Excellent point TK. It is amazing what is available now versus what we had. I just feel like some use the "I don't have the best gear" as an excuse for not writing and being a part of the creative process. This has nothing to do with your videos, I still love the fact that you put these out. A lot of people don't have time or the experience of having tried so much gear. So kudos to you sir.
I just bought this pedal board and I LOVE IT, my only issue is there is a learning curve but I am willing to put the time in and learn it because this looks like it can do so much. I actually love that you can connect it to a computer because it's so much easier and faster to customize versus hovering over a small screen. Great video thank you, now I need to find more and more tutorials
I own the line6 and axe-fx ultra(not the axe-fx2). If you have the money, then get the axe-fx. There's no comparison, and there shouldn't be. You are talking about two different levels of gear with a $2000 price difference(give or take). Line6 makes affordable gear that is worth every penny in its price range. The variax is a different story haha. Thanks for the demo TK.
I won't critique yer playing ability from a product vid, and I won't bitch about the price or capabilities of an AxeFX2. I know people that use the AFX2 and yes they're pretty fantastic. (For the price they damm well better be, right?) My comment's gonna be about the vid itself. Ya gotta plan this stuff out, dude. 10 mins of crappy modulated synth tones isn't sellin me this thing. If anything, it's turnin me off to it, but I've been around long enough to know that manufacturer presets typically suck balls, so I'm prepared to have to tweek em. I want hear it clean. Add some reverb. Some chorus. Some distortion. Make it rock, make it sing. Ya shoulda had the best (read BEST) sounds you can get out of it cued up and ready to demo. Because you didn't, I gotta go find another vid from somebody that did and then decide. Ya wasted 20 of my minutes. If I was in yer store and ya did that, no sale. I still appreciate that you did this, just some thoughts for next time. Cheers.
I use the previous version of this and I love the hell out of it. Idk about "Axe Fx killer" but it's pretty close. In terms of price (I paid $350 used) and the effects and amp options it's a great buy.
350 is a screamingly great deal! And - it allows you to also invest in other parts of your rig (guitar, pickups, cables etc.). Score for you! Congrats!
I just picked up one of these fine HD500X units & really like it. I know you get better sound from the Axe FX, but I'd be afraid to take it anywhere someone could sneeze on it. I haul my GR-55 guitar synth rig around with me everywhere & that is the most expensive thing I'd ever want within "sneeze range" of the outside world (apart from my studio) so the HD500X makes the perfect companion dedicated guitar rig to go with my haul-around guitar synth system. I love this HD500X unit & have yet to lift a finger to tweak any patches.
Great video as usual TTK! You can also go to Line 6 website and download tones from other users. You can find some great tones that someone else already tweaked. I have the HD500 and still find new tones to download.
Thank you Klgreenbean! Appreciate the kind words. And yes - good point - there is a huge community behind this. you can visit their website, and download & trade presets and such. Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Is the AXE FX a better unit? Sure it is. Is the HD500X a great unit nonetheless? Damn right. I am sure, if we compare the sounds coming from the two, the AXEFX wins handsdown. Nevertheless the HD500X (and even the HD300) will be useful, great tools for any guitarist who cannot afford to have the AXE. One more point that makes any gear very well useable: the community behind it. All the tones you can access easily from the Line6 website will help you achieve great sounds.
The line 6 pod products are probably one of the best for the money. It has a lot of usable stuff and some not so usable. The Axe fx is intended for more of a professional touring group of musicians. Several people use it as a replacement for their entire rig. It saves money on freight. It's capabilities are endless. Now just to throw it out there I believe the eleven rack is the best middle ground between the 2. It's cheaper than the Axe fx and has many of the same features. If someone is interested in the Axe fx but doesn't want to go into that price range I would highly recommend the eleven rack. Look at it this way, it's like the Axe fx is a mesa triple rec and the eleven rack is a bugera trirec.
I have owned both this and the axe-fx ii. I am now selling the axe fx ii and keeping the line 6. The axe fx ii does sound noticably better, especially with regard to low end tightness to my ears. However it requires deep editing for everything. There are no front end knobs for gain, bass mid treble etc. You have to go into the menus to tweak those. The modeler I use the most is actually the yamaha thr10x because it lets me get the tone I want at low volume and mix in backing tracks. But there is alot to be said for the hd500x in simplicity of use as well as price over the axe fx.
I previously owned the POD HD500 and I regret selling it... So I might be buying this very soon. Thanks for a really nice Demo/Review Tone King :) Regards from Arnt P in Norway
Looking into something for live use with drum machines, etc. Glad you showed some more esoteric stuff(!) Seems most people are afraid of really pushing what these machines can DO. But WHY??? It's basically "fripp in a box" if one learns it. Thanks!! ;)
Thank you Sir, I am impressed you have taken the time to create this video, who cares about the nutters who are on the Internet only to make hateful comments. In the end of the day your efforts made me to take my arse off the chair and go into a shop, and try the gear out myself. Who cares if I end up with a Boss or a Kemper or a whatever, nobody will ever know what kinda music I am playing. Thank you for that video, and keep up the good work.
Very informative. I have a few questions if U do not mind. 1.On the HD500-X can I control the ramp up and down of the rotary effect by using two buttons? I do not want to use the pedal for that. 2. Are there any string pad like effects? 3. If there are pad like effects Can I bring that pad in & out with the pedal? 4. IS there a simulated acoustic guitar sound like the Digitech stuff has? Thanx
I bought the rack mount and am very happy with it, As you said you cant afford the axe fx, sell the Bugera 6260 and the Blackstar series one 50 head that you never use other than wallpaper. There you go!
When you do a piece of art no one really looks at the brushes or the pallets that the painter used. people look at what was painted and how it captured something they have never seen before. So comparing one of these modellers with another really makes no sense. Try them all and buy what you could afford then get back to working on contributing your art.
I agree 100%. That is the beautiful thing about TH-cam - you can to learn and listen like you've never been able before! So many reviewers, So many options, So many great demos & reviews. Not too long ago - we depeneded on what retailers carried -and would buy based on what and how we were influenced. Today - we can buy what we like!
love the demo TK but what are you playing the HD500x through? I'm Blackstar 20HT user with a number of stomp boxes on an effects board - interested to know if it's a good idea to switch to the Multi effects box - and how it would compare using an amp like the Blackstar.
Great demo. But why are all the demos about these products with only clean sound or full overdrive/distortion (except for the other effects)? I mean, I have a Vox Tonelab LE and what I love most about it is the possibility to play very sensitive (hit the string soft and its almost clean sound and then hit the string harder and the overdrive comes in) I could never make my music with only "on or off" sounds. So my question is: Can you "regulate" the overdrive with your picks on a HD500x as you can using a Vox Tonelab LE too? (sorry for my bad English)
Bård Kvale I have the LE & a bunch of others too! I love the LE but wish editing & programming was a little more intuitive. Some of the tones are really quite good.
One problem with the Axe FX2 is u can only buy direct or thru ONE dealer located in N. Hollywood, CA. No warranty if you buy elsewhere. Gives few the opportunity to actually try them out. Fractal does offer a 15 day full price return but you must return it in new condition so they can resell as new. Lots of money to shell out just to demo it. I live in So Cal so I was able to demo in N. Hollywood. Amp modeling has come a long way over the past ten years. Fractal, Line 6, Kemper and others all use the same technology. Fractal does insert two $300 DSP chips which control processing power, but that has nothing to do with the way it sounds. Test all the amp modelers you can find thru your amp, PA, monitors or headphones and buy the one that gives you the sounds you want and will use.
I have yet to see anybody actually go into the options available with a Variax, but I'm reasonably sure you can, at the least, change the voices, tunings, and models of the guitars available on the Variax. Would like to see an exploration of any other features that allows, if there are any.
