Line 6 POD X3 Live questions

[sideshowlinc]

Got a few questions about this bad boy.
Basically, I'm wanting to use this unit for both live and recording. By live, I'm talking: Fender Jag, into this, into an ENGL Screamer Combo. I'd LIKE to use the Screamer's dirt as opposted to the POD's amp modelling (call me biased, I dunno, I just like the idea of "real" distortion :idk:) but I've been told that using the X3 Live into an amp sounds pretty shite, its better just to plug it straight into the desk, or into a power-amp with a cab, and just use the POD for all the features it provides. Also, with the whole, using the screamer's distortion, this creates the problem of sorting out how to use the different channels of the screamer with the channels on the POD. More hassles. Excellent.
Now, by recording I don't mean anything too amazing, just plugging into an M-Box and recording into protools or logic or something like that just for simple home-recording laptop type stuff. I mean I don't want shit quality, but I'm not planning on recording Radiohead's new album with this thing. Anyone had any experience with this? Is the X3 good for this?
I've heard people mention that its useless trying to edit your patches using the screen on the unit, much better to edit them on your computer, how does this work?
anyone had any reliability issues with this thing?
lastly, can someone tell me if the unit has looping effects/features for eg like what I'd find with a Boss RC-5?
Thanks

[GDan]

I'm only familiar with the old XT live so I might be wrong but:

No looping.

For plugging into a pc it should be fine, you can also use it as an audio interface in its own right. However if you want amp modelling on computer there are VSTs for that which sound better so I wouldnt bother (guitar rig, amplitube, logic 9's new amp sim ect)

If you just want effects and to use your own amps modelling the Line 6 M13 would be a better bet, it has an effects loop for your amp and looping.

[Agreed]

If you're curious about any of the on-board dirt sounds I could record some demo clips for you with PodFarm, allay your concerns (or exacerbate them if the models you're interested in turn out not to sound so hot :lol:)

[germanicus2112]

Editing on the screen is not that difficult. If you take 20 mins and rtfm you will have it down. This isn't rocket science. Its easier on a computer but almost every patch I have on my x3 live was done on the screen.

[sideshowlinc]

I'm only familiar with the old XT live so I might be wrong but:

No looping.

For plugging into a pc it should be fine, you can also use it as an audio interface in its own right. However if you want amp modelling on computer there are VSTs for that which sound better so I wouldnt bother (guitar rig, amplitube, logic 9's new amp sim ect)

If you just want effects and to use your own amps modelling the Line 6 M13 would be a better bet, it has an effects loop for your amp and looping.

Thanks for that info. I think the POD would be best, just because it seems easy to record with and would be a great live tool

[sideshowlinc]

If you're curious about any of the on-board dirt sounds I could record some demo clips for you with PodFarm, allay your concerns (or exacerbate them if the models you're interested in turn out not to sound so hot :lol:)

oh thatd be great, if its not too much trouble. Ummm if you can get anything close to an Adam Jones-y type sound that would be fantastic :D

[sideshowlinc]

Editing on the screen is not that difficult. If you take 20 mins and rtfm you will have it down. This isn't rocket science. Its easier on a computer but almost every patch I have on my x3 live was done on the screen.

it almost took me 20 to figure out what rtfm means, i think i may need a computer :lol: cheers for your input!

[Agreed]

oh thatd be great, if its not too much trouble. Ummm if you can get anything close to an Adam Jones-y type sound that would be fantastic :D

That's the Tool guy, right?

You know that he records with three different amps layered, right? :lol:

[sideshowlinc]

That's the Tool guy, right?

You know that he records with three different amps layered, right? :lol:

yes it is. boy I'm an asshole... hahaha ahhhhhhh how about like a mesa single or dual rec head through a 2x12 cab?

[Agreed]

Can do, boss. Tomorrow soon enough? It's quiet time at the Agreed home, wife's a new teacher and tomorrow is the first day of her first class ever!

I'll make it worth your while and record some samples of other modelers with a similar setup, need some red meat for my blog anyway and comparisons are always fun.

[MusicalSchizo]

Well, if he records with three, you can at least do two (perhaps a Diezel and a Marshall, like his most-commonly-used live rig?)...the X3 Live does two amps at once with aplomb!

I don't know if it's the best choice for running into an amp (like others have said, the M13 might be better), but the fact that you don't even need to carry an additional interface around, AND with the USB 2.0 interface you can record both a direct and effected sound at the same time if you like (to use the other VSTs that are out there if you like them better), which is nice. I love mine.

