Anybody Using a HD-xxx Live with an Amp/Cab?

[Just Mike]

I just got a HD-400 and I'm using it into a PV Classic 60 pwr amp into a Marshall 4x12 cab and so far I'm unimpressed.
Anybody have any videos or recordings of a similar setup?

 

[guitarnet70]

I just got a HD-400 and I'm using it into a PV Classic 60 pwr amp into a Marshall 4x12 cab and so far I'm unimpressed.
Anybody have any videos or recordings of a similar setup?

Have you set the output mode to "Stack/power amp" and used preamp-only models?

 

[DarthVanHollis]

#1 Use the FX loop return.
#2 Use preamps not the full amp models in the POD
#3 I prefer using no CAB simulation at all (others dissagree but it makes a huge difference to me)
#4 Use the Stk Pwr Amp output setting. If you are not using CAB simulation this will not make a difference, though.
#5 Start with your Master volume on the POD at zero and slowly turn that up. Use it as you would the Master volume on the amp, it does the same thing.
#6 Set the 1/4" out switch next to the wah/exp pedal to "amp"

That should get you started.

 

[Axe-Man]

Hmm...this is a tricky one IMHO.

I ran my HD's into a variety of power stages and a couple of power amps.

I 'personally' sound it gelled the most with my 100w Plexi power stage. It just sounds fat and massive through it where my 11R really sucked through the same amp.

Good idea's so far. Preamp models, stack mode, no cabs and post amp sim EQ with some careful tweaking. Oh yeah, if you're going for gain, use the TS and the gain set lower on something like the Recto sim to boost it. Sounds much better like this though you will need to adjust the EQ on the TS as well to get things balanced and more natural.

 

[Just Mike]

So it sounds pretty cumbersome...like this isn't really the way to go with modelers?

 

[DarthVanHollis]

I don't think what I put is cumbersome at all. Very simple, really. It depends a lot on your application, though.

I have tried many different ways to set up my POD HD and I have finally landed on this solution. I only use 4 preset. If I ever really need more, I will add them.

#1 - Clean with light flanger and delay - I use this for all my clean sounds
#2 - Gritty but not super gain - I use the Elektrik (gain set at about 35%) model but plan on changing to the Plexi when v2.0 comes out if it sounds good. I have a Screamer to add gain (Randy Rhoads) and for effects I have a smart pitch shifter (set for Maj 3 in Key of Eb - I tune to Eb), an Octave effect, long delay, and short delay.
#3 - My main gain preset - Elektrik with gain at about 55-60%. I also keep a screamer on here for solos, also have phase 90, ac flanger, long delay, and short delay. This is for Van Halen stuff and I would consider this "my sound". I named the preset "Brown Eye"
#4 - Heavier, beefier gain - Mesa Boogie used for Metallica and Alice and Chains. I have a Screamer, Wah pedal, long delay and short delay

For me this covers all the bases. When I use the DT-50 at practice I have these all set with preamp models and I have another 4 with the exact same effects for home use (headphones) but with full amp models and cab simulation.

If I ever really need more presets I can add them but I have the POD set up so that all the switches are for individual effects (so I have 8 independant spots).

 

[Mr. Brady]

I've used it this way with my PV delta Blues. One thing that I've found with that amp is that with lower volumes I can run into the effects return and leave the amp cab and mic sims on and it sounds fine. This lets me also run direct to the PA as well while using the amp as a monitor of sorts.

If I'm not running to the PA, I have it set up using the pre-amp models with no cab or mic sims. I've been very happy with this setup and the sound is very nice with many more tonal options than the Delta Blues has on it's own.

 

[jayjerry]

I use an HD-500 with a Fender Twin but I only use it for effects.

In the set up I choose direct. The front of combo setting colors the tone too much for me.

It sounds fine in this set up. I tried running it through the effects loop and using the preamp sims but I was not too impressed.

 

[MKB]

I've not had very good success using a standard guitar amp or head/stack of any kind with my HD-500, mainly due to the standard guitar amp speakers. They color the tone too much to allow big differences in the tone of the modeled amps, make all of them sound too much the same.

