Today in Plague Scythe Studios, I recap my POD review experience, evaluate Line 6's product stack, and lay out my wish-list for a POD revival! Subscribe: / plaguescythestudios Listen to Siderum: siderum.bandca...
Very impressive content and series! I'm a teacher and you've educated me on this subject rather well. Been using the POD version 1 since 1998. Good for some stuff yet horrible for some too.
As much as I dug the good old kidney bean, I think the best thing to do is just let it die out peacefully. If Line 6 dropped a new pod now, all it would do is make people have a preconceived notion that it’s gonna be not as good as helix, especially since the pod represents everything old and imperfect that modeling used to be, at least in my eyes. That being said, it blazed a ton of trails and basically put modeling on the map as something to be taken seriously, so it still deserves some respect.
Josh: Exactly. I see no reason to put out anything new under the old name except repackaged legacy products such as the Pocket Pod. I don't think there's a market for the name that's now synonymous with outdated tech and of memories of many people's first amp modeler experience.
Personally, the bean shape aesthetically and functionally makes me want to have a heart attack. I dig the tones, but cables shooting out from all directions is a migraine waiting to happen. This is why I love my Pod Pro unit; cheap - got it used for $160, and it's neat and tidy in a rack.
So my ex surprised me the first birthday we were together many moons ago with the POD 1.0, and I shelved much of my other gear at the time. I discovered it sounded much heavier running through my Mesa 20/20 power amp, through two real 212 cabs; I experimented with A.I.R. both on and off, and found, surprisingly, that the AIR on through the amp and cabs gave me a serviceable tone. There was always a feeling I was missing something, but as part of a multipath rig, it filled in some gaps. I always wanted some of the functionality that I eventually got with the X3. The HD model pack garbage was a cash grab. I still have the X3, and while it will never be the all-in-one solution I think many folks hoped it would be, I never had any illusions about what it was, or wasn’t. Yes I kind of missed the bonehead simplicity of the original, but not having to do deep editing on a PC was very attractive. It (the X3) hints at high-end functionality we’d later get with Helix, with AxeFX, and while it doesn’t quite hit that high mark, it was more than worth the $130 I paid for it used.
I have the XT and PRO. They both have their uses. XT fits in a back pack, suit case. Great for jamming quietly or recording somewhere an amp won't fly. I played my XT PRO last night. Played through a pair of Roland 15" keyboard monitors in stereo. Sounds killer! Pod X3 is really cool. I think Yamaha took ownership way after POD HD came out. It must of been when Helix came out.
Thanks for this series. It's helping me to learn a lot about amplifiers (virtually), and to feel happy and content to use the Pod to play and record cheaply, until I decide what more expensive option I might buy next. The later versions of "Pod 2.0" can be confusing, I think. Some pedal jacks (labelled "PEDAL") take only the older foot controllers, while others (labelled "FBV PEDAL") take only newer foot controllers. How they can still both be called 2.0 without any other differentiation in the name is misleading situation. I recently bought a "Pod 2.0" for which the firmware version is 2.51, which I wasn't expecting!!!. The logo is the more modern version. I think it uses a different type of processor from other 2.0's. Tip: Holding down "Manual" while taping "Tap (Hold)" (not the other way around, as I read somewhere) latches a simulated hold-down of the "Tap (Hold)" button, so you can more easily switch between different amp models / cab selections / etc.. Then unlatch it by tapping "Tap (Hold)" again. Apologies if any/all of this has been mentioned.
I use a Pod HD Pro X, just disabling the cab sim and run it into a Mesa 4x12 and it sounds pretty good. I was originally just buying the Pod as a placeholder for the Helix when I had a bit more money but after dialing everything in I don’t really see a need to grab a Helix.
Line 6 needs to drop the spider first and foremost. They could easily put helix in amp form. I can tell you from experience that helix through a real cab sounds dope... It's way better then spider could ever be. Honestly, their price point is way to high. I just bought a helix floorboard and it cost $1700 after tax. Not that I'm complaining. It completely replaced my Eleven Rack and behringer foot controller. Hell, the dude at gear gods runs two hx stomp with a Duncan power stage and that's how they get their live sounds in his band. Yes, HX is Helix. As of the 2.8 update all helix and hx products are running on the same OS.
