E. Fizzy Spots

As with most amp modeling, the Pod HD isn't perfect. This is most noticeable in that it unnaturally boosts certain upper-mid frequencies dramatically, which can make the tone sound "fizzy". These are emphasized most on high-gain patches. Sometimes these spots are pure noise - as you play different notes or chords, the fizz doesn't change sound at all.

You can dial these spots out using a Parametric EQ effect for each frequency. To find them, set the effect's Q to 100% and gain to 85%. Keep playing a palm muted open string than a ringing open string with your right hand, and use your left hand to slowly turn the knob controlling the EQ's frequency. If you can tune to drop D, it might be even easier to notice the problem spots. I tend to start at 70% and go upwards slowly. You'll hit one or two spots that sound louder and more noticeably annoying than others. I generally find them at 80% and 89%, but it depends on the amp. 95% and 100% can sometimes stand out as well.

You can also use this technique to find boomy spots, in the 12%-33% range. I also use to find if I want to cut some mids in the 40-50% range. Or if I want to boost mids (generally from 50 - 70%). This method works as a great way to "find" a particular frequency you want to target for cutting or boosting.

Once you've found the spot(s) you want to cut, turn the gain knob back to 50% and slowly start lowering it. You don't want to completely remove the frequency from the sound, but to have it fade into the overall tone. I find sometimes I'll only go down to ~44% before that frequency no longer stands out. I don't think I ever go below 35%.

Usually Q at 85-100% works for the fizzy spots. For the boomy spots, you may have to widen (lower) the Q a bit to cover the whole frequency range you want to cut.

I used to think dialing out fizzy spots was a game-changer for the Pod HD, but lately I've found it only offers mild improvements. I instead focus on dual cabs and more aggressive EQ shifts, to dial out nastiness in cab sims and/or otherwise shape the general feel of the frequency response. Now I only apply them if I have "surplus" effects blocks.

Note that some mics are fizzier than others. I find the SM57's are good at not having fizz, whereas the dynamics and condensers are much worse. Also, some amps are worse than others.

Top of EQ

VIII. Tips and Pitfalls

Tips :-)

• A. Tone Matching

• B. Branching/Evolving Patches

• C. Setlist Tips

• D. Effect Switching/Tips

• E. Recording Tips

• F. Monitoring

• G. DSP Allocation/Advice

• H. Mesa/Boogie Mark II/IV tone

• I. Clean Boost

• J. Leveling Patches

Pitfalls :-(

• K. Clarifying Confusing Volume Controls

  • i. The Pad Switch

  • ii. The MASTER Knob

  • iii. Ch. Vol./VOLUME Knob

  • iv. Mixer Levels

  • v. The Master DEP

• L. Clipping Guide

  • i. Input Clipping

  • ii. Signal Clipping

  • iii. Effects Clipping

  • iv. Clipping External Devices

  • v. "Digital" Clipping (Crossover Distortion) on "Full" Amp Models

• M. Bad Monitoring

  • i. Acoustic Tone

  • ii. Bad Monitors

  • iii. Bad Room

  • iv. Low Volume

• N. Wrong Output Mode

• O. Gain Staging

• P. Outside vs. Inside a Mix

• Q. Using Others' Patches