LINE 6 POD GO vs. FRACTAL AUDIO FM3 - Metal

[@jeremybennett2100]

For those wondering about the Badonk on the Pod Go, you could get that same throatier sound by turning up the "depth" on the amp model. Also make sure your cab/IR is set to a high cut of 8k and it will eliminate that high end digital fizzyness.

[@Agi07]

Crazy late to the party here, but what is the amp “depth” feature in the pod go?

[@VapnFagan]

OLA your telling me you got all that gear in your studio and no line switcher??? BRAH!!!!

[@CTG-TV]

XD

[@stevenf7474]

Yeah OLA, you need to invest in a switcher :)

[@daviddarko2665]

I thought the same!

[@ScttSt_vocals]

Big oof, Ola ;)

[@radarmon1977]

I think he has the best one: OLA - 1 (manual switcher)

[@tuhitukare8672]

I love that you're not a shill for these companies, Ola. It's one of many things I admire about you. I'm convinced that if you thought a Hello Kitty guitar and a Johnson J-Station were an awesome combination, you'd say so. (Pro tip: they're not). Stay honest, dude. It's why you've got so many subscribers. Well, that and you're funny looking, which personally makes me feel better about my big nose.

[@kronus513]

"WILL IT CHUG?" with that Hello Kitty guitar. C'mon, @olaenglund, make it so!

[@bluepvp900]

@@kronus513 Another channel has done a pretty fun series of guys playing on Hello Kitty guitars as well as a couple drum kits. The one with Zakk Wylde playing NIB is probably one of the coolest things I've seen on YT. John 5 is a close second. Whoever the drummer was is also well worth watching.

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

For the time there were two really awesome models on the Johnson J-Station much better than anything else that was available. And I had one patch on that thing that was absolutely awesome. As for not being a shill, when it comes to Fractal he pretty much is. To Ola anything that isn't Fractal is inferior. The only thing he could really come up with that was better was that it's *more modular* - read hideously more expensive to add the missing parts. Without those parts the Pod Go is 80% cheaper, added in it's 84% cheaper.

[@danc3746]

I personally think the "ANGL Meteor" is the best overall amp model in the Helix and POD Go line, for Metal and hard rock.

[@oceandrinksboat]

Super slept on, I was all about the Purple Revv amp but made a recent switch getting bored with the same sound & the Meteor is definitely Meatier

[@jd_flick]

Line 6 sure has come a long way since the little red pod

[@noobasaurusrex9608]

That little red pod was dope tho!! It got 14 year old me through some times haha

[@rizzinthebox7124]

Red bean-/,,/

[@toemasmeems]

In 1999 that shit was a game changer. Argubably wouldnt have had the axe fx today without it

[@teamskdm1]

fractal has done even more in a shorter amount amount of time

[@GearStuffandThings]

They sound pretty much the same. Save $ get the PodGo

[@ScotDvorak]

The FM3 is more natural sounding, and less aggressive in the highs. To my ears, it sounds like something that would layer and mix “friendlier”. That 5-10% that I think would make me happier in the long run.

[@adambandit100]

Just use EQ . The charcter of sound is nearly the same

[@DoritoStyle]

@@adambandit100 That's fine in a home studio, but when playing live and relying on house sound I think the FM3 wins for not relying on someone else's ears.

[@ESR66]

@DoritoStyle You can easily use global EQ setting to set the frequency bandwidth for the unit.

[@lupit1]

Line 6 is brighter for sure, but i almost like it a little more. Expression pedal, half the price, it’s really leaning toward the line 6.

[@Left2See]

I got mine a month or so. I'm part of a local cover band and in my use case, it's more than I need. Since we are playing different styles of music, I fell in love with the Soldano 100 sim. Playing at a gig is so easy now. I just put it on the floor, plug it in and I'm ready to go. No real amps, no real cabs, just that small little box. The only complaint I have is a slight delay. The tone isn't direct. There is a noticable gap between hitting the string and hearing the sound. Very small, but it's there. Still, it's more I can ask for and it sounds amazing.

[@MikaTarkela]

I just sold my AX8 and I'm receiving my FM3 on tuesday. Can't wait!

[@lmatte7]

It would be interesting to see a comparison between the HX Stomp and the FM3. The stomp is still about $300 cheaper and is very similar to the FM3 in terms of use case. It also is MUCH smaller. I was really surprised to see how large the FM3 is when it's side by side with the POD Go.

[@javiereu]

I love the low mid growl in the fractal, I had the Ultra and it sounded the same. The POD sound great also, and for a fraction of the price.

[@jetclipsAU]

I own both these units and they're both fantastic but the POD GO is my go-to at the moment!

[@jfo3000]

Can you say why that is the case? Sound, convenience, some other reason?

[@butcher_0392]

Bro, since you have the FM3. Could you do me a favor and run a latency test with the oblique RTL Utility? Do not delay at all, the truth is only 5 minutes maximum, and thus you help us all here, to know how good a unit it is, in that aspect. Since I am interested in the fm3 but I want to know if I can Monitoring from the Daw with it without latency problem. About 10ms or maximum 14ms would be fine for me. The Pod go in that aspect is a complete disaster, I was very disappointed with my purchase because my pod x3 live is much better all in one than the Pod go. I look forward to your prompt reply. Thank you

[@jetclipsAU]

@@jfo3000 convenience and ease of use really. I'm new to the Fractal world and the FM3 sounds amazing but I find myself spending so much time exploring than playing. Still on the learning curve basically.

