This is fantastic info man!! thanks so much for putting this video up. I just got an hd 500x and knew it could do some vocal things but didnt know how well it could and its fantastic...this machine does sooooooo much...im geeking hard on it!
I have a similar patch, but I stacked two LA2A compressors, each doing a little compression. I also have an overdrive block I can turn on and off with a foot switch as an effect, and a smart pitch block I'm playing with to add harmonies on occasion. I also set the high pass filter on the preamp to around 150 Hz. I find this cleans things up and helps cut through a mix, especially when playing with a band. My plan is to copy this preset to multiple locations in one bank, each with the smart pitch set to a different key.
Yeah, a high pass filter is a nice touch which many people over look...especially on reverbs! I'm also a fan of 2 compressors, each doing a little less, so one isn't simply crushing. I usually copy a full bank of similar presets, the first is the Rock solid one, the other three can be experimental...
Good question! I still use mine on occasion, especially in the home studio. As far as the age of the Tech goes- I suspect anyone who owns a Helix will tell you not to waste your money on this. The amp distortions do sound a bit dated, sometimes there's an unpleasant layer of fuzz on the amps that just sticks out to me. I almost never use any of the amp overdrive. I do still use the B15 bass amp simulator though. The FX all hold up pretty well, I feel. Delay, Reverb and Chorus haven't really improved in the past 10 years. Some of the note tracking may have though. For example, if you're really into pitch shifting or creating Organ sounds, this pedal isn't great at tracking and converting chords, but it's fine for tracking single notes. Maybe most important, some of the "digital" knobs are starting to get buggy. For example, one of the parameter knobs(#4) sometimes only moves in small increments, if at all. It's as if the pot is dirty but the knob still spins normally. That's the knob that gets the most use on this pedal. It tends to be the output setting for all the FX in the unit. So when that knob isn't working, the unit is impossible to "dial in" (therefore, useless) unless you are going to play with just the preset sounds. I don't know if it's possible to clean this pot, but I get the sense it wouldn't be easy. It happens to me now almost every time I use it, but usually some amount of knob twisting back and forth usually brings it back to a useable state. It did it to me once during an important show, and there was no time to mess with it. I've never really trusted it in an important live setting again. I still use it for shows sometimes, but not the way I used to. So, I'd say try to use the pedal before buying it or ask specifically if any of the parameter knobs act buggy. Good luck!
Sure! You just have to make 2 amp "paths" by moving one amp up or down. Then, in the SYS/IO menu change one input to mic, and the other to guitar. You can add effects to each separate path. Don't forget to pan each channel 100% left and right if you want them to stay separate. I have a video about it here: th-cam.com/video/4FsSKoYOHYQ/w-d-xo.html
You'll have to change the patch slightly to: 1.) Turn on the microphone for your desired input channel 2.) Add the microphone to the path with desired FX. Good luck, let me know how it turns out!
@@FrankOlsonTwins in X3 there was an option to lock the "half" of the patch for mic input, so if you changed your guitar patches live, the mic wasn't affected. Did this oppurtinity disappear in HD500X?
I do not believe that function was held over to this unit. You can change patches on the fly, and either save them or not. If you change a patch(without saving), an asterisk will appear near the patch name. If you save the patch, the asterisk disappears and the patch is updated with the change. If don't save the changes, the patch reverts to its old state when you unplug the unit. I've never used an X3(though I sometimes want one because it looks a lot lighter than the HD500X), however the HD500 works like this: You make your patches and save them, in this case one with microphone and guitar. The next time you edit the patch- you can edit any tiny parameter and nothing else is changed. Here's where it gets a little confusing. If you keep the Inputs set to "1. Guitar 2. Mic" all is good. If you change the inputs often ("1. Guitar 2. Aux", or just "Guitar") you'll have to manually set the input back to "1.Guitar 2. Mic" in order to use the microphone(or "1. Mic 2. guitar" if you patch that way). That is to say, the inputs do not follow the patch. The patches follow the input. So, if your mic isn't working on a patch that looks fine, check to see that the inputs have not changed.
@@FrankOlsonTwins thanks! So they "upgaded" the X3 to HD500X the following way as I see it from a year of practice: -power cable is shortened, now I always need a extension cord for this -patch locking on channel 1/2 disappeared -default volume/wah pedal setting disappeared when creating a new patch -when using it with a power amp with combo mode, the sound still affected by the cab simulation on/off setting despite it should be bypassed because of the poweramp mode:D Ok, it's not the most expensive modeling, and the sound is definately better than X3 Live but come on:D
Actually, I noticed when I was researching the X3, the 500x allows fewer amp/fx combos in general. Personally, I think the 500x is a bit underpowered, as far as processing goes. The amp sims are a little too demanding. And the short power cable thing is quite ridiculous. Maybe Line 6 adopted the less is more approach, or at least- less costs more. I'd be interested to test out a Helix, but not anywhere near the current prices. Thanks for the info!
