Line 6 POD Go
What it is
The POD Go is the standard, wired model in Line 6's POD Go range, which is distinct from the POD Go Wireless. Line 6 describes it as an ultra-portable amp and effects processor built on the HX family of models used in its Helix products. It was introduced as the successor to the POD line, which had been dormant since the POD HD 500X and HD Pro X in 2013. Guitar World presents it as the POD series revived with a simpler interface than the Helix. It lacks the external control and MIDI and Variax features of the more expensive Helix units. The reviewer judged that most guitarists would find it covers their needs in one unit. Its main distinguishing features are the single-unit rig approach, a stereo FX loop, a USB audio interface for dry and processed recording, and support for third-party impulse responses. Line 6 also sells the Pocket POD, POD Express and POD Express Bass as separate, smaller units. These are not covered by the sources used for this entry.
Specifications
- Type
- Multi-effects and amp modeler
- Size and weight
- About 14 x 9 inches, about 5.5 lb
- Display
- 4.3 inch (11 cm) full-colour LCD
- Models
- Over 270 amp and effect models (Guitar World); nearly 300 amp, effect, cabinet and mic models (Line 6)
- Third-party IRs
- Up to 128 user or third-party impulse responses can be loaded
- Presets
- 256 locations: 128 factory and 128 user
- Block structure
- Wah, volume, four effects, amp/preamp, cab/IR and preset EQ per preset; blocks can be reordered but not added or swapped out
- Snapshots
- Four per preset, each able to change up to 64 parameters
- Looper
- One mono or stereo looper in one of the four effect slots; about 80 s mono (half speed) or 20 s stereo (full speed)
- Top panel controls
- Six footswitches, mode/edit/exit switch, tap/tuner switch, five parameter knobs with push function, two rotary knobs, master volume, assignable expression pedal
- Rear connections
- Guitar input; expression/footswitch 2 input (TRS); stereo FX send and return (return can be set as always-on stereo aux input); main L/R outputs; amp out; headphone out; USB
- Audio interface
- 4-in/4-out, 24-bit/96 kHz
- Power
- Line 6 recommends only the supplied DC-3 power supply
- Software
- Free POD Go Edit app for Mac and Windows, for editing, firmware updates and loading custom IRs
- Price at review time
- $449.99 US / £399 / €579 (Guitar World, 2020)
How it's used
Musicians use it as a complete rig in one unit, covering amp, cabinet, effects and presets, for gigging and home playing. It can feed a conventional amplifier or PA through its amp and FX loop outputs, or serve as the front end of a 4-cable setup with external pedals. It is also used for recording, since the USB interface can capture dry and processed signals at once for later re-amping.
Suggested usage
Install the POD Go Edit app early
Guitar World says the app is needed to get the most from the unit and to load custom or third-party IRs. The unit can be programmed from the top panel, but the reviewer found the app made editing easier.
Use the supplied power supply
Line 6 specifically recommends the supplied DC-3 unit.
Use snapshots for song sections
Snapshots can change up to 64 parameters at once. Line 6 says delay and reverb tails carry through changes.
Plan presets around the fixed block order
Presets always include the same block types, and blocks can be reordered but not added, so decide early which effects go in which slots.
Choose output routing deliberately
The amp output can be set to tap before the cab/IR block, which matters when using an external cabinet or a 4-cable setup.
Assign the expression pedal
The pedal can control volume, wah, or any combination of amp and effect parameters.
What reviewers said
- Guitar World (Chris Gill, 30 June 2020)
The reviewer gave a positive verdict, calling it a powerful all-in-one rig at an affordable price. Positives included its light weight, large range of effects and amp models, strong amp sound quality, colour footswitch LEDs, third-party IR support and value. The main drawback was that the free POD Go Edit app is needed to get the most from the unit. The reviewer noted it may lack some external control features of the Helix but judged it sufficient for most guitarists.