[@IamtheFerryMan]

@@butcher_0392 - The Fractal forum probably has an answer for you.

[@danyeo]

@@jetclipsAU The learning curve never ends with Fractal Lol.

[@daddysullivan87]

The Fractal is drier sounding and Line 6 has a little more grit and headroom. I like the Line6

[@aaronmarkham4424]

The line 6 has a little more bite to it

[@MikaTarkela]

The FM3 has so much more parameters to tweak so you can basically get any kind of a sound out of it.

[@johanndaart7326]

@@MikaTarkela It's true, but most people don't spend more than 2h per day on guitar stuff. So for general player, that doesn't want to spend hours on tweaking, the unit that gets him best tone out of the box is better.

[@ericritter228]

Agreed on the Line 6 stock cabs. I've had a Helix for several years and yeah...the stock cabs suck balls. That said, I like my Helix, and you get the same models minus one stompbox in the Pod Go.

[@PooNinja]

My vote goes to the L6, cause I’m cheap but still really fussy about my tone and for some reason the expression pedal is a big plus for me.

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

It's a great all in one machine. I just got mine and barely scratched the surface of it, but I can already tell it's going to get me all the home recording tones I could ever want. I originally wanted a Helix LT, but realized I would never make full use of it and doubt I'll ever use all of what the Pod Go has to offer, plus I do have a few actual pedals to hook up to it and free up block space for other stuff if I do end up using all the blocks.

[@HugoPaulo]

POD GO actually sounds better to me. It's honestly just an opinion thing at this point

[@Mommythief0069]

Agreed actually

[@MaxiPetrone]

Agree. And a lot cheaper!

[@TVoltG]

Line 6 has been my main "amps" for two years now. I am 💯 satisfied.

[@justinTime077]

Someone that isn’t just going to bombard me with blues licks? Impossible! Keep it up.

[@behindthen0thing]

Hmm

[@Davivd2]

That first tone was the best distortion tone that I've ever heard.

[@daveymeds]

I’d like to see a comp between the pod go and headrush gigboard

[@conspiracytocommit]

obviously the caveat being KZbin audio streaming resolution, I recorded the audio portion to repeatedly “listen” to the differences. So, my opinion from listening is that between the patches you compared, the POD Go patch had much more Texture in the tone across the guitar tone. I do hear the throatyness you mentioned about the FM3. In other comparisons, i have noticed in AxeFxiii the cost of that throatyness, does seem to mean giving up midrange texture, Especially compared to Helix. In the amp models that don’t have throatyness at all, I do see the AxeFxiii still sounds like there is less texture vs an almost identical sound Helix Patch (and just for S|nits’N’jiggles I found the same in certain Helix Native, AmpFarm/PODfarm, PODx3pro, and virtually all NALEX and MLSound PlugIns)

[@steven_marque_official_channel]

VERY INTERESTING & HELPFUL. Great specialized comparison Ola. You're still the very best at choosing finite topics & exploring them for us. While I'm already very pleased with my choice, it's nice to get confirmation on my Pod Go. For my little jam room it's ideally simple & fun with no frustration & all immediate gratification 🖤⚡🤘

[@VideoMcVideoface]

Some players can’t hear the high end fizz, or they think the amps being modeled have that fizz. I really wanted the recent Mustangs to not have it but.. fizzzz for days. I might go for the FM3 if I see people happy with them.

[@NamelessMan666]

I agree that the FM3 can be sometimes overwhelming but it's a beast. Regarding the IR's, I'm only using an IR that fits the real cab I'm using for the rehearsal, which is the ENGL 4x12 with V60/V30 combination. So the best IR for me was the Celestion IR of an ENGL V30 (non XXL) cab with a 57 Balanced mic model. That's it. Just to go for something you know well.

[@daviddarko2665]

So, I can get the "amazing" Line6..... AND A NEW GUITAR, for the price of the Fractal. I have made my decision. 😉

[@u563rick6]

Playithard Makeitfun yes 😯

[@Ecthelion9]

You will always crave the fractal thou

[@brpadington]

Better off with Fractal or Headrush if you want something cheaper.

[@TheSilenceMachine]

Virgil Grin why would anyone pay 2k for the fractal? That’s double the price

[@davman115]

@Virgil Grin The fractal cost 1k not 2 unless you live in the land of Oz where it will cost more than a small planet.

[@robistocco]

I love when a cheaper underdog piece of gear wins over a more hyped expensive one... but 2 chords in at 2:26 and 2:42 and the FM3 has already such a richer and fuller tone!!! Probably if I heard only the Line6 by itself I would have said it's great, but compared to the Fractal unit it just sounds... well, half the price :)

[@WarMachine_Studios]

Pod Go kicks ass! Ive had mine for about 4 months and I love it! Edit: the only downside it has for me would be that you cant split the signal for bass tones. But it can make some nasty bass tones as is.

[@ryanteacher8134]

Doesn't the wah is always in the chain thing annoy you?

[@WarMachine_Studios]

@@ryanteacher8134 Not at all man. I use wah from time to time. Either that or I swap it out for the whammy.

[@spencerAce]

Just recently bought a Pod Go and I must say I'm really impressed! I agree 100% with you that it should've come with more cab options. I do load my IRs to get great tones. That beign said, you can customize lots of parameters for each of the few built-in cabs like changes mics, distance and whatnot. I must say I was able to get great tones after spend some time dialing in those cabs.