Good luck!
Brian V.

[Agreed]

True that. I am not a great fan of Tool so I wasn't aware of his live rig, if he just runs two amps live then I can definitely look into it and virtually wire something up, see how close it comes. Of course not being a great fan of Tool I have no idea what his live tone sounds like, I'll have to hit up Youtube.

I usually do anyway when doing comparisons - scan Youtube to find a representative sounding clip of the amp I'm emulating in the various software, and use that as the strong base of comparison. Try to get each program to sound like that. It helps to eliminate a layer of subjectivity/abstraction since I'm working in each case toward a definite goal rather than just tinkering "to make it sound good." Our sense memory is desperately unreliable so without something to aim for, it's really easy to make five very different sounding patches on accident and bork the whole comparison.

[sideshowlinc]

Can do, boss. Tomorrow soon enough? It's quiet time at the Agreed home, wife's a new teacher and tomorrow is the first day of her first class ever!

I'll make it worth your while and record some samples of other modelers with a similar setup, need some red meat for my blog anyway and comparisons are always fun.

True that. I am not a great fan of Tool so I wasn't aware of his live rig, if he just runs two amps live then I can definitely look into it and virtually wire something up, see how close it comes. Of course not being a great fan of Tool I have no idea what his live tone sounds like, I'll have to hit up Youtube.

I usually do anyway when doing comparisons - scan Youtube to find a representative sounding clip of the amp I'm emulating in the various software, and use that as the strong base of comparison. Try to get each program to sound like that. It helps to eliminate a layer of subjectivity/abstraction since I'm working in each case toward a definite goal rather than just tinkering "to make it sound good." Our sense memory is desperately unreliable so without something to aim for, it's really easy to make five very different sounding patches on accident and bork the whole comparison.

Thanks a lot man, its hugely appreciated, whenever is fine :D I guess I'm just looking for a tone that isnt too br00tul but still with a fair amount of sustain and balls. I'll let youtube do the explaining tho :lol:

[sideshowlinc]

Well, if he records with three, you can at least do two (perhaps a Diezel and a Marshall, like his most-commonly-used live rig?)...the X3 Live does two amps at once with aplomb!

I don't know if it's the best choice for running into an amp (like others have said, the M13 might be better), but the fact that you don't even need to carry an additional interface around, AND with the USB 2.0 interface you can record both a direct and effected sound at the same time if you like (to use the other VSTs that are out there if you like them better), which is nice. I love mine.

Good luck!
Brian V.

What exactly do you use your X3 for?

[john_p_t]

You say you want to use the amp distortion rather than the Pod, but have you tried out the Pod fully?

I'm sure others will have different views, but I think the XT and X3 are at their best when used as complete systems to do everything, and just go out to a PA (or your hi-fi setup at home). I think adding an amp actually compromises them somewhat and limits their range and tone.

I think people may intuitively think, "OK, I'll use these features of the pod, but I'll keep my amp and pedals, so I've not gone fully digital" or something, but I think that way you end up with a horribly compromised implementation of the tech. It works, but the character of your combo amp will be working against the Pod in a way that a full range more transparent PA type amp / speakers won't.

I'd say, get to a shop that will let you try it out for a while on its own through PA or Hi Fi speakers and see what you make of it. A lot of people really never look back once they get acquainted with the set up.

It's also worth considering, when using it live, what features would you actually be using? You can run it simply as an effects pedals replacement, and it does a good job, but that's kind of like using a Swiss Army Knife as a paperweight; it'll work, but you won't be getting great value out of it.

[hrcnsfan]

You say you want to use the amp distortion rather than the Pod, but have you tried out the Pod fully?

I'm sure others will have different views, but I think the XT and X3 are at their best when used as complete systems to do everything, and just go out to a PA (or your hi-fi setup at home). I think adding an amp actually compromises them somewhat and limits their range and tone.

I think people may intuitively think, "OK, I'll use these features of the pod, but I'll keep my amp and pedals, so I've not gone fully digital" or something, but I think that way you end up with a horribly compromised implementation of the tech. It works, but the character of your combo amp will be working against the Pod in a way that a full range more transparent PA type amp / speakers won't.

I'd say, get to a shop that will let you try it out for a while on its own through PA or Hi Fi speakers and see what you make of it. A lot of people really never look back once they get acquainted with the set up.