Generally I've used this patch for recording vocals. You could use it for a live show, but you might have to adjust some parameters if you are getting feedback. But that's true with any live delay/reverb microphone setup.
This video is a little harder to see but it's a similar concept. I use a guitar and vocals live, so I use two channel inputs- one mic and one electric guitar DI. th-cam.com/video/4FsSKoYOHYQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi Can you describe "XLR out into the interface" a little more in depth? Are you using the XLR mic input? You can also check the pan settings on the pod to make sure you're input is on the correct channel.
Frank Olson Twins I use the mic to the mic input with an XLR cable. I use another XLR cable from the output to the interface input. But I figured it out. The HD500x DOES NOT work with condenser mics because it doesn’t have phantom power. I’m gonna buy an SM57 and all will work just fine.
Yeah that's one little over sight by the line 6 team on this pedal. Phantom power would have made it just a little more useful. In fact, I believe the pod "pro X" rack unit has phantom power. Kind of a bummer they didn't offer it here as well.
Dude bro ham my mic will not work with the pod hd500x I followed your guide to a T I can hear white noise when the gain is turned up really loud, but I can’t hear anything from my mic, please help man please please if you can! The mic works on my scarlet solo focusrite just would really like to be able to use the mic on my pod 😢
Hmm, the only advice I have for the unit is to double check that your outputs are set up properly. The inputs and outputs can be a little tricky when multi-tasking with this pedal. If you don't have them set up perfectly with panning, settings and patching you may not get sound. You could save your settings on your computer and then do a factory reset and see if that helps. I suspect it's either a bad cable or one of the input or output routing settings. Also, it's good to plug headphones directly into the pod to monitor what you're doing. Is your expression pedal set up to be a volume/panner? Because sometimes that gets tricky too.
@@FrankOlsonTwins I didn’t think about the pedal! I will look into that! And I’ve tried all the different outputs to no avail, and also I have my headphones directly connected the whole time too! Gonna give the factory reset thing a try after saving the files I have on pod if edit or whatever! Thank you for the advice man, and the expedited reply!
Like I can’t even hear the mic just hooked directly without it even going usb to the computer! Makes me feel like something has to be set wrong, my guitar works fine though and when I change the inputs to mic, I still can’t hear lol it’s driving me nuts! Because I can monitor my guitar playing, but the mic is just non existent lol
I would take a look at the manual. I remember it being enormous but helpful. It could be that your XLR connector is not functioning properly. What kind of microphone? Dynamic? Because a condenser won't work on this POD.
@@FrankOlsonTwins it is a condenser mic 🫠 I had no idea man, it’s the mic that comes with the focusrite solo studio kit, I just assumed it would work on the pod too! Why wouldn’t a condenser mic work? Sorry I’m a noob brother, but I appreciate your help so much!
Yes, just make sure both inputs are the same(guitar, for example) and then split the amps just like the video. Pan full left and right and choose which one you'd like to add fx or keep dry.
We've been playing some NYC Shows to support our new single release, check it out here: th-cam.com/video/XW0Kj6gEn1Y/w-d-xo.html
My guy, this is a great and clearly demonstrated video, thanks for the help!
You bet!
please do more videos on this unit
This is fantastic info man!! thanks so much for putting this video up. I just got an hd 500x and knew it could do some vocal things but didnt know how well it could and its fantastic...this machine does sooooooo much...im geeking hard on it!
I have a similar patch, but I stacked two LA2A compressors, each doing a little compression. I also have an overdrive block I can turn on and off with a foot switch as an effect, and a smart pitch block I'm playing with to add harmonies on occasion. I also set the high pass filter on the preamp to around 150 Hz. I find this cleans things up and helps cut through a mix, especially when playing with a band. My plan is to copy this preset to multiple locations in one bank, each with the smart pitch set to a different key.
Yeah, a high pass filter is a nice touch which many people over look...especially on reverbs! I'm also a fan of 2 compressors, each doing a little less, so one isn't simply crushing. I usually copy a full bank of similar presets, the first is the Rock solid one, the other three can be experimental...
This is some incredible stuff dude. Thank you.
I get amazing vocals out of the x3 live. The console preamp is awesome with good eq and compression
The later pods are definitely under-rated for their vocal effects. I've produced entire songs with this unit. They hold up well!
Wow very nice. please do more videos about hd500x
Thank you! I have a few others up, but this one is the most in depth.