I sold my fractal axe fx [ not worth it ] I found a 500x at a pawn shop for $200.00 took it home and compared it side by side , had it up and running in no time , the editor is great , I run it direct to a mesa 50/50 tube amp , best $200.00 I ever spent on gear
My only concern with multi FX units like this is single point of failure! If anything goes wrong you lose it all. This is why I prefer individual pedals because at least if one pedal dies, I can swap it out with a backup. Otherwise it would be required to have a backup unit like another Pod or M13 if one dies.
Hey man great video. I was wondering what dual signal path means on the hd500x. Also where or how can I get those patches because those are the coolest sounds I've ever heard! Thanks man
i had two axe fx ultras then sold/traded one for this thing just to see. and it was night and day. this thing as just an effects unit is great but the amp sims on this are shitty unless you spend hours and days eqing it. but if you use it with a tube power amp its pretty good. but i also still end up using a tube power amp with my axe fx ultra, but it still sounds better.
wheresallthezombies You say the amp sims are shit. I have The POD HD RACK which is not as good as The HDX . I have absolutely no problem with any of the Amp Sims what so ever. And why would you trade an AXE-Fx for one of these? The Ultras are still worth more then $1000. This goes for $499 new.
lol i said sold/traded. meaning he gave me money plus this thing. when i was messing with it i cleared out the effects and just kept the amp and cab sim on. they just sounded harsh and some sounded thin and harsh. but whatever to each their own right?
For all of the high tech this unit supposedly has I am sad that it doesn't have "spillover" of delays and reverb when switching from preset to preset. My 20 year old digitech processors can do that.. but this can't :( I think thats an expensive feature that requires "two" power chips inside..... having said all of that I bought this unit today :) so I'll let you know how it turns out it will arrive tomorrow :)
+Oscar ZetaieAcosta The verdict is - most likely this unit already on eBay, and strong promises done - never buy crazy overpriced modelling toys anymore, if you want modelling, the ideal decision is to buy a 30$ Bias FX from Positive Grid for iPad, 100$ audio interface - done. You have everything outstanding quality and growing every second software gear under 150$.
I had the original HD500 for about 4 days and took it back. They need to double the DSP (which they never did with the 500X). I'm not "The Edge" with FX, but a dual tone amp with more than gate, pretty much craps the system out. Dual tone, with gate, verb, 1 mod and 1 delay isn't too much to ask. My PODX3 does that, so this should as well. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat, if they'd add more DSP.
YES LINE 6 DID improve the DSP.. The DSP and the new foot switches were at the for front of the new POD 500X.If your having problems with the POD, make sure you have it set up correctly. There are many ways to run these PODS. Cheers!!!
Line 6 "upgraded" the dsp by only 20% over the POD HD 500. So, for another $500 you get 20% more power . .which is bogus. But then again we are talking about Line 6. Like you I had the POD HD 500 and it choked on dual amp set ups, which is one of the things Line 6 was flogging that this unit could do. In truth it couldn't. I got rid of all my Line 6 gear and went to a real amp and analog pedals. Much better tone, response, and NO dsp issues. However the Kemper is looking pretty awesome but way too pricey. Cheers Zed.
As much as I would love to go back to amp/cab/pedals, it's just not practical for me to do. I don't play live to warrant dropping $1000+ on even a combo and some pedals. I do home recording and it's WAY easier (especially being an apartment dweller) to record using digital. I'd go AxeFX, but $2300+ for one? No. I love my Line6 stuff (using PODX3Live and UX1/Pod Farm) for recording, but I just wish they would have put more power into the HD line cause the tones are great. Even then HD Pro (from what I've heard) has the same DSP as the HD500, which is pretty sad.
I have the Pod HD500 and here is my take: For the price there is nothing that sounds better for what this does. I never played a Axe-Fx II but does it sound 4X better than the HD500? not even close.
Hey Wally - same here. As I admitted in the video ... I never played an Axe-Fx unit. It may be the greatest thing on earth. I don't know. But, after playing something like the HD500x ... I don't have a compelling reason to try anything that is 5x - 6x more in price. So, I agree with you. And again - for the haters - I'm not saying the Axe-FX sucks. I'm sure it's a wonderful unit ... As a consumer, I just don't know if I'd find any interest in wanting to spend that much more after seeing what is available in the 500 price point. And that goes for any product in this price range. Heck - I'm still satisfied with my GSP1101 :-).
I own an Axe FX and swear by it. I went from a modeler like this to the Axe FX II and it's night and day. Axe wins. As for price? You get what you pay for. You can have the Line 6 stuff for cheap but it doesn't compare to some of the tones you get from one of rigs you have behind you. Consider how much you would have SAVED. Each one of those heads is easily $1500-$3000, a cabinet is another $800-1300 per cab, cables can range from $20-75 per cable, each pedal he owns is $50-100 easy, tuners can go for $70-150 and we haven't touched on the studio side of guitars. I get that you demo affordable gear for players on a budget but to call THIS an Axe Killer is just retarded.
Thor Bear Exactly. Many pros are replacing entire rigs for the one Axe FX unit. Fractal Audio puts a lot into the Axe FX, the firmware and the models; all of which are free to download with the purchase of the unit and are frequently updated. They spend time mapping each piece of equipment down to its last essence and then map mods to it so you can build and mod your tones further. I jokingly tell people that Fractal probably mapped things down to the environment it was mapped in, paneling, temperature, humidity and all... and I'm probably not far off. On top of all of that, its my understanding they're starting to work with some of the top producers to get "producer cabinets" and tones. Add to that, you can go on to the Axe-Exchange and download some of the patches that the Pros themselves have uploaded.
Thor Bear You apparently didn't watch the video Thor Bear? I am comparing the 2, based on 'feedback' I received when I asked someone a question. And I quote - 'it got me thinking'. I even included the text - so folks had some context around the discussion. That is why.
I own the HD500X and it's an xint unit. U have to create ur own sounds bc most of the stock sounds r a waste, but I'm able to create all the tones I want. I've played an Axe FX2 and I compared them side by side and IMO it's not worth the $2500 difference. Playing blues and classic rock tones I get just as good of sound thru the HD500X , i.e. VH, SRV, Clapton, Angus, Lukather, Gilmour and knopfler. HD500X Fender, Dr.Z, JTM45, Divided by 13 and Vox30 r xint amps. It's NOT an Axe killer, but IMO it has some great tones and is a super deal for the money when compared to the Axe.
Dear Tone King first I want to say I am a big supporter of yours, and I hate the AXE FX and the douche bags that use them "but" to compare this unit to an AXEFX is like comparing a a hand held calculator to an iphone. Having said that I will buy one of these next week to use in a 4 cable system with my new amp... what is missing from this unit which "it needs" is the ability to switch channels on a external tube amp..
Hi, none of the factory presets are showing up on my POD HD500X Edit display and all updates are completed. What step do I need to take in order to have these displaying? Thanks a million.
hey tone king, just had a question on the POD HD500x, since you're recording straight from the POD to the DAW, would this be used a a process and an interface? would the quality of sound from the recording be as good as it would be if you were to connect it to an interface like the focusrite scarlett 2i4 that has the use of PAD inputs?
As a soloist, how would this or the HD500 go sound wise with both my 1. Acoustic guitar to the 1/4" input and 2. Vocals into XLR input (seperate EQ and reverb needed for each). I'd also like to connect my 3. Roland SPD ONE kick drum pad into the AUX in (no effects needed)! Then direct to the PA speaker with 1 mono XLR lead. Would that work and sound good? Want to get rid of the mixer :).
If the Line 6 X3 live was good enough for Lincoln Brewster it is good enough for most.. But he also has some studio tech skills so he knows how to tweak the device.. I think he uses some of the plexi models and 4x12 greenback cab model but the secret sauce is changes he have done in the parametric EQ.. He runs the DI from the X3 live to the PA for the audience and runs a single jack cable to a VOX AC30 used as his monitor on stage..
Great video!..You got past the normal hot licks with your scrolling thru some of the sounds available which is tilting my opinion towards buying this unit.
