POD Studio UX2 Review

This is the revamped version of the previous UX2 formerly known as the TonePort. The actual interface hasn't had any changes other than it's color being changed to completely black. The reason I waited around for this one was simply for the packaged software that was recently released, the POD Farm.

Ease of Use:	6.3
Sound:	6
Reliability:	8.3
Impression:	7.3
Overall rating:	7
Users rating:	7.5
Comments:	28

overall: 8.5

Featured review by: Raulness, on november 14, 2008

Price paid: $ 200

Purchased from: zZounds.com

Ease of Use: This is the revamped version of the previous UX2 formerly known as the TonePort. The actual interface hasn't had any changes other than it's color being changed to completely black. The reason I waited around for this one was simply for the packaged software that was recently released, the POD Farm. It is a replacement for the previous Gearbox software. // 9

Sound: Running a Fender '72 Deluxe Telecaster Re-Issue, through some Monster cables and some Samson monitors I got a very true clean tone. I found that it works great with clean tones but, unfortunately, works terribly with distortions when it comes to the models. The only work around that I've found to this was to use a decent mic to mic your amp with the sound you want. I have yet to find a decent distortion model that can handle chords or heavier things. It sounds very grainy and over saturated. I did however find some decent lead models. I can't blame the UX2 for the failure in distortion models though. Anyone Who has worked with any other modeling program (GuitarRig for example) will know how hard it is to get a decent distortion from a model.

As far as effects go, they all do what they claim to do well enough to use them in your recordings. They're pretty tweakable and you'll find yourself playing with them for a good amount of time. No complaints here.

Most of the 100s of presets do in fact match up with the song/artist they claim to mimic. Only a few sounded off and even then they still sound close enough to recognize.

I'd recommend this to anyone doing some form of basic rock that doesn't involve anything too heavy if you aren't willing to invest in a decent mic. Otherwise, it's delivers some pretty impressive tone for the price. // 8

Reliability & Durability: The product looks pretty durable but it was lighter than I expected which I guess is a good thing. I'm sure it could handle a few drops but I wouldn't say you can smash it with a hammer and expect it to see working again. Software-wise, it hasn't given me any problems what'soever yet (even while running multiple programs). // 8

Impression: I play progressive/experimental/ambient rock which is perfect for this interface in my opinion. I've been playing for about 4 years now and just got into recording with this interface. So far I'm learning quickly and not having many problems achieving what I've wanted to achieve in recording a demo. I didn't expect too much from the interface and because of it I was more than satisfied. With most interfaces running well over $200 this is definitely a steal. If you're a beginner like me, looking to get into recording or just to lay down some tracks at home I'd definitely recommend this. This also comes with the "FX Junkie Model Pack" which includes over 35 more effect pedal models (a $60 value) which also made it worth the money. If this were lost or stolen I'd definitely buy it again. To finish off I'd say that the POD Farm is definitely better than the previous GearBox and once again makes it worth the price. Definitely worth dropping some money down for! // 9

overall: 9

Reviewed by: MetalGS3SE, on may 18, 2009

Price paid: $ 199.99

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: Before purchasing the UX2, I read a lot of reviews complaining about the difficulty of using the UX2. After buying it and using it for a few short hours, I have yet to figure out the problem those people had. It takes only a short time to install the software that comes with the UX2. Once installed, simply plug in the interface, hook up your guitar, and play. It takes some fiddling with the different amps and effects to find all of the sounds you are looking for, but that is only because there is so much to choose from. Even after owning this thing for a few weeks, I am still finding new sounds and features I wasn't aware of. It is a great piece of equipment, and I don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon.

I bought the UX2 primarily because I wanted something small and light weight to take to and from college. However, it proved to be a very decent recording interface, and I now use it whenever I do any recording. The product lacks a manual, but everything is self explanatory. // 9

Sound: I use the UX2 for recording both guitars and vocals. I play an Ibanez VBT700 through the guitar inputs and use a Shure SM57 through the mic input. There is nearly zero latency when playing or recording. With just the basic set of amps and effects, you can get the sound of nearly any artist you wish. It lacks a bit in the area of high gain amps, but you can purchase amp and effects packs through Line 6 to supplement the basic installation. It has plenty of effects, and (currently) comes with the FX Junkie expansion, which includes a ton of extra effects for anything you could imagine. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This is the area where the UX2 loses some points. The casing of the UX2 is entirely plastic. However, it seems fairly sturdy. I have already dropped it twice, once in the box and once on the carpet in my room, and it has suffered no damage whatsoever. I keep it sitting on a shelf near my desk for easy access, and I've hit it with random objects and dropped a book or two on it, and it has taken no damage. So although it is plastic, it seems fairly reliable. // 8

Impression: I have been playing guitar for about 3 years now. I play music in the realms of Opeth, Nightwish, Dream Theater, and Rush. I play an Ibanez VBT700, and both it and the UX2 (and my laptop) go with me everywhere. It is a great piece of equipment, and I would most definitely replace it if it were lost or stolen. For the price you could not ask for anything better.

