Line 6 POD HD500

^# 22

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$95.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (73)

4 Critic Reviews

20 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Line 6 POD HD500

1 community setup

7 wishlisted

127 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (20)

$95.99 24 available Used

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Average Price: $96

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Multi Effects Pedals category, Line 6 POD HD500 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Unleash your inner rock star with the Line 6 POD HD500, a powerhouse of tone and versatility that places studio-quality sound at your feet. Designed for both aspiring musicians and seasoned guitarists, this multi-effects pedal is your all-in-one solution for achieving a vast array of sounds without the need to haul around a truckload of gear. With 27 meticulously crafted amp models, this compact floor unit allows you to explore a universe of sonic possibilities, from vintage warmth to modern aggression.

The POD HD500 is not just about diversity; it's about precision. Boasting over 100 cutting-edge effects, including delay, modulation, distortion, and more, this pedalboard is a playground for creative expression. Whether you're shaping your sound with filters or dialing in the perfect reverb, the intuitive interface ensures you spend less time tweaking and more time playing.

Perfect for gigging musicians and studio sessions alike, the HD500's robust build and intuitive controls make it a reliable partner on stage or in the booth. With its ability to seamlessly integrate into any setup, you'll find yourself reaching for this pedal time after time.

Key Features:

27 amp models offering a wide range of tones
Over 100 effects including delay, modulation, and distortion
User-friendly interface for easy sound crafting
Robust construction for durability in live performances
Seamless integration into various setups
Compact design for easy transport and stage setup

Product specs

Brand	Line 6
Model	POD HD500 Multi-Effect and Amp Modeler
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Amp Modeling Pedals, Multi-Effects Pedals and Processors
Color Family	Black
Pedal Format	Floor Unit

FAQs

What types of amp models are included in the Line 6 POD HD500?: The Line 6 POD HD500 features 16 HD amp models, covering a range of tones from California cleans to modern high-gain, including classic crunch and boutique warmth.
How many effects can be used simultaneously on the Line 6 POD HD500?: The Line 6 POD HD500 allows you to use up to 8 effects simultaneously, offering a wide range of creative possibilities for your sound.
Does the Line 6 POD HD500 have a built-in looper?: Yes, the Line 6 POD HD500 includes a 48-second looper with dedicated footswitches for functions like Undo, Play Once, and Reverse.
What connectivity options are available on the Line 6 POD HD500?: The Line 6 POD HD500 offers a variety of connectivity options, including 1/4" and XLR outputs, MIDI in/out, S/PDIF out, USB, and an FX loop, among others.
Is the Line 6 POD HD500 suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its robust metal chassis, multiple outputs, and extensive effects capabilities, the Line 6 POD HD500 is well-suited for live performances.

Videos

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shnobel

Line 6 Pod HD500 Sounds

shnobel

Line 6 Pod HD500 Review

sonicstate

Line 6 POD HD500 Demo

Peter H

Line 6 POD HD500 - Sample Instructional Video

TrueFire

Line 6 POD HD500 Review / Demo with Tom Quayle Guitar Interactive

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Line 6 POD HD500 BASICS

Jon Eleyet Guitar

Line 6 POD HD500 | Making a Patch - Part One | The most in-depth demo online!

Andertons Music Co

Line 6 POD HD500 Floor Board

Coleman's Music

LINE 6 POD HD500 - Test Distortion

Yodi Septian

LINE 6 POD HD500: A Complete Guide to the Best Guitar Multi-effects???(Sound Demo)

Guitar Gear Spot

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile with a wide range of amp models and effects
Easy to use and tweak settings on the fly
Useful as a MIDI foot controller for synths
Effective guitar processor for both gigging and recording
Allows for direct sound adjustments with no latency
Can serve as an audio interface
Sturdy build quality
Provides consistent sound quality across different setups
Compatible with Line 6 Edit Software for easy patch tweaking
Offers a vast gallery of sound models and effects

CONS

Steep learning curve for programming and usage
USB "B" connector prone to damage
Some effects lack character or sound too digital
Clean tone and overdrive can be challenging to dial in
High gain amps may sound fizzy
Limited to 8 FX in the chain, requiring careful selection
Stock presets often not great
Reported issues with defective switches needing repair

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Line 6 POD HD500.

