All user reviews of 3/5 for the Line 6 POD HD

22 HD amp models
100+ M-class effect models
Up to 8 simultaneous effects
POD HD Edit software editor/librarian (free download)
Fully routable signal chain
Dual Tone functionality
Dedicated top-panel knobs for Drive, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Tweak, Channel Volume and Master Volume
A, B, C and D channel buttons
Tap Temp button
Looper control buttons
512 preset locations
Built-in tuner
1/4-inch input
XLR input
Balanced 1/4-inch outputs
1/4-inch stereo headphone output
S/PDIF digital output
USB 2.0
FBV™ foot controller jack
Metal chassis


This is the newest latest and improved POD HD by Line 6. Apparently 'revolutionary' regarding the older PODs. As usual with the older PODs, there's always tons of features, very usable and very very versatile for both live use and recording. Of course though if you plan to use this desktop model live you'd need a seperate foot controller to get things working for you properly.

UTILIZATION

Being a previous POD user I know my way around these things. However if you're a first time user you should definitely have the manual with you while exploring. This newer POD is supposed to be a bit more user friendly than the older versions but I personally haven't really noticed such a big difference. It may be slightly easier but not heaps easier. It still takes some getting used to and tweaking your sounds will also take some getting used to and of course, TIME.


SOUND QUALITY

For me, and maybe most other POD users. The effects have always been quite decent, in terms of delay, chorus, flange and the weird synth stuff. They've always sounded ok but the new POD HD has definitely upped the tones quite a bit and added some more cool sounds to boot.

The biggest beef has always been the distortion sounds. The cleans were always usable but it was always the distortion sounds that weren't right to most players. Either the distortion was way too grain and sizzly for heavy metal and not good enough for bluesy overdrive or the other way around depending on each player.

I do have to say that the distortion sounds out of the box have improved. Though I wouldn't say they are MILES above. They are definitely better but i would say maybe by 15-30% better. They have definitely improved the picking dynamics however, which is great and makes the sound more amp-like. But it still needs tweaking and for those who hate tweaking, this might not be the best option for you.



OVERALL OPINION

Overall it is an improved POD definitely. Not by much though. Don't be persuaded by the "HD" title. You've got to try it out for yourself to see if this is something worth investing into. It's not expensive, but it will take TIME to play around with. And of course, TIME is the most important thing of course depending on each player. Some just want plug and play, some like to sit down and explore.

If you're willing to take the time, you'd be able to get some great sounds out of this box. If not, look elsewhere! Simple as that!