Great series. I still have my original Pod 2.0 which l run through Reaper via a UX2 and get perfectly usable sounds but recognise its limitations. I drew the same conclusion years ago that for home use in particular ( which lets be honest is the main domain of any guitarist ) you cannot beat the simplicity of the original Pod. Much though many laud the benefits of the Stomp, every time l sea demo of it my eyes glaze over at the complexity. And its own limitations . If Yamaha were to recognise the core strengths of the original Pod and in effect substitute the original amps /cabs and effects with current technology, a Rebranded and appropriately named "Helix Pod " would IMHO fly off the shelves at the right price point. Hopefully Line 6 are listening
Loved this series! The biggest irony is that the bass pod has never really been bettered. They made a amp version with the 5 most obvious tones and that didn't sell so line 6 dropped bass players like hot trash. Y'know the people who legitimately want/need clean tones (which the pod always excelled at) and DI's.
Totally agree about going back to the simple and immediate controls. I hate scrolling through banks and presets. I much prefer to treat it like an amp and pick my settings manually. Just look at the resurgence of manually controlled, single effect pedals. I think people like seeing the the complete control without editing the patches. I wish my POD (original) had the USB link, a bluetooth input for practice jamming, and a rechargeable battery, along with a more standard 9V DC center negative power supply. I think the Pocket POD has a lot of this, but not the same array of physical controls. But, I used to use my POD live, direct into the house PA, with a monitor line run to a small combo amp. It sounded great.
I didn’t know they made pod beans past the first pod , I’ve ct - c3 live / hd 300 : hd600 and now back to the x3live but all floorboard units , I know A lot of guys used xt and x3 live rack units mostly to have a clean sound like bullet for my valentine used to , I still use my x3 live for songwritering and demo stuff and making weird noises to bother my wife , I never liked the bean concept but liked the floor board and use the pc to edit and share patches , I use a 6505+ and pedals for my real tone though , great video series though , I watched them all
He did mention this during the series - but have you seem the shoot out ? All three pods were shown with IR’s - no doubt you can get useful tones by attaching a Mooer Radar to a POD. Would i buy a POD for this ? no. Just buy a Mooer GE-200. But you can definately extend the life of your cheapo POD with an IR loader.
@@kingpossie mine still sound great without. Post EQ can help. It took me a while, but I got mine sounding really good. I am glad I still have theses. I don't really care much for Digital modeling, that's why I didn't waste my my on replacing them. I bought a tube amp, I am going that route with a Two Notes Torpedo Captor 8 live and studio now.
Considering the popularity of small preamp pedals I'm surprised they haven't come out with a POD in an affordable square pedal form, with the simplicity of controls of POD 1/2, buttons for the secondary functions, improved modelling and real IRs, I think would be a real winner. Essentially make it small/simple/flexible and cheap enough to get it on guys pedal board signal chains.
I have The Floor Pod Plus and it is good stuff if you RUN IT THROUGH YOUR EFX LOOP and keep the amp modeling effects off ! ..if know how to tweek the effects settings just right (compressor, noise gate, chorus, delay, reverb ext.) have a good ear and a good sounding amp you can really get it sounding HUGE!!!!
Your idea for a new generation of Pod is compelling and would be pretty sweet, but I think it would get unfairly murdered in the marketplace. The reason being that some people will find the simplicity refreshing and invigorating, but the more vocal people will see it as limited and weak, and would bitch about how especially for the price they expect full functionality, and the reputation would be significantly damaged. The only way they could dodge that would be if they kept it below maybe $250, cuz at least then people would be willing to accept limitations. Overall I don't know if I completely agree with all of your conclusions, but I definitely agree that the pod name and form factor got pretty badly diluted. I think they diversified it with good intentions originally but pushed it too far.
Actually, I wonder if the Spider amps were actually ultimately a mistake for Line 6.. they obviously sold hundreds of millions of them so I'm sure they appreciated the cash flow, but they did also wind up with a pretty awful reputation as a terrible sounding joke product. So I wonder how the simultaneous ubiquity and popularity versus crap reputation bled over into their other products.
