Dude, this is awesome. I've followed every instruction, tip and guide I could find but could never get the HD500 to sound anything but crap in 4 cable method with my Mesa Mk V:35. Now, using your tips, I get almost no noise, tone suck or level issues. I was so close to dumping the HD500 for good but now it has become a useful part of my rig - thanks.
firemanmick excellent man!! I’m so happy this vid is still useful for folks - I’ve been wanting to make more bids for the newer technology - but I haven’t had time. Rock on!!
Tyler, tons of thanks all the way from Bombay! this has opened the pod wide open for me! again,thanks a ton! I was unable to get my calor's tone out of this till now!
Man this has made my morning a ton better. My Hot Rod Deville sounded like a $50 Crate til following your instructions. Now I'm just going to have to mess around in search of unity gain for the rest of my life :)
I do use the amp footswitch. For a few reasons - I have the clean channel, and I'll put fuzzes and distortions through that to get a SUPER accurate 90's sound - then I use the OD1 channel for crunch and the OD2 channel for Solos - It works ok for me...but that's because the Blackstar Footswitch lines up pretty well with the POD HD buttons.
Hey Bro - Thanks, and yes...the PODHD works as a midi controller as well. I used to control an old Digitech 2120 with it. According to the EVH manual it takes CC messages from other devices - you just have to put the amp in "learning" mode to do it. Just follow the steps on Pg 6 and 7 of your 5150 manual. and POD Manual Appendix B5...that should help you out! And yes - Has noise gate...decimator is prob. better, but I use noise gate for my guitars with un-potted pups, and it works great.
Cool info. I just bought an HD500X and, using a Blackstar HT60 Soloist, about to try the 4CM approach. Your insight has probably saved me a wedge load of time, frustration and even possibly later selling off the pedal. So thanks!
Thanks Tony! I'm probably going to move to a 500X soon - let me know if you're having the "Tone Suck" on it - I don't know if line 6 fixed that issue or not with the release of the new unit. Cheers man!
You sir, just did one of the MOST informative tutorials i have EVR seen on this thing. I just Bought the POD 500x and i'm blown away by its tones. I play through a Mesa Boogie Mark IV and was having the same troubles you fixed in this video.. Great Job man Thanks again!!!
Paul - sorry it took so long to reply - thanks for the good vibes! I bet the boogie sounds awesome! I'm trying to find the graphic that used to be linked here - but I can't seem to find it anymore. If I do - I'll update the link and reply here! Grunge on man!!!
Hey man thanks for the compliment. The NT1A works great on guitar cabs - you should have no issue putting it farther away from the grille. I'm always combining 2 miss for guitar - a close-up dynamic mic and a condenser "room" mic further away.
@Ahnaf - The gate works great for me - My AXL badwater 1216 has these AMAZING vintage sounding pickups - but they are not potted so they squeal pretty bad onstage. The PodHD gate retains the tone - but keeps the pups from squealing. Rock on!
Tyler....big props to you for this info! I recently got into a rock country cover gig. Researched some Blackstars and just fell in love with them. Bought 2 actually, used on CL. An HT20 Studio and an HT40 club. I use them in a stereo with the POD XT Live that I have had and enjoyed and love the ease of stepping on one pedal and everything you want is there. Love the Blackstars and love the POD line. So once I heard the tones from the amps I quickly just started using the POD as an effects processor. I know the XT is old and it does not have an effects loop and it has limitations and I can't figure a pure way around the loss of tone. So as much as I love my old XT it is time to upgrade so the HD500 with this 4cm seems the way I will be going. I have also looked at the Eventide products and a few others in the same price point. I hate having to rely on soundmen to catch solos so I prefer having all my solo volumes preset in a patch but all I can do with the XT is to bypass the amp modeling and rely on the overall volume setting but to get the Db difference I want I have to set the non lead volume so low that it kills the tone. I like the idea of 3 channels but the 20 and the 40 only have the 2 so I may be looking at the 60 now! I enjoy playing and hearing my stage volume in stereo but only mic one amp and have read below that the HD500 has the one effects loop. Is there some way I can incorporate a stereo configuration? The XT is easy and has the 2 left/right outputs for each amp. If not I will just use one amp if I have to. I will be hitting you up soon I am sure I will have a ton more questions. Thanks again!!!
Great Questions! - So I actually had Back surgery almost exactly a year ago! - which took me away from being able to gig for a while and meant that I had to get a lighter rig. I ended up with an Orange Rockerverb. (Still using 4-cable method.) then over the summer I found an awesome deal on the latest line 6 helix - and picked on up. So my rig now - is totally different! The point is though - no matter what you're using, (eventide, blackstar, line 6, Orange, etc.) the theories - are still the same. So the Orange is 2 channels like the HT 40 and HT 20. One thing that I started doing is adding an EQ model to the end of the chain (meaning the part that's going into the power amp) and the only thing I do is turn up the overall level by 8dB. That gives me an awesome solo boost without loss of tone! The actual level might differ for you in practice. but using an EQ model to boost solos - is an outstanding way to get the extra umph when you need it - you can also add a little extra in the mid frequencies to help your tone cut for solos - way cool. So - for the Stereo Rig. It's doable with POD HD. It's not great - I'll be honest. What you get is a lot of "Cross talk" so the signal and tone from Amp 1 bleeds into Amp 2 and vice-versa. It still sounds good. but if that kinda thing bugs you - then best to stick with 1 amp. The Helix has fully stereo paths and routing flexibility - but it's $1500 Even for most of the used ones! Totally worth it in my opinion - but it is what it is...The reason you get cross talk with PODHD - is that some of their FX models are defaulted to Stereo, and Some are Mono - you don't get to choose. With Helix - you get to choose with each model you add whether its mono or stereo - and you have two fully independent paths from the start anyway. I'm happy to connect on other questions! Not sure how we connect outside of the comment thread!
This video is awesome. I bought an Hd500X and returned it because instructions sucked and the pedal is now as complex as my G-System. I'm going to give the pod another shot after watching this video
That's Correct - Loop effect after the mixer. The Amp model (preamp) of the POD HD is disabled, so that I'm only using my Amplifier's tone. The cool part about the 4CM is that you can use the built in POD HD Preamps if you want to and BYPASS your amplifiers Pre-Amp, or you can bypass the POD HD preamps and use your amp tone. You have TONS of flexibility!
Great Video! The section on ohms and resistance is spot on. I remember putting in a wah pedal in an existing preset and it completely changed the tone and I was bewildered until I figured this out. I don't think anyone else covers this. THANKS! I realize how cool it was for Line6 to do this but in my mind it's ridiculous. We want the effect not the tone suck. Oh well. BTW... any contact info for you?
Oh and btw. The Edge piece was sick!!! Thanks for the reply. Just hooked everything up and I am just getting into burying my face into the 500x manual and starting to program my own presets. I love my XT and yes it will be a little tedious to re program all the songs again but in the end it will be awesome. I am a little bummed about the stereo application but hell, one less amp to lug around! Hope all went well for your recovery on your back surgery! Sounds like a pretty cool set-up you have now and I am sure the helix is awesome but for the price point you really can't beat the 500s. Maybe someday. I am sure I will be asking some questions as I get into this....until then, happy gigging!.
I'm getting ready to pick up a HD500 that I'm going to run like this with my Egnater Vengeance. I played with a POD X3 Live recently to see how it would work, had some decent luck...your tips are probably what I was missing.
Hey Dana! No bother at all! What you're suggesting won't work quite like that...People using 2 amps with the POD mostly do that for direct recording. So without an amp - you could potentially have one amp panned right and one panned left...It's very cool. But no matter what you do, you can't get 3 amps at once without the Amp affecting the POD pre, or vice versa. You could get an ABY switch to go BEFORE the POD, and hook A -> POD XLR out -> PA (pan left/right) And B to an amp. On Y all are on.
Just got my HD500X today and your video was an invaluable resource for getting it to sound right through my ancient Fender M-80. My DT-25 will be here tomorrow so I am very interested to hear how the 4C method matches up, tone-wise, against the direct L6 Link approach.
Scott - sweet! I'm super pleased with your comment - also - I've been playing with the idea of getting a DT amp as well - Let me know how the L6 Link thing goes - I assumed that all your effects, effect routing and the Amp settings would come through the L6 LInk cable - but in reading the manual, it didn't look like that's how the unit worked, so I'm a bit confused. I think it said you have to incorporate the effects loop to get it to work right. When you get your amp, can you help clarify that? Cheers man!
Tyler Johnson Confirmed. Everything routes through the L6 Link. This nice because it eliminates the the need for the extra effects loop in your chain (and it eliminates the two effects loop cables completely). The controls on amp can be used to adjust all the settings on the HD500X, which is really pretty cool. Also, the DT-25 sounds AMAZING! Worth every penny.
Nice video and it sure will help people who use 4cm. I do own hd500x and dt25 head and i have to say that is fucking amazing and no tweeking needed it works like a dream !
You say a few times to have your effects block after the mixer. Are you referring to the Loop effect being after the mixer? Also are you incorporating a preamp in the HD in conjuction with your Blackface pre? Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I replied to this comment on my iPad a few days ago and it didn't stick...Yes I do that all the time. The limitations: make sure your patch is at unity instead of the +3dB boost I recommend when using your amps preamp - and only use the Preamp versions of each of the Modeled Amps - to my ears it sounds better. I don't feel like you get any benefit when running an entire "Virtual" guitar rig (Amp/Cab/Mics) inside of a real one. I've made some SUPER cool sounds with the Gibtone mod.
This is the exact amp I have and I just purchased a HD500 so I was looking for help. So.. even after watching your video, I'm lost. This shit is over my head. I guess set it up and just start whaling away. Got to go get some extra cords first. Thanks for the video and I look forward to more stuff. By the way.. I LOVE the sound of my Blackstar. I want to use the clean and OT1 and 2 on the Blackstar. I just wanted to add on some effects. Got a video showing that? Maybe the HD500 was overkill for me, but I got a killer deal on it.
For Sure you can do that...It's better to assign 3 - or 4 effects to the same button, so that when you press it, it will turn off FX Loop, delay, verb. and then your amp will be engaged in the Dirty Channel. Let me know when you get setup - I can help you out. Cheers
Did you boost the mixer output by 3dB each channel? FX-loop block placed after the mixer? The weakness is caused because there is a 2.8dB drop in volume from the POD's Guitar Input to the FX Send jack - don't know why - but I tested it THOROUGHLY. so boost the mixer, and make sure the FX loop block is after the mixer and it will send the full signal to your amp. Also did you check all the little switches and things that change the level from stomp to line (On both the amp and the POD?)
I love the Pod500 and i play mostly fun metal riffs and licks. As much as I enjoy using the OD on amp, id rather play the fx through this amp. The OD amp pedal is nice for that good for a little extra oomff though! haha thanks again man
Kinda...the only hitch is this: The POD HD500 only has 1 Effect Send...BUT I think it's TRS, so technically you could run a TRS cable out of the send (spit into dual TS) and one side into the front of each amp and everything else would work as you described. Also - it makes the internal routing much more difficult - you will need to play with mixer settings to get the panning set correctly. It's a VERY cool Idea - Now I kinda wanna borrow my buddie's AC30 and try it! Cheers
Have you tried turning off the loop and using the modeled preamps using the 4 cable method? Supposedly, this allows the preamps to not be colored by the amps preamp and opens up options for you. Just wondering if there were limitations to this, though.
