Line 6 POD - Awesome? Or 20 Year Old Pile Of Crap?

During the early 2000s, The Line 6 POD was my recording guitar gear or choice. Not only did this little kidney shape amp sound great at the time it was used on hundreds if not thousands of top records. In this video, I see if this unit still holds up or if it's just nostalgia. The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@paulkline3011]

I still use mine. I don't care that it's 20+ years old. People still ask me how I get such a brutal metal tone out of my amp. I love my POD.

[@WilDBeestMF]

LMFAO. People don't ask that. 😆

[@djentmaster33]

​@@WilDBeestMFyou wanna bet??? They have asked me that for sure! Lol line 6 pod pro with a poweramp into a Marshall 1960A cab boosted with a Fortin 33 gated with an ISP decimator...playing an LTDSH7 through it and it sounds brutal as fuck!!

[@WilDBeestMF]

@@djentmaster33 You're using some quality stuff. The Line 6 isn't responsible for it.

[@Gliese710_]

There’s one on guitar center for like $50, if I come across some extra money I’m gonna get it lol

[@locochang6533]

@@Gliese710_ too late. I just copped it

[@mdeerocks6792]

The only issue I had with POD was feel, not the sound. Sound was and is still great. Nonetheless it revolutionized home recording. A landmark piece of gear.

[@sacredgeometry]

Yeah it was like playing through a compressor which was fine for high gain but for everything else ... not so much

[@lesliel1182]

Hello... yeah they're all about the gain!

[@Hickalum]

@James Brown ; Trying to describe sound with words is like describing architecture with dance.

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

@James Brown Which part didn't you understand? Digital modeling amps sound fine but they don't react the way tube amps do. Whether it be the instant cut off of sustain once the signal is to weak or highly compressed, artificial attack, there is a noticeable disconnect from your fingers to the speaker with digital amps that isn't present with tube amps. I have a line 6 practice amp and it sounds fine and it's very versatile but it doesn't "feel" like a traditional tube amp. The harmonics are different, the attack is different, the sustain is different and the overall connection is different. I doubt a beginner can tell the difference but most actual guitar players can.

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

@James Brown Well, apparently, the original to post to which you replied "try to make sense" was a bit too ambiguous for you so I tried to explain it in a fashion that even a novice could understand. If I had known you were a certified "tube amp user" I wouldn't have bothered.

[@skirwan78]

there's nothing that makes me happier than when someone shows how to get use out of old gear instead of always promoting people go buy the newest gadgets. Great video, thanks for doing this and would love to see more tips on getting use out of gear we already own or have laying around or that we can find cheap on ebay to keep them out of landfills! PS. I had the dual 12" cabinet that pretty much had this build into it circa 2000 forget the amp name, from that I moved onto the large XT or pro pedal board forget what the model was on it but I loved it and it was great and SO versatile and saved me from having a cluttered pedal board and a heavy amp to move around. (it was the Flextone XL and the PODXT Live)

[@Stashmanfpv]

I still have my original POD 2.0 and because of this video I took it out and I was shocked that it still sounds pretty darn good! I still have all my tube amps (too many to list…) along with my FractalAXE FXIII, AX8, and Line 6 Helix (flagship) and my HD500, and they all have their place, but being able to mix and match models is simply fantastic! 🔥 Thanks for the trip down memory lane… Best! ✌🏼

[@nicgray1395]

I still have mine, manly through nostalgia, as I used it on recording sessions about 20 years ago. The artist I was doing the sessions for at the time could not believe how easy it was to get a great sound recorded without the hassle of cabs. It appeared on 5 albums all in all.

[@Dreyno]

I saw gig one night 20 years ago where a guy was trying out a Gary Moore tribute act. He was a well known musician and producer here in Ireland (Paul Gurney). It sounded absolutely epic. After the gig I wandered up to ask him how he got the tone. He pointed at a pod. A Les Paul into the pod into a big old Peavey. And that was it. I couldn’t believe it. In the end he didn’t tour the act but that night was fantastic.

[@sergioghiotto]

20 years ago I recorded all the guitar parts with the same POD for a cd and it came out great. 😊

[@milesskoog7675]

I still do lots of demos with mine. Agreed!

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I did the same thing. Everybody that heard it complimented my tone. I still use it for practice and demos at home.

[@stephenhaendiges7547]

I did a demo back in 2001 with a POD and I agree. Still sounds great when I've listened to the tracks recently. I used to use it live as well direct to the PA and sounded awesome. I used to have people come up to me and ask what amp I was playing through.

