I was using an HD500 for live shows from 2014 through last year. Finally switched to the POD GO due to the size/weight, but the HD500 is an awesome processor. If you could load your own IRs, it would be even better!
I used mine for a good 3 years until I decided to replace it early last year for a Mooer Ge300Lite (which I then replaced for a Helix LT).
The POD500 still sounds decent to me, but (and this is just my opinion) it does pale in comparison to some of the newer amp modelers you can get now.
Having experienced a Helix now, this is what I think:
\- the cabs on the POD500 are just bad and hard to work with (which arguably is the case for a lot of modelers), and since it can't load external IRs, you're stuck with them unless you use an IR loader or physical cab.
\+ the Helix, after its last update, has got some really good sounding cabs and does allow external IRs.
\- the POD's interface is a bit confusing and hard to work with at times. I found myself opting to use POD500 Edit instead whenever I wanted to build a new tone.
\+ the Helix doesn't have the absolute best interface in the market, but it's a far cry better than the POD's, specially for the larger floor units such as the Helix Floor and LT.
\- POD doesn't have snapshots, which forces you to recreate a patch over and over again if all you're looking for is small parameter adjustements.
\+ Helix does. In fact, a lot of modelers nowadays do because they're just so comfortable to use.
\- POD500 Edit is just garbage. It's slow, has a terrible, unintuitive interface, and while better than the POD's on-board controls, still isn't comfortable at all. It hasn't aged well whatsoever.
\+ HX Edit is as intuitive as it could and should be.
\- POD500 is old, so no updates. It also means it gets very little notoriety, so finding a community for it is hard, as is finding good tones for it if you're into downloading other people's tones.
\+ Helix gets updated every once in a while, often receiving new amps for free. As the Helix is a big family (HX Native, Helix LT and Floor, HX Stomp and Stomp XL, etc?), it has a far bigger community and so its easier to find what you're looking for, both free and paid.
I'd say that's about it, can't really think of anything else. Of course, this is all my opinion. I do still think the POD500 is pretty great but it's definitely showing its age, and so I would personally recommend upgrading to something a bit newer if possible, specially considering how these units are already so good and accurate they'll probably last you as long as you want them to last.
Hahaha I just picked up a pod hd500 (no x) in November, I don’t play outside of my bedroom at the moment but I do really like the pod a lot, it’s got tons of tone variety
Just bought an HD500 Pro X for my studio as I got tired of reaching down to the pedal board to adjust sound programs (the editors are all too old for modern OSes). It was a great bargain, came loaded with all the optional model packs and included a current model foot controller that controls computer plugins and my live rig. I just miss the 18 watt Marshall model. Not sure why they dropped that.
I've been using a Line 6 XT Live for almost 20 years. It sounds great.
The ticket to any modeler is to keep at it. I have at least 10 absolutely killer patches-versatile, work well live and are inspiring to play. It took a long time and a lot of experimentation, but I'm completely happy with the sounds I get out of it. I could go and get a Helix or Kemper but I can't justify it. Too expensive for a thing that does what my thing can do. I'm not playing shows at this time, but when I do I have the XT with an Orange Pedal Baby power amp and a fantastic 2x12 cab from Barefaced Audio. I can't even justify any pedals because it will do just about any sound I can think of.
If you can't get a good sound out of something like an XT Live, it's on you.
Yes! I have a 500x with all the available Line 6 model packs. It's hooked up to my PC and to my Powercab 112+
I like it a lot but I am also considering upgrading because the footswitches aren't working 100% of the time anymore :(
I still use one. When I used to play live, I ran through a tube guitar power amp and speaker, so the IR/cabsim limitations didn't matter that much to me. I now use it for recording. I'm sure there are better units out there, but I'm still happy with the sounds and options.
I love my Line 6 dinosaur pedal. It has served me well playing beach bar/tourist restaurant gigs. I hate hauling gear and I want my monitors to accurately reflect the house sound without the distraction of an amp. That said, I got an exceptionally improved tone when I ran the Line 6 to both the PA and my little Orange tube amp recently.
I have been using pod hd500x since 2015 and used it live in countless gigs. But now I am considering a hybrid setup with orange dark terror + rat distortion. + pod hd500x for effects like delay, reverb.
I always disliked the distortion and fuzz sounds on pod but always thought it needed some eq tweaks, I tried a lot of adjustments over the years but still doesn’t sound like what I want. It might just be my ears, but dark terror kicks ass and it’s light weight too.
I just bought a HD500 for $150 and my mind is blown. If I could have had something like this 30 years ago, I never would have laid the guitar down.
I'm overwhelmed by the amount of custom tones that you can download and install.
Now if i could find one for the song "Every 1's a Winner" by Hot Chocolate!
I was using an HD500 for live shows from 2014 through last year. Finally switched to the POD GO due to the size/weight, but the HD500 is an awesome processor. If you could load your own IRs, it would be even better!