[@83joeyd]

Where and what IR’s do you use?

[@Arthemesia]

The fractal seems just a tad bit more compressed and tame. The line 6 seems a little less compressed and widens out if that makes sense

[@Arthemesia]

@GregK I would definitely love to give it a shot haha. I need to get one

[@xplanet2112]

The Cali EQ is a invaluable in creating a heavy guitar tone, boost that 750Hz 😉

[@tonykennedy8483]

There are plenty of parameters in the Fractal you can adjust pretty much anything

[@Arthemesia]

@@tonykennedy8483 Absolutely, I own one haha. I am just saying in the context of this video this is how it sounds

[@tonykennedy8483]

@@Arthemesia Ah right, didn't know you were a Fractal guy. Three years with an AX8, got a III last year and my FM3 turns up in a couple of days, so I'm v pro!

[@BattousaiMLT]

The FM3 sounds and responds more like an amp than the POD GO imho. Both sound good for this purpose but the FM3 is the best of the 2. However distorted tones are far easier to achieve then lower gain sounds. If you want to really test them out you have to try it out with some pushed clean "edge of break up" type tones. Thats where I find a lot of modelers still tend to struggle to pull off consistently.

[@ConstantineJajas]

Fractal. The amp modeling is just superior. As Ola said. It's in the High End. The POD GO also sounds a bit phazed out. But it is worth mentioning how far this tech has gone within a decade and how accessible it is.

[@butcher_0392]

The Pod go in your Edit program, works perfect. But: 1) The input gain cannot be modified, it is fixed, therefore the guitar tone will always be very DRY, and it is not just a matter of increasing the gain in the amp, because we all know that it will not sound better, nor place an OD like clean boosting because I did it and it didn't help much. 2) the default cabs and mics are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 3) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@ConstantineJajas]

@@butcher_0392 Very informative. Haven't played through a POD GO or used it as an interface but I have the HELIX Floor. I must say that I never had any issues with that but it's a different category unit all-together.

[@butcher_0392]

@@ConstantineJajas Bro since you have the helix, could you please do a latency test using the oblique RTL Utility? So we all know how much improvement in that aspect it has compared to the Pod Go.

[@Dudesyclips]

Yeah, I think if you're into live gigs then the pod go would suffice, but if you're into production in any way, the FM3

[@ConstantineJajas]

@@butcher_0392 Check online by typing RTL Helix. A couple of people over at the L6 forums have done extensive testing far better than I ever could.

[@noobasaurusrex9608]

What I've learnt from this, Both of these sound way better than my rig 🤣

[@johnpacino4491]

And your rig is probably more expensive than both together cuz it's the analogue "real deal"? No? 😁

[@DarrenSMusic]

To top it off, you don't have Ola dialling in your rig 😉

[@jgmopar]

Line 6 has a nice setup in their factory for modeling/profiling the amps i was impressed with all the amps they have in their hall of amps and the sound Engineers were super nice

[@JiTiAr35]

Will it chug : - Mooer GE 150 - Nux MG 300 - Valeton GP 100 All about €140 at Thomann

[@flesruoYkcuFoGuoY]

I have a POD Go. Came to say it's worth the money. I knew a guy who went to school for audio something or another, and he had an Axe-FX 2, and he really struggled getting a solid tone out of it. Most people who heard his tone had nothing positive to say regarding it. The POD Go however, has turned heads ever since I've had mine. We play mildly progressive metal btw, along the lines of Contortionist and Tesseract, maybe a lil groove like Deftones.

[@mirageinmirror1497]

May be the difference in the sound is in front of the modeler?

[@MKRocker2012]

The Line 6 sounds like what I imagine Ola's tone sounds like...when I do imagine that.

[@austincrouch8532]

The high/low cuts feature on the line 6 are sadly under-utilized. They help make the unit sound a LOOOOOOT more natural. The cuts on cab/ir slope down at a rate -6db/octave, while cuts using eq blocks are steeper at -12db/octave. A very lightly mixed in room reverb helps a lot as well, especially using stock cabs. Line 6 products seem to need a touch more tweaking but are just as capable of achieving incredible tones like you showed off! The right cab/IR makes all the difference in the world as well!

[@bradelliott3698]

splitting hairs here ,, one person is going to prefer the AXE and other is going to prefer the POD. Once you get into a live situation as a gigging musician, I think the difference would be even less than what is being demonstrated here. Modeling has come sooooo far and the overall quality is spectacular compared to what I was using in the 80's. Just because a product is more expensive dosent make it better, it just makes it different. I use the POD Go and have been extremely happy with it, it has done pretty much everything that need it to do. When you put in the price difference I just cant see the justification. Great Channel !!! Enjoy it every time I check in !

[@markconger8049]

I am not a musician. That said, I think your comparison review of these is superb. What I came away with is this. These two units are *not* targetted at the same buyer. And both seem to know their potential buyer’s needs really well. The FM3 in my view (again, not a musician) is the expert, seasoned guitar player’s unit. From what I’ve read over the years guitarists, the really pro ones, are *always* searching for better tone as they grow and mature. The FM3’s dizzying amount of presets fits that perfectly. It will grow with the owner. The Line 6 will be more someone who is at a point in their career that the limits are worth the cost savings. If I played guitar, I’d pick the FM3. Oh, and the ports on the back are so much better on the FM3, I think. And did you notice the FM3 has a 110v power input where the Line 6 has a DC barrell jack? That means the Line 6 has an external power brick. I am not a fan of that.

