New Line 6 POD Express Black: the compact multi-effects for metalheads!

Line 6, a well-known brand in the world of multi-effects, is expanding its POD Express range, which we announced a few months ago, with the “Black” version . This little toolbox offers a concentrate of amps and effects, specially designed for guitarists looking for metal sound, classic tones and high-gain saturation, inspired by the brand’s famous Helix.

The POD Express Black is surprisingly compact and portable. With the option of battery power, it can be adapted to any context, whether for home use, travel or rehearsal. Line 6’s intuitive interface makes it easy to browse through a wide range of sounds. This multi-effects unit meets the needs of guitarists in search of a ready-to-use, space-saving product, above all capable of offering a rich and varied sound palette.

POD Express “Black” features:

The POD Express Black stands out for its extensive features:

• 7 amp models and 7 cabinet/loudspeaker simulations inspired by Line 6’s advanced HX technologies.
• 17 modular effects covering the essentials of metal and high-gain sound.
• 4 control knobs: Dist, Boost, Mod, Delay/Verb + additional functions accessible with the Alt knob: Gain, Mid, Bass, Treble.
• Stereo ¼” outputs, for easy integration into any setup.
• Headphone output, so you can practice at any time without disturbing those around you.
• 4-in/4-out USB audio interface, turning POD into a practical tool for home recording.
• Tap Tempo function for instant adjustment of temporal and modulation effects.
• Built-in tuner and gate noise (noise reduction) for optimized playing sessions.
• Looper, ideal for testing ideas and playing in loops.

With modern high-gain tones, the POD Express Black takes the heart of Line 6’s famous Helix, combining sonic power with ease of use. The pedal is also equipped with an input for an expression pedal or two additional footswitches, offering added flexibility for live performances.

Fans of heavy tones will be well served with this model, which includes new amp simulations such as the Paul Reed Smith Archon, Sunn Model T and Diezel VH4, specially configured for metal tones. Guitarists will also find more classic simulations, ideal for approaching a variety of styles while retaining a good dose of power and precision.

Note that it is possible to combine different amplifiers and speakers:

Here are the amp models available:

• PURE Paul Reed Smith® Archon® (Clean channel)
• DIRGE Sunn® Model T (Brite channel)
• CRUX Orange® Rockerverb 100 MkIII (Dirty channel)
• ANVIL Line 6 Badonk
• SLAY Paul Reed Smith Archon (Lead channel)
• MEGA Diezel® VH4 (Mega channel)
• AVANT Revv® Generator 120 (Red/High Gain channel).

And the speaker models available:

• PURE 1×12″ MESA/Boogie® Extension,
• EVM12L 2 DIRGE 4×12″ (2)
• Sunn, G12T-75 3 CRUX 2×12″, 3 CRUX 2×12″, 3 CRUX 2×12″, 3 CRUX 2×12″.
• Orange, V30 4 ANVIL 4×12″
• MESA/Boogie 4FB, V30 5 SLAY 4×12″
• Marshall Basketweave G12M-25 6 MEGA 4×12″
• Bogner Überkab, V30 7
• FRONT 4×12″ ENGL XXL, V30

The pedal can also be connected to the Line 6 app (via USB-C) to access additional settings, enabling even finer tuning of its sound.

Retail price: €197
More information on the Line 6 website.