The POD was far from the first digital
modeler, but it was perhaps the first that
made its top priority emulating real-life
sounds and putting it inside a user-friendly
package. Like the DS-1 it’s more than
earned its place in music history, and also
is a refinement of Line 6’s digital modeling
tech into a single affordable unit. Space is
a bit cramped thanks to the knobs having
to share so many purposes, but the quality
tone and dirt simple interface make it easy
to put together. The Studio GX software
LINE 6 POCKET POD & STUDIO GX
like the DS-1 it’s more diverse than people
give it credit for. Technically speaking
almost any version of the POD you care
to name (from the classic 2.0 to the XT to
even the current HD model) can probably
be found in your local pawn shop for under
or around $100. But for the purposes of
this list we’re zeroing in on the Pocket
POD and the Studio GX software.
expands on this by taking that same audio
emulation and tucking it into a simple
desktop app, even including a quarter-
inch audio interface with the $99 price tag.
The library of amps and emulated effects
is right at your fingertips and ready for
recording. All you need is to do is decide
what to do with it.
Condensing down decades of POD
technology into something that literally fits
in the palm of your hand, the Pocket POD
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TONE TALK //
The 8 Absolute Best Pieces of Gear For Under $100