Hey Tyler, I'm planning on getting an HD500 to use in conjunction with my Blackstar HT100 (good choice on the amp bro!) and I'm wondering if you think this would work - for cleans, I bypass my amp's preamp and use a model on the POD so I can have delay, verb etc. going but then if I switch to a "drive" patch, I send the signal through the Blackstar's preamp? Basically, I wanna be able to switch from an ambient clean to a distortion by only pressing one switch. Cheers!
One additional thing you did not mention in your tutorial, that I found out, is that in order to attain unity gain you need to dime the volume control on the pod as well as the master volume control.
Totally true - It was supposed to be on the graphic that is linked in the description - but that's gone - I don't know where it went..:( All volumes on POD at full.
Great overview and practical explanation of the setup. Just curious, live are you using the amp footswitch to switch between your clean/dirty channels? I've been using the amp models into my mesa fx return just to avoid the tap dance of switching the amp and the fx preset.
Hello Tyler Johnson, new update here ...I want to show my experience one again. I am using the pod hd with the IRT STUDIO via the 4 cables method. while your method helped me to achieve gain unity, i found that tone suck is not only a question of level but also due to the pod's coloring and attenuating of some mid frequencies (NOT TOO MUCH NEED TO ADMIT) . what i did is to use combo front and there I was able to compensate for the few mids and highs attenuations. By doing so, now the IRT with the pod sound exactly the same as if a plug the guitar directly into the IRT studio as if my signal does not go through any A/D converter its amazing. I wanted to share and I wanted your opinion about that because you seem more informed than me. Thank you so much.
Sounds totally plausible! One of the keys her for this video is that I'm using the Blackstar amp and not the Ironheart like you. Because different amps have different interactions - it totally true that the settings for the Blackster might not sound accurate on another amp. For instance - I tired this same setup into my Orange Rockerverb 50 MKII when I had one - and it sounded like CRAP. But I tried it again in my newer Rockerverb Mk III - and it sounds great. The only setting I changed was putting the Modeled pedal impedances back to "Auto" - because the Rockerverbs have a tube buffered FX loop - so it kinda compensates for the weird drop in tone you get from the modeling of pedal input impedances.
GREAT. in any case it is your video which helped me a achieve what i wanted..hope that my comment will contribute to help other guys in my situation..then you think that in combo front the only thing different is the eq setting ??
Sorry to bother Tyler. If you moved your LOOP block before the amp section would this be the same as combining your physical amp with the HD modeled amp, essentially using two amp models? If this would work I spose you could possibly have 3 amps combined, using the physical amp and 2 modeled amps. I have my HD on order and have not been able to test this out myself. Nor am I very knowledgeable about such principals. I notice in many videos people combining two amp models in their HD. Thanks!
ok question... round 14:54 in the video there is an icon that is hard to make out, i think you are calling it the FX block, in the video it looks like it says RX, is that different than the VHS tape looking icon that says FX loop, or is that something different and where can I find it? Something worth mentioning, I am running the 500X, not sure if there are any differences...
Hey John! Good question - the "tape" icon is a looper. You can place that before or after the "amp" block. The thing that looks like "RX" Block is the FX block...just hard to read.
Hey Tyler, excellent video and very helpful. Question - can the hd500 be used as a midi controller for my EVH 5150 III 50watt head? I know the 5150 has a midi input. Also, does the hd500 have any type of noise reduction? I play alot of high gain and have been considering the ISP decimator but am wondering if the hd500 has something comparable? Thanks man!
Nice tele, I have a question for you, Im considering a Nt1a for my 100 watt marshall I wanna use it 4 inches from the grill, I use a 2x12 Vintage 30 cab, you think it can handle distorted sounds and spl? thanks
Tnx man for the info. I didn't find any info about the switch near the expression pedal: 1/4 OUT LINE or AMP and the MASTER VOLUME of the Pod. Whats your setting?
Yes I have the exact same question about that toggle, just to verify as well. I assume AMP but master volume knob is best at 100% or maybe 50% for example? I also had a question about the page 4 utility setting of combo power amp or combo front setting. When using a combo amp would you not use combo front?
only thing I can't figure out on the picture you included was how to move the mixer to the second to last slot on the chain. my move button seems to not want to pick the mixer up and move it. I guess I could plug it in and do it via usb. Any insight?
Great stuff my man!!! Love the Blackstar and the Pod!!! I have both and am extremely happy with them!!! Thx for the video and for clearing up how to fix that volume/tone issue!!! Best regards
I have a line 6 spider IV 75 watt and a POD HD500X pedalboard, I need to help me understand how to connect the L or R output directly to the amplifier without losing the original sounds of the pedalboard, since I tried to set the amplifier in clean sound to get Better the sounds of the POD but it has been useless, it always sounds like stuck sounds.
Thanks so much Tyler, very useful video! I have a question: if I wanto to put mu POD HD500 directly in front of my combo amp, using only stompboxes, is it enough to turn off all the preamp and cab emulations, or do I need other adjustments?
Having tried the 4CM method last night with my new HT5, I experienced the tone suck you demonstrated. I'm itching to get home now to try this out, so thanks very much for taking the time out to explain. I have just one question however, the master volume on the HD500 affects the return volume into the power amp, so how do you have that set?
Whoops - sorry bro, missed this question: I set the master volume at max. If somehow I'm too loud on stage in the middle of a song, I'll bend over and turn it down slightly - but Ideally, you want everything at unity in your signal chain, and I feel like Master volume at max = unity. The boosting of the HD500's internal signal path by 3db brings that pathway (preamp chain) to unity as well.
hey great lesson , this video is what helped me configure my HD500X when i first got it , i almost brought it back until i seen your video (thank you 4 that) but i got 2 questions, 1. i have a blackstar HT studio 20 and for some reason everything sound amazing on studio direct and sounds horrible on combo (front) and (power) ?? do you know why by any chance???and 2 i use "same" instead of variax and i think the "same" setting sounds betterthan variax, is it because i have a 500X instead of the 500? thanks again man
Is it possible to run a dual amp setup with the 4 cable method. Meaning, regular 4 cable setup. But then use another 3 cables in the right side plugs to connect to another amp in the same way(front end and loop)?
Hi Tyler, I appreciated this video more than you could possibly know! Thanks for taking the time to help us. I have a question about hum. I get a real wicked hum using the Pod in my Peavey classic 30 with this method. Did this happen to you? What do you think I should do?
Liam Deery Hey Man! Thanks for the Props! OK - so - it could be a number of things - which sucks because it takes time to troubleshoot (and I have a limited number of characters...): 1 - Check Cables - trying at least 1 new absolutely mint cable. Also try each cable (from your 4cm "set") straight from guitar to amp - and see if the hum is still Present. If hum happens on all cables, It's the Amp or the guitar. If it's only present on one or more cable, but not all - it's the cables. 2 - To rule out Guitar - try another guitar into the PC30. If hum is gone - it was the guitar. If it's guitar - and you don't do much troubleshooting with electronics - I would take it to a tech. If the Noisy guitar has single coils - then your stuck, and the only option is getting a noiseless set, or getting used to the hum. Most players dig it as part of the sound of single-coil guitars... 3 - To Rule out Amp - try the original guitar in another TUBE Amp. If no hum - It's most LIKELY tubes in the Classic 30 need a change-out. I will almost always take it to a tech - the only time I don't is if I know for a fact it's a pre-amp tube that needs replacing They're easy. Power tubes can be easy if you know how to bias - but it's a good idea in your case with hum to take it to a tech and have them do a once-over. BEFORE you re-tube, also try your Classic 30 in another outlet somewhere else in your house...My house has shitty power - so that causes hum a lot of the time for me. Get a solid power conditioner (Like from furman with noise filtering) 4 - do you have a mix of pedals AND pod - or just POD to Amp? If pedals - this is another issue all together...so comment before I tell you to troubleshoot that one. 5 - Do you have a lot of electronics in your Band-cave? (Lights, computers, monitors, etc?). That could be it...not much you can do about that. 6 - Lastly (For me - others may have ideas I didn't mention) I would check where your cables are running. This may seem weird but all power supplies (Amp transformers, power cables, surge protectors, etc.) Give off a mystical energy that makes annoying noises - and if your Audio Cables are running parallel to your power cables (like patch cables in the same bundle as pedal power leads, or one or more of the cables form your POD to amp are running along a power line, or sitting over the transformer on your amp - this can cause noise in your signal. Especially if you have poorly shielded cables.
Hi Tyler, I am super grateful for such a lengthy response :D I ran through your checklist, and I am certain it is bad power in my apartment. I changed outlets and the problem is 50 % better. The biggest impetus to change the outlets were when the POD starting functioning odd. At one point the hum went away, but I got a tremendous amount of signal loss in the sense that the POD sucked the drive of the amp so bad it pretty much changed the gain structure of the amp and I figured that wasn't the "tone suck" you described in the video. I'll invest in a good power conditioner. I have one last question. Have you played the Pod with the 4CM with another guitar player who uses a tube amp and analog pedals? I just want to make sure I can match levels. Most people I know that've incorporated digital stuff in their rig complain that their signal doesn't cut as well. I play with another guitar player using a fender blues deville and I want to make sure that I can stand out in the mix. Any advice would be great. Anyway, man I'm blown away at how fast and how detailed you got in your response. You're an awesome dude! Thanks again and keep rockin'!
Liam Deery Thanks Bro - happy to oblige!! As far as cutting in the mix...with my live tone on my AMP - the bass and treble are never more than 50% and the mids are like 75%. My opinion is that regardless of the style you play, always set your mids higher and your bass a little less than 50%. Treble to taste. That's where all your guitars natural frequencies sit - and therefore all your tone. Leave the bass for the Kick Drum and the Bass Player! Lol. If your into metal and like that "Scooped sound". It's usually fine for bedroom playing - but when your live...the sound guy has nothing to put through the mix if the mids are too low. (Side note - I also don't play very loud - and I don't use a lot of gain.) Not knowing what style you play - I'm not sure what tone you go for - but the scooped mids is the easiest way to explain how tone doesn't cut or play well with other guitarists. If you haven't played with a tone like this - it might take some getting used to - but the rewards will pay off for the audience and the sound guy...and most importantly - YOU! Give it a shot and let me know what happens!
Hello Tyler, thank you for sharing. I have the exact same rig, but i dont have it with me at the moment. I have one question. My problem with the 4cm and the pod is not only that it sucked the grit, but also sucked the brightness of the tone, made the tone sound opaque. I dont have any eq on, not even the global eq. By placing the FX Loop block after the mixer, doest it fix that EQ problem as well? Thanks again mate.
It might fix that problem, for me - the main reason for the FX block after the Mixer is that the 3dB boost you add needs to hit the preamp and not the power section. One thing I've heard in my research is that some POD's have a different level change from the input to the FX send...on mine it was like 2.8 dB max. but I've read on the line 6 forums of users getting as high as 5dB differences between input and send. so - if it's still not sparkling, you may want to give even more boost at the mixer?
