Line 6 Spider 212 Combo

I love this amp! It has 7 effects, 4 simultainiously and 12 amp models. i cant get enough of this amp. i love it so much! It is 150 watts with 2 12 inch speakers. I use it mostly at home and it, even after a year, continues to blow me away with its solid distortion. one of my friends uses it at band practice because he loves it. he likes how he can do sweeping without it picking up the pulloffs that arent supposed to be played. I only have two complaints about it. The knob for the amp models doesnt work quite right. And, the main prblem is, that after about 6 on the master it gets some feedback. I have yet to figure out why but i bet that its my fault. i dont know what some of these other guys are talking about, this amp rocks!Also, when the amp powers up, it gives a cool light show which i think is neat.

this amp has sounds all the way from cannibal corpse to pink floyd to SRV and then to three days grace. The clean channels are thick and full and with my guitar, can give slight distortion at very high volumes. My guitar has two hummbucking pickups and has a tonne of low end. I adore everything this amp has and gives. I love the noisegate feature, My buddies have marshalls and at basically any volume they get smajor feedback. But i can turn mine up all the way with absolutely no noise.

I would put my life in the hands of this amp! It has never let me down. I have the fbv express pedal swithc with it and it always works great.

never had to deal with them.

Ive been playing three years and have been through fender and marshall amps and the line 6 blows them out of the water. I used to use a boss ma-2 metal footswithch but with the line 6 i don't need it. If it were stolen (i would hang myself if i lost it) i would either buy it again or buy the head and cab. I love everything but the amp models knob, it isnt really accuate. it gives feedback at high volumes but i think its my guitar. Im going to go to the place i bought it at (long and mcquade) and find out why it does it.

Our bass player suggested I'd look at Line6 amps when I was looking to buy one.
I've learnt 2 lessons in the mean time, 1 being "don't trust bass players with guitar amp advice" end 2 " don't believe the hype".
Many of the reviews here are quite positive and I must admit they partially contributed to my final choice, the Line6 Spider II 212...
I bought it sans floorboard and initially hooked my Boss ME-50 to it.
This can be done but it really is a terrible combination. You need to set the Spider as clean as possible to let your effect unit work but the final result is absolutely horrifing. So I ended up coughing up another 315 EUR for the shortboard, without which you can't really use the Spider in a live situation.
I stil rate this a 6 as it appears to be pretty verstatile and feature full, and first glance that is..

My main quibble is inconsistency. This amp sounds pretty nice sometimes but awfull most of the time... I have recordings were the thing really sines but other where it absolutey sucks, using exactly the same guitar and settings...

After 1,5 years, the guitar connector got loose, pushing the input inside the casing..
I managed to fix this issue myself but it confirmed my opinion that we're not dealing with the best quality amp...
It didn't really let me down during a live gig, apart from the varying sound quality...

ever dealt with them

Well, I decided to buy another amp, having a natural clean tone. I'll get my effects from either a multi effetcs pedal like the boss ME-50 or separate boxes.

I really believe I've given this amp a thourough chance, having owned it for nearly 2 years and twisted the nobs to find my tone but I still haven't found what I'm looking for...

Digital isn't just ready for prime time I'm afraid.

It has some good effects, but for recording, DO NOT USE THEM!!! They aren't quality effects and are only there to satisfy young kids who can't tell the difference.

It is very bad. I mean, try the distortion, it is heavy, dull, and a lot of low end. You can play clean, but the clean clips and gives you damn distortion anyway.

Had it fixed 3 times.

Good, but still, I ain't the type to keep bringing it back to get it fixed, I want reliability!

Mostly crap. Get something good. This amp sucks. I mean it.

SPIDER 212 SPECS

Amp Models (6) Clean, Twang, Blues, Crunch, Recto, Insane
Channels 4
Presets (6) factory, (4) user-programmable
Basic Controls Amp Model, Drive, Bass, Mid, Treble, Channel Volume, Flange/ Chorus/Tremolo, Delay, Reverb, Tap
Hidden Parameters Clean Boost, Distortion Boost, Presence Boost, Noise Gate
Amplifier 100W (50W per side in stereo configuration)
Speakers (2) 12" Line 6 Tubetone
Dimensions 26.5" (W) ? 20.5" (H) ? 11" (D)

I'm pretty sure it was made in the year 2000.

