Am I nuts? Considering a Pod HD500 with my Diezel, info plz?

[Mizati20]

Hey guys... trying to get my pedalboard nailed down the way I want... I only use a handful of effects live... I'm really not picky about how my effects sound to be 100% honest...

The thing I absolutely LOVED about my AxeFX was that I used a FCB 1010 with it... had my patches, and the expression pedal all up front and it was super simple, had all my patches set to where as soon as I step on the wah it would activate, when it stopped moving it turned off...

Call me spoiled or lazy, but it's been SUPER difficult for me with my current GCP and Jerry Cantrell wah to go from my rhythm channel, stump on the wah to active and stay tight on my leads...

So I've arrived at the POD HD500 after watching a few Youtube videos...

Will it change the channels on my VH-4? I suppose that's the biggest and most important question first...

How are the effects and is there any "tone suck"... and please keep in mind I currently run the Gmajor II, tons of people complain about tone suck and it doesn't bother me at all...

To use the wah do you have to run the 4 cable method? I could have sworn a few youtube videos I saw there were people using the wah and the unit was just in the effects loop, but obviously I could be mistaken...

Any info would be greatly appreciated... thanks fellas!

 

[Reiep]

I've used an HD500 for a few weeks with my Hagen.

So yes, you'll be able to switch channels Good news is good ! And yes, you need to have the 4 CM (or the Pod only in front) to have the wah... before the amp. Or you'll have to use the wah in the loop.

About tone suck, I must admit that it exists. It was not OMG it's awful, but A/B-ing with just a cable it was audible enough to make me not wanting it with a 3K€ amp. In 4CM you go through at least 1 AD-DA conversion if not 2 when using the post effects, and unfortunately the L6 converters are not like Eventide's. Eventually keeping it only in a switchable loop could avoid a big part of this issue.

Maybe for you the loss will not be that important, maybe you will not hear it at all and all will be fine. I didn't check then nor now but usually L6 stuff is instrument level while Diezel loops are more line level, that might cause more tone suck. I wanted an M5 but didn't take it because of that.

I see you have an Axe FX II, why not using it ?

 

[cardinal]

Not exactly the same set up, but I used a PODxt in one of the parallel loops of a VH4S for a while and didn't notice any tone suck. Just used simple delay and verb. Sounded amazing to me.

 

[threadkiller]

there is some tone suck but I didn't think it was bad.

I use it in front of amp only for effects and I have a racked unit for time based effects in the loop. The POD midi switches my rack unit and I use a few stomp models in front of the amp for boosts and color.

If you get one, try the blue treble comp into whatever channel on the Deizel sounds most marshall like. It's listed under compressors but it's really more like a treble booster. I thought the makoplex channel on my mak4 couldn't get better, but it did. Kinda use it as an alway's on boost but I find my leads cut without sounding strident.

 

[shadowdevourer]

I really like POD HD 500 with my Diezels. It's very useful, especially using 4 cable method. You can switch channels perfectly and put whatever effects wherever you want. Moreover, I sometimes use 7 cable method and connect 2 amps at the same time and using midi you can change channels on both amps. It's really cool. Tone suck is minimal, I would say. And when I play very late at night at bedroom levels I definitely prefer having POD connected because it takes away the very low volume fizz out and sounds great at low volume.

 

[jlbaxe]

I felt it was like throwing a blanket over the amp. I tried it in both Mesa Mk III and V and Bogner 20th X. Presence and treble did not come close to dialing it out so that is the reason I sold it.

I run a Strymon pedal in the loops now and there isn't any tone suck on the MK III or 20th X. Sold the Mk V only because of financial reasons.

I liked the HD Pro. Easy to dial in and great effect. The Fractal units are more transparent but to much tweaking for me. I prefer knobs to turn like the HDPro.

It might be a little different with the Diezel. Try it, you can find good deals on ebay for used.