Sorry wasnt trying to start a war lol i think your a great guy doing what you do. Its just like your afraid that you will like it you had times at shows you could have tryed it. one thing fratcal has over L6 is there up dates and support is the best hands down. Saw a guy bought one of Ebay had issues with cliff said send it in. Guess what never charged the guy try that with L6.on top of that you want new amp mods you buy them from L6. Cliff ADDS them for free. Any way i had L6 vetta 2 head and cab i loved it, thats not cheap either far as price. crap made cab junk speakers in it. plus long board thats like 2k/ axe 2100 I dont see it all that much, for whats out there either way try one out you can sell off some behind you :O) keep up the great work Rock On
The axe fx is a lot, but having owned one for a while I'd say you get a lot for your money. I sold my mark v cos I prefer the axe and it's £600 less! Ps I'm not a metal player
I was given one. I guess if you have not heard the real deal this is fun to mindlessly scroll though if you are totally baked. These are like the treadmills people buy with big ideas of getting into shape and within a months its used to hang clothes on. Endless tone variations spur the imagination but cold, sterile,soulless, jack of all trades,master of none is what I was greeted with.
Hey Tone King, great review but I had a question. I use a Peavey Triple X head and cab with an ibanez tube screamer, Boss Noise Gate and a tuner in front of my amp right now along with the remote switch for the peavey. I love my distortion tone but my sound for everything especially leads is very dry which is why I'm looking into effects pedals like this. My question is how can I set my tripple X and the ibanez tube screamer up with the Pod pedal to hit one footswitch and have everything switch to my desired setting without having to tap dance. Would appreciate some advice thank you.
I would eagerly replace a heavy guitar amp with this small rig, just to save my spine with a little sacrifice for the sound and analogueistic-ego-trippin
Awesome video but I've watched 2 hours worth of footage about this unit and nobody can answer my question... Also the 3 guitar centers in my city dont have one....?
I had "NO IDEA" that this unit could get the sounds that you were able to get out of it TK. When you had the Brass sound it sounded like you would have had to have a synth pickup installed on your guitar or in fact a syth-guitar period. I am admitting that I don't know that if this unit could be used as an onstage or gigging unit to be able to dial in all or any of the sounds that you might be able to save and get at a moments notice. I mean you wouldn't find me with a computer screen or an I-Pad on a stage next to me. So is this unit one can still utilize as easy as the Fractal Axe FXII type of unit. And believe me that one sort of scares the crap out of me. I guess I'm still the guy that wants a amp and then in order to get sounds I will use my effects pedals that I totally love. "BUT" being very much a Jazz player and musician, I dig the fact that there are certain things out there that can make my guitar sound like a piano or electric piano or a string orchestra as well as the sound of a sax other woodwind and flute instruments. The problem I've always had with this type of stuff is that you have to buy and use a certain guitar or you will have to put on some sort of pickup on any of your existing guitars, hence ruining them by have to drill or rout out the wood to make it work. And then of course once again when all is said and done....you start looking a pretty heavy duty large sum of money only to worry that it will be outdated and then a NEW and better type of unit will be out there and in fact might be cheaper. So your making me think my man and you've done a FAB job in doing this demo. For which all anyone should be able to really say is a simple "THANK YOU". BIG T... :)
helloTTK from slovenia.i own hd 500.i use this unite as preamp conneected to combo v50-crate,using poweramp and high gain sound is not that good.a looot of tweaking, less playing,hehe.its not bad for direct rec.sound is fizzy.can you make a demo how it sounds for you thru power amp..you'll make my day.great reviews.keep on riffing
I'm a fairly happy Line 6 customer (Bass Pod, M5, Pocket Pod) and think they put out a great product, but to look at the number of major artists that have either incorporated into or flat-out made the Axe-Fx their live rigs (it seems like every other Premier Guitar Rig Rundown has one) has me thinking there is something to the whole Fractal phenomenon. Line 6 and Fractal both make the same type of product, but I do think they are geared towards slightly different markets. Price is the most obvious evidence of that. :)
Hey trushack - I agree about being geared to different markets. Let's face it - there's a need and a place for both in my honest opinion. If Fractal makes great units - and players dig them - then great for Fractal & those players! And, if Line 6 makes gear that players did - great for them too. In the end - we all win - because there are a number of products that are geared for all players at different price points! Can't go wrong!!
***** Right there with you! In the case of Line 6 versus Fractal, I agree that the cheaper option (Line 6) will probably satisfy the needs of 98% of players out there interested in modeling-based rigs, whether they're bedroom players, studio rats or players that want to use a modeling rig live versus the traditional amp/pedal set-up. That other 2%? To me, those are the "names" in the world of guitar playing, the guys who have lots of resources and make a living doing soundtrack stuff or backing up huge acts on tour or in the studio, if they're not THE huge act themselves. I think that's Fractal's main market. It's sort of like the people I know that are heavily into computer programming or photography...they have so much skill and know-how at their fingertips that the stuff that's accessible but even excellent quality stuff is of limited interest to them. They're so beyond most of the equipment normally available that only the capabilities of ultra-premium stuff intrigues them anymore. Naturally, there are lots of us to have the "2% experience," hence the wide appeal of Fractal stuff to the other 98%. Hell, I'm squarely in that 98% and probably always will be and love my Line 6 stuff and I'm still intrigued by the Axe-Fx II.
And really, when you think about it, for guys like Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa and Alex Lifeson cost is much less of a factor, if at all. Having recently seen Lifeson's latest rig, I would imagine that his Axe Fx probably doesn't even count for 10% of the total cost of putting that whole thing together. It might be one of the cheapest components in his rig! Point is, that 2% isn't as nearly as constrained on cost as guys like us, so they can pick whatever gear meets their demands. And lots of guys are going with the Axe Fx. Shlubs like us have to be a little more cost-conscious, and that's where stuff like the Line 6 unit make sense. TTK is right though...more options are great for everyone.
trushack We are assuming these artists actually paid for their units. Look at the Steve Vai equipment vid. He talks about all the free equipment he's given in hopes that he will use it. One artist endorsement could potentially get many consumers to pay $3000.00. I'd happily give away one unit to sell 100:)
This is true, but I'm pretty sure Steve Vai could wrangle free or discounted gear from just about any company out there. Either way, he still has far greater resources at his disposal, giving him much more flexibility to play the gear he wants, rather than worrying whether it will be a budget-buster or not.
Hey there TK and community. I'm thinking about purchasing an amp modeler of some kind. No one seems to be addressing whether the HD500X or the AxeFX II Feels like playing a real amp. (Currently in 2014) The last time I tried any Line 6 gear it was the Vetta II Head. That head could sound Very close to the Bogner Uberschall, which is Awesome, but because of the few milliseconds of latency it didn't Feel like one. How is the latency on these units in 2014? How does that Feel? This issue is a Very close second to the tones you can achieve. Please help. (I may go try the HD500X myself today.) Also, does an iPad running a guitar sim (JamUp w/BIAS, etc.) compare at all? Is there more latency with an app on an iPad, or less? When using a bluetooth foot pedal to change patches on an iPad is the switching smoother or worse than the HD500X or AxeFX II? Any help is tremendously appreciated. Thank you all!
can you just use it for the effects? also how do you change the tone/gain/volume and all that stuff of the pedals? do you have to use a computer to do that, or can it be done through the unit?
HD500X; the firehawk sounds great (personal experience) but the tweakability of the HD500X is so much more, while the firehawk tends to box you in sometimes with tweaking
Hello! (sorry for my english translated by google, I am from Brazil) :D My boyfriend has a POD HD500x, but he does not see very well by far the display. I want to help him doing something. I wonder: Could I mirror the display in the notebook, save presets in the software (POD HD500x Edit) and still control the pedal? keep doing all the effects on the music, still connected to the notebook, with the foot? I am researching in secret, because I want to gift on his birthday. Thank you for now. :)
Yes - you can separate 'Amp Model' from 'Pre-Amp' model and even isolate 'effects'. Example : there are some artists that still dig their amp, but enjoy these units for Effects. Or - someone others that want pre-amp models going into a tube power amp so when cranked - it warms over a bit more than straight up SS. In all cases - you can slice it how you like it.
