So you decided to get the Line 6 POD Go. There’s no doubt it’s a cool little amp simulator and effects processor, and it’s super convenient to carry around and use. But now you want to connect it to your amp.
In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how to use your POD Go with a real amp.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What you need to do first (permilnary setup)
- How to connect your POD Go to your amp using the 4-cable method
- How to connect your POD Go to your amp using the 2-cable (effects loop-only) method
- How to manage the settings within your POD Go when using it with an amp
You’re going to get detailed instructions below and I’ll also cover some of the nuances and issues that you may run into (and the solutions!). You can also watch the ‘how to’ video version towards the end of this post.
Setting Up Your Line 6 POD Go to be Used with an Amp
The first thing you want to do before attempting to connect your POD Go to your amp is to set up a patch for this purpose. The POD Go has a specific setting called ‘FX Loop’ that will allow you to use it properly with your amp.
If you miss this step and just start connecting stuff, you’re going to be in for a rude and noisy awakening when you turn everything on!
The easiest way to get started is to connect your POD Go to your computer. This way you can set up your patch and make the initial edits with the Line 6 desktop software that you get with your POD Go (all, or at least most Line 6 processors have editing software).
You can perform all the edits on the actual unit. I personally find that editing on your computer is a little less painful! I don’t know about you but the only kind of pain I want is Judas Priest’s Painkiller!
So I use the editing software for the initial setup and tweak on the unit itself.
Here are the steps to setting up your POD Go to be used with an amp:
- Connect your POD Go to your computer and pull up the editing software
- Go to the ‘User Folder’ and set up a new patch (I find that it’s best to start from scracth!)
- By default, the POD Go amp and cabinet will be on; turn both the amp and cab off (you want these bypassed)
- Next, turn on the FX Loop (there’s an icon to the left of the amp that you’ll click)
- Name your preset (preferably something cool, and something that resonates for what you’re using it for!)
- Start adding your effects where you want them
At this point, you’ll want to decide if you’re going to be using the 4-cable method or if you just plan to use the POD Go through your amp’s effects loop. We’ll get into those connections below.
4-Cable VS 2-Cable Explained:
- The 4-cable method allows you to assign effects in front of your amp, such as a noise gate or overdrive. And you can also assign effects to be used in the effects loop of your amp.
- The 2-cable method is great is all you want to do is use POD Go effects through the effects loop of your amp.
You could set up a patch for each. The reason is that the POD Go limits how many effects can be used at a time.
For example, if you’re using the 4-cable method because you want to use some of the effects in front of the amp you won’t have as many options for effects to be used in the effects loop. If you just plan to use the POD Go through your amp’s effects loop, you’ll have more options.
How to Connect Your POD Go to Your Amp Using the 4-Cable Method
Using the 4-cable method will allow you to get the most out of your POD Go. In short, you’ll be able to assign the effects you want before and after (or through the effects loop of) your amp.
Here’s how to connect your POD Go to your amp using the 4-cable method:
Cable 1:
- Plug a cable into the amp’s send
- The other end goes into the POD Go FX Loop return
Cable 2:
- Plug a cable into the POD Go FX Loop send
- The other end goes into the amp’s input where you’d normally plug in your guitar
Cable 3:
- Plug a cable into the POD Go Main Out (left mono)
- The other end goes into your amp’s return
Cable 4:
- Plug a cable into the POD Go Guitar In
- The other end goes into your guitar
I’ll admit this was a little tricky the first time I tried it (and naturally I got it wrong on the first try!).
On that note, make sure your amp and POD Go are off while you’re making these connections. And also make sure your amp volume is down so that when you turn it on there are no unwanted surprises.
How to Connect Your POD Go to Your Amp Using the 2-Cable Method (through the Effects Loops)
What if you don’t care to use any of the POD Go effects in front of your amp? You can simply run your POD Go through the effects loop of your amp and use those Line 6 effects like delay, reverb, etc.
You could use the 4-cable method and just not assign (or use) any POD Go effects in front of the amp. But if you only plan to use the Line 6 effects through the effects loop of your amp, you can simply use the 2-cable method. And this method is pretty straightforward.
Here’s how to connect your POD Go to your amp using the 2-cable method:
Cable 1:
- Plug a cable into the amp’s send
- The other end goes into the POD Go FX Loop return
Cable 2:
- Plug a cable into the POD Go FX Loop send
- The other end goes into the amp’s return
This method is great (and simple) if you don’t need any effects in front of your amp. Or you may prefer individual pedals for those effects that go in front of your amp over the POD Go’s effects (such as a noise gate or overdrive). I’ll talk more about why this is my personal preference below.
Benefits of Using Your POD Go with Your Amp
After all of this, you might be thinking: ‘Why would anyone want to use the POD Go with their amp? And why not just plug in your POD Go direct to your board or interface?’
You can do that, but…
As good as the POD Go amp models sound, many of us guitar players still prefer to play through a real amp. We could go back and forth on that topic for days, but you already know that there’s something magical about the tone of a real tube amp. Especially when you’re playing metal!
On the flip side, many guitarists (myself included) appreciate and in some cases prefer the Line 6 effects. You could essentially replace your entire pedalboard with the POD Go using any of these methods that I shared with you.
This means less gear you have to lug around for live shows!
You’re also going to have access to more types of effects and options with the POD Go versus having a ton of pedals. If your goal is to have a simple and minimalist rig, this is something to consider.
Of course, you can indeed just use your POD Go and nothing else. That’s actually what it’s designed for. And it’s how I use mine for my live solo gigs.
It’s important to note that I’m mostly playing acoustic at these solo gigs and will break out the electric some, too. But I’m not playing metal, which is oftentimes where these processors fall short. If you’d like to read more about how I primarily use the Line 6 POD Go, check out my post: (this post is coming soon!!).
Now, if I were going to use the POD Go for a live metal gig, I would only use the 2-cable method. I like the Line 6 delays, reverbs, and chorus effects. But I prefer to use an actual noise gate pedal in front of my amp (I’ve been using the MXR Smartgate). And I would say the same for an overdrive pedal if I were to use that (my EVH amp does not need an overdrive!).
Watch on YouTube: How to Connect Your POD Go To Your Amp (4-Cable Method)
I hope this helps you get your POD Go connected to your amp! Whether you’re using the 2-cable or 4-cable method, t opens up a ton of possibilities for you on both the stage and in the studio, or if you just want to use it for practice.
Keep it Metal,
Jason
