POD GO vs. HX Stomp - Which is better for you?

[@tarkgundogdu8940]

This is how an informative youtuber should be. Very time efficient explanation and comparison. Hope to see comparison videos like this between models of different brands like Boss GT1, Zoom G3xn/G5n and Mooer GE250.

[@phildas]

Time efficient and no stretching, packed with straight on facts!

[@robbursmith903]

I have asked the dry signal question to probably 20 people including Line 6 support. You are the first person I've seen mention it and at the same time answer my question quickly and concisely. thanks

[@jonmac380]

One of the best TO THE POINT reviews ever. You were fast and efficient. Thank you!

[@AlexStrabala]

Glad it was helpful!

[@becknorland587]

As someone about to go to music college, the stomp was I think one of the best guitar purchases I've ever made. It's shrunk my pedalboard to only the essentials, so I can worry about bringing a 3 pedal board instead of a 7 or 8 pedal board, and it's negated the need for me to have an amp over there. Truly mind-blowing technology. It still sounds too good to be true in my head

[@michaelmoses7998]

Thanks for the quick and concise info. Short, sweet, and to the point! I wish more people would follow your lead

[@untitleduser666]

Totally agree that the stomp is better for bass. Parallel routing opens up so many options, plus the stomp works great on a small board with a couple bass specific pedals that the helix line lacks (not a fan of the built in bass octaver). The lack of footswitches isn't a big deal for my bass patches since most of my blocks are always on and I don't need tap tempo.

[@AlexStrabala]

FYI try the legacy bass octaver, that’s what we use in our bass preset: alex.guitars/hx-stomp-presets/hx-stomp-bass-svt

[@HaevyGlow]

Personally, I never liked the sound of blended clean bass with a lot of overdrive (Darkglass and similar pedals). I absolutely love the Minotaur on bass, but to eliminate the loss of low end I added an EQ adjustment on engaging Minotaur. As for octaver, I sold my beloved vintage OC-2 and I’m absolutely satisfied with the sound of Line 6 Bass Octaver! It tracks much better and I could make it sound just as thick as OC-2. For me, I wanted to minimize my gear and have one device that would work for both bass and electric so POD GO was a no-brainer!

[@jeromedichiara7793]

@@HaevyGlow I'm like you, the blended clean / dirt signal sound strange to me. I prefer having bass frequencies slightly driven and boosted than clean lows with only upper register distorted. I'm old school with modern tools interests :)

[@CodySmithPhotos]

Something else to consider is future polyphonic effects probably wont be in the Pod GO, also in 3.0 Stomp will be getting Command Center support and 8 blocks making it even more versatile

[@HernanHH95]

Cody Smith are you saying the HX Stomp will get 8 blocks update? Was that your opinion or Line 6?

[@KYDY]

Hernan Hernandez 8 blocks in fw 3.0, from Line 6.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Excellent video. Answered every question I had, and even some I didn’t know I had. Thanks. This is KZbin at it’s best.

[@RumblinMan]

I like the improvements and abundance of solid info. Great vid.

[@patrickmckinney5974]

Right on the spot with bass and parallel routing for overdrive. My drive(s) are after my compressor, route around my amp into my IR. Provides great drive tone without any bottom loss.

[@zachsmith6866]

I really like this type if video Alex. You did a great job! I hope you do more like these.

[@martyhuff1969]

Thanks for the video. Also just downloaded your AC30 preset and excited to have that on my Pod Go. I really appreciate your videos and presets. I’ve learned a ton from you!

[@sjsphotog]

PodGo - for those wanting to upgrade from the Firehawk FX to get into the Helix ecosystem on a budget and who cant afford the Helix LT at $1000 USD and need the expression pedal built in and want to keep it simple and doesnt care about the limited blocks and "fixed" blocks limitation. Pod Go is good for bedroom / hobbyists and non-pros or those on a very strict budget but still need to get the job done

[@mikecorey8370]

It all depends on what you're doing. I got the Pod Go a few days ago, and it does everything I need, and more. Throw it in your bag, and you're done. No pedals to deal with, and the effects are great.

[@GitarinRuhu]

hello my friend. im thinking about getting a Pod Go. but im not sure if i can use it as a sound card for recording. does it have any recording program? or i can use it with adobe auditions without latency and can i use it's effect and amp models through adobe. and i have line 6 spider iv 15 can i use it with my amp? thanks (:

[@carminelombardi9575]

Excellent Review, very real and practical advice. Since I am the front-man singer you made my decision easier, much appreciated.