[@chipmcdip8629]

Ola! I LOVE your channel, I watch every time you upload, and I’m a guy that loves guitar gear, and funny Swedes, so thank you!!!

[@dreammfyre]

The Line6 sounds a lot more “produced” to my ears while the FM3 is more like a straight amp. The FM3 also got a lot more bite to it.

[@butcher_0392]

The Pod go in your Edit program, works perfect. But: 1) The input gain cannot be modified, it is fixed, therefore the guitar tone will always be very DRY, and it is not just a matter of increasing the gain in the amp, because we all know that it will not sound better, nor place an OD like clean boosting because I did it and it didn't help much. 2) the default cabs and mics are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 3) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@jannatinkarlen8702]

I tried the helix vst version, it just sound robotic, it is as bad as positive grid BIAS. The only decent feeling amp model is the matchless model. Third party ir helps alot tho

[@MichaelScheffer]

From the video sound only, I think the line 6 sounds better. Playing thru the units, and hearing the units live, I may have a different opinion. Love your channel Ola!

[@ezdj]

The fractal has more air around the mids...so you’re paying for air...

[@jw28551]

What is life without air.

[@ezdj]

jw28551 it’s a rock without the roll...man...🤠✌🏻

[@danyeo]

The Pod Go for example gives you Cali Lead, as far as Mesa Boogie Mark amps. The FM3 gives a bunch of IV and IIC+ sims and a ton of cabs. It’s a lot deeper.

[@MaxiPetrone]

Its like buying a bag of Lays 😅

[@2graves123]

Pod go I’d go for, the tone has so much more presence to it and could sit in a mix a lot better. The fractal sounds like it’s drowned out with the high end

[@droptmusic3572]

Honestly the Pod Go has a really great sound for its price. I own one and I am so happy with my metal tone. If your are interested check out the newest videos on my channel, I just used the Pod go for the guitar sound :)

[@pawel-rekowski]

Thanks for a great comparison video :) There is one huge problem that you didn't tell here - if someone wants to buy Line6, he can just buy it and have it right now. If someone (like me) wants to buy FM3, needs to wait on the Fractal Audio (or G66 in Europe) waiting list for around ONE YEAR to have option to buy this unit! FM3 works awesome, but it's impossible to buy by new customer :(

[@timolebeck6405]

The Badonk is just a killer amp! Love it in my Helix🤟

[@ricopaxton]

Very happy with the way you compared these, ignoring the sims by name and going for the required tone . Thx, man, great work

[@machine-madedog5059]

Ugh, Line6 just can’t get rid of that weird aliasing on the note decay, can they?

[@ryanteacher8134]

The noise gate maybe? The noise gate on my hd500x sucks...

[@brpadington]

Every Line 6 unit has that nasty aliasing in the upper mids. I have spent hours trying to dial that out and you just can't. When I tried the Headrush I thought it sounded great. Much better than any line 6.

[@machine-madedog5059]

Crimson Ghost 100% agreed, I was super impressed by the quality of the Headrush patches, the note decay was actually more correct. Far superior to any of Line6’s stuff, and much less cost-prohibitive (IMO) than Fractal.

[@havokca]

Is that what I’m hearing? Line 6 has always sounded super synthetic to me. Just something that is like the barest hint of super old school square wave video game sound mixed in with the guitar. I can’t not hear it and it ruins it for me.

[@brpadington]

@@havokca Yup. There is some kind of digital noise that happens in the upper mids and on the high end that makes them sound super fake. The Pod HD sounds a lot better when you use third party IRs. The Helix suffers from the same problems. The Helix almost sounds worse to me because the sample rates are higher so the aliasing seems to be even more noticable. The Fractal stuff is so much better.

[@cnutella9947]

I always hear that Line 6 hair on top the distortion but the sound overall has gotten so good. I have an axe II at home and I think I might pick up one of those pod go's for live shows. Remember back in the day when you used to have to carry a 4u rack and 412 to any show you played? I love technology.

[@ryanschindler923]

Man i remember back when i thought my zoom 505 was a killer deal lol, shit sure has came a LONG ways.

[@HenryWidell]

Fractal sounds more natural. I think that if i would have to choose between pod and fractal so i would be saving for the fractal. Probably not worth of the price difference but I'm pretty precise about those things. I can myself justify the price difference because of a little things / nuances.

[@AdamMGuitar]

You should have mentioned that all FM3 switches can do multiple things within one preset etc. You have tap, toggle, hold funcitons, as well as multiple layouts and views. There's actually dozens of stuff you can do with these 3 switches.

[@Project-SILA]

"only metal rhythm tone ok? so if you´re not into that, then i´m sorry, see ya" Hahahahahaha great video Ola

[@G.B.P.]

Lmao

[@NecropsY1]

The hardest tone to nail for sure : if it can do metal rythm tone everything else is cake

[@donovanrebbechi3334]

The bedonk is beautiful, it has more of the 5150 thump than their panama model. Price of the FM3 is a quite a bit more than $1000 unless you're prepared to wait a year or so ... I think they go on reverb for around 1500.

[@mundane_in_the_membrane]

Honestly, I thought the tone you made for the POD Go sounded better than the Fractal's.

[@seanhorodyski1517]

Agreed

[@LeandroPainside]

Both sounds great. I think the Fractal have more lows, more chunk. Greetings from Brazil, Master!

