Line 6

The new POD Studio line from renowned
amp modellers Line 6 comprises the GX, UX1
and UX2 bundles, with hardware identical to
previous versions, but with a black fascia
instead of red. You get 24-bit/96kHz
performance, two guitar inputs (one with a
volume pad), two XLR mic inputs, a pair of
assignable VU meters and a headphone socket.
Down on the farm
The older UX2 bundle came with the GearBox
software, but this has been superceded by the
all-new Pod Farm, which has a vastly improved
GUI showing a ‘carousel’ of the units. You simply
drag the unit you want into the signal chain
display below. Like GearBox, some units can
appear in multiple locations in the chain.
Time-based efects can now be synced to the
host DAW, but the most enticing new feature is
the ability to use two amp setups in parallel.
Pod Farm lacks the MP3 player that Gearbox
had, but it’s unlikely you’ll miss this feature.
Overall, the look and functionality is now more
tailored towards the guitarist, and while the
modelling technology is basically the same, it’s
easy to see why Line 6 made these changes.
Amp-wise, you get 23 guitar and bass models,
including emulations of Fenders, Marshalls and
Mesa/Boogies, as well as versions of Line 6’s
hardware amps. For efects, there are 29 units
paying homage to classics like the MXR Phase
90 and Ibanez Tube Screamer. There’s also a
free downloadable pack of 35 efects in the FX
Junkie pack, and six mic preamp models.
Line 6 have long been leaders in amp
modelling and you can hear why here. We’re
particular fans of the JCM800 emulation, which
provides a heavy sound with bags of clarity, as
do the crunchier Fender-style sounds.
At irst glance, it seems that there are literally
hundreds of presets; however, some of these
feature amps that aren’t included in the Pod
Farm package – see boxout for further info.
While you can select a substitute amp, you can’t
help feeling like you’re missing out. Another
small problem is that the tuner found in
standalone mode is absent from the plug-in.
By including POD Farm, the UX2 has, as Line 6
intended, become more guitar focused. The new
software, combined with pro hardware features
like XLR input and phantom power, makes the
UX2 a great buy for those looking to upgrade
their basic setup, not to mention a strong
irst-time investment.
Contact Line 6, 01327 302 700
Web www.line6.com
Info iLok version, £80; GX, £80; UX1, £114
Line 6
Pod Studio UX2
£172
The UX2 hardware remains the same, so is the new Pod Farm
software enough to take this package to the next level?
System requirements
PC P4 1.2GHz, 512MB RAM, 1GB HD
space, XP SP2/x64 or Vista 32/64
Mac G4 800MHz, 512MB RAM,
OS X 10.4.6
Test system
PC HP Pavillion 2.8GHz processor,
1GB RAM, Windows XP
Verdict
For Great Line 6 tones
‘Crunchy’ sounds are particularly good
Interface isn’t only for guitars
Extra FX bundle great for crazy sounds
iLok version is rather good value
Against No Tuner in plug-in mode
Some presets need upgrades to work
While not being a total overhaul, this
reinement of Line 6’s proven product line
hits its mark more precisely than ever
8/10
Alternatively
Novation nio 2|4
122 >> 8/10 >> £165
Includes amp sim plug-ins, but
they lack Pod Farm’s quality
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3
Kontrol Edition
120 >> 9/10 >> £450
The wide range of tones and
included foot-pedal/interface
makes live use viable
You can buy further amp models for the Pod
Studio UX2 in the shape of downloadable
‘model packs’. There are four available:
Metal Shop (18 amps), Collector Classics (18
amps), Power Pack (20 amps, 26 efects)
and Bass Expansion (28 amps) – prices vary
from $50 to $100, with deals allowing you to
buy multiple packs at a discount. A ifth
pack, FX Junkie, is free with the UX2 and is
used in the middle part of our audio demo.
While users may experience a bit of
initial disappointment at not having access
to the full amp range straight away (and,
therefore, not being able to make full use of
the presets), the price isn’t too bad and
owning the full set puts you in command of
a truly comprehensive arsenal.
Finally, while the version of Pod Farm
bundled here requires the hardware to be
attached to work, you can buy the
software on its own in iLok-protected
format for £80.
Increase your package
ON THE DVD
AUDIO DEMOS
Check out our demo
tune for a sampler of
Pod-powered tones
92 / COMPUTER MUSIC / March 2009
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