Pod HD Pro vs. Axe Fx 2 - Metal

Signal chain:
Strictly 7 Guitars Solar7 with Seymour Duncan Distortion pickups - Axe Fx2 / PodHD Pro USB - Logic 9

Both units were recorded using their USB interface feature. I created the patches from scratch and without the intent to make them sound like each other. For guitars only check the other half of the video. I'm using the built in impulses for both units, but bear in mind that the Axe Fx 2 can store custom impulses, which of course is a GREAT feature since stock impulses usually suck ass. With the Pod you can't.

I'm not interested in favoring any of the brand, that's for the viewer to decide.

If you like to hear both the units on their own check out the following videos instead:

Axe Fx 2 - Metal

Pod HD Pro - Metal

Click the following links to download the patches:

Pod HD Pro (right click and save target)

Axe Fx 2 (right click and save target)

Flame on...

[OlaEnglund]

I added this text to the description:

I'm using the built in impulses for both units, but bear in mind that the Axe Fx 2 can store custom impulses, which of course is a GREAT feature since stock impulses usually suck ass. With the Pod you can't.

[OlaEnglund]

@ejers4133 both units utilize cab-simulation. With the Axe Fx you can put in your own impulses(simulations) but for the demo I used the ones that came with the unit. Hope that makes sense BLARAARGH!

[OlaEnglund]

@SeamlessR yes I did all the patches with the corresponding software interface. Axe Edit and Pod HD Edit

[pokopiko]

they are both DIGITAL SIMULATORS and they sound SUPER! its a matter of taste and a matter of wallet! i still enjoy my HD though...

[mr.s]

It kills me when I read comments like "the Axe Fx doesn't sound $1500 better".  If you base an effects processor/preamp/modeler purchase on a few presets and ignore the entire feature set, then maybe you should stick to stompboxes . Let's compare (using the HD500x specs vs Axe Fx II): 30 amp models vs 200 (with 70+ adjustable paramaters in EACH AMP). 16 cabinet models vs 130+(and 100 user cab slots- and each cabinet can change what mic is used and its placement, distance, etc). 100+ effects vs 168 effects (and the ability to run two completely separate versions of almost all of the effects) - each with a ridiculous amount of settings and adjustments (and amps, cabs and effects continue to be added and improved via firmware updates). A single SHARC DSP running at 400mhz 64 bit vs Dual tigerSHARC DSP's running at 600mhz 128 bit.
Now let's look at the really big differences. Cabinet IR's are superior in every way to simple cabinet modeling, and the ability to load 3rd party or customized blended ones (using Cab Lab for example) is tremendously powerful - it makes or breaks the patch. Tone matching - Axe users got a huge feature add on with a firmware update - connect the Axe Fx 2 to a computer via USB and take a sample of your fav guitar tone and you CAN MATCH IT. If you wanted to you could Tone Match a Kemper, HD500x, X3 etc. None of those units can do that. One of the greatest strengths of the Axe Fx is the extreme effects routing capability . You have 4 rows to run any effects in any order and route the signal any way you want. If you want absolute control and the most accurate modeling available today, the choice is clear. If you like the way that one patch sounds and can make a decision on the entire unit based on that - frankly the Axe Fx is too much for you.

[OlaEnglund]

@onewiththedead Don't think that would work, the X3 and the Pod HD are two totally different units. Maybe someone else can confirm this.

[PADsoundtrack]

Like always I'm impressed by Line 6. The price and the quality are amazing.

[Phybia]

I totally agree, man! Some aspects of the sounds from the Pod may sound "friendlier", but the Axe FX is WAY more usable, distinctive in its sound and generally alot more solid sounding.

[Maxze]

this video made me get a pod HD pro. I have now owned it for 4 months and i have No regrets at all!
it's a killer amp modulator for the price! I got it used for 350$ with a FBV Shortboard and a 250W Solid state Power amp included aswell

[TelecasterLizard]

I imagine these sounds would be ridiculously crushing if they were blended together!

[hewittcadet]

I spent months with the podhd trying to get a good tone that would shine through in a mix. Finally said fuck it and bought an axefx. Best money ever spent.

[Micheltarra]

Jaaa.
Congratulation for your patch.
I got the 500X and my patchs double sound great . The Pods got his secrets or deep parameters too... Greetings from Argentina.

[danyeo]

I can't believe that I actually like the Line 6 better.

[TobyKBTY]

HOLY CRAP. Line 6 really kicked it up a notch with the POD HD PRO.

[guitarlife]

I'm digging both to be honest. They're both kick ass, wonderful sounding pieces of equipment. I'm going to get a pod for now though, to be cost efficient. I'll be more than pleased.

[SubZ]

Both POD HD Pro patches work on the HD 500 if anyone is wondering. Both sound really good on my 8 string. Props to Ola!

[meinukey]

To those who think that HD's sound is warmer, that's understandable in a standalone situation, but that muddiness is a serious kick in the ass when mixing.

[LemmyKoopaVGA]

Wow, I thought the Axe would blow the POD out of the water from what I've heard, but I actually like the POD better. Sounds warm and nice.

[OlaEnglund]

@jaredbroider it's 1p worse than 1080p :(

[gambleyourhealth]

Both are great, in the end . . what made my decision for me was "Is the AFX2 2000+ dollars more worth of quality" My own answer was No. Other peoples answer may be Yes, depending on their needs. Like Tonematch, there isnt much out there that does that. However, that said, most of the guys i know that bought it because it can tonematch have never used the function.
The way an unmodified patch sounds means nothing. Can you get the HD to sound a TINY bit fuller like the AFX2 on those same patches just by editing the patch? Yes.
In the end, people are going to chose what they want to chose based on what their needs are and what their wallet will allow.
Then, there will be the fanboys who say "AFX2 is wins hands down and is the ultimate in sims etc etc blah blah" when they have probably never even played thru one let alone own one. Then they go home and play thru their Pod anyway.
Then, there will be other Pod fanboys that will say "pod FTW forever" who have probably never played an AFX2 either.
I am neither. AFX2 is an awesome machine with formidable capabilities. In the right hands (Tosin Abasi for example) it can do some pretty amazing things.
Dont expect those things to happen to you just because you own one. Capability comes from its root word "Ability". If you have poor ability, then it wouldnt matter if you were using an AFX2 or a shitty plastic Zoom Modeller.
7 hundo Vs nearly 3 grand. It was a simple decision for me to buy the Pod and have over 2k left to spend on a mad guitar. Previously, I WOULDNT TOUCH a Pod product if I was paid to. I reluctantly gave the HD a chance and loved it.