Line 6 POD HD500 Pilot's Handbook

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove screws. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the appliance to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The lightning symbol within a triangle means “electrical caution!” It indicates the presence of information about operating voltage and potential risks of electrical shock.

The exclamation point within a triangle means “caution!” Please read the information next to all caution signs.

Please Note: Line 6, POD and Variax are trademarks of Line 6, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. DT50 is a trademark of Line 6, Inc. All rights reserved.

• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• This apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
• The appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• Connect only to AC power outlets rated: 100/120V, 220/240V 50/60Hz (depending on the voltage range of the included power supply).
• Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure to practice “safe listening.”
• Service is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as: power-supply cord or plug is damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus; the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture; the unit is dropped or the enclosure is damaged; the unit does not operate normally or changes in performance in a significant way.

Welcome To POD HD500

Thank you for inviting POD HD500 home. Our engineers have worked long and hard to bring you the new POD HD series of multi-effects processors. Featuring brand new HD Amp modeling, POD HD500 also features effects taken from our industry standard M series of products, M9 & M13. POD HD processors are the first products to feature L6 LINK, an exclusive connectivity protocol that opens up a whole new world of features and control for serious musicians when used with other compatible products (for example, DT50 series guitar amplifiers from Line 6).

When you're ready to get deeper, we recommend you get the Advanced User Guide & Model Gallery for POD HD500 by visiting us online at www.line6.com/manuals. Also, download the free POD HD500 Edit software application from our Downloads page. Basic operations are covered here in this user manual.

Front Panel Controls

1. Display: The LCD is your window into the power of the POD HD500. Home Pages are the default view. The Signal Flow View shows all amp and effects model "blocks" in your signal chain. The Big User View shows the bank and channel number where the current preset is stored. The Performance View shows what each Footswitch controls.

Edit Pages: Show all parameters available to tweak for a processing block or system setup page.

2. Presets Knob / Set Lists Button: Turn this knob to select through stored presets. Presets are saved in groups called Set Lists. To load a new Set List, press the Set Lists button and use the 4-Way Nav to highlight a Set List. Press ENTER to load or press the Set Lists knob to exit. Double-press ENTER to edit the order of presets within the Set List.

3. Save Button: Press to save changes to a factory preset or your custom creations. Use the Multi-Function knobs to rename the preset and select the Set List and preset location. Press SAVE again to complete. Press any other button to cancel.

4. View Button: Press to switch between the 3 user-selectable Home Page views. Press and hold VIEW to access SYSTEM & I/O edit pages for display contrast, input/output configuration, and footswitch control behavior.

5. 4 Way Nav Pad: Used to move through options within pages. Press left, right, up, and down to highlight items in the Display. Also used to navigate through multiple pages.

6. Move Button: Press to perform move functions. In Signal Flow View, use the 4-Way Nav to highlight items and MOVE to "grab" them, then use the 4-Way Nav to "drop" the item. From the Set List page, use MOVE to reposition presets. Double-press MOVE to assign a controller to any effects block parameter.

7. Enter (ON/OFF) Button: In Signal Flow view, press to turn effects blocks on or off. Double-press ENTER to access deep edit pages. Hold ENTER to bring focus to Footswitch Assign mode. ENTER is also used to load Set Lists and presets.

8. Multi-Function Knobs: These four knobs control parameters displayed in the lower quarter of the main display. Knob 1 controls the upper left parameter, Knob 2 the lower left, Knob 3 the upper right, and Knob 4 the lower right.

9. Drive: Controls the "dirt" or distortion in the sound. Adjust the DRIVE knob for the selected amp model.

10. Tone Controls: BASS, MID, TREBLE, and PRESENCE controls are customized for each Amp Model. When turning these knobs, the display briefly shows the current settings.

11. Volume Knob: Adjusts the output level of your selected amp model without affecting its tone or distortion.

12. Master Volume Knob: Controls the overall output level of POD HD500, including headphone level. This setting is global and not saved. For best signal-to-noise performance, keep MASTER VOLUME at maximum. Plug POD HD500 1/4-inch outputs into line level inputs. If using mic/line level inputs, set the trim to minimum and MASTER VOLUME to maximum. There is a switch to set line outputs to AMP (instrument) or LINE level. Start with MASTER VOLUME at minimum and slowly turn clockwise.

13. Foot Switches:

• Bank Up, Down: Choose amongst 16 banks of presets.
• FS 1-FS 4 (Top row): Assignable footswitches to turn effects and amp models on or off.
• A, B, C & D (Bottom row): Provide instant access to presets A-D from the current bank. Can be reassigned in SYSTEM & I/O pages.
• Tap Tempo: Sets the tempo for effects with TAP feature. Press and hold TAP to enter Tuner Mode.
• Looper: Provides up to 48 seconds of looping capability. The PRE/POST footswitch sets loop recording/playback before (PRE) or after (POST) amp and effects modeling. Stomp REC/OVERDUB to start recording or overdubbing. Stomp PLAY/STOP to end loop or start playback. Press UNDO to erase the last overdub. Use 1/2 SPEED to double the loop time. Press REVERSE to play backwards.

