Line 6 POD HD v1.4

Line 6 announced a free update for their POD HD multi-effect processors. Firmware update v1.4 is designed to give guitarists additional features including enhanced MIDI control, faster gating, variable input impedance and new input flexibility, according to the company.

New Variable Input Impedance gives guitarists eight selectable options to enhance their tone. When set to “auto, ” the impedance matches that of the first amp or effect in the chain, creating the same response as plugging into the modeled original. Seven resistor values (22k, 32k, 70k, 90k, 230k, 1M, 3.5M) can also be selected to further sculpt the sound, actually changing the analogue circuitry. Impedance settings are saved with each preset.

New Global Input Selection mode means guitarists can play through any combination of effects and tones from a single input source. When guitarists need their POD HD multi-effect processor to remember different input sources, they can toggle Preset Input Selection mode.

The new Hard Gate is an advanced gate designed to be capable of quick response. With controls for hold time, decay rate, and separate open/close thresholds, Hard Gate is suited for genres including Metal. It can even be used to create erratic “sputter” and “splat” effects.

Enhanced MIDI Control enables guitarists to control POD HD500 and POD HD Pro with external MIDI controllers. A variety of functions including Footswitch 1–8, Tap Tempo, Tuner, Looper Controls, and Expression Pedals can all be accessed via standard MIDI messages.

(Note: MIDI control is available for POD HD500 and POD HD Pro only.)

To get Firmware update v1.4, connect your POD HD via USB to your computer, run Line 6 Monkey and follow the instructions. You can learn more about the v1.4 update and POD HD multi-effect processors at line6.com/podhd.