[@AI-Consultant]

we don't believe it unless it's on spotify

[@silvercloud1641]

@@stephenhaendiges7547 I think it was Meshuggah who also started using Line 6 POD Pros direct to PA live around this time. Instead of lugging their amps around on tour. Leaving the Mesa Boogies for studio use or home use.

[@Kdschaak]

The sound on those doesn't degrade over time. No reason it won't sound just as fantastic 20 years later. ;)

[@WilDBeestMF]

It degraded the second it was turned on.

[@shannonroberts5080]

​@@WilDBeestMF Have you ever used one? It's nearly perfect.

[@WilDBeestMF]

@@shannonroberts5080 😆 Yes, I have used one. I have used several of the Pod series devices, but I actually owned this. It's booty cheeks, man. It's not even close to perfect.

[@shannonroberts5080]

@WilDBeestMF Booty cheeks? :) Nice. :) Well, your ears are better than mine then, because it sounds nearly perfect to me. I own a VOX AC15, and a Marshall JCM800 stack and when I record either of them with an SM57 and compare the real thing to the POD XT model, they sound pretty much the same. If anything the POD sounds better for noise/hum at high volumes. For recording, the POD is more useful than the real thing because I don't have to bring the amp up to deafening levels to get it to distort the power tubes. I've compared the POD XT to more modern models like the Helix, and there is definitely a difference, but to me it's mostly EQ differences. I think the Helix often sounds subjectively better, but I actually think the POD sounds more like the real amp. I dunno, it could also be the genre and the types of things I play. Maybe your experience is much different than mine. But I would for sure give it a score higher than 'booty cheeks'. :) If perfect is 10, I'd give the POD XT a solid 9.

[@WilDBeestMF]

@@shannonroberts5080 Horses for courses, man. If it's perfect to you and it works for what you're doing, that's freakin cool in anyone's language. To my ears, though? Even in 2001 when I was a junior, it wasn't cutting the mustard and I swapped it for single use pedals.

[@Generalofmetal]

These were great! Still are. Also too many people get caught chasing perfection, but the average listener can't tell. Seriously, unless you side by side it with an original they were modeled after they won't tell.

[@Gulaschguenter]

If you're playing live, the average Joe really can't tell the difference. Neither does he care...

[@jettramel]

@@profvonshredder2563 After watching Rick Beato interviewing Eric Johnson yesterday I have to disagree in his case, but yes the average band yes.

[@albertlopez2237]

Exactly

[@scottpeters4401]

In a mix you probably can’t tell a difference between the Bean and a Kemper…..but sitting in the room with it,I dug out my old Pod Rack unit,and compared it side by side with my AxeFXIII…..There was a big difference,and you can appreciate how far modeling has come..

[@albertplaysguitar]

Would you say feel is part of the improvement?

[@sacredgeometry]

@@albertplaysguitar Its not just feel its all round. I have owned a red bean (version 2 if I remember right, I also own a HD400) the difference between it and the AxeFX3 is like night and day. One feels and sounds almost indistinguishable to an amp, the other whilst it sounds great it doesnt quite scratch the itch if realism is what you are after.

[@Tmidiman]

@@sacredgeometry the HD was a turd, but I did compare the X3 to the AxeFXII. Huge difference, but I prefer the original Pod. It’s a bit clearer to me than the X3. But the AxeFXIII is on my list.

[@albertplaysguitar]

@@Tmidiman I have an X3, and a Digitech RP360. Overall, I prefer the digitech. Takes pedals great, sounds great. But if I need to do high gain or effects, line 6 is great. Debating on getting an hx stomp.🤔

[@djangofett4879]

The current gen of amp modelers can all compete with an AxeFx in terms of the tone. The tech has really caught up to tube amps, even for cheaper modelers.

[@kerranz]

Mine 's still sitting right next to me...never had an amp.

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

I've been using my Line6 Pod Pro rack mount for almost 20 years. Still sounds great and is more than enough for my humble talent. Paired with a QSC Amp, a Hughes&Kettner 4x12 slant cab w/metal grill, and a 1990 Gibson LP Standard Heritage Cherry Burst. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@benharris5210]

I had the opportunity of checking out the XT Pro rackmount and was impressed with how well the sounds hold up. Saw waves of people selling off these kidney bean shaped PODs in the late noughties/early 2010s, but tbh there isn't many amp modellers out there even now that sound much better and usually for hundreds of pounds more.

[@djangofett4879]

the current gen of amp modelers is WAY better and some of them are the same price or even cheaper. i got a Hotone Ampero for 200 bucks on open box deal and it is way better than pod and even pod HD.