[@longsnapper5381]

I'm a 63 year old bass player and I love my PodGo.It's nice not having to hump that goddamned stack around anymore.

[@rodrigozamo]

Both look great. Different goals with each, but I have a beef with both for my personal needs: They could have added relay switching for changing channels on your amp, for better integration with one switch you can change change your preset, and at the same time go from clean to drive on your amp... the HX FX and the big Helix and LT do have them. At least the Stomp has MIDI so you could have something like an RJM mini amp gizmo for those functions and it's weird the Go doesn't have at least a MIDI OUT for this function so you are a bit stuck when using with an amp, even with 4 cable method, to use them as they are without eliminating the amp's own footswitch and that should be standard nowadays. You could even do that with an HD500X

[@nocon8]

Now THIS is the video that I have been waiting for! I think I've seen every NAMM demo about the Go and so glad that you shared an unbiased take on the two, and the fact that I can understand what you are saying and you are not in a dark red room with 70 other guitarists shredding helps as well :)

[@tmuka]

great insight on the various use cases! and great tones and playing as always!

[@miketrickey8143]

FINALLY! the video ive been looking for, I have a helix rack which is in a case with my mixer for my band (cuts down my set up time as my guitar is ready to go) Im looking fora bedroom/practice/ one off gig set up where i can get most of my sounds in a smaller form factor,. and this just sums up what i need from the pod go. thanks!

[@brandonodonnell7308]

Now that's a comparison video. Well done.

[@holderview4373]

Bro I’m so thankful for your content. And your a good dude. So there’s that. Carry on friend!

[@diegofiorillo6412]

thanks for being efficient and not bullshitting for 10 minutes.

[@JohnNugroho]

i use hx stomp with MeloAudio midi commander, connect via midi in on the side. This midi footswitches allow me to have 10 total additional footswitches (2 dedicated for bank up and down). i can configure the MeloAudio to either have 8 presets in a row ( bank up meaning the next eight presets row, vice versa), or use it as presets + stomps mode so i can have 4 presets switches in top row and 4 stomp/pedals switches in the bottom row. This way, my MeloAudio commander will be only the ones in charge for changing presets/pedals and then i can have the 3 default switches on the hxstomp to be 3 snapshots switches or 2 additional pedals/stomps mode. complete win for me.

[@kennethbarnhouse7462]

thank you for the trs to xlr cable tip, I was thinking I might need a direct box for this at my church if I got a Go

[@AlexStrabala]

Here’s the cables I use with my HX Stomp to run direct: www.amazon.com/Audio-2000s-E14103P2-Right-Angle/dp/B00KCXL09A

[@brathzo]

don't go to church

[@steverolfeca]

Nice quick overview of the main differences. You forgot to mention the fixed order of most of the blocks on the POD Go. I have a number of patches on my HX Stomp that can’t be replicated on Pod Go because of this. Limited MIDI, mono input and effects loop, no input impedance switching, etc. are also show stoppers for multi-instrumentalists like me.

[@AlexStrabala]

Just FYI all the blocks on POD GO can be moved around, there’s no “fixed order.” Also the pod go fx loop can be TRS stereo.

[@ruckusguitars8191]

Great video and info to back up the comparison. Thanks for posting this!

[@huntersmith1993]

Like this video format. Great stuff as always.

[@11ciwi]

Great video. Nice format. Great info as always. I'm a stomp user and will continue to be. I use it for bass, electric, and acoustic and it's done a pretty good job at all of those. I've been happy with it. The pod go like fun, but I'll stick with the stomp.

[@russellmusictv4403]

Selling my stomp right away now.

[@IntrovertedGuitarGuy]

2:57 'you gave the same amountv of processing power" I'm not saying I don't believe you but it's weird i've seen other people say the HX Stomp has more DSP? Unless I heard that wrong

[@hierrogm]

Thanks for just getting to the point well thought out well spoken awesome, I subscribed.. looking forward to hearing more info …what would be awesome is if u did a comparison video between POD GO and the headrush mx5 …thanks again for the info

[@romeou4965]

Line6 should have called it Helix GO. POD sounds outdated

[@AlexStrabala]

yeah I somewhat agree

[@RojuOfficial]

True. It immediately made me think of the old Pod stuff that is old and in the past. It took me months to find out after it's release that it actually packs the same sounds than the Helix does.

[@leegoodfellowx]

Agreed, I paid no attention to the Pod when shopping for my Helix, figured it was a remnant of their 2000s stuff.

