Line 6 Spider V 30 Review – Modeling Practice Amp Delivers the Wow Factor!

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Smaller amps that cost under $200 are traditionally limited with the features that they offer. That’s certainly not the case with the Line 6 Spider V 30. This compact combo is loaded with a ton of modeling capabilities on top of some other incredible features, making this a possible solution for many guitarists shopping on a budget. We’re zooming in on this one…

Features

Oh boy – where do we start? The Spider V 30 packs more features than most – if not all – other amps in the same price range.

Firstly, the construction and package design are just right for those looking for a reliable practice amp. It’s extremely portable, measuring roughly 15” x 15” x 8”, and weighs only 16lbs. That’s not a huge footprint, but Line 6 have managed to cram in not only an 8” speaker but also a high-frequency tweeter. The 30 watts of power on offer also makes this a borderline ‘giggable’ amp (that’s a word, right?).

Line 6 really stuffed the Spider V 30 from a modeling standpoint too. It comes with over 200 amp, cabinet and effects models, and you can mix and match up to eight of them at the same time. Don’t have time or don’t want to mess around with programming stuff? No worries – with 128 presets, it’s pretty much a sure bet that you’ll run across more than a few patches that’ll rock your world.

Must-haves for any good practice amp, such as a headphone jack and an aux input, are included as well, so it does the basics right. But there’s more ‘wow’ to come, as you find the included drum machine, a chromatic tuner and a metronome. Again, these features are relatively unheard of in this price range.

Controls

Yes, the Spider V 30 has impressive modeling capabilities for the price, but even more impressive is how easy it is to make modifications. In addition to your standard volume, gain and EQ controls, a small backlit LCD screen makes any change quick and easy.

The amp also has a USB port for recording and editing purposes, and you can even adjust model parameters on your smartphone with the Spider app (iOS and Android are both supported). How’s that for the ultimate in control?

Footswitches aren’t typically an option on a lot of the amps in this region, but the Spider V 30 has support for the Line 6 FBV series of foot controllers. Although a footswitch isn’t included, this takes the flexibility of this little dynamo up another notch.

Performance

Line 6 has made a name for itself with the modeling capabilities its amps boast, and the range of tones offered by the Spider V 30 is literally mindboggling. Some may say that the digital models sound too stale to be considered usable, but we have found the opposite to be true.

The full-range speaker system really helps to add clarity to both electric and acoustic guitars, giving a range of tones that is hard to beat. You really do have the capability to do it all – from metal chunk to snappy funk, or country honk to pure classic rawk.

For this reason, we don’t think that the Spider V 30 should be strictly considered as purely a practice amp. It has enough features that make it as suitable for the stage (maybe with a little help from the PA) as it would be in your practice space.

Conclusion

All in all, Line 6 really has designed a great tool for guitarists of any genre and any skill level with the Spider V 30. It proves a great beginner’s tool, but with the power and modeling capabilities it offers, you won’t outgrow it as you become more experienced. The company may have some haters, but there can be no denying the fact that this amp is a powerhouse disguised in practice-amp clothing.

For more info about the Line 6 Spider V 30, click here.
For more guitar amplifiers under $200, click here.