Features and functionality

0 0

The POD HD500 lacks external IR loading, which limits cab simulation flexibility compared to newer models like the Helix.
Source
0 0

The Line 6 POD HD500 offers usable delays and heavy amp tones, though its midrange tones are less reliable compared to newer models like the Helix.
Source
0 0

The HD500 lacks a power switch, requiring manual disconnection from the power source to turn off.
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Users note the HD500 includes a built-in sound card, facilitating home recording and stereo setup capabilities.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Some users suggest integrating the POD with a Line 6 Powercab to bypass internal cab sims and utilize the Powercab's IR capabilities.
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0 0

Meambobbo's guide is recommended for optimizing settings like global EQ and guitar input, especially for metal and djent music styles.
Source

Comparisons

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The Helix offers a more user-friendly interface and includes features like snapshots, which the POD HD500 lacks.
Source
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The primary difference between the HD500 and HD500X is DSP capacity, affecting the number of effects usable simultaneously, crucial for ambient styles.
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Software and compatibility

0 0

POD500 Edit software is outdated and cumbersome, with compatibility issues on modern operating systems.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Many users employ the HD500 for effects only, bypassing the amp models by using it in an FX loop with tube amps.
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0 0

Colin of Circa Survive reportedly used a POD XT Live for effects until upgrading to Helix, demonstrating its professional viability.
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User experience

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Some owners report issues with footswitch reliability over time, necessitating potential upgrades.
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0 0

Navigating the HD500's archaic menus can be a challenge, but it's a powerful unit if users are willing to adapt.
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Owners report continued satisfaction with the HD500, citing reliable performance since 2011 and effective gigging use despite newer model releases.
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Value and pricing

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Despite its age, the POD HD500 is still valued for its versatility, providing more effects than many individual pedals at a fraction of the cost.
Source

Critic Reviews

Line 6 POD HD500 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Line 6 POD HD500 impresses with its extensive array of amp simulations and over 100 effects, making it a versatile tool for guitarists seeking diverse tones. The HD modeling technology enhances tactile sensitivity, providing an authentic feel to the playing experience. While it excels in flexibility and is a great addition for multi-project musicians, it won't replace traditional amps entirely. Users should be prepared to tweak presets for the best results. At approximately $500, it offers significant value for those looking for a robust multi-effects unit. Ideal for those who embrace digital modeling and sound design.

positive

Full Review

Line 6 Pod HD500

soundonsound.com

Line 6's POD HD500 impresses with its robust build, versatile connectivity, and a broad spectrum of amp models and effects, making it a worthy contender for both stage and studio. Its user-friendly interface and editing software facilitate easy customization, while the responsive amp modeling shines, especially when cleaning up tones. However, the lack of phantom power on the mic input and the flimsy power connectors might deter live performers. Nonetheless, this device successfully balances performance and practicality, offering solid value for guitarists seeking an all-in-one solution.

positive

Full Review

Line 6 POD HD500 review on gear-vault.com

gear-vault.com

The Line 6 POD HD500 is a feature-rich amp modeler praised for its authentic amp tones and versatile effects, mirroring the warmth and dynamics of real tube amps. With intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, it's great for both studio and live settings. However, it struggles with pristine clean tones, and some effects like the rotary and Univibe fall short of expectations. While it offers a comprehensive suite of features and effects at a competitive price, the sound may still carry Line 6's distinct digital fingerprint, making it less appealing to die-hard analog purists.

neutral

Full Review

Review: Line 6 Pod HD500

loopinsight.com

The Line 6 POD HD500 is praised for its durability, versatility, and realistic amp modeling. It effectively combines an audio interface, amp modeler, and effects modeler, making it a comprehensive tool for musicians. Users appreciate its ruggedness and reliability, crucial for live performances. The HD amp models sound impressively authentic and offer extensive tonal control. However, the effects edit window in the software could be more user-friendly, with room for improvement in zooming options. Despite minor software drawbacks, the HD500 stands out as a robust, high-quality option for musicians seeking versatility and durability in their equipment.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 20 Reviews and 73 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

caleb_ritenour

about 7 years ago

Useful, but difficult to get the sound you desire out of sometimes

Years ago, one of my friends at church bought a pod, and so I decided that I too should have one. I've spend hours tinkering with it, and have found definite upsides and downsides to it. Very versitile, every weird effect in impossible combinations, but the clean tone can be tricky to dial in, and the overdrive can be lifeless at times without enough fiddling. Oh, and all the stock presets aren't great

