X. Faq and Links

A. Frequently Asked Questions
- i. Tone
  - Is the tone better when using Input 2: Variax (or another unused input)?
  - Should I use "full" or "pre" amp models?
  - Where should I set the MASTER knob?
  - What does the Master DEP do for amps models where there was no master volume on the original?
- ii. Output/Routing
  - Can I output dual output modes with the HD-500 or Pro?
  - Can I output W/D/W (wet/dry/wet)?
  - Can I reamp over USB?
  - Why don't I get any output from Channel B?
  - Why don't I have stereo output?
- iii. Usage
  - How Should I Level my Patches?
  - Why can't I get a natural volume swell with the Exp. Pedal?
  - How do I use the Pitch Glide?
- iv. Compatibility/Hardware
  - Does the Pod HD work with Gearbox?
  - Can I use HD-xxx patches on HD-yyy?
  - What is the differences between the Pod HD models?
  - Can I use a different power adapter?
  - Can I modify my Pod HD to gain more DSP power?
  - Is the variable Input Impedance feature simulating the effect via software?
- v. Misc
  - How do I submit a feature request to Line 6?
  - Why don't your patches have enough bass?
  - Do you take tone requests?
B. Links
- i. General
- ii. Forums
- iii. Pod HD Reference Material
- iv. Guides
- v. Patches
- vi. Site Artwork

A. Frequently Asked Questions

I. Tone

Is the tone better when using Input 2: Variax (or another unused input)?

In many cases, yes. One advantage is that it reduces the input signal level, which allows the clean amp models to stay a bit cleaner. It can also prevent the signal level from clipping on a guitar with hot pickups.

But besides serving up hotter signal levels, Input 2: Guitar/Same seems to create a very slight out-of-phase tone to the signal. Most people would never notice this it is so slight. It's worst when using a mono-summing effect before the channel split, but even without such you can hear it slightly muddy up leads.

For most simple patches, there's no reason to not use Input 2: Variax. For dual amp patches where there is no mono-summing effect before the channel split, things are a bit more difficult. Input 2 needs an input source or no signal will get to Channel B. One method is to simply add a mono-summing effect - the most transparent would be a noise gate with the threshold set so far down that it does nothing.

If the DSP isn't available to do so, the lowest-DSP-cost mono-summing effect is the FX Loop, but you have to use a patch cable and set mix to 100%. This means you are going through D>A and A>D convertors, and gaining some noise in the process. I find if you can boost the signal before the Loop, this helps improve the SNR.

Another smart solution I've heard is to split the guitar signal before the Pod and run one side into the Guitar input and the other into the Aux input. Then use Input 2: Aux.