[@Superjet113]

lol

[@diaryofamedman8888]

The best clean sound in my opinion is holding the tap Button and selecting (i think ) Brit High Gain - it's a Dumble style model! Sounds really nice Holding the tap button allows the selection of a second group of amps , try it out and keep up the great work!

[@VIP-Guitar]

Not with this unit, the second group of amps was introduced with POD 2.0.

[@styrenebuilds6851]

They were designed for line direct recording . Also were great for people who lived in an apartment .

[@ZigbertD]

I used a POD exclusively for recording in my home project studio in the early/mid 2000s, and nobody ever complained about the guitar tones on those recordings. In fact, a lot of people were incredibly surprised at what good sounds I was able to get recording in a 12 x 15 bedroom. My argument about why the POD (and really any modeling technology) is the best choice for a home studio is that you might get a better sound out a real tube amp and speaker cabinet IF you have great mics, a really good room, a lot of experience with mic placement, and plenty of time for setting it all up. If you lack any of those, I can almost guarantee a modeling amp/speaker solution of some kind is going to get better results. I moved on to in the box software (POD Farm and Guitar Rig) for a long while. Currently I use the Strymon Iridium, which is superior to the POD in many ways, but hey, the POD is two decades old and is still totally usable.

[@vubear]

Pulled out my xt a couple of weeks ago. Banging tones, especially when you deep dive into the amps’ sub menus. I’m using it for bass in my cover band & with the foot controller it’s a super versatile rig.

[@ayeapprove]

Bulb (Misha Mansoor) started a whole new soundclick career with the Pod XT :D

[@baassik8419]

Someone stole my idea ! I bought mine (Bass XT...but you get the point!), when it first came out. Now setting up my new music space...I REALLY have to break it out again!

[@chusssMusic]

It is a great unit, I have used Line 6 KB37 with pod farm for more than 10 years. Worked like magic for me as bedroom guitar producer.

[@milesskoog7675]

Sounds killer. Still use my XT often. I think it's challenging for any tech to leap forward when they're constantly emulating vintage gear. Law of diminishing returns. Tons of players still have those old line 6 four button delays or mod pedals on their board.

[@carlweiderick]

These were so cool twenty years ago. I've still got mine.

[@AndrewAHayes]

This video inspired me to dust off my Pod and plug into it again, it still sounds as great as the day I bought it and so quick switching between models, there is a lot to be said for printed display and leds

[@MildredStain]

I still use mine from time to time. Glad to see someone else still find it useful and holding tonal quality. I have the Bass version too.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers James.

[@Levelity]

I sold my TSL Marshall and got a pod for when I moved to Hawaii. I lived in a tent and all I had was headphones, my strat and my pod. I had so many good times and made a lot of progress.

[@brunolevasseur]

Owning the 2.0 version, I see that the first version sounds good! I've been using POD 2.0 for 20 years, recordings and on stage, rehearsals and so on, never deceived. Some sounds not very interesting, like " Fuzz box" , but all "Brit" sounds were my preferences for crunches or leads, "Black panel" or "Pod clean" for clean sounds. Have recently changed for Nux Cerberus which is pretty awesome.

[@darrenkenton5364]

The funky guitar intro to Jamiroquai Lovefoolosophy was recorded direct into the board with an original POD.

[@dalenixon1947]

Hold the tap button and turn the drive and it adds a tubescreamer internally. I use mine every day. One of my favourite amps ever. The modern high gain, rectifier and brit high gain blend so well together recordes, makes a massive guitar sound without changing amps or guitars.

[@jaknunas]

Thanks for the validation of the POD, Paul. I bought one when they were first released (with the floorboard as well) and used it to record so many things. An amazing unit, well ahead of its time.Still have that rig. :-)

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Greg

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Some of the older units still hold up so amazingly well. I myself have an old Korg AX3000G and even older Zoom GFX-4 and both are still with me Albeit the Zoom is pretty much held together with black gaffer tape from well over a decade ago.

[@johnherdt]

I still have the POD that I bought when they were first released. They were made in the USA then. I like that the amp knob feels like it has mechanical contacts, like military spec. I've had the continuous knobs wear out on later PODS I went through. That first one is the only one that I've held on to and I rotate it into sessions occasionally.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Bought one in 2013. Used it for about 20 hours. Very impressed. I bought a Mesa shortly afterward. Never used the POD again! 🤷🏼‍♂️ I’ll have to dig it out and play around with it. I nearly forgot about it, til running into this video👍

[@haroldmcfatter3656]

i had one in my studio for years, just to record steel-guitar, without the need of a big amp. It worked great!!!