I'm considering buying this unit but I wonder can you turn of the amp simulation and just use it for stuff like effects? I have my clean and dirty sound from my amp so I would only use this for delays, modulation etc. Is it doable?
Price can be very volatile. My T Rex Magnus was 399 then it dropped for a while to 299 so I jumped. Then it went back up to 399.00. I did a short review for a friend on it & found it couple of weeks back at 399. Today when I sent my thoughts on it ,,,, it is gone. No longer on the market. I'm thinking more & more I'm just gonna stick with My Danelectro pedals! On these bigger models there are so many sounds,,, that I would never use. I can't imagine trying to remember where this is or that. Maybe if I was doing a movie sound track. These days it is mostly my T Rex & my Fly Rig as a back up.
Who wants to pay thousands for an Axe-fx? The Question is, is the HD500X the next best thing in this priec range or should be look at the Boss or something else. Any opinions on that?
I myself am going to be skipping the Line 6 products and aim straight for the Axe-FX II. I have dabbled with Line 6 products before -- Pod Farm 2.0 -- along with other guitar emulation software including Guitar Rig, but I feel I could achieve my killer tone with the Axe FX. I am a tweaker kind of guy and the Axe-FX II would be perfect for me. Nonetheless, I still believe Line 6 makes good products. Heck, the whole reason I got into recording in the first place was because some of my guitar idols use Line 6 products to make some pretty awesome music. If any of you like Line 6, keep on supporting it! You have my support too Line 6.
Great review but there is something I disagree with. I own and HD500, the previous version (changes are mostly easthetic) and I have to say it takes SERIOUS work to get a great sound out of the unit. Even though you can get great patches to work beautifully, it takes a lot of time to dial those in. I think the issue relies more on the modeler side of things than on the FX side. FX are fairly great such as in an M9. When we get to chose an amp and cab the HD500 IMHO falls short of easiness of use. Once again, I'm not saying the unit sounds bad. It doesn't. What I'm saying is that (at least in my case) it takes a lot of time to get a great sound out of it. So much that I found myself saving the patches and wanting to fiddle with those no more.
line6.com. It's a little involved. You have to download line6 monkey, and then line6 edit. The drivers you need should show when your unit is plugged into your computer usb line6 website will "see" the unit you have and suggest the right drivers.
how come my hd500x doesnt sound as clear? Its very dark and muffled sounding. I have it direct in through my usb and have the 1/4" cables going through my focusrite 2i2. is that a problem? how do I properly set it up? I want to love it but I'm getting very annoyed and frustrated, and hoping it wasn't a waste
***** yea, what is the deal with the volume pedal? I don't understand what it does other than, well, change the volume. I use the pod direct in. Dimarzio Evo and S.Duncan JB picks ups.
I'm having trouble with my looper. When I have a loop going and I change the sound, the loop goes to the sound. But sometimes it doesn't??? What should I do?
Sweet. Thx Ariels. It's a robust unit for sho. Like I said - I don't think it's missing much. For what the average player needs & requires - it has that, and a whole lot of discovery / cool features - like mic placement, cabinet types, speaker types, etc. It's pretty damn cool if you ask me :-)
I agree. The only thing I don't like are the default presets, but that's the same with any pedalboard/amp combo, you have to dial in your sounds. Most of the presets are over the top, like they are trying to show off the max effect, with a little knob turning it's all good. Steve Howe uses one exclusively on stage.
How is this thing compared to the Digitech Rp 1000 IMHO...i thought the Digitech sounded more fuller and more natural with almost no bee in the can kinda noise while playing......can someone correct me if i am wrong....
I am not into the fx presets but the tones on this do sound pretty killer I love the regular tones you did and oh yeah I am going to be switching froma half stack to a full range powered speaker system I have noticed my digitech rp 500 sounds best that way
no problem man im working ngiths these days so ive been out of pocket but I do keep up with the majority of your vids so do you think I should go the full range route
Im not the kinda guy to use effects if i hook up a tube screamer and delay pedal its a big deal but i can't seem to see the need for changing and making all those different noises. Give me a 68 Plexi and a Tube screamer and ill show the Ax Fx guy real tone!
nice review I get confused easily I bought a zoom effects just to see. but I had more trouble trying to get what I wanted than with the pedals I own but if you can wrap your brain around all of the things it does sounds and looks worth the money. You need to be smarter than the unit and unfortunately I am not.
That would be an interesting shoot-out. However - I noticed that the latest Peavey has Peavey specific sounds (6505, XXX, etc.). The LIne 6 has more generic sounds, no just Peavey - so I'm not even sure a straight up shoot-out is possible. I guess you can always use your ears -and simply choose the one that you like best :-)
If you can't hear a difference in an AXE-II and a POD, you have no ear for tone. You can't call yourself a tone-king if you can't hear it. The POD is good, especially for the price. BUT.. the AXE is authentic. It's real, it's alive, it has sag, bounce, air and life to the tone, like a tube amp does. The POD sounds digital. The AXE sounds real. Spend some time with both, and you will realize the difference. Not knocking the POD. But... There is a reason top bands and musicians like Metallica, Dream Theater, Periphery, Dweezil Zappa and other use the AXE-FX. Never seen a top band use a POD.
I just found one for $250 and I'm so pumped to try it out
Excellent point TK. It is amazing what is available now versus what we had. I just feel like some use the "I don't have the best gear" as an excuse for not writing and being a part of the creative process. This has nothing to do with your videos, I still love the fact that you put these out. A lot of people don't have time or the experience of having tried so much gear. So kudos to you sir.
I miss this soooo much and hearing the synthwave pulse setting in bank 16 gives me nostalgic feels
I just bought this pedal board and I LOVE IT, my only issue is there is a learning curve but I am willing to put the time in and learn it because this looks like it can do so much. I actually love that you can connect it to a computer because it's so much easier and faster to customize versus hovering over a small screen. Great video thank you, now I need to find more and more tutorials
How did you go mate? What speakers do you use?
@@coreyfelipe5679 I have old Mbox studio monitor speakers
I own the line6 and axe-fx ultra(not the axe-fx2). If you have the money, then get the axe-fx. There's no comparison, and there shouldn't be. You are talking about two different levels of gear with a $2000 price difference(give or take).
Line6 makes affordable gear that is worth every penny in its price range.
The variax is a different story haha. Thanks for the demo TK.
I won't critique yer playing ability from a product vid, and I won't bitch about the price or capabilities of an AxeFX2. I know people that use the AFX2 and yes they're pretty fantastic. (For the price they damm well better be, right?) My comment's gonna be about the vid itself. Ya gotta plan this stuff out, dude. 10 mins of crappy modulated synth tones isn't sellin me this thing. If anything, it's turnin me off to it, but I've been around long enough to know that manufacturer presets typically suck balls, so I'm prepared to have to tweek em. I want hear it clean. Add some reverb. Some chorus. Some distortion. Make it rock, make it sing. Ya shoulda had the best (read BEST) sounds you can get out of it cued up and ready to demo. Because you didn't, I gotta go find another vid from somebody that did and then decide. Ya wasted 20 of my minutes. If I was in yer store and ya did that, no sale. I still appreciate that you did this, just some thoughts for next time. Cheers.
I use the previous version of this and I love the hell out of it. Idk about "Axe Fx killer" but it's pretty close. In terms of price (I paid $350 used) and the effects and amp options it's a great buy.
350 is a screamingly great deal! And - it allows you to also invest in other parts of your rig (guitar, pickups, cables etc.). Score for you! Congrats!