[@1LegintheGrave]

I'd love to get that IR somehow for the Line6

[@dr_satan_]

My FM3 is arriving to me this tuesday :) so excited !

[@RodBettencourt]

How long you had to wait in the line for it? I’m considering get one.

[@dr_satan_]

@@RodBettencourt I signed up to the waiting list 3 days after they announced it in april last year. And I live in Poland. In the US they were staring to ship them a couple of moths ago to the ppl on the US waiting list

[@butcher_0392]

@@dr_satan_ Congratulations friend, excellent purchase Could you do me a huge favor? Could you use the oblique RTL Utility to do a latency test on your FM3? At 48000 kHz with the different samples available on the FM3? I would appreciate it very much, since Pod Go is a disaster in that aspect totally useless to use as an interface and monitor from the Daw. I am pending, thank you very much

[@karlblanchette5217]

I'd choose to put something to stop your string from ringing at the headstock first 🙃 but for the price - - - > POD Go. But without considering the price, the fm3 is slightly better.

[@karlblanchette5217]

I'm curious about POD GO VS Helix Stomp though

[@daviddarko2665]

It's not $550 better. I swear these companies are selling clout. NOT GEAR. I could be completely WRONG here. I just can't get past the price difference when you can see (visually) you get the expression pedal, more stomps...etc. But internally, the Fractal obviously has so much more. Then I think about this, what guitar player will actually use all that? Certainly not me. I guess with having so many options for a desired tone, you can really create something new. Maybe something know ones ever heard before.... oh shit......did I just sell the Fractal to myself? So glad I had this conversation with myself. 😁..... take care.

[@butcher_0392]

@@karlblanchette5217 The Pod go in your Edit program, works perfect. But: 1) The input gain cannot be modified, it is fixed, therefore the guitar tone will always be very DRY, and it is not just a matter of increasing the gain in the amp, because we all know that it will not sound better, nor place an OD like clean boosting because I did it and it didn't help much. 2) the default cabs and mics are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 3) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@karlblanchette5217]

@@butcher_0392 thanks for the precision!

[@butcher_0392]

@@karlblanchette5217 Ok bro no problem That is the idea to help each other and not fall into the false idea that "EVERYTHING NEW IS ALWAYS BETTER". Although it should be like that, in practice it almost never happens, or at least in very, very few products, more than everything related to pedalboards. In other areas such as TV, Smartphones and others, it is obvious that a recent product is much better than something from 12 years ago. How sad that the same does not happen for us guitarists.

[@ZedChuva]

POD Go has 83 Amps and 128 cabs. If someone else was buying me one, I'd choose FM3, but if I was paying for it, the POD Go. And if I had the money for an FM3, I'd pick up a Helix LT (in Canada, the FM3 and LT are pretty much the same price, around $1400).

[@Mega_trav]

Great video. I think the HX Stomp May have been a more comparable demo but the POD Go sounds fantastic

[@B31L]

they have the same processing as the helix so they would sound the same

[@Mega_trav]

@@B31L HX Stomp has a lot more features that POD Go doesn't.

[@B31L]

@@Mega_trav but they sound the same

[@Mega_trav]

@@B31L they can in some cases. The HX Stomp and Helix have features regarding the input impedance than can be adjusted and will change the tone. The POD Go is fixed. There are also some folks that have made videos of identical presets and there are some differences in the tone.

[@B31L]

@@Mega_trav that rlly doesent matter it just is about the same

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

I have never owned or tried a Pod Go, so I can’t compare the FM3 to it, but I own the FM3, and love it. I travel for a living, and the FM3 is my travel rig. Most of my practice happens in hotel rooms. I just plug my headphones into the FM3 and I’m set, without bothering anyone in the hotel. I can play along with songs on KZbin or any other source on my computer, and I can record right into my DAW with it. For me it’s the perfect solution on the road. I have a Kiesel HH2 which is headless, weighs 4 pounds, and fits easily into any overhead bin. The FM3 fits inside my carry on bag no problem. I have tried a lot of different solutions over the years for my hotel room rig and I love what I’m using now. Yes, my Landry LS100 G3 through a huge cabinet with my pedalboard sounds a lot better, but all of that together probably weighs over 100 pounds and would take a wheeled cart to haul around. For a gig I’d probably just buy a Headrush FRFR to hook up to the FM3 and I’d be set.

[@butcher_0392]

Bro, since you have the FM3. Could you do me a favor and run a latency test with the oblique RTL Utility? Do not delay at all, the truth is only 5 minutes maximum, and thus you help us all here, to know how good a unit it is, in that aspect. Since I am interested in the fm3 but I want to know if I can Monitoring from the Daw with it without latency problem. About 10ms or maximum 14ms would be fine for me. The Pod go in that aspect is a complete disaster, I was very disappointed with my purchase because my pod x3 live is much better all in one than the Pod go. I look forward to your prompt reply. Thank you

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

Butcher _ 03 I have an old PC laptop that I travel with, so I doubt that my results would help much, but I found this on a forum: One interesting thing I found was that the input/output latency widely varies depending on the combination of devices you chose: In: FM3 (2.67 ms) Out: Built-in (12.0 ms) TOTAL: 14.7 ms In: FM3 (5.92 ms) Out: FM3 (4.69 ms) TOTAL: 10.6 ms In: FM3 (2.67 ms) Out: Duet (3.69 ms) TOTAL: 6.35 ms In: Built-in (2.67 ms) Out: Built-in (12.0 ms) TOTAL: 14.7 ms In: Built-in (2.67 ms) Out: Duet (3.69 ms) TOTAL: 6.35 ms In: Duet (4.46 ms) Out: Duet (3.69 ms) TOTAL: 8.15 ms In: Duet (2.67 ms) Out: Built-in (12.0 ms) TOTAL: 14.7 ms It looks like using the Mac's built in headphone out always adds significant latency. Maybe there's no way around that.