[@TraneFrancks]

One of the great features of the POD 2.0 when you used the Floor Board was that you could speed up and slow down the rotary effect. The ramp was extremely nice and really added a huge amount of character to the effect. My POD died last year, but I still have the Floor Board. Might need to buy another POD just because. They're sure cheap enough.

[@gybx4094]

I play my old Pod XT with the Line 6 floorboard, a Mackie mixer, and two 15 watt little Marshall amps. Its a great system. I also have a Pocket POD that goes direct into an old 10 watt Fender sidekick. It's not for public performance. It's just for my own pleasure.

[@mattfleming2287]

They can sound great or horrible, depends on how much tweaking you’re willing to do. I’ve had a XT Live for 15+ years and have a few tones which are amazing. The feel is almost there. The issue is if you turn your guitar down, they don’t clean up very nicely…. Can’t beat the amount I learned tweaking this thing, though. Having access to literally dozens of amp/cab types and different effects really showed me the difference between them. The reason it got so much hate is that people didn’t bother putting in the work. If you can’t get a good sound out of a POD, that’s your fault.

[@mikormichele]

A great classic, I have done a bunch of records with this. And it has been very usefull to understand which were my favourite amps ( I bought my Ac30 because of the pod)

[@canalstreet]

Bought one 20 years ago,still got it,about time I dug it out again after watching this.

[@elbass0]

Same here 🤣

[@marvinbush5278]

I really appreciate the video as it really set me straight. I first saw the pods after they'd been out for a few years and I thought, "How could they possibly produce all of those tones at that price?" As I said before, your video has straightened me out about that. Thanx again.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Marvin.

[@nickphillips1721]

Still using my 80's Flextone hd 300 amp heads for my clean tones in an a/b set-up, with the floor big board. On the other side are my spidervalve/ bogner hd 100 heads for heavy tones, through 70's Marshall green back stacks. It sounds great and does it all. I took the emblems off, a long time ago and everyone always has to check them out, and can't believe they are Line 6 products.

[@richardlecomte6839]

Man back when these things came out I got a hold of one. The kids were loving in these to the point where I traded my pod to some youngster for a blackface fender showman and speaker cabinet. I only had 50 bucks into the pod.

[@rollomaughfling380]

Wow.

[@d.a.t.4699]

Having been on my fractal fm3 for a good while now, im impressed at how great this thing sounds.

[@JedNadin]

For the little bedroom/practice tool they are fantastic. I love that chewy, high gain tone, really easy to play. Doesn’t sound or feel like the real thing, but when the baby is sleeping, they sure do the trick. I actually used one to track some solos on a death-metal recording due to being late on a dead line. Mixed with the real amps playing the rhythm, it was ace.

[@Rudromukherjeenerv]

I have the Pod HD desktop bean, I use it all the time! I can't always be bothered plugging in my board, and it sounds amazing!

[@sugarprobe]

I was saying to a friend that In the right hands a pod could sound every bit as good as my quad cortex especially when In a mix. But the new modellers have the feel down almost bang on like a real amp. That’s a big part for a old guy like me.

[@mikestillwagon5675]

I did a session once with a POD set to the JCM800 model, plugged into the effects return of a Peavey Bandit, plugged into a Marshall 4x12. It sounded killer.

[@TheFunkyman68]

At first, i make the same. In the Bandit and 4x12. Later i bought the Peavey 50 50 tube Poweramp. I use the jcm 800 for clean funky. 😉🤘

[@zeusapollo8688]

@@TheFunkyman68 I have the 50/50 too

[@thesoundpurist]

ah ah that's what I use to do!!! The JCM800 is haunting my dreams. Don't know why.

[@scottdunn2178]

You wouldn't have your Kemper or Fractal without this little kidney bean... it started the whole modeling craze.

[@TheStudioRats]

So true.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@TheStudioRats The Johnson (remember those 🤣) was probably the first modeler in a full-fledged amp or head configuration and could be considered the powered Kemper of its day.

[@dvcerdeira1]

My friend had a pod (version 1) and he made this awesome lead sound with the soldano simulator. I then bought a pod (2.0) and Pod Pro, and we couldn`t recreate the same sound even with the same presets! so, Vintage Pod is the real deal

[@mrburns366]

people used to joke that people would never want "vintage" modelers the same way they want vintage amps... maybe it's going to actually happen! lol

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Great device! I bought one over 20 years ago….and I still own it. In fact tried it yesterday. Still glad I kept it.

