voxman55

Pod Go is plenty rugged enough for gigging and touring. But it's feeble power supply is it's Achilles heel. Make sure you have backups or better still, try and source a better quality power supply.

Have you logged PGE into your Line 6 account?

It was certainly Line 6's intention that Pod Go be relatively easy to use. It's aimed at users who wanted a single stand alone 'does it all' mfx pedal, who don't need complex routings or two amps/cabs at once, and generally want an amp, cab, EQ, volume/wah and who normally wouldn't need more than 3 or 4 effects. As that was pretty much my needs, Pod Go suited me. The 4 user block limit and fixed block design was specifically to help with ease of use and limit the times a user might run out of processing power and see options 'greyed out' in Pod Go Edit or not available within the Pod Go model options list. The Pod Go Edit software is excellent and makes it much easier to build patches, manage IR's etc By and large the Pod Go unit itself is reasonably user intuitive but there are quite a few things that are not obvious, so you need to read the manual and watch some of the excellent Pod Go 'training/how to' vids on youtube. As you said, there is a learning curve with all things. Re the GX100, I'm not sure what you mean by shoddy touchscreen and complex interface as based on the videos I've watched, the touch screen quality appears to be very good and it does seem smooth to use and makes navigation much easier. It certainly seems to be a big improvement from the GT1000 UI that does seem quite 'awkward'. If you can, I think it's well worth going to a store that has both and trying them out side by side to see which one you're more comfortable with and which sounds best to your ears. There's no rights and wrongs here so when you're buying something even at this mid-price point it makes good sense to put yourself in an informed position because there's only so much you glean from manuals & vids. I suggest you spend some time with each to build a preset or two (ignore factory presets) and set up foot-switches in the way you think you'd want to use it, and then see how easy (or not) each unit is to use and how it sounds and feels to you. That way you'll be giving yourself the best chance to make the right choice for your needs not just as they might be right now, but also what you think you might reasonably need over the next year or two. There's no other way of doing it I'm afraid. Line 6 fans and Pod Go users will tell you Pod Go is great - but ditto so will owners of Boss, Zoom, Mooer, Ampero, Headrush gear etc. When going on forums etc some folk will be more objective than others so try & filter out the wood from the trees and balance all the hype, biases and opinions of others with at least a certain degree of caution and trust your own instincts and ears - after all it's your money, and its what you think is easiest to use and sounds best that matters. Only ever choose a unit based on what it can/can't do now - never rely on future firmware upgrades or you could be leading yourself to disappointment - and lastly, never assume a unit must be able to do AB&C or have XYZ effects in it. If you absolutely must have, for example, a polyshift effect (sadly Pod Go doesn't have this by the way) make sure it's in the unit you buy and that you've tried it out to ensure its what you expected. If you absolutely need a long looper time in the MFX, then you might need to look at a completely different unit. All MFX will have 'USP's' - you just need to figure out what you need a MFX to do. Best of luck!

I suggest you Log a ticket with Line 6 support and they will be able to sort it for you.

And to be devils advocate, and in all appreciation that this is a line 6 board, you might want to check out the new Boss GX100 because it can give up to 15 blocks, with no fixed blocks, has dual routing, touch screen, and could give you the best of both worlds.