Hey Tyler, awesome video!! I was wondering if you have a good distortion patch or a couple for that matter you can email me. I've been racking my brain and losing sleep trying to find a good distortion. I've been looking for a Weezer /Foo Fighters/ Nirvana... lol well I guess a grunge distortion. I have a HD500X that I use with a Fender Modern Tele, with a neck and bridge SD Hot Rail, Oh and for the most part I use my headphones, they are Yamaha's, which were like $250 brand new so I know its not my headphones causing me not to get a good distortion. Again AWESOME video!! Thanks Tyler Keep on rocking!!
my god great video maan ..what about switching between the real pre amp and hd pre amps ?? do i need to still use the same parameters ? does this parameters work for all amp or only for blackstar amp ??? another question...your amp sounds amazing... iv got a pod hd 500, do you advice me the dt 25 , or a blackstar tube combo amp ???
Thank you sooo much for the kind words - I've owned the dt25 - liked it - but I liked my Blackstar more. This method works for every amp I've used EXCEPT my Rockerverb 50mk II and mk III. Those amps have a tube buffered fx loop - so they react differently to the pedal sounds. To MY ears - if you have amps with a tube buffered FX loop - DONT change the universal impedance setting on the POD HD - leave it at the "auto" setting. I think it sounds better. Finally - thanks for the compliment about tone. It's something that every guitar player aspires to inspire in others. Grunge On!!
Oh shit - forgot about the real amp Vs modeled amp question - you can definitely still use the modeled amps - but use the "preamp" variants (it's basically just the sound of the amp modeled without the cab, etc)
+Tyler Johnson as regarding your tone it is just the truth its amazing ...can you please tell me what do you find in the blackstar you didnt find in the dt...im sorry for those questions i dont have the opportunity to try before to buy...what do you advice for someone who does not have always the chance to change gear because it is not available in its country..does the versality of the dt is worth ? is it really comparable to a high end tube amp or to a good tube amp ?
+Bellili Hichel - For me, the difference is - the Blackstar has 3 channels and the DT only has 2. DT also has no built in reverb - so you need a reverb effect on the POD and that takes up a spot in your chain. I love having a clean/crunch/heavy tone +verb available as my foundation. DT only has 2 channels available and. O verb.. The tone and versatility of the DT 25...(as well as the portability!). Are amazing. If you don't care about having 3 channels available at once - then the DT is an amazing amp!
in the pictures on the net i found a switch for reverb or am i wrong ?? and is it a 2 channel ?? i taught with the new frimware you can have up to 8 different voices no ?? what about using dt and hd 500 using l6 cables , is it the same sound as the dt pre amp models ?? in this case it means that you have endless channels no ??
Hey - nice question. Yes. The settings are the same. One note - I use the "Preamp" versions of the modelled amps, In Other Words, no cab modelling. I think it sounds better. But let your ears be the judge.
Tyler, amazing video!! Question: Is there a convenient (and not too expensive!) way to switch amp channels AND a preset on a pod? What would you recommend? Context: I've been a Line6 fanboy for almost 8 years now.. had a floorpod and then the HD500 and now the HD500X.. I always had one complaint with the pods, which is the heavy amps sounded fairly digital particularly with a delay... that prompted me to buy a H&K TubeMeister 18 and I absolutely love the heavy channel esp with lead boost... I play prog (Porcupine Tree / Opeth / TOOL )
Anand Gupta hey man - I haven't found a way to do it inexpensively...there's at least one person on the blackstar forum that has created a MIDI interface for the HT 60/100 - and it looks pretty cool. But they are custom jobs - so I don't think it would be cheap - and I think he needs the head or amp to be able to wire it. There's another box out there that turns the 15-pin D-sub connector into a couple of 1/4 inch connections - so you could get a MIDI box that sends 1/4 inch on/off cc commands - then that would good to the POD. But again not cheap and not really easy. For me - the best solution was to build my sounds around the fact that I had to switch channels manually. If there was a patch or combination of sounds that I needed - and they involved going from clean to dirty - I usually left the amp on clean and made the pod have a distortion pedal with all the other effects, then tie it all to one button. Hopefully that makes sense?
Have you guys had any problems with using your overdrive channel on your amp as opposed to using overdrive through the pod? Im running the hd500 through a Blackstar HT soloist 60 and I wanted to use the over drive channel on the amp and just use the pod for a little added distortion and effects but when I have the pod hooked up, the overdrive channel sounds like shit.. the clean sounds fine though...
Hey Tyler, thanks for the video. I have a similar rack (almost exactly) as you have in the breakfast club band with the marshall cab, though I recently bought and HT60 and it rocks but I was wondering if you really recommend the line 6 hd500 combination with ht60? would you rather get anything else. I was thinking of going back to stompboxes, still doing the 4CM with certain stompboxes but don't know. I have an eleven rack and I have tried too many ways to not affect the tone but unfortunately it does... I'm willing to sell 11 rack and get the line 6 but I'm still a bit skeptical. would you rather go with boss gt100? any thoughts? thanks
Hey - thanks for the comment!! My answer is both simple and complicated. The answer is - "It Depends on what you intend to do with the gear" Would I rather GET anything else? Of Course! Would I ever GIG with anything else? No way! There's a lot of cool toys out there. Top of my list right now is an AxeFX II and the MFC controller - My friend Phil has one and they are a BLAST!! But for gigging - it can be a bit cumbersome - and when he went to Iraq to play for the troops - he took my HD500 and my Variax, and that's all he needed (For a U2 cover band btw!!! Imagine the Edge only having 2 pieces of gear for a gig..not likely) I like to take Amp, Pedal, Guitar (and backup Guitar.). When you play a lot - it's easier, and sounds fantastic. When I record original music - I like to be inspired by tones - so I prefer pedals and flexible routing - the POD HD let's me do that without spending a ton on pedals. As far as I know - the GT100 also has flexible routing but you only get 6 effects at a time instead of 8. I still like to have an external Wah...they just 'feel' better. Hope that helps!
Tyler Johnson Thank you for replying. You are right! I want to make it simple and at the same time getting all the tones I want. I'm tired of dragging around a cab, a rack, a guitar, a midi controller etc my back is tired already. I want just my amp, my cables, the line6 and two guitars no more. So I think line 6 could be the one I get. Great video. I was just exactly looking for a video that will tell me if any of these multi effect pedals could avoid coloring or affecting the tone and it seems you nail it. All your findings are excellent. Thank you. thank you, thank you.
Tyler Johnson One more thing...I've learned that the line 6 within the 4cm you can chose from using the preamp of your amp or line 6 pre amps? that would be great, also GT100 can change the channel of the amp though the HT60 has a 15 pin connector, but an alternative can be a midi controller sending the signal to the amp... check out "HT60 champion pedals" in youtube. It mimics the signal from the original switch by midi signals. My perfect rig at this moment will be : HT60, Line6 HD500x, Midi Champion Pedal Channel controller and my guitars. Fyi I have the wireless line6 g50 and is a working horse. Still I'm way too picky with my tone and I can hear the difference but is a good difference. Thanks again
Thanks man!! this is very useful!!! one little question... If I want to model an AMP using this method, there are a lot of combinations with CABS, but, to get the most accurate sound... the best choice is use "NO CAB" or use the "PRE AMP" of the AMP that I want to model? what do you suggest? thanks again man!
+theother526 yep! That way the preamp goes before the power section of your amp. Just make sure that you don't put any fx between preamp and fx loop or it may sound goofy.
Do you use the clean, OT1 and OT2 channels on the amp or use the HD500? I love the sound of my Blackstar and only want to use the HD500 for the effects. Or am I wrong in my thinking?
Hey sorry for the lag in response time...I absolutely used all 3 channels on the Blackstar. I now use an Orange Rockerverb and a helix, but the same philosophy applies. Basically...make yourself an "Empty" preset on the HD500 - no amp or FX blocks. Then connect using the 4CM...and add an FX loop block. HONESTLY - you can even get away with just going straight into the front of the amp with all FX...in my current setup - I only use the FX loop now for boosting so I can hit the power amp section of my amp harder and get an actual volume boost instead of more distortion to my preamp. (hope that makes sense).. then you just add any FX you want and it's like having a pedalboard in front of your amp. It works great. I also still used certain drive models on my clean channel to get even more gain textures sometimes. The google drive link is working for most since I updated it - let me know if it is still not working for you. Cheers!
Tyler: I have the HD500 and the Blackstar HT Stage 60 ... as you do. However, I could not get my tone right. My question is where should I set the master volume of the HD500? I tried the 4CM with the HD500 master volume set at 50% but result is not good. Output is so low and tone is affected badly. Maybe it should be at 100%, I do not know but I am affraid of overloading the inputs of my amp by setting the Master Volume of HD500 at 100%. Please, let me know.
Emerson - when you use the 4CM - the Master Volume should be at 100%. It shouldn't be affecting the level of sound going to the PREAMP - if your routing is right, but it will affect your level going to the Power amp...which can make it seem like the tone is bad. You can see a comment that I replied to a few comments down from here that everything in your signal chain should be at unity, and I feel like unity for the pod is turning everything to max (channel volume, Master Volume, etc.) Another thing you may not have dialed in perfectly is the Stomp/Line/Amp - effects loop settings. I have discovered what works best for me - and have written Line 6 to clarify what those settings actually are on their POD. Will report back when I get an answer.
I have a Blackstar HT40 I hooked guitar into hd500x 1/4 inch out into blackstar fx in fx send blackstar to fx return 500x fx send 500x to guitar input on amp still sounds week? any ideas
Great Question - I would assume Yes - but I don't know for sure - I've only used the HD500. Sorry for the length of time on the reply! Thanks for watching!
can you write here the 3 things you mentioned in the minute 25:35 please. I just could not hear very well and I guess that information explain the key points to take care.
That is Am I Evil - originally by Diamond Head (no - not Motorhead) It was covered by Metallica on Garage Inc. (I think it was also a B-side from Kill 'em All)
Yeah man - that's what this video addresses - the overdrive channels lose some of their magic when you you connect your POD - Unless you follow the steps in this video - Make sure the POD mixer is set to +3.0dB on each side. Then the OD channels won't sound like shit anymore.
hy buddy, can you help me?, I own the same gear you, but I do not want to use the pre amps pod, just use the pod as multi effects (choius, delays, etc.) what is the best way for me to make connections? thanks
I follow your step. I have an Jet city amplification 22H (2channels) and pod HD 500x But i dont get it to sound good. It sounds crap. I know its possible to get the tune i want but i think its difficult to get there. Any suggestions? Do you use amp simulator or do you leave this off?
Örat Theear Hey man - if you are trying to use your Amp for the core amp tone - then you don’t use amp sims. When I use the POD with my amp - I ONLY use FX. Never use the amp or Cab simulators. If you DO want to use amp simulators - you have to hook things up differently. You basically bypass your Amps input because the POD then becomes the Pre-Amp. So you go Guitar -> POD HD -> To AMP FX Return ONLY. Then on the POD - you don’t use the whole Amp/Cab sim - you use only the “Preamp” models.
Örat Theear it all depends on the songs. I suggest playing with different fx and trying different combinations/and orders of FX. There's an awesome RUclips channel called That Pedal Show - and the concepts they introduce in that channel help people to understand the kinds of FX that are out there and what they can do for your rig. I highly recommend it!
