange and an even bigger sound.

The effects in the HD500 are ported directly from the M13 and M9 units. The M series was a very popular "pedalboard in a box" type of floorboard that gave you instant access to many of the most famous effects ever, and many of Line 6's own effects from their original four Stompbox Modeler units.

I haven't even used all of the effects yet, but I can say that all of them sound better than my old Pod Pro rack units. The effects were always a bit lacking in realism in the Pod units, but the HD effects are very nice. Some simulations of certain analog stomp box effects like the script phaser don't quite nail the real thing, but that is to be expected. The chorus sounds could also be a bit more deep and lush.
The verbs and delays are great, and there are many to choose from. All effects can be tweaked endlessly to perfectly suit your tone preference.



OVERALL OPINION

The warmth and realism in this unit is a huge advance for Line 6, and takes modeling one step closer to blurring the line between tube and digital simulation. I still prefer a tube amp, but considering the amount of connections, great effects, and ease of setup for live and studio use, this unit is a definite must-have if you're down with digital!

see site builder ....

UTILIZATION

Configuration and editing very simple .... jai not even have to read the manual, 15min of trial and error and it was good! =)


SOUND QUALITY

Clean sound quality: very good, recording in an AC mix is more an illusion (even when it is good to know a mini amp that uses the AC makes the task but anyway ...)

sound quality saturates: while at first it did not! But persevered a little I came to my end ... current opinion very favorable! AC Oat very well!

quality effects ... it sounds RAS (for cons I'm fairly traditional in my choices so the widgets etc. synthesizer jai not tested)

a word from the DSP overload .... with my month back and my 10 hours a day spent on it I realized that as bcp is very easy to have this window that appears ... and yet I am not crazy effect, far from the .... a delay, chorus (sometimes an eq / comp) and it's good. So for those who want FX chains worthy of the best fridge, no choice is Axe FX or when the loop must use the pod.
But anyway jai remark that as always with line6, we tend to bring sandwiches, even me, and mostly for nothing because there is often a simpler way ... which does not cause overload the DSP. .. so now when I see the message I take it as an indication that I'm wrong and for now it always worked, always got jai the sound I was looking into whether clean, crunch or saturated. So this limit is not really one (except if a bit "extreme" so to speak)


OVERALL OPINION

In the end, after all these years of playing / try modeling, I am happy with this new pod ... while at the beginning (after listening to sample etc.) it does not please me bcp! HD or not I do not know (and I men a little crazy, actually), but one thing is for sure that HD sounds good and it is still affordable for what it offers. I think it will meet with bcp ultilisateur experienced or not.

jai also tested with IR RedWire and it sounds very good ... and it is the weak point of the pod, line6 injury that does not offer this option because the models are really well done and deserve better simulation cab / mic .. . although when you play you see any way that AC is not the lamp, but the HD reacts quite well to the attack and volume pot so it would be really welcome.

short if you have 500 euros is a very good tool that gives you good value for money.