Should I buy a Line 6 Bass POD?

Andy Flees · #1 07-15-2003, 08:57 AM

I would like to get into recording direct to my PC, and was wondering if the regular Line 6 Bass Pod (not the pro version) would be a good purchase. So far, from reading reviews and looking at Talk Bass forums, I've heard a whole spectrum of opions. It seems like it's either the best thing or the worst thing to use. I'm not so interested in using it as a pre-amp in live shows, just for direct recording. Thanks for the help.

**Josh Ryan** · #2 07-15-2003, 11:20 AM

You really need to try one. I hate them. but others love them. It's very subjective.

Davehenning · #3 07-15-2003, 11:25 AM

IMO, they are great for that kind of recording situation. You should be able to find a used one pretty easily.

But they are not for everyone.

Munjibunga · #4 07-18-2003, 12:11 AM

I had one, sold it. It does a good job of replicating those vintage sounds, so if you like that sort of thing, you may like it. Personally, I think vintage amps and basses generally sound like suck, so I didn't like it.

SeeSharp · #5 07-27-2003, 05:52 PM

My uncle used to work for Line6 and helped design the bass POD and gave me his when he quit. I like some of the sounds and dislike some of the others because they just don't sound the same as a normal pedal. At the moment my uncle is doing some independent work for Line6 and is testing out the new Line6 Bass POD(not sure when it is coming out). He said it looks like the new Guitar POD that just came out.

~C#~

Saint · #6 08-01-2003, 05:17 PM

A bass pod can be useful, but it's not necessary to get a good sound. The Pod is wonderful for guitar players since a guitar recorded direct generally sounds AWFUL. But we bass players are lucky in that all we really need is a good pre-amp or a line out from our amps to get a good recorded sound. I would try that route first, before spending the money on a POD.

Saint · #7 08-05-2003, 06:18 AM

One other thing: it looks like line 6 is coming out with a new version of the bass pod, so you might be best served by waiting until the new one comes out and then buying a used one or the current model at a much lower price.

Samie · #8 08-05-2003, 07:09 AM

get a BASSPOD? NO! unless you are a real recording pro.

Its a really nice babe and it has some nice flexible features that save your day to get "that" sound.

However, these are subtle changes in the sound, you really have to be a hot player to really know the diference.

You are better off getting a used GuitarPOD. You can experiment with the clean channels and get great bass sounds. Plus you can use it well with a guitar.

The GuitarPod is a lot more useful even for bassplayers.

The basspod is a great livesaver if you are pro going into an uncertain recording/playing act.

for the most part most bassplayer prefer their own regular rig and use de pod only specific ocassions. Of course in these special occations the basspod is non-replaceable. There is nothing like it

Phantasm · #9 09-23-2003, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andy Flees
I would like to get into recording direct to my PC, and was wondering if the regular Line 6 Bass Pod (not the pro version) would be a good purchase. So far, from reading reviews and looking at Talk Bass forums, I've heard a whole spectrum of opions. It seems like it's either the best thing or the worst thing to use. I'm not so interested in using it as a pre-amp in live shows, just for direct recording. Thanks for the help.

If you're a twiddler and you like knobs you'll probably love it. If you get frustrated with too many options then it will probably frustrate the hell out of you. I'm somewhere in the middle. I really had to sit down and work with it for a long time and I have cursed it many times, but it does do what I need it to do.

hstiles · #10 09-24-2003, 08:15 AM

it also depends on what quality of sound you need. My Korg Pandora will often suffice for getting down the basics and it's a godsend in terms of ease of easy and portability.

bikeplate · #11 09-24-2003, 02:02 PM

Hi!

I would consider a Sadowsky DI/pre for recording or live. You will not believe what it will do to your tone. Check one out

Rob

mojoman566 · #12 09-28-2003, 04:38 PM

I had been looking at Bass PODs for my home recording set-up but I bought a Behringer Bass V-amp instead. I got mine off new off e-bay for $130. For the price it's alright. I don't think I would use it to play out but it's a great practice tool with a drum machine and it's OK for my home recording set up.

seamonkey · #13 04-17-2011, 01:46 PM

This thread was started in 2003

Since this is a recording gear and equipment thread.
I'd assume most if for home recording.

Over this time, CPU based modeling for those who use a PC and progressed leaps and bounds. CPU systems themselves progressed and are easily able to run DSP/modeling programs in memory. Line 6's own pod farm far exceeds the performance, features, of the old PODs.

I have not tried the new Pod HD stuff, but if it's as good as their software modeling I'd be impressed. At the same time, I think the software is again going to leapfrog over the DSP based PODs and jump several generations again.

PC's in general have become very reliable, powerful, and cheap. What really is the future of PODs?

As I see it, it's only for convenience of not having to carry a PC.

Andy Flees · #14 04-17-2011, 06:49 PM

Lol, yeah, sometimes I'll occasionally get posts to threads I started years ago, but 8 years is a long time! Still, thanks for the help everyone!

headstock · #15 04-19-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Flees

I would like to get into recording direct to my PC, and was wondering if the regular Line 6 Bass Pod (not the pro version) would be a good purchase. So far, from reading reviews and looking at Talk Bass forums, I've heard a whole spectrum of opions. It seems like it's either the best thing or the worst thing to use. I'm not so interested in using it as a pre-amp in live shows, just for direct recording. Thanks for the help.

Personally, I find the Bass POD (the old one) to be a great unit. I have used everything from my GK 1001rb head's direct out to an Avalon U5 (BEST), and I plan to buy a SansAmp Bass DI-----mostly for overdrive, but maybe for a DI, as well.

That said, I have recorded numerous projects in professional studios, and 9 times out of 10 it's my old Bass POD that I use! I usually find a particular sound I like (usually it's setting 6A----don't remember the name of the patch), and then tweak it with the knobs. Great tone that sits well in just about any mix in the hands of a good engineer.

The Bass POD is a wonderful, and surprisingly pro tool to use! I even have the Bass POD Pro, and guess what? I RARELY use it! The standard kidney-shaped POD does the trick!