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Line 6 Pocket POD £81
Line 6's iconic POD has gone all Nano on us
Guitarist, Tue 23 Oct 2007, 12:12 pm UTC
The gain staging is like all the other PODs, with the channel volume controlling the overall level for the patch selected. We found the default volume level a bit high for headphone use, but rather than having to adjust the level for each patch, you can adjust the master level by holding down the save and tap buttons while pressing the four-way controller up or down.
In a similar fashion, lots of other functions can be adjusted by holding down the save or tap buttons. This means they're not as instantly accessible as they might be on larger units, but it's not too awkward and ensures that the main control panel isn't too cluttered.
For instance, with the save button depressed, the four main controls now cover bass, mid, treble and reverb level, up/down changes the amp model and left/right changes the effect model.
All in all, there's a surprising range of control available on the Pocket POD, belying the simple appearance and low price. For example, we get an adjustable noise gate, a flexible tuner and four cabinet tuning options.
For maximum control, you can connect the Pocket POD to your PC or Mac, via the supplied USB cable, and access all parameters with the Vyzex editor/ librarian software (a free download).
In use
The amp, cabinet and effects models in Pocket POD will be familiar to users of other POD models, and the unit has an obvious 'Line 6 sound'. Everyone has their own taste in digital models, and the Line 6 products have their style, easily distinguished from those of BOSS or DigiTech units.
Listening through headphones, the Pocket POD sounds big and powerful. Some of the more overdriven patches have a bit too much bass for our liking, but that's easily adjusted.
Although the technology inside Pocket POD has been around for a while now, we've given it our top rating because it's such an inspired use of that technology. Miniaturisation has its risks, and it's important for designers to strike a balance between portability and ergonomics. In the case of this tiny POD, the most important controls are within easy reach and are adjusted by comfortably large and tactile knobs.
While we noticed one slight design issue, relating to the weight of a guitar lead being able to pull the Pocket POD off a desk, this isn't a major problem and can easily be avoided by using the built-in belt clip, or with judicious use of Velcro!
While there's clearly less scope for instant tweaking than on a PODxt, for example, you can't really complain when the Pocket POD costs less than a lot of basic stompboxes, and less even than some electronic tuners.
Verdict
With the lack of MIDI or foot control, Pocket POD alone might not be suitable for pro or semi-pro players, but for practising, jamming or just having fun, it's a total no-brainer.
MusicRadar rating:
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User comments (5)
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Had one of these for a few months now and it is a fantastic bit of equipment ! I use it mostly for Silent Practise and use it with an MP3 player loaded with backing tracks plugged in. The only small downside to it is the downloading of extra tones and setting etc. is a little complecated but then speaking as a late 40 something I'm not as 'techy' minded as I used to be and I want everything nice and and simple with instant plug and play. But a great great product that will keep the Mirs's happy while she's trying to watch 'Corrie'.
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Bought one of these a few weeks ago, and it's a total beast for its size and price.
Sounds great when played through a cheap 10w amp, lots of great presets built in and some great amp models.
Only problem i had was getting the software from the line6 website to run under windows vista, but once pluged into my laptop it works perfectly.
I would highly recomend this bit of kit, if you have the spare money go and buy one. -
Bought one of these a few weeks ago, and it's a total beast for its size and price.
Sounds great when played through a cheap 10w amp, lots of great presets built in and some great amp models.
Only problem i had was getting the software from the line6 website to run under windows vista, but once pluged into my laptop it works perfectly.
I would highly recomend this bit of kit, if you have the spare money go and buy one. -
this is as mentioned a great bit of kit - want to sound like slash - flick a switch, Peter Green - flick a switch, its really that easy. With a newborn in the house this is perfect to plug in stick the headphones in and play to my hearts content (with one eye on the baby monitor!).
The online stuff is great create or alter tones, or download even more from an extensive database, but heres the only downside to it all, its a bit of a pain then transferring them back to the pod, could be so much easier with better file management on the computer, drag and drop should be used nere, thisi s my only misgiving and the reason Ive only given it 4 stars.... -
Had a Pocket POD for xmas and this is my review.
Use : - Use it for home studio, and as a home studio tool it is fantastic, absolutely superb.
Used with : Gibson Les Paul, Fender Mexican strat and an old eight track digital recorder. - Superb sounds.
Caution : Hard to get sounds with the buttons on the device, but used with a PC or MAC the sound editor (download from line6.com), is absolutely first class and allows the user to edit and expand upon the basic editing facilities used on the device itself. With the editor combined the ease of use is simplistic and the device is easily comparable with top of the range PODs (Honest). Back-up of sounds and storing of sounds is very easy and makes the device a must-have.
I am : A 40something musician who has used many effects throughout the years (both live and home studio based).
Recommends ? - Oh yes - go get one !
Rating : ***** - Yes - 5 star - honestly.
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
A flexible, portable practice tool at a fantastic price.
Cons
Given the price, there's really nothing to complain about.
Verdict
With the lack of MIDI or foot control, Pocket POD alone might not be suitable for pro or semi-pro players, but for practising, jamming or just having fun, it's a total no-brainer.
Review Policy
All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.
User rating
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Specification
Pocket POD
- Price:
- £81
- Amp Connections:
- Headphone Output/External Speaker, Line/Cd Input
- Available Inputs:
- Guitar Input
- Available Outputs:
- 6.4mm Stereo Headphone Jack, Amp Out
- Compatible Systems:
- Mac, PC
- Connections:
- USB
- Country of Origin:
- USA
- Effect Types:
- Chorus, Compression, Delay, Flange, Noise Gate, Reverb, Tremolo
- Manufacturer's Description:
- Pocket POD® exhibits all the celebrated features and pro tone that makes POD a standard in recording studios everywhere. Don't be fooled by the smaller package, Pocket POD is packed with over 300 custom presets dialed in by some of today's hottest rock stars like Maroon 5, P.O.D., 311, Hoobastank and many more.
- No of Amp Models:
- 32
- No of Cab Models:
- 16
- No of Effects:
- 16
- Patches:
- 300+
- Type of Modelling:
- Amp Modelling, Cabinet Modelling, Multi Effects Processor
- Unit Power Source:
- 4 x AAA Batteries, AC Adaptor
- Weight (g) (g):
- 170
Midnightminstrel
Sat 15 Mar 2008, 12:22 am UTC
User rating 4 of 5