This amp will sound amazing when a little time and effort are put into configuring the controls and finding the right sound for you. The presets can be quite instrument particular but once you have matched the amp you wont be sorry you bought it.

The only problem I had with the sound quality is that it doesn't sound substancial enough on low volume. It wasn't until I turned the volume up that everyone was blown away. And at a high volume when everything has some power flowing through it the amp can really sound atmospheric.

I have been practicing/gigging with this amp for a couple of years now and not a thing has gone wrong with it. Superb.

I've contacted them via their website with regards to additional effects and things and they've always replied in a timely manner. Although I don't feel like I'm talking to electronics/sound obsessed professionals. Which is what I expect.

I've been playing far too many years to count and have gone through hundreds of guitars and amps. Some of my favourite amps to play through are old Peavey bass amps for simple clean and great distortion. However, I'm really sold on these modelling amps and I don't think I'll ever go back.

I've played Behringer and Yamaha modelling amps and I prefer the Line6 hands down. The effects are more specific but they're just what I'm after.

I would never, ever let this get stolen.

2-12 2003 model solid state built in effects and amp models

I have to say this was the biggest blunder i have made in guitar equipment over the years. I on a whim decided after reading some good reviews to order this puppy on-line without having heard it myself. (what was i thinking?) I have alway owned tube amps but had some good results with fender and roland solid state amps as well. I was on a budget and was getting back into playing and needed the most versitility for as little money as possible. This amp seemed to have it all with lots of power and effects at a decent price. The first time I plugged it in and started playing with the effects I felt like i had egg on my face. This amp has the most lifeless toneless sound of any amp i had ever played and ive played a lot. The effects are almost useless too much effect with very little control over them. I think If u are new to guitar and havent played many amps u might think this amp sounds good but if you have ever played anything halfway decent you will be very disapointed. I get much better sound playing directly into my computer and turning my monitors up. If u have ever played a fender, marshal,vox, mesa boogie, orange, peavy, matchless, ampeg......ect you will hate this amp. Please dont waste your money be patient save up and get a quality amp.

This amp started to pop and hiss after only two weeks. It did have a warenty and they did fix it but it didnt sound any better when i got it back.

Well they were extremely busy and hard to get on the phone so i guess i wasnt the only one having problems.They did honor the warenty at least.

Ive been playing for almost 20 years can play almost anything prefer to play blues jazz fusion and classic rock. I have owned many great amps over the years including vintage fenders, marshals, vox, sunn, peavy, mesa, roland to name a few. I wish a had kept them all but having a family will change your priorities. The one thing i love about this amp.....hmmm well i love to turn it off. I hate the sound the tone and the effects pretty much everything not to mention it is very heavy and hard to move around. I was trying to save a buck and ended up losing $500. still trying to sell it no takers. If you are considering this amp please go to the music store try it out.

What the Spider's got :
- 2 12' Tube Tone speakers in open-backed cabnet (stereo)
- 4 user defined pre-sets
- 6+ Amp models
- 6 effects; chorus, flange, vibrato on one dial, tape echo, digital
delay & ping-pong delay on the other
- TAP button to set effect tempo/rate, treble, distortion & volume
boost, noise gate, compare mode
- headphone jack
- single instrument input

The Spider's dials work in a 'Dead Zone' style: when you switch from one preset to another, the dials will be inactive and not alter tone until they are turned past the point they were at when the setting was saved. Once you exceed that point, the dial becomes fully responsive again.
At first, this bugged me, especially when watching the dials on a Cyber-Twin 'magically' align themselves with the levels of their selected setting. Later, I realised the 'dead zone' thing was no big deal and easy to master. Anyway, the servo's auto-turning the Twin's dials seems like just one more thing that will eventually have to be repaired...

