Pod HD May sell some Axe-Fx's

[Hoth]

So I'm a recent convert to modelers coming from boutique pedals. And I have to say that I am surprised by level that modelers are at now. I would say that with the Pod HD500 I get 85% to the level of where I am with pedals. Which is really not bad. It actually makes me wonder if going to the Axe-Fx would get me to 95%.

With most things, the last 10-20% is where the "big money" is spent. So I just wanted to point out something that I've been thinking about that doesn't seem to be mentioned here. That there are some people who will be so impressed with the Pod HD that they will be willing to try out and maybe make the jump to an Axe-Fx.

So point being is that many modelers these days seem amazing compared what we had just a few years back so let's all just revel in how lucky we are.

[vinney57]

Originally Posted by Hoth

With most things, the last 10-20% is where the "big money" is spent. So I just wanted to point out something that I've been thinking about that doesn't seem to be mentioned here. That there are some people who will be so impressed with the Pod HD that they will be willing to try out and maybe make the jump to an Axe-Fx.

This is undoubtedly true. Any expansion of the mass market for modellers can only raise interest in the AxeFX

[Stanley]

I know a few people who are actually selling the Axe because the HD500 is close enough to what they want out of a modeller

[Elric]

This is undoubtedly true. Any expansion of the mass market for modellers can only raise interest in the AxeFX

Originally Posted by Stanley

I know a few people who are actually selling the Axe because the HD500 is close enough to what they want out of a modeller

But if the general interest and overall market expands both things can happen and the active AxeFx user base could still increase significantly, so everyone wins because the technology continues to improve and the companies get more funding for R&D.

[mwc2112]

Originally Posted by Stanley

I know a few people who are actually selling the Axe because the HD500 is close enough to what they want out of a modeller

I was hoping to be one of those people for the cost and simplicity of lugging an HD500 and I'm not even close to sharing the sentiment that the HD500 is close enough. Maybe I need more time with it or maybe I've just gotten more proficient at dialing in tones on the AxeFX then those other people (although very doubtful... I wouldn't consider myself anywhere close to an expert).

But... I've got a return period of a few more weeks, so I'll give it a fair shake.

[grunge782]

Originally Posted by Stanley

I know a few people who are actually selling the Axe because the HD500 is close enough to what they want out of a modeller

One of those people would actually be me.

I still have total respect for the Axe, but for what I needed the HD simplified at lot of things. Some tones I loved I had to give up, but I still have all my styles covered with the HD.

[Csgband]

Originally Posted by grunge782

One of those people would actually be me.

I still have total respect for the Axe, but for what I needed the HD simplified at lot of things. Some tones I loved I had to give up, but I still have all my styles covered with the HD.

can you tell us more about how you made up your mind?
Thanks, chris

[grunge782]

Originally Posted by Csgband

can you tell us more about how you made up your mind?
Thanks, chris

I wanted to rile up all the butthurt Axe-fx users by choosing the HD over the Axe ....














jk...

The Axe-fx is an incredible sounding unit with amazing control over feel, but it requires a separate interface for recording, a separate footswitch and IMO was a pain in the ass sometimes with updates, midi interfaces and Axe-Edit. That and it REALLY held its value (for good reason) so selling it wasn't even a loss for me.

I heard some tones online of the HD 500 that sounded great, and I realized how much I could simplify my live rig and recording rig with it. All I need now for recording and home practice is to go direct from the USB to my computer, and hook up my monitors. The HD Edit has worked smoothly for me so far which was a relief.

I got the unit and I have been super impressed with some of its amp models (Dr. Z, /13 and Hiwatt) although I've had some trouble with the metal amps. Nevertheless I still can get some quality heavier sounds by boosting the amps to tighten them up.

What I don't want to admit is that for my level of musicianship, I just felt kind of stupid having a 1500 dollar unit. I really didn't need all the options the Axe gave me.

I had been waiting a long time for something like the HD500 to come along, I've always enjoyed digital gear because of its versatility and "openness" for creativity. Of course I wasn't going to sacrifice good tone for that though.

To get both good tone and versatility I don't want to have to lug around a rack setup and floorboard too.

