Line 6 POD X3 Review

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(More customer reviews)Geez, where to start. This thing is unreal. For the gigging musician you only need to plug your Mic into the XLR input and your guitar/bass into the guitar input, dial up your favorite patches (you can create your own "User" patches), and run your output into the house PA.No amp or other gear to lug around!!

This thing has truly great guitar/bass sounds and great vocal sounds both out of this one unit. What I really like about it is that the key parameters (gain, EQ, presence, volume, reverb) ALL have their own dedicated knobs on top of the unit...no fumbling thru a bunch of confusing and dimly lit menus. And when you are at the gig there is a way to get the patch number to take up the whole LED (in BIG letters) so you can actually see what patch you are using. And did I mention the sound....I have Boss 600 digital recorder with amp/bass models which until I got the Pod, I thought were pretty good. Well I no longer use the Boss for guitar sounds. Instead, now I run the Pod into the 600 (which is a great digital multitrack recorder with so/so effects).

And now lets talk about the studio. This IS your computer audio interface. The Pod interfaces with your computer (Logic, Cubase, Gband, etc.) via a USB interface. You get simultaneous wet and dry outputs over the USB so you can get all the inspiration the Pod gives you but if you choose, record dry while your DAW is tracking. You can also use your DAW to cycle the Pod thru patch changes if that is the direction you want to go. The Line 6 website has updates/drivers and you will want to plug your Pod into your computer and follow the update instructions on the LIne 6 download page.

When I got this thing I plugged in my guitar (Takamine acoustic first, then Epiphone Casino elec) and some headphones and read just enough in the manual (5 min) to audition the thing. I ended up playing guitar for 2 hours. I was in heaven. Yea, there are a lot of high gain "thrasher/shredder" sounds but there are also a lot of clean sounds that I prefer. The next day I plugged in my Mic, set the Mic gain pot to max and got a great guitar/vocal thing going. However, the MIc input defaults to "mute" so I had to spend about 10 minutes to figure out that I had to play with both the input and output menus to get the MIc working. I played/sang for 3 hours straight after that. It was very inspiring. The next day I figured out how to get the sound to come out of the two 1/4 outputs into a Fender Princeton amp. It sounded great too.

The only "bad" thing is that for each patch you have to have to setup the inputs,outputs, and vocals. Otherwise, the Mic input will not work nor will the outputs work as they default to "Mute". What you want to do is setup user patches that have all these switches set the way that YOU want them so you don't have to tweak each patch every time you turn the thing on. Also the manual is a bit weak and some of the controls are a bit confusing at first. But it is not as difficult as the 600 as the 600 has about 4 levels of menus while the Pod X3 only has 2 levels of menus.

Oh yea, and if you want you can buy a footswitch controller if you are gigging. My friend has the Pod XT and I was just about ready to buy one when I stumbled across the X3....I am so glad I got the X3 as having the capability to do BOTH guitar and vocals at the same time (with their own controls) is huge for me. As a singer/songwriter I could setup all my user patches, show up at the gig with just my guitar, Mic, and Mic stand, and run my feed directly into the house board.

Best money I ever spent on a piece of gear. If you just want a stomp box for your guitar try the pocket Pod or the Pod 2.0. But if you want vocals, guitar, and a computer audio interface, this is your baby.

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Product Description:
The POD X3 will inspire and amaze you with the most complete collection of POD-quality guitar amp, cab, stompbox and studio effect models ever.This arsenal of rare vintage treasures, modern boutiques, and perennial classics offers nearly unlimited creative possibilities. Create your own tones or instantly play through any of the 250+ professionally dialed-in presets.For those in search of greater tonal possibilities, POD X3 gives you more power than ever before to create entirely new sounds. Split your guitar signal and play it through two guitar amp and effect signal chains at once. Add bass or vocals using the bass amp and high-end mic preamp models now included in POD X3.You can even plug in two instruments at once, each with its own independent tone processing. Whatever your music calls for, POD X3 has the power and flexibility to deliver.Whether you choose to recreate the sounds of the past or turn tradition on its ear, POD X3 comes fully-loaded with most inspiring collection of POD-quality amps and effects to let your sound break free.Most powerful POD EVER!Line 6 POD X3 Features and BenefitsElectric GuitarPOD X3 offers a whole new level of control over your guitar tone.Plug straight into any one of the 78 ear-shattering guitar amp models for pure, unadulterated guitar tone.Combine amp and cab models with the mouth-watering collection of 98 stompbox and studio effect models to build out your rig.Take your sound to the next level by blasting your guitar through two guitar rigs at once to create a massive wall of sound that even guitar heroes of the past would respect.Or plug POD X3 in front of your favorite stack or combo to pile on up to nine simultaneous effects, including