If you check the review of any amp in the Harmony Central database, there's going to be mixed opinions. No surprises there because appreciation of sound is subjective (as well as dependent on type of gear, style and level of play, and the ability/willingness to tweak the dials.) For that reason I'm going to avoid the 'real-tube' vs. DSP war and just give my honest opinions.

- guitars used : '83 Ibanez Roadstar, '99 Godin LGX, '02 Burns Bison
- musical style : rock (hard, progressive, punk)

The Spider comes with 6 presets : Clean, Blues, Twang, Crunch, Recto & Insane. Aside from the last, I found I had to experiment with the dials to get acceptable sounds from the presets. Once I did though I found them each distinct and emotive. That said, I felt the 'Crunch' channel didn't have the bite I expected from a Marshall-based mode although with the Drive cranked it gives a passable AC/DC. The amp does seem to tend towards 'bassiness' but this can be easily cut back; the controls all respond well; a slight turn of the dial can make a surprising difference in sound. All the models sound full and cut through at higher volumes, clean or distorted.

Brief reviews of the models after being tweaked:

Clean : once the chorus and reverb are dialed back this provides a neutral (though maybe a bit sterile) tone. Nice for guitars with accoustic piezo or transducer pick-ups
Blues : with the Drive up, this mode is soulful, dynamic, hot, resonant with a threatening growl
Twang : not being a country player, it took a lot of fooling around before I got a tone I like out of this. With the Drive, Mids & Treble up I get a fun Surf/Ska/Punk sound (East Bay Ray was my inspiration here)
Crunch : I take the drive off this and use it clean; especially good for accoustic piezo or transducer pick-ups (better than 'Clean' in my opinion.)
Recto : Full ranged sound that can be shaped by the Drive to fit almost any genre. I've got it set to a sort of jazzy, Steely Dan tone.
Insane : Sizzling. Tons of sustain, tight defined chords, stinging harmonics, beautiful muffled-E control

I use this amp for band practice where it has no trouble at all being heard over another guitarist (using a Fender head w/4x12's) or the double-bass drum kit. I've never had to put it past 7 and even then it keeps its shape, fullness and clarity. The Spider is surprisingly quiet even on high gain settings; I can take my hands off the strings at full volume, while on the Insane setting and hear neither buzz nor hiss. By comparison, a friend playing a Fender Cyber-twin couldn't shake the cacophony of cracks, hums and hisses coming out of his amp (and I didn't notice a sizable difference in sound quality between his rig and mine either.)

I've owned and steadily played with this amp for over 5 years. In that time I've had 2 of the plastic corners replaced (previous ones cracked)and the button for User Channel A has become 'sticky' and requires some jiggling to engage. Other than that, the Spider has performed without hiccup (ie; no problems with sound or function, knock wood)despite being submitted to the snow and sub-zero temperatures of five Canadian winters. Even the black 'tolex' exterior has survived bashes without gashes and hasn't faded (although that could be the Amour-All)

Of course nothing's perfect: my problem with the Spider regards how it reacts with a recently purchased effects pedal (a Digitech EX-7.) No matter what I've tried (and believe me, I've done all I can do) I encounter persistant, significant line noise when using the two together. Changing location (home & studio), different cords and guitars, tweaking dials on pedal and amp, using a stripped-down clean channel & a power conditioner does nothing to solve the issue. When I try the pedal on other amps (digital or otherwise) it works without the slightest problem.
Emailing line 6's support brought a prompt reply but their suggestion (adjust pedal output) was third on the list of things I told them I'd already tried.
Kinda makes me feel like they're just giving lip-service, not reading their customers concerns...

Previously a singer/bassist, I bought this amp when I decided to get serious about my guitar playing. My only previous guitar amp was a Roland Jazz Chorus which didn't give me the versatility or heaviness I desired in my sound. In one form or another I've been playing for 15 years.

