Line 6 POD HD500X

Does anyone own one of these? I've been checking it out and considering buying. I have a Pocket POD but like the ability to quickly change tones on the spot that the HD500X offers. If anyone has experience with this I'd like to hear your thoughts.

I have the P pod also.. you might check out the Line 6 Helix.. A bit pricey, but looks promising to me..

Yeah the Helix looks really nice.

I have had a POD HD500/x for almost 5 years now. It is paired with a DT50 and the sounds are very convincing. I have also run this direct to an amplifier with good results as well.

First off, there are people out there knocking the product because they can't get it to sound good. I have been a Line6 user since early 2003. It started off as a recording experiment and eventually found it's way into the live setting. I feel like I understand all the parameters of the units in detail, so I can expect better success than someone new to the product line. I have owned all of the PODs in succession with each of their releases (2.0, XTLive, X3Live, HD500, and HD500x). So if you decide to purchase let me know if you have any issues and I can point you in the right direction.

Secondly, I play in more of a "variety" type band that requires several different types of options (effects or all out different aspects in tonal characteristics). If you don't require much, or only going to use it for a couple tones, there are other options out there that might be better in the long run. Maybe the Line 6 M9 or M13 for effects combined with your one good to go tone from an amp. Just an idea.

I do feel the tones from the HD500 or HD500x do have rather authentic tones. I am a bit of a tone snob, and do own a 65amps Empire head. I do like good Marshall Plexi tones. While my ear my not be as good as some, if you are an average gigging musician, most people in bars or county fair events can't even tell a difference. It does perform really well in live settings as long as you understand where your frequencies lie in a full band context.

I know this is quite long, but I didn't have this information going in on my purchase. I hope this helps you make an informed decision. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate and let me know.

Thanks,
Zach

Thanks Zach, I appreciate that. I also own a Spider iv amp. It's much more convenient than other amps and effects I've owned. As far as tone quality goes, I've been happy and I hope anyone who is badmouthing them realizes that some adjustments will need to be made based on the guitar your using. Playing style always makes a difference too. I'm a variety player also. Though I don't play in a band yet, I like to switch between genres while I'm practicing. It looks like the hd500x makes it easy to quickly switch between tones with the programmable stomp switches. Say from jazz to blues to rock. This is what appeals to me the most.
Thanks again,
Shane

Originally Posted by: espemg81[br][br]It does perform really well in live settings as long as you understand where your frequencies lie in a full band context.[br][br]Zach

What does this mean?

Have you considered a firehawk fx....I run it into 2 peavy dm 112 and it sounds great.

I have a pod hd500X running thru a line6 spider 150 amp, and I love it!! One thing I like about it is that you can download music patches online with it, AWSOME!!! Just go to custometone.com.

personally, using the podxt for years, I realize that there has been some real progress in terms of the clarity and brilliance of the sound, as well as the response to the dynamics.

____________________________________________________

https://dltutuapp.com/

https://kodi.software/

https://luckypatcher.pro/

I've been using this unit since 2014. Sound wise it seems ok. I'm not too much of a sound-buff so turning a few knobs for a few minutes and i'm mostly happy. I've been running it directly into the PA and in the band contect it works just fine (heavy metal).

The big letdown for me was the quality of the unit itself. I almost exclusively use it in the rehersal room for one weekend each month. I dont carry it around at all, yet still the power connector on the unit started to crap out on my after 2 years. Last rehersal i used the wha pedal (which i have used like.. 5 times since i have the pod) and it didnt work anymore.

Maybe it was just bad luck with my unit, but I am now thinking about getting the Headrush instead.

I recently purchased the Line 6 Amplifi fx100. It has a great range of sounds, is built like a tank and also has an online data base where you can search for settings uploaded by other users for specific bands and songs many of which are very accurate. These can then be downloaded to your unit. I run it directly into our bands PA and then have my signal in the monitors for most gigs. I did purchase a Headrush active speaker cabinet which matches the unit very well for when I am on a bigger stage and like to hear my guitar behind me though I still run a signal to the PA from that. All in all the Amplifi has been a great purchase and has allowed me to feel comfortable gigging without a stage amplifier for the first time.

One thing to consider with this unit that might be a game changer.....you can't hook up a looper to it. well you can but it will sound horrible.

Not sure if we are talking about the same thing but I recently bought the Line 6 Pocket POD so that I could take my guitar on holiday with me.

I woke up at dawn every morning 9 days and took me, my Hofner Travel guitar, my POD and my headphones down on to the beach for a 2 hour practise before the crowds started!!!

What and amazing piece of kit for about £ 80 (under $ 70 perhaps?)

On returning it doesnt sounds nearly as good through an amp but what amazing tones through the headphones. This replaced my VOX Rock interface which was great but on the POD, the combinations are limitless!

A great buy!