I just picked up one of these fine HD500X units & really like it. I know you get better sound from the Axe FX, but I'd be afraid to take it anywhere someone could sneeze on it. I haul my GR-55 guitar synth rig around with me everywhere & that is the most expensive thing I'd ever want within "sneeze range" of the outside world (apart from my studio) so the HD500X makes the perfect companion dedicated guitar rig to go with my haul-around guitar synth system.
I love this HD500X unit & have yet to lift a finger to tweak any patches.
Great video as usual TTK! You can also go to Line 6 website and download tones from other users. You can find some great tones that someone else already tweaked. I have the HD500 and still find new tones to download.
Thank you Klgreenbean! Appreciate the kind words. And yes - good point - there is a huge community behind this. you can visit their website, and download & trade presets and such. Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Very cool . . . great demo!
Thank you jonhall!
Is the AXE FX a better unit? Sure it is. Is the HD500X a great unit nonetheless? Damn right.
I am sure, if we compare the sounds coming from the two, the AXEFX wins handsdown. Nevertheless the HD500X (and even the HD300) will be useful, great tools for any guitarist who cannot afford to have the AXE.
One more point that makes any gear very well useable: the community behind it. All the tones you can access easily from the Line6 website will help you achieve great sounds.
Great feedback SomethinWild! Really good feedback! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
well I am a total beginning guitar player and do not want to spend 2k on pedals or a multi-FX pedal just to have 10 effects needed for rock songs.
th-cam.com/video/QrN4q7DfY6Y/w-d-xo.html lol watch the reveal after....hilarious.
The line 6 pod products are probably one of the best for the money. It has a lot of usable stuff and some not so usable. The Axe fx is intended for more of a professional touring group of musicians. Several people use it as a replacement for their entire rig. It saves money on freight. It's capabilities are endless. Now just to throw it out there I believe the eleven rack is the best middle ground between the 2. It's cheaper than the Axe fx and has many of the same features. If someone is interested in the Axe fx but doesn't want to go into that price range I would highly recommend the eleven rack. Look at it this way, it's like the Axe fx is a mesa triple rec and the eleven rack is a bugera trirec.
Thanks, man! This is the best review/explanation of this unit I've seen anywhere. Only problem is ... now I'll have to get one. ;-)
I have owned both this and the axe-fx ii. I am now selling the axe fx ii and keeping the line 6. The axe fx ii does sound noticably better, especially with regard to low end tightness to my ears. However it requires deep editing for everything. There are no front end knobs for gain, bass mid treble etc. You have to go into the menus to tweak those. The modeler I use the most is actually the yamaha thr10x because it lets me get the tone I want at low volume and mix in backing tracks. But there is alot to be said for the hd500x in simplicity of use as well as price over the axe fx.
Finally I found a review of this that I can understand. Thank you sir!
I previously owned the POD HD500 and I regret selling it... So I might be buying this very soon. Thanks for a really nice Demo/Review Tone King :) Regards from Arnt P in Norway
Looking into something for live use with drum machines, etc. Glad you showed some more esoteric stuff(!) Seems most people are afraid of really pushing what these machines can DO. But WHY??? It's basically "fripp in a box" if one learns it. Thanks!! ;)
Thank you Sir, I am impressed you have taken the time to create this video, who cares about the nutters who are on the Internet only to make hateful comments. In the end of the day your efforts made me to take my arse off the chair and go into a shop, and try the gear out myself. Who cares if I end up with a Boss or a Kemper or a whatever, nobody will ever know what kinda music I am playing. Thank you for that video, and keep up the good work.
just picked this baby up and have yet to open it... appreciate the demo review.
Very informative. I have a few questions if U do not mind. 1.On the HD500-X can I control the ramp up and down of the rotary effect by using two buttons? I do not want to use the pedal for that. 2. Are there any string pad like effects? 3. If there are pad like effects Can I bring that pad in & out with the pedal? 4. IS there a simulated acoustic guitar sound like the Digitech stuff has? Thanx
I bought the rack mount and am very happy with it, As you said you cant afford the axe fx, sell the Bugera 6260 and the Blackstar series one 50 head that you never use other than wallpaper. There you go!
You weren't bullshitting when you said there were a lot of options. Might have to get one of these.
Have you tried the 4 cable method yet?
tone king, I dont mean this offensively in any way, but I really enjoy how much you remind me of Patton Oswalt
I agree!
When you do a piece of art no one really looks at the brushes or the pallets that the painter used. people look at what was painted and how it captured something they have never seen before.
So comparing one of these modellers with another really makes no sense. Try them all and buy what you could afford then get back to working on contributing your art.
I agree 100%. That is the beautiful thing about TH-cam - you can to learn and listen like you've never been able before! So many reviewers, So many options, So many great demos & reviews. Not too long ago - we depeneded on what retailers carried -and would buy based on what and how we were influenced. Today - we can buy what we like!
Well said
What is the advantage of Line 6 HD500X over Roland GT100 Effects Processors
Great demo!
are you recording the sound directly from the pod HD interface?
Vladislav Petrikov that’s what he said at least
love the demo TK but what are you playing the HD500x through? I'm Blackstar 20HT user with a number of stomp boxes on an effects board - interested to know if it's a good idea to switch to the Multi effects box - and how it would compare using an amp like the Blackstar.
Great demo. But why are all the demos about these products with only clean sound or full overdrive/distortion (except for the other effects)? I mean, I have a Vox Tonelab LE and what I love most about it is the possibility to play very sensitive (hit the string soft and its almost clean sound and then hit the string harder and the overdrive comes in) I could never make my music with only "on or off" sounds. So my question is: Can you "regulate" the overdrive with your picks on a HD500x as you can using a Vox Tonelab LE too? (sorry for my bad English)
Bård Kvale I have the LE & a bunch of others too! I love the LE but wish editing & programming was a little more intuitive. Some of the tones are really quite good.
One problem with the Axe FX2 is u can only buy direct or thru ONE dealer located in N. Hollywood, CA. No warranty if you buy elsewhere. Gives few the opportunity to actually try them out. Fractal does offer a 15 day full price return but you must return it in new condition so they can resell as new. Lots of money to shell out just to demo it. I live in So Cal so I was able to demo in N. Hollywood. Amp modeling has come a long way over the past ten years. Fractal, Line 6, Kemper and others all use the same technology. Fractal does insert two $300 DSP chips which control processing power, but that has nothing to do with the way it sounds. Test all the amp modelers you can find thru your amp, PA, monitors or headphones and buy the one that gives you the sounds you want and will use.
I have yet to see anybody actually go into the options available with a Variax, but I'm reasonably sure you can, at the least, change the voices, tunings, and models of the guitars available on the Variax. Would like to see an exploration of any other features that allows, if there are any.
I sold my fractal axe fx [ not worth it ] I found a 500x at a pawn shop for $200.00 took it home and compared it side by side , had it up and running in no time , the editor is great , I run it direct to a mesa 50/50 tube amp , best $200.00 I ever spent on gear
My only concern with multi FX units like this is single point of failure! If anything goes wrong you lose it all. This is why I prefer individual pedals because at least if one pedal dies, I can swap it out with a backup. Otherwise it would be required to have a backup unit like another Pod or M13 if one dies.
does the HD500x come factory with engl,diezel,mesa and peavey models or are those patches that have to be bought separate?
Hey man great video. I was wondering what dual signal path means on the hd500x. Also where or how can I get those patches because those are the coolest sounds I've ever heard! Thanks man
Hi Tone King may I know in this video are you playing the 500x through a guitar amp or a studio monitor?
i had two axe fx ultras then sold/traded one for this thing just to see. and it was night and day. this thing as just an effects unit is great but the amp sims on this are shitty unless you spend hours and days eqing it. but if you use it with a tube power amp its pretty good. but i also still end up using a tube power amp with my axe fx ultra, but it still sounds better.
