Line 6 POD HD500X

Side effects, I think everything is available. I did also some tests on my side with the RAT pedals and TS808 to see the difference. Frankly it's hard for me to like it. I tested them with a tube amp without simulates POD side to try to be as neutral as possible.

Then next patch management, software is really necessary and well done, many possible settings and I think a good patch requires well refined the setting. From my side, I charge existing patches and I fit the guitar (Gibson Les Paul Studio + Classic 57 ')

I do not go into battle analog is better than digital, I leave it to those who want to discuss. But from my side, I think this machine as the eleven rack FX axis is really great for those who like me have a little bit of everything and do not want to spend hours setting the amp, effects depending on the piece. Here we take the POD is the branch and go up or down on the volume.

For connectivity there is no problem while I use the USB to make recordings and then send one or backtrack in the pod. Then all are connected to a mixer or like me on a FRFR powered speaker (ALTO 112A). For those interested without my pub, you will here recordings with the POD and styles (I'm not a pro, so thank you for not killing me in the comments ). However ca give you an idea of ​​what an amateur like me can do with a POD. See here:

UTILIZATION

The configuration is not really easy but the management tool is really well done and very professional.

The manual is clear but I recommend to have a look here: http://foobazaar.com/podhd/toneGuide/setup

Editing sounds very simple but the software

SOUND QUALITY

Side effects frankly it's really amazing and especially the amp simulations.

But beware once you really spend time tweaking sounds or buy. I acquired those of Glenn Delaune here: https://glenndelaune.com/patch%20downloads.htm

I find them pretty good and well made, the guy spent time. The settings are fine but adaptable. I think he made according to different guitars he has available.

OVERALL OPINION

It'll be 1 year and I use it extensively, I had a ZOOM G3 moreover not sound bad, but worse than that one.

I think this is a good compromise for people who want switcher from analog to digital. The material is strong and suitable for those who do live. Again in my opinion forget the amps etc to use, you really need a sound or at least an active FRFR speaker if the rendering is not very good.

all known effects are present! and everything is editable and this is his forte! and the SPDIF output

UTILIZATION

if the editor is awesome and inspiring, everything is possible! the use of the device is (physical) is a real bad gas plant in thought and uninviting, not always clear manual also I do not use with the computer ... but hey, I'm a lazy too! I do not like taking my head but it's not insurmountable either!
So 9/10 for "reduced to 7 because the rest editor

SOUND QUALITY

the effects are very nice distos of average factory but can be very good things by looking at the beast or downloading sounds on the line 6 site

OVERALL OPINION

6 months already ...
yes zoom g 5 a boss gt through Lorraine and so on
this is the best compromise even when the zoom is better usability side and whatever may be said with sounds more than okay!
What is the strength of pod HD 500X is the software that allows us to easily find the sounds you look for is very easy to tweak the choice of the type of amp cab pickups order effects (innumerable) ... and especially the SPDIF output: no deterioration of sound recording, no surprises and that's not nothing !!! I save more input on my sound card already overloaded! for me it is essential Studio
the value for money is a good bit more expensive than zoom but ultimately more pro
for the studio I will keep the unit even if I plan something else to the scene as the amp line 6 spider IV

Features:
aste collection of HD amps winning an incredible authenticity.
Over 100 studio effects and pedals - superimpose up to eight simultaneously.
Speakers and microphones to choose from.
Incomparable flexibility to achieve your sound:
Two signal chains
Multiple routing options
Dynamic DSP releasing more power to the amps and effects
Stereo effects loop can be inserted anywhere in the signal chain
Professional foot switches with LED rings visible
Full range of I / O including USB 2.0 jacks, MIDI, S / PDIF, balanced XLR outputs, a mic preamp built etc..
Guitar input with adjustable impedance.
Programmable MIDI controller: switches and expression pedal can be used to control external MIDI devices.
L6 LINK ™ to integrate and control amplifiers DT and StageSource ® speakers.
VDI connection for integration and control of a James Tyler Variax ® ® guitar.
8 "Set Lists" 64 memories.
512 memories for user presets.
The expression pedal assignable pilot amp and effect settings.
Internal Looper 48 seconds with dedicated foot switch.
Chromatic Tuner.
Tap Tempo footswitch.
Manufacturing professional quality with a bent metal housing, a chrome bar protection and a molded pedal expression.

UTILIZATION

In terms of use,
very simple for my taste.
Half an hour goes around and attack!
The manual is basic but simple, you can download on the Advanced Line 6 version, but not necessarily required.
Personally I plug it into my amp and simultaneously on my Mac, so I play and edit my presets live!
Only downside, Line 6 could have a command center in full screen.

SOUND QUALITY

As for the sound quality,
it is very good for my taste. Now, I'm not fond of ordinary effects! only valid for my taste are those created in the studio but hey you can not have everything!
Overall, the effects are realistic and clean.
Now, my opinion is really subjective because I'm not a fan of pedals and other but I really do not like the distortions that are bland, ugly digital finally what!
I never used but I still wanted to try and I am disappointed.
I use it only for effects and mixing effects such as Delay, Flanger, Uvibe etc etc that are, like, discos, very good quality!
When you do not put effects, amps etc etc ie in direct line, it does not alter the sound of your amp, which is a significant advantage.

OVERALL OPINION

I recommend it because it is a very good pedal and most importantly affordable!
The price / quality ratio is excellent.
I would not have been long enough to judge the quality of manufacture.
What I like the most is editing in real time and very simple.

Everything has already been said in previous reviews and the site Line6

However, I wanted to give a special mention for the construction of the pedal, the finish is at the top and to the overall quality of buttons and switches other. Everything in this pedal exudes strength. Special mention also for the connection, more than complete!

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple?
Relatively simple. Changes banks are not through switch for the rest it is commands to scroll the screen (backlit high quality). Some other controls are accessed directly, such as EQ or volume preset and master.

Editing sounds and effects is it easy?
Working only in home studio environment, I only use my PC via the publisher, so yes, in this case the issue is very simple and allows very easy access to all parameters, modify existing banks and importantly, create their own.

The manual is clear and sufficient?
Not read ...

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are they effective, responsive and realistic enough?
Okay, well I've never had the opportunity to hear a Plexi, or a JCM800 Dual Rectifier (except through the test Judge Dred ), so impossible for me to tell if the simulations are realistic or not. However, what I can say is that they sound good and are easy to use in a composite. As is often the case in this type of machine, the basic presets go wow! to @ #! #! So it will be interesting and necessary to create your own presets using the user banks (whose number is quite high I think). Anyway it sounds clearly better than all those pesky plug-ins that I finally got rid!

Which instruments do you use?
Ibanez S570
Charvel DC-1
Squier Fat Strat

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
2 days.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Korg AX3000G and many plug-ins

What is the particular feature you like best and least?
+ Manufacturing quality
+ Connector
+ Overall sound
+ Number of amp models, effects
+ Number of possible combinations

- No on / off switch

How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice?
The price / quality ratio is good in terms of sound quality and build quality of this pedal that was clearly built for the stage. Yes I do it again this choice, especially at this price it is difficult or impossible to find as well.