2014/05/13

Line 6 Multi Effect Pedals: Multi FX From The Original Amp Modelers

It all started at Line 6 with the bean-shaped "pod", but they have seen explosive growth into virtually every category of guitar sounds including effects, loopers, amps, guitars and other electronic interfaces which make our world as a guitarists a lot more fun!
One of their greatest products (I think) is their versatile and advanced range of multi effect pedals. Still using the "POD" name, the new line of effects pedals includes the Floor Pod Plus, and the Pod HD300, HD400 and HD500. These guitar multi effects are designed primarily for stage use, but also work great in a home setting with their computer and mp3/CD connections which will allow you to tweak and play in the apartment without getting a visit from the cops.
With a simple interface, and easily tweakable settings, the Floor Pod Plus is basically a re-designed floor version of the Pod 2.0. The Floor Pod Plus has 32 amp models, 16 modulation effects, 16 classic cab models, 6 types of delay and 2 types of reverb. This is more than enough for most cover band guitarists, and certainly enough for a bedroom player looking for some great new sounds.
The Pod HD effects are the latest and greatest of the Line 6 Multi Effects. The three HD models are obviously siblings by their look and design, and as you go through the chain from the HD300 to the 500, the features start to ramp up. They all contain 16 HD amp models. If they used the name HD to make you think of HD TV quality, they were pretty close, as the sounds of these models are quite amazing. As the pioneers of amp modelling, Line 6 basically took 16 of the greatest amps from manufacturers like Fender, Marshall, Dr.Z, Mesa Boogie, etc.. and digitally re-created them.
The remaining differences include the number of effects (HD300 has 80, while the 400 and 500 have 100 effects), number of preset locations available and number of simultaneous effects available. In addition the HD500 comes equipped with a 48 second looper, while the HD300 and 400 have a 24 second looper. This looping feature, to me, is an essential element if you are considering buying a multi effect pedal as most units available now have them.

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