Line 6 GuitarPort

I found this product very easy to use. Standard installation, just like any computer game, then you plug in and it's ready to go. The interface onscreen is pretty easy to use and very easy to start creating good sounds from scratch.

I've used a mex strat, a cheap acoustic + bass and cheap microphone with it and have achieved pretty good results with each. It definitely provides a good range of sounds that are usable, and when recorded (i use www.audacity.com cos its free!) i makes for a very pleasing sound. There was less effects than i was expecting but there is still plenty to use and play with. Its great for recording. Which is what it is designed for, it is NOT designed for live use as someone was complaining below that it wasn't good live.

o break down yet

For what it's meant to do, it is superb. Its a great way of getting song ideas down, and as a bonus the recorded sounds do sound pretty convincing. It does vocals, bass and acoustic as well, so it would be pretty damn useful for recording demos too. I have been very impressed by the ease of use and quality that you get for such a small price. I'm sure that it won't appeal as much to folk who are using pro studio equipment, but they aren't who its aimed for. a great piece of kit!

For anyone thinking of this, unlike the Pod XT it uses the computer's cpu, over 50% on a 1ghz processor. Line 6 goes to GREAT lengths on their website to suggest it's a pod XT without the physical controls.

They mention swapping tones between the devices and the fact that the pod XT uses guitarport (PC) software which suggests they are basically the same device.

http://line6.com/podxt/guitarport.html

"The new set of PODXT models in the free 2.5 upgrade means that GuitarPort owners will enjoy 15 PODXT-quality amp and cab models, 9 effects at once "

But they aren't the same thing at all. The models for pod use dsp code, the guitarport uses PC code and uses cpu power. That means they don't sound the same and that's the problem. It's a deliberate corporate scam.

Greetings All -

I feel that this unit (version 2.5) is easy to use, pick an amp, cabinet, effect and your on your way. Installation for me was a snap loaded the software and plugged in the wires and was up and running in 10-15 minutes. Help files are there and on the website if you need them. A good tower with a fast processor is a plus and if you dont have good speakers with a sub, you will miss out on its full sound spectrum.

As always sound is very subjective and this is most true here as i have read. If you think you are getting a dozen amps for $99 think again - what you are getting are line 6's repesentations of them. that being said i am very impressed, the recto gives me the essense of a recto (and i do own one) and the JC120 sounds like a JC120, but more imporant that sounding like the models - do they sound goodin general?
The answer is yes! All the models are very usable and tweakable. the bottom line is that you are not going to get a better tool for your PC at that price. As a scrathpad/practicing/recording tool it is absolutly unbeatable. and if you cant see that your being ignorant- period. nothing sounds like the original except the original so get over it.

so far so good - have gone through the upgrades and have tickets open with the support and have always got responses and follow ups.

Have had support tickets open and have always got responses and follow ups.

I play rock/blues/fusion type stuff and this thing rocks for practice and riffing out. I have plenty of big amps and i love em - however there is a place for guitar port for me
In the middle of the night when my kid and wife are sleeping and i iget an idea and have to hear/record it. sometimes you just dont want to fire up the amps. Its an invaluable tool for any guitar player. its not meant to replace anything in ones arsenal, its there to help you get better at what you do.

Fairly easy. I hate it when software needs to be installed before you install the drivers and before you plug the unit in. I was using Windows XP. I didn't have any problems getting it too run the first time. I could see though where some users could run into problems during the install. Also, I got the updated software off the Line 6 support site. I really like the fact that this, being software based, is upgradeable. However, with TonePort being weeks away, I can easily see Line 6 dropping support on this.

The software was fairly simple and it's nice to be able to load different tones.

It's OK. I've had the POD 2.0, the POD Pro and currently have a POD XT bean on order. The sounds from this are ok. I tried running out into my Rocktron Velocity 120 power amp and I wasn't totally impressed, but I didn't really spend a lot of time with it. I signed up to the GuitarPort Online and when playing with some of the lessons, etc., the sounds blend in really well between the GuitarPort and the music. I'm running the output through a set of Samson Resolv speakers.

In regards to some of the reviews, like the guy saying this isn't a professional sounding unit he can take and play live with....duh....it's a $100 computer interface. One, you get what you pay for and two, how many pros do you know currently touring with a GuitarPort.....geez....some people. This is a computer interface that allows you to use it with either RiffTracker or GuitarPort Online. It's more of a practice/sketchpad tool. It is what it is.

Seems reliable. The hardware is extremely well built. The software could cause some problems, but that would probably be more of an issue with the Windows environment and other sound drivers.

Don't know for sure. I know the Line 6 has put some pretty stupid licencing policies in place. For example, I can't use both this and my POD XT with GuitarPort Online (as well as model packs, etc.). I would need to transfer licenses between the two each time. They really need to figure out another way of managing licensing for folks with multiple products.

