Line 6 GuitarPort

The install process was painless , but when plugging it in the guitarport did not always initalize and work. The unit comes with no
manual on how to set it up. Its all provided on the cd or online
so for those who are not computer literate , you are in trouble here.

One thing that I hated was I just like to plug it in and play. Here
you have to spend time about 10 mins just tweaking around just to get
a good sound. Not good for those you want to plug your axe in and
spend 10 minutes warm up , then rock for half hour or till or fingers
bleed. With this product you will spend 10mins then loose the will to live.

Sound quality was good through headphones and through my Roland Cube 15 amp. But then an annoying popping sound kept happening about every
15 seconds. all the time.

Totally unrealiable.

Was playing my guitar through headphones , when the unit cut out
and sent a high pitch hissing at max volume. Just through the thought
of losing ?99 , prevented me chucking it through the window

Very limited customer support at line 6.

Internet Guitarport web site had few comments on how to reduce the popping sound but none of these worked on my pc

If you can stop the popping noise and ensure that the unit never
cuts out when you have headphones on the your ears may last you.

I am very computer literate and I could not get it to stop and
my pc was a good spec P4 3GHZ 512MB ram and after two days of
getting it to work, gave up and took it back to the shop. Determined
to get something that was worth the money. So bit the bullet and
bought a pod version 2. Which cost an extra ?30 but was ready to rock within minutes of taking it out of the box.

Its very easy to use, especially if youre already familiar with line 6 amps or PODs. they have a long list of presets, some useful, some not. if you sign up for guitarport online, you get access to thousands more guitar tones. the music player (which is what i think makes this such a valuable tool) is also quite simple, so if you can use windows media player or winamp, this is a breeze. mine is the most recent model (2.51 i think) but im not worried because future updates are downloadable from the website for free. the only qualm i have is that the interface (the shiny red thing that you actually plug into) essentially becomes the sound card. you have to run an 1/8" cable (included) from the output of the soundcard into this, and then the guitarport has stereo RCA outs to your speakers and a dedicated headphone jack...so you might not be able to use standard computer speakers. this isnt so bad however, because they probably wouldnt sound as good. i give it a nine because the program is super easy but hooking it up to begin with requires a little more brain power.

it sounds like a line 6 amp, which for years i have been quite fond of. i dont use their amps anymore but im glad i purchased this. the effects are straightfoward and very convincing. there are numerous patches you can get from guitarport online, and they all sound great (most of the time). there is a strange idiosyncracy with this however...just because jimi used *blahblah* amp to get this sound doesnt mean that you use *blahblah* amp to model his sound. we all know eric johnson doesnt use soldano amps but certain sounds of his are modeled better with an SLO-100 than a plexi with a tube driver in front of it. this means you have to play around a bit and experiment when your creating tones from scratch. also, when you download certain tones dont be surprised if the model isnt what you thought it was. i think part of this strange fact is why there are so many line 6 "original" amps included. that and copywright laws.

the only hardware is the interface between the guitar and computer. i imagine if you dont break mice, keyboards, cable modems, LAN routers, etc very often, then this will be ok on your desktop. beyond that i dont know how it will hold up. its mostly software that makes the guitarport what it is.

line 6 has a cool email based q&a thing which has always helped me, except they never responded the very last time i used it.

i give it a 9 because despite the partial headache you get setting it up with your speakers, the beauty of this device is that it lets you play alongwith music without the original guitar parts. it almosts makes it a neccesity to have signed up for guitarport online, especially if you inted on getting the most of out it, but thats where you find all these cool songs to jam with. is it a practice tool? yeah. is it fun as hell and entertaining for hours? yeah. ive been playing for 10 years, and i have a couple opf nice amps and guitars (various parker flys, hotrodded strats, VHT pitbull, fender deluxe revered reissue) i play everythign but hardcore metal. sometimes i play that too. i think every guitarist who uses a computer could get some cool uses out of this thing

this program is very easy to use. you can play with the effects, amps and all the features all day long. also, if you sign up for guitarport online, it gets even easier. i am not sure if there is a manual, but you don't need it.