[@DaveWestGuitar]

Was pleasantly surprised when these first came out. I still much prefer a tube Marshall. The price difference is astronomical, so it may be perfect for someone on a very tight budget. The point of how it’s sounds sit in a mix is important. Sometimes the sounds you need in a mix occupy a fairly narrow frequency band. I did not want to like this device to be honest, having spent a fortune on a JCM800 full stack in 1986. For 50$ on the used market, you really can’t go wrong here. Don’t expect it to compare to a Kemper, Fractal, or Neural Quad Cortex, though. The technology now is very realistic; like Pepsi challenge realistic. Then again, The punch and air movement of a 100 watt Marshall through a 1960 cab interacts with your playing in a unique way. I could always tell Coke classic from Pepsi blindfolded anyway. Besides, a lot of people prefer Pepsi.

[@nickphillips1721]

I use a BBE sonic stomp (maximizer) and I can shape the sound to fit ANY live band situation................it can get heavier than my JCM 800, or all the clean sparkle of a roland jc 120, both amps I still own, but never gig with. The Bogner power amp, with groove tubes, takes the "pod" to the next level and corrected the thin live mix tone. The hd 100 is a criminally under rated amp head. I am glad, nobody else uses them, because this gives me a distinct sound and that's what it's all about, right ?

[@rollomaughfling380]

Mine got me through my first few years of project studio PC recording, and first 2 years of television work until hardware and DAWs fixed the widespread latency issues down to 3-5ms, and it became feasible to plug straight into the box, (so you can tweak tone after a magical take). I kept it, ran it through this terrific (and LOUD) little tan Seymour Duncan 1x12 combo bass practice amp my ex had left behind, which I fitted with an EV-12L to handle its full volume, which I used for live dates in LA, playing lap-steel style on an old Silvertone with a warped neck. Great setup-fits in any car, no fuss, no muss. Just the combo, and a vintage, 1940s train case (rock box) full of cables and the Pod. Simple, clean, easy-great tone on the go.

[@rickdixon9592]

I got a POD when they first came out. I used it for recording for a few years. It was a good piece of gear, but I never liked the clean tones. So a few years ago I bought a Fender Twin Reverb amp, added an assortment of pedals and sold the POD. The POD is an adequate piece of gear if you have to be quiet and can't use an amp though.

[@dr.paulcollins]

I have the 2.0 kidney and the Pod PRO (through a JCM900) and I still use them live in a Bon Jovi tribute. These things are work horses. If you have one hold onto it, you'll never know when you'll need it. I practice through it every single day. My two units are a permanent fixture in my arsenal. Good times and tones. Love it. Some tasty little runs there too my friend. Bravo 👏*golf clap*.

[@johnjubal1958]

Thanks for the refresher. I hope to win one on eBay myself tomorrow via the highest bid. I had one a long time ago and I loved it. There was a mini version too that you could clip on your belt. Rather then bending down you could do it from the hip. You were limited in the range of choice of course but it did a great job! Thanks again Paul, it was appreciated to see again how good this is👍😁🎸! I sold all my guitar equipment due to a physical condition. I'm completely recovered and now I'm having great fun starting all over again😊. I'm making good progress! Cheers🍻😎!

[@craigwillms61]

To this day the POD 2.0 is my practice device. Works/sounds great. In the studio I use a Fender Princeton and and H&K Tubemeister, but occasionally the POD is pressed into service. It's not bad at all.

[@firegoat73]

I have a POD2.0 that I run through a Celestion impulse response in cubase and honestly when recorded I can tell the difference between it and my PRS MT15.

[@picksalot1]

Sounds just as good as remember when I was looking for my first Modeler. I choose a Boss GT-6 because I was looking for a floor model with and Expression Pedal, and some other features. I remember being torn between the two, and I think the Pod actually sounded a little better. Not too long ago, my GT-6 went too glitchy, and I decided it was time for an upgrade. So, I got an HX Stomp, and have been able to get some amazing tones from this monster Chameleon of a Modeler. Some companies have been making very good sounding Modelers for decades. Thanks

[@robertsimpson5801]

I remember being a total analog snob when I heard of the POD, but once I went to an all-in-one digital solution, I never looked back. Listening to this recording, I think I was definitely a bit biased. :)

[@george6520]

Bought this when they first came out. Also got the floorboard foot controller. I always felt there were killer sounds available in this unit. Dug it out a few years ago for a small 3 song studio session and was really surprised at how it stood up sonically. The floorboard has a wah peddle and volume pedal and allows easy access to 36 possible presets… great for gigging. Thanks for the blast from the past…and some great chops too..