As I said, it is what it is. A practice tool/PC hardware interface. For example, you can use it to interface with other recording software, such as Guitar Tracks Pro. Yes, the sounds could be better. However, it's a great little practice tool.

Fiddly and tricky to install, they keep releasing bug version and fixing the patches later - expect BS and no support from Line 6 - they are a bunch of no talent computer geeks trying to make money out of gullible musicians. Listen to the demo on the website - it says it all!!

As with all Line 6 stuff it works well in the bedroom for all you bedroom players - try using it Live and you are in for a rude shock, when are you guys going to wake up and realise that the majority of their stuff are just toys compared to the real thing. Digital Modelling will NEVER succeed. Don't kid yourself.

Totally unstable with all the patches they send down to you - that's why they have the monkey software.

All automated and done by email now since they started using an automated CRM system. You can't even ring anyone. Try getting technical support, and no I'm not a disgruntled ex employee either!!

This isn't a rant it's an evaluation. This unit is barely useable in the real world of talented musicians, it's a toy and a complete con. If you don't believe me just try getting a refund under the 30day money back promise or try to get the Riffworks to accept the add-on drummers. Better still, try using any of your downloads if you cancel your membership. I hope this gets through and posted, Line 6 are an insult to the industry, buyer beware!! I've been playing for 25plus years, I know my S%&# - I'm angry because these guys don't deliver on their promise and are deceptive.

The Guitar port software is very easy to use. Although the hardware does not come with a manuel, everything is pretty straight forward and you have the option of getting a help file on the CD and/or on the website if need be. It was also pretty much a breeze to set up under Win XP Familly Edition

Like many have already said, this thing is worth donkey dung in the sound department. I have a more than decent speakers and Subwoofer outfit and I couldn't get that thing to sound good. Maybe I am too fussy and was expecting more than that unit could deliver, but with all the hype and bullcrap you find on their website about the unit, I think I was allowed to expect more from that unit than it really is. I have a Cube 60 at home and it does a much better job modeling other amps. Even the Line 6 Insane settings suck the big one. I bought it today (October 16, 2005) and am returning it tomorrow. The sound is very weak, no punch whatsoever...

Well, can't really say much about this part as I've had it for 4 hours and have already decided to send it back.

Haven't dealt with them. The support page on the website is in my opinion quite minimal and I think that's a let down right there. You're better off registering and using the forums to find someone to answer your questions.

I play Metal amongst other things and couldn't get any decent settings for that genre. I also like to play clean every so often and that too was quite a let down. All and all that was a very bad purchase from my part. I hope that the store will take it back or else I'll be selling it or trading it in at store for something else.

If you can point and click you can use the Guitar Port.

OK for all those who are disapointed in the sound of the Guitar Port I say your expectations were too high. I run it through my computers speakers and the sounds sre good enough for me to jam along with the Guitar Port Online downloads.Of course Line 6 hypes the sound quality but if you need nice pure tones for recording you'll have to fork over a bit more than $100. I like the Winter Dirty Blues from Online best and use it more than any other preset.

Had it for 1 1/2 years without a glich.

I contacted them be email and got a prompt reply.

This is easily the best gear purchase I ever made considering the price, convenience, practicing capabilities of Guitar Port Online, available models, effects, abilty to change the mics and their posiyion, equalizer, etc. It's perfect for home use and got me playing a lot more. I learned quite a few songs and my playing has improved. If you don't have Guitar Port Online you are missing the best feature of this little gem. Without it it isn't much different than any other multi-effects/modelling unit. The $7.00 a month fee is a bargain when you consider a good guitar teacher will charge you $60 a month for a couple hours of lessons.

Setting up involves routing your PC speakers through the GuitarPort. Easy and pluggin in the USB cable. Easy.

The software installed smoothly. Needed 2 reboots of the PC to get everything working and recognized by the PC.

The GuitarPort software needed to be tweeked to match the capabilities of my PC. This is explained in the 'help' section of the software on screen. Not difficult.

I upgraded the firmware from Version 2 to 2.5 as soon as I bought it. This was a little bit confusing, but after some perseverance I got there in the end. This is all handled through an automated process in the software. Perhaps a little daunting for some people, but not really difficult.

As for the GuitarPort software this is a bit confusing sometimes because there is so much content! You are given a window which is roughly like an internet browser window, and it has loads of buttons on it. For example, metronome, tuner, track volume, master volume, lessons, chords, tones, effects and on and on and on. But it isn't that difficult to use, you may find yourself having to make one or two extra clicks to navigate the sheer volume of content in GuitarPort.

I use this with my 2.1 Gigahertz PC and my 12 watt Lansing stereo speakers.

