For real! The "I just need a ___" musicians are getting pretty quiet right about now, and we're all running out of excuses as to why we're not sitting down and making music!
That's an interesting assessment. From this video, I thought the POD Express sounded best in this stand-alone application. Thanks for the insight. P.S. I liked the sound of the Boss the least in this demo. There was a weird "boxy" mid-range thing that I didn't like, but probably helps to cut through in a band mix, and it definitely didn't have the top end for the note definition.
@@myguitarsandmeThat's exactly it - the Boss sounds all sound like they'd sit in a live mix much better than the others, but sound pretty bad on their own.
Great video. I own the Boss IR-2, POD Express and Quad Cortex. I gig the Quad Cortex, but the POD Express makes me the happiest with its feature set, tones and simplicity.
I added the scores and here is what I came up with. Lower is better in this scoring contest. POD express 7 pts. Boss IR-2 8 pts. Tonex One 9 pts. Boss and Line6 took the #1 spot two times each. But Boss took #3 two times where the Line6 only took #3 once and took #2 once. So if you were trying to keep an official "score" the Line6 won by a hair. Thanks for the video, guys! Fun to watch!
Pete was right, that on the higher-gain, there wasn't much too choose between them. I preferred the Tonex on clean, and clean with pedals. And I'd probably go with the Tonex. just because with the software it has access to so much more models. There's two things I want from a pedal like this, a small pedal to load with my favourite clean 'pedal platform' tone. And then, a tone chameleon, for the studio to cover me for sounds other than the amps I have. I have a Vox AC, a Marshall JTM and a Victory V40. So, the modeller would get used for amps I won't ever buy, like Dumbles, Fender Pro/Super/Twin Reverb, Vintage Tweed Champ/Princeton, Big old Vintage Twin Reverb, Orange Rockerverb, Matamp, Hi-watt Custom, Soldano SLO etc ...
I've been using my Valeton GP200 ever since I saw your video demoing it. I've used it for my acoustic electric and bass guitars touring all across America. I love it and I love you guys. Thank you for turning me on to so many great products.
I have the Pod Express and use it as an office practice amp plugged into an old Bose speaker. The 2 fit in my guitar bag and go with me to play in back yard or in a park. So while it doesn't compare to a UAFX pedal or a real amp, it is pretty amazing for portability and practice. Some people will complain about the features it doesn't have (e.g. a display for tuner, metal chassis, etc) but for the right use case it is a relatively inexpensive and high quality portable practice rig. I am happy with it.
I got the tonex and pod express. They are awesome together and stand alone but I lean pod because of effects versatility. The thing that amazes me is that you can actually gig with these for such a cheap price. They both sound great thru a PA or amp cabs.
Surprised but not at the same time, how good the Pod Express sounded. Liked it best for most (except the hi-Gain, that Tonex won for me). IR-2 was last for me on all.
The issue you mentioned is real. I've lost track of the amount of times I've been searching for a sound with digital gear only to end up back at the first one I tried (unknowingly). The range of sounds available in these units is a blessing and a curse.
Someone suggested to do a setup session where you find a handful of different tones, then stick to those presets and delete/hide the rest. Fiddling can be ok if it has a purpose, like learning to set up your gear, but yeah, not good if you should be creative and write stuff.
I just recently picked us the TONEX. It’s my first dive into the digital guitar world as I’m an old dude that is not all that tech-y. I never jumped on the Helix/Kemper/Fractal train because i honestly never felt like I needed access to every possible amp or effect available. In all my years of playing, I got by fine with a clean tone, a crunchy tone, and a solo/ lead tone. With the Tonex I have it set up exactly that way. I run a delay and chorus after it into an FRFR and I’m good to go. I have no experience with the POD express or the IR2, but I could see me possibly getting the IR2 if I ever did want to run my analog pedals into my amp.
Pod Express 1st for overall sound and versatility. ToneX 2nd for sounds, but being tied to a computer is limiting. I was surprised that I didn't like any of the sounds from the "boxy" Boss IR. I've heard other videos where the Boss sounded good at the time.
I think if you play each of them a little longer, your ears will adjust. I find that gap makes it harder to remember what you heard/felt. My favourite was the POD Express.
For me, these have such different use cases. When the IR-2 arrives, it’s going on my pedal board. When I get a POD Express, it’s going on the side table next to my sofa. And if I ever decide I really want to take my tube amp somewhere without actually taking my tube amp somewhere, I’ll get the Tonex. So they’re not really comparable to me.
It's always interesting how different companies do the "same" amp differently. They all sound pretty good but I agree that the Boss one gives you a very good base tone, the rest of them seem to be made for bedroom / headphone users as there's extra processing to make them sound bigger. If you're playing live at high volumes with a speaker cabinet it might be too much
Line 6 Pod E. I bought it when it came out and I think it is the most complete and easy to use of all. You can also use it with batteries and headphones and most importantly for me, it has stereo output.
I have the POD Express and a ToneX (big one, not the ONE). I think the appeal and maybe downside of the ToneX is that if you don't like, say, a Deluxe Clean type tone, you just find a capture you like better. The downside also being is that while there are free captures out there, you may have to pay extra for the ones you really want. The POD Express is, IMO, a perfect practice/headphone rig. It fits nicely in my gig bag to use as a backup (my main rig is a Fractal FM9). If I could only pick one of the two I have experience with I think I'd actually go with the POD.
For what, though, is the question. All-in-1, backup rig, with headphones - POD, for sure (seems to have extra bass, which works well for headphones - and not such a big deal for what’s just a backup rig). Best Amp sounds and variety thereof - ToneX, for sure. I didn’t really like the Boss best for anything?! (despite being a bit of a vintage Boss fanboi).