[@rickclark4714]

I still have a pocket pod. Occasionally use it with headphones. Every time I plug into it, I’m surprised how good it sounds. Even the software still works. Considering what the sell for, I might as well keep it forever. Great for travel, or even just having it for the turner and crazy effects. I’d love to see a blind test between an old pod and a new expensive unit.

[@davidwoods358]

A lot of these older classic products still sound great. If the viewers never saw the products you were playing through and had to to guess at what you were using ... the resulting comments could be quite interesting. This might be a really fun video (hint, hint.) I used an old Boss GT6 for 7 full length cd's. It worked just fine.

[@Major00Tom]

We guitar players are very hype oriented and companies know it and have us by the balls.

[@ianstreatfield9078]

Bought mine off eBay several years ago - going to dig it out again after seeing this!

[@aapddd]

I had a Line 6 vetta II. A beast of an amp based on the xt. The sounds were pretty solid ! I hope they make a new vetta based on the Helix.

[@1RobHunter1]

Line 6 Pod - still Rocks and knobs to tweak tones. Great budget solution with nice effects. BEHRINGER V-AMP 2 costs a lot less for 90% tone of the Pod. BB King used a Lab Series L5 solid state amp 2x12 for his tone. Journey Neal Schon - Roland Cube solid state for studio work for guitar solos.

[@MWHOME]

Great demonstration of the POD! I STILL use mine for recording. And like you said, in a mix you really can't tell. Mine has tons of presets which at this point are not "backup-able" due to the lack of software support for this unit as it is ancient! My friend just got the 2.0 chip and is upgrading his from the POD 1.0 to 2.0 and we are planning to transfer my presets to his via MIDI cable so his unit will be a clone of mine!

[@dracul74]

I have all the pod versions... bought them on the cheap on eBay a few years ago. I mostly use them for practice, composition and use my real amps when I can be loud. They are great for using with keys, bass, etc.. Each version has its own unique goods and bads.

[@grimmmstudios2367]

I put my V1 and big floorboard away when I got an Atomic Amps cab that had the module for the Pod XT, so I upgraded to the XT and the smaller board. Running into a real valve power section and a good cab made all the difference, the fan was noisy as hell though. I still have them, and they still sound as good as anything else. Mostly I record DI and run through Overloud plugins thee days, on a MBP. We have all the tools these days, but all the good music has been done.

[@PufferTube]

Yep. My POD 2.0 has been a part of my home studio setup since I bought it back the early 2000s. did the chip upgrade. The thing is a rock. & if you’re not chasing “authentic” tones it has tons of cool, usable sounds, a lot that work a treat when sitting in a mix. I’ve tried a bunch of the big software ones, & they’re good enough, but being able to step away from the DAW is draw here. On top of which I found an old Line 6 Floor Board controller, & that thing is a tank. Just a solid piece of metal with some switches & a volume & wah peddles. Cost me $60 & I got a Bass POD as well (meh). It’s great to switch between presets mid-jam. My chain: Guitar -> peddles -> DI splitter -> A. POD 2.0 | B. Direct out to amp or DAW - A. POD -> Stereo Delay -> Stereo Looper -> DAW or mixer. All the benefits of re-amping/processing-in-DAW, but immediate tone when playing. Tips: A software editor can give more access to fine tuning the effects than just the dials, or make it easier in any case. There are some free ones for Windows at least. They can get a weird bug from dust, where the second you play a note the preset changes to the default or the one previous. You just need to take it apart, blow out the dust, and clean the pots. The tuner is surprisingly one of the most stable that I’ve used. I don’t use it that much, but if you are using it to practice on the go or in the living room, it works better than most.

[@limpeacock573]

I got one when they first came out. Pretty revolutionary for the time and I used it a lot. I eventually gave it to my son who still uses it on occasion. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Paul.

[@petericho71]

It's worth a mention that more hidden amp models (Dumble Overdrive Special, Soldano, Mesa Boogie Mark IIc, Roland JC-120, etc) are available (positions 17 - 32)..... by holding down the Tap button and turning the amp model knob.......as per the downloadable "pilots guide" (user manual) pdf.