I totally disagree 100%.
on which part?
wheresallthezombies You say the amp sims are shit. I have The POD HD RACK which is not as good as The HDX . I have absolutely no problem with any of the Amp Sims what so ever. And why would you trade an AXE-Fx for one of these? The Ultras are still worth more then $1000. This goes for $499 new.
lol i said sold/traded. meaning he gave me money plus this thing. when i was messing with it i cleared out the effects and just kept the amp and cab sim on. they just sounded harsh and some sounded thin and harsh. but whatever to each their own right?
wheresallthezombies Line 6 is horriable imo. The PV Vypyr is a Better Modeling Technology than the Line 6.
Tone king! Please do a review ttk style on the ios stompboxes, like digitechs, etc. They look similar to this
For all of the high tech this unit supposedly has I am sad that it doesn't have "spillover" of delays and reverb when switching from preset to preset. My 20 year old digitech processors can do that.. but this can't :( I think thats an expensive feature that requires "two" power chips inside..... having said all of that I bought this unit today :) so I'll let you know how it turns out it will arrive tomorrow :)
asimcantv what was the verdict?
+Oscar ZetaieAcosta The verdict is - most likely this unit already on eBay, and strong promises done - never buy crazy overpriced modelling toys anymore, if you want modelling, the ideal decision is to buy a 30$ Bias FX from Positive Grid for iPad, 100$ audio interface - done. You have everything outstanding quality and growing every second software gear under 150$.
Guitar Age I ended up buying more pedals.
+ an ipad...
Patton Oswalt jokes aside, I found this for 200 bucks, should I get it?
Nice job
I had the original HD500 for about 4 days and took it back. They need to double the DSP (which they never did with the 500X). I'm not "The Edge" with FX, but a dual tone amp with more than gate, pretty much craps the system out. Dual tone, with gate, verb, 1 mod and 1 delay isn't too much to ask. My PODX3 does that, so this should as well. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat, if they'd add more DSP.
YES LINE 6 DID improve the DSP.. The DSP and the new foot switches were at the for front of the new POD 500X.If your having problems with the POD, make sure you have it set up correctly. There are many ways to run these PODS. Cheers!!!
Line 6 "upgraded" the dsp by only 20% over the POD HD 500. So, for another $500 you get 20% more power . .which is bogus. But then again we are talking about Line 6. Like you I had the POD HD 500 and it choked on dual amp set ups, which is one of the things Line 6 was flogging that this unit could do. In truth it couldn't. I got rid of all my Line 6 gear and went to a real amp and analog pedals. Much better tone, response, and NO dsp issues. However the Kemper is looking pretty awesome but way too pricey. Cheers Zed.
As much as I would love to go back to amp/cab/pedals, it's just not practical for me to do. I don't play live to warrant dropping $1000+ on even a combo and some pedals. I do home recording and it's WAY easier (especially being an apartment dweller) to record using digital. I'd go AxeFX, but $2300+ for one? No. I love my Line6 stuff (using PODX3Live and UX1/Pod Farm) for recording, but I just wish they would have put more power into the HD line cause the tones are great. Even then HD Pro (from what I've heard) has the same DSP as the HD500, which is pretty sad.
Hey! Did you film this all on an iPhone!?
Super.... does it have a drum machine ?
nope
I have the Pod HD500 and here is my take: For the price there is nothing that sounds better for what this does. I never played a Axe-Fx II but does it sound 4X better than the HD500? not even close.
Hey Wally - same here. As I admitted in the video ... I never played an Axe-Fx unit. It may be the greatest thing on earth. I don't know. But, after playing something like the HD500x ... I don't have a compelling reason to try anything that is 5x - 6x more in price. So, I agree with you. And again - for the haters - I'm not saying the Axe-FX sucks. I'm sure it's a wonderful unit ... As a consumer, I just don't know if I'd find any interest in wanting to spend that much more after seeing what is available in the 500 price point. And that goes for any product in this price range. Heck - I'm still satisfied with my GSP1101 :-).
Tried em all kept the kemper. Use pod to control it and have a back up rig just in case.
Im just starting to record music, do you recommand this or the firehawk?
Is it possible to get a click tempo (bpm or tab tempo) from another keyboard source through midi with the new HD models? the X3 Live can't do that.
I own an Axe FX and swear by it. I went from a modeler like this to the Axe FX II and it's night and day. Axe wins. As for price? You get what you pay for. You can have the Line 6 stuff for cheap but it doesn't compare to some of the tones you get from one of rigs you have behind you. Consider how much you would have SAVED. Each one of those heads is easily $1500-$3000, a cabinet is another $800-1300 per cab, cables can range from $20-75 per cable, each pedal he owns is $50-100 easy, tuners can go for $70-150 and we haven't touched on the studio side of guitars. I get that you demo affordable gear for players on a budget but to call THIS an Axe Killer is just retarded.
Thor Bear Exactly. Many pros are replacing entire rigs for the one Axe FX unit. Fractal Audio puts a lot into the Axe FX, the firmware and the models; all of which are free to download with the purchase of the unit and are frequently updated. They spend time mapping each piece of equipment down to its last essence and then map mods to it so you can build and mod your tones further. I jokingly tell people that Fractal probably mapped things down to the environment it was mapped in, paneling, temperature, humidity and all... and I'm probably not far off. On top of all of that, its my understanding they're starting to work with some of the top producers to get "producer cabinets" and tones. Add to that, you can go on to the Axe-Exchange and download some of the patches that the Pros themselves have uploaded.
Thor Bear You apparently didn't watch the video Thor Bear? I am comparing the 2, based on 'feedback' I received when I asked someone a question. And I quote - 'it got me thinking'. I even included the text - so folks had some context around the discussion. That is why.
I own the HD500X and it's an xint unit. U have to create ur own sounds bc most of the stock sounds r a waste, but I'm able to create all the tones I want. I've played an Axe FX2 and I compared them side by side and IMO it's not worth the $2500 difference. Playing blues and classic rock tones I get just as good of sound thru the HD500X , i.e. VH, SRV, Clapton, Angus, Lukather, Gilmour and knopfler. HD500X Fender, Dr.Z, JTM45, Divided by 13 and Vox30 r xint amps. It's NOT an Axe killer, but IMO it has some great tones and is a super deal for the money when compared to the Axe.
***** This to axe fx 2 is what squire is to fender, that said 2500 for a modeller, any modeller, is way too much.
***** u mst b like 12 yr old, or? you type like you b a mid school gurl. Jesus H Christ, enough with the fucktarded shorthand gibberish speak.
The A:SID is crazy sounding.
Dear Tone King first I want to say I am a big supporter of yours, and I hate the AXE FX and the douche bags that use them "but" to compare this unit to an AXEFX is like comparing a a hand held calculator to an iphone. Having said that I will buy one of these next week to use in a 4 cable system with my new amp... what is missing from this unit which "it needs" is the ability to switch channels on a external tube amp..
Hi, none of the factory presets are showing up on my POD HD500X Edit display and all updates are completed. What step do I need to take in order to have these displaying? Thanks a million.
hey tone king, just had a question on the POD HD500x, since you're recording straight from the POD to the DAW, would this be used a a process and an interface? would the quality of sound from the recording be as good as it would be if you were to connect it to an interface like the focusrite scarlett 2i4 that has the use of PAD inputs?
I use the HD500X as my interface, and it functions absolutely wonderfully. It has a PAD switch too.
just make sire you're getting the sample rate in 24bit and you're good to go.
As a soloist, how would this or the HD500 go sound wise with both my 1. Acoustic guitar to the 1/4" input and 2. Vocals into XLR input (seperate EQ and reverb needed for each). I'd also like to connect my 3. Roland SPD ONE kick drum pad into the AUX in (no effects needed)! Then direct to the PA speaker with 1 mono XLR lead. Would that work and sound good? Want to get rid of the mixer :).
If the Line 6 X3 live was good enough for Lincoln Brewster it is good enough for most.. But he also has some studio tech skills so he knows how to tweak the device.. I think he uses some of the plexi models and 4x12 greenback cab model but the secret sauce is changes he have done in the parametric EQ..
