I use mine with headphones on my patio to avoid disturbing close neighbors. Better tones than any other head amp I’ve tried and no computer, phone, or manual needed to tweak its settings quickly.
To be honest, as a gigging musician who plays lots of private event and weddings, this would be the perfect pedal for situations like cocktail hours. Sometimes those are situated at a different space from the reception, so this pedal is super useful for that. Also perfect for practice in general. Thank you for your content, brother! I truly enjoy your playing.
I’ve used it live on several occasions. For a short set with limited tones needed, it’s perfect. I’ve also thrown it on my board and it handles pedals fabulously.
I use it 3 ways. 1. Silent practice 80% of the time. 2. At the end of an otherwise mini analog pedalboard. It provides Tuner Noise supression Ambient effect 7 of 21 presets, lead boost-delay, rythm- no delay no boost. 3. Catastrophic amp, or large pedalboard failure. It can take place of the large stereo board in a heartbeat. One twist of the amp knob and 1 cable to foh can turn the princeton modeling on and replace the failed princeton, or deluxe 0%. It has yet to happen to me at a live gig. But it beats bringing a second amp if youre playing a 1 trip from the car…i single carry in gig.(guitar, amp, backpack containing miniboard and cables stand etc). A true guitar swiss army knife every player should own i.m.o.
I have one and think it punches waaaay above its weight for the reasons you described. Yes, the fx and drives aren’t great. Yes, it would be nice to have the ability to do deeper edits. But with a single drive pedal in front of it along with maybe 2 or 3 pedals behind (or another multifx like the Zoom CDR), you could easily gig with this thing since the amp sounds are soooo nice imho. Nice vid.
I don't see myself having a use for this, however the bass version is pretty enticing. To have your tuner, preamp, compression, octave, and drive in one battery powered unit makes a lot of sense for, say, a church volunteer.
I own several Helix products, I bought the Express just because it was $179. I think it’s not a toy. Plugged directly into my DAW I got some very useable tones fast. I personally like that it has less options regarding cabs. It’s plug and play and amps are solid.
It’s a great piece of kit for the price. An awesome gateway into the line 6 fam for beginners. And a great little Swiss Army knife for your existing rig. It’s not meant to replace your stomp or rack or Axefx or Kemper. That’s like expecting to record a 32 track ep painlessly in Logic or Audition on an entry level laptop.
I picked one up used for $100. For that price it’s great as a quick desktop plug and play option. I may also take it out as a back up rig. Not sure I’d use it as part of a main rig though. Even a simple editor would massively improve its usefulness.
What's endearing about the express so far is it stops me from constant exploration and nit-pick tuning. An expanded menu-less option from line6 similar to a boss me90 would be intriguing
I bought and sold immediately an Ampero mini. Spent too much time tweaking cabs and whistles, placing the mike millimetrically in front of a virtual loudspeaker... Time wasted vs playing and enjoying music
This is perfect for people like me who dont know or want to know about computers, editing on phone apps, plug ins or any that stuff when they just wanna pick up and play guitar for 20mins in the evening when the kids are gone to bed or the wife is leaving you alone. Its got enough, does enough, and sounds good enough as it is and theres plenty in my shoes out there as well il bet.
I have it and it’s all I take to band practice. All I do is plug it into my friend’s Roland Cube once I get there. Everyone always tells me my guitar sounds fantastic.
Is the tonex one also a "toy" because it doesn't require a mortgage to buy? How bad is it that if by some chance a somewhat affordable product is released its immediately called a toy lol
I had a coupon so I got mine New for $154 USD... if I gigged "ampless" all the time, I would get something better... but I only do a handful of gigs a year where I can't use an amp, so it's great for those occasions. However, I found it makes a great acoustic rig if you turn off the amp/cab sims... just use the efx in the loop of my LR baggs Para DI... add an easier to use and see tuner pedal and voila!
Do you think we will see a Spider VI or has the catalyst replaced the old monster going forward? I was looking to grab a used Spider V but it looks like the android app no longer works.
good video dude! 🎉 I have a question, do I have to connect a DI to play it live? ( To get a better sound) Or can I just connect directly to the mixer and it will sound good? Ty!
Do not own one but as a package (fx,amps, batteries and volume on headphones out) it is very nice. This I think is one these things you should not judge on one individial thing but the package. OTOH one could also buy a Boss Dual Cube lx and have BT (optional) as speakers. Seen them for €179 (without bt module).
I used it last week at a gig….biggest downfall is not having a high/ low cut on the cabs. What I do is turn the cab sims off and run it into a Mooer Radar using my impulses and set my cuts. This is meant for guitar, why they have their cabs set at 20-20k is ridiculous , but that’s what Line 6 always does.
I could see using this with a couple of traditional pedals. But since I’ve phased most of those out of my rig in favor of an HXFX, using this with that unit wouldn’t make much sense over an HXStomp. I think it really is a clever unit looking for an application. Most of the uses people would have for it have already been taken by more fully featured devices that don’t cost that much more.