4 Cable is more for when you're wanting to use your amps gain channel. Because the JC40 is a clean SS amp, you could run either HX FX or Pod Go in front of the amp, or put through the FX return to use your amp. I believe HX FX can run up to 9 FX blocks; Pod Go (officially) gives you up to 4 user FX blocks but that's in addition to volume/wah/EQ blocks. Pod Go has a built in volume/expression pedal, HX FX doesn't but you could add an external expression pedal. HX FX offers split/parallel signal paths ( Up to 2 stereo, serial or parallel) that Pod Go doesn't. HX FX doesn't offer amp or cab models, but it does allow IR's to be imported, it has a longer looper than Pod Go and its footswitches are touch capacitive, which Pod Go's aren't (see manual for what this means). HX FX gives 4 external Amp Control Outputs - check the manual as I'm not certain here but I think this means you might be able to control channel changing or other selection options in your amp which Pod Go can't do (someone please step in here as I'm less familiar with HX FX) Each offers different solutions for different needs. If you don't need amp models and want greater flexibility for FX chains, then HX FX is the better option and is more powerful from an FX perspective, but you may need to add an external expression pedal to get the best out of it. For my needs, I went Pod Go because for gigging I don't put my MFX through an amp and I'll gig with my FX straight through the PA system or I'd use a FRFR powered speaker (I have a Headrush FRFR108). At home I might put Pod Go through the FX return of an amp and use everything in Pod Go including amp/cab models or sometimes I might put it through the front end of the clean channel of my Marshall Valvestate Mk1 amp. I don't use 4 cable as I don't want to use the gain channel of my amps and it's too much faff for me. So for me, I wanted an all-in-one solution that gave me good gigging floor control with built in expression pedal that could globally switch between volume/wah without programming each patch. I need the amp models but don't need more complex routing options. I also don't use a lot of FX so I can mostly get by with the 4 blocks available. Because I don't gig with an amp, Pod Go gives me a pretty consistent tone through the FOH PA or FRFR. I suggest you write a list of your needs, sit down with both manuals and watch some of the 'user' type vids on you tube, and then work through your list to see which solution and features best fits your needs. Split your needs into your top 3 or 4 things that are absolutely essential, the next 3 or 4 things that might be nice to haves but that you could work around, and then the things that are less important to you and that you can 'take or leave'. So if you want more FX processing power for longer and more complex effects chains, you don't need amp models, but want an expression pedal, then that will point you to the HX FX plus an external expression pedal. You get the idea. That way, you're helping yourself to really understand what you need and don't need, and can make a much more informed decision. Hope this is of some help.

Odd. Does the wah work on its own with the same cables? Have you checked the volume dial on Pod Go is turned up? Have you tried different cables?

Place the wah in front of Pod Go, ie guitar>wah>Pod Go input. You don't need to engage the wah. If it's a buffered pedal it will work switched off. I use a Line 6 G10 Relay wireless system so because that acts as a buffer I don't experience any tone drop.

Neither the Boss FS7 or Boss FS6 need a power supply to function as a momentary switch. The power supply only lights the LEDs. With my 2 Bespeco pedals it needs a stereo TSR Y cable. I'm assuming you'll need the same with the FS6 and FS7.

No. The effects order in the Pod Go and Pod Go Edit are fixed. However, since v1.30 you can save your favourite settings for each effect so that those settings will instantly be available, and you can still select the factory settings if you wish to.

I suspect something went wrong possibly during a firmware upgrade. I'd suggest re-installing the latest v1.30 firmware.

I think you mean the Boss FS7. Yes, it's footprint is a little more compact than 2x Bespeco VM20/Boss FS5U switches (these pedals require no power). But the power supply is only to light the FS7's led's - it works as a momentary switch without needing power. These are £59 in the UK i.e. over double the price of 2xVM20's, but the power supply costs extra, around £23 for the Boss PSA and even a non-Boss PSU would be around £10. I looked at this myself but didn't get it because: 1. It's expensive 2. Annoyingly there is no battery option so if I wanted to light the LED's, I'd need an extra power supply and extra mains/extension cable socket to plug into. That's a lot of extra cost and faffing around just to see an LED. 3. I'm not a fan of the 'one over the other' switch layout and much prefer 'side-by-side'. That's because in a live situation I found you can accidentally hit 'B' when you press 'A'. A friend of mine has the Boss ME80 that has similar pedals and I found it awkward. The FS7 was designed to save space and go on a pedal-board, which is why it comes with a power-splitter cable to use with a pedal-board power supply. As I just wanted to use it with my Pod Go, not a pedal board, I''d be stuck with having to use a power-supply if I wanted the LED function. Personally I prefer the Boss FS6 which is battery powered to light the LED's & is the same size as 2xFS5U's or VM20's. (Only thing you'd have to remember to do is unplug the cable when not in use or the battery will drain over time - but power drain is minimal though). As I already had my 2 VM20's from years back when I had a Boss GT3, I just used these. But if none of the above is an issue for you, then the FS7 is fine.