[@drile00l80]

@@RojuOfficial if I had to guess, I'd say they did that so it wouldnt compete with the helix stomp.

[@teerexness]

The little red bean was a game changer 20 years ago. I don't think that there's any reason not to keep the POD name and bring it up-to-date.

[@GuitarGodgt]

Thank you for this. Based on what you said I want the stomp. Line 6 really muddied things up with the go.

[@surfrby8876]

Excellent job , now I know which one I need , but I want both , subscribed 👍

[@GATvsGAT]

Very informative video. Thanks! MIDI on the Stomp too which means it can talk to a wider rig

[@AlexStrabala]

yep, rumor has it that eventually HX Stomp will have some implementation of the command center from the full Helix units, which will make it hugely powerful as the brain for a full pedalboard rig. Someone looking for that type of functionality probably wouldn't be interested in the pod go anyway though.

[@GATvsGAT]

Alex S cool! To think all this sort of connectivity so accessible now was not so long ago only available to the touring elite.

[@charlesmccallum2730]

Great info video,still trying to figure out how to use my pod go,lol

[@Tolbiny]

Thanks for this. Does GO have a looper function?

[@khaledsaid2410]

Yes

[@PaulIsbell]

The lack of DSP on the POD GO is making me think the HX STOMP would be the better option for me, but idk

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

This is cool! Great video! Have you tried the new Headrush Prime yet?

[@phildas]

Justa suggestion, could you put graphic overlays with a voice-over when you come to the concluding analysis? Thats probably the only thing lacking here!

[@jimyoung9262]

Thanks for posting this.

[@johnong2655]

can the expression pedal foot switch be used to turn on/off a block?

[@sjsphotog]

Great overview there Alex . Keep it up!

[@bmann792]

What’s the best way to hook this up to an amp? I have a fender blues deluxe. It has no effects loop only pre amp or power amp in

[@AlexStrabala]

You can use these units as a pedalboard into the front of an amp, but that is sort of a waste of the capabilities of the units. When I play live I run them direct to FOH with TRS to XLR cables and I monitor with IEMs or stage wedges. At home I connect them directly to my studio monitors. However with that paradigm you need to be comfortable monitoring the signal from a mic on a guitar cab in another room, through headphones or whatever speakers you're using. Much different sound/paradigm than a live guitar cab in the room with you.

[@bradfreed1942]

You should look at the hx effects

[@velcrots]

@@AlexStrabala Are you able to "bypass" any sort of modelling when going into the front of the amp and just use it's delay/chorus, etc ato avoid coloring the nice cleans from your amps own preamp?

[@AlexStrabala]

velcrots yep any block can be bypassed on the pod go and HX stomps

[@nethbt]

Recently acquired the Pod Go, killer piece of technology ..BUT MAN I WISHED they added an extra block before the Amp for the COMPRESSOR pedal or just made a fixed compressor functionality that doesn't waste an extra block like the NoiseGate...yeah you can move it but for someone like me my typical set up would be COMP + DIST/OD + FL/ PHZ + AMP + CAB + DEL + REV just.needed.that.extra.block 🤨 I just hoped there were things like basic/ simple reverb or compressor that's built in to the unit

[@AlexStrabala]

I find that I usually run out of DSP before even using up the 4 blocks anyway. BTW there is a "free" noise gate on the input block, no need to use up a block for that. And yeah for me the first thing to get eliminated is the compressor up front. I miss it but with something that costs $450 USD there's gonna be some compromises.

[@SethDStanley]

Can you have the "multiple" in Stomp mode cycle through the names it displays, like the HX Stomp?

[@AlexStrabala]

I don't think you can rename snapshots or stomps, regardless of their function.

[@benniwie]

Hi Alex. You are a fantastic resource for us "normal" people out there! Just a quick question, do you like the Wah-pedals in the Helix/PodGo units? I've always been a bit afraid of Wah-modelers. I have a out of the box Vox V847 that i like and prefer that one over the CryBaby. Would you say the modelers do them justice (and sell my Vox while scarping bucks to finance a unit) or should I use my Wah before the unit i buy?

[@AlexStrabala]

I don’t have a ton of experience with different analog wah pedals but I think they nailed it with the weeper / crybaby model. You can hear me use it on Bulls on Parade in my recent Plexi 2.0 video.

[@GabrielFingolo]

Very nice comparison! But u did not mention the use of Midi on the hx, if u have a Midi controller it becomes a beast (well, with only 6 blocks lol).

[@AlexStrabala]

that is true, Stomp does have a stronger midi implementation.

