Line6 has announced an exciting update for existing POD HD users and the for the newly announced POD HD desktop version.

Later this month firmware v1.3 will be released which will feature six new amp models, and new controls. Users will now be able to control power-amp parametres - a particularly good upgrade for metal tones.

Check out the press release after the break.

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FREE UPDATE FOR POD® HD MULTI-EFFECTS ADDS NEW HD AMP MODELS AND MORE — Six HD amp models and five tone parameters in free v1.3 update provide a wider tonal palette and added flexibility to all POD HD multi-effect processors —

CALABASAS, Calif.—April 6, 2011—Line 6, Inc. (line6.com), the industry leader in digital modeling technology for musicians, announced today a free update for all POD® HD multi-effect processors. Firmware update v1.3 will include six new HD amp models and five new amp parameters for addition tones and flexibility.

“This free update is our way of thanking POD HD owners for making the POD HD family such a huge success,” remarked Michael Murphy, Category Manager for POD and Effects Products at Line 6. “The new sets of HD models and parameters deliver a deeper experience to the POD HD platform and more flexibility that we hope will inspire POD HD players.

” The six new HD amp models available in v1.3 are based on* channels from three classic American combos (the “Vibrato” channel of a Fender® Deluxe Reverb®, the “Vibrato” channel of a Fender® Twin Reverb® and the “Bright” channel of a Fender® Bassman®), two British half stacks (the “Normal” channel of a Park 75 and the “Normal” channel of a Marshall® JTM-45 MkII) and a high-gain Line 6 original.

The inclusion of alternate channels of amps already found in POD HD multi-effects ensures an experience that more closely relates to playing the actual modeled amp. The new parameters in v1.3 enable POD HD users to further customize and dial in any amount of tube amp feel and behavior. Sag, Hum, Bias, Bias Excursion and Master Volume can be adjusted within any HD amp model, including the 16 that come with POD HD multi-effects processors originally.

Firmware update v1.3 will be available to download from line6.com later this month. Learn more about the v1.3 update and POD HD multi-effect processors at line6.com/podhd.