Tyler Johnson will do! Thank you! If you have some time over and nothing to do, check my spotifypage 👍 open.spotify.com/album/4ucXRXMMsI1VdLyC6ekC0p?si=Qv4tz5p0QTqMvVpUZWT0ZA
Hi Tyler! A big question: Im changing my amp and also buying and multieffect, do you recommend blackstar ht20 + line 6 pod 500? I will mainly play stuff like tool, megadeth and some pink floyd style too. Any recommendations or options you could give will be really helpful since Im a newbie on this field u.u
Couple things... 1 - Are you playing at bedroom levels? or planning to play out live with a band? If live, you may want to go for the HT-40. Unless you know that everywhere you play, including practice space, will have a good sound system. The biggest issue with a 20 watt amp is that if you need to turn it up to be heard - it doesn't have as much headroom, and your cleans will have a lot of breakup (which is COOL if that's what you're going for...) 2 - The HT venue series should all sound perfect for any type of music - and if you still don't have enough gain, and you have a POD - you can actually use a POD preamp of a more gain-y amplifier into the power section of the HT-20. Like - adding an Ubeschall as your preamp, instead of using the Blackstar preamp - and things can get nuts. (in a good way, but do exercise restraint...lol) I personally think this is the coolest combination of gear for anyone, beginners to live touring dudes like myself. Having said that - I have recently upgraded to the Line 6 Helix, and an Orange Rockerverb - and it's even more insane!! But I still keep my blackstar and HD500 for fun. I don't think I'll ever get rid of them. Just too much goodness.
Firstly, thanks for your dedicated and fast reply. 1) 6-12 monts bedroom (practice) and then small bars, just me. I´m going to play with friends ocasionally, but in places that are already equipped. 2) Thanks for the comments. Last question, I head that some people are getting muddy sound using the pod with the amps, even with the 4CM... do you think it is just bad configuration or there is in deed that amps where the pod500 does not make a good work?
On Question 2 - for the muddy sound. As long as you are only using the "pre-amp" of each model - it works great. When you use the full amp...it is modelling the Pre-amp, poweramp, Cabinet, Microphone, and room - and all of that is going into the power section of your amplifier. So you are basically doubling the Power amp, Cab, mic and room - which makes it muddy. All of the amp models from the HD500 have a "Pre" version. if you use that - in my experience, it sounds fine!
hellou Tyller. I want ask one question.How you have setting up output on HD500X for 4cm method? stack front or stack back?I have mesa boogie dual recto.thank you for soon answer :)
Boris Kováč - I’m not sure I understand the question entirely. What does “stack” mean to you? Are you referring to the FX loop block on the HD500x? Or do you mean the Amp/Cab/mixer section is the stack? Or do you mean the Tone Stack on your amp? Or do you mean “where do the cables go in your Mesa Dual Recto stack? “ Lots of clarification needed - thanks man!! I’m sure I can help as soon as I understand the question!
@@actorartistmusician sorry for bad formulation.I meant setting output on pod HD500X menu,where is studio/direct,combo front ,combo amp,stack front,stack front,stack amp.Stack is meant head+cab. :)
@@boriskovac6056 Totally get it. So - the way I used that setting is: If I was using Amp modelling (Which I do not do often with 4CM) I would ensure that I use Combo Amp, or Stack Amp. Not Front for either. And I would only use the "Pre-Amp" models - not the Amp+Cab models. I let the Power amp and Speaker Cab that I plug into do its thing. With the 4CM and NO amp modelling, which is the way I primarily use it - I think I used the Combo Front. (Because I was using a Blackstar Combo) So I would use the Stack Front setting for your Dual Recto setup. What that tells the POD is: your initial signal - with only FX modeling - is going into the Front or Preamp of any amp you are going to use. Again - this is only going to sound right if you are NOT using amp modelling. If you use amp modelling in your POD - then you should only go into the FX Return and use the power amp section of your amp to power the POD sound. I hope that makes sense...?
@@actorartistmusicianYes that make a sense thank you very much, but what about when i use preamp from my mesa and for cleans i use preamp from pod? for higain i make presset with fxblock behind mixer . screamer and noisgate i put front of fx block and delay reverb and chorus i put behind the fxloop block.For cleans i not change chanell on my amp, still is on red and i make presset without fxloop block and i use pod preamp for example blackface pre +some delays and reverbs and this signal chain go straight into power amp.thats right? its allright using this combination? :)Sorry for my english :D
hey there, what exactly is the purpose of the -10db volume setting on the amp's fx loop? for those of us that don't have adjustable fx loop volume, what would you recommend? :)
Thanks for the question man - gets into a totally different discussion though. What kind of amp have you got? Tube? SS? If you don't have a level on your effects loop - it may be tube buffered...reference your manual or the manufacturer forums to find out the fx loop operating level. Then you can set the pod accordingly.
Tyler Johnson Hi, cheers for the fast response. It's an Orange Dark Terror, all-tube with a tube-buffered fx loop. I was ondering if I should set up my 500x just like you set up your 500 or if there's anything extra that i should keep in mind if i want to avoid signal loss?
That's awesome - I was thinking it was an Orange - I just sold my Orange cause the setup didn't work very well with it. One thing I didn't try that I regret before selling the amp is: when using a tube buffered fx loop - let the hd 500x model input impedance's (set the input Z to auto, I think). All other setting stay the same as I've described for the blackstar. I think it will help because the orange sounds great with just direct pedals - but too digital with the modeled FX when you change them all to a global high impedance for amps with non-tube buffered loops. Try it and report back! Rock on!!!
Would you mind sharing what cables you're using? this is whats missing from every single one of these guides frustratingly. Balanced cables? TS/TRS? a DI box? People always just say "connect it" and not with what! thanks dude
Hey man - they are all TS cables. In this video - they were all cheap live-wire cables - I have since had a custom snake built for this setup. Still TS cables.
would u say there is tone suck problem with all 4 cable method connections with most amps, and it requires a lot of tweaking on the FX unit? i have a GT10 and just collecting dust at the moment, b/c my amp doesn't have a serial FX loop.
Yeah - I think every setup requires tweaking to taste...no doubt about it. No I don't think there is "Tone Suck" with all setups. This was due to a bug - IMHO. The Tone suck IS, however, more likely with digital multi-effects pedals.
Absolutely - I do that all the time when I'm using amp modelling - and have a fly-away gig where there's no idea what your backline will look like. But the purpose of this video is about going into an amp you love the sound of with FX only. That doesn't work with a PA speaker.
Hey man! Thanks for your video! Whats your email? Id like to ask you some more specifc stuff. Im from Brazil! Ive got an HT60 Stage too. Also a RP1000. Now Im gonna buy a GT100 OR a HD500 in order to match their MIDI functions with my new Marshall JVM that Im waiting. Thanks...
great info man I am currently trying to decide if i purchase a pod hd 500 or a m13 (its considerably cheaper here) would anybody know if m13 would change the tone when connected with 4 cables ?and if so, would there be a way to fiz it like you showed in the video Thx man
Banda Aventhür so I actually have an M9 in my chain now. and it still sounds great. The only thing you will run into is that with the M-series FX, I don't think you can change the inputZ (the modeled impedance that CAN affect the tone). So you may have some negative impact to the tone. But I don't know if that's absolutely true...I haven't tried it with the blackstar yet it's on my new Orange rig and that has a tube-buffered fx loop which kinda changes the equation...if I get a sec I may be able to test the m9 on the blackstar and confirm.
thanx for the reply! You said u are using a m9. Is there any reason u decided to go for it instead of a pod hd 400 ? both runs around the same price and seems pod hd 400 can do all m9 does and still more... i may be missing something though
Actually - a few reasons. 1 - Space on the pedalboard. My rig is really simple. Orange head and 1x12 cab. Pedalboard, and 2 guitars for any show. It makes it easier for transport. Also - I am now using the Helix, which is awesome - but is missing a bunch of the fx from the POD HD and M-series pedals - so it was kind of a way to keep those sounds in my rig even when I'm upgrading without having 2 pedalboards.
that helix looks amazing!!! Anyway, i found a pod hd 500 for the same price of the m13. I guess i am going for it since i cant think of any reason to get m13 instead of pod hd for the same price and also, your video guaranteed me it can work really well with my amp Still waiting for next month to get the money but now i am almost sure what to get. unless i discover any advantage of the m13 over the pod Thx again man
Both. The amp tone has Clean, dirty, and High gain. But fuzzes, distortions, etc are in front as stomp boxes (inside the POD, of course). I'm now using Helix - as soon as I've mastered it - I'll upload a new vid.
i just bought the blackstar ht club 40 and i have the pod hd 500 is there anything else that i need to change in the global parameters of the pod to get a more true tone and sound from the pod to the amp?
Couple settings - I can't remember how to find them - so you may need to look it up. I would set the output mode to "Combo Power Amp" - I would change the Input Z setting to the highest it will go - I think it's either 1M or 3.5M. Don't do "auto" - because it will act like real pedals and suck some tone out in places.
The pedal had pre amps yes but anybody using this method should have the pre amp modellers turned off. The Blackstar amp has a power amp in it after the pre amp section.
Umm...wrong. A - NOT a beginners way of doing it. This is the method of all the pros, and gigging musicians that don't want to carry shit-tons of gear to a gig, but need lot's of tonal flexibility. Since I tour internationally as a musician - pretty safe to say I'm not a beginner. B - If you think this method is stacking pre-amps, you're clearly missing the whole point of the 4CM. C - Old Line 6 pedals were not great at this, I agree - but the POD HD runs CIRCLES around the TC.
Not me - I switched to a Helix as soon as they came out - but the CONCEPTS outlined here apply still. Connect it right, Make sure you're gain-levels are right, If your multi-effect emulates Impedance - then disable it, unless it's sound you are going for.
Dude, this is awesome. I've followed every instruction, tip and guide I could find but could never get the HD500 to sound anything but crap in 4 cable method with my Mesa Mk V:35. Now, using your tips, I get almost no noise, tone suck or level issues. I was so close to dumping the HD500 for good but now it has become a useful part of my rig - thanks.
firemanmick excellent man!! I’m so happy this vid is still useful for folks - I’ve been wanting to make more bids for the newer technology - but I haven’t had time. Rock on!!
Tyler, tons of thanks all the way from Bombay! this has opened the pod wide open for me! again,thanks a ton! I was unable to get my calor's tone out of this till now!
Just wanted to say thanks for this. Saved me a lot of frustration in setting up my HD500x. Much appreciated.
Man this has made my morning a ton better. My Hot Rod Deville sounded like a $50 Crate til following your instructions. Now I'm just going to have to mess around in search of unity gain for the rest of my life :)
I do use the amp footswitch. For a few reasons - I have the clean channel, and I'll put fuzzes and distortions through that to get a SUPER accurate 90's sound - then I use the OD1 channel for crunch and the OD2 channel for Solos - It works ok for me...but that's because the Blackstar Footswitch lines up pretty well with the POD HD buttons.
Hey Bro - Thanks, and yes...the PODHD works as a midi controller as well. I used to control an old Digitech 2120 with it. According to the EVH manual it takes CC messages from other devices - you just have to put the amp in "learning" mode to do it. Just follow the steps on Pg 6 and 7 of your 5150 manual. and POD Manual Appendix B5...that should help you out! And yes - Has noise gate...decimator is prob. better, but I use noise gate for my guitars with un-potted pups, and it works great.