I gig with the Tonex one. I love the Dumble ODS legends pack. I use one, "Smooth as Silk" as my base tone and run a Boss TU-3 > Boss noise suppressor (4 cable) > compressor >Tube Screamer > RAT > Blues Driver BD2 > EQ pedal > return to NS > out to Tonex > vintage Bi Fet Preamp booster > Tremolo > to GT-1 For Stereo Chorus, Vibrato, Stereo Delay and Stereo Reverb. The stacked overdrives are great for adding as much or little as I need. I find stacking the BD-2 and Rat or BD2 and tube screamer clean up very well with lowering the guitar volume. I use either a Fender Strat, An Epiphone Prophecy or a Gretsch 5420T. Depending on the gig. They all get a glorious sound with this setup and all very versatile. The Tonex just takes the place of the amp and I go DI into Front of house. I'm very happy with the Tonex, it responds so much like an amp and the Dumble pack is killer!
Really amazing comparison! Totally I liked the Boss the best because it didn’t have the effects and just sounded “cleaner”. but for usability, Pod for a complete pedal with tones and effects.
The tonex (I have the big TONEX pedal, not the one that I am speaking of) does require a computer to set it up the way you want your tones etc.. But after you set it up, you will 150 presets of amps and cabinets you want that will far outshine the other two pedals. Like anything it takes time, and with tones a bit more time to learn the software. But you really don't need the computer once you have your tones set. It's much like the PODxt was without effects. A bit different but much better captures that telling a real amp from the tonex would be hard.
@@nagualnazgul3101 Anywhere when you are using the send and returns as the "amp" block. There are videos how to set up and its best to follow those to the letter as they will help you avoid heartache.
I own a helix, an hx stomp, and a tonex. Features is helix by a mile. Maybe it’s just because I gigged with helix for 6 years and got used to it, But the tonex feels noticeably more like an amp. I’ve run both as preamps into a tube power section and the tonex was more accurate. Plenty of great sounds on the helix still.
I own the Pod express, a Fender blues jr. and a Katana MK2 50watt....this bit of kit is ridiculously fun to jam on... Unlimited options and can stack all kinds of effects. Nobody in the bars I play cares about my boutique pedal board and I don't risk someone spilling beer on it.
They all sounded good. You can't really go wrong with either. The Pod is probably the best if you are low on board real estate because you get all the effects. It's like a mini travel rig.
Very good point, I have literally 40+ year old BOSS pedals that still work great. OTOH, I still have a 96 OG POD bean that also still works great, though it has not been stepped on thousands of times over the years. However, I have also been in music retail and repair since 1993, and I do not have anything bad to say about Line6 in this regard. I cant say the same for IK, but I CAN say that the TONEX is built exceptionally well, with materials and build quality at least equal to modern BOSS and Line6, far better than a lot of the plastic n zinc jobs we see from far eastern manufacturers. I suspect that, with the prominent "designed and made in Italy" on the TONEX< they want to impress and have not skimped on parts. Plus the thing sounds FREAKING BRILLIANT
It's really not about the amp models, it's all about the IRs. Load in the same (free) IR in every one of the units, and there is gonna be almost no difference.
The one thing I heard about tonex is the preset captures are not the best. But if you want to spend a couple bucks you can get stuff that is next level. Once you upgrade with amalgam or tone Junkie captures you will be in awe
Yeah the IK stuff sounds awful imho. No wonder the Andertons guys never like Tonex. Amalgam is completely next level though if you like vintage amps. I wish Lee & Pete would demo some of those.
Well done, indeed! Had and returned the Boss, feeling it felt too boxy and metallic/squished, which became very apparent in my standard tuning, which is 3 half-steps down (C# standard). Pre-ordered but cancelled the Line 6, and glad I did, now. Own the big ToneX, so not too tempted to downsize. So what compact (!) option is best? None of the above. Instead, get a Katana Go and run your guitar cable into a tuner, then into the Katana Go, and from there via an adapter cable into whatever else your need, if anything. Works like a charm, and has a great app, plus presets you can use wirelessly with the Boss footswitch. Also doubles as a grab-and-go amp and rig (which is obviously what it was really intended to be).
I know that myself and a lot of other folks watching these kinds of gear shootouts have long pushed for you demo folks to take a bit of break between devices. It's just natural. Conceptually no different from wine tasters clearing their palates between samples, chefs sampling dishes and perfume scent specialists taking a few moments - all to rest your senses. Going further, especially with guitar gear, we all are guilty of hearing with our eyes. Thus even adding blind comparisons is essential whenever possible. It's why the recent "winner stays on" comparisons with Rabea were so good. Blind and you guys did take a bit of time between pedals. Of course, Rabea has superb ears for his sound preferences.... Good on Anderton's for waking up and smelling the coffee here....
You should have used the TWN setting on the IR-2. And my experience with Tonex one is that it’s a good thing to tweak the tone on the pedal e.g. gain to get a great sound.
I had the Tonex for a week then sent it back as I didn't connect with it. I've got the IR-2. Think I've played it twice. Selling it this weekend. I've had the Helix and HX stomp; both sold. The only units that have stayed on my board are the UAFX amps. I don't miss playing an amp with these pedals.