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Line 6 POD X3 Pro Guitar Multi Effects Processor Review

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(More customer reviews)Line6 gear is used by some of the biggest pros in the industry. Why then, is this unit which is labeled as "Pro" such a disappointment?

The GOOD: The sound is typical Line6. If you liked it before you will find it good now. The interface is a little confusing at first but can be learned quickly. There are knobs (and not just buttons) that allow adjustment of parameters in real time. The overall unit, although lightweight feels fairly sturdy. There are multiple inputs and even an effects loop in the unit itself for the addition of other effects.

The BAD: The knobs on the unit feel weak and spin freely as if they will fall off or break at any moment. Many of the presets while decent, sound similar. Effects are limited- if you buy this make sure you really need amp modeling and not just effects as the latter is lacking sorely and sound generic. There is a ton of hum generated by this thing. Doesn't matter if you lift the grounds, use it in front of the amp, in the loop or with the "4 cable" method. It hums and I could not stop it from humming badly.

While using mine the sound abruptly died more than once and resumed a few seconds later without explanation. Saved presets mysteriously disappeared and more than once I turned the unit on and was greeted by nothing but the blank orange screen...nothing else and no sound. While switching presets was typically silent there was on occasion a hiss or pop while switching. This was not typically a repeatable event which was even more frustrating.

The UGLY: Midi implementation is still not included fully in this "pro" unit. You might be able to change presets but your expression pedals probably won't work...even Line6's own FBV pedals do not fully work with this thing...is that a joke? The X3 Live folks have been waiting a year for full midi.

Upon ordering you are promised the full version of "Pod Farm Platinum" free by many sites. This is not without major catches. The software only runs as a VST plugin AND requires you use your unit as a giant "dongle" of sorts or Pod Farm won't work. So every time you want to use Pod Farm you'll need to drag a full size rack unit to your PC and hook it up...stupid.

Overall, if you really need good amp modeling and are running straight into a board or power amp then this unit might be for you. Most would be better served looking for another unit though. The PodXT is time-tested at this point and can be had cheaply on auction sites or here on Amazon. I would recommend that unit until this one is REALLY ready.

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Product Description:
The Line 6 Pod X3 Pro is the powerful Dual Tone processor that comes complete with amp and effect models for recording guitar, bass and vocals.Like all members of the POD X3 family, POD X3 Pro offers powerful Dual Tone modeling and routing options. Split your single-input guitar or bass signal through two different amp and effect chains simultaneously to create gorgeous new hybrids, or use its dual inputs to individually process two instruments-a microphone and a guitar, for example-at the same time.Computer-based studios will want to exploit the USB 2.0 connectivity provided by POD X3 Pro for multi-channel recording as well as its S/PDIF or AES/EBU Stereo Digital Audio I/O for sending a direct digital signal to their DAWs. For additional recording and processing flexibility, POD X3 Pro also includes software plug-in functionality for integration with DAW recording applications.Over USB, you've got the ability to record any or all of 8 different signals running through the POD X3 Pro. The 1/4-inch and XLR inputs can be used to simultaneously record two individual instruments or microphones to separate tracks in your DAW, each in stereo and each with the option of recording the dry mono signal at the same time. (This is perfect for going back after you've recorded a track and adding a little magic with the included plug-in.) In addition to the dual stereo and mono options, there's also a stereo blend being sent down to your DAW that matches exactly the blend coming out of the stereo 1/4-inch outs.Amps and CabsQuite simply, there has never been an amp modeler with this much sheer firepower. The awesome amp arsenal in POD X3 Pro boasts a whopping 78 guitar amps and 24 guitar cabinets, from boutique beauties to screaming monsters, along with 28 bass amp models and 22 bass cabinet models. With the new POD X3 Dual Tone processing, you can double your trouble by running through two amp rigs simultaneously, pa