Cool info. I just bought an HD500X and, using a Blackstar HT60 Soloist, about to try the 4CM approach. Your insight has probably saved me a wedge load of time, frustration and even possibly later selling off the pedal. So thanks!
Thanks Tony! I'm probably going to move to a 500X soon - let me know if you're having the "Tone Suck" on it - I don't know if line 6 fixed that issue or not with the release of the new unit. Cheers man!
You sir, just did one of the MOST informative tutorials i have EVR seen on this thing. I just Bought the POD 500x and i'm blown away by its tones. I play through a Mesa Boogie Mark IV and was having the same troubles you fixed in this video.. Great Job man Thanks again!!!
Paul - sorry it took so long to reply - thanks for the good vibes! I bet the boogie sounds awesome! I'm trying to find the graphic that used to be linked here - but I can't seem to find it anymore. If I do - I'll update the link and reply here! Grunge on man!!!
+Paul Amar
Give this a shot for the graphic - FINALLY found it.
drive.google.com/file/d/0BwaCEzGlGRWedkNKeWYwZGQ5MDQ/view?usp=sharing
+Tyler Johnson... Thank you SIR...
Hey man thanks for the compliment. The NT1A works great on guitar cabs - you should have no issue putting it farther away from the grille. I'm always combining 2 miss for guitar - a close-up dynamic mic and a condenser "room" mic further away.
@Ahnaf - The gate works great for me - My AXL badwater 1216 has these AMAZING vintage sounding pickups - but they are not potted so they squeal pretty bad onstage. The PodHD gate retains the tone - but keeps the pups from squealing. Rock on!
Tyler....big props to you for this info! I recently got into a rock country cover gig. Researched some Blackstars and just fell in love with them. Bought 2 actually, used on CL. An HT20 Studio and an HT40 club. I use them in a stereo with the POD XT Live that I have had and enjoyed and love the ease of stepping on one pedal and everything you want is there. Love the Blackstars and love the POD line. So once I heard the tones from the amps I quickly just started using the POD as an effects processor. I know the XT is old and it does not have an effects loop and it has limitations and I can't figure a pure way around the loss of tone. So as much as I love my old XT it is time to upgrade so the HD500 with this 4cm seems the way I will be going. I have also looked at the Eventide products and a few others in the same price point. I hate having to rely on soundmen to catch solos so I prefer having all my solo volumes preset in a patch but all I can do with the XT is to bypass the amp modeling and rely on the overall volume setting but to get the Db difference I want I have to set the non lead volume so low that it kills the tone.
I like the idea of 3 channels but the 20 and the 40 only have the 2 so I may be looking at the 60 now!
I enjoy playing and hearing my stage volume in stereo but only mic one amp and have read below that the HD500 has the one effects loop. Is there some way I can incorporate a stereo configuration? The XT is easy and has the 2 left/right outputs for each amp. If not I will just use one amp if I have to.
I will be hitting you up soon I am sure I will have a ton more questions. Thanks again!!!
Great Questions! - So I actually had Back surgery almost exactly a year ago! - which took me away from being able to gig for a while and meant that I had to get a lighter rig. I ended up with an Orange Rockerverb. (Still using 4-cable method.) then over the summer I found an awesome deal on the latest line 6 helix - and picked on up. So my rig now - is totally different! The point is though - no matter what you're using, (eventide, blackstar, line 6, Orange, etc.) the theories - are still the same. So the Orange is 2 channels like the HT 40 and HT 20. One thing that I started doing is adding an EQ model to the end of the chain (meaning the part that's going into the power amp) and the only thing I do is turn up the overall level by 8dB. That gives me an awesome solo boost without loss of tone! The actual level might differ for you in practice. but using an EQ model to boost solos - is an outstanding way to get the extra umph when you need it - you can also add a little extra in the mid frequencies to help your tone cut for solos - way cool.
So - for the Stereo Rig. It's doable with POD HD. It's not great - I'll be honest. What you get is a lot of "Cross talk" so the signal and tone from Amp 1 bleeds into Amp 2 and vice-versa. It still sounds good. but if that kinda thing bugs you - then best to stick with 1 amp. The Helix has fully stereo paths and routing flexibility - but it's $1500 Even for most of the used ones! Totally worth it in my opinion - but it is what it is...The reason you get cross talk with PODHD - is that some of their FX models are defaulted to Stereo, and Some are Mono - you don't get to choose. With Helix - you get to choose with each model you add whether its mono or stereo - and you have two fully independent paths from the start anyway.
I'm happy to connect on other questions! Not sure how we connect outside of the comment thread!
Awesome video! I just picked one of these up and was losing my mind until I watched this!
This video is awesome. I bought an Hd500X and returned it because instructions sucked and the pedal is now as complex as my G-System. I'm going to give the pod another shot after watching this video
That's Correct - Loop effect after the mixer. The Amp model (preamp) of the POD HD is disabled, so that I'm only using my Amplifier's tone. The cool part about the 4CM is that you can use the built in POD HD Preamps if you want to and BYPASS your amplifiers Pre-Amp, or you can bypass the POD HD preamps and use your amp tone. You have TONS of flexibility!
Great Video! The section on ohms and resistance is spot on. I remember putting in a wah pedal in an existing preset and it completely changed the tone and I was bewildered until I figured this out. I don't think anyone else covers this. THANKS! I realize how cool it was for Line6 to do this but in my mind it's ridiculous. We want the effect not the tone suck. Oh well.
BTW... any contact info for you?
helpful thank you , the stomp switch is important
Great tips I haven't heard anywhere else.
Great video! You have given me faith I can stop buying pedals for my ht-100.
Oh and btw. The Edge piece was sick!!! Thanks for the reply. Just hooked everything up and I am just getting into burying my face into the 500x manual and starting to program my own presets. I love my XT and yes it will be a little tedious to re program all the songs again but in the end it will be awesome. I am a little bummed about the stereo application but hell, one less amp to lug around! Hope all went well for your recovery on your back surgery! Sounds like a pretty cool set-up you have now and I am sure the helix is awesome but for the price point you really can't beat the 500s. Maybe someday. I am sure I will be asking some questions as I get into this....until then, happy gigging!.
zoppifan you too homie - let me know anytime I can help!
Necro post.. Tyler, could you demonstrate your Edge patch, please?
I'm getting ready to pick up a HD500 that I'm going to run like this with my Egnater Vengeance. I played with a POD X3 Live recently to see how it would work, had some decent luck...your tips are probably what I was missing.
Hey Dana! No bother at all! What you're suggesting won't work quite like that...People using 2 amps with the POD mostly do that for direct recording. So without an amp - you could potentially have one amp panned right and one panned left...It's very cool. But no matter what you do, you can't get 3 amps at once without the Amp affecting the POD pre, or vice versa. You could get an ABY switch to go BEFORE the POD, and hook A -> POD XLR out -> PA (pan left/right) And B to an amp. On Y all are on.
Just got my HD500X today and your video was an invaluable resource for getting it to sound right through my ancient Fender M-80. My DT-25 will be here tomorrow so I am very interested to hear how the 4C method matches up, tone-wise, against the direct L6 Link approach.
Scott - sweet! I'm super pleased with your comment - also - I've been playing with the idea of getting a DT amp as well - Let me know how the L6 Link thing goes - I assumed that all your effects, effect routing and the Amp settings would come through the L6 LInk cable - but in reading the manual, it didn't look like that's how the unit worked, so I'm a bit confused. I think it said you have to incorporate the effects loop to get it to work right. When you get your amp, can you help clarify that?
Cheers man!
Tyler Johnson Confirmed. Everything routes through the L6 Link. This nice because it eliminates the the need for the extra effects loop in your chain (and it eliminates the two effects loop cables completely). The controls on amp can be used to adjust all the settings on the HD500X, which is really pretty cool.
Also, the DT-25 sounds AMAZING! Worth every penny.
Nice video and it sure will help people who use 4cm. I do own hd500x and dt25 head and i have to say that is fucking amazing and no tweeking needed it works like a dream !
You say a few times to have your effects block after the mixer. Are you referring to the Loop effect being after the mixer? Also are you incorporating a preamp in the HD in conjuction with your Blackface pre? Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I replied to this comment on my iPad a few days ago and it didn't stick...Yes I do that all the time. The limitations: make sure your patch is at unity instead of the +3dB boost I recommend when using your amps preamp - and only use the Preamp versions of each of the Modeled Amps - to my ears it sounds better. I don't feel like you get any benefit when running an entire "Virtual" guitar rig (Amp/Cab/Mics) inside of a real one. I've made some SUPER cool sounds with the Gibtone mod.
Sounds good, great job Thank you!
This is the exact amp I have and I just purchased a HD500 so I was looking for help. So.. even after watching your video, I'm lost. This shit is over my head. I guess set it up and just start whaling away. Got to go get some extra cords first. Thanks for the video and I look forward to more stuff. By the way.. I LOVE the sound of my Blackstar. I want to use the clean and OT1 and 2 on the Blackstar. I just wanted to add on some effects. Got a video showing that? Maybe the HD500 was overkill for me, but I got a killer deal on it.
For Sure you can do that...It's better to assign 3 - or 4 effects to the same button, so that when you press it, it will turn off FX Loop, delay, verb. and then your amp will be engaged in the Dirty Channel.
Let me know when you get setup - I can help you out.
Cheers
Did you boost the mixer output by 3dB each channel? FX-loop block placed after the mixer?
The weakness is caused because there is a 2.8dB drop in volume from the POD's Guitar Input to the FX Send jack - don't know why - but I tested it THOROUGHLY. so boost the mixer, and make sure the FX loop block is after the mixer and it will send the full signal to your amp. Also did you check all the little switches and things that change the level from stomp to line (On both the amp and the POD?)
I love the Pod500 and i play mostly fun metal riffs and licks. As much as I enjoy using the OD on amp, id rather play the fx through this amp. The OD amp pedal is nice for that good for a little extra oomff though! haha thanks again man
Kinda...the only hitch is this: The POD HD500 only has 1 Effect Send...BUT I think it's TRS, so technically you could run a TRS cable out of the send (spit into dual TS) and one side into the front of each amp and everything else would work as you described.
Also - it makes the internal routing much more difficult - you will need to play with mixer settings to get the panning set correctly. It's a VERY cool Idea - Now I kinda wanna borrow my buddie's AC30 and try it! Cheers
Sorry about that Marco - I put a graphic together and provided the link for you in the video description. Cheers,
Have you tried turning off the loop and using the modeled preamps using the 4 cable method? Supposedly, this allows the preamps to not be colored by the amps preamp and opens up options for you. Just wondering if there were limitations to this, though.
Hey Tyler, I'm planning on getting an HD500 to use in conjunction with my Blackstar HT100 (good choice on the amp bro!) and I'm wondering if you think this would work - for cleans, I bypass my amp's preamp and use a model on the POD so I can have delay, verb etc. going but then if I switch to a "drive" patch, I send the signal through the Blackstar's preamp? Basically, I wanna be able to switch from an ambient clean to a distortion by only pressing one switch. Cheers!
One additional thing you did not mention in your tutorial, that I found out, is that in order to attain unity gain you need to dime the volume control on the pod as well as the master volume control.
Totally true - It was supposed to be on the graphic that is linked in the description - but that's gone - I don't know where it went..:( All volumes on POD at full.