[@butcher_0392]

@@Chord_The_Seeker Ahh yes bro, I had already read that comment and many more from other fm3 users, and they were all unhappy with the latency, and that they could not choose different options in samples as if it was possible in the Ax FX lll. which seemed stupid to me, that Fractal leaves things like that fixed. That is why I am interested in other opinions and test results, from other owners of an fm3. Still thanks friend for answering.

[@JenMajuraOfficial]

👍🏼 nice... I hear great things about the pod go

[@zombiepig9287]

And I hear great things about you too.😉

[@JenMajuraOfficial]

Zombie Pig awwww trust me I am just an annoying stalker hahahaha

[@butcher_0392]

@@JenMajuraOfficial The Pod go in your Edit program, works perfect. But: 1) The input gain cannot be modified, it is fixed, therefore the guitar tone will always be very DRY, and it is not just a matter of increasing the gain in the amp, because we all know that it will not sound better, nor place an OD like clean boosting because I did it and it didn't help much. 2) the default cabs and mics are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 3) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@togelz]

Great review Mr. Ola, it's refreshing to see a comparison review that so thorough, honest and bias free like that, but if i may added a suggestion maybe you can also compare the tone differences between those two devices in a full band mix, in other words you play them with a backing track, maybe we can have an even better understanding about the tones,...

[@KristianHeartmusic]

I think the fm3 is around $1399.00 actually huge difference but they both sounded killer, I wish fractal made an affordable product:/

[@DoritoStyle]

Yeah, maybe one day we can have the FM1 ;)

[@COTG666]

The FM3 has been updated (for free) since this video. It sounds even better now. The PodGo still sounds the same. Once you dive into the reverbs, delays, compressions, drives, and amp tweaks the Fractal offers, it's well worth the extra bucks.

[@Tmidiman]

The FM3 sound more realistic. It’s fuller and plays the full range of the amp tone.

[@aaronmarkham4424]

I agree, the line 6 has a little more bite but it’s missing some midrange the FM3 has....

[@garybeltrami1745]

Great review your reviews are the best on YT, period. I had the L6 Helix floor. Really nice unit but I sold it after hearing the Fractal Axe Fx III. Should be getting my Ax Fx any day now.

[@MilitantOldLady]

The Line6 sounds fuzzier like it has more high end or the gain stage has more presence.

[@matttaylor1449]

I like that about it

[@koyasu18]

low pass to 9k fix everything

[@badblood44]

Agreed - immediately thought the presence was a notch higher / more noticeable on the Line6.

[@mpexus]

Yes and it is on all of their High gain models, I have only used the VST but to me their Amps sounds basically all the same with slight nuances. I even prefer free VSt's to the High Gain models of the Line 6

[@JayBruceWorld]

Easy to eq out

[@ALIASZARDOZ]

Nice and sincerely comparison. Many thanks. Phil from Dunkirk

[@matttaylor1449]

I’d choose based on the feel, since the sound is clearly very similar.

[@butcher_0392]

The Pod go in the Edit program, works perfect. But: 1) The input gain cannot be modified, it is fixed, therefore the guitar tone will always be very DRY, and it is not just a matter of increasing the gain in the amp, because we all know that it will not sound better, nor place an OD like clean boosting because I did it and it didn't help much. 2) the default booths are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 3) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@kevinp_25]

I have an FM3 and the feel is phenomenal. Through studio monitors it feels as close to as an amp as you can probably get through monitors. Straight into an amp FX return and through a real cab it feels every bit as good as using the real amp. Kinda nice to have all my favorite amp tones available through either my combo amp or my head/cab(s).

[@butcher_0392]

@@kevinp_25 Bro, since you have the FM3, can you do the latency test with oblique's RTL Utility? It does not take more than 5 minutes and it would be useful to all of us to know how your unit behaves in that regard. Thanks

[@kevinp_25]

Butcher _ 03 Not sure how to setup a loop back...? Oh. Hold on, forms the user guide

[@kevinp_25]

Butcher _ 03 Meh. Not figuring out how to do that. 🤷‍♂️

[@bflippsytrance]

The FM3 in the video has more low end and seems to have nicer highs as well. Proper chugging needs lows.. Never heard of the FM3 before and I'm pretty impressed.

[@Wargasm644]

Every time I get one of these “all in one” rigs, I end up selling it. You tweak for days and come up with the sound you already have with your current rig and pedals 😂. But they still don’t sound as good. And 97% of the shit is useless if you just want to metal. I’ll wait another year or two. They’re getting real close to sounding like the actual rig they are trying to emulate. And they’ll get there 99% eventually. I know there are a bunch of comparisons with modelers vs the real thing on the internet. But in real life...it’s just different. It’s hard to explain. The sound may be similar, but the “feel” is not. Once they close that gap, I’ll buy another one. Til then, I’m happy playing my current rigs with more gain than a 15 yr old 🤘🏻

[@djandrewification]

If it can recreate the sound you get on your current rig then i think its done its job. What kind of head do you use for your cab? It prob costs atleast $500

[@marex1157]

Have u ever had a kemper tho?