I'd be very surprised if there was an issue with your Pod Go. It's much more likely there's a set up issue somewhere. In your amp, what type of fx loop have you got ie series or parallel? If it's parallel you'll have a mix knob. Sorry if this is so ridiculously basic but you know what they say about 'assume' ( lol). If you have a parallel loop have you adjusted the fx loop mix control?

The first thing to appreciate is that modern units such as Pod Go, Helix, Axe FX, Ax8, Boss etc etc are not plug 'n play, by which I mean if you are expecting any of these units to sound great straight out the box it's unlikely that's going to happen. It will take a little time not just to learn how to change things, but actually how to set these units to sound good to you, with your ears. Every modern MFX unit is capable of sounding brilliant. It's also important to understand that all these units are intended to capture the sound of a mic'd amp/cab and none of these will give you the in the room kick in the pants feel you'll get from standing in front of a 4x12" Marshall stack! So to try & help guide you it would be helpful to understand what gear you are using, and what you are playing Pod Go through? 1. Are you using Pod Go through headphones, if so which headphones are you using? 2. What guitar and pickups are you using eg Strat, 3 single coils etc 3. Are you using Pod Go through an amp/cab? If so: 3a - what amp/cab/speaker are you using? 3b Are you running Pod Go into the front of your amp, through the FX return, or using 4-cable method? 4. Are you running Pod Go through an FRFR powered speaker? If so, which one are you using eg Line 6 1x12 Power Cab 4a If you are using FRFR what type of cable are you using to connect your FRFR to your Pod Go? 5. What type of music do you play eg classic rock, heavy/doom metal, jazz, country, blues, etc 6. Where do you play? e.g. home, studio recording, friends, small clubs/bars? 7. Are you playing with a full band and if so how 'heavy handed/loud' is your drummer? 8. Are you connecting to Pod Go main out, or amp out? 9. How long have you been playing? How would you define your tonal experience/knowledge eg are you comfortable with EQ, amp models, cab models, mic type/placing and tone shaping or is all this fairly new territory? 10. What were you using before Pod Go? 11. Have you watched any of the excellent tone tutorials & patch-building vids on you tube? Once we have a better picture of all this, I'm sure we can then all look to try & give you some helpful guidance to aid you on your tone journey.

Although these are unlatched momentary switches, they function as on/off just as per the normal Pod Go onboard foot-switches. I use the Bespeco VM20 switches that are virtually identical to the Boss FS-5U but are less than half the price - same tough metal casing, polarity switch, smooth silent switching & interlocking design. You need to connect via a 'Y' Stereo TSR (Tip Sleeve Ring) cable where the single end is TSR - these cables can be identified by the red and black colours for the two other ends - red denotes FS7 ('tip), black denotes FS8 ('ring'). You shouldn't need to change the polarity switches. You'll need to set Pod Go to recognise FS7/8 - Global Settings > Switches/Pedals > EXP 2 FS7/8 is set to “FS7/8.”

I think you might be referring to A/B switching* that I've mentioned below. Just to expand on Silverheads post above, the AX1500g 'Toneworks' is the Korg predecessor on which the Vox Tonelab LE was based on (I have the TLLE - the TLLE has the Vox Valvereactor circuitry with 12AX7 valve that the AX1500g doesn't) In both these units you can select 1 option from each of the amp/cab*, modulation, reverb, and delay sections, and one further option from the pedal section that includes some distortion options. If you choose eg wah from that section, you can't have a distortion. There are somethings you can do in Toneworks that Pod Go can't do, but Pod Go has more versatility overall with significantly more (and more sophisticated/updated) amp/cab/fx models and can do things the Toneworks/TLLE can't do. The snap-shots in Pod Go allow you to vary every patch in a whole host of ways as @Silverhead has said. for example, you can change delay parameters to be a long delay in one snap, and a short delay in another. You can change any of the other parameters too including mix level. So in a single patch you could if you wanted to have 4 variations of your delay. But it has to be the same delay model because snapshots are merely a way to vary what's in your patch. Whilst you can't change the amp model in a snapshot, you can however change your microphone, microphone settings, or if you are using third-party IRs, you can select a different IR in each snap. This means that aside from tweaks to the amp parameter settings, you can still make your amp model sound fundamentally very different even in the same snapshot. * The Ax1500g has a metronome and a phrase trainer although Pod Go has a looper. It also has A/B switching that I have in my Tonelab SE but Vox didn't include in the Tonelab LE which was a real shame. This lets you switch between two different amp/cab models in the same patch which is an excellent feature and I think this might be what you were referring to ie in the same patch you can switch between a clean Fender model through eg a 2x12 cab, and a cranked Marshall gain model through a 4x12 cab. TLLE has an additional control footswitch that allows you to eg 'kick-on/off' an fx (eg distortion), in any mode without having to come out of patch-mode - I'm not 100% sure but I don't believe the Ax1500g has this as it doesn't appear to have a control switch. Pod Go can't do that directly from the unit itself, but it can if you add external momentary foot-switches to FS7/8. Whilst you won't see these in the Pod Go display and you won't usually have an LED indicator on such switches, FS7/8 can do anything that FS1-6 can do with the advantage that these function in any mode. I often set one for a solo or distortion boost.