Great overview and practical explanation of the setup. Just curious, live are you using the amp footswitch to switch between your clean/dirty channels? I've been using the amp models into my mesa fx return just to avoid the tap dance of switching the amp and the fx preset.
Hello Tyler Johnson, new update here ...I want to show my experience one again. I am using the pod hd with the IRT STUDIO via the 4 cables method. while your method helped me to achieve gain unity, i found that tone suck is not only a question of level but also due to the pod's coloring and attenuating of some mid frequencies (NOT TOO MUCH NEED TO ADMIT) . what i did is to use combo front and there I was able to compensate for the few mids and highs attenuations. By doing so, now the IRT with the pod sound exactly the same as if a plug the guitar directly into the IRT studio as if my signal does not go through any A/D converter its amazing. I wanted to share and I wanted your opinion about that because you seem more informed than me. Thank you so much.
Sounds totally plausible! One of the keys her for this video is that I'm using the Blackstar amp and not the Ironheart like you. Because different amps have different interactions - it totally true that the settings for the Blackster might not sound accurate on another amp. For instance - I tired this same setup into my Orange Rockerverb 50 MKII when I had one - and it sounded like CRAP. But I tried it again in my newer Rockerverb Mk III - and it sounds great. The only setting I changed was putting the Modeled pedal impedances back to "Auto" - because the Rockerverbs have a tube buffered FX loop - so it kinda compensates for the weird drop in tone you get from the modeling of pedal input impedances.
GREAT. in any case it is your video which helped me a achieve what i wanted..hope that my comment will contribute to help other guys in my situation..then you think that in combo front the only thing different is the eq setting ??
Sorry to bother Tyler. If you moved your LOOP block before the amp section would this be the same as combining your physical amp with the HD modeled amp, essentially using two amp models? If this would work I spose you could possibly have 3 amps combined, using the physical amp and 2 modeled amps. I have my HD on order and have not been able to test this out myself. Nor am I very knowledgeable about such principals. I notice in many videos people combining two amp models in their HD. Thanks!
ok question... round 14:54 in the video there is an icon that is hard to make out, i think you are calling it the FX block, in the video it looks like it says RX, is that different than the VHS tape looking icon that says FX loop, or is that something different and where can I find it? Something worth mentioning, I am running the 500X, not sure if there are any differences...
Hey John! Good question - the "tape" icon is a looper. You can place that before or after the "amp" block. The thing that looks like "RX" Block is the FX block...just hard to read.
Hey Tyler, excellent video and very helpful. Question - can the hd500 be used as a midi controller for my EVH 5150 III 50watt head? I know the 5150 has a midi input. Also, does the hd500 have any type of noise reduction? I play alot of high gain and have been considering the ISP decimator but am wondering if the hd500 has something comparable? Thanks man!
Nice tele, I have a question for you, Im considering a Nt1a for my 100 watt marshall I wanna use it 4 inches from the grill, I use a 2x12 Vintage 30 cab, you think it can handle distorted sounds and spl? thanks
Fixed the graphic - sorry for the delay. Link at the top.
Tnx man for the info.
I didn't find any info about the switch near the expression pedal: 1/4 OUT LINE or AMP and the MASTER VOLUME of the Pod.
Whats your setting?
Yes I have the exact same question about that toggle, just to verify as well. I assume AMP but master volume knob is best at 100% or maybe 50% for example? I also had a question about the page 4 utility setting of combo power amp or combo front setting. When using a combo amp would you not use combo front?
only thing I can't figure out on the picture you included was how to move the mixer to the second to last slot on the chain. my move button seems to not want to pick the mixer up and move it. I guess I could plug it in and do it via usb. Any insight?
Great stuff my man!!!
Love the Blackstar and the Pod!!!
I have both and am extremely happy with them!!!
Thx for the video and for clearing up how to fix that volume/tone issue!!!
Best regards
I have a line 6 spider IV 75 watt and a POD HD500X pedalboard, I need to help me understand how to connect the L or R output directly to the amplifier without losing the original sounds of the pedalboard, since I tried to set the amplifier in clean sound to get Better the sounds of the POD but it has been useless, it always sounds like stuck sounds.
Mics - not miss.
Thanks so much Tyler, very useful video! I have a question: if I wanto to put mu POD HD500 directly in front of my combo amp, using only stompboxes, is it enough to turn off all the preamp and cab emulations, or do I need other adjustments?
Valerio Rizzotti you find any info, because I find going through the front of my Mesa TA-30 tone get sucked with both methods
Having tried the 4CM method last night with my new HT5, I experienced the tone suck you demonstrated. I'm itching to get home now to try this out, so thanks very much for taking the time out to explain.
I have just one question however, the master volume on the HD500 affects the return volume into the power amp, so how do you have that set?
Whoops - sorry bro, missed this question: I set the master volume at max. If somehow I'm too loud on stage in the middle of a song, I'll bend over and turn it down slightly - but Ideally, you want everything at unity in your signal chain, and I feel like Master volume at max = unity. The boosting of the HD500's internal signal path by 3db brings that pathway (preamp chain) to unity as well.
Sorry about that - got moved - link is updated now.
Great job! Thanks!
hey great lesson , this video is what helped me configure my HD500X when i first got it , i almost brought it back until i seen your video (thank you 4 that) but i got 2 questions, 1. i have a blackstar HT studio 20 and for some reason everything sound amazing on studio direct and sounds horrible on combo (front) and (power) ?? do you know why by any chance???and 2 i use "same" instead of variax and i think the "same" setting sounds betterthan variax, is it because i have a 500X instead of the 500?
thanks again man
Got it works great
Is it possible to run a dual amp setup with the 4 cable method. Meaning, regular 4 cable setup. But then use another 3 cables in the right side plugs to connect to another amp in the same way(front end and loop)?
Hi Tyler, I appreciated this video more than you could possibly know! Thanks for taking the time to help us. I have a question about hum. I get a real wicked hum using the Pod in my Peavey classic 30 with this method. Did this happen to you? What do you think I should do?
Liam Deery Hey Man! Thanks for the Props! OK - so - it could be a number of things - which sucks because it takes time to troubleshoot (and I have a limited number of characters...):
1 - Check Cables - trying at least 1 new absolutely mint cable. Also try each cable (from your 4cm "set") straight from guitar to amp - and see if the hum is still Present. If hum happens on all cables, It's the Amp or the guitar. If it's only present on one or more cable, but not all - it's the cables.
2 - To rule out Guitar - try another guitar into the PC30. If hum is gone - it was the guitar. If it's guitar - and you don't do much troubleshooting with electronics - I would take it to a tech. If the Noisy guitar has single coils - then your stuck, and the only option is getting a noiseless set, or getting used to the hum. Most players dig it as part of the sound of single-coil guitars...
3 - To Rule out Amp - try the original guitar in another TUBE Amp. If no hum - It's most LIKELY tubes in the Classic 30 need a change-out. I will almost always take it to a tech - the only time I don't is if I know for a fact it's a pre-amp tube that needs replacing They're easy. Power tubes can be easy if you know how to bias - but it's a good idea in your case with hum to take it to a tech and have them do a once-over. BEFORE you re-tube, also try your Classic 30 in another outlet somewhere else in your house...My house has shitty power - so that causes hum a lot of the time for me. Get a solid power conditioner (Like from furman with noise filtering)
4 - do you have a mix of pedals AND pod - or just POD to Amp? If pedals - this is another issue all together...so comment before I tell you to troubleshoot that one.
5 - Do you have a lot of electronics in your Band-cave? (Lights, computers, monitors, etc?). That could be it...not much you can do about that.
6 - Lastly (For me - others may have ideas I didn't mention) I would check where your cables are running. This may seem weird but all power supplies (Amp transformers, power cables, surge protectors, etc.) Give off a mystical energy that makes annoying noises - and if your Audio Cables are running parallel to your power cables (like patch cables in the same bundle as pedal power leads, or one or more of the cables form your POD to amp are running along a power line, or sitting over the transformer on your amp - this can cause noise in your signal. Especially if you have poorly shielded cables.
Hi Tyler, I am super grateful for such a lengthy response :D I ran through your checklist, and I am certain it is bad power in my apartment. I changed outlets and the problem is 50 % better. The biggest impetus to change the outlets were when the POD starting functioning odd. At one point the hum went away, but I got a tremendous amount of signal loss in the sense that the POD sucked the drive of the amp so bad it pretty much changed the gain structure of the amp and I figured that wasn't the "tone suck" you described in the video. I'll invest in a good power conditioner. I have one last question. Have you played the Pod with the 4CM with another guitar player who uses a tube amp and analog pedals? I just want to make sure I can match levels. Most people I know that've incorporated digital stuff in their rig complain that their signal doesn't cut as well. I play with another guitar player using a fender blues deville and I want to make sure that I can stand out in the mix. Any advice would be great. Anyway, man I'm blown away at how fast and how detailed you got in your response. You're an awesome dude! Thanks again and keep rockin'!
Liam Deery Thanks Bro - happy to oblige!! As far as cutting in the mix...with my live tone on my AMP - the bass and treble are never more than 50% and the mids are like 75%. My opinion is that regardless of the style you play, always set your mids higher and your bass a little less than 50%. Treble to taste. That's where all your guitars natural frequencies sit - and therefore all your tone. Leave the bass for the Kick Drum and the Bass Player! Lol. If your into metal and like that "Scooped sound". It's usually fine for bedroom playing - but when your live...the sound guy has nothing to put through the mix if the mids are too low. (Side note - I also don't play very loud - and I don't use a lot of gain.) Not knowing what style you play - I'm not sure what tone you go for - but the scooped mids is the easiest way to explain how tone doesn't cut or play well with other guitarists.
If you haven't played with a tone like this - it might take some getting used to - but the rewards will pay off for the audience and the sound guy...and most importantly - YOU!
Give it a shot and let me know what happens!
Hello Tyler, thank you for sharing. I have the exact same rig, but i dont have it with me at the moment. I have one question. My problem with the 4cm and the pod is not only that it sucked the grit, but also sucked the brightness of the tone, made the tone sound opaque. I dont have any eq on, not even the global eq. By placing the FX Loop block after the mixer, doest it fix that EQ problem as well? Thanks again mate.
It might fix that problem, for me - the main reason for the FX block after the Mixer is that the 3dB boost you add needs to hit the preamp and not the power section. One thing I've heard in my research is that some POD's have a different level change from the input to the FX send...on mine it was like 2.8 dB max. but I've read on the line 6 forums of users getting as high as 5dB differences between input and send. so - if it's still not sparkling, you may want to give even more boost at the mixer?
Tyler Johnson Thanks again. Going to try it as soon i have the rig again.
Hey Tyler, awesome video!! I was wondering if you have a good distortion patch or a couple for that matter you can email me. I've been racking my brain and losing sleep trying to find a good distortion. I've been looking for a Weezer /Foo Fighters/ Nirvana... lol well I guess a grunge distortion. I have a HD500X that I use with a Fender Modern Tele, with a neck and bridge SD Hot Rail, Oh and for the most part I use my headphones, they are Yamaha's, which were like $250 brand new so I know its not my headphones causing me not to get a good distortion. Again AWESOME video!! Thanks Tyler Keep on rocking!!
