Right Line 6 for me.....HX Stomp, Pod GO or HX effects

[Kenny202]

Hi all. I use a Roland JC-85 SS amp, always set clean and looking for some sort of muti fx solution as at this stage I want to keep using my amp. I really love the JC tone and feel. Just some extra effects. Mainly for practice, live. I am not recording or worried too much about sample rates, connectivity or putting effects in parallel etc. I just want a nice all in one fx unit that I can use an effects loop maybe put the Fx distortion in front of the JC amp and delays, mods etc behind. On the surface the HX effects would be the best for for me as I am not really interested in modelling amps / cabs etc at this stage...but would be nice to have that capability in the future. If my amp ever fails I will probably just go down the modelling trail and get a powered speaker. So I  guess that negates the HX effects right off the bat.

 

I will say I have tried quite a few of the Chinese modellers Nu-x, Mooer etc and found them to be unsatisfactory with an amp. Even set to amp (combo front) mode they just don't seem to sound good into the front or rear for that matter of an amp. And in fairness it seemed to me they weren't designed for that even though they have the combo amp settings. Seems to be a work around to me. Will the HX stomp / Pod go be any different or they will be "ok" ish, but not really what these units are designed for?

 

Apart from advanced pedal chains, connectivity etc I keep reading the Pod Go has most of the effects capabilities of the HX. very hard to find actual specs or comparisons on Line 6 stuff. I have seen the Helix has 6 usable blocks but I am not sure if 2 or 3 of them are going to be used up with ext loops, EQ etc. I assume they have some fixed blocks like EQ, Wah etc. I was reading before on this forum the Pod go only has 3 usable blocks? I thought it was four?

 

Any advice appreciated. I know The HX probably overkill for me but I am getting older and probably the last bit of kit I will buy as far as effects. Even if not using it to its full capability would be nice to have the best available effects and everything I may need in the future. On the other hand the Pod go is a lot cheaper and if that will do what I need and sound as good as the Pod Go I'm in. Can any one confirm for me the fixed effects on both pedals and what is left over that you can choose whatever you want. Or why one might be better than the other for me

 

Any help or advice appreciated

 

[silverhead]

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

[Kenny202]

 

On 9/1/2024 at 7:09 PM, silverhead said:

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

 

I'm actually an Aussie living in Thailand. I plan on buying used / near new and a used stomp in the scheme of things only about $50-100 more expensive than HX FX, Pod Go so a saving on the difference nice but not a big deal. Wah pedal a bonus on the Pod Go for me but if I didn't have it wouldn't be a deal breaker. I can actually use Amp models (No cab) with the JC as its pretty neutral..But only basic amps like a Twin or Deluxe....no hi gain amps. It's nice to have a change sometimes though again not a deal breaker if I didn't have it and a  more dedicated effects only / dedicated pedal was going to sound better or have more versatility with my amp. As you can see I am all over the place lol. Just trying to get the best overall solution for the best sound and most options.

 

To be a more specific with my questions....

 

I know the HX FX probably my best choice using with the amp only. Just not sure I want to sacrifice the modelling. Its nice to have sometimes

 

Given the Stomp and Pod Go are more dedicated amp modellers....using them without amp / cab into my amp, as effects only are they going to sound lesser than the dedicated HX effects?

 

Is a Stomp going to sound much better than a Pod Go? Given I am not overly concerned with intricate effects chains / connectivity / recording that you get in the Stomp.

 

I don't really need a lot of buttons and don't use a lot of patches...maybe 4 or 5 and I usually set these up next to each other so changing from say rhythm to solo playing live only a click or two away. The stomp has patches you can preset into banks etc and has 2 (up / down) buttons to scroll through right?

 

The Pod go does seem to have it all. Extra buttons, exp pedal...But if it is not going to sound overall as good as the Stomp or Fx I would rather get the better live sounding option. If it only basically has 3 extra effects / blocks that you can add it probably wont be enough...right off the bat I would need DS / OD, Comp, Mod, Reverb, Delay. I must be misunderstanding that. 3 effects cant be right?

 

Thanks for your help

 

 

 

 

 

[rd2rk]

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.

[Schmalle]

I'd go with the POD Go and use it's Jazz Chorus preamp sim into the FX return of the JC 85.

[theElevators]

Here’s my take:

 

Get the Helix and you will get everything you’d ever need. It’s a self-contained touring rig.  No FOMO later. 

 

 

Otherwise, HX Effects is pretty nice, lots of buttons and snapshots. 
 

 

 

HX Stomp/XL always feel like it’s got a tiny screen, tiny crowded knobs and not enough horsepower for its price. 
 