[@mreyes8519]

You’re forgetting that it’s a bitch to lug amp heads, cabs, pedals, cables, day in and day out. These all in ones remedy that quick. All of these things have usable sounds out of the gate, but the presets are a means to an end.

[@Anon8593]

Welp. As a guy with a few amp heads, cabs and an Axe Fx III, I disagree to most of this. I can plug my real recto and the Axe’s model to either side of any of my 4x12, and both the tone and feel are there to the point I close my eyes and I can’t tell the amp apart from the simulation. That said, these mini pedalboards Ola is demonstrating here are clearly for gigging purposes. Maybe you will never like modelers and will always think tubes are just better bc tube magic or crystal lattices, but when it comes to playing gigs, carrying portable little box is a lot more convenient that carrying heavy crates, cables and pedals. This especially true if u play different styles and use different tones. One amp, one tone. It’s also less tap dancing.

[@djandrewification]

@@Anon8593 i heard the fm3 has that notorious high end fizz that comes with a lot of modelers

[@oscarolbaid]

I was waiting for something like this !!! Thanks you so much. Now... Any chance to get a comparison between all the small modelers that came out recently ? like adding the mooer and the headrush gigboard ??? Like "the best metal distortion pedal in 2019" you did before. Hope you like the Idea.

[@clamstermcwinkle2514]

Fractal sounds bigger and more ‘real’ but for the price the pod go is pretty damn good.

[@craigsi16]

Please do a video like this on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex vs the FM3. more similar price point and i think the cortex is possibly gonna be the one to top fractal in sound

[@2mazzo]

I have always thought the line 6 sounds better in Olas comparisons. Got the HD Pro in my rack and love it.

[@metaldan8499]

I really wanted to like the cheaper Line 6 but I just prefer the tone of the FM3...maybe the tone could be thickened up a bit to match the FM3 in this instance using the EQ

[@binterz]

What IR's are used? Can we get a link if one is available?

[@csn-audio]

Tough battle. The FM3 sounded a bit darker to me, the Pod Go a bit harsh. But both sounded very good in general. Wish the FM3 would have more Footswitches though..

[@liys540]

and at least one expression pedal

[@MatthiasBuesing]

@@liys540 it‘s what Ola said - not everybody needs one and this is good! Thinking of the cheap and plastic-like,pedal on the PG it is an advantage for the FM3…

[@thomasfokas]

FM3 kills!!! All of the amps and cabs are a plus for me but the tone is amazing and it feels more like and amp. The Line 6 products just don’t cut it.

[@faustoferrara]

I think that for the options and possibilities it offers it is worth spending a little more for the FM3 and having a more up-to-date and professional product. I have already started saving, I prefer to have one guitar less today and have a good foundation to build my sound. Thanks Ola your videos have helped me a lot in my decision. 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@DeathPenny]

The pod seems to be a bit more open not as muffled - surprising

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

Bright tones usually sound better to your ears over KZbin, but there’s a reason Ola prefers the sound of the FM3 in the room. Digital amp sims can be thin and scratchy sounding with too much high end. I wouldn’t judge it by what you hear on KZbin. The sound is infamously overly compressed by KZbin’s processing.

[@ridge13]

I actually like both. Had i been a pro musician, i'd invest in the FM3, but i'm not, i just play occasionally nowadays, so the Pod Go seems more practical for me.

[@shanewoodman]

POD GO is much smoother and pleasing to listen to.

[@andy_182]

Bum

[@jesusmetaldude3796]

Ola your the only dude speaking truth when it comes to line 6 stuff. Be prepared to invest time and deep dive to get the sound you want.

[@xlsylo4202]

Wanted to buy a solar guitar but no shipping to CANADA?!?!??! you got fans here too ola. Keep the vids coming.

[@j-venom616]

Both sound good, Pod surprisingly good! Although Ola makes everything sound awesome!

[@volv]

It would be cool if you could try Kemper again. I wonder how it compares to FM3. I know Kemper is not really modelling and everything depends on the profile but it would still be awesome to hear your opinion. Maybe you could make some of your own profiles as well with all that new gear.

[@TriumphWithoutGlory]

I think one day line 6 will really improve and be the best of modelers.

[@northtimo666]

Maybe. Helix is already ”old” compared to Fm3.

[@TriumphWithoutGlory]

@@northtimo666 I won't say old no because there's is often new updates with new amps etc and you can load ir's so when new ir's are out you can always improve your tone etc I'm not a helix user but on the contrary I think the helix is not getting old :)

[@butcher_0392]

@@TriumphWithoutGlory Sadly it is the opposite. Line 6 as time goes by gets worse and takes steps back compared to their older products. For example my pod x3 live has a much better DI than the Pod go, for reamp after with a real amp, or any plugin is definitely a better option. * The latency on my pod x3 live is considerably better than the Pod Go, where the Pod Go at its most extreme setting at 32 samples has 14 or 15 ms and is totally unusable because cracking, popping and clicking All the time, at 128 samples it has more than 25 ms which is useless to monitor from the Daw. It has a lot of freezing problems and the Daw closing at any time. Very poorly optimized dirvers in 2020 when the ones on the pod x3 from 12 years ago are vastly better in that regard. And the amp sims are not much superior to the x3 using the same IR in badonk and big bottom which are the same amp, the truth to be honest I prefer the big bottom. But obviously this is subjective. Objectively speaking in amp sim the difference is even less than that of the Pod Go and the fm3 in this video.