Spider Likes:
- the sound: if you can't find a sound you like off this amp you're probably not trying hard enough (and it's not that hard...)
- on board effects: what a relief to have quality effects built in. Admittedly, dedicated rack/foot units are going to have an edge here but the Spider's still sound great, especially the flange and ping-pong delay
- dependability: you've got to be able to trust your amp.
- plenty of power
- quick and easy set up

Spider dislikes :
- no foot control included. For the price, there should be.
- no effects loop, XLRs, or 2nd input
- achieving a late-night volume is a strenuous experience due to the sensitivity of the Master Volume. A volume that can be adjusted in increments (ie; using a rocker button) would be a vast improvement
- it's the only amp I've tried that refuses to get along with my effects pedal

I'll soon be moving on to an amp with more professional options (effects loop, XLR's, footswichable channels, pedal compatability, ability to drive an external cab) for use on stage but I don't foresee getting rid of my Spider. New guitarists especially will value this amp's versatility, dependability, sound quality and effects. It's definately helped me advance my playing over the last few years and I'd strongly recommend new guitarists or those looking for a wide palette of sounds add it (or the Spider 2 nowadays) to the list of 'amps to try.'

Mine is a 1998 and I have programmed in so many great sounds.
The Delay often leaves something to be desired...you can't quite get the "streets have no name" vibe going with it, but it's cool.
Amp is plenty powerful for what I use it for, and the clean channels are just as punchy as the crunchy ones.

I have used a Les Paul, Schecter C-1, a Taylor410ce, a Larrivee d3 all on this amp and they each were well represented.
Playing everything from metal to worship music, it is quite versatile and for someone like me 4 channels is plenty when it comes to pre-sets. At first the INSANE was just too much, but the more I used it, it blew away the RECTO setting and I primarily only go insane now.

The Amp has been great, but the only problems I have had with it, come from the floor switch, which often sticks and depending on the mood it's in, will or won't switch to all the channels, which sucks.

A great amp! I have owned Peavey's, Crates and even some stacks and this Amp just beats them hands down for being a plug and play genius.
2 thumbs up.

Made in 2002. They made a new version which replace it - the spider II. Hopefully it works better than mine.
This Amp is VERY versitile. It has a 6 amp models(each with their own distortion settings, including an 'INSANE' setting which is quite mighty) and a range of useful effects. It has four banks where you can save you settings when you sound you like (apparently the footswitch has more built in banks). Headphone Socket. No output for connecting extra speakers, unfortunately. Not as powerful as i expected but is loud enough for medium size gigs. Doesnt seem to 'cut through' the band mix very well, kinda gets lost. Good all round though, shame it's a piece of junk (see below)

I mainly use an Ibanez RG reissue and the amp sounds pretty good for the rock/metal sort of stuff i do. The 'Recto' setting is pretty good but not that brutal. The 'Insane' is quite dissappointing, to be honest. It'll do for most metal but sounds a little bit weedy for really nasty metal but generally with the range of effects chances are you'll find something you like unless you'r a Dimebag wannabe (like me). When it's working (it used to) there wasnt really much noise even with lots of distortion at high volume. There are lots of cool sounds you can use, more types of reverb and echo than Edge can shake a strat at. Lots of variety. If you want a randall, Get a Randall. if not, this should be O.K. But read on!!!!

I paid #500 for it, more than i could afford but it sounded really nice. it worked ok for a few months (the odd crackly noise but nothing too bad). Then it went bad. I may have just got a dud but it think it is just a rubbish amp. I was doing a soundcheck for a gig and it went completely haywire. A godawful racket started belting out. Even with the volume really low it still makes a deep feedback noise at what seems like full volume. I have not mistreated this amp in any way that could have caused this. I sent it back to the shop FIVE TIMES, at some point every part of this amp has been replaced. It still sucks. It's out of warranty now and there's no way i'm paying to send it back for them not to fix it. I cant even use it in my room, i wouldnt dream of using it at a gig. As far as i'm concerned it's a piece of junk. It's rubbish, useless. A complete waste of money.

DONT GET ME STARTED. I sent it back repeatedly and they were no help at all. Completely useless. the first time i sent it back it was under warranty., they replaced a few bits and bobs and it lasted a couple of weeks, then broke again. By then the warranty was out. I sent it back four other times and was charged between #65 and #80 each time. They claimed to have fixed it repeatedly (i'm not even sure they even opened it up. there was a piece of tape that would have to have been removed to open it. it hadn't) at one point they said they fired it up and that there was nothing wrong with it - my arse. I hate them. they were very uncooperative when i phoned them. I would NEVER give line-6 any of my money again. i feel like i've been ripped off.