The next generation - (Pod Go) took over as the cut down version of Helix. Look in the next 10 years as it goes all GUI touch screen software on aspects with Bluetooth wireless networked. I am all for knobs or touch screens, not for menus buttons.
I’d say if you own a POD - stick an IR loader to it and see if you can dust off your bean. Try first on PC - lots of free IR loaders. Then decide to buy a hardware IR loader like the Mooer Radar for instance.Secondhand, I’d buy a POD X series bean for maybe around 50 euro max or a floorboard for maybe a little more. Then i’d probably look for a 12 inch full range powered speaker like an Alto or Behringer or go poweramp/guitarcab - something like Mooer Baby Bomb and Harley Benton 2x12. Or a used cab and poweramp/regular amp with fx loop to stick your pod into. With going for a guitar cab you can obviously drop the need for an ir loader. You could just end up like me - trying everything in modelling land up to Kemper and realize you just need a good amp and some pedals and be done. I got a old Peavey Redstripe Bandit for 75 euro and i probably could live with it being my only combo. Wish you all a pleasant journey - and sub to this channel ! Ryan deserves way more subs
I play bass my band went to in ear monitors a couple years ago. I run my pedalboard into a bass pod pro for an amp/cab sim it works great for what I need it to do and I dont have to lug cabs anymore I take my Honda to gigs.
hey, its a pretty budget way to get the helix amps with an IR loader. They really should have just called it something other than pod go though.. maybe they are trying to fix the pod name with the helix sims? idk lol
Nice video but Line6 has mentioned that desktop form factors don't sell anymore. That's why no one makes them except for Boss and theirs doesn't sell well either.
Think with the current computer processing power line6 could sell their software through Helix Native and they won't need to invest in a desktop hardware solution. Also I believe the Helix name is reserved for devices with a dual processor (like a double helix) and the HX devices only have one. Anyway always a good video.
I still have my Pod 2.3 and my Pod HD500. I was only able to find two amp models I liked on the Pod 2.3. I really like the HD but the cabs and mics still suck. The Helix still shares the same problem. That annoying digital noise you can't dial out. In some ways the helix is a step back from the HD.
your due diligence has been admirable. i think you put it to bed pretty well. i think the helix line is hitting all the right points right now. they can leave that alone for a little while. as to whats going on with the rest of their product line? who the fuck knows, man. there are bluetooth heads and FRFR speakers and all kinds of weird bullshit going on. i stopped paying attention. i have an HD500 and a G30, and for what i'm doing, it very well gets the job done. personally i'm pretty miffed at kemper. upside, you get stage ready interface at a considerable cheaper price. downside, you're still looking at a fucking space ship. the thing is clearly made for live, so make it easy to use for live. the kemper UI sucked and they have survived on the sound it makes. that's fine. but really? what were they thinking? give us a stripped down version. no profiling, just playback. sell us the amps. we're good with that. make it easy to use. hell, they could STILL charge 1700 for it and it would make perfect sense. but it's a different shape of the same product 7 years later with absolutely NO changes. form factor changes, functionality stays the same. absolutely absurd.
I have to partialy disagree with you here. I think the branding and the marketing around the helix family are clever and efficient. The flagship models (floor, rack, lt) have the same dsp power and overall have the same functions in differents form factors. The hx products share the same software architecture, but do not have the same dsp power, wich is CLEARLY indicated by the lack of the word "helix" in their name. Moreover, this seems to work well according to the Thomann best-seller in the guitar multi-effect category (www.thomann.de/fr/cat_rank.html?ar=431840). Having several products that bring the same modelling software in differents form factor is actually a great way to create great sounding products AND hit a lot of differents pricetags. Furthermore, each product of the helix family make sense : the rack is a classic, no need to explain. The floor give the opportunity to control your unit live without bother with several things (a rack + a foot controller + an expression pedal + ...) wich is pretty basic, but seems to be complicated since Kemper tooked several years to release the porfiler stage, and FAS does not have floor unit equivalent to their flagship ones (ax8 and fm3 have something like half of the power of the axII and the axIII respectively). The lt get rid of the luxury features of the floor without sacrifying neither its sound nor its dsp power, wich is, again, pretty smart. I mean, LCD screen over each footswitch is cool looking, but having the oportunity to not pay for it is welcomed. The HX effects is a great idea : having a dedicated unit for 4cm with tube amps (the fas fx8 also exists, but in my opinion it is not cheap enough face to the ax8), and the HX Stomp allow to have simple but great sounds for cheap and/or on the go. And you can continue to expand the family : what about an HX stomp mini with only one footswitch and a 3 blocks dsp power. Or an Helix Ultra rack unit, with enough dsp power for 3 guitarist and a bassist. Or, as you said, an HX Desktop, with, let's say, 9 blocks, accessible physical controls, 2in 2out + MIDI + USB. I personnaly would rather hace the classical Helix ui in order to allow deep editing. And finally, even if it's also a matter of taste, let's make it square.