[@bitronicc1887]

@@northtimo666 Ugh Helix is so disappointing for high gain patches. Noise gates just do not work without completely squashing the tone.

[@northtimo666]

Bitronicc the external IRs are what can make the helix sound usable. But out of the box it sounds dated.

[@nethbt]

The POD GO has 120 IR banks, btw ( wished it was at least 200 though) ...Just go get an OWNHAMNER IR to your liking and you're good to GO, the cab issue is irrelevant once you get a good IR

[@butcher_0392]

Not only that bro also: 1) the default cabs and mics are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 2) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@teamskdm1]

I think alot of people are forgetting its much easier to add favorable high end qualities to something like the fm3 , than it is to take away unfavorable high end qualities within the POD GO. even though theres more high end on the pod here im sure once you balance it out on the fm3 its a much higher quality and more tame high end.

[@firemanmick]

I've got the FM3 and the Helix Stomp (same modeling engine as the POD GO) - my 2nd Fractal unit and my 7th Line 6 unit. Both are great but the FM3, apart from being much, much more flexible with signal routing and parameter control, has more "convincing" (it's the only way I can describe it) sounding amp models. Saying that, the Line 6 gear is pretty awesome sounding (especially compared to the old POD range). Would I say that the FM3 being more than twice the price of the Line 6, is twice as good - not really, but I do much prefer the sound and the feel of the FM3. The one thing that seems to plague all of the Helix variants is their stock cab IR's - they're not in the same league as their amp models by far and definitely not as good as the Fractal cabs. Not a big problem though with the ability to load your own IR's but it makes the factory presets sound less than inspiring where the Fractal factory presets are mostly pretty good to awesome.

[@ajizzle4rizzle]

Is the Fractal FM3 twice as good as the Line 6?-imo, No.

[@MikaTarkela]

I really think it is.

[@angrygoldfish]

A SLO 100 isn't twice as good as a Fryette Deliverance, but it is twice the price. Comparing these units based on price is not that helpful either I don't think. We've had budget gear sounding amazing for years now. What you pay extra for is if things like features, incremental sound improvement, brand name, longevity, and other stuff.

[@jconner3891]

Hell yea

[@foraquid]

I like this video more than some of your other gear videos - you obviously went deeper into your reasoning and I think it made me reach my own conclusion: it depends how much dropping 1k on gear would hurt you. If buying the fractal would stop you buying something else you want for many months, then you probably don't have enough money to justify it (and then should just buy the pod and be happy with your choice). But if you have enough disposable income where it hurts just a little (it postpones buying other things for a month or two) then get the best sounding one (assuming you prefer the fractal, of course).

[@endofanera1983]

I have a line 6 hx stomp. My favorite amp for chugs is the archetype lead. It’s based on a prs archon.

[@butcher_0392]

The Pod go in your Edit program, works perfect. But: 1) The input gain cannot be modified, it is fixed, therefore the guitar tone will always be very DRY, and it is not just a matter of increasing the gain in the amp, because we all know that it will not sound better, nor place an OD like clean boosting because I did it and it didn't help much. 2) the default cabs and mics are a disaster to get a quality tone, therefore it is a must to use 3rd impulses responses. 3) the drivers to use the Pod go as an interface are terrible, you cannot monitor anything from the Daw because the latency is enormous, at the most extreme setting that is 32 samples where it is useless because all freezing popping and clicking gives 14 ms latency, at 128 over 25 ms completely unusable. Daw closes without warning and the truth to use it as an interface is not appropriate. Very unstable drivers and not optimized at all. My pod x3 live is more stable in that respect and I can monitor from the Daw perfectly without problems. The DI of the pod go is terrible, much better the pod x3 live, if you want to only record your DI for Reamp later with some real amp, or a different plugin, the Pod X3 Live is much better, or also if you want to monitor from the Daw. Which in Ax FX is very different and it deserves to spend those 500 USD more, for better drivers, better latency, and more options available, in addition to that minimum plus quality in amp sim. It is a much better all in one investment.

[@bulletproofprs]

Sounds like the FM3 is louder and has more low end. Would be interesting to see how these fit in a band context. The fractal alone sounds better but I think the pod would fit into a band context better

[@KaddysJamKave]

Argh multifx boards do my head in... Gimme a good halfstack with a 10band EQ and a few basic FX and overdrives and I'm a happy chappy.

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Any thing other than a real amp is....fake

[@funfreq9282]

It's nice to have options!

[@okioki1131]

The FM3 sounds boomier to me, I think the Line 6 would do better in a mix where there is already a bassist covering the low end.

[@jfo3000]

I heard maybe low end artifacts on both units, I was wondering if all frequencies below 40 to 80Hz needed to be filtered out?

[@SynZ777]

@@jfo3000 "hearing" artifacts lmfao.

[@KK-hp5bl]

Bro you are TRUE as always ....youre the only man i trust those days with reviews !!!

[@TheScaredofsilence]

I'm lucky enough to have an FM3 after putting my name on the waiting list forever ago. I've used Line 6 gear and have owned the Axefx 1 & 2 with good results. But the FM3 is WAY more advanced in terms of functionality and flexibility, and the tone is superior. It's the cornerstone of my gear and the wait was worth it.

[@SynZ777]

I'm not trying to sound rude here, but is it possible you prefer your FM3 because you spent more cash on it? I feel like there's a bias for people when they spend more money on something.