He runs the DI from the X3 live to the PA for the audience and runs a single jack cable to a VOX AC30 used as his monitor on stage..
Great video!..You got past the normal hot licks with your scrolling thru some of the sounds available which is tilting my opinion towards buying this unit.
Do the other HD series have the same effects? I mean like the synthy sounds, brass ect.
Sorry wasnt trying to start a war lol i think your a great guy doing what you do. Its just like your afraid that you will like it you had times at shows you could have tryed it. one thing fratcal has over L6 is there up dates and support is the best hands down. Saw a guy bought one of Ebay had issues with cliff said send it in. Guess what never charged the guy try that with L6.on top of that you want new amp mods you buy them from L6. Cliff ADDS them for free. Any way i had L6 vetta 2 head and cab i loved it, thats not cheap either far as price. crap made cab junk speakers in it. plus long board thats like 2k/ axe 2100 I dont see it all that much, for whats out there either way try one out you can sell off some behind you :O) keep up the great work Rock On
The axe fx is a lot, but having owned one for a while I'd say you get a lot for your money. I sold my mark v cos I prefer the axe and it's £600 less! Ps I'm not a metal player
Video video starts at 2:02
TTK, are both High and Low-Z outputs live at the same time on this unit?
Is there a noise gate in that thing?
I was given one. I guess if you have not heard the real deal this is fun to mindlessly scroll though if you are totally baked. These are like the treadmills people buy with big ideas of getting into shape and within a months its used to hang clothes on. Endless tone variations spur the imagination but cold, sterile,soulless, jack of all trades,master of none is what I was greeted with.
Hey Tone King, great review but I had a question. I use a Peavey Triple X head and cab with an ibanez tube screamer, Boss Noise Gate and a tuner in front of my amp right now along with the remote switch for the peavey. I love my distortion tone but my sound for everything especially leads is very dry which is why I'm looking into effects pedals like this. My question is how can I set my tripple X and the ibanez tube screamer up with the Pod pedal to hit one footswitch and have everything switch to my desired setting without having to tap dance. Would appreciate some advice thank you.
I would eagerly replace a heavy guitar amp with this small rig, just to save my spine with a little sacrifice for the sound and analogueistic-ego-trippin
AMEN.....I have severaL very nice amps
But none if them under 50lbs.
My back is going to like this
Awesome video but I've watched 2 hours worth of footage about this unit and nobody can answer my question... Also the 3 guitar centers in my city dont have one....?
There's a reason the pod is 500 and the axefx is 2500.
I had "NO IDEA" that this unit could get the sounds that you were able to get out of it TK. When you had the Brass sound it sounded like you would have had to have a synth pickup installed on your guitar or in fact a syth-guitar period. I am admitting that I don't know that if this unit could be used as an onstage or gigging unit to be able to dial in all or any of the sounds that you might be able to save and get at a moments notice. I mean you wouldn't find me with a computer screen or an I-Pad on a stage next to me.
So is this unit one can still utilize as easy as the Fractal Axe FXII type of unit. And believe me that one sort of scares the crap out of me. I guess I'm still the guy that wants a amp and then in order to get sounds I will use my effects pedals that I totally love. "BUT" being very much a Jazz player and musician, I dig the fact that there are certain things out there that can make my guitar sound like a piano or electric piano or a string orchestra as well as the sound of a sax other woodwind and flute instruments.
The problem I've always had with this type of stuff is that you have to buy and use a certain guitar or you will have to put on some sort of pickup on any of your existing guitars, hence ruining them by have to drill or rout out the wood to make it work. And then of course once again when all is said and done....you start looking a pretty heavy duty large sum of money only to worry that it will be outdated and then a NEW and better type of unit will be out there and in fact might be cheaper.
So your making me think my man and you've done a FAB job in doing this demo. For which all anyone should be able to really say is a simple "THANK YOU".
BIG T... :)
helloTTK from slovenia.i own hd 500.i use this unite as preamp conneected to combo v50-crate,using poweramp and high gain sound is not that good.a looot of tweaking, less playing,hehe.its not bad for direct rec.sound is fizzy.can you make a demo how it sounds for you thru power amp..you'll make my day.great reviews.keep on riffing
I'm a fairly happy Line 6 customer (Bass Pod, M5, Pocket Pod) and think they put out a great product, but to look at the number of major artists that have either incorporated into or flat-out made the Axe-Fx their live rigs (it seems like every other Premier Guitar Rig Rundown has one) has me thinking there is something to the whole Fractal phenomenon.
Line 6 and Fractal both make the same type of product, but I do think they are geared towards slightly different markets. Price is the most obvious evidence of that. :)
Hey trushack - I agree about being geared to different markets. Let's face it - there's a need and a place for both in my honest opinion. If Fractal makes great units - and players dig them - then great for Fractal & those players! And, if Line 6 makes gear that players did - great for them too. In the end - we all win - because there are a number of products that are geared for all players at different price points! Can't go wrong!!
*****
Right there with you! In the case of Line 6 versus Fractal, I agree that the cheaper option (Line 6) will probably satisfy the needs of 98% of players out there interested in modeling-based rigs, whether they're bedroom players, studio rats or players that want to use a modeling rig live versus the traditional amp/pedal set-up.
That other 2%? To me, those are the "names" in the world of guitar playing, the guys who have lots of resources and make a living doing soundtrack stuff or backing up huge acts on tour or in the studio, if they're not THE huge act themselves. I think that's Fractal's main market. It's sort of like the people I know that are heavily into computer programming or photography...they have so much skill and know-how at their fingertips that the stuff that's accessible but even excellent quality stuff is of limited interest to them. They're so beyond most of the equipment normally available that only the capabilities of ultra-premium stuff intrigues them anymore.
Naturally, there are lots of us to have the "2% experience," hence the wide appeal of Fractal stuff to the other 98%. Hell, I'm squarely in that 98% and probably always will be and love my Line 6 stuff and I'm still intrigued by the Axe-Fx II.
And really, when you think about it, for guys like Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa and Alex Lifeson cost is much less of a factor, if at all. Having recently seen Lifeson's latest rig, I would imagine that his Axe Fx probably doesn't even count for 10% of the total cost of putting that whole thing together. It might be one of the cheapest components in his rig!
Point is, that 2% isn't as nearly as constrained on cost as guys like us, so they can pick whatever gear meets their demands. And lots of guys are going with the Axe Fx. Shlubs like us have to be a little more cost-conscious, and that's where stuff like the Line 6 unit make sense. TTK is right though...more options are great for everyone.
trushack We are assuming these artists actually paid for their units. Look at the Steve Vai equipment vid. He talks about all the free equipment he's given in hopes that he will use it. One artist endorsement could potentially get many consumers to pay $3000.00. I'd happily give away one unit to sell 100:)
This is true, but I'm pretty sure Steve Vai could wrangle free or discounted gear from just about any company out there. Either way, he still has far greater resources at his disposal, giving him much more flexibility to play the gear he wants, rather than worrying whether it will be a budget-buster or not.
Is the 500x independent or is it necessary to have the rack processor too?
rack processor? no, it's independent. The screen shot is on your computer if you choose to hook your HD 500 up to your computer using a usb cord.
Hey there TK and community. I'm thinking about purchasing an amp modeler of some kind.
No one seems to be addressing whether the HD500X or the AxeFX II Feels like playing a real amp. (Currently in 2014) The last time I tried any Line 6 gear it was the Vetta II Head. That head could sound Very close to the Bogner Uberschall, which is Awesome, but because of the few milliseconds of latency it didn't Feel like one.
How is the latency on these units in 2014? How does that Feel? This issue is a Very close second to the tones you can achieve. Please help. (I may go try the HD500X myself today.)