I think the break between sounds is a great Like drinking orange juicer after brushing your teeth, you need to clean the palate some tones can clash when hearing one after the other
I played along and liked to Pod Express for most(mainly the gain tones)and the Boss 2nd although I thought the Boss sounded better clean. If I didn’t already have a Pod Go I’d grab the express.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the Line 6 Pod Express. The models sound fantastic even without the effects but I've been very enamored with the Tape Echo and Clean Boost ones. The Chorus is the weak spot for me, I wish I could replace it with something else. Great unit, I love the Dynamic and Special amps.
Definitely a good idea for anyone using modellers to have those pauses - there is so much colour in an amp sound that you really need to let your ears settle with a new sound before you write it off! Who knows, you may find your favourite amp sound is based on a Line 6 Spider Insane and you just dont know it yet ;)
@@gustavoloebel If I had to choose one, the Iridium all day long. You can get it very close to the Dream with York IRs, and it does Vox/marshall just as good. The Vox May actually be the best of the 3.
I’ve noticed that phenomenon, where when I first change amp settings I think I don’t like it as much as the one I was on. Then I play for a few minutes and like it.
I have a real soft spot for Boss pedals. I have NO need for the IR-2, but I do like its straight forward, two channel amp approach. Usually I'm a tube amp guy and I already have an HX Stomp for modeling. When I use modeling, I do the hybrid modeled amp into power amp and cab setup; no IRs. I find tweaking a patch 'live' is tougher than twisting a knob or two on an amp to adjust for the room. When my band practiced, conditions were different every time; different location, loading in, room arranged a bit differently, so setting a patch and expecting it to sound the same week to week didn't work. I struggled to match clean and dirt volumes. I could see the Boss being much closer to that immediate amp tweak interaction.
I've used the IR-2 in a band setting via a Fender FR12. Stupid simple to use. Nobody heard the difference from it and a real tube amp. Tweaking was instantaneous when adjusting for the room.
People keep forgetting Boss IR-2 sims are pretty much demo tones in my mind and not IRs that I'd use. I have an IR-2. Plan on swapping out to York Audio IRs. Other users have done that and turned a mediocre sounding unit to a killer unit.
Thanks guys. I'm an amp guy but need a modeller to go through the sound system of a sports centre next year. Clean Strat sound - 2/4 positions. I want to keep it as simple as possible as I'll have zero sound check time. Are these good for going ampless and plugging straight into the mixer? Any of them produce background hum or noise?
I've had the same phenomenon when I compared my Kraken to my 5150 and every time I switched amps, the amp that I switched to sounded awful compared to the one I switched from and it happened every time I switched.
Pod sounds the best in this demo consistently. Just seems to always have a clearer and smoother sound compared to the other two… maybe I’ve just been using these Line 6 amp models for a long time though so I am biased.
I play almost exclusively on clean channels and kick on fuzzes for leads, so I can't really use these. For whatever reason they just can't replicate big Fender type cleans (especially live) and they don't play too well with fuzz boxes). BUT I have messed with them a lot and if I wanted that marshall stack or Vox jangle, I would 100% use the Boss over the others. The Boss does that barky 4x12 thing very well and its Vox setting has the boxy "kerrang" nailed down.
I’d be curious to know if the tonex amp captures they used are the ones supplied by IK Media, or if they were pulled from some other user or creator via ToneNet. I own the Tonex One and find the user/creator based captures are far better than those provided by IK Media themselves in most cases. In the end, all three had shining moments and I feel that all three would serve most anyone wanting to jump into the amp modeling world well.
Im going to get the Pod Bass version. I just need something ampless for jams and gigs and literally only use like 1 to 2 sounds. As cool as the bigger multi units are its just not a wise financial decision for what i do.
I have both tonex pedals but i think the pod won this one for total package, with all the fx included and everything you need. All of the Boss tones sounded like a wet blanket over the amp when compared to the others. The Tonex ONE is fiddly AF, i would highly recommend the full size Tonex pedal unless you plan to mostly just leave it on one or two amps or pedals most of the time.
Why not include the Mooer Preamp X in comparison? I think you have it in your store and it's a comparable device - has amp sims and IRs although it doesn't do stereo.
Clean, the Tonex and L6 had that ubiquitous failed collapsing attack followed by great note sustain. The IR was most amp-like on the attack dynamics but petered out re fullness and decay. Tradeoffs.
I had the Tonex pedal (the bigger one)but found the clean tones kinda on the boxy side. I tried tweaking through the pedal and improved it but when I compared the clean tones to my UA Dream 65 and the Dream 65 smoked the Tonex. The overdrive tones were ok too on the Tonex but I didn’t find that it lived up to the hype. So I returned it and bought the Boss IR-200, again the bigger version over the Boss IR-2. The Boss sounds much better with clean and overdrive tones to me so the Boss IR-200 is a keeper for me. I know that there are thousands of tones available on the Tonex through the app but I didn’t want to have to search through thousands of IRs to find the tones I liked. I found the Boss delivered the tones I liked with just a little tweaking to the cab/mic IRs on the unit. However they all had their strengths and weaknesses in this video. But then again if this were all real amps in the room they would have their strengths and weaknesses too based on tone preferences and styles. So I guess we’re living in the age of great tone options and for very reasonable prices.
This is a tough comparison to make. Your favorite is going to greatly depend on what you need to use the pedal for. if you need effects you're going to like the Pod but if you are just looking for amp sounds, it's going to be really hard to beat the Tonex for the amp captures that are available. There are some absolutely amazing captures out there, especially if you're willing to spend a couple dollars. As for the IR-2, well Boss is just Boss and you know how their pedals are. it doesn't do a ton but what it does, it does very well.