So I have a Boss GT-100, and I'm not thrilled with its amp sounds. Is there any value in picking up a dirt cheap POD and integrating it with MIDI, or should I look at other alternatives?
Peace be to you. The Pod x3 pro is incredible. A masterpiece. The beans and live or Hd are inferior. Usa Hiway one strat Yamaha aw2400 Y96k Waves L1 maximizers on each channell Dual tone 4 output to console 24 bit Hard pan tones Two bose l1 model II's with subs for live Yamaha Msp 5's in studio My set up. Thank you Jesus. Music the language of Heaven is soon to be illegal.
Hey buddy, I have a quick question that most likely, you are the only one who can answer it. Between the Line 6 HD Pro and Pod Pro XT rackmount units, there is now roughly only a $100 difference for a used one. I am seriously considering either, but am on the fence as to which one. Is it worth the $100 more for the HD Pro. Only using it for home recording, practice, and occasional mild jam with friends. I’ll be using my own hammer IR’s. And I’m 80% of the time on high gain and chuggs. Any input from you would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
It largely depends on what amp models you like from each generation, the difference between the FX isn't all that great besides the limited boost/OD options on the XT. Without the expansion packs however, both the HD and XT lack a lot of the versatility a stock X3 does, though it costs about as much as the former. I would personally shoot for the middle with the X3.
That’s massively helpful!! I greatly appreciate your response!! You helped me about a year ago with a question I had about a Mesa Single Rec that I purchased and absolutely love btw. Love the channel and keep the chuggs coming!!
I think line 6 might be in trouble in general, they haven’t put out anything exciting in a while and companies like nux and mooer are out pacing them with more features and for a lower price.
I do not like when they put awrything in to 1 box. Basicly now Helix is electric guitar product with fwe by the way bass addons. Not like that! I really like when in old times there were separate Pod for bass and for electric guitar. In thosw way they make the best product for each of category. I want bass product spesialy made for bass. I do not want guitar staff in to my unit i never use!!!
Line 6 AAAHHHHHH! lol Would you ever consider doing some videos on peavey stuff? 6505+ is a really great amp and its the first amp head ive ever had where im literally torn between what channel i like better for rhythm. Red seems to be the go to for alotof players but man, the green channel boosted is punchy as shit. The red channel does have this "evilness" to it and of course a bit more compressed😈 Have a good day man!
I have tried to get a hold of an old Pod XT or X3 and I can't believe the prices people are bidding them to on ebay. I saw an XT with no power cord and some asshole bid it up to 300 dollars which makes no sense because the HD is the same brand new.
If you really want one, I'm about to sell my X3 for what I paid for it or less. I've determined the 2.0 and HD are keepers. Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you a link when its up. Edit: here it is. Line 6 POD X3 Desktop Red reverb.com/item/26580585-line-6-pod-x3-desktop-red?
Crimson Ghost - I just got an xt for free99 and it is worth every penny. I’m actually impressed but I wouldn’t spend more than $50 for it unless you are after a certain sound.
@@PapaWheelie1 Great score. I will probably never get one unless I see one cheap somewhere. I still have my old Pod 2.3 and my Pod HD500. Not to mention I have a Kemper which is amazing. I just wanted something small to take on trips. The wife doesn't like me taking the Kemper because of how expensive it was.
Crimson Ghost - I also got a line 6 guitarport XT for free. Looks like it is the same thing as a pod but needs to be controlled by a computer program. I haven’t messed with it yet.
