1st Effect - Zoom B2 or Pocket Pod?

[John123z]

My sons looking for a good 1st effect device. I don't think amp models are that important to him. He has both SS and Tube amps. He is more looking for effects like autowah, flange and compression. I know the pocket pod is more of a guitar device, but it seems you can use software to custom configure it. And it's so portable it would be great with headphones around the house. However, primary use is with an amp, not recording or headphone. His budget is about $130 max. I know the zoom is pretty good, would this be a better choice?

John

p.s. Or would the Behringer V Amp be better???

[Webtroll]

Personally the multi effect units are things I like to play around with and pedals for actual use when playing with others (even if only jamming). Why not get him a good pedal instead?

[vtwo]

I'd go with the Zoom. It's a good first option which should have many good sounds.

[simion stranger]

Hiya,
I'd go for the zoom. I've never used a pocket pod, so I wont say the zoom is better, but I use the ZOOM B2.1u - MULTI EFFECTS PEDAL. It has a built in tuner, which makes re-tuning a dodle & a beat box, so if your playing unaccompanied you’ve got some timing to go with, and then it has all the different effects, which you can also pre set to the parameters you like best. & it has a D/I connection & usb port so you can plug it right into your computer or a PA system.

I know it sounds like I work for the company or trying to get a freebee, but really you can't go wrong with it.

In my humble opinion it's worth the money.

[complexprocess]

I'd recommend the Zoom if he's not interested in the models (not to say the zoom has bad models, they're actually pretty usable.) The effects on it are pretty good, and it's a bit cheaper. With the Pod, I think a lot of what you're paying for is the guitar-oriented models.

In my experience, the effects on the zoom are good enough (and the unit itself is quiet enough) for live use until he's ready to upgrade to something much more expensive. Some of the presets will need some tweaking to sound good through an amp (particularly the auto wah, which I love through headphones.) Also, the compressor is too strong even on the lowest settings IMO, so he'll just have to learn to control dynamics (and use the limiter instead.)

[John123z]

Thanks guys.

We'll try the Zoom.

John

[Swift713]

I would also recommend the Zoom. With the Zoom you can also switch patches etc with your foot. Some of the amp models make for really decent overdrives.