I purchased an ampero mini, after having watched tons of youtube videos telling its marvelous. Kept it one day only because all modulations sound crap imo. My old cheap zoom ms 50g much better in comparaison. Im waiting now a pod express, glad they released an editor, and hoping i will not be as desappointed as with the "famous" ampero mini. Imo a great value of the line 6 is its simplicity. Too many functions and multiplicity of options kill these mini modelers, except if you only use them on a PC for creation. Im looking for one in the gig bag to make short rehearsals and gigs or home practice lighter.
Maybe the plastic case has eroded the market potential of the POD Express if it already has the "toy" epithet. I don't gig this, but it's a great budget device for practice and quick recording without DAW fiddling. For sure limited settings capability since no Editor as of summer 2024. Yes, POD Express needs a Blues Driver (external or in place of the Klon). Also, I think I'd have preferred nested knobs for the alternate settings instead of playing with the ALT button.
Your opinions on the POD Express are shaped by who you are as a player and gear head (this is true for all of us of course). And in my estimation, you are not in the target demographic for a PE. You are too comfortable and experienced with modeling to gig such a simplified device. But that is to be expected. And even as a backup, there are probably better choices for someone gigging a Stomp XL or Helix (or QC, etc.). I suspect for the right player, it is a great solution with a lot too offer. I agree about the choice of drives - not really what I'd want. But for those with simpler needs, the mods, delays and reverbs are probably sufficient.
I had one for a while and found it to be a piece of junk. The IRs are the problem. If only you could swap them out, but you can’t. Massive mistake there.
Absolutely agree on your recommendations for line6 to add an editor, etc @johnnathancordy .I got some really nice tones from it but found myself riding my volume and tone knob on the fly. It was hard to get granular on setting things up.. so yeah an editor would be great.
I use mine with headphones on my patio to avoid disturbing close neighbors. Better tones than any other head amp I’ve tried and no computer, phone, or manual needed to tweak its settings quickly.
To be honest, as a gigging musician who plays lots of private event and weddings, this would be the perfect pedal for situations like cocktail hours. Sometimes those are situated at a different space from the reception, so this pedal is super useful for that. Also perfect for practice in general. Thank you for your content, brother! I truly enjoy your playing.
I’ve used it live on several occasions. For a short set with limited tones needed, it’s perfect. I’ve also thrown it on my board and it handles pedals fabulously.
I use it 3 ways.
1. Silent practice 80% of the time.
2. At the end of an otherwise mini analog pedalboard. It provides
Tuner
Noise supression
Ambient effect
7 of 21 presets, lead boost-delay, rythm- no delay no boost.
3. Catastrophic amp, or large pedalboard failure. It can take place of the large stereo board in a heartbeat. One twist of the amp knob and 1 cable to foh can turn the princeton modeling on and replace the failed princeton, or deluxe 0%. It has yet to happen to me at a live gig. But it beats bringing a second amp if youre playing a 1 trip from the car…i single carry in gig.(guitar, amp, backpack containing miniboard and cables stand etc). A true guitar swiss army knife every player should own i.m.o.
I have one and think it punches waaaay above its weight for the reasons you described. Yes, the fx and drives aren’t great. Yes, it would be nice to have the ability to do deeper edits. But with a single drive pedal in front of it along with maybe 2 or 3 pedals behind (or another multifx like the Zoom CDR), you could easily gig with this thing since the amp sounds are soooo nice imho. Nice vid.
The delay at 7:30, which one is it? Sounds really nice
I don't see myself having a use for this, however the bass version is pretty enticing. To have your tuner, preamp, compression, octave, and drive in one battery powered unit makes a lot of sense for, say, a church volunteer.
I own several Helix products, I bought the Express just because it was $179. I think it’s not a toy. Plugged directly into my DAW I got some very useable tones fast. I personally like that it has less options regarding cabs. It’s plug and play and amps are solid.
It’s a great piece of kit for the price. An awesome gateway into the line 6 fam for beginners. And a great little Swiss Army knife for your existing rig. It’s not meant to replace your stomp or rack or Axefx or Kemper. That’s like expecting to record a 32 track ep painlessly in Logic or Audition on an entry level laptop.
I picked one up used for $100. For that price it’s great as a quick desktop plug and play option. I may also take it out as a back up rig. Not sure I’d use it as part of a main rig though. Even a simple editor would massively improve its usefulness.
There is one editor now
What's endearing about the express so far is it stops me from constant exploration and nit-pick tuning.
An expanded menu-less option from line6 similar to a boss me90 would be intriguing
I bought and sold immediately an Ampero mini. Spent too much time tweaking cabs and whistles, placing the mike millimetrically in front of a virtual loudspeaker... Time wasted vs playing and enjoying music
This is perfect for people like me who dont know or want to know about computers, editing on phone apps, plug ins or any that stuff when they just wanna pick up and play guitar for 20mins in the evening when the kids are gone to bed or the wife is leaving you alone. Its got enough, does enough, and sounds good enough as it is and theres plenty in my shoes out there as well il bet.