Very inexpensive - but worth every penny. And it had some serious modification to it. You can see all about it here on the XV61 video I did.
my god great video maan ..what about switching between the real pre amp and hd pre amps ?? do i need to still use the same parameters ? does this parameters work for all amp or only for blackstar amp ??? another question...your amp sounds amazing... iv got a pod hd 500, do you advice me the dt 25 , or a blackstar tube combo amp ???
Thank you sooo much for the kind words - I've owned the dt25 - liked it - but I liked my Blackstar more. This method works for every amp I've used EXCEPT my Rockerverb 50mk II and mk III. Those amps have a tube buffered fx loop - so they react differently to the pedal sounds. To MY ears - if you have amps with a tube buffered FX loop - DONT change the universal impedance setting on the POD HD - leave it at the "auto" setting. I think it sounds better. Finally - thanks for the compliment about tone. It's something that every guitar player aspires to inspire in others. Grunge On!!
Oh shit - forgot about the real amp Vs modeled amp question - you can definitely still use the modeled amps - but use the "preamp" variants (it's basically just the sound of the amp modeled without the cab, etc)
+Tyler Johnson as regarding your tone it is just the truth its amazing ...can you please tell me what do you find in the blackstar you didnt find in the dt...im sorry for those questions i dont have the opportunity to try before to buy...what do you advice for someone who does not have always the chance to change gear because it is not available in its country..does the versality of the dt is worth ? is it really comparable to a high end tube amp or to a good tube amp ?
+Bellili Hichel - For me, the difference is - the Blackstar has 3 channels and the DT only has 2. DT also has no built in reverb - so you need a reverb effect on the POD and that takes up a spot in your chain. I love having a clean/crunch/heavy tone +verb available as my foundation. DT only has 2 channels available and. O verb.. The tone and versatility of the DT 25...(as well as the portability!). Are amazing. If you don't care about having 3 channels available at once - then the DT is an amazing amp!
in the pictures on the net i found a switch for reverb or am i wrong ?? and is it a 2 channel ?? i taught with the new frimware you can have up to 8 different voices no ?? what about using dt and hd 500 using l6 cables , is it the same sound as the dt pre amp models ?? in this case it means that you have endless channels no ??
Great Tutorial. Question - when using the 4CM do you use the same settings if you are using the preamps in the HD500 instead of your amps preamp?
Hey - nice question. Yes. The settings are the same. One note - I use the "Preamp" versions of the modelled amps, In Other Words, no cab modelling. I think it sounds better. But let your ears be the judge.
Tyler Johnson
Thanks Much!
Tyler, amazing video!!
Question: Is there a convenient (and not too expensive!) way to switch amp channels AND a preset on a pod? What would you recommend?
Context: I've been a Line6 fanboy for almost 8 years now.. had a floorpod and then the HD500 and now the HD500X.. I always had one complaint with the pods, which is the heavy amps sounded fairly digital particularly with a delay... that prompted me to buy a H&K TubeMeister 18 and I absolutely love the heavy channel esp with lead boost... I play prog (Porcupine Tree / Opeth / TOOL )
Anand Gupta hey man - I haven't found a way to do it inexpensively...there's at least one person on the blackstar forum that has created a MIDI interface for the HT 60/100 - and it looks pretty cool. But they are custom jobs - so I don't think it would be cheap - and I think he needs the head or amp to be able to wire it. There's another box out there that turns the 15-pin D-sub connector into a couple of 1/4 inch connections - so you could get a MIDI box that sends 1/4 inch on/off cc commands - then that would good to the POD. But again not cheap and not really easy. For me - the best solution was to build my sounds around the fact that I had to switch channels manually. If there was a patch or combination of sounds that I needed - and they involved going from clean to dirty - I usually left the amp on clean and made the pod have a distortion pedal with all the other effects, then tie it all to one button. Hopefully that makes sense?
Ok very good! So 1 amp by-passing my amp's preamp. Or... effects only on the HD using my Amps preamp. Thanks so much!
Have you guys had any problems with using your overdrive channel on your amp as opposed to using overdrive through the pod? Im running the hd500 through a Blackstar HT soloist 60 and I wanted to use the over drive channel on the amp and just use the pod for a little added distortion and effects but when I have the pod hooked up, the overdrive channel sounds like shit.. the clean sounds fine though...
Hey Tyler, thanks for the video. I have a similar rack (almost exactly) as you have in the breakfast club band with the marshall cab, though I recently bought and HT60 and it rocks but I was wondering if you really recommend the line 6 hd500 combination with ht60? would you rather get anything else. I was thinking of going back to stompboxes, still doing the 4CM with certain stompboxes but don't know.
I have an eleven rack and I have tried too many ways to not affect the tone but unfortunately it does... I'm willing to sell 11 rack and get the line 6 but I'm still a bit skeptical. would you rather go with boss gt100? any thoughts? thanks
Hey - thanks for the comment!! My answer is both simple and complicated. The answer is - "It Depends on what you intend to do with the gear" Would I rather GET anything else? Of Course! Would I ever GIG with anything else? No way! There's a lot of cool toys out there. Top of my list right now is an AxeFX II and the MFC controller - My friend Phil has one and they are a BLAST!! But for gigging - it can be a bit cumbersome - and when he went to Iraq to play for the troops - he took my HD500 and my Variax, and that's all he needed (For a U2 cover band btw!!! Imagine the Edge only having 2 pieces of gear for a gig..not likely) I like to take Amp, Pedal, Guitar (and backup Guitar.). When you play a lot - it's easier, and sounds fantastic. When I record original music - I like to be inspired by tones - so I prefer pedals and flexible routing - the POD HD let's me do that without spending a ton on pedals. As far as I know - the GT100 also has flexible routing but you only get 6 effects at a time instead of 8. I still like to have an external Wah...they just 'feel' better. Hope that helps!
Tyler Johnson Thank you for replying. You are right! I want to make it simple and at the same time getting all the tones I want. I'm tired of dragging around a cab, a rack, a guitar, a midi controller etc my back is tired already. I want just my amp, my cables, the line6 and two guitars no more. So I think line 6 could be the one I get. Great video. I was just exactly looking for a video that will tell me if any of these multi effect pedals could avoid coloring or affecting the tone and it seems you nail it. All your findings are excellent. Thank you. thank you, thank you.
Tyler Johnson One more thing...I've learned that the line 6 within the 4cm you can chose from using the preamp of your amp or line 6 pre amps? that would be great, also GT100 can change the channel of the amp though the HT60 has a 15 pin connector, but an alternative can be a midi controller sending the signal to the amp... check out "HT60 champion pedals" in youtube. It mimics the signal from the original switch by midi signals. My perfect rig at this moment will be : HT60, Line6 HD500x, Midi Champion Pedal Channel controller and my guitars. Fyi I have the wireless line6 g50 and is a working horse. Still I'm way too picky with my tone and I can hear the difference but is a good difference. Thanks again
Thanks man!! this is very useful!!! one little question... If I want to model an AMP using this method, there are a lot of combinations with CABS, but, to get the most accurate sound... the best choice is use "NO CAB" or use the "PRE AMP" of the AMP that I want to model? what do you suggest? thanks again man!
Great Question! My preference is to use just the Preamp.
Thanks, I will try it!!!
Man, one more thing I forgot, You put the modeled AMP to the left (beofre) of the FX LOOP and the mixer right?
+theother526 yep! That way the preamp goes before the power section of your amp. Just make sure that you don't put any fx between preamp and fx loop or it may sound goofy.
Hallo Tylor. In my POD I can't find "Guitar In-Z" There is just a empty space. What should I do? Please help me...
Do you use the clean, OT1 and OT2 channels on the amp or use the HD500? I love the sound of my Blackstar and only want to use the HD500 for the effects. Or am I wrong in my thinking?
Hey sorry for the lag in response time...I absolutely used all 3 channels on the Blackstar. I now use an Orange Rockerverb and a helix, but the same philosophy applies. Basically...make yourself an "Empty" preset on the HD500 - no amp or FX blocks. Then connect using the 4CM...and add an FX loop block. HONESTLY - you can even get away with just going straight into the front of the amp with all FX...in my current setup - I only use the FX loop now for boosting so I can hit the power amp section of my amp harder and get an actual volume boost instead of more distortion to my preamp. (hope that makes sense).. then you just add any FX you want and it's like having a pedalboard in front of your amp. It works great. I also still used certain drive models on my clean channel to get even more gain textures sometimes. The google drive link is working for most since I updated it - let me know if it is still not working for you. Cheers!
Tyler:
I have the HD500 and the Blackstar HT Stage 60 ... as you do. However, I could not get my tone right.
My question is where should I set the master volume of the HD500? I tried the 4CM with the HD500 master volume set at 50% but result is not good. Output is so low and tone is affected badly. Maybe it should be at 100%, I do not know but I am affraid of overloading the inputs of my amp by setting the Master Volume of HD500 at 100%. Please, let me know.
Emerson - when you use the 4CM - the Master Volume should be at 100%.
It shouldn't be affecting the level of sound going to the PREAMP - if your routing is right, but it will affect your level going to the Power amp...which can make it seem like the tone is bad.
You can see a comment that I replied to a few comments down from here that everything in your signal chain should be at unity, and I feel like unity for the pod is turning everything to max (channel volume, Master Volume, etc.) Another thing you may not have dialed in perfectly is the Stomp/Line/Amp - effects loop settings.
I have discovered what works best for me - and have written Line 6 to clarify what those settings actually are on their POD. Will report back when I get an answer.
Tyler Johnson Thanks!
very helpful, thank you :)
I have a Blackstar HT40 I hooked guitar into hd500x
1/4 inch out into blackstar fx in
fx send blackstar to fx return 500x
fx send 500x to guitar input on amp
still sounds week? any ideas
wow great!!
DUDE! YES!!!!!
Do you know if the same applies to the HD400? Great video btw.
Great Question - I would assume Yes - but I don't know for sure - I've only used the HD500. Sorry for the length of time on the reply! Thanks for watching!
Hi Tyler, could you share your podhd tones?
can you write here the 3 things you mentioned in the minute 25:35 please. I just could not hear very well and I guess that information explain the key points to take care.
what's the name of that little two handed riff you did at 10:40
That is Am I Evil - originally by Diamond Head (no - not Motorhead) It was covered by Metallica on Garage Inc. (I think it was also a B-side from Kill 'em All)
Yeah man - that's what this video addresses - the overdrive channels lose some of their magic when you you connect your POD - Unless you follow the steps in this video - Make sure the POD mixer is set to +3.0dB on each side. Then the OD channels won't sound like shit anymore.
hy buddy, can you help me?, I own the same gear you, but I do not want to use the pre amps pod, just use the pod as multi effects (choius, delays, etc.) what is the best way for me to make connections? thanks
Thank you!!!
I follow your step. I have an Jet city amplification 22H (2channels) and pod HD 500x But i dont get it to sound good. It sounds crap. I know its possible to get the tune i want but i think its difficult to get there. Any suggestions? Do you use amp simulator or do you leave this off?
Örat Theear Hey man - if you are trying to use your Amp for the core amp tone - then you don’t use amp sims. When I use the POD with my amp - I ONLY use FX. Never use the amp or Cab simulators. If you DO want to use amp simulators - you have to hook things up differently. You basically bypass your Amps input because the POD then becomes the Pre-Amp. So you go Guitar -> POD HD -> To AMP FX Return ONLY. Then on the POD - you don’t use the whole Amp/Cab sim - you use only the “Preamp” models.