pfeuer

148

over 7 years ago

Great Multitool

I use it to get roughly the sound I want. All of its pedals are pretty generic, almost too many options, but at the same time too few. By that, I mean there's a lot of pedals most of which lack character. That being said, you can get a lot of sounds out of this thing. It's more about the interaction between the pedals that makes it unique. Good presets. If anyone finds some killer custom tones, let me know haha

bradd_91

almost 8 years ago

Excellent effects, okay amps

The POD has undeniably some of the nicest digital effects out there. Some of the reverbs, especially, add heaps of value to the pedal, like the octoverb and particle verb, which can create lush or chaotic sonic spaces. The overdrives leave a bit to be desired, but are very usable still. I use the pedal for MIDI program changes for the Bias Head.

threadedtime

over 11 years ago

Great

Great piece of equipment...very versatile. I play for a very large Church with a $2 Million sound system and go straight through the board and it has astonishgly good tone. I also run it through a DT50 which works excellent as well but I must mention that the high gain amps sound very fizzy and I don't use them...I patches I use are the Twin, Park 75, Divide by 13, Gibtone 85 and the Plexi. Effects sound as they should through the DT50 but in the Headphones they sound good but not great.

darligulv

107

over 5 years ago

Hekkin Good MultiFX

Great piece of tech. Allows me to change my sounds at one click with no latency for patch changes. Wish it could handle more fx though. I use it direct with my Headrush frfr112 for guitar, bass, synth and edrums.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Dubstep

mauricioibanez

348

over 10 years ago

My experience with the Line 6 Pod HD500.

This is not even Line 6's latest model and it sounds great. I use it on studio direct mode most of the time, direct to my studio monitors or with a FRFR cabinet. I would say that if you spend enough time crafting your presets and learning about this unit, you will get impressive sounds that are hard to distinguish from their real non-digital counterparts. The only limitation may be the amount of FX you can put in the chain, up to 8 FX if I'm not mistaken. You have to choose wisely. I am well aware that there are better and more sophisticated modeling units than this one, like the Axe-FX or the Kemper amp but those are much more expensive. The Pod HD500 packs a punch for a lot less money.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago over 10 years ago

I want to take the folgers challenge, modelled ac30 versus my '62!

mauricioibanez

348

10 years ago over 10 years ago

Nice! I've seen videos of people getting great tones with the ac30 model on their HD500 on Youtube. It takes some editing. Pod HD500 Edit is great to manage all the parameters comfortably. :)

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago over 10 years ago

I can't use streaming audio as a reference for tone....

mauricioibanez

348

10 years ago over 10 years ago

Here's an interesting page about video resolution and audio quality on Youtube. I wouldn't consider any low res video to judge audio quality there.

https://www.quora.com/Does-changing-the-video-quality-on-YouTube-also-affect-the-sound-quality-in-any-way

sami_pegazo

almost 9 years ago

Good tone and useful even for bass.

I primarily play bass and with this pedalboard i've managed to acquire many different sounds. it is very versatile but mostly due to its amp simulators rather than the pedals it has. one thing that i would complain about is the lack of good overdrive/distortion because they all sound super digital and an organic sound has been almost impossible to achieve.

alteredstate

960

about 10 years ago

The first REAL amp modelling that cost less than a Car

This thing sounds great. Amps are great. Effects are great. I use it with the free Edit Software on my Mac and it saves tons of time with moving and tweaking patches. The BAD-it has their defective switches. The break early and often. Line 6 ("Yamaha, I'm looking at you!!!) really needs to fix the major engineering mistake. Other than that, it's a Studio MUST HAVE.

divuar_lacroix

299

about 10 years ago

Awesome

This processor has everything you need. I've even used it's second channel to do processed vocals in addition to main one. A big gallery of models, some of them in different modification. Sounds great. You can also tweak presents via your computer but for me manual set up is much more comfortable. Foot controller is assignable to any parameter you want in any amount. Built like a tank.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Folk, World, & Country Techno

jonas_alves

about 8 years ago

Salvation for shows

Basically the same sound anywhere. This saves when unforeseen events occur and guarantees the same level of performance independent of the equipment available in place. Several possibilities with native features and even more with the extra packs.