Thank you very very much for this tutorial! This was ridiculously helpful
Thanks for checking it out!
Great job man! Thanks!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
wowww, thank you!!! Good video! .. Saludos de Peru! :)
¡Gracias Amigo!
Excellent video. Very helpful
Thanks! Glad it helps!
Great video thank so much
Glad it was helpful!
Great video man! Would you need to do anything differently if going straight through the USB port to record?
Thanks! I use the USB to record 50% of the time when I use the POD, so no changes needed.
Thanks
Id like to have heard untreated vs effect on. The delays and reverb i could hear but the compressor snd mic pre i dont think i could hesr a difference
Good point, I'll keep that in mind for future vids!
Hi! thanks for the review. Is this still okay to buy used now its 2022, I know this tech is some years ago.
Good question! I still use mine on occasion, especially in the home studio.
As far as the age of the Tech goes- I suspect anyone who owns a Helix will tell you not to waste your money on this. The amp distortions do sound a bit dated, sometimes there's an unpleasant layer of fuzz on the amps that just sticks out to me. I almost never use any of the amp overdrive. I do still use the B15 bass amp simulator though.
The FX all hold up pretty well, I feel. Delay, Reverb and Chorus haven't really improved in the past 10 years. Some of the note tracking may have though. For example, if you're really into pitch shifting or creating Organ sounds, this pedal isn't great at tracking and converting chords, but it's fine for tracking single notes.
Maybe most important, some of the "digital" knobs are starting to get buggy. For example, one of the parameter knobs(#4) sometimes only moves in small increments, if at all. It's as if the pot is dirty but the knob still spins normally. That's the knob that gets the most use on this pedal. It tends to be the output setting for all the FX in the unit. So when that knob isn't working, the unit is impossible to "dial in" (therefore, useless) unless you are going to play with just the preset sounds.
I don't know if it's possible to clean this pot, but I get the sense it wouldn't be easy.
It happens to me now almost every time I use it, but usually some amount of knob twisting back and forth usually brings it back to a useable state.
It did it to me once during an important show, and there was no time to mess with it. I've never really trusted it in an important live setting again. I still use it for shows sometimes, but not the way I used to.
So, I'd say try to use the pedal before buying it or ask specifically if any of the parameter knobs act buggy.
Good luck!
Question can you use this mic and play the guitar with a different effect through the HD500x at the same time?
Sure! You just have to make 2 amp "paths" by moving one amp up or down. Then, in the SYS/IO menu change one input to mic, and the other to guitar. You can add effects to each separate path. Don't forget to pan each channel 100% left and right if you want them to stay separate. I have a video about it here: th-cam.com/video/4FsSKoYOHYQ/w-d-xo.html
How to plug xlr cable only straight to mixer during live performance
use "balanced XLR output" to mixer "line input"
How can I use the mic input and at the same time play my guitar with the patches I already created
You'll have to change the patch slightly to: 1.) Turn on the microphone for your desired input channel 2.) Add the microphone to the path with desired FX.
Good luck, let me know how it turns out!
@@FrankOlsonTwins in X3 there was an option to lock the "half" of the patch for mic input, so if you changed your guitar patches live, the mic wasn't affected. Did this oppurtinity disappear in HD500X?
I do not believe that function was held over to this unit. You can change patches on the fly, and either save them or not. If you change a patch(without saving), an asterisk will appear near the patch name. If you save the patch, the asterisk disappears and the patch is updated with the change. If don't save the changes, the patch reverts to its old state when you unplug the unit. I've never used an X3(though I sometimes want one because it looks a lot lighter than the HD500X), however the HD500 works like this: You make your patches and save them, in this case one with microphone and guitar. The next time you edit the patch- you can edit any tiny parameter and nothing else is changed. Here's where it gets a little confusing. If you keep the Inputs set to "1. Guitar 2. Mic" all is good. If you change the inputs often ("1. Guitar 2. Aux", or just "Guitar") you'll have to manually set the input back to "1.Guitar 2. Mic" in order to use the microphone(or "1. Mic 2. guitar" if you patch that way). That is to say, the inputs do not follow the patch. The patches follow the input. So, if your mic isn't working on a patch that looks fine, check to see that the inputs have not changed.