[@tomfoolery4077]

Great video. Bought the Hx stomp, was waiting for the PODGO to arrive but took too long, but glad I picked the stomp. The GO is HUGE!!

[@axelherrera9943]

Hey Alex , nice video!!! Very helpful, and I know the choice it’s up to everyone needs , but I wanted to ask you since you have a hx stomp set up, and after you tried both units; (hx St and pod go) which one you prefer as your all in one ☝️?

[@AlexStrabala]

AXEL HERRERA for an all-in-one guitar rig I think the POD GO is a better choice. With only 1 DSP chip you’ll pretty much be limited to one amp and cab anyway on both HX Stomp and POD GO, so for me the exp pedal, extra footswitches, and 4 snapshots make the POD GO a better choice for an all-in-one guitar rig.

[@axelherrera9943]

@@AlexStrabala thanks !!

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

I have both now. I am going to expand one with the other. I could either run the stomp in the FX loop of the Pod Go or run the Pod go's output straight into the Stomp. ( Giving you two FX loops). running the ambient FX on the stomp.

[@finoroverato7640]

Hi Martin Do you think one sounds better than the other? Fidelity

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

@@finoroverato7640 They sound equal. They should do. But DSP is not at a premium on both. Using the Pod Go as the base unit with the most pedal switches and the Stomp as an "Ambient" subsidiary adjunct will free up the DSP, allowing you to use some of the 3.0 effects on the Stomp. Saving you from buying the Stomp XL.

[@finoroverato7640]

@@MartinCraneRockbeast Cool Thank you kindly for the response! That helped me make up my mind

[@prasannasayami1351]

Hello! Looking forward to starting my electric guitar journey…need your advice choosing between A and B on a limited budget for home use at low volumes, mostly jamming along to backing tracks and recording: A. Boss Katana 100 Mk II + Footswitch + Expression Pedal + Looper Pedal (+power supply for looper pedal) B. Line 6 Pod Go + Cheap (140$) Studio Monitors

[@AlexStrabala]

I would start with the pod go and studio monitors. You can upgrade each component as you save up more. Do you have a computer? The pod go is also an usb audio interface so your computer audio will play back through the pod go’s output so that’s great for jamming with backing tracks.

[@chakakhan3751]

I have tons of pedals and 3 amps. Can’t beat a multifx to speakers for practice. Even a little bluetooth speaker can be used. The POD GO would be a great (highend option). When your starting out you want to experiment and try lots of stuff best do that with digital modelling until you really find your thing. I did it the wrong way and have spent £1000’s on stuff that really I don’t need

[@fran_akron]

According to my budget and needs, I'm between the pod go and mooer ge250....

[@Playmanmusic]

Straight to the point. Great video.

[@joeabrenica4467]

You said it right!🤘

[@johnconroy9989]

Does that mean you need a 2nd expression pedal to use a pitch shift/whammy effect with the pod go? Even if you don't want to use a volume or wah?

[@AlexStrabala]

Nope, the built in exp pedal has a toe switch that can bypass blocks and switches between exp1 and exp2

[@charleshill9649]

TSR to XLR cable, via direct box?

[@jimmycardinale7382]

Thank you, that was extremely helpful.

[@guyfromnj]

This was a really good video. I subbed.

[@AlexStrabala]

Thanks for the sub!

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Really nice man. The presets and editor are totally non compatible right ? PodGo presets are only for the PodGo where as the helix family presets work on all Helix units including Native right ? I totally dig this little guy especially Chad Boston’s blinged up pink one ☝️ but yeah, I’d stick with the hxstomp. I really like being able to add many more expression pedals.

[@AlexStrabala]

Correct, POD GO presets and Helix presets are incompatible.

[@karenmcspadden7240]

@@AlexStrabala can't put POD GO presets in Native either, is that correct?

[@AlexStrabala]

Karen McSpadden correct

[@AlexStrabala]

@@karenmcspadden7240 correct

[@f.valguarnera1486]

Great video! In all pics and videos of the Pod Go I see strange hexagonal depressions (they look like depressions) near the knobs and in the upper corners. See for instance the close-up at minute 7:14. What are these? Has Line 6 reused casings intended for other devices? Also, could you comment on the sturdiness/buil quality/durability of the two units.

[@AlexStrabala]

F. Valguarnera it’s the same type of indentations on the LT. Has something to do with how the footswitches are attached in the factory, not sure. The stomp seems slightly more solid, but that’s probably because it’s just a solid rectangle whereas the pod go is bigger and a little thinner, and has plastic on the bottom.