It's also worth considering, when using it live, what features would you actually be using? You can run it simply as an effects pedals replacement, and it does a good job, but that's kind of like using a Swiss Army Knife as a paperweight; it'll work, but you won't be getting great value out of it.

I definitely agree with that statement. You'll get a truer reproduction of the X3's sounds if you run straight to the PA. If you must use an amp I'd suggest trying an acoustic/keyboard amp.......something that won't "color" the sound like a tube amp or modeling amp will.

[sideshowlinc]

You say you want to use the amp distortion rather than the Pod, but have you tried out the Pod fully?

I'm sure others will have different views, but I think the XT and X3 are at their best when used as complete systems to do everything, and just go out to a PA (or your hi-fi setup at home). I think adding an amp actually compromises them somewhat and limits their range and tone.

I think people may intuitively think, "OK, I'll use these features of the pod, but I'll keep my amp and pedals, so I've not gone fully digital" or something, but I think that way you end up with a horribly compromised implementation of the tech. It works, but the character of your combo amp will be working against the Pod in a way that a full range more transparent PA type amp / speakers won't.

I'd say, get to a shop that will let you try it out for a while on its own through PA or Hi Fi speakers and see what you make of it. A lot of people really never look back once they get acquainted with the set up.

It's also worth considering, when using it live, what features would you actually be using? You can run it simply as an effects pedals replacement, and it does a good job, but that's kind of like using a Swiss Army Knife as a paperweight; it'll work, but you won't be getting great value out of it.

I definitely agree with that statement. You'll get a truer reproduction of the X3's sounds if you run straight to the PA. If you must use an amp I'd suggest trying an acoustic/keyboard amp.......something that won't "color" the sound like a tube amp or modeling amp will.

Ok you both make a good point. At home I'll just be using a Roland cube, I don't expect it to sound particularly great :lol: but I'm guessing I'll just plug it up to the PA live and fuck off any amps and just use the POD's amp modelling.

[Undertaker4]

Depending on your software, the Pod XT allows you to also send the clean signal to your software; couldn't you just use Pod Farm and arm 3 tracks to do 3 different amps?

[Agreed]

First, I'm an iLok PodFarmer. Second, it would be eminently possible to do exactly what you're suggesting. Third, I'm not going to because it's a tremendous pain in the arse requiring a mix-down and some patience which i just don't have for charity, haha

[MusicalSchizo]

What exactly do you use your X3 for?

These days, mostly just live bass tone (main sound is an SWR model mixed with a direct mic pre model).

I have used it for both acoustic and guitar gigs, too, and I've used it a bunch for recording stuff as its own interface and using the SPDIF into my digital mixer (which goes USB into the computer).

For live gigs, it's always run direct, always mono...often with an onstage full-range powered monitor run off the 1/4" output for a little extra stage volume.

My best experience with modelers live has always been direct to desk/board with good monitors. Others have better luck using them into amplifiers - I generally don't like that approach. I don't think it brings out the best the modelers can offer.

Brian V.

[MusicalSchizo]

Depending on your software, the Pod XT allows you to also send the clean signal to your software; couldn't you just use Pod Farm and arm 3 tracks to do 3 different amps?

I doubt that would work well because you'd need some sort of live preview of the effects, and I think latency might become a big problem. I don't know because I've never tried running it that way.

Using POD Farm or Gearbox and running two amps is a piece of cake, and you can decide which model or direct feed goes on what track when you record (the X3 shows up like an 8-channel sound card in recording programs).

I did this with the X3 - might not be your style, but all the sounds for guitar and bass came from the X3 and Gearbox: www.musicalschizo.com/x3bluestripper.mp3 (http://www.musicalschizo.com/x3bluestripper.mp3)

I used Gearbox on one of the direct tracks I recorded and mixed it with the sound I got directly from the X3 Live.
Brian V.

[Agreed]

Latency depends on your hardware, really. ASIO or CoreAudio make it perfectly feasible to have more or less undetectable latency with live processing for modelers. I've run many simultaneous amp modelers before, but I have a pretty beefy computer.

Hey, sorry to beg a delay on you but it's late and I'm just now getting to where I could work on it so I'm going to skip it for tonight and record the clips tomorrow. I'll try to have them up by noonish, but we'll see.

[sideshowlinc]

Cheers again guys. And Agreed, no worries at all, you're doing me a favour, so take your time :wave:

I'm still tossing up whether to go the straight-into-PA approach or pick up a poweramp and cab, I keep getting strong advice to do either way. I guess I'll just try the PA method and see how I like it, if I think it could be better I'll grab an amp and cab

[germs]

Got a few questions..