[@martindejong4813]

I have two of them in my rehearselstudio together with a Beringer bass module, a Roland Td-17 Edrum kit passing through a mixing table, an EQ and an exciter into headphone distributor. Me and my band can practice well into the night without a problem. At the same time i can make a recording of the songs instantly. There are also no problems with anoying sounds like unintentional feedback, or hiss. Most important; not carrying heavy amps or any other shit. We’ll keep that for the giga. Just plug in, sit down and play🤘

[@TheStudioRats]

Awesome

[@craigr777]

I have this exact old Pod (w/ nice headphones) in my living room next to my recliner so I can play my Tom Anderson while my wife and I veg out at night. I've used it direct on numerous recordings in the past and people always comment on how good the tone is. These days it's tube amps in the studio, but this is the married couch player's dream.

[@GuitarMan3YT]

I used a Pod Pro with a crown power amp pushing 2 Marshall cabs with the floorboard to gig with for years. It sounded great!👍🎶🎸

[@raymondbarreras8153]

Good review! I have 2 in the closet, I can break them out soon. I must say, you have tastefully demo’ed this unit. I appreciate the fact that you put a tube screamer in front of it & tightened her up a bit. Thank you

[@juanluguitar]

I keep my Pod 2.0 , all the videos in my channel are recorded with it, the audio via an Audigy pcmcia sound card into and old laptop with Win XP and Audacity DAW, the video with an IPhone 5S, then mixed and synchronized in a new Dell desktop. It sounds good to me, now I’m getting pretty good ACDC sounds with a Dimarzio superdistortion pu and patch 5A on the POD 2.0.

[@gavterrygt]

I had a pod 2 when they first came out, sold it years later but have recently bought a used one in mint condition. I have only ever played at home, casually, and I think my niche view is that I’ve never had the opportunity to play a cranked valve amp. I’ve owned a couple but not been able to use them to their full potential. So I guess if you don’t know what you’re ‘missing’ in terms of the feel, then like me you’re happy with the excellent tones that the pod has

[@kraftjoh]

I'm sure I still have one of these floating around somewhere. I can remember buying the chip to upgrade it to a 2.0. At bedroom volumes, this thing was great. If I remember correctly, the life just kind of went out of it if you tried to crank up the volume at all. A lot of old solid-state modeling boxes suffered a similar fate. One of the things I liked about it was that you could get a really nice clean tone to pump into your computer to use as a base for adding vst amp modelers.

[@chucksaeger7500]

I got one as a result of watching this video! Simple to use and sounds great! Who cares that it’s over 20 years old? I’m 70 and hope nobody minds!?

[@leascaart]

The tremolo in this POD is SO GOOD!! I just bought one of these. I've never used it. I saw Josh at JHS demo this POD and I fell in love with it. It sounds phenomenal. It's got tons of great options.

[@MrNeilfatmonkey]

I had the Flextone 2x12 combo, which I believe had the same engine as the pod, and I used that to gig with for years. I got some great tones out of that setup and being able to use the floorboard with it was a revelation. It’s a shame they don’t make something simple like that any more. Great video.

[@KozmykJ]

Yup. Pod in a combo. Flextone II 1x12 here, with the 'Longboard'. It's in the bedroom now for those early hours 'revelations'. Despite being a 1x12 it still gets stereo on the headphones ...

[@MrNeilfatmonkey]

@@KozmykJ It was the version 3 I had with the shortboard. It worked so well I’d definitely have one again. I really liked the wah on it too! It was a really great, simple setup.

[@nazmoking3171]

I had one for a year or so - and I sold it a year later. I bought a Zoom G3Nx and never sold it. Still love it! Put your money where your mouth is. I do have to admit you know how to tweak this guy to make it sound pretty legit - Bravo!

[@jerrymyers1798]

I still use my 20 year old Boss ME-50 w/headphones when I dont want to disturb others. Sounds great.

[@nethbt]

It was way better than most ZOOMs and DIGITECHs back in the day

[@slimvillan]

I have the pod xt used it for years and it was great, great vid cheers 👍👍

[@bsbrooks455]

Thanks for the memories. Makes me wish I had never sold mine. Then again, if I were to write a list of all the things I regret having sold it would be in volumes and take up an entire shelf in my bookcase.

[@albertplaysguitar]

So true... things I try not to think about. 😂

[@alexkelly8131]

Shame you sold the bookcase too

[@Hickalum]

Well I didn’t sell mine … but I never use it, so I might as well have sold it!

[@mrlionel1965]

I have the updated version along with the short floorboard, and I still use it. It sounds and works great.

[@captainhauser1764]

2.0 is still the best, hands down. Still sounds the most organic. I refused to use anything else for a long time. Got a couple of HDs now and having tried all the new stuff from Line6 (and ayone else's new stuff, for that matter), I still like the old trusty 2.0. best. Period.

