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mooseherman « One of the better Digital Amp Modelers out there »
Published on 11/24/10 at 12:39This is a digital amp modeler/effects unit from Line 6. It is a pedal version of one of its more popular products, the POD. This version is designed for live use, as opposed to the POD, which has an interface that is easy to use in the studio and set but not quick on the fly. There are 1/4" inputs and outputs, as well as a USB connection, a connection for Line 6's Variax guitar, which I haven't used before, as well as MIDI in and Out. There are computer and MIDI editing capabilities, as evidenced by the connections I just mentioned. This is not a rackable device, it's the pedal version.
UTILIZATION
The effects editing is really pretty easy. Setting up each switch to work the way you want it is pretty easy, which I'm a fan of, as I'll get frustrated setting up a digital pedal all the time. The switch time is really good, as it will instantaneously switch between two different sounds. The manual will explain everything pretty easily. It might take a little bit of time to get used to but ultimately it will not be a problem for most people to get the hang of it, and once everything is set it will be a piece of cake to use. Between the 11 switches (which have varying functions) and the expression pedal, there's a lot of tonal control to be had here.
SOUND QUALITY
I would say that of most of the digital effects I've tried, I don't particularly like the sound of most of them. I can deal with this one simply because it is closer to the real thing than most of these modeled sounds are, and even when it's not, it's still pretty decent. There are also combinations of amps and effects that are really different from anything that can be made with analog gear. While these sounds aren't always my cup of tea, even I have had my jaw drop at some of the sounds I've heard.
OVERALL OPINION
One thing I don't like about this pedal is it's price, while it's not the worst I've ever seen, it's definitely pretty pricey. I could theoretically buy two analog pedals for the same price, but they'd be top quality and I'd have consistently great sound. Thus buying this pedal comes down to this; would you rather have a few great sounds or a ton of less-than-great sounds? If you think of the latter, than this is definitely your pedal. I've played a lot of these things and I don't really dig them in general, but I'd say I'd make an exception to this one.
UTILIZATION
The effects editing is really pretty easy. Setting up each switch to work the way you want it is pretty easy, which I'm a fan of, as I'll get frustrated setting up a digital pedal all the time. The switch time is really good, as it will instantaneously switch between two different sounds. The manual will explain everything pretty easily. It might take a little bit of time to get used to but ultimately it will not be a problem for most people to get the hang of it, and once everything is set it will be a piece of cake to use. Between the 11 switches (which have varying functions) and the expression pedal, there's a lot of tonal control to be had here.
SOUND QUALITY
I would say that of most of the digital effects I've tried, I don't particularly like the sound of most of them. I can deal with this one simply because it is closer to the real thing than most of these modeled sounds are, and even when it's not, it's still pretty decent. There are also combinations of amps and effects that are really different from anything that can be made with analog gear. While these sounds aren't always my cup of tea, even I have had my jaw drop at some of the sounds I've heard.
OVERALL OPINION
One thing I don't like about this pedal is it's price, while it's not the worst I've ever seen, it's definitely pretty pricey. I could theoretically buy two analog pedals for the same price, but they'd be top quality and I'd have consistently great sound. Thus buying this pedal comes down to this; would you rather have a few great sounds or a ton of less-than-great sounds? If you think of the latter, than this is definitely your pedal. I've played a lot of these things and I don't really dig them in general, but I'd say I'd make an exception to this one.