Taming the Low End

If a cab simply has too much low-end, you can dial this down using the amp's bass knob, the Thump Cab DEP, the Low Cut Cab DEP, or using an EQ effect. A lot of people have said the Pod HD's cabs are too dark. Not the main ones I use - they aren't dark enough! But in any case, if a cab is too dark, that's easily taken care of with EQ. I don't find I have as much trouble with the low end as I do with mids and treble. The low-end is rarely noisy, and doesn't require the same attention to detail on the Cab DEP's as the mids and highs. Just EQ it out using the 4 controls I mentioned, usually using a combination of them to get the exact frequency response you want.

Tonal Nuances

Similar to amps, the cabs seem to have their own individual nuances that are unique to that model. Spend time with the cabs/mics and try to identify a feel for them that transcends their EQ curve. I wish I could just tell you the nuances of each one, but they're really difficult to describe - it's like trying to explain the difference between the different sounds of vowels. You have to put time in with each one. It's a good idea to try to EQ out the obvious general differences and to adjust the Res. Level DEP before thoroughly listening to the tonal nuances. Otherwise, you might miss them, distracted by annoyances that can be dialed out.

You don't have to experiment for hours with every possible combination - 1 hour with each cab/mic combination would take 128 hours. You should be able to tell which cabs sound in your desired ballpark after trying a couple different mics on them. I'd start with the SM57 on axis and SM57 off axis, as they deliver a relatively clean representation of the cab's sound. Once you've found 3-5 cabs you think sound best, try them using all the mics.

But keep in mind that just because one mic doesn't sound good with one cab doesn't mean it will sound bad with every cab. Some sound a lot different. For instance, I think the 409 Dynamic mic sounds really vintage-y with most cabs, but it sounds really heavy and modern with the XXL cab. It helps not to think of the cab and mic simulation as separate processes - think of each combination as its own unique entity. This is actually probably how the Pod HD technically performs cab + mic simulation - each cab/mic combination loads a distinct IR file.

Dual Cabs

Further below, I recommend running a dual cab setup. The EQ advice contained above and below does not pertain to a dual cab setup, where you are generally picking two cab/mic combinations that complement each other and lead to a fuller response from the get go. Dual cabs are not for the faint of heart, or those wanting to run numerous or expensive effects. If you just want an awesome amp tone and are willing to spend a bit more time on your patches, I recommend you jump right into dual cabs.

Using Cab/Mic Choices for eq Purposes

As a final note, if you have run out of effects blocks and can't get the EQ you want, you may want to sacrifice the tonal nuances of the cab/mic you've picked and use a cab/mic that gets you that EQ. It's a trade-off you have to make sometimes.

Top of Cabs and Mics