If you don't want to read all that crap: my basic reasons were-

-Good tones
-Floorboard unit/Simplified my rig
-USB out (for recording)/Headphone out
-Price

[TowMater]

Originally Posted by grunge782

I wanted to rile up all the butthurt Axe-fx users by choosing the HD over the Axe ....














jk...

The Axe-fx is an incredible sounding unit with amazing control over feel, but it requires a separate interface for recording, a separate footswitch and IMO was a pain in the ass sometimes with updates, midi interfaces and Axe-Edit. That and it REALLY held its value (for good reason) so selling it wasn't even a loss for me.

I heard some tones online of the HD 500 that sounded great, and I realized how much I could simplify my live rig and recording rig with it. All I need now for recording and home practice is to go direct from the USB to my computer, and hook up my monitors. The HD Edit has worked smoothly for me so far which was a relief.

I got the unit and I have been super impressed with some of its amp models (Dr. Z, /13 and Hiwatt) although I've had some trouble with the metal amps. Nevertheless I still can get some quality heavier sounds by boosting the amps to tighten them up.

What I don't want to admit is that for my level of musicianship, I just felt kind of stupid having a 1500 dollar unit. I really didn't need all the options the Axe gave me.

I had been waiting a long time for something like the HD500 to come along, I've always enjoyed digital gear because of its versatility and "openness" for creativity. Of course I wasn't going to sacrifice good tone for that though.

To get both good tone and versatility I don't want to have to lug around a rack setup and floorboard too.

If you don't want to read all that crap: my basic reasons were-

-Good tones
-Floorboard unit/Simplified my rig
-USB out (for recording)/Headphone out
-Price

I did the same thing for exactly the same reasons. It could have been me writing this. I'm happy with my decision.

[vinney57]

Originally Posted by Stanley

I know a few people who are actually selling the Axe because the HD500 is close enough to what they want out of a modeller

The two trends are not mutually exclusive.

[bmi]

I was curious about the Pod HD. After having heard all the samples that i've heard here and on the french forums i have to say that it has not changed my decision to switch my Standard for an Ultra.

[gsozz]

I don't see a reason to limit myself........i will have both HD and Ax..........................and Mustang 2...............and............and............anda ndandandandandand

[MrSleepy]

At some point the hype will end..and then.. then we'll be back to comparing units on their merits .. without risk of being attacked for having an opinion.


Rob

[NuSkoolTone]

Originally Posted by MrSleepy

At some point the hype will end..and then.. then we'll be back to comparing units on their merits .. without risk of being attacked for having an opinion.


Rob

This.

[JohnLutz]

I'm three months into converting from boutique pedals to an AxeFx. Here are some observations...

* Side by side with the AxeFx, in the studio, the tone coming from my pedal board and amps had a slightly more organic/3D quality. In a band mix the difference becomes negligible.

* It's easier to get a range of sounds clean to crunch that I like on the Axe than with pedals. I also use a lot of atmospheric effects like crystals and strings the possibilites are endless on the Axe.

* If you don't like experimenting and fiddling with settings, the Axe is definitely NOT for you. I used to spend a lot of time researching, buying, and trying pedals. Lots of times I would try, reject, and sell in the same day. Now I spend my time going through the thousands of Axe presets, finding sounds I like and learning how to dial them in from scratch. I'm also honing in around eight sounds that I use for gigs and they are getting VERY good, better tones than I used to get from my boutique pedals and amps.

* I do miss the simplicity of a pedal board but it's really nice to be able to completely change sounds on the Axe with one stomp. For example, cleanish rhythm sound with Red Witch-ish phaser and mod delay to smokin lead with heavy analog delay. With the tempo synced on everything.

* Some practical issues that have been really nice... Last week we were getting a really horrendous "shorted out cord" noise through the system. It was really nice to not have to worry that something on my pedalboard was flaking out. Turned out to be a bad mic cable. With the pedal board, I always had more noise even with an ISP decimator which never worked right for me (probably because of where I had to place it in the chain of my stereo pedalboard.) The Axe setup is much quieter and less prone to "which of the thirty George L's cables quit working".

John