[DelfinoPie]

I've just watched a video of Marty Friedman demonstrating the Boss GT8 and I'm now in two minds over getting a POD XT Live.

I haven't had chance to use either yet but, in your experience, which is a better piece of kit for a guy who, right now, doesn't play live very often but has plans to in the near future?

Also, take into consideration I do my own thing as well as with my band (who have pretty much just started out) and am a bedroom guitarist who likes to record their own stuff.

I know that I will definitely be getting one of them when my next loan installment comes in but the question remains; which would be more suitable for moi?

All advice greatly appreciated guys.

P.S Sorry if there has been a thread about this before, I did check but didn't find anything.

[nitelightboy]

Personally, I love the POD XT Live. I've been a Line 6 fan for a long time, so I am somewhay biased. I've messed around with the Boss and I just couldn't really get into it. The sounds didn't really impress me all that much and the user interface was a bit annoying. The POD XT was much easier for me to program and I like the majority of the amp and effect models. Plus, Line 6 constantly provides software upgrades on their website so your stuff won't be obsolete the next time they release a product. I'm not sure if Boss does the same.

[Toshiro]

THis depends heavily on if you plan to use the models for all your gain or not.

The GT8 integrates with a real amp 100000000000000000 times better than the POD. The 4 cable method really is worth it. The GT8's effects are more varied, and more "tweakable".

On the other hand, the POD's models are better.

Personally, I would go try out these 2, and a Digitech GNX3000, then chose based on your own preference.

[nitelightboy]

Originally Posted by Toshiro

Personally, I would go try out these 2, and a Digitech GNX3000, then chose based on your own preference.

[HighGain510]

Originally Posted by Toshiro

Personally, I would go try out these 2, and a Digitech GNX3000, then chose based on your own preference.

Yep, Toshiro gave the best advice. I've tried all three (have the GNX3000 right now and I am digging it, just have to tweak some stuff still) and would say there are so many options that it is best to try out all three and make a more informed decision from there (if feasible, the shops near you might not carry all three I guess?). Good luck man!

[NegaTiveXero]

You can buy my PODXT Live w/ Metal Pack.

[TomAwesome]

I'd go for the POD. Actually, I plan on getting an XTL myself as soon as I have the cash to spare. What kind of amp setup do you have? Running a PODxt of any variety into a tube power amp produces some amazing results. I've had a GT-6 for a few years, and my other guitarist has a GT-8 I get to play with a lot because we practice at my place. As most people will tell you, the GT-8 blows the POD away in terms of flexibility. It's even got an effects loop and a thing that lets it switch the channels on your amp.

What are you going to use it for? Dedicated effects with your amp, or are you planning to do amp modeling, too? If the former, I'd go with the GT-8. If you plan to do any amp modeling, though, ESPECIALLY HIGH GAIN, then POD all the way. I hate Roland's COSM amp modeling. I'm actually using a Line 6 distortion pedal (Uber Metal) in the FX loop of my GT-6 for heavy stuff until I get the POD, and even the Tonecore pedal is miles above anything I could get out of the GT-6.

My experience with the Digitech equivalents puts it somewhere between the GT-8 and PODxt, but I'll admit that experience was very limited.

[Rev2010]

I tried the Pod XT live and the GT-8 and went with the GT-8 and couldn't be happier. It's a really powerful unit with a ton of flexibility - more than I even need actually. But like Toshiro said, go try them out as everyone is different and has different needs. BUT... one thing I'd like to suggest is to download each units manual and get a grip on how to use them before going to try them out so it's easier for you to get around and do a real demo. Also, sometimes the patches on the in-store units are fucked up cause people dick around with the settings and save them and shit. So, if you read the manuals you'll know how to do a factory reset Lastly, the GT-8 has a large number of patches where the amp modeling/distortion shit is turned on. If you're using your amp for distortion the manual tells you how to globally turn off the preamp so if you read it you'll be able to shut it off and get much better sound (again, if using the amp's gain).


Rev.

[Metal Ken]

i look at it like this: If you need an all inclusive thing, go for the pod. If you JUST need effects, definately go for a GT8.