The POD Express is the smallest way into Line 6 modeling: a handful of amps and effects in a pedal you can hold in one hand. Out of the box it has a few factory presets. With a few more loaded it turns into a proper gig rig. Here’s how to get started.

Which POD Express do you have?

There are three, and their presets are not interchangeable. The file ending tells you which pedal a preset is for:

Check the ending before you import. On the store, every pack page names the pedal it’s for.

How to load a preset

  1. Install Line 6’s POD Express Edit app and connect your pedal.
  2. Choose the preset slot you want to replace.
  3. Import the preset file into that slot, then save it on the pedal.
  4. Play through it at a sensible volume and adjust the level to match your other sounds.

Loading a preset replaces what was in that slot, so if you like what’s there, back it up first.

Free packs to grab first

These cost nothing with an account:

  • The factory presets. Overwritten one and want it back? Restore any of them without a full factory reset: Guitar, Bass or Black.
  • The community collections. Presets shared by members of the POD Express Users group, gathered into two downloads: Vol. 1 (17 presets) and Vol. 2 (18 presets). A good way to hear what the pedal can do.

What to try next

Most of our POD Express packs are three presets built around one job, and cost 3 Picks. New accounts start with 10 welcome Picks, so you can try a few before spending anything. Some places to start:

  • Worship: Worship Essentials covers pad swells, a lead and a clean rhythm.
  • Rock: Alt Rock has a gritty rhythm, a soaring lead and a punchy clean.
  • Lead playing: Soulful Leads is three expressive lead sounds with singing sustain.
  • Ambient and post-rock: Post-Rock Dreamscapes has big reverbs and wide delays.
  • Acoustic players: there’s a whole run of acoustic packs, such as Worship Acoustic.

See everything for POD Express.

Make them yours

Every guitar is different. If a preset is too bright, dark or gainy with your pickups, adjust the amp’s EQ and gain first. Save a copy of each preset before you edit it, so you can always go back to how it came.