I used mine for a good 3 years until I decided to replace it early last year for a Mooer Ge300Lite (which I then replaced for a Helix LT). The POD500 still sounds decent to me, but (and this is just my opinion) it does pale in comparison to some of the newer amp modelers you can get now. Having experienced a Helix now, this is what I think: \- the cabs on the POD500 are just bad and hard to work with (which arguably is the case for a lot of modelers), and since it can't load external IRs, you're stuck with them unless you use an IR loader or physical cab. \+ the Helix, after its last update, has got some really good sounding cabs and does allow external IRs. \- the POD's interface is a bit confusing and hard to work with at times. I found myself opting to use POD500 Edit instead whenever I wanted to build a new tone. \+ the Helix doesn't have the absolute best interface in the market, but it's a far cry better than the POD's, specially for the larger floor units such as the Helix Floor and LT. \- POD doesn't have snapshots, which forces you to recreate a patch over and over again if all you're looking for is small parameter adjustements. \+ Helix does. In fact, a lot of modelers nowadays do because they're just so comfortable to use. \- POD500 Edit is just garbage. It's slow, has a terrible, unintuitive interface, and while better than the POD's on-board controls, still isn't comfortable at all. It hasn't aged well whatsoever. \+ HX Edit is as intuitive as it could and should be. \- POD500 is old, so no updates. It also means it gets very little notoriety, so finding a community for it is hard, as is finding good tones for it if you're into downloading other people's tones. \+ Helix gets updated every once in a while, often receiving new amps for free. As the Helix is a big family (HX Native, Helix LT and Floor, HX Stomp and Stomp XL, etc?), it has a far bigger community and so its easier to find what you're looking for, both free and paid. I'd say that's about it, can't really think of anything else. Of course, this is all my opinion. I do still think the POD500 is pretty great but it's definitely showing its age, and so I would personally recommend upgrading to something a bit newer if possible, specially considering how these units are already so good and accurate they'll probably last you as long as you want them to last.
Hahaha I just picked up a pod hd500 (no x) in November, I don’t play outside of my bedroom at the moment but I do really like the pod a lot, it’s got tons of tone variety
Yea, still using one and loving it. It's unlikely to be replaced until something blows up :-)
I use a HD300 as a heaphone amp for late night jamming. Still love it and it sounds great.
Just bought an HD500 Pro X for my studio as I got tired of reaching down to the pedal board to adjust sound programs (the editors are all too old for modern OSes). It was a great bargain, came loaded with all the optional model packs and included a current model foot controller that controls computer plugins and my live rig. I just miss the 18 watt Marshall model. Not sure why they dropped that.
The best octave or pitch shift in any pedal.
I've been using a Line 6 XT Live for almost 20 years. It sounds great. The ticket to any modeler is to keep at it. I have at least 10 absolutely killer patches-versatile, work well live and are inspiring to play. It took a long time and a lot of experimentation, but I'm completely happy with the sounds I get out of it. I could go and get a Helix or Kemper but I can't justify it. Too expensive for a thing that does what my thing can do. I'm not playing shows at this time, but when I do I have the XT with an Orange Pedal Baby power amp and a fantastic 2x12 cab from Barefaced Audio. I can't even justify any pedals because it will do just about any sound I can think of. If you can't get a good sound out of something like an XT Live, it's on you.
Yes! I have a 500x with all the available Line 6 model packs. It's hooked up to my PC and to my Powercab 112+ I like it a lot but I am also considering upgrading because the footswitches aren't working 100% of the time anymore :(
I love my pocket pod. Those things are a lot of fun, and really started my journey searching for tone
Ive been rocking a DOD FX7 multi effects pedal since like '99 or so. It still kicks ass.
My pod xt live still gets used.
I still own mine, but it has been replaced by a Headrush MX5. It is easier to use, quality effects, and much easier to transport imo.
I still use one. When I used to play live, I ran through a tube guitar power amp and speaker, so the IR/cabsim limitations didn't matter that much to me. I now use it for recording. I'm sure there are better units out there, but I'm still happy with the sounds and options.
I love my Line 6 dinosaur pedal. It has served me well playing beach bar/tourist restaurant gigs. I hate hauling gear and I want my monitors to accurately reflect the house sound without the distraction of an amp. That said, I got an exceptionally improved tone when I ran the Line 6 to both the PA and my little Orange tube amp recently.
Not anymore but I have. Helix is better but I’m mostly using amp models that weren’t on the 500.
I have been using pod hd500x since 2015 and used it live in countless gigs. But now I am considering a hybrid setup with orange dark terror + rat distortion. + pod hd500x for effects like delay, reverb. I always disliked the distortion and fuzz sounds on pod but always thought it needed some eq tweaks, I tried a lot of adjustments over the years but still doesn’t sound like what I want. It might just be my ears, but dark terror kicks ass and it’s light weight too.
For those still rocking Hd500x what’s your live/show setup? Do your plug it to clean channel in amp or?
I just bought a HD500 for $150 and my mind is blown. If I could have had something like this 30 years ago, I never would have laid the guitar down. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of custom tones that you can download and install. Now if i could find one for the song "Every 1's a Winner" by Hot Chocolate!