[@projectmoirai]

Thnx man, very usefull information))

[@atarijam]

Very informative, glad you mentioned bass players scenario too as I play both bass and guitar. One question, since you specifically said thst the GO would be ideal for those who do not want to carry amps but just plug to front of house, do you recommend the stomp to do something similar? I don't usuay carry amps with me and just use XLR out to plug in to whatever cab or PA I find. Is the stomp OK for that?

[@AlexStrabala]

Yeah stomp works fine for that

[@adamfarmer1705]

Many thanks for this video. If you wanted one of these as just a guitar recording interface using the USB output, mostly using clean sounds, but maybe some effects occasioanlly, which would you choose? Would the sound be the same from either of them, in which case I imagine the Stomp wins for size and the Go wins for price.

[@AlexStrabala]

It’s sort of a toss up. They’ll both do what you’re wanting perfectly well.

[@adamfarmer1705]

@@AlexStrabala Many thanks for the reply!

[@joydiekmeijer]

Hi Alex, i am currently choosing between pod go and hx stomp. My reason to choose Stomp is the patches available online on your website and WT. I would like to play with Bethel sounds and Hillsong sounds, but these seem not available for pod go on your website or WT. I would like the hardware of the pod go with the bethel patches of the stomp... is that possible ? Kind Regards from the Netherlands

[@AlexStrabala]

Most of those types of sounds have two amps in stereo. The good news is that most worship tones are more about the wet effects. Any edge of breakup amp can be used for church stuff as long as you get the wet effects right. For church stuff with the helix / pod go, I primarily use my matchless presets. I’ve been to the Netherlands twice on tour, can’t wait to go back once live music is a thing again.

[@carlemilflores]

Thanks for this man.. so my understanding is pod go is limited to 6 blocks but only 4 of them can be custom blocks, and 2 blocks dedicated to the amp and cab regardless if you use them or not (meaning you can't allocate them to effects if you have an amp and decide not to use them)?

[@AlexStrabala]

It's easier to think about it like this: Every preset has amp, cab, eq, volume, and wah. None of those can be removed or substituted with different blocks, but they can be bypassed. You can add up to 4 additional blocks that can be any effects you want.

[@pratyulmusic]

Hi love the review. I have two questions 1. After recent firmware update of both, is the difference in Pod go and Stomp much more now ? 2. About parallel routing , can I do that externally with my external delay pedals and Pod go with something like Boss LS2 3. Can external pedals be put anywhere in block chain or do they occupy one of the 4 user blocks ?

[@AlexStrabala]

You could run the delay pedals in parallel with each other in the loops of the boss but the loop itself will always be in series. The 3.1 firmware update for the HX units definitely improved the overall sound and the pod go still lacks this. The fx loop block can go anywhere in the chain.

[@MrLieka]

Hey ! This is amazing ! I have written a long song with 2 different ambient settings as an intro, 1 first clean riff with delay, then 1 crunchy rising up riff, then 1heavy distorted punchy riff, then 1 clean long riff, then a punchy distorted riff again, then back to the beginning and ending to the first clean riff with delay, so that's like 8-9 different parts, with totally different pedal configuration and sounds, do you think its possible with the podgo ? Thank you for your time and dedication ! :)

[@AlexStrabala]

Pod go has 4 snapshots. You could use them for different amounts of wet effects, then switch to stomp mode to turn on/off various gain stages. It would be tricky but could be done.

[@MrLieka]

@@AlexStrabala I want to play live and I'm wondering if changing presets completely like 8 times during a track would be the solution, i'd successively program each part of the track and align them in order, what do you think ?

[@AlexStrabala]

There is a slight gap when changing presets so that would not be a good solution within a song. Helix floor or LT would be a better choice.

[@MrLieka]

@@AlexStrabala Ah is it that bad? I cant afford more than the podgo unfortunately

[@sidsimo]

Hey Alex, regarding the effects that are not present in the Go, would you expect that firmware upgrades might address amp/cap/effect changes? The second question is on the routing issue where you clearly are in favor of the HX stomp. I already own a Helix, but I'm liking a smaller, but highly effective modeler that is highly portable and useful when I don't have much real estate on stage. I'm a singer and "everything guitar" guitarist. At this point I'm in favor of the "Go" Lastly, I'm wondering if the patches are at all interchangeable.