The GuitarPort software needed to be tweeked to match the capabilities of my PC. I was getting cutouts on the sound - as if the guitar cable had a loose connection. But I found out that the sound buffer in the software was getting full. I had to lower the quality of the sound to stop it doing this. This is all fully documented in the help section. I have a high - spec PC, but it also has a lot of software installed on it and I suspect that is what caused my GuitarPort to need this adjustment (as they are taking processing power away from GuitarPort).

My speakers didn't cost much but they are good and carry a good bass response. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Cheap speakers with no bass would make this product sound crappy. My speakers cost ?25 GB that is about $40 US or so.

I use this with my humberequipped Epi Les Paul. It sounds great! I have never used the guitar with a tube equipped amplifier (they are simply too loud to play where I live) - I have only used transistor amps. This product has changed the way I look at the guitar - it sounds alive now, and has made a definite improvement in my playing (I am now listening more keenly to what I am playing, because it sounds so much better).

I haven't really played around too much with the effects, as the sound you get playing 'clean' through the amp models is so good. That goes for the rock settings too, I don't think I need distortion as the amp model sounds so good by itself. I expect the effects models to be of good quality - after all, they got the amp models right, so modelling digital effects is easy compared to that. I would say that you need to listen for yourself to see what you think about the effects.

The software will give you an amp model for everything that is in the software. So if you want to do say an AC/DC lesson, it sets up the appropriate amp model for you. If you want a jazz session, then up comes a jazz amp model, same for hendrix, clapton and so on... There are few limits to what you can do with this. They give you all the settings built in to recreate classic sounds, but you can also customise everything if you want to, but I don't as what they give you is spot on and doesn't need tweaking.

The GuitarPort is a bedroom / study tool - there are quite a few wires trailing about and these could probably get kicked out. You wouldn't take this on stage!

It seems to me the guitarport is very solid - seems to be made of metal. The most vulnerable part of the system is the PC and the software in particular. This could obviously crash at some time and need to be reinistalled. But that is true with any software package.

Also, if your internet connection went down you won't be able to download new tones or lessons. (The lessons don't seem to come from the package but are downloaded on demand by you).

Excellent help within the package, and also telephone and email support. You also have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee from some outlets.

I would first like to say that this is the best product I have ever bought for playing the electric guitar (apart from my Epi Les Paul that I bought 12 years ago and have never found a better replacement that I can afford).

I would highly recommend it for the beginner / learner guitarist.

The GuitarPort is a must for anyone who wants to play Guitar in their house and not get divorced / evicted / beaten up. You can get overdriven tube amp tone without the ear piercing volumes normally needed. My Marshall ValveState amp is now in my loft, and I now have more space in my study. This amp is now redundant, I simply don't need it anymore for home use. If only I knew of GuitarPort before, I would have bought it years ago.

If you are a beginner at electric guitar, get the GuitarPort first to practice on and when you need an amp to play live, buy one. You will find out what style of playing and what tones you like to use, and then later you can go and buy the real thing. Why waste money buying an amp and then finding out that there is something that sounds better? Even if you have to by a new PC to use GuitarPort, it would still be cheaper than a lot of tube amps, and you could actually use it in the home environment without blowing the windows out with the volume.

I only wish I had found this product years ago, my playing would be much more advanced by now.

My guitar playing has taken new directions thanks to the GuitarPort lessons, you get so many new ideas from it. They are definetly worth the money you have to pay each month for the subscription if you are serious about learning the guitar. There is LOADS of content, and it will take months to learn all of it. The content covers Jazz, blues, rock etc. You go through it at your own pace using the software.

took me some time to get the sound i wanted .. not bad but i can jam for hours.. i use it more than i used my 30 watt behringer.

i use a torino tr1(upgraded to have 2 seymour duncan pickups) and it sounds kick ass. the only thing that i didnt like was the sound is kinda
weak .. good but weak.. when i hold a note it fades quicker than when i use a real distortion pedal.(digitech hot rod and heavy metal distortion.

Sound
its not really noisy unless u put too much gain. i use computer speakers and stereo speakers.

ive tried getting the sound of panteras cowboys from hell and megadeths holy wars.. cant seem to get it almost do but to no avail.(if u can plz help email me terran236@yahoo.com)

EFX:
i love that gain that the treadplate has..the flange is great.. sounds real like the one i use with my real modeling amp.

also cool is that u can plug in a mic and bass :-D
i tweaked it so i can use my comp speakers for my comp and guitar port at the same time :-P

hasnt messed up yet ive had it for a long time now almost half a year.still 100% ok.. i dont hear any popping sounds people talk about.

havent had problems so i dont know

i play metal, classic rock, and dont mind playing blues.
ive been playing for a little over a year..
id buy another if it was stolen.its an assome product.
i like that it has alot of effects and u can plug more than just a gutiar into it.
i wish i could download the other effects and amps. but it costs $100+
it helps me record ideas .maybe i can make a demo using it.
buy it! i recommend it! \m/ rock out!