I have had much better experience with combo amps when replacing the standard speaker with a full range driver. Depending on the amp, this can work extremely well. I've had the best luck with Peavey Transtube amps with the full range speakers, they work and sound like they are both made with this application in mind. Trying the same experiment with Marshall amps did not work anywhere near as well. BTW, these full range speaker experiments used the HD-500 in Studio mode with full models. The HD-500/Bandit/full range driver is my gigging rig now, and I'm very happy with it.

IMHO it does not work well to use the preamp only models in the HD-500 with an external amp, as this gets rid of all of the power amp clipping in the model. You cannot get good saturated tone unless you have enough volume to distort the external amp.

 

[DarthVanHollis]

There are a lot of different factors to consider.

In the OP he stated he was using a Peavey classic 60 which is, I think, a tube head, and a Marshall 4x12, which I'm going to assume is a closed back cabinet.

Those were the specifications for which I gave my humble reccomendations.

When you use a solid state amp or open back cabinet you have to adjust everything accordingly.

Also, when you are using a cab with Greenbacks, V30s or the Celestion 75s that are in Marshall 1960A/B cabs, those color your sound and I want the most "real" sound (instead of cab modeling) so I turn off cab simulation in the POD. Just my preference.

I understand not getting power amp saturation usless you turn up the volume, but that's the nature of the beast.

The next best solution is to go with FRFR speakers.

To each their own.

 

[Just Mike]

Yeah, the Peavey Classic 60 is a rack mount 6L6 tube power amp. And the Marshall cab is an old JCM-800 with GT-65's in it. Almost Greenbacks.
I've been turning off the cab sims in the Pod and I'm getting good, but not remarkable results so far.
Just so you know, my reference is a Spider Valve HD-100 head thru the same cabinet, and yes, I've tried the HD 400 into the Pwr amp in of the Spider Valve.
One thing that I don't like or I have to get used to is the effects switching on the HD 400. I don't like having to go to mode 3 (2 stomps) to get to stompbox mode. I'm sure there's a way around this, but I haven't got to it yet.

 

[rezidentura]

Okay, so for me, I've gone from Amp to FRFR back to amp. I don't have the right setup for FRFR so all my patches are tweaked for my amp (Which is either SVMkII HD into Flextone 4x12 cab, or SV112 and Flextone 112 satellite cab depending on the venue).
I'm getting very good results this way. I use Full amp models, settings are studio direct and I use poweramp in of the SV's. The

The only thing I can say, is whatever you use, tweak it at gig volume or (using a Fletcher ear, sort of if it sounds really bland with barely enough highs are lows at low volume it should sound very good Loud).

 

[electrablue]

I've had the best luck with Peavey Transtube amps with the full range speakers, they work and sound like they are both made with this application in mind.

I've had good luck with a Peavey Transtube also.

 

[Mango Positive]

I think the Pod HD500 really works best as a recording / practice tool and not a main rig, but I run it at home through a QSC K12 and have a Mesa Boogie Mark IV for band shows and practice. I LOVE practicing and writing on this thing. The ability to get a great sound without moving equipment around every week justifies the purchase to me. I haven't tried it as an effect / pre-amp unit yet, but I have a full pedal board for almost anything this unit could give me live.

Long story short: Don't use the Pod HD through a combo. You CAN get a good sound, but if you already have an amp you have to use, what's the point? You didn't sell all of your effects to get it, did you?

 

[dannopelli]

There is a bit of a difference between the HD 400 and 500. Just pressing the "FX only button does not do it. You have to create presets that work with your rig.

I use an HD 500 through two DR Z Maz amps. I use it as an FX only unit for some patches, with full amp modeling for others, even some cabs on for others. And yes I use the four cable method.

The trick is to try to use it as you would a regular pedal board. You have to put the FX in the right order to suit your tastes, both in front and in the FX loop. If you use the 4CM properly, and on some patches bypass the Peavy's preamp, you have to then internally in the POD treat the amp models as you would a regular amp.

You have to get the outputs set up right and play with the mixer a bit too.

But once you get one patch working really good, the others will come along quickly.

Finally, it might just be that your Peavy and the HD don't play nice in the sandbox. The HD 500 works well with my Dr Z amps. Not as well with my Mesa. Its just how it is.

Good luck!