Tyler Johnson So Big Thank you! I think you just saved my rig!
What fx do you use in a chain when on 4cm with the pod HD?
Örat Theear it all depends on the songs. I suggest playing with different fx and trying different combinations/and orders of FX. There's an awesome RUclips channel called That Pedal Show - and the concepts they introduce in that channel help people to understand the kinds of FX that are out there and what they can do for your rig. I highly recommend it!
Tyler Johnson will do!
Thank you! If you have some time over and nothing to do, check my spotifypage 👍 open.spotify.com/album/4ucXRXMMsI1VdLyC6ekC0p?si=Qv4tz5p0QTqMvVpUZWT0ZA
Tyler Johnson You still play the pod HD?
is there a Graphic explaining the Setup and the steps. I clicked the link but no luck
Hi Tyler! A big question: Im changing my amp and also buying and multieffect, do you recommend blackstar ht20 + line 6 pod 500? I will mainly play stuff like tool, megadeth and some pink floyd style too. Any recommendations or options you could give will be really helpful since Im a newbie on this field u.u
Couple things...
1 - Are you playing at bedroom levels? or planning to play out live with a band? If live, you may want to go for the HT-40. Unless you know that everywhere you play, including practice space, will have a good sound system. The biggest issue with a 20 watt amp is that if you need to turn it up to be heard - it doesn't have as much headroom, and your cleans will have a lot of breakup (which is COOL if that's what you're going for...)
2 - The HT venue series should all sound perfect for any type of music - and if you still don't have enough gain, and you have a POD - you can actually use a POD preamp of a more gain-y amplifier into the power section of the HT-20. Like - adding an Ubeschall as your preamp, instead of using the Blackstar preamp - and things can get nuts. (in a good way, but do exercise restraint...lol)
I personally think this is the coolest combination of gear for anyone, beginners to live touring dudes like myself. Having said that - I have recently upgraded to the Line 6 Helix, and an Orange Rockerverb - and it's even more insane!! But I still keep my blackstar and HD500 for fun. I don't think I'll ever get rid of them. Just too much goodness.
Firstly, thanks for your dedicated and fast reply.
1) 6-12 monts bedroom (practice) and then small bars, just me. I´m going to play with friends ocasionally, but in places that are already equipped.
2) Thanks for the comments.
Last question, I head that some people are getting muddy sound using the pod with the amps, even with the 4CM... do you think it is just bad configuration or there is in deed that amps where the pod500 does not make a good work?
On Question 2 - for the muddy sound. As long as you are only using the "pre-amp" of each model - it works great. When you use the full amp...it is modelling the Pre-amp, poweramp, Cabinet, Microphone, and room - and all of that is going into the power section of your amplifier. So you are basically doubling the Power amp, Cab, mic and room - which makes it muddy.
All of the amp models from the HD500 have a "Pre" version. if you use that - in my experience, it sounds fine!
Great information, thanks for your time Tyler!
and use the clean channel with the mid , bass ,treble on 1 or 2 if you use the gain channel your double the distortion
hellou Tyller. I want ask one question.How you have setting up output on HD500X for 4cm method? stack front or stack back?I have mesa boogie dual recto.thank you for soon answer :)
Boris Kováč - I’m not sure I understand the question entirely. What does “stack” mean to you? Are you referring to the FX loop block on the HD500x? Or do you mean the Amp/Cab/mixer section is the stack? Or do you mean the Tone Stack on your amp? Or do you mean “where do the cables go in your Mesa Dual Recto stack? “ Lots of clarification needed - thanks man!! I’m sure I can help as soon as I understand the question!
@@actorartistmusician sorry for bad formulation.I meant setting output on pod HD500X menu,where is studio/direct,combo front ,combo amp,stack front,stack front,stack amp.Stack is meant head+cab. :)
@@boriskovac6056 Totally get it. So - the way I used that setting is: If I was using Amp modelling (Which I do not do often with 4CM) I would ensure that I use Combo Amp, or Stack Amp. Not Front for either. And I would only use the "Pre-Amp" models - not the Amp+Cab models. I let the Power amp and Speaker Cab that I plug into do its thing. With the 4CM and NO amp modelling, which is the way I primarily use it - I think I used the Combo Front. (Because I was using a Blackstar Combo) So I would use the Stack Front setting for your Dual Recto setup. What that tells the POD is: your initial signal - with only FX modeling - is going into the Front or Preamp of any amp you are going to use. Again - this is only going to sound right if you are NOT using amp modelling. If you use amp modelling in your POD - then you should only go into the FX Return and use the power amp section of your amp to power the POD sound. I hope that makes sense...?
@@actorartistmusicianYes that make a sense thank you very much, but what about when i use preamp from my mesa and for cleans i use preamp from pod? for higain i make presset with fxblock behind mixer . screamer and noisgate i put front of fx block and delay reverb and chorus i put behind the fxloop block.For cleans i not change chanell on my amp, still is on red and i make presset without fxloop block and i use pod preamp for example blackface pre +some delays and reverbs and this signal chain go straight into power amp.thats right? its allright using this combination? :)Sorry for my english :D
hy tlyler, in case I want to use drive pedals, how should i Set up?
hey there, what exactly is the purpose of the -10db volume setting on the amp's fx loop? for those of us that don't have adjustable fx loop volume, what would you recommend? :)
Thanks for the question man - gets into a totally different discussion though. What kind of amp have you got? Tube? SS? If you don't have a level on your effects loop - it may be tube buffered...reference your manual or the manufacturer forums to find out the fx loop operating level. Then you can set the pod accordingly.
Tyler Johnson Hi, cheers for the fast response. It's an Orange Dark Terror, all-tube with a tube-buffered fx loop. I was ondering if I should set up my 500x just like you set up your 500 or if there's anything extra that i should keep in mind if i want to avoid signal loss?
That's awesome - I was thinking it was an Orange - I just sold my Orange cause the setup didn't work very well with it. One thing I didn't try that I regret before selling the amp is: when using a tube buffered fx loop - let the hd 500x model input impedance's (set the input Z to auto, I think). All other setting stay the same as I've described for the blackstar. I think it will help because the orange sounds great with just direct pedals - but too digital with the modeled FX when you change them all to a global high impedance for amps with non-tube buffered loops. Try it and report back! Rock on!!!
Would you mind sharing what cables you're using? this is whats missing from every single one of these guides frustratingly. Balanced cables? TS/TRS? a DI box? People always just say "connect it" and not with what! thanks dude
Hey man - they are all TS cables. In this video - they were all cheap live-wire cables - I have since had a custom snake built for this setup. Still TS cables.
Tyler Johnson Thanks alot man, struggling along with the parallel effects loop in my TSL60 currently. wish i knew a mod, gonna get a power amp instead
What is exactly the differentst?
would u say there is tone suck problem with all 4 cable method connections with most amps, and it requires a lot of tweaking on the FX unit? i have a GT10 and just collecting dust at the moment, b/c my amp doesn't have a serial FX loop.
Yeah - I think every setup requires tweaking to taste...no doubt about it. No I don't think there is "Tone Suck" with all setups. This was due to a bug - IMHO. The Tone suck IS, however, more likely with digital multi-effects pedals.
Thank you! A problem solved
Have you tried one straight through an active pa speaker?
Absolutely - I do that all the time when I'm using amp modelling - and have a fly-away gig where there's no idea what your backline will look like. But the purpose of this video is about going into an amp you love the sound of with FX only. That doesn't work with a PA speaker.
Hey man! Thanks for your video! Whats your email? Id like to ask you some more specifc stuff. Im from Brazil! Ive got an HT60 Stage too. Also a RP1000. Now Im gonna buy a GT100 OR a HD500 in order to match their MIDI functions with my new Marshall JVM that Im waiting. Thanks...
great info man
I am currently trying to decide if i purchase a pod hd 500 or a m13 (its considerably cheaper here)
would anybody know if m13 would change the tone when connected with 4 cables ?and if so, would there be a way to fiz it like you showed in the video
Thx man
Banda Aventhür so I actually have an M9 in my chain now. and it still sounds great. The only thing you will run into is that with the M-series FX, I don't think you can change the inputZ (the modeled impedance that CAN affect the tone). So you may have some negative impact to the tone. But I don't know if that's absolutely true...I haven't tried it with the blackstar yet it's on my new Orange rig and that has a tube-buffered fx loop which kinda changes the equation...if I get a sec I may be able to test the m9 on the blackstar and confirm.
thanx for the reply!
You said u are using a m9. Is there any reason u decided to go for it instead of a pod hd 400 ? both runs around the same price and seems pod hd 400 can do all m9 does and still more... i may be missing something though
by the way
I have an ht stage 60. So that would be awesome :)
if m9 doesnt change the tone at all i guess m13 in 4cm would have no reason to change
Actually - a few reasons. 1 - Space on the pedalboard. My rig is really simple. Orange head and 1x12 cab. Pedalboard, and 2 guitars for any show. It makes it easier for transport. Also - I am now using the Helix, which is awesome - but is missing a bunch of the fx from the POD HD and M-series pedals - so it was kind of a way to keep those sounds in my rig even when I'm upgrading without having 2 pedalboards.
that helix looks amazing!!!
Anyway, i found a pod hd 500 for the same price of the m13.
I guess i am going for it since i cant think of any reason to get m13 instead of pod hd for the same price
and also, your video guaranteed me it can work really well with my amp
Still waiting for next month to get the money but now i am almost sure what to get.
unless i discover any advantage of the m13 over the pod
Thx again man
1/4 output mode line or amp?
Do you use the pods distortions or the amps gain Channel?
Both. The amp tone has Clean, dirty, and High gain. But fuzzes, distortions, etc are in front as stomp boxes (inside the POD, of course). I'm now using Helix - as soon as I've mastered it - I'll upload a new vid.
+Tyler Johnson but still using the blackstar?
i just bought the blackstar ht club 40
and i have the pod hd 500
is there anything else that i need to change in the global parameters of the pod to get a more true tone and sound from the pod to the amp?
Couple settings - I can't remember how to find them - so you may need to look it up. I would set the output mode to "Combo Power Amp" - I would change the Input Z setting to the highest it will go - I think it's either 1M or 3.5M. Don't do "auto" - because it will act like real pedals and suck some tone out in places.
Do you still use this setup today?
is 60w amp is loud enough for medium stage ??
kazi tafsin ABSOLUTELY. A tube 60 Watt is VERY loud.
The pedal had pre amps yes but anybody using this method should have the pre amp modellers turned off. The Blackstar amp has a power amp in it after the pre amp section.
Umm...wrong.
A - NOT a beginners way of doing it. This is the method of all the pros, and gigging musicians that don't want to carry shit-tons of gear to a gig, but need lot's of tonal flexibility. Since I tour internationally as a musician - pretty safe to say I'm not a beginner.
B - If you think this method is stacking pre-amps, you're clearly missing the whole point of the 4CM.
C - Old Line 6 pedals were not great at this, I agree - but the POD HD runs CIRCLES around the TC.
graphics down again, ughh i unplugged everything again
who´s still rocking an hd500 in 2021?
Not me - I switched to a Helix as soon as they came out - but the CONCEPTS outlined here apply still. Connect it right, Make sure you're gain-levels are right, If your multi-effect emulates Impedance - then disable it, unless it's sound you are going for.