It seems to me that there are some sensible questions to ask before I wade in with any suggestions. 1. Where are you going to be using your Pod Go? Home, friends, small clubs, gigging 2. If you are gigging, how will you be using your Pod Go? (a) Will you be going through the main PA/board? (b) Will the FRFR be used for FOH ie projecting out to the audience? (c) On stage do you need a monitoring cab or eg will you be using ear buds? (d) What type of music will you be playing and what levels of volume will you need? Eg will you be playing loud heavy metal with a loud drummer, or quieter jazz with a trio, blues etc? (e) How old are you ie are weight, size and budget of gear an issue for you? (f) What is your budget? It's just that without understanding your needs, it's difficult to suggest what might be a suitable solution for you.

You mean whilst the G10 is CHARGING, gotcha. I was confused when you said loading and thought you were trying to run 2 guitars through it. I'm afraid that this is just one of the PGWs disadvantages. I have a separate Line 6 G10 Relay that I can use with any gear set up, not just Pod Go, and because it's independent I can charge the G10T receiver whilst using any of my gear with a cable. I appreciate that Pod Go Wireless avoids the need for the extra cable and separate PSU that I need with my G10 Relay, and that its tidier, but I prefer my combination of Pod Go non wireless with a separate G10 Relay that I can still use with any of my amps, mfx, or pedalboard. However, your solution would be to buy the G10 receiver for your G10TII transmitter which would then give you the best of both worlds ie you could charge it outside your PGW whilst using PGW with a cable, or even have wireless for any non PGW gear you might have. You could even buy a complete G10 Relay set and have a second transmitter that you can interchange when one runs out. I have two G10T mk1 transmitters for that convenience. I fully agree that it would have been helpful to have designed PGW such that you could use a cable whilst the G10TII was being charged. I stand to be corrected here, but as far as I'm aware, this isn't possible.

Why do you need both? You can only use one guitar with a single MFX unit. Pod Go Wireless can connect via wireless or via cable so you have a choice. In the old days people sometimes shared an amp and amps had multiple inputs. But most modern amps now have a single input. Is that bad design? Sorry, but I don't know where you're coming from on this.

Have you tried resetting back to factory?