Also, does an iPad running a guitar sim (JamUp w/BIAS, etc.) compare at all? Is there more latency with an app on an iPad, or less? When using a bluetooth foot pedal to change patches on an iPad is the switching smoother or worse than the HD500X or AxeFX II?
Any help is tremendously appreciated. Thank you all!
Do you know how this thing sounds through the Line 6 Stagesource speakers?
can you just use it for the effects? also how do you change the tone/gain/volume and all that stuff of the pedals? do you have to use a computer to do that, or can it be done through the unit?
+Zach Hale Yessssss people have detailed how to hook it up online: search and ye shall find the information you seek!
Hello, is it possible to record Input guitar and input mic in the same time ? Or do we need another sound card ? Thanks
HD500X or Firehawk? Im stuck between these two. Please help!
HD500X; the firehawk sounds great (personal experience) but the tweakability of the HD500X is so much more, while the firehawk tends to box you in sometimes with tweaking
Hello! (sorry for my english translated by google, I am from Brazil) :D
My boyfriend has a POD HD500x, but he does not see very well by far the display. I want to help him doing something.
I wonder: Could I mirror the display in the notebook, save presets in the software (POD HD500x Edit) and still control the pedal?
keep doing all the effects on the music, still connected to the notebook, with the foot?
I am researching in secret, because I want to gift on his birthday. Thank you for now. :)
Yes, when you connect it to a laptop or a pc, youll be able to control everything so much easier with the pedalboard working.
if i only wanted to use its pedal functions and not the amp or pre amp part, could i or will those parts always be present?
Yes - you can separate 'Amp Model' from 'Pre-Amp' model and even isolate 'effects'. Example : there are some artists that still dig their amp, but enjoy these units for Effects. Or - someone others that want pre-amp models going into a tube power amp so when cranked - it warms over a bit more than straight up SS. In all cases - you can slice it how you like it.
***** ok cool. thanks for the information TTK :-)
you do know how to get me intrested in certain gear :-)
I'm considering buying this unit but I wonder can you turn of the amp simulation and just use it for stuff like effects? I have my clean and dirty sound from my amp so I would only use this for delays, modulation etc. Is it doable?
you can do that. use the 4 cable method
Price can be very volatile. My T Rex Magnus was 399 then it dropped for a while to 299 so I jumped. Then it went back up to 399.00. I did a short review for a friend on it & found it couple of weeks back at 399. Today when I sent my thoughts on it ,,,, it is gone. No longer on the market. I'm thinking more & more I'm just gonna stick with My Danelectro pedals! On these bigger models there are so many sounds,,, that I would never use. I can't imagine trying to remember where this is or that. Maybe if I was doing a movie sound track. These days it is mostly my T Rex & my Fly Rig as a back up.
Hey there brother, you still here?. I've got a few questions. Jesse.
Who wants to pay thousands for an Axe-fx?
The Question is, is the HD500X the next best thing in this priec range or should be look at the Boss or something else.
Any opinions on that?
What DAW is that?
Any help?! My hd500x is not working thru my laptop. I already update all my drivers. Usb connection also not working.
I myself am going to be skipping the Line 6 products and aim straight for the Axe-FX II. I have dabbled with Line 6 products before -- Pod Farm 2.0 -- along with other guitar emulation software including Guitar Rig, but I feel I could achieve my killer tone with the Axe FX. I am a tweaker kind of guy and the Axe-FX II would be perfect for me.
Nonetheless, I still believe Line 6 makes good products. Heck, the whole reason I got into recording in the first place was because some of my guitar idols use Line 6 products to make some pretty awesome music.
If any of you like Line 6, keep on supporting it! You have my support too Line 6.
This guy would make a great gangster
Great review but there is something I disagree with. I own and HD500, the previous version (changes are mostly easthetic) and I have to say it takes SERIOUS work to get a great sound out of the unit. Even though you can get great patches to work beautifully, it takes a lot of time to dial those in.
I think the issue relies more on the modeler side of things than on the FX side. FX are fairly great such as in an M9. When we get to chose an amp and cab the HD500 IMHO falls short of easiness of use.
Once again, I'm not saying the unit sounds bad. It doesn't. What I'm saying is that (at least in my case) it takes a lot of time to get a great sound out of it. So much that I found myself saving the patches and wanting to fiddle with those no more.
where do i get the drivers so i can edit sounds on my laptop
line6.com. It's a little involved. You have to download line6 monkey, and then line6 edit. The drivers you need should show when your unit is plugged into your computer usb line6 website will "see" the unit you have and suggest the right drivers.
how come my hd500x doesnt sound as clear? Its very dark and muffled sounding. I have it direct in through my usb and have the 1/4" cables going through my focusrite 2i2. is that a problem? how do I properly set it up? I want to love it but I'm getting very annoyed and frustrated, and hoping it wasn't a waste
sounds like you dont have the gain high enough on the recording track
my recording track? if I put more gain, it will clip
make the mic closer to the cab in the software ... that may help
dreaminglad
how do I do that? All I see is the mic selection and cab models.
*****
yea, what is the deal with the volume pedal? I don't understand what it does other than, well, change the volume. I use the pod direct in. Dimarzio Evo and S.Duncan JB picks ups.
I'm having trouble with my looper. When I have a loop going and I change the sound, the loop goes to the sound. But sometimes it doesn't??? What should I do?
looper can be pre or post effects. while in looper mode toggle FS3
Love my hd500, wouldn't trade it for anything.
Sweet. Thx Ariels. It's a robust unit for sho. Like I said - I don't think it's missing much. For what the average player needs & requires - it has that, and a whole lot of discovery / cool features - like mic placement, cabinet types, speaker types, etc. It's pretty damn cool if you ask me :-)
I agree. The only thing I don't like are the default presets, but that's the same with any pedalboard/amp combo, you have to dial in your sounds. Most of the presets are over the top, like they are trying to show off the max effect, with a little knob turning it's all good. Steve Howe uses one exclusively on stage.
How is this thing compared to the Digitech Rp 1000 IMHO...i thought the Digitech sounded more fuller and more natural with almost no bee in the can kinda noise while playing......can someone correct me if i am wrong....
The brass setting totally sounds straight out of Bladerunner
This might be a noob Question but does anyone know if the POD HD500X works with a line 6 spider 4 30?
Yes it does
I am not into the fx presets but the tones on this do sound pretty killer I love the regular tones you did and oh yeah I am going to be switching froma half stack to a full range powered speaker system I have noticed my digitech rp 500 sounds best that way
Akaboo! Thx dude. Great to hear from you!
no problem man im working ngiths these days so ive been out of pocket but I do keep up with the majority of your vids so do you think I should go the full range route
Im not the kinda guy to use effects if i hook up a tube screamer and delay pedal its a big deal but i can't seem to see the need for changing and making all those different noises. Give me a 68 Plexi and a Tube screamer and ill show the Ax Fx guy real tone!
I thought I was confused before!
nice review I get confused easily I bought a zoom effects just to see. but I had more trouble trying to get what I wanted than with the pedals I own but if you can wrap your brain around all of the things it does sounds and looks worth the money. You need to be smarter than the unit and unfortunately I am not.
PV's Vypyr Tech is better.
That would be an interesting shoot-out. However - I noticed that the latest Peavey has Peavey specific sounds (6505, XXX, etc.). The LIne 6 has more generic sounds, no just Peavey - so I'm not even sure a straight up shoot-out is possible. I guess you can always use your ears -and simply choose the one that you like best :-)
If you can't hear a difference in an AXE-II and a POD, you have no ear for tone. You can't call yourself a tone-king if you can't hear it. The POD is good, especially for the price. BUT.. the AXE is authentic. It's real, it's alive, it has sag, bounce, air and life to the tone, like a tube amp does. The POD sounds digital. The AXE sounds real. Spend some time with both, and you will realize the difference. Not knocking the POD. But... There is a reason top bands and musicians like Metallica, Dream Theater, Periphery, Dweezil Zappa and other use the AXE-FX. Never seen a top band use a POD.