MMm. The problem with the Tonex, imho is it's lack of controls AND that it uses capture tech. That means you WILL have to set up presets via the App, because those knobs will not react like the amp captured (EQ and Gain) because capture tech captures an amp at particular settings. Switching presets on the Tonex 1 is anything but intuitive (You have to remember what is what).
Hi guys. Thanks for another great and informative video. I'm thoroughly impressed by all of these products. All are similar yet seem to have slightly different ideal applications. The Tone X is the one that really intrigued me because it doesn't only model amps, it models other specific pedals also. I can have a TS, a BM, a RAT, a Klon, delays, etc. all available in that one little mini pedal. That's great for a person like me who already has all of his amp and/or interface needs covered and is reluctant to add things to his signal, but still would like to have the options available. I feel like that was a genius touch from IK Multimedia. Cheers!
no not delays, no time based effects replication\profiling. there's reverb in the pedal but no delay, no modulation. you can copy the whole rig except ones i mentioned b4. so you can copy fuzzes, muffs, etc just no mod
I literally like all of them at different points from here. I wouldn't be upset with any. I think the POD sounds like it has some compression or something on input , cleans weren't all that clean? But that could be useful too
Bought and returned the IR-2. It didn’t interact very well with my pedals and had a strange buzzing sound that Boss were unable to fix. Tonex for me sounds a lot better with York IRs
For all it has onboard I think we have to say the Pod Go Express is the overall winner of these three. But if you already have a lot of your own effects the Boss makes a lot of sense as well. Tonex for the computer driven folks.
It's hard to judge on a phone, but today's tech is sooo much better than yesterdays. The Tonex when used with computer is best. The Pod has the most tweak able knobs and two foot switches if that's what you want, The Boss sounded cardboard boxy to me. In a mix you'll have to find out yourself. None are bad actually as everyone agrees. The Pod seemed to have a LOT of treble, of course that is tweak able on all three.
@andertons you really should try out the AMT Pangaea U2 which includes both amp/cab sim and some modulation/delay/reverb effects. It's a mini pedal format with some advanced features which no other compact pedal can offer (like send/return or stereo mode or two assignable external foot switches / exp. pedals).
Funny the helix amps did so good in the blind test this time. I think its because its predialed in. Everytime they shootout the helix they dont to dial it in at all.
I use ToneX and Amplitube 5 on my desktop, that combo is awesome as you can use ToneX amps in Amplitube 5 with A5's effects and stereo rigs. I'm surprised the bigger ToneX pedal doesn't have this functionality as it would be a great solution for an all In one pedal.
I would love to see any or all of them against the "big boy" boxes, ie. Kemper, Helix, and Axe-FX. Be very interested to see how far apart they are sound-wise, particularly in a blind test.
I really liked previous demos of the Boss so was expecting to prefer it here … TBH, I suspect it might sound the most like a “real” amp, but I think the Line 6 takes it for me for usable tones.
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The winner is us. Low cost access to good sounding stuff. All three are good.
Bingo
We are in the platinum age of music
For real! The "I just need a ___" musicians are getting pretty quiet right about now, and we're all running out of excuses as to why we're not sitting down and making music!
You must be fun at parties, he said unsarcastically 😊
I have the boss and the line 6.
The boss is great for using other pedals with it.
The line 6 is great for something stand-alone
That's an interesting assessment. From this video, I thought the POD Express sounded best in this stand-alone application. Thanks for the insight. P.S. I liked the sound of the Boss the least in this demo. There was a weird "boxy" mid-range thing that I didn't like, but probably helps to cut through in a band mix, and it definitely didn't have the top end for the note definition.
Both great pedals. The L6 as well has separate volume on the phones 😎
I am so certain that Brandon Carter doesn’t play the guitar
@@joshball8674 you can Google that. Lol
@@myguitarsandmeThat's exactly it - the Boss sounds all sound like they'd sit in a live mix much better than the others, but sound pretty bad on their own.
Great video. I own the Boss IR-2, POD Express and Quad Cortex. I gig the Quad Cortex, but the POD Express makes me the happiest with its feature set, tones and simplicity.
How about the boss ir-2? no love?
I added the scores and here is what I came up with. Lower is better in this scoring contest.
POD express 7 pts.
Boss IR-2 8 pts.
Tonex One 9 pts.
Boss and Line6 took the #1 spot two times each. But Boss took #3 two times where the Line6 only took #3 once and took #2 once. So if you were trying to keep an official "score" the Line6 won by a hair.
Thanks for the video, guys! Fun to watch!
Pete was right, that on the higher-gain, there wasn't much too choose between them. I preferred the Tonex on clean, and clean with pedals. And I'd probably go with the Tonex. just because with the software it has access to so much more models. There's two things I want from a pedal like this, a small pedal to load with my favourite clean 'pedal platform' tone. And then, a tone chameleon, for the studio to cover me for sounds other than the amps I have. I have a Vox AC, a Marshall JTM and a Victory V40. So, the modeller would get used for amps I won't ever buy, like Dumbles, Fender Pro/Super/Twin Reverb, Vintage Tweed Champ/Princeton, Big old Vintage Twin Reverb, Orange Rockerverb, Matamp, Hi-watt Custom, Soldano SLO etc ...
I've been using my Valeton GP200 ever since I saw your video demoing it. I've used it for my acoustic electric and bass guitars touring all across America. I love it and I love you guys. Thank you for turning me on to so many great products.
I have the Pod Express and use it as an office practice amp plugged into an old Bose speaker. The 2 fit in my guitar bag and go with me to play in back yard or in a park. So while it doesn't compare to a UAFX pedal or a real amp, it is pretty amazing for portability and practice. Some people will complain about the features it doesn't have (e.g. a display for tuner, metal chassis, etc) but for the right use case it is a relatively inexpensive and high quality portable practice rig. I am happy with it.