 

 

Pod Go would be a great product if the build quality was at least as good as the Helix. It has even cheaper buttons that stop working with normal use after a few months.  It will not withstand touring, unless you plan on replacing it with a new unit every year or sooner. The price is great—around 400 USD, if you are lucky. 
I got it as a backup and was extremely impressed with its capabilities. It’s basically a mini-Helix with snapshots, nearly all blocks in it, amps and IRs, even midi. It can be a sound interface too. But built like a POS despite sounding fantastic. 
 

 

And don’t even consider Helix One, or that new plastic pedal — the build quality is less than subpar. If you plan on investing money into something that lasts more than a year without needing to be cleaned in order to work, get Helix/Stomp/Effects. Or get a solid midi controller and then the build quality will be a non-issue. 

[Kenny202]

I gave the Pod Go idea up pretty early as they only have 4 available effects. I'm not a big effect guy but for lead I would need Comp / OD / Mod / Delay / Reverb. I did try a Pod go but the effect adjustments were a bit deep for me. In any case I just been down the Valeton route....Nice unit and nice effects but it just doesn't sound great with my amp as I am sure any other modelling units wont, even plugged into the Fx loop or 4CM. I did actually try it with a FRFR speaker and sounded like a Twin or a Deluxe or a JC....kind of, but it sure didn't feel like one. The deepness you get from a Twin or a Deluxe I doubt you could properly replicate it digitally. I am sure they sound great recording, maybe even live under the right circumstances with excellent IR's but I am too old for all that. I am going to try the small Valeton GP-100 just for effects and probably end up going back to my old Boss GT-3....They were designed to sound good in front of an amp.

[theElevators]

On 9/10/2024 at 9:24 AM, Kenny202 said:

I gave the Pod Go idea up pretty early as they only have 4 available effects. I'm not a big effect guy but for lead I would need Comp / OD / Mod / Delay / Reverb. I did try a Pod go but the effect adjustments were a bit deep for me. In any case I just been down the Valeton route....Nice unit and nice effects but it just doesn't sound great with my amp as I am sure any other modelling units wont, even plugged into the Fx loop or 4CM. I did actually try it with a FRFR speaker and sounded like a Twin or a Deluxe or a JC....kind of, but it sure didn't feel like one. The deepness you get from a Twin or a Deluxe I doubt you could properly replicate it digitally. I am sure they sound great recording, maybe even live under the right circumstances with excellent IR's but I am too old for all that. I am going to try the small Valeton GP-100 just for effects and probably end up going back to my old Boss GT-3....They were designed to sound good in front of an amp.

you can easily hack it to remove amp/cab blocks and you can have more effects blocks.  a well-known hack. 

[Kenny202]

On 9/11/2024 at 7:38 AM, theElevators said:

you can easily hack it to remove amp/cab blocks and you can have more effects blocks.  a well-known hack. 

Really if I was going to continue down the Line 6 / modeller route I would probably just buy a HX effects, but I struggle setting Line 6 effects anyway. Too old lol. And to be honest not a big fan. My needs are fairly basic. Not really into ambients etc. Will just stick with what I have for now I think. Spending too much time mucking around with gear and not enough time playing. Thanks all for the help

[Schmalle]

On 9/10/2024 at 3:24 PM, Kenny202 said:

I gave the Pod Go idea up pretty early as they only have 4 available effects. I'm not a big effect guy but for lead I would need Comp / OD / Mod / Delay / Reverb. I did try a Pod go but the effect adjustments were a bit deep for me. In any case I just been down the Valeton route....Nice unit and nice effects but it just doesn't sound great with my amp as I am sure any other modelling units wont, even plugged into the Fx loop or 4CM. I did actually try it with a FRFR speaker and sounded like a Twin or a Deluxe or a JC....kind of, but it sure didn't feel like one. The deepness you get from a Twin or a Deluxe I doubt you could properly replicate it digitally. I am sure they sound great recording, maybe even live under the right circumstances with excellent IR's but I am too old for all that. I am going to try the small Valeton GP-100 just for effects and probably end up going back to my old Boss GT-3....They were designed to sound good in front of an amp.

Consider the Boss ME-90.

[Kenny202]

On 9/11/2024 at 1:32 PM, Schmalle said:

Consider the Boss ME-90.

They look good but probably a bit much for me I think. Not really a fan of the multiple dials either.

[somebodyelse]

On 9/11/2024 at 5:52 AM, Kenny202 said:

Really if I was going to continue down the Line 6 / modeller route I would probably just buy a HX effects, but I struggle setting Line 6 effects anyway. Too old lol. And to be honest not a big fan. My needs are fairly basic. Not really into ambients etc. Will just stick with what I have for now I think. Spending too much time mucking around with gear and not enough time playing. Thanks all for the help

No arguments from me.

I always say, "the tones are in there, you just gotta learn how to get 'em out."

I bought a Helix and a Powercab a few years back. It took me a while to get the best from the Helix, and I used MIDI rackmounts for 30 years.

If your heart's not in it, you're better off not bothering.