I agree. The new GX100 looks quite impressive and is well priced. Up to 15 blocks inc 2 amp blocks, 150 fx, no fixed blocks, multi routing, touch colour screen and the AIRD from the GT1000. Typical Boss built like a tank construction, and with multi output settings to match different amps, FRFR, PA etc. It also has Bluetooth for controlling via phone. It doesn't have anything like the number of amp models in Pod Go but personally I think 23 AIRD guitar and bass amp models should be plenty if they are good quality. I'm just a little disappointed though that the touch screen isn't a bit bigger and that the UI doesn't look better ie pics of amps, pedals instead of faceless blocks. I think Boss slightly dropped the ball here. The Headrush is way better here and even the Zoom G11 looks a bit nicer, but the GX100 screen reportedly works well and is smooth and fast. In the UK this will initially be £499 ( but will likely be a bit lower as stores get stocks and compete), around £140 more than Pod Go at £359, so pricing is intelligently set to make it attractive if you want the features. I've not heard the GT1000 so I don't know how it compares sonically to Pod Go with the Boss AIRD modelling. Reportedly, it's supposed to give a more amp in the room feel which, if bona fide, could make it of interest for gigging players. I'm intrigued to hear one next to my Pod Go. I think it will be interesting to see whether Line 6 has any new gear up its sleeve e.g. a Pod Go mk2 or a lower priced Helix LT mk2. Pod Go only came out 2 years ago, so assuming Line 6 expect a longer shelf life for it, I think they'll now need to seriously think about adding 2 more blocks and releasing the amp block from being a fixed block. But they can't increase the Pod Go's processing power so Pod Go sales are now likely to take a hit. I don't think Zoom, Mooer, Ampero were ever regarded as a serious threat by Line 6, but Boss is a major player, are highly respected, have a reputation for quality and robustness, and have a good customer service infrastructure. So I think the GX100 could be a big threat to them not only 're Pod Go but other Helix products e.g. Helix Stomp/XL, and perhaps even Helix LT. It may not be able to do everything LT can but at only 7lbs 12oz it's smaller and a lot lighter than LT. And for folk that want dual routing, and 2 amps at once, LT is still expensive...£899 from Andertons, ie £400 more! Will certainly be interesting to see how well the GX100 does and whether it might put pressure on Line 6 to respond in some way.

Well, there are tons of patches to try on Line 6 Custom Tone and various Facebook and forums share patches too. But if you think any of these patches will magically make you sound like your guitar heroes I'm afraid you're in for a rude reality awakening. Patches will sound very different through all the very different gear we all have...headphones, computer/ studio speakers, amps, cabs, guitars, pickups etc. And we all have different ears too! Best advice I can give you before buying is to carefully read the manual and watch the videos on how to use Pod Go, and about patch building and you really need to learn about the different amp, cab and mic models, what the fx parameters do, effects chains, output levels, EQ and so on. And you'll need to understand about DSP limits and that certain amp and fx will use up a lot of your available DSP allowance that could limit your choices of what you can and can't have in a patch. Pod Go is an excellent MFX...but it is NOT plug n play. There is a LOT to learn!! And you should carefully evaluate your needs before buying any MFX. Every unit has its pros and cons, so this means there is no such thing as what is the best MFX...only what is the best for you. Marketing blurb will tell you what these units can do, but just as important is what they can't do and forums and FB groups can be very enlightening here. And NEVER buy something in the hope that it might get a feature, amp or fx model later. Make your decision based on what units do or don't do now, or you'll leave yourself open for disappointment. If you want a polypitch feature, touch screen built in DSP info, multirouting, 2 amps or 2 cabs at once, or other high DSP fx in Helix that won't come to Pod Go, then you need a different MFX product.

Glad you got it sorted.

Sorry for the silly question, but presumably you have upgraded your Pod Go to v1.30? If so, are you having a problem in Pod Go itself, Pod Go Edit v1.30, or both?

Clearly you're not happy with Pod Go which is fine because no one product can suit everyone and there are different products around the market so you have plenty of choice to try other mfx such as Headrush, Ampero, Boss, Zoom, Mooer etc. Each unit will have its pros and cons and USPs. There is no such thing as the best MFX, only the MFX that is best for you. Regarding presets, all MFX are criticised for presets by at least some customers. The common problem is that these are all created with different gear and that may not sound the same with your gear. So these should be viewed purely as ideas and to show the type of things the unit can do. No modern MFX is plug and play and a common theme is that folk will need to learn how to get the best from any particular MFX and for some users that may mean a steeper learning curve to really understand and learn about tone, EQ, effects, cab, amp, mic types, fx chain order etc. Folk also need to think carefully about how they are using Pod Go. Headphones - studio monitoring grade rather than HiFi headphones are typically best. With an amp, going through the front end will colour tone. Going through an fx return or 4 cable are other options but your amp speaker will influence tone, so turning cabs off might be a good option. Listening through studio or FRFR speakers or a guitar amp will all sound very different and factory presets won't suit every option without at least some tweaking. So good luck in your search. But I suspect you need to take a step back and re- examine your understanding of your gear and Pod Go. If it's a great solution with great tone for so many customers, you need to be honest and conclude that your tonal dissatisfaction is likely to be more down to your own inexperience of tone and/or using Pod Go rather than an inherent problem with Pod Go itself.