i use a fender strat and an epiphone les paul. i foud there are two things i do not like about this setup. first off, it sounds very thin. i found there is too much room noise, even if you move the mic right up on the grill. the second thing is that the noise reducer is not very good. the amps do produce a lot of noise.
with that said, i still think that it is worth it for the 100 bucks or what ever it costs now days. the sound are still remarkable, and if you really spend some serious time tweaking your settings, you can get a fairly good sound.

always works.

i run a studio in alameda, ca. i record mostly rock stuff. this is a valubale tool that i use in re-amping guitar sounds after teh client has left. it is a great product. i would recomend it, but you should consider this: unless you spend a lot of time getting your sound right, it sounds digital and thin, but for a project studio, i think it is one of the best products on the market.

The installation is quick and easy, the interface is very intuitive and the integrated help files are (usually) very useful. Unfortunately, the documentation doesn't seem to have been updated much, and as of 6/28/05, the official website still says that the documentation for version 2.5, released in November 2004, is "coming soon." This isn't much of a problem, though, because as previously stated, everything is very intuitive.

Totally blew me away. The first time I routed a screamer (modeled off the Ibanez tubescreamer) into a spinal puppet (line 6 original amp head) I spent like 10 minutes just playing power chords and listening to them ring. The cabinet and mic simulation is always very convincing, and the EQ and compression effects are simple but very high quality. The only problem I have is with the reverb. Included is an effect based on spring reverb and a couple of line 6 originals. The spring verb sounds just like the real thing, which is okay, except that it never sounds very warm. The line 6 reverb models are decent, except there is always some predelay even when the knob is set at zero.

Also, some users complain that clean sounds are boring. I disagree, but I'm hardly ever use completely clean tones and I suppose I'm not in a position to argue.

I can't figure out what inspires the occasional "this-sounds-like-butt" review, perhaps these folks are feeling insecure and need to take out their feelings on an object that won't retaliate.

It seems reliable enough, but it is very small and light and would probably break with very little encouragement. Not that it will see much abuse sitting on your desk 24/7.

Some people think the customer support is terrible. I strongly disagree. I have no access to technical support for my $900 keys, but these guys will talk to you on the phone and answer questions by email very quickly and effeciently. I contacted them twice by email with questions recording, and both times they solved my problem. The email system isn't so intuitive (you can't reply to their emails, like one reviewer did...if you do, they don't get your response and the case is considered "solved") but the support overall is very good.

Great toy for recording and practicing. Blows my RP100a out of the water. In retrospect, I kind of wish I had put down the extra $200 for a PodXT because I would love to be able to take this guy on my apartment's roof to practice, and because upgrading the guitarport to have the same amps and effects as the podXT costs an outrageous $100. But I digress. There is no better digital recording option in this price range.

the software is version 2.51. This thing is brilliant. it seriously takes no more than 5-10 minutes of going through all the amps and effects to master the controls. everyone I have shown it to are amazed, and most can make their own sounds immediately. however, I hate having to stop playing to switch settings or reset the wah. it would be great to have a pedalboard for this.

using it with a custom strat w/ a JB in the bridge, the guitarport sounds great. most of the high gain settings match the real amps well; the others you can usually tweak to get good tone. the wah setting's only control is with the mouse, which is (obviously) not usable while playing. they need to have an autowah setting. also, the only real clean amp is a roland jazz chorus, and it's kind of weak. Line 6 needs to make upgrades for the clean amps.

I use it for home recording, and it has never failed me.

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For $175, I have something that I can use for just about any recording I would need. It also came with an OLP guitar (which actually wasn't too shabby for a free one) that I gave to my girlfriend. It has almost everything I need for recording, and whatever it doesn't have, I'm sure Line 6 will make for it eventually. again with the pedalboard though, it seriously needs one just for jamming.
I've been playing for about 6 years, and Line 6 has been good to me, so I'm not one to bash it for being digital. I have no problems with using this on a daily basis, and I show it to everyone I can. go buy one.

