Which is better M-audio Black Box or PodXt

I am looking for some amp modeling hardware with effects and stay in my budget (under $300). I just want to do some unique sounds, and some basic recording on my PC, as well as try to find out, by trial and error, which modeled amps suit my playing style and sound preferences.

I am cosidering either the M-audio Black box reloaded or a PodXt. The PodXt seems to be the current standard, but the Black Box is less expensive and seems to be more 'cutting edge' from what I can tell.

Any feedback or comparisons are appreciated.

Thanks

J

I've got a PODxt live, and it works fine for recording straight into the USB on my PC, as you say - they're very popular and very easy to use. I think the decision for you rests on what software you plan to use to record. I use sonar and have midi capability so I can set up my own drum loops when I need to...

The advantage I can see in the m-audio black box is that it has drum loops built in, which the POD doesn't - that might be useful if you're starting out.... one less thing to worry about to get up and running.

I've never used any m-audio products, so can't say for sure how good they are - it gets good reviews though. Some people dislike the POD amp models, but with a bit of tweaking I think they are usable for home recording...

try these:

M-Audio Black Box reviews

Line 6 POD xt Reviews (Pro version - same functions though)

Thanks -

Any other opinons on PodXt or Black box?

I have a POD XT live (the pedalboard not the kidnneyshaped thingy).

At least for me (maybe I have the wrong approach, dunno) the POD is the way to go, easy to set up, easy to connect, sound really good on PC recording, plays trhu you amp really good, has tons of expansions packs, tweaking options, effects, cabs, amps, a lot of cool features inside this hard metal case, in a performes point of view, a great deal.

In the other hand, I saw the M-box thing, and gotta say, man, if I wanted to turn knobs all day I'll get this, POD has this pedalboard interface like any other you know (dunno bout you but I like more the stomp way), and if you want to edit you sound in you PC there's an app for that too, or on the peddal board (knobs required I know...) but for example, you can set up a a nice clean amp, ad distortion and other efects, save the patch and when playing you can turn off distortion for a sweet arpeggio sound and come back with heavy distor for solo or heavy groove.

Bottom Line, POD at least for me work in the way a guitar player has in mind things work, stomp it and rock on...

I hate my PODxt, it does the job for recording and all but but I just don't like the way it feels, kind of kills the tone and response from my guitar, never did get a tone out of it that I was truely happy with. Check out the Boss GT8 on Ebay, much better tone... if you can find a good deal on a used GT-Pro go for it! Then again you may just like the PODxt.... point is check out all of the alternatives first..... including the Digitech GNX4. Line6 probably have the best marketing and admitedly they have the best continuous product development but IMO POD is one of their poorest products (just my opinion), their stomp boxes kick ass though.

After I posted my first reply I thought to myself "I should mention the reviews thing..."

Superhuman is one of the cases I'm bout to talk.

The thing is, in Mexico it's difficult for stores to let you test some gear, unless you are ready to buy, so I reaserched for some reviews online, and found some intresting stuff.

POD xt, one of two things can happen, you love it or you totally hate it.

This happens in a proportion of 10 likers 1 hater, the likers never let go their POD's, haters want their money back ASAP. It's funny but it's real, so the best advice I can give you bout your purchase is, get a test drive of both and decide over that, no one can tell you what is good for your ears, only your ears can, so let them be the judge.

And I still love my POD.