It worked well for a while. i was very happy with it while it was working (even though it was slightly underpowered). It sounded pretty good. But it's so unreliable i dont even plug it in any more because i know i'll just end up diving across the room to kill the power and then have to apologise to the neighbours for 'that bloody racket!!!' I'm going to take the amp out and throw it away and just use it as a speaker cab. As i say, i may have got a dud amp, but my advice is to buy something that you know is gonna be more than a rest for you cuppa in six months.

you probly already know the features.

I have played this amp through a stock strat, a prs custom 24, and a parker p-38. none of the pickups in any of these guitars could coax a decent sound out of the amp (not even the prs). I play with alot of distortion alot of the time, and found myself using the recto setting the most; it has the most sustain without the hissing and muddiness of the insane setting. the blues setting isnt bad, but it still sounds flat. in fact, every setting, except for clean, is the sensual equivalent to drinking ginger ale that has been sitting opened in a hot car for two days.
this was the first powerful amp I bought, and so for two years i didnt know what i was missing tonally: that is, until i finally started using the amp for live shows. i was thoroughly disappointed with the lack of power, clarity, and character that it exhibited. the drums and vocals both clashed with the amp, causing a very unpleasant listening experience. i used to think that the if you were truly a good guitarist, you could make any piece of equipment sound good. but i realized after playing a couple of shows with this amp that even jimmy hendrix wouldn't sound good, if all you heard was mud bubbling from his amp!
dont buy this amp, because its useless in any venue: its too loud and heavy (literally and tonally) for a practice amp, and too crappy sounding at high volumes, and then not quite powerful enough to be heard clearly over a loud drummer. save yourself some cash and buy a 30 watt vox if you want good tone for the bedroom, and save your patience and buy a real amp (marshall, mesa, framus) if you want to have good live tone. dont make the same mistake i made, and make a hasty purchase for a product that you didnt research at all. i think that a lack of research could be the only reason that line 6 sold any of these things at all, or else lots of grandparents were buying their grandkids line 6 spiders, along with XXXL t-shirts with mickey mouse on them.

it has held up well for the last 4 years, although ive only played it live a few times (once is more than enough!)

never dealt with them

ive been playing for ten years, and i this amp has been a thorn in my side for nearly half that time. now that i am finally making some money, i am anxious to get a real tube amp with more power and feeling. if this amp was stolen, i would consider its performance punishment enough for the criminal.
granted, i am not the most knowledgable about amps, and i have not owned many in my life, nor have i tested out as many as i would like, but i know when something doesnt sound good, and this amp fits that build.

Your kidding this thing has no features when compared to a similar amps in it's price class. no effects loop and no speaker extention jack and no sound

Alright this was not my amp and i used a Schector OMEN 6 through it when making some demos. this was the other guitarist in my bands amp and he kept it pretty clean but drenched DRENCHED DRENCHED in reverb. the reverb drenching made it sound pretty good and almost like my vintage reverborocket(MY HOLYGRAIL OF TONE). the problem is that when I took the reverb off to try and get my sound it sounded like crap. my main stage amp (at the time a solid state fender that had a good clean channel) had broken and this was the only amp in the house at the time so i tweaked at it for 2 days straight. This amp does not get tube emulation at all. most line6 products dont although the pod easier to use then anything else. All the models sounded so fake to me that i couldnt believe anyone would want to buy such a thing. at least with a pod you can record it into the red on an analog machine or use it through a tube powerstage using an effects loop. I cant give it a 1 being as it is decent and if played through by a good enough player it would serve well. Line6 should have gone back to the drawing board with this as it sounds so bad

NOt mine dont care

I would never buy this amp. for about the same price ther is the Behringer GMX212 (my main amp) which gets tube emulation right and sounds like a good (not great it's solid state) tube amp. this amp cant even touch it for features or sounds the only thing better on this amp is the ease of use for the effects but thje effects on this amp suck so there is no point