When deciding on a recording interface, I was initially hung on whether to get this or the Native Instruments Guitar Rig. I initially bought the Guitar Rig, but I had nothing but problems and delays installing it and getting it to work correctly, so I returned it for the UX2. I have not had any trouble whatsoever with this piece of equipment. // 10

overall: 3.5

Reviewed by: KeineAhnung1992, on february 25, 2009

Price paid: $ 200

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: I've had nothing but problems with this box, and it didn't even come with ANY instructions. not a sheet of paper explaining the use of it at all. It looked like there mightve been instructions on the box, BUT there were four different languages, NONE WERE IN ENGLISH.

As far as recording, it doesnt even come with real software, from what I understand. It came with gearbox which is nothing more than a pre-recrding interface, which is useless, and POD farm, which is supposed to be a program allowing you to customize your settings. It also came with Riffworks which I have had zero success with, the tutorial wasn't in depth or really even explanatory, and some other disc came with it that appeared to have a use, but I suppose I was mistaken, as it did NOTHING. It is a waste of money unless you play alternative music, and 'lighter' styles, or have a fondness for horrible sounding music. I would say, don't waste your money on this cheap piece of shit. // 1

Sound: I used a BC Rich Warlock guitar with a Steve's Special and an Air Norton. (Bolt on neck), and headphones for recording purposes which I purchased from radioshack. As I said, the setting are horrible for metal or rock, absolute junk. I don't recommend it period, really... you can spend more money purchasing a board with speakers and Protools or really reknowned software, but youll get your moneys worth...to me this felt like money down the drain. I have a 35 dollar two year warrantee and paid 200 bucks for it, not to mention another 50 for the patch, ad it was all for nothing...go buy that expansive stuff, it's worth it... // 1

Reliability & Durability: It seems like a good box itself, that wasn't the issue, it's the shoddy software that came with it. I wouldn't ever buy it again if I lost it, it isn't reiable at all, Line 6 products are all horrible, I was hoping that they would at least have success with a good recording interface, but I was let down AGAIN. // 9

Impression: I bought it last week after reviewing it, which turned out to be misinforming, it sounded like it was good for tone.

WRONG.

I tried to find a clean distortion n this box that simulated that of a Boss Metal Core pedal, or a clean, thick distortion. All I got from this box and the programs that came alongside it was a deep, trashy tinny distortion with a horrible tone. when you hit a string the distortion wasnt clean, there is a SHITLOAD of horrible fuzz. I even used the noise gate, plus the buzzkilling setting on the gearbox program. it still sounded like shit. I was froced to go through and use a shitload of different amp and heightening the threshold on them so the shitty Drive of the distortion couldnt get through, and eventually what I got modelled the same sound of old black metal music, or old gothenburg style Death Metal, like ceremonial oath and OLD In Flames and dark tranquillity, AFTER I purchased a 50 dollar patch for the amp models that were supposedly 'metal'. I am still trying to find a way to add bass and Drive to this distortion without recieveing the buzzing and the horrible extra fuzz. If you have any idea how I can achieve this Please write - [e-mail]. // 3

Comments

[xerxesbenario]

i have the red UX2, can i get this new software?

[teknotard]

^^ thats a good question. I have been looking around. I don't think it is available to us because Line-6 monkey would have shown it.

[Phe4rTheGod]

For software, I'd recommend RiffWorks, excellent distortion models...

[Me@UGC]

EVERYONE WITH A TONEPORT (UX1/UX2/UX8) CAN GET THE POD FARM.

Just go to Line6 site, search for POD Farm and download it (using your existing Line6 account).

[heminder]

proprietary software...
yuck...

[teknotard]

Me@UGC wrote:

EVERYONE WITH A TONEPORT (UX1/UX2/UX8) CAN GET THE POD FARM.

I love you. thanks!
Just go to Line6 site, search for POD Farm and download it (using your existing Line6 account).

[Meatball200]

Cheers Me@UGC: downloading for my ux2 right now.

[vegetoe01]

Pod farm just seems like gearbox, but with a nicer interface and the ability to mix two totally different rigs into one sound. I can't seem to find the noise gate *learn tool* gearbox has in pod farm yet either.