How did you connect it? Is it a powered speaker?
I got the tonex and pod express. They are awesome together and stand alone but I lean pod because of effects versatility. The thing that amazes me is that you can actually gig with these for such a cheap price. They both sound great thru a PA or amp cabs.
Surprised but not at the same time, how good the Pod Express sounded. Liked it best for most (except the hi-Gain, that Tonex won for me). IR-2 was last for me on all.
The issue you mentioned is real. I've lost track of the amount of times I've been searching for a sound with digital gear only to end up back at the first one I tried (unknowingly). The range of sounds available in these units is a blessing and a curse.
Someone suggested to do a setup session where you find a handful of different tones, then stick to those presets and delete/hide the rest. Fiddling can be ok if it has a purpose, like learning to set up your gear, but yeah, not good if you should be creative and write stuff.
I just recently picked us the TONEX. It’s my first dive into the digital guitar world as I’m an old dude that is not all that tech-y. I never jumped on the Helix/Kemper/Fractal train because i honestly never felt like I needed access to every possible amp or effect available. In all my years of playing, I got by fine with a clean tone, a crunchy tone, and a solo/ lead tone. With the Tonex I have it set up exactly that way. I run a delay and chorus after it into an FRFR and I’m good to go. I have no experience with the POD express or the IR2, but I could see me possibly getting the IR2 if I ever did want to run my analog pedals into my amp.
Pod Express 1st for overall sound and versatility. ToneX 2nd for sounds, but being tied to a computer is limiting. I was surprised that I didn't like any of the sounds from the "boxy" Boss IR. I've heard other videos where the Boss sounded good at the time.
Could be because of the Speaker Cabinet IR that was used. The boxyness can maybe be solved with loading another Cabinet IR.
That POD really nailed the EVH tone, surprisingly. It was so, so close.
I think if you play each of them a little longer, your ears will adjust. I find that gap makes it harder to remember what you heard/felt. My favourite was the POD Express.
Great to hear Pete's vocals. Classic danish sports bar quality!
For me, these have such different use cases. When the IR-2 arrives, it’s going on my pedal board. When I get a POD Express, it’s going on the side table next to my sofa. And if I ever decide I really want to take my tube amp somewhere without actually taking my tube amp somewhere, I’ll get the Tonex. So they’re not really comparable to me.
It's always interesting how different companies do the "same" amp differently. They all sound pretty good but I agree that the Boss one gives you a very good base tone, the rest of them seem to be made for bedroom / headphone users as there's extra processing to make them sound bigger. If you're playing live at high volumes with a speaker cabinet it might be too much
The Pod express had a lot of Reverb on all presets, which made IT sound fuller.
Line 6 Pod E. I bought it when it came out and I think it is the most complete and easy to use of all. You can also use it with batteries and headphones and most importantly for me, it has stereo output.
I have the POD Express and a ToneX (big one, not the ONE). I think the appeal and maybe downside of the ToneX is that if you don't like, say, a Deluxe Clean type tone, you just find a capture you like better. The downside also being is that while there are free captures out there, you may have to pay extra for the ones you really want.
The POD Express is, IMO, a perfect practice/headphone rig. It fits nicely in my gig bag to use as a backup (my main rig is a Fractal FM9).
If I could only pick one of the two I have experience with I think I'd actually go with the POD.
For what, though, is the question. All-in-1, backup rig, with headphones - POD, for sure (seems to have extra bass, which works well for headphones - and not such a big deal for what’s just a backup rig). Best Amp sounds and variety thereof - ToneX, for sure. I didn’t really like the Boss best for anything?! (despite being a bit of a vintage Boss fanboi).
I gig with the Tonex one. I love the Dumble ODS legends pack. I use one, "Smooth as Silk" as my base tone and run a Boss TU-3 > Boss noise suppressor (4 cable) > compressor >Tube Screamer > RAT > Blues Driver BD2 > EQ pedal > return to NS > out to Tonex > vintage Bi Fet Preamp booster > Tremolo > to GT-1 For Stereo Chorus, Vibrato, Stereo Delay and Stereo Reverb.
The stacked overdrives are great for adding as much or little as I need. I find stacking the BD-2 and Rat or BD2 and tube screamer clean up very well with lowering the guitar volume. I use either a Fender Strat, An Epiphone Prophecy or a Gretsch 5420T. Depending on the gig. They all get a glorious sound with this setup and all very versatile. The Tonex just takes the place of the amp and I go DI into Front of house. I'm very happy with the Tonex, it responds so much like an amp and the Dumble pack is killer!
Boss IR2 for me the tone is very solid on it compared to the others and it can be used with other pedals.
Can’t they all 3 be used with other pedals??? 🤷♂️.........Yes.....they can.
Really amazing comparison! Totally I liked the Boss the best because it didn’t have the effects and just sounded “cleaner”. but for usability, Pod for a complete pedal with tones and effects.
All good products. Each has its place and purpose. If you don't need software app I would say the IR2 probably has an edge in terms of amp tone.
The tonex (I have the big TONEX pedal, not the one that I am speaking of) does require a computer to set it up the way you want your tones etc.. But after you set it up, you will 150 presets of amps and cabinets you want that will far outshine the other two pedals. Like anything it takes time, and with tones a bit more time to learn the software. But you really don't need the computer once you have your tones set. It's much like the PODxt was without effects. A bit different but much better captures that telling a real amp from the tonex would be hard.