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Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro Review

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(More customer reviews)Most of the guitarists I know own a Line 6 POD, a little device that looks like a large red lima bean with knobs and buttons on the top. When I first heard of the Line 6 Bass POD Pro, I was curious, as my guitarist friends considered their guitar POD to be indispensable.

I had the opportunity to try one of these out, and right away I knew I wanted to buy one, and soon did. One of the first things you can do is play with the various effects it gives you, like having a bunch of foot pedals linked together. For live sound, you can use its various built-in effects or simulate a cabinet and feed your signal directly to the PA, but I normally just run through my bass cabinet for shows, because for smaller shows, the PA might not have enough low end, and your signal is blended with the rest of the band, so the shaping of sound the POD can do is largely lost when it gets mixed in with everything else the PA is doing. Besides, it looks weird to not have an amp and speaker cabinet near the bass player.

Where this unit really shines, however, is in the recording studio. Many bands will go into the studio, set the drummer up in a large room with lots of mics, and get good drum tracks laid down, while the guitarists, keyboardists, vocalists, bassist, and so forth sit in the control room and play along on "scratch" tracks. The band then goes back and re-dubs the other instruments onto real tracks, one instrument at a time.

Ordinarily, you'd either plug the bass directly into the input on the mixing board, or, less commonly, set up your bass amp in a recording room and mic it, and feed that signal into the mixing board. Most bands spend a lot of time getting a good sound out of what comes out of the mixing board, by tweaking the mic, tweaking the EQ on the input channel, and so forth.

With the POD, you can plug your bass into the mixing board, set the EQ flat, and record your track. Then, when you go to mix down, you can run your bass track through the POD and make it sound like you're using any one of a ton of amp/cabinet combinations. This lets you experiment - "what would it sound like through a 4x10 cab instead of a 1x15?", "how would it sound if I used a tube head instead of solid state for the bass solo?" and so forth - things you could only do by setting up another set of real equipment and re-recording the track if you didn't have the POD.

You can also apply various effects, such as reverb, flanger, distortion, etc. If you're using a recording environment that lets you apply a filter to a track by running through a piece of external equipment (such as how they often add reverb to vocal tracks), then the POD gives you virtually unlimited control over how your bass track sounds in the finish product.

I rate this 4 of 5 stars for a few reasons. First, the S/PDIF sound quality leaves a little to be desired. There's no sense having such killer effects and emulations, then muddying them with a less than perfect A/D converter. I'd use an external A/D if you want a digital signal.

Second, the unit is not very deep. This makes it impossible to stack anything on top of it, and if it is mounted in a rack, it makes it so you have to use a flashlight and reach into the depths of your rack case to plug wires into the back. It's nice that they can package it so tightly, but they could easily just extend the chassis back a bit to make the jacks easier to access.

Overall, this is a solid piece of equipment, both in terms of features and reliability.

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Product Description:
Bass PODXT Pro gives you world-class tone from the stage to the studio. With over 50 must-have stompbox, studio, and synth effects with flexible routing (6 simultaneous), and over 28 classic and modern amp models, Bass PODXT Pro has everything you'll need to create a monstrous bass tone. With its XLR and 1/4-inch outs, 24-bit/96k digital ins and outs (AES/EBU & S/PDIF), and effects loop, you'll be able to connect to any type of analog, digital, or computer audio hardware. We think that you'll agree that Bass PODXT Pro is about the most amazing thing to happen to the bass guitar since, well, the bass amplifier itself.