@@FrankOlsonTwins thanks! So they "upgaded" the X3 to HD500X the following way as I see it from a year of practice:
-power cable is shortened, now I always need a extension cord for this
-patch locking on channel 1/2 disappeared
-default volume/wah pedal setting disappeared when creating a new patch
-when using it with a power amp with combo mode, the sound still affected by the cab simulation on/off setting despite it should be bypassed because of the poweramp mode:D
Ok, it's not the most expensive modeling, and the sound is definately better than X3 Live but come on:D
Actually, I noticed when I was researching the X3, the 500x allows fewer amp/fx combos in general. Personally, I think the 500x is a bit underpowered, as far as processing goes. The amp sims are a little too demanding. And the short power cable thing is quite ridiculous. Maybe Line 6 adopted the less is more approach, or at least- less costs more. I'd be interested to test out a Helix, but not anywhere near the current prices. Thanks for the info!
Hello, is this configuration for a live show?
Generally I've used this patch for recording vocals. You could use it for a live show, but you might have to adjust some parameters if you are getting feedback. But that's true with any live delay/reverb microphone setup.
@@FrankOlsonTwins you will not have a configuration for live stages? already set
This video is a little harder to see but it's a similar concept. I use a guitar and vocals live, so I use two channel inputs- one mic and one electric guitar DI.
th-cam.com/video/4FsSKoYOHYQ/w-d-xo.html
@@FrankOlsonTwins it does not look good in the video how to set the preset
I did this to the “T” and I have no sound from my mic. Only thing I did differently is I am using XLR out into the interface.
Hi
Can you describe "XLR out into the interface" a little more in depth? Are you using the XLR mic input? You can also check the pan settings on the pod to make sure you're input is on the correct channel.
Frank Olson Twins
I use the mic to the mic input with an XLR cable. I use another XLR cable from the output to the interface input. But I figured it out. The HD500x DOES NOT work with condenser mics because it doesn’t have phantom power. I’m gonna buy an SM57 and all will work just fine.
Yeah that's one little over sight by the line 6 team on this pedal. Phantom power would have made it just a little more useful. In fact, I believe the pod "pro X" rack unit has phantom power. Kind of a bummer they didn't offer it here as well.
Frank Olson Twins
You should add that as a note in the description box of your vid. That way people aren’t stuck like I was
Good suggestion, I just did.
Dude bro ham my mic will not work with the pod hd500x I followed your guide to a T I can hear white noise when the gain is turned up really loud, but I can’t hear anything from my mic, please help man please please if you can! The mic works on my scarlet solo focusrite just would really like to be able to use the mic on my pod 😢
Hmm, the only advice I have for the unit is to double check that your outputs are set up properly. The inputs and outputs can be a little tricky when multi-tasking with this pedal. If you don't have them set up perfectly with panning, settings and patching you may not get sound. You could save your settings on your computer and then do a factory reset and see if that helps. I suspect it's either a bad cable or one of the input or output routing settings. Also, it's good to plug headphones directly into the pod to monitor what you're doing. Is your expression pedal set up to be a volume/panner? Because sometimes that gets tricky too.
@@FrankOlsonTwins I didn’t think about the pedal! I will look into that! And I’ve tried all the different outputs to no avail, and also I have my headphones directly connected the whole time too! Gonna give the factory reset thing a try after saving the files I have on pod if edit or whatever! Thank you for the advice man, and the expedited reply!
Like I can’t even hear the mic just hooked directly without it even going usb to the computer! Makes me feel like something has to be set wrong, my guitar works fine though and when I change the inputs to mic, I still can’t hear lol it’s driving me nuts! Because I can monitor my guitar playing, but the mic is just non existent lol
I would take a look at the manual. I remember it being enormous but helpful. It could be that your XLR connector is not functioning properly. What kind of microphone? Dynamic? Because a condenser won't work on this POD.
@@FrankOlsonTwins it is a condenser mic 🫠 I had no idea man, it’s the mic that comes with the focusrite solo studio kit, I just assumed it would work on the pod too! Why wouldn’t a condenser mic work? Sorry I’m a noob brother, but I appreciate your help so much!
Can you split the signal to make the other one dry for recording and the other has effects for monitoring?
Yes, just make sure both inputs are the same(guitar, for example) and then split the amps just like the video. Pan full left and right and choose which one you'd like to add fx or keep dry.
@@FrankOlsonTwins thanks, will try this
can i plug condenser mic to HD500 without phantom power?
No, HD500 will not work with a condenser mic.
@@FrankOlsonTwins does it works only with dynamic mic?
Can you adjust the microphone input gain like you can on the pod hd pro?
Yes, the gain knob is small on the 500x, but it's there. The only real difference I think is that the Pod HD Pro X has phantom power for mics...
@@FrankOlsonTwins Thanks so much, where is it located?
phantom power?
Nope. It would have been a useful feature though. The Line 6 Pod HD Pro X rackmount unit has phantom...
@@FrankOlsonTwins thank you for the reply 👍🏻👍🏻
You bet!
Great video! Many thanks!
No problem, hope it helps!