Axe-FX vs. Pod Pro - Effects Only

[spanny]

So, I am looking into picking up either an Axe FX or a Line 6 HD Pod Pro to use for effects only. There will be mostly effects place in the effects loop such as delays, harmonizers, modulation, reverb, ect, but also a couple in front of the amp such as a wah, compressor, ect.

Since I am using it for effects only, is it worth the extra money to jump up to the Axe FX or will the POD Pro do just fine?

 

[polaris20]

I'd be careful with the HD Pro in a loop. Others have gotten the HD series working in this manner just fine, but when I've used my HD500 in the loop on my Mesa, it was always a huge tone suck. If it were me, I'd lean more towards a G-System or Axe.

 

[Metlupass2]

How bout a Line 6 M9 or M13? They are effects only.

 

[jlbaxe]

I'd be careful with the HD Pro in a loop. Others have gotten the HD series working in this manner just fine, but when I've used my HD500 in the loop on my Mesa, it was always a huge tone suck. If it were me, I'd lean more towards an Axe.

Same here. In my Mesa Mk III and my Bogner 20th. I believe I also had the same problem in my Mk V. It was like throwing a heavy wool blanket over my amp and I couldn't get close to dialing it out at all.

The Axe Std/Ultra and II all seems neutral in any of my amp. The II was the best. I sold mine and went with a RJM switcher and some pedals. Much easier to tweak and less time dialing in 1011100010001010100's I have pretty much figured out what effects I like and the Fractal stuff is over kill for me.

 

[jlbaxe]

How bout a Line 6 M9 or M13? They are effects only.

I really liked the M13 but when I had it the midi wasn't as friendly. Great unit. I used it 4cm 1 or twice in my Egnater Mod stuff. Great out front of those amps and played nicely with my Mk III

 

[polaris20]

How bout a Line 6 M9 or M13? They are effects only.

Those were supposed to work better in the loop, and I have been wanting to pick up a used one just to try.

 

[spanny]

I was initially just looking at something that was rackmounted, but the M13 would be a good option. I actually had one of those back in the day when they first came out.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I wouldn't spend all that money on an Axe-2 just for the effects. I tried the Axe standard in the 4cm and it was a disaster, the 2 works good though in 4cm. But you can get 2 Eventide H9's, stick one in the loop and the other out front. They're MIDI and you can add whatever effects you want in each, that would set you back around 1k, half the price of the Axe-2.

 

[Metlupass2]

I was initially just looking at something that was rackmounted, but the M13 would be a good option. I actually had one of those back in the day when they first came out.

There you go. I agree that any Axe FX would be too much money for just the effects.

 

[Shask]

The POD HD sounds more like old effects pedals. Kind of takes over the signal. The Axe-FX is more studio clean style effects.