Input Settings Global/Patch Option

Even though the Input Settings are located in the System Menu, they are not necessarily global. There is a setting on that page that determines whether they apply globally or per patch. I like to use per patch. Even though I almost always use the same Input 1/2 settings, I occasionally change Input Impedance.

Volume Knob/Ch. Vol. Functionality

The VOLUME knob (Ch. Vol on the amp block in HD Edit) is a tone-independent volume control that affects the output level of the amp block. The Master DEP is what should be used to get a "pushed" power section, not this control. I recommend keeping this knob at conservative levels (~50% or less), otherwise you can get unwanted clipping - either of sensitive downstream effects like many of the EQ's or of the Pod's internal digital resolution.

Input 2

I like to set Input 2 to Variax. This isn't an issue if you put everything in Channel A for a single amp patch as mentioned above; however, I often run dual amp patches. Input 2: Guitar/Same seems to create a slight phasing effect, which becomes very apparent when running a mono-summing effect such as a Distortion effect before the path split. It also seems to create a louder than expected signal that pushes effects and amps harder than they seem to be designed. For example, with Input 1 and 2 set to Guitar, a Screamer effect in front the path split distorts, even at 0% Drive. Or for a Blackface Dbl amp model in front the path split, you will get crossover distortion even at very low Drive settings, sometimes even 0%.

If you have already created single amp patches where you did not put everything in Channel A, try changing Input 2 to Variax (or Mic or some other unused input) and make this a global setting and demo all your patches. You may need to add gain/compression to your earliest effect(s) to get them back to the distortion or compression or volume level you want, but they will likely sound a bit more crisp and responsive.

Dual Path Phase Issues

One thing that particularly confused me at first was that certain effects apply a very slight latency to the tone, particularly EQ's and compressors. Putting these in one of the Channels before the mixer but not the other can cause a comb filter effect, cancelling out some high end frequencies or maybe even more. So if you want to put an EQ in Channel A, you may want to put the same EQ in Channel B with neutral settings to avoid the comb filter effect.

I tend to like to use what I can dual cabs - dual amps with the same amp model but different cab/mic settings. The issue is that certain combinations run into the phasing issue. I take advantage of the EQ/compressor latency to resolve this as much as possible. With the right settings, the tone has less of a looseness and phasing to it, and regains crisp high-end. See here for more info.

Sensitive EQ Effects

Many EQ effects will clip on even a barely hot signal going into them. As mentioned above, I like to keep the VOLUME knob (Ch. Vol.) low to prevent this after my amp block. But it can even occur if they are the first effect in your chain. The Mid-Focus EQ is the worst offender, followed by the Parametric EQ. The Studio EQ is the best.

To prevent clipping, I'll often put a Volume effect in front of such EQ's, attenuating the signal strength. The Volume effect uses barely any DSP. Just be sure to disable the default expression pedal control and manually set it to the exact setting to prevent the EQ from clipping. If you're using the Mid-Focus EQ, you can boost the signal strength back up using its Gain parameter. Or if you have a Compressor, boost the signal level with that. Otherwise, just use more Drive from either a downstream distortion effect or amp block.

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