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Korg PX5D Pandora Guitar and Bass Multi Effects Processor Review

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(More customer reviews)Actually this device is much more than a toy. I record weekly with a keyboard player and I no longer need to take my guitar amplifier to this session. I just carry the PX5D along with the necessary cords and attach it directly to his mixer which is hooked directly to his PC. I can change guitar sounds as the music requires. I can also plug the PX5D into my PC via a USB port and quickly edit the user settings for sounds and also program rhythm chains easily. The device seems to be very well made and has performed flawlessly so far .

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Product Description:
Back in the 1990s, the first Korg Pandora placed its indelible stamp on the pocket multi-effects processor category. Today, Pandora is still king of the category. Today's highly-evolved Korg PX5D is your personal rehearsal hall, an all-hours amp shop, your own audio recording suite as well as your digital doorway to the modern studio. And best of all, the battery-powered PX5D still fits in your pocket, so your great sound is always with you.


The battery-powered PX5D still fits in your pocket, so your great sound is always with you. Click to enlarge.
The PX5D also works as a USB audio interface.
Backlit LCD screen for easy navigation.
Intuitive four-way cursor control.
Big for Its Size
Despite its compact size, the Pandora PX5D is laid out with game-controller efficiency--so you can spend more time playing and less time wishing you were already playing! Modern and up to date, the PX5D serves double duty as a stereo USB audio interface, allowing you convenient access to audio recording software on your computer.
High-Quality "REMS" Based Effects
Korg's "REMS" Modeling Technology has been widely acclaimed for its natural, authentic sound quality. A total of 180 effect types are available in the Pandora PX5, divided into seven categories that match the seven effect modules that are simultaneously available.

Dynamics
This section includes everything from simple compression to advanced algorithms that can emulate a humbucking sound from a single coil pickup (or vice-versa); transform an electric guitar into an acoustic timbre, add a fretless character to any bass sound; plus a series of wahs and auto-wahs.
AMP Modeling
In addition to some of the most popular and widely recorded amps, the PX5D multi-effects processor includes a number of rare and boutique amplifier models--everything from the ubiquitous VOX AC30 to a US Hi-Gain (think snakeskin) amp. A total of 15 guitar amps and 11 bass amps are all delivered with spot-on accuracy. Bass synth and Guitar Synth models are also featured in the PX5D.
Cabinet Simulations
Matching the right amp to the right cabinet is a necessity for capturing a classic tone. But go ahead and mix and match to build your own custom "virtual" rig. From a single 8" tweed to a 4 x 15" mammoth, the PX5d has it all.
Modulation Effects
You name it, Pandora has it--phasers, flangers, choruses, filter sweeps, U-Vibes, tremolos, intelligent pitch shifting, rotary speaker, auto-panning. Best of all, each effect can be tweaked to your own personal preference.
Delay Settings
Five Delay effects--each with five variations relating to feedback amount--are available in this Pandora PX5D multi-effects processor. Delay time is conveniently set using the Tap key on the front panel and a versatile Reverse Delay is onboard.
Reverbs
Eleven Reverb algorithms place the final ambience and sheen on your sound.
Noise Reduction
Keep your sound clean--and silent in between songs.

