Are you confused in choosing between Line 6 POD HD500X and Boss ME 80? Well, no worries. Below, you can read about the differences and comparisons between these two great guitar effects pedals so that you can choose the best one for you.
Both Line 6 POD HD500X and Boss ME 80 are popular guitar effects pedals that people use for live performances as well as recording and practice sessions. Why? One of the primary reasons is the extensive control offered by each model. With numerous on-board controls and footswitches, both Line 6 POD HD500X and Boss ME 80 can give you incredibly flexible and quick control over various effects and settings. That is a huge advantage especially in live situations. Still, there are some factors that you need to consider when choosing between the two.
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Line 6 POD HD500X vs. Boss ME 80: Design and Dimensions
First of all, let’s compare the two based on their designs and dimensions. Both models come with sturdy and rugged metal housings. They are both pretty large and bulky, but Line 6 POD HD500X is a little bit larger than Boss ME 80. Line 6 POD HD500X measures 21.5” long, 10.5” deep, and 2.25” tall. On the other hand, Boss ME 80 is smaller yet somewhat thicker at 17 10/16” long, 9 1/8” deep, and 3 5/8” tall. In general, Boss ME 80 would be easier and more practical to bring along than Line 6 POD HD500X, though the thickness may require a particular consideration.
Line 6 POD HD500X is equipped with twelve footswitches and an expression pedal, offering impressive control. On the upper left side of the device, you can find the backlit LCD screen. There are several control knobs. On the other hand, Boss ME 80 comes with eight footswitches and an expression pedal. However, there are various dedicated control knobs for specific effects’ settings for quick access. The display is a two-digit seven-segment, very easy to read from a standing height.
Line 6 POD HD500X vs. Boss ME 80: Available Connections
The available connectors on Boss ME 80 are pretty basic in comparison. There is the ¼” phone type guitar input jack, and a pair of ¼” phone type output jacks for L/Mono and R channels. In addition, there is a stereo miniature phone type AUX input that you can use to connect a portable music player to jam along in practice sessions. There is also a stereo miniature phone type phone output for listening quietly using headphones. However, the model has been packed with a USB port that hasinterface and MIDI capabilities, making it a viable choice if you need your guitar effects pedal to be able to connect directly to your personal computer.
If you need some of the more advanced connection ports, you will have a better luck with Line 6 POD HD500X. In addition to the standard input and output ports for guitars and the AUX input, there are also one XLR mic input with integrated preamp, one S/PDIF output, and one ¼” external pedal input. It has also been equipped with a ¼” stereo FX loop, ¼” stereo outputs, and XLR balanced stereo outputs, all with switchable line/instrument levels. There are MIDI I/O ports and a USB port with interface capabilities.
Line 6 POD HD500X vs. Boss ME 80: Effects and Built-In Features
Actually, Line 6 POD HD500X comes with an impressive number of built-in effects. Seriously, with over 100 stomp and studio effects, 29 guitar amps, 29 guitar preamps, 16 guitar cabs with 8 selectable mics, and even 8 bass models, it can give you lots of options. You can greatly customize and shape your guitar sound, as the device is able to handle up to eight effects simultaneously. The fact that it comes with various mic models and even some bass effects is awesome. Not many guitar effects pedals come with such features. In addition, you can write up to 512 presets in the devices. There are global EQ control knobs, too. The built-in looper is able to record up to 48 seconds, and there are Tap Tempo, Chromatic Tuner, and programmable MIDI controls.
On the other hand, Boss ME 80 also has the capability to handle up to eight effects simultaneously. But it ‘only’ comes with 59 effects and 9 guitar preamp models. There is a built-in 38-second looper. The Chromatic Tuner is there, too.
Even though the Boss pedal does not have as many effects and features as the Line pedal, it still has its own advantages. Many people think that the Boss’ effects are of higher quality than Line’s. Well, the sound quality can be a subjective matter, and there are people who like Line’s effects, but Boss’ effects are indeed generally better. The sounds are fuller and have better definition. They sound more convincing.
Line 6 POD HD500X vs. Boss Me 80: Powering Options
Line 6 POD HD500X does not have any other powering option besides the included power supply. The good thing is that you don’t need to purchase the power supply separately; it is included in the bundle. However, since there is no battery option, the pedal is unusable without a power outlet.
Boss ME 80 is a little more versatile when it comes to powering options as it can be powered by either an AC adaptor or six AA alkaline/carbon-zinc batteries. So, you are not entirely dependent on power outlets. However, the AC adaptor is not included and must be purchased separately.
Line 6 POD HD500X | Zoom G3Xn | |
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Brand | Line 6 | BOSS Audio |
Key features | - World-class collection of HD amps and effects - More power and flexibility for total creativity - Professional-grade, backlit footswitches for easy operation - The command center for your guitar rig | - Compact and powerful floor multi-effects with a simple knob-based interface - Eight simultaneous effects categories, each with multiple effects types - Dial up tones with the ease of using your favorite stompboxes |
Price | ||
Customer Ratings* | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Decision
In general, Boss ME 80 makes a better option for live performances. The large display allows you to see the information without having to bend all the way down, and that is very convenient. In addition, the effects quality is excellent. The versatile powering options further emphasize the suitability. Line 6 POD HD500X can be a very good value for the money, considering the numerous effects and features, but the small display screen and complicated settings make it less suitable for live performances.