Leaderboard

The HX/Helix family all sound the same FX wise. The PodGo lacks the over-sampling improvements of the HX/Helix family, which not everyone can even hear. The HXFX lacks the auto-impedance feature on the input, so certain FX (mostly fuzz) won't sound right, which only matters if you're familiar with the sound of the RW effect and that's important to you. The HXS wired in 4cm (four cable method - allows for pre and post FX) requires a single FX Loop Block which can be placed anywhere in the chain. That leaves 7 FX slots that can contain anything you want anywhere you want it or multiples of specific FX in any order. You can even use HX amps AND your physical amp's pre in the same preset and switch between them (available DSP allowing). A cheap 2 button FS gives you 5 switches, or an expression pedal can be used. Having the option of the HX amps means that if your physical amp dies at a gig you can go direct to FOH from the HXS Balanced Outs without even needing a DI Box. The HXSXL adds switches, an extra snapshot (4 vs 3) and a "LIVE" display which takes the place of the Scribble Strips on the full-fat Helix Floor model. There're probably other differences/similarities between the HX and PodGo, but those are the most important ones as far as I'm concerned.

Since you don’t plan to use amp modeling, why pay for it? Get the HX FX.

@TheBeatnics I'm no expert in electronics, but I couldn't resist chiming in. I only have experience with a standard PODxt device, but it doesn't usually switch to this screen without toggling the "edit" button. Losing the tone like that, does it sound like you get into the tuner? My point, really, is that it is probably not a single control malfunctioning, but may rather be a current spike or a drop in current that messes with the board. I would advise you to look for a dead/dying capacitor. I've never had to open a POD myself, but given their age, I would definitely look at capacitors.

One more follow up. It started acting up again. It was the 5-way pickup selector switch causing the issue. It took a few treatments of deoxit and running the selector switch back and forth to get it to stop. They sell the switch on the website I posted for about $10 so that's plan B but it's been fine for over a month now.

I wanted to post here for the knowledge base. I had this same issue with my Variax 600 and it drove me nuts. I basically quit playing it because it would randomly switch to different models at unpredictable times and I didn't trust it anymore for live playing or recording. Figuring I couldn't make things worse, I recently took the electronics out, taped the entire inside of the metal "coffin" box with electrical tape (but cut for the vent holes), and sprayed the electrical connections (and model selector/switches) with deoxit and reseated them. I played it for about an hour afterwards and it seemed to fix the issue. If this doesn't work, I'm going to pick up a new PCB here: http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/210098-Line-6-50-04-0020

Hi Not been here for a while, so maybe you've fixed this issue. I had the same problem on my 2004 Variax 700, every bank was one position out. This happened on two separate occasions. When I wiggled the Digital cable it changed back and changed again etc. So I bought a complete jack / VDI socket assembly. = FIXED ! Then some years later the same problem occurred so I (with much difficulty) obtained another jack assembly. But while I was waiting for it to be delivered I opened the flap on the VDI socket and cleaned the contacts. I also very carefully moved each contact so that it might be a tighter fit to the cable plug. GUESS WHAT = FIXED ! I didn't replace the socket assembly and so far many years later its still ok I hope you have the same result if you try it Cheers, Mark

http://line6.com/support/topic/7272-variax-300-sounds-much-better/ i think we need this ( check at bottom )

A blown speaker cabinet... no really... that was an effect used in that era a lot and even currently now and then (think TPOTUS and White Stripes).