I am using the ToneX into my Line 6 Helix LT and my goodness the tones by combining both!
same here with the HX Stomp. Absolutely amazing! I never had such a great sound.
It can be positioned everywhere in the presets chain or only in the front?
@@nagualnazgul3101 Anywhere when you are using the send and returns as the "amp" block. There are videos how to set up and its best to follow those to the letter as they will help you avoid heartache.
I own a helix, an hx stomp, and a tonex. Features is helix by a mile. Maybe it’s just because I gigged with helix for 6 years and got used to it, But the tonex feels noticeably more like an amp. I’ve run both as preamps into a tube power section and the tonex was more accurate. Plenty of great sounds on the helix still.
I have the IR2. it’s a fantastic addition to any home studio setup. Quickest way to workable tone.
I own the Pod express, a Fender blues jr. and a Katana MK2 50watt....this bit of kit is ridiculously fun to jam on... Unlimited options and can stack all kinds of effects. Nobody in the bars I play cares about my boutique pedal board and I don't risk someone spilling beer on it.
How is the pod connected to the katanas’ power amp in?
The sweeping bit 🤣. “The last time I did any sweeping was when I first got a job at Andertons and I’m not doing that again. I’M NOT GOING BACK!” 🤣
I have the big Tonex, and it was a game changer for me. I LOVE it.
They all sounded good. You can't really go wrong with either. The Pod is probably the best if you are low on board real estate because you get all the effects. It's like a mini travel rig.
The Boss is going to still be working in 30 years. Durability is a factor that I don’t think was discussed.
Very good point, I have literally 40+ year old BOSS pedals that still work great. OTOH, I still have a 96 OG POD bean that also still works great, though it has not been stepped on thousands of times over the years.
However, I have also been in music retail and repair since 1993, and I do not have anything bad to say about Line6 in this regard.
I cant say the same for IK, but I CAN say that the TONEX is built exceptionally well, with materials and build quality at least equal to modern BOSS and Line6, far better than a lot of the plastic n zinc jobs we see from far eastern manufacturers.
I suspect that, with the prominent "designed and made in Italy" on the TONEX< they want to impress and have not skimped on parts. Plus the thing sounds FREAKING BRILLIANT
It's really not about the amp models, it's all about the IRs. Load in the same (free) IR in every one of the units, and there is gonna be almost no difference.
You can't load IRs in the line 6, and the tonex does ir differently than the boss, so no
@@mahmam3128 what do you mean, "differently"? Both load wav, if I remember correctly.
The line6 can't? Then it's immediately inferior and has lost.
The one thing I heard about tonex is the preset captures are not the best. But if you want to spend a couple bucks you can get stuff that is next level. Once you upgrade with amalgam or tone Junkie captures you will be in awe
I've not heard that at all. In fact of the comparisons of captures Ive heard Tonex was significantly ahead
Yeah the IK stuff sounds awful imho. No wonder the Andertons guys never like Tonex. Amalgam is completely next level though if you like vintage amps. I wish Lee & Pete would demo some of those.
Well done, indeed! Had and returned the Boss, feeling it felt too boxy and metallic/squished, which became very apparent in my standard tuning, which is 3 half-steps down (C# standard). Pre-ordered but cancelled the Line 6, and glad I did, now. Own the big ToneX, so not too tempted to downsize. So what compact (!) option is best? None of the above. Instead, get a Katana Go and run your guitar cable into a tuner, then into the Katana Go, and from there via an adapter cable into whatever else your need, if anything. Works like a charm, and has a great app, plus presets you can use wirelessly with the Boss footswitch. Also doubles as a grab-and-go amp and rig (which is obviously what it was really intended to be).
I know that myself and a lot of other folks watching these kinds of gear shootouts have long pushed for you demo folks to take a bit of break between devices. It's just natural. Conceptually no different from wine tasters clearing their palates between samples, chefs sampling dishes and perfume scent specialists taking a few moments - all to rest your senses.
Going further, especially with guitar gear, we all are guilty of hearing with our eyes. Thus even adding blind comparisons is essential whenever possible. It's why the recent "winner stays on" comparisons with Rabea were so good. Blind and you guys did take a bit of time between pedals. Of course, Rabea has superb ears for his sound preferences....
Good on Anderton's for waking up and smelling the coffee here....
Recently picked up the Pod Express and it's very good. Lots of different Tones and FX choices. Audio Interface. Good Bang for the Buck unit
I'm happy I could help with this one :D Still set on my TC Electronic ampworks
You should have used the TWN setting on the IR-2. And my experience with Tonex one is that it’s a good thing to tweak the tone on the pedal e.g. gain to get a great sound.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Stacy's Mom actually WAS Jesse's Girl.
LINE 6 for the win.
Pete's gold top Chapman for a solid runner-up. That thing was great.
I had the Tonex for a week then sent it back as I didn't connect with it. I've got the IR-2. Think I've played it twice. Selling it this weekend. I've had the Helix and HX stomp; both sold. The only units that have stayed on my board are the UAFX amps. I don't miss playing an amp with these pedals.
I think the break between sounds is a great
Like drinking orange juicer after brushing your teeth, you need to clean the palate
some tones can clash when hearing one after the other
I played along and liked to Pod Express for most(mainly the gain tones)and the Boss 2nd although I thought the Boss sounded better clean. If I didn’t already have a Pod Go I’d grab the express.
I have the Line 6 POD Express, but will probably buy the TONEX One too.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the Line 6 Pod Express. The models sound fantastic even without the effects but I've been very enamored with the Tape Echo and Clean Boost ones. The Chorus is the weak spot for me, I wish I could replace it with something else. Great unit, I love the Dynamic and Special amps.