[vegetoe01]

Oh pod farm also doesn't have the music player.

[ernasty10050]

POD Farm isn't as good because it is missing the music player! I haven't found a real use for dual tones yet but the lack of a music player means I basically never will use it.

[the agony scene]

the interface has changed check out the line 6 specification on their site.

[wolfy808]

You can download the new software (Pod Farm) off the Line 6 website, if you have a Line 6 account. It's not much better, but when it comes to choosing gear, the list is more organized, and easier to add new equipment to the signal chain. The downside is that it's missing the metronome and Player function

[intheshaw]

ok so im looking at either this model or the previous one. Which one would you guys pick?

[diegonj]

I wanna buy this audio interface but the recommended computer Drive speed is 7200rpm and the minimum requiment is 5400rpm my laptop's drive speed is 54000rpm so im at the min DOES ANYONE HAVE THIS INTERFACE RUNNING ON A 5400rpm AND DOES IT WORK GOOD?

[CrazyJet]

I'v ordered it and its coming sometime this week!
BTW my cousins have a scream metal band, so they basically always use distortion. They have this and have got a record label and are working on a second album. Surely this must mean that you have a better ear for good distortion than record labels. I seriously doubt that!
BUY THIS! You can also use it to record!

[teknotard]

I have the UX1 and use the amp farm and gear ox for differnt things. Ignore the second review.

Clearly this person has no idea what he is doing and rather then fairly rating it, he gave it all 1's in frustration (and becasue of his complete lack of experience).

[Bloodandfire]

KeineAhnung1992:

Sucked in!

[HagstromSpeed]

Yeah, the 2nd review obviously has no experience with recording tools at all. This is mainly an input tool to use running through a *dun dun dun* RECORDING PROGRAM! Line 6 programs are audio interfaces only, buy a recording program and learn how to produce and layer instead of bashing something you know little about...do your research before you jump into something you cant handle.

[manwithplan]

i have to say i agree i have had nothing but problems with my UX2, i can record amazing acoustic songs but the minute i try doing drums it sounds horrible no matter wht mics i use and it seems un capable to record a mic'd up amp EVEN WITH DECENT MICS! i have gotten better tone out of a 7quid mic, cheap desk with interface and audiacity!!! FAIL

[SanJose]

Me@UGC wrote:

EVERYONE WITH A TONEPORT (UX1/UX2/UX8) CAN GET THE POD FARM.

I got it, and I have a TonePort GX.

[haz_uk]

retarded review is retarded.

[SanJose]

I don't think KeineAhnung1992 has used his time good enough to really learn how to use POD Farm for example. Of course, if you use a distortion pedal (I've tried with my Digitech Death Metal distortion) it will sound like shit, but my pedal and the metal core pedal is shit so..

I've found some really good DISTORTION tones from Pod Farm. I'm very satisfied with it. You have to sit for a little while and tweak until you'll get a decent tone, at least I have to, but mostly of the time you'll get good results.

[fretsonfire74]

The first review is probably the best one I've read on UG. Very good.

[highwayone73]

I bought my UX2 about 2 weeks ago. I'm more than happy with with the vast majority of the model. Personally I don't use the distortion models all that much but my amp gets all the crunchiness I need. The delay, compression and choruses are pretty good. As long as you take the time to set up the 'puter that your're using properly and maybe take a minute to actually go to Line 6's site and learn how to use the UX2 properly it's a great medium for finding new sounds and getting some tones that might otherwise be out of your hands. KeineAhnung1992 up there sounds like he wants to plug and play, well with this thing you gotta be patient and tweak. Thats half the fun anyway.

[Smufender]

I have the UX1 with the POD Farm and I didn't have any issues installing the software or hardware. If you use the Monkey software that comes with it you should have no issues with this device. At first I thought the Line6 Monkey thing was not needed but it is, don't skip that disc. Also, if you are using a Mac with enought RAM it makes life easier, but those who own Mac's know that already. Someone made a nice little progam for a Line out feature so you can keep your Monitors plugged in to the headphone jack and hear the guitar through the Pod Farm. I think it's called LineIN or something like that. I love the effects on the POD Farm and I don't even have the full version (YET!)

[pete_190290]

I've got the toneport ux2. the pod farm is ok but i can't get it to work as a plug in on any recording software. So i plug straight into it from my amp and use the effects on that. It's got next to no latency and for the money I wouldn't recommend anything else to be honest. I run a Line6 SpiderII with a Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty and it sounds pretty gurd when i record with it.

[Corby1888]

How do you use the wah?

[Bendybaws]

I'm able to coax some very good tones out of pod farm, distorted and clean