POD HD and a real guitar amplifier

Here I compare the HD 500 plugged diretly to a regular Sony MicroSystem (FRFR) and a Stagg GA60 guitar amplifier (input and Return).

Hi gains and Flash Memory Updates

In the last days, HD's flash update came into discurssion. The version 1.2 came to solve problems and "refine" some amps sounds. Line 6 says that this update would:

-Updated HD Amp Models:
Bomber Uber - Sag characteristics adjusted, gain staging improved
Angel F-Ball - Preamp drive adjusted, high-end gain reduced, noise floor improved
Class A-30TB Pre - Presence knob taper adjusted to reduce maximum range
Brit P-75 Pre - Increased output level to drive power amp, drive knob taper modified to
increase preamp gain (for use at reduced channel volume)
-Improved DT50 communication via L6 LINK (allows better communication between POD HD500 and Line 6's new DT50 flagship amplifier series)
-Various L6 LINK features added to the System Setup menu (see the L6 LINK Connectivity Guide for specifics)
-Various bug fixes

After that, some users claimed about some amps sounds after the update. I never had any problem with any bug, so, only the sounds matters to me.

Here I compare some amps in each flash memory:

a) Default settings in versions 1.10 and 1.20
Bogner Überschall:


Dual Rectifier:


b) All controls at 12' clock and 57 mic sim on axis at 10% in versions 1.10 and 1.20
Bogner Überschall:


Dual Rectifier:


To my ears, the most important changes were made at the recto's sound. I didn't like the new sound. Was noticeable the "bassy accent" at the 1.10's rect, but the trebly weak sound from the 1.20 update was very disappointing to me. So, I preferred to do back to 1.10 and wait for a better update. Here are nice sounds from 1.10:

Bogner Überschall:


Dual Rectifier: