Line 6 Pod pro amp question.. Treadplate "pre" and just Treadplate.. Whats the difference?

[Christopher5777]

Ok, so I notice they have two versions of amps. Example is treadplate pre and just regular treadplate.. What are the differences? Do they produce different sounds? Does it sound good using two amps together and just using the pre and regular together?

 

Also, is treadplate the best amp for 80s thrash like Metallica, Megadeth, Maiden, Slayer etc or is there a better amp to use for those kind of tones?

[Palico]

The "Pre" are the Pre amp modeling without the power amp modelling. They are designed to be used with the Line 6 DT series of amps as DT amp provides a configurable tube power amp section to complete the "model".  That being said, you can certainly use the "Pre" models without a DT. If you like the tone you are getting then go for it. There are no hard and fast rules, only what sounds good to your ears and makes you happy.

 

The treadplate is model of the Mesa Boogie Dual rectifier. Being these were released in 1991, I'm not sure they will get exact 80 metal tone. Metallica has used a Mesa Boogie amps though. The JCM 800 model(s) are good 80s tone amps. The key to them is  put a distortion pedal (model) in front of the 800 as it doesn't really provide that much gain. My favorite is the Marshall Super lead model with a overdrive in front of it with the output dimed out and the drive set to taste. I find this to very good classic rock to classic metal tone, although the overdrive in the POD I find a bit dark so I have to make up for with EQ. The treadplate model is a great tone as well although a bit more modern sounding. I'm also fond of the Engle model and the Solonado models (really each one of them is pretty cool in it's own write) to be quite good too. If you have the metal expansion the Peavey 5150 model is usable although a bit fizzy. 

[kaineporter89]

If I'm not mistaken, you can also use the pre models direct into a regular amp using the fx send on the pod into the fx return of the amp, or fx send into a power amp.

[joel_brown]

For example, I use the PODHD Pre version of the ENGL amp into the FX return of my JCM900 Marshall amp/cab.  But there are no rules about how to use anything.  If it sounds good - do it.