Line 6 Bass Pod Express

[smallerthings]

I saw it comes with 21 presets already loaded, but I don't see a list of what they are (its not in the manual). Was that released anywhere?

 

[SlowpokeJoe]

This is very interesting. Kind of a dumb question, but does anyone know a good brand of fs3/Fs4 foot switch that would work well with this? Not as interested in the expression pedal option.

I'm sure the good ol' Boss FS-6 works.

 

[lokikallas]

This does look cool, and the additional footswitch inputs does make it a bit more versatile than my MS60b. I use my stomp XL most of the time, but for rehearsals or gigs where I only need few non complicated patches, this looks pretty nice.

 

[Michael Vee]

It was explained much better on the video with the girl in the flannel shirt. Does seem like it would be just as easy to use as the HX One. It has more options to mix effects than the HX One and has amp/cab stuff, but at the same time, it’s limited in its effects. With a DI box, this would make a cool little flyrig.

Parz, I was thinking the same thing.. were you thinking Sushi Box Finally?

Edit: I was just in the SBSS thread and saw that you posted about Finally like you already have one.

 

[Parzival]

Parz, I was thinking the same thing.. were you thinking Sushi Box Finally?

Yes. I was thinking if I tried to do ampless shows from time to time, I would used a board consisting of just HX One, POD Express Bass (maybe?), and Sushibox Finally v2. I think that would be all I would need. Just curious to see reviews on these. I have a good while before I would have to make a decision, so I am in a good stand by position to just watch how this one unfolds.

 

[richntiff]

Yes. I was thinking if I tried to do ampless shows from time to time, I would used a board consisting of just HX One, POD Express Bass (maybe?), and Sushibox Finally v2. I think that would be all I would need. Just curious to see reviews on these. I have a good while before I would have to make a decision, so I am in a good stand by position to just watch how this one unfolds.

so - just to play devil's advocate - why wouldn't you be just buying an HX Stomp at that point? Programming ease?

 

[Parzival]

so - just to play devil's advocate - why wouldn't you be just buying an HX Stomp at that point? Programming ease?

I have not ruled that out.

 

[Les Fret]

Seems like a limited pedal to me. The effects have very little possible settings and adjustability. So as a multi effect this is not enough for most people I guess. Or do I miss something? But as an entry level modeler or flyrig it will work.

 

[john hennessy]

I pulled the trigger on one. If I don’t like it, it’ll be my bedroom practice tool but if I do it’ll go on my board with a Sushi box Finally after it for a compact fly rig

 

[BassikLee]

Seems like a limited pedal to me. The effects have very little possible settings and adjustability. So as a multi effect this is not enough for most people I guess. Or do I miss something? But as an entry level modeler or flyrig it will work.

Yes, it’s limited by design. They aren’t really marketing it as a gigging tool. That said, many of us could easily gig it. I already have an HX Stomp XL, or I’d at least look into it. I do think that for me, it’s not a gigging piece. I play in an 80s band, and “need” a few synth sounds that this one just won’t do.

 

[smallerthings]

Yes, it’s limited by design. They aren’t really marketing it as a gigging tool. That said, many of us could easily gig it. I already have an HX Stomp XL, or I’d at least look into it. I do think that for me, it’s not a gigging piece. I play in an 80s band, and “need” a few synth sounds that this one just won’t do.

I think it can easily be a gigging piece, even with its limitations.

Having 7 possible amp sounds on hand and 21 preset slots is a great way to EQ different songs according to what you need. No reason it can't be an addition to your pedal board and an amp replacement while still using your usual pedals.

That said, you already have a Stomp, so this would be overkill for you specifically. For people without one, this might come in handy. Especially if you have more basic needs.

 

[Michael Vee]

Heard from Jason at @Pedalnetics that his FrontAux will work with the Bass Pod Express. He also said that he will be designing a dedicated switching device for the BPE.

 

[Pedalnetics]

Heard from @Pedalnetics that his FrontAux will work with the Bass Pod Express. Jason also said that he will be designing a dedicated switching device for the BPE.

