| Build Quality: |  |
| Hardware: |  |
| Electronics: | |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Pros:
- Quite a few amp
- Cabinet and effect models
- On-board drum loops
- Metronome
- Tuner and looper
- Amazing clean tones
Cons:
- Bass response could be better
Nowadays, the world of amplifiers is replete with an abundance of models, variations and functionalities. Some of them are high-end, while others are more affordable. But they all (at least the majority of them) pack quite a comprehensive set of features that, more often than not, are enough for the purpose of the device. However, there are certain brands that set a high bar when it comes to creating quality products at affordable prices. Line 6 is undoubtedly one of them, with their Spider V series occupying the setup of so many musicians. Today, we will be talking about the Spider V 60 – one of the most distinctive members of the family. If you want to find out more about its features, controls and sound, simply keep on reading!
Features
Line 6 Spider V 60 offers quite an interesting set of features. This solid-state amp has a single 10” speaker with one tweeter and 60 watts of power capacity. Other than that, it packs 78 amp models, 23 cabinet models and 101 effect models, which is the main characteristic of all the Spider V amps. The feature that contributes to the convenience of the unit is definitely the in-built wireless receiver which is compatible with the Relay G10T transmitter. This allows you to cut down on the number of your cables and avoid additional mess.
What is more, Spider V 60 has drum loops, a metronome, tuner and a looper, which make up a versatile package. This bad boy is compatible with FBV foot controllers (namely FBV 3, FBV Shortboard MkII, FBV2 and FBV Express MkII), which makes its utilization even easier. And finally, it has a single standard input for your instrument, 1/8” Stereo headphone output and USB Audio Interface. As you can see, Line 6 Spider V 60 does not joke around in terms of features.
Controls
The control panel is just as fancy as everything else about this unit. Instead of over-complicating it with knobs, Line 6 decided to go for LCD display, which substitutes quite a few encoders in my book.
Now, the control section of Spider V 60 starts with five knobs, each of them having two names. The first row belongs to the Amp Layer, while the second one is in charge of FX Layer.
- Amp Layer: Drive adjusts the gain and intensity of the distortion; Bass, Mid and Treble are customized for each Amp model and deliver elaborate tone control; Volume modifies the level of the signal.
- FX Layer: FX1, FX2 and FX3 are the assignable Smart FX and have specific indicators – Yellow displays the distortion or compression; Blue indicates on the modulation; Green is in charge of Delay; Purple manages Pitch and Synth; Comp can be utilized as a volume booster, while Reverb offers various types of this effect.
Then we have the Quick Loop Button, which activates the looper. Play/Pause button starts and stops metronome and drum loops. Right below the LCD screen, there is a Rotary/Push knob, which can control the current preset and save it (in preset view) or allow you to scroll through various parameters (in Edit mode). Edit triggers the presets and displays its settings, Tap/Tuner button activates the tuner and sets the tempo of delay and modulation. Last but not least, AMP and FX buttons select the AMP and FX layers, while the Home button returns the screen to the home screen. Though the controls of Spider V 60 are not that difficult to grasp, you will still have to scrutinize the manual and spend some time tweaking.
Line 6 Spider V 60 Sound
When we are talking about the features of such diversity, it becomes extremely significant to determine whether each of them delivers decent sound. If not, that versatility becomes nonsensical. Fortunately, Spider V 60 does not have that issue. The amp models are rather individual and characteristic, creating a thick, steeped sound. The effects have a lot of depth to them as well. This amp shines in terms of clean tones, that are dimensional and simply beautiful. Its sound is natural and powerful, working wonders with both toned down and louder settings. Briefly, Spider V 60 gives you an abundance of sonic options, that can be further extended with the help of mobile app.
Conclusion
This concludes the review of Spider V 60. This amplifier can handle a small gig, but it really shows off its best features during a home practice. It has everything one could ever desire and can produce an ethereal sound. I do not think we could ask for more. If you have not listened to Spider V 60 yet, I have no idea what you are waiting for. I will not take up any more of your time (since you have to bless your ears with the sounds of this amp). Good luck!
Click here to view more from 5 Best Guitar Amps Under 300.