1. I've been told that using the X3 Live into an amp sounds pretty shite, its better just to plug it straight into the desk, or into a power-amp with a cab, and just use the POD for all the features it provides.

2. Also, with the whole, using the screamer's distortion, this creates the problem of sorting out how to use the different channels of the screamer with the channels on the POD. More hassles. Excellent.

3. Now, by recording I don't mean anything too amazing, just plugging into an M-Box and recording into protools or logic or something like that just for simple home-recording laptop type stuff. Anyone had any experience with this? Is the X3 good for this?

4. I've heard people mention that its useless trying to edit your patches using the screen on the unit, much better to edit them on your computer, how does this work?

5. anyone had any reliability issues with this thing?

6. lastly, can someone tell me if the unit has looping effects/features for eg like what I'd find with a Boss RC-5?
Thanks

1. Several schools of thought on this. I'd say that using an X3 w/ an Engl is self-defeating. By that I mean the POD is meant to be an upgrade to your current rig. Most people don't use it for the FX, they would go out and purchase the M13 for that. Personally, I'm required to be all over the place with a VERY produced act, so the XTLive I use is programmed to reflect several different amps for that specific purpose. I go ampless directly into my own powered monitor, that the FOH takes a feed from on the line out and goes to the mains.

2. The solution is easy, if you want to still use your amp b/c you like it - return the X3 and get the M13.

3. The X3 is superb at recording. Hell, you'll get a fine quality recording if you track only with the X3. No one can tell the difference if you spend the time required to dial in a sound, unless you tell them...;)

4. You download the software from Line6, by creating a user account. You get several software editors (including your updater) and one specifically allows you to turn virtual knobs a la amplitube or some such. Personally, I think it's better b/c it helps you get an idea of how the pedals work if you're used to looking at knob placement, instead of trying to guesstimate based on a decimal displayed on the screen of the unit itself. To hook up, you set up the POD normally, then use the included USB adapter to go into the computer. The software does it's think, and you have the program open up and you're editing and saving pretty much right off the bat. It can be intimidating at first, but pretty convenient once you get the hang of it. It also allows you to store tones if you have the need for a larger library than what is currently available to store on the unit itself, which is pretty hard to imagine...

5. Never. Some people are heavy footed and try to slam the thing around. So of course, it will break when you abuse it. This is not a MT-2 here, it's a damn computer. Treat it right.

6. No, no looping. See the M13 for that. Also, no pitch shifting, harmonizing, feedbacker, or acoustic sims...But I can do without that. It's the amp sims I'm after.

hope that helps...YMMV as always.

[sideshowlinc]

thats hugely for your response germs, its cleared up a lot of doubts/questions I had about the unit. I certainly feel a lot more confident about making the purchase

[Undertaker4]

I doubt that would work well because you'd need some sort of live preview of the effects, and I think latency might become a big problem. I don't know because I've never tried running it that way.

Using POD Farm or Gearbox and running two amps is a piece of cake, and you can decide which model or direct feed goes on what track when you record (the X3 shows up like an 8-channel sound card in recording programs).

I did this with the X3 - might not be your style, but all the sounds for guitar and bass came from the X3 and Gearbox: www.musicalschizo.com/x3bluestripper.mp3 (http://www.musicalschizo.com/x3bluestripper.mp3)

I used Gearbox on one of the direct tracks I recorded and mixed it with the sound I got directly from the X3 Live.
Brian V.

Sounds good! I have an XT Live so I'm figuring out what I can do with Pod Farm and Sonar when it comes.

[Agreed]

I said "f it" and decided, three amps and an expert production team be damned, I was going to go for the album tone from the song Lateralus. I used the Diety (Diezel model) and JCM800 model in parallel. The only additional tone shaping comes from cabinet choice (V30 4x12 cab for the JCM800, Matchless 2x12 for the Diezel) and from the Line6 semi-parametric EQ, one after each amp model in the signal chain. I actually got carried away hunting down the exact tone and used a bunch of external plugins, was getting REALLY close to it, but then I thought "you know, the gentleman is probably only going to want to hear how PodFarm does on its own" so I undid all my cool post-processing and went back to basics. Judge for yourself how it sounds:

http://tindeck.com/image/kzbv/stats.png (http://tindeck.com/listen/kzbv)

[sideshowlinc]