The Pod Express needs Normally Open switches, so really anything under this link would work: Shop - Pedalnetics

But yup, custom switch is in the plans once mine shows up from SweetWater that shipped yesterday

 

[Digital Igloo]

Yes, it’s limited by design. They aren’t really marketing it as a gigging tool.

Yep. You'll notice none of our in situ photography shows POD Express on a stage or with other pedals—it's always shown on a desktop or outside at the beach or campground. (Unlike HX One or HX Stomp, which is always shown on a pedalboard.) Complaining that POD Express isn't like the dozens of cheap Chinese <slaps hood> "look how many features we can cram into this thing!" multieffects out there is like complaining that a dune buggy doesn't have cruise control or enough trunk space for groceries. Completely different use case for a completely different customer.

 

[BassikLee]

I think it can easily be a gigging piece, even with its limitations.

Having 7 possible amp sounds on hand and 21 preset slots is a great way to EQ different songs according to what you need. No reason it can't be an addition to your pedal board and an amp replacement while still using your usual pedals.

That said, you already have a Stomp, so this would be overkill for you specifically. For people without one, this might come in handy. Especially if you have more basic needs.

Agreed. I didn’t say it can’t be gigged. I said they (Line6) aren’t marketing it as a gigging piece. That said, if its capabilities cover your needs, it’s entirely giggable.

 

[Michael Vee]

The Pod Express needs Normally Open switches, so really anything under this link would work: Shop - Pedalnetics

This was good info: Normally Open Vs Normally Closed: What Do They Mean? - Engineer Fix

 

[OggyOi]

I agree. Didn't like any of the synth sounds. Dirt was OK. Chorus good, Delay OK, but didn't like the other modulation. Compression pretty great. Also waiting on the MS-60+

Yep, looking forward to the MS 60+ too.

I just really hope they fix whatever it was that made some of them emit that high-pitched squeal.

 

[Al Krow]

They did, but it is out now and ZOOM isn't. What I was alluding to was video I saw of the ZOOM folks at NAMM with their bass version that they said would be ready, this year, with no real set date. Line 6 beat them to market, even though they weren't ready at NAMM either. I was just saying, if ZOOM could have had that thing ready at NAMM, when they had a model there to talk about, they would have gotten out ahead of Line 6 on a very similar type device, or at least one that would appeal to the same customer base.

But, at the end of the day, maybe you don't want to be first. Marketing is tough. If the POD gets in peoples hands and starts to get bad reviews, then ZOOM could come in later and save the day and be heroes, if their product is good. On the other hand, if the POD is a huge hit, the ZOOM may be an afterthought when it hits the market. You just don't know. I do think ZOOM just wasn't ready and would have liked to have been first.

I think I am going to wait until they both come out and see what the reviews are from players out in the field. I had honestly forgotten about the new ZOOM until someone in this thread brought it up. I would imagine the new ZOOM will have a lot more effects than the POD.

Sorry for all the ZOOM speculation, but one more thing. If I am ZOOM, I am trying to get the new ZOOM ready to go in the next 30-45 days. It is a big risk, but if people aren't liking the new POD, they will be inside the return window at a lot of places. EDIT: Nevermind, I forgot their guitar version did come out. They may not be as worried about the smaller bass market.

The marketing angle is an interesting one. Where the Zoom MS-60B+ wins for me is the ability to create/refine multiple user effects and order them into patches. And then, if desired, create a patch per song that you can scroll through in a live set. Having a screen showing the name of the patch you've created is also super helpful when you've several other things to be focussing on during a live set. And the Zoom or free ToneLib software makes creating and editing a patch a breeze.

So, yup, Zoom aren't the first out of the starting gate.
But some say good things come to those who wait.

 

[eqvolvorama]

It’s out of the box. I’m messing with it. MAN this thing is flexible.

So far the “magic” zone I’ve discovered is the SVT “grit” setting with gain turned way down, using the BB “boost” circuit as a gain instead. Getting some great, thick, usable Pino-esque sounds that way.

 

[Yamarc]

Cool. The variety of effects, knob twisting features, and 9v capability helped me place an order as well.

Curious - will the USB function as an aux in for MP3 practice?