[@AlexStrabala]

Thanks for the comment. For an all in one guitar rig pod go is the better choice. The routing flexibility is useful on stomp for bass or if you’re integrating it into a pedalboard. Presets between the units are not interchangeable, pod go has its own preset format. I’m sure most new effects added to helix will also be present in the pod go unless they’re very high DSP usage, like the king of tone model. I think Eric or Igor mentioned that the upcoming fw 3.0 polyphonic pitch stuff will not make it to pod go either because of DSP limitations.

[@sidsimo]

@@AlexStrabala Cool thanks again, enjoying you Helix patches. You do excellent work. Already made an offer for a "Go"

[@bobbywilliams4655]

Great video. Thanks for the info

[@rpbrear]

Excellent. Why don’t you have 100K follows yet? Don’t make sense.

[@AlexStrabala]

I need to start making more content! Thank you!

[@TexasTunesmith]

On the input block.... what threshold and decay would you recommend on the gate for single coils? (I mostly use a Strat or Tele).

[@AlexStrabala]

There’s no setting that will work for everyone, you need to test out what works for you. I use the minimum decay setting and adjust the threshold till there’s no noise coming through when you’re not playing.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

Can a midi be assigned to the Stomp as a foot switch as well? I mean maybe not according to the unit but in function couldn’t you have more switches than just 8?

[@AlexStrabala]

Unfortunately not, midi functionality is limited to preset/snapshot recall, emulation of the 8 footswitches and 2 exp pedals, tap tempo, and tuner. Manual pages 38-39. So far I've found that I don't really even need 6 stomps based on the limited number of blocks.

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Jose I think you could in theory macguyver up a bunch of midi options for this if the pod go is passing midi only via the usb. I’m also wondering about the internal looper. What’s the deal with the looper on the PodGo Alex ? Nice vid btw. For the Stomp Jose you get full blown midi in and out ports as well as routing via the stomp’s USB port and you can do an absolute BOATLOAD of stuff with that including using the HXSTOMP as a very cool switching unit,

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

Well thank you both for the ideas and replies. Clears some stuff up for me but also gives me some ideas for my Stomp. Can either of you comment on running maybe a distortion box before the stomp itself? I want to off load some effects into actual pedals (I’m thinking a drive/boost before the pedal, and a keeley reverb/delay unit right at the end of the loop right before the fx loop) and still run my 4 cable method. I’m using my Carvin Legacy for my real overdriven tones and just peppering in other drives and effects to further expand the somewhat limited 6 slots on the stomp itself by hopefully offloading those more basic pedals that I already own/want.

[@zdf14]

Would the PodGo be recommended for someone like myself who's more of a bedroom player, but occasionally plays out (and usually doesn't get his cab miced)? My plan would be to pair this with my Seymour Duncan Powerstage. I like having an all in one board.

[@Tolbiny]

Zack It sounds like GO would be perfect for you if you want the Helix tones/amps/effects.

[@josquinThiaudiere]

Hi Alex. Thanks for the video. Did you try the 4 cable method ? Does the pod go suffer the same issue than the hx effects ?

[@AlexStrabala]

I don’t have any tube amps any more to try it with. But personally I’ve never had any issues putting things in the fx loops on any HX products.

[@danielemontico7820]

What do you mean? What issue with the HX Effects?

[@daveycrockett9447]

Great Video!!!

[@lancemeroy]

not sure if I want to get a pod go or a hx stomp. I dont have any existing pedals but I’d like to have some modular functionality in the future or maybe I should wait and save for an lt...

[@AlexStrabala]

First thing I would recommend doing is getting on the wait list for the Fractal FM3. That unit is $1k new, but is much better sounding and more powerful unit than either of these. In the mean time I would get a pod go, then once you get the FM3 you can keep the pod go as a solid backup. The FM3 is small enough to mount on a pedalboard if you want to run it with other pedals, but powerful enough to be your entire rig if you combine it with the FC6 foot controller.

[@romeou4965]

I’m watching this for 2nd time after setting up an ideal rig on the pedalplanner iOS app and realizing the pod go would be way cheaper (and complete)

[@hogger88]

So if I understood you correctly I cant hook up 2 separate Headrush speakers or 2 line 6 power cabs to the Pod Go and have it produce my sound in stereo like a left and a right channel ?? or would I need to buy the HX stomp to do that ?

[@AlexStrabala]

Either can run stereo. HX stomp can just run two different amps in L/R in addition to stereo wet effects.

[@bobbyincidemetal]

I plan on get a set of studio monitors for a little home studio. Which one has the better audio interface?

[@AlexStrabala]

Pretty sure the converters are the same on both. I haven’t noticed a difference. Both support recording stereo, playing along with USB audio, recording the dry guitar input for reamping, and sending a usb signal from your DAW for reamping.

