Boss GT 8 vs. Line 6 POD XL Live???

[berean532000]

Hi. I was wondering if both these units are made of metal and not plastic. Also, do both of these units have a USB out/in so that I can connect it to my USB port on my computer? Anyone know how the POD Live records compared to the Boss GT 8? Thanks.

[funkStrat_97]

Hi. I was wondering if both these units are made of metal and not plastic. Also, do both of these units have a USB out/in so that I can connect it to my USB port on my computer? Anyone know how the POD Live records compared to the Boss GT 8? Thanks.


Can't comment on the recording quality, but both of these units are well constructed of metal (Boss has a reputation for being "indestructable" regardless of how good or bad a given pedal might sound). For recroding, you might want to check out Digitech's GNX 3 or GNX 4 guitar worksations. They even have a drum machine and a built in digital recorder that doubles as looper/sampler (I like the fact that the GNX4 also has bass amp models as I play both guitar and bass).

[SpinksDad]

I looked at both, used the Pod for awhile. Bought the Boss. And a Tube Pre-Amp. Course I'm a tone purist...
That being said, here's what I think ...
Pod is good, well constructed. Complex, hard to figure out - learning curve is rough. If you want a few sounds, and you are not a purist, it's a decent choice. At least three other guys at my church have them. Only one uses it for more than one or two sounds, and always as a live performance.
Okay, that is about the Pod. Here's the scoop on the Boss -
Buy it, the GT8, not the GT8 Pro, unless all you will ever do is record with it. Then the Pro is the way to go. You'll have to buy a Midi pedal system for it.
For the Boss GT8 USB hookup - Get the USB to Midi interface from Edirol, the Um-1EX, its about $30 to $40. There's a free downloadable patch edit program that is AWESOME!! To get it, go to www.bossgtcentral.com/gt8editor.html
You have to load the driver for the USB interface (comes with it) and then the GT8 software. What makes this so awesome, is that you can make your adjustments on the PC then save them to the GT8, and unplug and go.
You can even re-arrange the order of the effects, and it's a BOSS system, which means many of the effects are Boss pedals.
The tube pre-amp I bought is used in the 'loop' feature of the Boss.
The only drawback I have found, is it doesn't have an aux input to run my iPod into, to play along with music.
But, hey, if I want that, it's just a mixer away...
I bought the GT8 used, and I love it. I play every sunday and Wednesday at our church. I use a Telecaster, Strat, or Les Paul, depending on the song set. I've been very pleased with my decision..
Good luck with your choice. My recommendation would be to see if you can find someone with the Pod and borrow it, and the same with the Boss. I had to go to a music store to try out the Boss unit though.
Oh, and Boss has great tech support. Very helpful. I've even called them while using it, and they walked me through the steps I needed.
Good Luck, and let us know what you decide...
Thom