Easy to hook up blah blah its been coverd a billin times before.
Decent interface. Not overly confusing
What Manual?
its been upgraded to latest

So I bought this over a year ago as a cheap "scratch pad" for my home. At the time I was reading reviews of this peice here at HC and many a newb foretold of the guitarports supreme quality and total ownage.

I was lookig to record into homestudio with and was told this would do the trick with minimal latency problems.

This was not for hi pro quality recordings. Just for doodling and getting ideas down.

Where do I begin. Well I installed no prob and I had it running strait to my little 600 watt PA in my basement. Sitting next to me are a couple nice amps but they need to be cranked to loud and frankly I am tired of hoooking up mikes and ****ing with mixers and ****.

Anyway for 100 bucks Im not expecting a whole lot. Good thing too cause this thing is pretty crappy. Let me explain.

First and formost I was looking for ease of use. At this guitarport excels. Sound wise it is garbage. I stupidly compared it at first to a couple amps I had sitting right there with me. A fender twin and an ac30. Um there is no comparison, which again for 100 bones I really did not expect them to sound identical. But like others have mentioned here they sound dead, lifeless and flat. Not only that by there dynamics sound more like 60 dollar crate amps to me, in other words, they have zero dynamics.

So that takes out my two favorite models right there. Sure I can add that funky over the top fuzz or fuzz pie but they both sound the same but set at slightly different octaves or something. Garbage. Bust out a real fuzz face and you can dail in so many tones in front of a twin it sick. On the GP If I put the fuzz pie infront of there Deluxe model is sounds like major ass. Tweak away if you want. Your stuck in midrange wash.

And that is true if you really listen to most of the amp models. NO matter how much you fiddle with knobs they are all awash in midrange. Sure play with the goofy little four channel graphic eq. Its to broad ranged and not plyable enough to save the poor modeling.

The only overdrive worth mentioning is the Pro Co RAT. This was actually a major selling point to me as there is nothing like a good Rat infront of some clean hot tubes. A good RAT (and Ive have a few bad RATS) can punch you right through the mix for leads or if you just need to tear peoples faces off in the first 3 rows. The rat in the GP is definatly a worthy model. Its the only distortion in my opinion that sounds and feels and reacts like the real deal. Bravo Line 6 1 out of 4 is not to bad.

Ok on to Modulation. These are a little better implimented but again they dont act like there real world counterparts. But overall they are useable. Nothing screams out as being the killer effect and if your not carefull they will sound cheesy as hell in the mix since its hard as hell dialing out that huge midrange wash.

Reverbs are garbage. Not sure where they pull those modeling from. There reverb stombox they sell is primo. Who knows how the GP reverbs all fell so far from the tree.

Delays are ok. Nothing great. A little to washy for me but some dig that. Nothing great or horribly wrong here. Easy to find that Gilmore tone with the analog delay.

Gate/Compressor. Both are pretty crappy and almost seem like a last minute add on. Neither one is sensitive enough (like almost everything else in the package) to dial in correctly. You are either gated to much or not enough. The whole program seems to compress the **** out of the models anyway so the only point ive found in using the compressor pedal was to increase the over all volume, but again its hard to dial in the sustain because the knob is not sensitive enough.

Wah is garbage, the volume knob does not affect anything as far as I can tell.

The only amps that seem to have some thought behind them are the spinal puppet and solo 100. \

The puppet amp sounds much more like a duel/triple rectofier then the rectofier model does. The Soldano amp feels like a Soldano as fa

Only as reliable as your computer. The software burps now and again but nothing major.

Line 6 is ok. I have quite a few buddies that use some of there gear, mostly there pedals and they are generally pretty good about repairs and whatnot. Plus it helps that I live like 20 min. From Canoga Park heh.

Overall this is a good unit for the utter beginner who only has played that crappy 10 what rogue amp from musians friend. This lets you experiment to your hearts content and if you have never known the true glory or power of some serious tubes then this is gonna feel pretty good.

As a noodling toy this GP will surfice.

As a serious recording tool or song crafting peice it utterly fails. I played with it for a coule months but could not stomach how bad it sounded so I sat on my dest collecting dust. I purchased the Native Instruments Guitar Rig and it destroys the poor little GP. But its also quite a bit more expensive soooo........

Overall its decent if you can live with your tone smeared with midrange.

Oh and the online part is actually pretty cool. I only did it for a couple weeks but if I was still a young hotshot learning as many licks as possible this would be the way to go. So in the practice catagory I would give it higher marks cuase tone dont matter as much then.