Hi,
I have been lurking around here for a while, to make a decision on the Pod Express Bass or a compact multi effects like Ampero II stomp.
Today I made an account to just make this post. As this forum has been crucial in helping me decide & I went ahead with the Line 6 PE bass.
I am perhaps the target market for Line 6, a beginner just starting out on effects pedals. So NEED a less daunting product, with less figuring out/fiddling about & more playing/practicing.
My chain -
Basses -> NUX B-8 -> Pod Express Bass -> DSM & Humboldt Bass Simplifier Station (used as DI &/or Preamp)
All being powered by a Cioks DC7.
Pros -
1 - Simple to use & understand.
2 - Pretty much all the pedals I was considering as a beginner are in there & then some more.
3 - Effects chain simplified - for a beginner. No need to worry about plethora of permutation combinations & complicated parameters & their effects on the sound. This is incredible. As this makes me understand what an effect does & doesn't scare the daylights out of me looking at all the options within each effect.
4 - Just play - turn the knobs - have fun - turn the knobs some more - keep playing. Oh this is amazing.
Cons -
I frankly do not have any - if I have to really come with some - as no product can ever be perfect as we consumers are greedy.
1 - I really wish there was some sort of metronome/drum machine type of feature in here. It would have made life super simple. Currently I have to get my iPad going with the audio interface to get some drum simulations on the side. If they existed in this pedal this was it. Just absolute dream, but I understand every single feature imaginable can't be packed in a single device.
2 - This is a continuation of the first point & not really a con, but more wishful thinking again - almost all beginners will have some sort of tuner, either the clip on one, or maybe a pedal tuner like Korg. So I wish in the future Line 6 gives us an option to remove the tuner & run a drum machine instead. I really feel as a beginner - this is all you really need then.
LOL - GREED.
This is my first Line 6 product, I have only in the past played around with a bunch of preamps & kept the DSM for it's simplicity & ability to produce incredible sounds without much tinkering. As far as multi effects go - I think this one is going to stick around for a while. Kudos team Line 6,
@Digital Igloo , amazing product for a beginner to get a taste of the pie.