[@hollywoodactress]

I remember reading about the old early pods being the best ones. I can’t remember if it was the script logo or the block logo was better

[@flmason]

Have to agree... The PODxt models all became fizzy... and they changed the Brit High Gain (JCM 800) for the worse... whole reason I bought the POD 2 was that model... expected it to stay same in PODxt but with more effects... found out different.

[@Steve_the_Bastard]

I was mucking around with my rack version today. Running it into a Seymour Duncan powerstage 200 and holy fudge… it’s awesome. Great vid man…

[@TheStudioRats]

Very nice

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

I have an old rackmount one in rack in my studio, it’s funny, often I’ll use it if we’re tracking some scratch guitar tracks for ideas, before using amps and whatnot ..but often just end up leaving on the Pod tracks because they already sound good. It’s really pretty good, especially in the context of a mix.

[@judsonsnell]

Same experience here. Lots of scratch tracks have gone to mix. And a lot of amp purists converted.

[@danstringer7610]

I had the chance of a life time to open for 38 Special back in 2009. Since we were onstage with all their equipment and their guitar tech I was checking everything out like a gear nerd does. I couldn’t find any amps!? I asked the tech and he showed me 2 of these with the setting marked with a sharpie. He said the sound man does the rest. I could not believe it… but they sounded great!

[@TheFairway8]

I read an interview with Captain Sensible of the Damned. When they were recording their album Grave Disorder around 2000. Captain Sensible used a POD on the demos. He said when the album was recorded in the studio some of the POD sounds were so good that they didn’t need to be re-recorded with ‘real’ amps and were actually used in the final mixes. If you listen to some of his guitar work on that album it certainly is testament to how good the POD was.

[@zoltansanchez7333]

I have the bass pod and love it. The modeling is well done for price a great all in one package

[@bassmandudge]

Mine was £40 3 years ago. One thing I only found out a year ago....if you hold down the tempo button and turn the amp knob you get another 20 amps and In my opinion some of the best sounding ones too...I think there is a Jtm 45 in there that I love. You can choose your cabs as well.... Lots of hidden features...as Paul said...in a mix you would never know... And I like the feel of it and actually find it pretty inspirational..and they sell for no money...the only crappy thing about it is no aux in for jamming with your fav music....massive oversite imo...

[@doovie101]

When you start experimenting with different cab settings or the mic placement settings, you find magic.

[@nasticanasta]

you find out amp modeling is a load of bullshit....your speaker will not pull off another speakers tone through the magic of a plastic effect pedal...sure it will effect the sound. but you didn't get a Celestion tone from an Eminence or whatever

[@doovie101]

@@nasticanasta It's not a pedal. They sound very good. Sometimes great.

[@jamesha175]

i still have an old POD which i run into an 18w Atomic tube power amp designed just for the POD and it still sounds great

[@arccityangels]

Pods are excellent; a lot of folks fail to see the actual point of them( because they were marketed to everyone). In reality, these were best suited for tone shaping in recording situations. Need a “stacked guitar” sound to round out your tone, this thing did. Like you said in a mix, no one can tell. You are absolutely right!

[@OsMart0073]

For my own opinion being an owner of POD XT since 2004 still is great and simple.

[@Blueshack1871]

Still got my POD 1 in the cupboard with a POD 2 chip inside. When they brought the POD 2 out line 6 offered an upgrade kit for POD 1 users which consisted of the chip and a chip puller (tweezers). Accessing the additional amps and effects required holding down one of the buttons while turning the knobs. Seem to remember that when changing patch there was also a way of resetting the dials to match the patch by holding a button down and turning each knob in turn. The good old days.

[@ianparr1533]

I remember doing that upgrade! The days when firmware really was firmware.

[@tonedriverss8629]

C'mon guys , the new stuff is a lot more expensive and don't actually sound THAT much different than these Line 6 Pods ! I have my Black bean Pod HD and it is very satisfying in ALL its settings . Never selling this awesome piece of classic Line 6 gear . Makes everything I need to do sound really good , no matter the config I use it in . A great piece of gear , still today . Great eye-opener video , bro !

[@RidzuanYahya]

Got it when it first came out. Still have it. Might need to bring it out again

[@apatriot613]

Had too busy a life to use mine much. Thanks for the post . Now having time I will give it a go.

[@ROKZLEON]

My favorite amp model on the old bean was the Matchless! (Modern Class A)

[@theishing1]

It's in the players hand, thanks Paul. It sounds awesome!!!!

[@greenthumbpicking74]

Agree....