100 Presets, 100 user programs
Seventy Guitar Presets and Thirty Bass Presets are ready and waiting to get you started with your new Korg PX5D. For those who like to make their sound their own, 100 User Program location are available for storing your custom settings. Using the Software Editor Librarian provides faster, graphic editing and allows you to build up libraries of custom patches. A simple USB cable provides the connection to your computer.
Clean panel design for intuitive control
With almost gamer styling, the PX5D is an easy-to-operate multi-effects processor. A four-way cursor to the left and a recessed dial to the right combine for easy navigation of the backlit LCD screen. For the amplifier traditionalist, dedicated thumb wheels across the top offer real-time control of Gain, Bass, Treble and Volume. Four Program Memory buttons keep your favorite programs close at hand! An adapter cable is included, allowing two optional footswitches to be connected to the PX5D for hands-free operation.
Drummer and bassist included
128 accurate and professional Rhythm & Bass groove patterns are built in to your Korg PX5D--including simple "click-track" style metronome beats. The Rhythm patterns have three variations, so you can find the one you like. Use the Tap key to set the tempo to anything from 40 to 240 Beats per Minute (BPM). Both Major and Minor bass lines are included with each groove, and you can set the Bass Key to any note. Up to sixteen patterns can be strung together into one of twenty chains--an excellent feature for writing a new tune, practicing a part or crafting that killer solo--in context!
The world outside
Connect an MP3 player, CD, USB or other external audio source to the AUX IN jack and you can play along. Wrong key? Use the Key Transpose function to change the pitch of the song into any musical key. For the bassist, the PX5D multi-effects processor also contains a Bass Cancelling function that removes the bass sound from an external audio source so that you can play and hear your bass along with the song.
Repeat as necessary
Phrase Training is a fun feature for learning difficult material or for working on solos. You can record up to 80 seconds of audio from any external source and play it back repeatedly (looped) at a slower speed--without changing the pitch. This is a great way to learn complex or rapid passages by ear, since you will be able to hear the phrase slowly. You can also record yourself chording along with the built-in rhythm and bass accompaniment, and then practice your soloing skills.
Digital USB doorway
In its off hours, the Pandora PX5D moonlights as USB audio interface for all your computer needs, offering two-channel audio communication to and from your Mac or PC.
What's in the Box
Korg PX5D, Owner's manual, Two AA alkaline batteries, Strap holder, CD-ROM, Footswitch adapter cable, Rubber feet

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Behringer LX1B-PRO BASS V-AMP PRO The Ultimate Tone Toolbox for Bass, Acoustic/Electric Guitar and Keyboard Amp Modeling Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Looking at the reviews on Musicians Friend, they were all glowing and positive with three exceptions:Two thought it was too complicated, since they just wanted to plug in and play.One had evidently gotten a defective unit, and supposedly Behringer is well known for shoddy manufacturing.However, in my home studio it will see such light duty that I am going to buy one and I will tell you my personal experiences after I have used it.

Let me reiterate:The other 25 reviews were glowing in praise about the features, sound, etc and the owners seemed ecstatic.

It looks like you could do anything with it...lots of voices, effects, cab simulations, etc.There is also a little software program so you can program it from your PC.The simple issue is sound...does it sound good, full, and punch and cut through the mix?We shall see.

The other drag is that it doesn't come with even a cheap little foot controller.You have to buy one separately.No big deal for me, but if you want to play live and cart it everywhere, you might consider buying its cheaper little brother that is a floor unit.
The best unit out there is the Bass Pod Pro rack mount, but it doesn't have true stereo effects (!) and costs waaaaay too much.All the other units are floor units, and I am trying to get junk OFF my floor...thats why I'm making this purchase in the first place.Other rack units require an amp and we shall have NONE of that in my quiet little suburban home.

This looks attractive...just hope my worries about Behringer quality don't turn out to be valid.

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Product Description:
If a lack of money and floor space is all that's been standing between you and a collection of vintage bass amps and effects pedals, get ready to love the rack-mountable BASS V-AMP PRO. It comes loaded with 32 amp models, 23 speaker cabinet models and 16 classic effects. The BASS V-AMP PRO's 32 amp models are organized into three groups: CLEAN, ACOUSTIC and GUITAR. Just twist the dedicated dial to plug into unbelievably authentic simulations of the greatest acoustic and electric bass sounds from the 1950s to today. When you select an amp model, a speaker cabinet model is automatically selected. But if you'd prefer a different model, just go to EDIT>CABINETS, then use the BANK UP/DOWN buttons to navigate through all 15 options. Just like on an actual bass amp, you've got a three-band EQ, GAIN, VOLUME and MASTER VOLUME dials. There's even a COMPRESSOR dial for tight, smooth tone with a variable attack. By holding the TAP button, the TREBLE dial becomes a PRESENCE control. This enables the adjustment of a high-frequency filter that can add or remove a "shimmer" from the BASS V-AMP PRO's tone.

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