I think the point is that it is an Express way to get a tone and then you play more than tweak. Hence no editor and limited settings to change.
I have it and it’s all I take to band practice. All I do is plug it into my friend’s Roland Cube once I get there. Everyone always tells me my guitar sounds fantastic.
Is the tonex one also a "toy" because it doesn't require a mortgage to buy? How bad is it that if by some chance a somewhat affordable product is released its immediately called a toy lol
Could this work and save hd500x?
When you create a preset does that include tone and volume settings?
I use crunch and dynamic the most and am playing a Strat these days. Great piece of gear.
I had a coupon so I got mine New for $154 USD... if I gigged "ampless" all the time, I would get something better... but I only do a handful of gigs a year where I can't use an amp, so it's great for those occasions. However, I found it makes a great acoustic rig if you turn off the amp/cab sims... just use the efx in the loop of my LR baggs Para DI... add an easier to use and see tuner pedal and voila!
If it only had an effects loop, I could use my HX One with it like I can with my Boss IR2.
Do you think we will see a Spider VI or has the catalyst replaced the old monster going forward? I was looking to grab a used Spider V but it looks like the android app no longer works.
wow I really like the neck pickup on that tele
good video dude! 🎉
I have a question, do I have to connect a DI to play it live? ( To get a better sound) Or can I just connect directly to the mixer and it will sound good? Ty!
Ok..I agree with you now on the need of an editor...The UI is not intuitive, too easy to be adjusting the wrong parameters..Sounds great though!
I gig with mine on Princeton amp deluxe speaker and my pedalboard in places that don’t allow amps sounds great
Do not own one but as a package (fx,amps, batteries and volume on headphones out) it is very nice. This I think is one these things you should not judge on one individial thing but the package.
OTOH one could also buy a Boss Dual Cube lx and have BT (optional) as speakers. Seen them for €179 (without bt module).
I used it last week at a gig….biggest downfall is not having a high/ low cut on the cabs. What I do is turn the cab sims off and run it into a Mooer Radar using my impulses and set my cuts. This is meant for guitar, why they have their cabs set at 20-20k is ridiculous , but that’s what Line 6 always does.
I could see using this with a couple of traditional pedals.
But since I’ve phased most of those out of my rig in favor of an HXFX, using this with that unit wouldn’t make much sense over an HXStomp.
I think it really is a clever unit looking for an application. Most of the uses people would have for it have already been taken by more fully featured devices that don’t cost that much more.
I purchased an ampero mini, after having watched tons of youtube videos telling its marvelous. Kept it one day only because all modulations sound crap imo. My old cheap zoom ms 50g much better in comparaison. Im waiting now a pod express, glad they released an editor, and hoping i will not be as desappointed as with the "famous" ampero mini. Imo a great value of the line 6 is its simplicity. Too many functions and multiplicity of options kill these mini modelers, except if you only use them on a PC for creation. Im looking for one in the gig bag to make short rehearsals and gigs or home practice lighter.
Toto, I've a feeling we're not at Gruhn's anymore.
Needs an editor and IR loading capability.
It's only $179 - fantastic at the price
Not a toy. Yes, it would be much more useful if it had an Editor. It would make a great Backup on a light fly-rig to an HX Stomp, etc.
Agreed
Big time
Is it a toy? No. But I would never consider it for a gig. I have one for playing at my buddy's place, instead of bringing my gt1k.
Maybe the plastic case has eroded the market potential of the POD Express if it already has the "toy" epithet. I don't gig this, but it's a great budget device for practice and quick recording without DAW fiddling. For sure limited settings capability since no Editor as of summer 2024. Yes, POD Express needs a Blues Driver (external or in place of the Klon). Also, I think I'd have preferred nested knobs for the alternate settings instead of playing with the ALT button.
Nice! Can you check Katana GO?
He has already do a search
Your opinions on the POD Express are shaped by who you are as a player and gear head (this is true for all of us of course). And in my estimation, you are not in the target demographic for a PE. You are too comfortable and experienced with modeling to gig such a simplified device. But that is to be expected. And even as a backup, there are probably better choices for someone gigging a Stomp XL or Helix (or QC, etc.). I suspect for the right player, it is a great solution with a lot too offer. I agree about the choice of drives - not really what I'd want. But for those with simpler needs, the mods, delays and reverbs are probably sufficient.
I have it i love it with headphone in amazine sounds❤
Really good stuff
Yes it's a toy suitable for 14 yo's just starting out. It sounds cold and nasty.
I had one for a while and found it to be a piece of junk. The IRs are the problem. If only you could swap them out, but you can’t. Massive mistake there.
1st!
Absolutely agree on your recommendations for line6 to add an editor, etc @johnnathancordy .I got some really nice tones from it but found myself riding my volume and tone knob on the fly. It was hard to get granular on setting things up.. so yeah an editor would be great.
Yes yes yes