Pod by Line 6

[Supersonic]

I currently have a Boss ME6 effects processor that I am trying to record with however there is so much noise from it that it makes recording almost impossible. I was thinking of buying the Pod Line 6 processor. I have heard the demo in this site and everything sounds great. Has anyone taken the plunge and bought the Pod and if so are there any bad points about the unit that I am not aware of? Also, how can you combine multiple effects if they are selected from a rotary dial?

 

[monty]

There are multiple knobs and pushbuttons as well as more radical settings with the midi hook-up to your computer. Chips are upgradeable as I have already been sent one for free. The main problem with the unit is turning it off long enough to get any sleep.

 

[S8-N]

The rotary knob seems to be a bit limiting... I havent got into the programable midi stuff yet so I dont know if you can program different FX combos or not... I do know that i generally wouldnt add more than one effect going to tape anyway cause it is easier to layer 'em on with your software...
The thing has some awesome sounds, though...

MONTY: How'd you get a free chip???

 

[monty]

S8-N, I knew you were going to ask me that. Just kidding. One night I hooked up an ART X15 midi controller to my POD to see if I could get it to respond. After doing this I thought it sounded different and contacted POD support (eric.kirkland@line6.com) and asked if there was a way to re-initialize the factory settings (hold down the up-down buttons when you turn it on). Told him I wasn't sure about the sounds I was getting and joked around about how the POD reminds me of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and we started talking about other science fiction movies and stuff. He realized what a likable little twit I am and said he would send me a free upgrade chip. He also sent along a small list of 'bugs' that they had fixed with the new chip. Perhaps one doesn't even have to be likable, however, to get an upgrade chip. Actually, I just re-read the e-mail and he said he wanted to check the firmware version of the POD. You do this by holding down the 'manual' button while you turn it on. Mine displayed "POD1.1". If you would like to see if you have the latest-greatest version I'm sure Eric or someone there would be glad to assist. Hope this helps.

 

[thnmnt]

just to add my vote for the pod - i love it. not sure about the programming. it ships with sounddiver 2.0 so you can get really deep inside but i've been so happy with the low, mid, treble and drive controls that i pretty much just stick to those!

 

[Jim Marquard]

I know I really like mine. Got it used and just fell in love with it. My only complaint is that the compressor seems a might bit noisy, but that could be the room I am in--I sometimes get a radio signal too so I gonna bet my room is just in a bad place. Anybody else think the compressor is noisy? All the other features are pretty killer.

Peace, Jim

 

[K-wey]

POD is a divine gift to the home recordist who wants to record and master guitar-based music. I got one when they first came out in Jan 99, and even after a year, it's still impressive. The amp em's are state-of-the-art for 1999, the effects are varied, flexible, and very usable, and the features and knobs are intuitive. The owner's manual is even fun to read.

In my opinion, they don't charge enough for it. (I can't believe I just said that.) But the "new-toy syndrome" should have worn off by now, and it still hasn't.

Even better if you can find one used, for $225 or so. Some people bought them to run through their guitar amps (which can be done, but that is not POD's primary mission in life) and they were disappointed, and so are selling theirs. It's primarily a recording tool, then a device to run your guitar into a PA system (as many performers do now), and then a super-stompbox.