Very easy to use. Installation went very smooth, no problems what so ever. Version 2.51

Only thing I wish it had was a way to switch between effects easier on the fly.

The sound quality out of this little thing is nothing but AMAZING. Im a play of over 9 years, use a Jackson RR3R with EMG 85-85's, and a DR3R with a Duncan JB in the bridge. Normal equipment is a Marshall JCM900 head, and 11 Boss pedals... since Ive gotten the guitar port, I havent turned my amp on once yet.

The interface is pretty straight forward, easy to edit sounds and get the sound you want. Some people here were complaining about the feedback. Thing is, the feedback is no different than any other real amp. Secondly, CRT monitors can cause pickup interference, so take that into consideration too. I use an LCD, and recieve no feedback what so ever. I have no skipping, popping, or anything of the sort. If your experiencing problems, you might have a USB latency issue.

Simply the best $100 Ive ever spent on anything music related.

Ive had it plugged in and running for about 2 weeks now, and have had no problems yet. Works every time.

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I play everything from classic rock to metal, and this little Guitar Pod covers it all. If I lost it, Id buy another one in a hear beat. As I said, since Ive gotten this, I havent plugged into my rig yet.

Im going to use this to do some recordings, I think Ill finally get the sound I want to be recorded. Whats great about this is that I dont have to mess with buying mics, room acoustics, or anything else... plug it in, and rock away.

If your in doubt about buying this, GO OUT AND GIVE IT A TRY. Most places like Guitar Center will give you a 30 day trial, so you've got nothing to lose... thats why I did it, and after using it for 15 minutes, I decided that I would NEVER take this back. Just give it a try, I pretty much guarantee youll love it.

Sets up in about 5 minutes... I've moved it to a few different computers and never has a problem. The install program tells you exactly what to do and when.

The software is simple and straightforward, and the box only has one knob (volume)... I have never been frustrated by the GuitarPort.

It also has some nice little features like metronome and hum reduction, and the delay and tremolo effects have BPM-style interfaces, which is really useful when you want to do something like put in eighth-note delay at 135 BPM without doing the math.

I run this through my computer speakers, so that may be part of it.

Some sounds simply don't sound good, especially if you load up the effects and turn up the overdrive, and every now and then it seems like these kinds of sounds are suffering from digital artifacts.

However, there are so many good sounds that it doesn't really matter, especially since you can look up the tones used on specific songs... think about that one for a second... Hendrix, Floyd, Nirvana, U2, Beatles tone - and not just generic artist tones, song specific tones, and often multiple tones per sound (intro, rhythm, solo, etc) at the click of a mouse button.

The hum reduction is a nice addition, too.

I've had mine 2 years with no problems... its not really a gigging type of unit, but if I was gigging with a laptop, I'd be more worried about Windows than the GuitarPort (GuitarPort is Windows only).

I would recommend this to almost anyone with a PC who plays guitar. Think digital amp/effects modeler pedal with a much much nicer interface, and a much lower price. It's great for recording, especially if you're a hobbyist and don't have hundreds or thousands of $$$ for effects.

If you're a sound snob, this probably isn't for you, but for everybody, you'll love it.

Super easy to set up -- just follow the instructions. No special computer geek skills required -- even a novice to computers could do it.

Some noise but using the noise cancellation wizard helped get rid of about 75% of the problem although some settings still create a little buzzing -- just stand back from the speakers and it is tolerable. From my perspective, the sound was really good but not great, but considering what I paid for it I can't complain.

Seems to be relativly solid but probably not for gigging -- seems more suitable for home practice and recording purposes.

No opinion on this.

I got this in the bargain bin for 90% off because it was missing the software. Was able to get a copy of the software install CD from a buddy that already had it so no big whoop in that area. If you are looking for a way to incorporate playing your guitar with the computer and have a very basic computer knowledge then this might be worthwhile.

It's pretty easy to setup. Install the software, plug it in and go. Editing patches takes a few minutes to learn and is fairly easy. There's no manual but it has so-so online help.