I said "f it" and decided, three amps and an expert production team be damned, I was going to go for the album tone from the song Lateralus. I used the Diety (Diezel model) and JCM800 model in parallel. The only additional tone shaping comes from cabinet choice (V30 4x12 cab for the JCM800, Matchless 2x12 for the Diezel) and from the Line6 semi-parametric EQ, one after each amp model in the signal chain. I actually got carried away hunting down the exact tone and used a bunch of external plugins, was getting REALLY close to it, but then I thought "you know, the gentleman is probably only going to want to hear how PodFarm does on its own" so I undid all my cool post-processing and went back to basics. Judge for yourself how it sounds:

http://tindeck.com/image/kzbv/stats.png (http://tindeck.com/listen/kzbv)

Dude that is awesome, thankyou so much for your time. I owe you :D
sounds good, that happens to be one of my favourite tool songs so you've done very well hahha. again, big thankyou

my friend is gonna sell me his POD X3 Live for $450AU (which is about $370US) which is a great deal, as my sig states im having to sell some shiz for it but thats what being a muso's all about i guess!

[germanicus2112]

5. Never. Some people are heavy footed and try to slam the thing around. So of course, it will break when you abuse it. This is not a MT-2 here, it's a damn computer. Treat it right.

hope that helps...YMMV as always.

The above referring to questions about the x3 lives reliability....

There was a TREMENDOUS amount of faulty x3 lives on the market, especially in the first 6 months after release. The unit was extremely poorly made with its initial batches and they were forced to release firmware updates to compensate for some of the problems. I had to return mine for a replacement. It was NOT a well made unit. Sorry, but just go look at the line 6 forums and all the hardware failure issues.

I would NOT buy a used x3 live unless it was covered by a transferable replacement warranty. I did end up getting another x3 live but I payed for an additional 2 years warranty on it through guitar center, and im glad I did, because the footswitches and the usb connector failed on me and required warranty work.

FWIW I owned the Pod XT LIVE before the x3 and that unit was built like a tank, the difference in reliability is astounding.

I no longer gig with the x3 live now, its a backup to a vg99 rig, but I would NOT rely solely on the x3 at a gig without some form of backup. Just my 2 cents. The units sounds are great though!

[MusicalSchizo]

I had one of the initial baddies (pedal didn't track properly). They sent me a reconditioned one. It's perfect, and has been since the day I got it, exactly one week after I sent my defective one to Line 6. Line 6's service is pretty awesome (best of any of the large manufacturers, IMO), and I will say that if something is within the warranty period, they will generally cover you and if it's outside of the warranty period but a common issue, they will generally take care of you, too.

I think at this point most of the jacked up ones are off the market...sent back and reconditioned by Line 6.

Oh, and by the way, you can do pitch shifting with the X3 - it's kind of like a Digitech whammy. It's not one of the best effects it has, though, and it's tricky to set up. Once you've got it set up, it's good.

I think the X3 is due for some sort of major update (it's been a while), so we'll see if they increase the functionality with an upgrade as they often do over there at Line 6. Or they'll do nothing. Either way, I still love my X3 Live.

I do agree I wish it was built more like that XT Live, though. That was a tough motherfucker.

Best of luck!
Brian V.

[Agreed]

Dude that is awesome, thankyou so much for your time. I owe you :D
sounds good, that happens to be one of my favourite tool songs so you've done very well hahha. again, big thankyou

my friend is gonna sell me his POD X3 Live for $450AU (which is about $370US) which is a great deal, as my sig states im having to sell some shiz for it but thats what being a muso's all about i guess!

No problem, anything else you want to hear?

[sideshowlinc]

No problem, anything else you want to hear?

Not really man, I won't make you waste anymore time for me than you already have haha, but thanks again

[germs]

FWIW I owned the Pod XT LIVE before the x3 and that unit was built like a tank, the difference in reliability is astounding.

I no longer gig with the x3 live now, its a backup to a vg99 rig, but I would NOT rely solely on the x3 at a gig without some form of backup. Just my 2 cents. The units sounds are great though!


I think the X3 is due for some sort of major update (it's been a while), so we'll see if they increase the functionality with an upgrade as they often do over there at Line 6. Or they'll do nothing. Either way, I still love my X3 Live.

I do agree I wish it was built more like that XT Live, though. That was a tough motherfucker.

Best of luck!
Brian V.

Well, the just pushed out the Spider IV, and the M9 (a scaled down M13) is coming down the pipes in time for the holidays. Let's hope for a new POD Live series!