[@necrology-3103]

nice, thx. just 1 thing if you could give a qick ans: do they sound good as helix on the pich shift? i'm planning virtual drops of 1 or more tones..love the "mikroo" stomp. p.s.: are you late 4 a gig or something? lol! thx again

[@AlexStrabala]

Yes the effects all sound the same on the two units.

[@jackfryer3617]

Why didn’t they just make that a helix full version in that size🤦🏼‍♂️

[@AlexStrabala]

Probably because then it wouldn’t cost $450. I would love an Helix LT with no expression pedal though.

[@robrig55]

Made me stay with my HD500x because of the block limitations. I don’t understand it too

[@bradfreed1942]

@@AlexStrabala that would be perfect. I love my LT but barely use the expression pedal. It would be awesome if it was bit smaller

[@guylassalle4106]

very interesting , but next time, could you please reduce your tempo for french people like me ! thanks 😊

[@MykEviiL]

Use youtube settings to slow it down.

[@versnellingspookie]

When i had french in school i felt the exact same way whenever i heard french people speak at their native 'speed'. I feel your struggle. Learning any language is hard, props to you for learning English though!

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

Hi! Really good review! Can an expression pedal be connected to the Stomp!? Thanks :)

[@AlexStrabala]

Yes, absolutely, with midi or the exp jack. You can actually connect two expression pedals, two momentary switches, or one of each with that jack.

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

@@AlexStrabala Awesoem thanks for your reply! That might be a deciding factor for me to purchase the HX Stomp rather that the PodGo!

[@mrbungle8493]

So with the Pod Go you can put many pedals in the chain, like 3 delays. But they will run always in series, right? I mean, I can't run 2 delays in parallel?

[@AlexStrabala]

Correct. Everything is in series on the POD GO.

[@mrbungle8493]

@@AlexStrabala Thanx for the info, I will take the Helix HX Stomp 😁

[@KCDise]

would it sound great to have 2 guitars plugged into go pod then straight to PA system and bass plugged into hxstomp also straight into PA system ? No Pedals, no gtr and bass amps.

[@AlexStrabala]

You can’t run two separate signals thru pod go. But you could run two amps for two instruments on HX stomp. On my main gig we run no live amps. Sounds great if you know how to dial in stuff properly.

[@KCDise]

@@AlexStrabala yeah, I meant 2 gtrs with one gopod for each one of them. No live amp, that's what I'm looking for. Alright, thank you very much for the reply !

[@gloadni]

Hey Alex, thanks fo the video!!. One question, you can't name the snapshots? cus for live gig running arround banks and snaptshots, i have to memorize all snapshots created?. I'm trying to decied between POD go and HX LT but so much in the game $$$$ (hi from Domincan Republic)

[@AlexStrabala]

Correct, you cannot rename snapshots on either of these units. The LT is a much more powerful rig so I would definitely recommend that unit if you can afford it.

[@gloadni]

@@AlexStrabala Thanks!!

[@ashcosmo3854]

Hey man, hopefully you respond to questions because I just have an important one before I buy it. Is it possible to move the FX loop return block to the end of the chain ? I want to play backing tracks from my PC/PHONE but obviously I would need the FX return at the end so the backing track does not get affected by the delays/pedals etc. Thanks a lot !

[@AlexStrabala]

Good news for you: Yes, any block can be moved anywhere in the chain. But you don’t even need to use the fx loop block for this in the way you’re thinking. In the global settings you can configure the stereo return jack to function as an always on stereo aux input (no processing). Global settings > Ins/Outs > Return type. That way you don’t have to modify your presets. However I recommend just using USB for this purpose, since it avoids an additional AD/DA conversion, and I always have my units connected to my computer to use the editor anyway, so it makes sense to just use the device as my audio interface. Anyway, check out the pod go manual on line 6’s site. There’s a ton of useful info there.

[@ashcosmo3854]

@@AlexStrabala Oh sweet awesome answer man thanks !

[@Max_94]

Can you use two modulations at the same time?

[@AlexStrabala]

yep, the 4 additional blocks can be anything you want, DSP permitting.

[@Max_94]

@@AlexStrabala thanks

[@alanb2401]

So can I run the pod go thru my mesa guitar amplifier. I think I seen where is have use the 4 cable method. Just want to be sure before I purchase

[@AlexStrabala]

Alan B yep, that’s what the fx loop is for

[@davenew4832]

in terms of a wet/dry setup, is either good for that and how are they different as far as routing options to outputs?