Definitely a good idea for anyone using modellers to have those pauses - there is so much colour in an amp sound that you really need to let your ears settle with a new sound before you write it off! Who knows, you may find your favourite amp sound is based on a Line 6 Spider Insane and you just dont know it yet ;)
I’ve got a UAD Dream 65 for gigs, and an Iridium w/ York IRs for studio tracking, and honestly, it’s all pretty good.
Which One do you prefer?
@@gustavoloebel If I had to choose one, the Iridium all day long. You can get it very close to the Dream with York IRs, and it does Vox/marshall just as good. The Vox May actually be the best of the 3.
I’ve noticed that phenomenon, where when I first change amp settings I think I don’t like it as much as the one I was on. Then I play for a few minutes and like it.
I noticed a lack of dynamics and top end with the tonex, that is not bad but i'm asking if it's his signature sound rather than just this preset.
Of these 3 I thought the ToneX sounded best. But I still believe that I prefer the amp sounds in the QC and Fractals.
I have a real soft spot for Boss pedals. I have NO need for the IR-2, but I do like its straight forward, two channel amp approach. Usually I'm a tube amp guy and I already have an HX Stomp for modeling. When I use modeling, I do the hybrid modeled amp into power amp and cab setup; no IRs. I find tweaking a patch 'live' is tougher than twisting a knob or two on an amp to adjust for the room. When my band practiced, conditions were different every time; different location, loading in, room arranged a bit differently, so setting a patch and expecting it to sound the same week to week didn't work. I struggled to match clean and dirt volumes. I could see the Boss being much closer to that immediate amp tweak interaction.
I've used the IR-2 in a band setting via a Fender FR12. Stupid simple to use. Nobody heard the difference from it and a real tube amp. Tweaking was instantaneous when adjusting for the room.
People keep forgetting Boss IR-2 sims are pretty much demo tones in my mind and not IRs that I'd use. I have an IR-2. Plan on swapping out to York Audio IRs. Other users have done that and turned a mediocre sounding unit to a killer unit.
Come for the demo, stay for the silliness.
Love Anderton’s video. Informative as heck and still massively entertaining
Love these guys!
ALWAYS!!!!!!! and I wouldn't have it ANY OTHER WAY!!!!!!!
Thanks guys. I'm an amp guy but need a modeller to go through the sound system of a sports centre next year. Clean Strat sound - 2/4 positions. I want to keep it as simple as possible as I'll have zero sound check time. Are these good for going ampless and plugging straight into the mixer? Any of them produce background hum or noise?
I've had the same phenomenon when I compared my Kraken to my 5150 and every time I switched amps, the amp that I switched to sounded awful compared to the one I switched from and it happened every time I switched.
Just got an ir2 love it! As for breaking into a car with it, I’m a guitarist not a drummer. Kidding! 😂
Hope line 6 would launch an IR uploading application for the POD express. That would be a fantastic addition, to an already fantastic product.
Pod sounds the best in this demo consistently. Just seems to always have a clearer and smoother sound compared to the other two… maybe I’ve just been using these Line 6 amp models for a long time though so I am biased.
I wanted to like one of them, but I just couldn't. Pick the least worst to you or find a different solution to whatever problem this solves for you?
Am i the only one who noticed pete playing the intro riff when he enabled the OD? 7:04
lmao. I love that they listened to popular demand and made Lee's signature lick the intro.
Tonex for the win… and it fits in me pocket nicely…
It seems like the Boss has more dynamic range than the other two. Pod (more) and Tonex (little less) sound like they always have a compressor on.
Surprisingly Line6 sounds the best, especially on the high gain, where Tonex and Boss are more like a compressed wall of noise.
You're amazing guys! Thank you for this demo!
Might have been good to disable reverb on the Pod to make comparisons fairer
"They don't sound anything like each other though do they?"...
..."honestly I can't tell the difference man" 😂😂
Love you Pete
I play almost exclusively on clean channels and kick on fuzzes for leads, so I can't really use these. For whatever reason they just can't replicate big Fender type cleans (especially live) and they don't play too well with fuzz boxes).
BUT I have messed with them a lot and if I wanted that marshall stack or Vox jangle, I would 100% use the Boss over the others. The Boss does that barky 4x12 thing very well and its Vox setting has the boxy "kerrang" nailed down.
I have the big tonex and it works amazing with fuzz pedals
I think the Boss IR sound more open and less compressed than the others and more amp like.
Like the boss two. Like the reset. Fill the space with trivia or games! 15 second competition that racks up score to end of video
I never considered having a POD Express but based on my hearing it is a clear winner.
I’d be curious to know if the tonex amp captures they used are the ones supplied by IK Media, or if they were pulled from some other user or creator via ToneNet. I own the Tonex One and find the user/creator based captures are far better than those provided by IK Media themselves in most cases.
In the end, all three had shining moments and I feel that all three would serve most anyone wanting to jump into the amp modeling world well.
Im going to get the Pod Bass version. I just need something ampless for jams and gigs and literally only use like 1 to 2 sounds. As cool as the bigger multi units are its just not a wise financial decision for what i do.
I have both tonex pedals but i think the pod won this one for total package, with all the fx included and everything you need. All of the Boss tones sounded like a wet blanket over the amp when compared to the others. The Tonex ONE is fiddly AF, i would highly recommend the full size Tonex pedal unless you plan to mostly just leave it on one or two amps or pedals most of the time.