The sound quality is pretty poor. I have used a lot of modelers and I have to say the GuitarPort was about the worst I have tried. Everything just sounds artificial. All of the clean sounds are dull and lifeless. The high gain sounds plastic and artificial. If I understand correctly, this is the same sound engine as in the PODxt. If so, I am so happy I went with the Vox Tonelab instead of the PODxt. Only someone who has never played a decent amp would think any of the sounds on this device were remotely acceptable. Yes, you get what you pay for. But if Line6 expect me to shell out a monthly subscription of GuitarPort online, they need to offer something that sounds better.

What cracks me up the most is that none of the amp models sound remotely like their real world counterparts. For instance, I was doing the Sex Pistols lesson on GuitarPort online. In the lesson it says Steve Jones used a Fender Twin with custom speakers cranked to 10. So what does the lesson use to match Jones' tone? A Marshall Plexi with a disto stomp box. Seriously, WTF?!?

The website is junk. GuitarPort online is hopelessly jumbled. God forbid I would ever have to contact Line6.

Overall, it's good for anyone with $99 to waste who wants to play guitar on their computer. I was not at all satisfied with the amount of new content on the website or its organization so I returned the product. Like I said above I have a Vox Tonelab and its modeling far, far surpasses anything the GuitarPort could handle. I guess I was just not the target audience for this product. I would never buy another Line6 product after this. The whole experience was negative for me. I am amazed Line6 does so well and has such a loyal following. I am beginning to suspect their success is more related to their advertising budget than the quality of their products and services.

Very easy to install and use. The onscreen menus are very intuitive and appearance and function of the amps and effects are just like the real thing--very cool interface.

Manual and help text is electronic and is fine. The Line 6 online forums and support are second to none--outstanding.

My Guitarport came with the latest firmware, 2.51. I am told this release includes at least one more amp model, more effects, and much better sound.

For $100, this device is a steal. I have a Digitech GNX4, Korg PX4, and Behringer VAMP-Pro. Frankly, this little box and its software beat them all for AMP modeling quality.

The Line 6 online forum/community offers hundreds of tones (preset-patches) produced by Line 6 and customers. Many of them are simply outstanding. The Guitarport accepts most PodXT tones and will accept them all if you purchase a $100 add on PowerPack. I probably will do this in the future.

The effects are more than satisfactory. I have not played much with them yet--the only negative comment was the reverb. I recorded some stuff using a Malsteem tone patch and it sounded fantastic during recording--but when I listened to the finished MP3 through the stereo, it was a bit overdone sounding.

I have the GuitarPort connected to the computer via USB and to a mixer via its audio outs. The mixer is connected to a ART SL-1 Power amp and Kustom PA.

Depending on the AMP model, there is noise, just like the amp would produce in real life. Cleaner amp models have no noise. A built-in hum/noise eliminator (not noise gate) works fantastic to cancel hum from single coil pickups--this is worth the price alone!!!!

For some reason I have had an aversion to Line 6 products--no longer. I wish now I had gone with a POD XT or similar Line 6 product rather than the VAMP/KORG.

Hard to say. Not meant as a live device--it is intended for home/studio use. As such, should last a long time.

Line 6 is often ripped for poor customer service. I don't understand. They have been very responsive and their online forums/community is second to none. Virtually every question I had was answered through their online setup. Plus, their layout and access to tones (patches/presets) is great. Equal with Digitech. Better than Behringer and Korg (nonexistent).

The GuitarPort kicks _____. I don't plan to use the online/internet feature. I am using it as a simple guitar recording and amp simulation device. For that it is absolutely bitchen. I have a Digitech GNX4, Korg PX4, and VAMP Pro. IMHO, the GuitarPort beats them all for ease of use and AMP modeling. Obviously, the GNX4 offers much more in the way of onboard recording, drum machine, etc., but soundwise, the GuitarPort is right there if not better.

I would definitely replace it with another, and plan to purchase the optional PowerPack to acheive the same functionality of the PodXT. Though now, I would love to have a PODXT Live or Pro.