[@AlexStrabala]

The only way you'd be able to do wet/dry with the pod go is to use a real amp for your dry. In the global settings, set the "Amp Out" source to "Pre Cab/IR," that way you're sending a dry signal right before the modeled amp. On the HX Stomp you can set it up a variety of ways, but the easiest is to split your signal path after the cab block, put your wet effects on on path B, and also drag the mixer block down to path B. That will create a separate output block for path B, so your dry signal will come out of the main outputs, and your wet signal will come out of the send. If you turn the mix of your last wet effect to 100%, no dry will come out of the send jack, so you can record or send to FOH your dry and wet completely separately. If you use a TRS insert cable, you can send stereo out of the send jack, so you could do wet/dry/wet with your stereo effects. Here's a pedalboard-friendly TRS insert cable: amzn.to/2WRjQRn

[@billroufs7910]

I have an HX Effects unit and was wondering if/how the POD Go would integrate with it. I'm mostly interested in the option for having the amps and cabinets addition to the existing effects from the HX Fx and also having the option of more than 4 user selectable blocks than the GO has. Any thoughts?

[@AlexStrabala]

Do you use any other pedals? You might be better off just switching to an Helix LT, which will have much more power than both units combined, and give you the flexibility of using amp modeling if you want to. You can usually find used LTs for under $900ish which is less than the price of these two units together.

[@billroufs7910]

@@AlexStrabala Thanks Alex for your response. Since I already own the HX Effects, I can probably afford the $450ish (on a fixed income) as opposed to the $900 for the LT. I'm mostly interested in the amp modeling only so was hoping maybe the POD Go would provide that option at a reasonable price.

[@bradfreed1942]

@@billroufs7910 if you sell your hx effects, you could get an lt for about what it would cost for a pod go. Youd be able to do SO MUCH more

[@onzkicg]

can I bypass all effects and simply use this as midi controller?

[@AlexStrabala]

Neither unit currently has a command center so neither can function as a full midi controller for your rig. However in HX firmware 3.0, HX Stomp will be getting some form of command center, so it will be able to more powerfully control other hardware via midi. 3.0 will probably be out later this year.

[@giovannidelmastro3760]

Si può mettere il delay in parallelo su pod go?

[@AlexStrabala]

no, POD GO does not support parallel routing

[@jimcrews8951]

Ecellent information.

[@BagusWibisono]

halo.. which one do you prefer for better sound for on stage?

[@AlexStrabala]

they both sound identical when the settings are the same, so whichever unit best fits your workflow is the best option for you =)

[@thefilmandmusic]

Really useful ,,, thanks

[@jonedward1076]

Does pad go come with software or do I have to hit on line

[@AlexStrabala]

You can download the editor at line6.com/software

[@bmann792]

How do i use this as a preamp? I don’t want to use the pre amp of my amp i want to use its power just to amplify it. You keep saying to use the preamp of the amp so I’m confused. Basically This is what I want. I want to use this pedal for all my sound. I have a boss katana amp. I don’t want to use any of the presets or anything, just the power of the amp to produce the sound - which happens to be wired out into a vintage Marshall Cabinet. I don’t want things to be double EQ and I don’t want to use any sound from my amp. Just the power . If this isn’t the best way then what is? Also i have a 1990s blues deluxe. It has no effects loop but it has a power amp in . Any way to use the pedal in the same scenario as described above so I’m just using the amps power only not the preamp section or any of the channels?

[@AlexStrabala]

Just bypass the cab block and run the pod go straight into your amp’s power amp.

[@bmann792]

Alex Strabala that doesn’t do anything and produces no sound

[@modelcitizen1977]

You take the amp sim, take out the IR or cab emulation, and run the out put to your effects return jack on your amp.

[@fredparker3384]

Can the POD work with a bass??

[@AlexStrabala]

it will work, but you lose the parallel routing capabilities of HX Stomp. I have a POD GO SVT preset on my website: alexstrabala.com/pod-go-presets/pod-go-svt-bass

[@fredparker3384]

But do you think it will work as good as the stomp. I should say I am pretty new, just learning but like hearing different sounds/tones. Doubt I will ever see the stage. 😁

[@AlexStrabala]

@@fredparker3384 pod go won't ever sound as good as the HXS because it can't receive the oversampling firmware update (3.1) that drastically improved the high end performance of the HXS and Helix units. It's a good backup unit to have though. Hard to say for a beginner, it's much more important to just practice!

[@fredparker3384]

@@AlexStrabala totally agree….thanks. Great Video.