I think Boss' clean sounds like a Roland JC, which makes more sense since Roland owns Boss
Why not include the Mooer Preamp X in comparison? I think you have it in your store and it's a comparable device - has amp sims and IRs although it doesn't do stereo.
Clean, the Tonex and L6 had that ubiquitous failed collapsing attack followed by great note sustain. The IR was most amp-like on the attack dynamics but petered out re fullness and decay. Tradeoffs.
I would rate them like this.
1. Line 6 POD Express - Winner - Sounds the best.
2. TONEX One - second best sounds
3. Boss IR-2 - Sounds bad
I have the ToneX but thought the Pod Go sounded best in this.
Wonder how it would have gone if they used Amalgam captures for the ToneX
Oh yes the part where you went through all 3 and back the first one -Yes my ears needed a moment
Great shootout, what interface are the pedals going into?
I had the Tonex pedal (the bigger one)but found the clean tones kinda on the boxy side. I tried tweaking through the pedal and improved it but when I compared the clean tones to my UA Dream 65 and the Dream 65 smoked the Tonex. The overdrive tones were ok too on the Tonex but I didn’t find that it lived up to the hype.
So I returned it and bought the Boss IR-200, again the bigger version over the Boss IR-2. The Boss sounds much better with clean and overdrive tones to me so the Boss IR-200 is a keeper for me. I know that there are thousands of tones available on the Tonex through the app but I didn’t want to have to search through thousands of IRs to find the tones I liked. I found the Boss delivered the tones I liked with just a little tweaking to the cab/mic IRs on the unit.
However they all had their strengths and weaknesses in this video. But then again if this were all real amps in the room they would have their strengths and weaknesses too based on tone preferences and styles. So I guess we’re living in the age of great tone options and for very reasonable prices.
This is a tough comparison to make. Your favorite is going to greatly depend on what you need to use the pedal for. if you need effects you're going to like the Pod but if you are just looking for amp sounds, it's going to be really hard to beat the Tonex for the amp captures that are available. There are some absolutely amazing captures out there, especially if you're willing to spend a couple dollars. As for the IR-2, well Boss is just Boss and you know how their pedals are. it doesn't do a ton but what it does, it does very well.
MMm. The problem with the Tonex, imho is it's lack of controls AND that it uses capture tech. That means you WILL have to set up presets via the App, because those knobs will not react like the amp captured (EQ and Gain) because capture tech captures an amp at particular settings. Switching presets on the Tonex 1 is anything but intuitive (You have to remember what is what).
Hi guys. Thanks for another great and informative video.
I'm thoroughly impressed by all of these products. All are similar yet seem to have slightly different ideal applications. The Tone X is the one that really intrigued me because it doesn't only model amps, it models other specific pedals also. I can have a TS, a BM, a RAT, a Klon, delays, etc. all available in that one little mini pedal. That's great for a person like me who already has all of his amp and/or interface needs covered and is reluctant to add things to his signal, but still would like to have the options available. I feel like that was a genius touch from IK Multimedia.
Cheers!
no not delays, no time based effects replication\profiling. there's reverb in the pedal but no delay, no modulation. you can copy the whole rig except ones i mentioned b4. so you can copy fuzzes, muffs, etc just no mod
I literally like all of them at different points from here. I wouldn't be upset with any. I think the POD sounds like it has some compression or something on input , cleans weren't all that clean? But that could be useful too
Bought and returned the IR-2. It didn’t interact very well with my pedals and had a strange buzzing sound that Boss were unable to fix. Tonex for me sounds a lot better with York IRs
Couldn't you use the tonex to capture the sound of the other pedals? You could essentially have all of them!
I’m always going to use an amp & pedals live, but I’ll plug-in any of these in the studio and find great sounds.
For all it has onboard I think we have to say the Pod Go Express is the overall winner of these three. But if you already have a lot of your own effects the Boss makes a lot of sense as well. Tonex for the computer driven folks.
It's hard to judge on a phone, but today's tech is sooo much better than yesterdays. The Tonex when used with computer is best. The Pod has the most tweak able knobs and two foot switches if that's what you want, The Boss sounded cardboard boxy to me. In a mix you'll have to find out yourself. None are bad actually as everyone agrees. The Pod seemed to have a LOT of treble, of course that is tweak able on all three.
@andertons you really should try out the AMT Pangaea U2 which includes both amp/cab sim and some modulation/delay/reverb effects. It's a mini pedal format with some advanced features which no other compact pedal can offer (like send/return or stereo mode or two assignable external foot switches / exp. pedals).
Funny the helix amps did so good in the blind test this time.
I think its because its predialed in.
Everytime they shootout the helix they dont to dial it in at all.
this small TONEX thing smokes them all.
Would sometime kindly tell me what kind of guitar that mustard colored tele is? I’m loving it.
Opening part of vid bro
I use ToneX and Amplitube 5 on my desktop, that combo is awesome as you can use ToneX amps in Amplitube 5 with A5's effects and stereo rigs. I'm surprised the bigger ToneX pedal doesn't have this functionality as it would be a great solution for an all In one pedal.
I would love to see any or all of them against the "big boy" boxes, ie. Kemper, Helix, and Axe-FX. Be very interested to see how far apart they are sound-wise, particularly in a blind test.
I really liked previous demos of the Boss so was expecting to prefer it here … TBH, I suspect it might sound the most like a “real” amp, but I think the Line 6 takes it for me for usable tones.
The one arm bandits joke was brilliant
IMO any of these will do the job with a little tweeking. The POD is probably the out-of-the-box solution with instant good tones and effects.
The pod Express is amazing.
They should make it into a lightweight combo