14. Expression Pedals: The lights indicate when an Expression Pedal is engaged. The pedal can toggle between EXP 1 and EXP 2 functionality via its toe switch. A second Expression Pedal can be connected to PEDAL 2 Input for simultaneous control. Pedals can be assigned for Volume, Wah, or to tweak multiple parameters.

Rear Connections

15. Pedal 2: Connect an expression pedal to assign it to control Volume, Wah, or other parameter functions.

16. Guitar In: Connect your guitar here. Set the Guitar In switch to PAD if using high gain or active pickups.

17. CD/MP3 Input: Connect a CD player, MP3 player, drum machine, or other device. Use the device's output control to adjust volume. Start with the device volume at its lowest setting.

18. Unbalanced Output: Connect 1/4" cables to send your sound to a guitar amplifier, recorder, mixer, or PA system. Set the 1/4" OUT switch to AMP or LINE depending on the connected device.

19. Balanced Output: Connect balanced XLR cables for an ideal connection to digital recorders or as direct sends to a mixer or PA. Set the XLR switch to LIFT to eliminate ground loops if experiencing hums and buzzes.

20. Phones: Plug headphones in here. Volume is set by the MASTER VOLUME knob. Use safe listening practices.

21. Aux In: Connect a second guitar or other instrument here. Visit SYSTEM & I/O edit pages for routing options.

22. Mic Input: Plug in your microphone here and use the MIC LEVEL control. Visit SYSTEM & I/O edit pages for routing options.

23. Effects Loop: Provides stereo FX SEND and FX RETURN. Set the FX LOOP LEVEL switch to LINE for higher voltage or STOMP for stomp boxes.

24. Variax Digital Interface: Provides power and a direct digital audio connection between a Line 6 Variax guitar/bass and the POD HD500. Visit SYSTEM & I/O edit pages for signal routing options. Use only Line 6 supplied Variax-compatible cables.

25. S/PDIF: Sends out 24-bit digital versions of the Direct Out signals. Visit SYSTEM & I/O edit pages to choose sample rate and adjust level.

26. MIDI: Connect to MIDI equipment to send and receive Program Change Messages for selecting presets. Visit www.line6.com/manuals for a MIDI implementation chart.

27. USB: Connect directly to a USB-equipped computer for direct recording and to use computer-powered features like POD HD500 Edit software. Read the Advanced Guide for more information.

28. L6 LINK: A proprietary connection for one-cable connectivity between Line 6 products. Allows products to sync and communicate. Passes audio and control data. Enables automatic sensing for linked amps to operate in various ways. Supports stereo operation with linked DT50s and up to four uniquely linked amps.

29. Power: Connect your Line 6 Power Supply here to power the unit. Wrap your power supply cable around the "T" shaped cable tree to prevent accidental disconnect.

M Series Effects, HD Amp Modeling, Flexible Signal Routing, and Dynamic DSP

The POD HD500 offers routing for up to 8 M Series Effects in any order, pre or post amp, and even a parallel split. It also offers the option to run 2 HD Amp Models. The authentic amp modeling requires significant DSP resources. A Dynamic DSP system allows for a huge variety of sounds by managing DSP resources. Some models, like Pitch Shifters and Reverbs, require more DSP. Most other effects require less, allowing for more simultaneous FX. If a model is unavailable due to DSP limitations, the model select function will indicate this. Bypassed models reserve DSP to prevent spikes. Unused models can be set to "model of none" to free up DSP. See the Advanced User Guide for more details.

Display Icon Reference

HD Amp Model Block: [amp-icon]

Dynamic Effect Block: [dynamic-icon]

Distortion Effect Block: [distortion-icon]

Wah Effect Block: [wah-icon]

EQ Effect Block: [eq-icon]

Modulation Effect Block: [modulation-icon]

Delay Effect Block: [delay-icon]

Reverb Effect Block: [reverb-icon]

Filter Effect Block: [filter-icon]

Pitch Effect Block: [pitch-icon]

Effects Loop: [fx-loop-icon]

48 Second Looper: [looper-icon]

Multi Effect: [multi-effect-icon] (Foot switch On/Off assigned to more than one effect)

Visit Us Online

Get the Advanced Guide and more online at www.line6.com/manuals. Get up to speed on your POD HD500 deep editing features with our Advanced User Guide available online. Register your POD or mail in your registration card for warranty service, contests, and special offers.