Vox Tonelab SE and Line 6 POD XT Live

[daddycam]

it looks like the XTL is selling fast! musician's friend is showing them as backordered again. you may just have to call around to try to find one. i got mine from guitar heaven (http://www.gtrheaven.com/) , but i don't have any idea whether they have gotten more in stock or not.

so far i gotta say, i haven't been having much luck with the XTL yet, although my time with it has been limited. my preferred way to set it up is guitar>POD XTL>pwr amp in of hot rod deluxe. that's the way i've used my POD 2.0 the last couple of years with good results. with the XTL i haven't gotten any good tones this way regardless of the output mode i choose. i'm not sure what the deal is, but i'm frustrated. i've found several posts on the line 6 board where others have used the original POD XT this way with good results, but the output settings are different with it. if anybody has any suggestions i would be grateful. i'll keep tinkering though.

[Senor Blues]

You are going to have to do some tweaking...might want to try some of AndyZ's patches.

For comparison, my Tonelab sounded great through a JTM-45 Clone with the power amp in--but through a HR Deluxe like yours I HATED it, it sound horrible.

[daddycam]

i haven't even had time to hook it up to my computer yet to try some other patches. hopefully i'll get to that this weekend.

[Scott Peterson]

A real tastetest of what the POD XT Live can do:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&postid=511971#post511971

[Jim Martin]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
A real tastetest of what the POD XT Live can do:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&postid=511971#post511971

Sounds great, Scott! (When are you posting the patches?)

I bought an extra PedalTrain case when they were cheap at MF. The main pedal board is big enough to handle the XT Live and its power brick. The space behind it is big enough for a little strip of a pedal board which will contain my Valvulator, TonePress, RC Booster and TIM. So all of these pedals I can't live without will plug in front of the XT Live but I can still fit the whole thing into the original PedalTrain briefcase-style case. Woo-hoo!

Now I just need to time to put it together...

[fiftywatt]

so far i gotta say, i haven't been having much luck with the XTL yet, although my time with it has been limited. my preferred way to set it up is guitar>POD XTL>pwr amp in of hot rod deluxe. that's the way i've used my POD 2.0 the last couple of years with good results. with the XTL i haven't gotten any good tones this way regardless of the output mode i choose. i'm not sure what the deal is, but i'm frustrated.[/B]

Hey DC, I've been tweaking a few "template" sounds for the XTL running into the front end of my Tophat EL84 type amps. One is a Club Royale 112 open backed combo, the other is a King Royale head and 212 semi-open back cab.

fyi, Make sure you have the XTL set to "no cab" and then try the Tone Correction settings. My settings for each of these amps are different. I roll of the highs by -20 or -26 (for the KR) and roll off the bass by -20. The "mid focus" control is somewhat subtle but can have a significant impact on the midrange quality you will get running the XTL into a tube amp. I like something around 560 hz but I'm still tweaking. I've noticed that the Tone Correction only seems to function with the "Amp" switch engaged, but not 100% sure on that. I use the various Amp models as my primary distortion channels when running the XTL into my Tophats. I set either of them to sound clean and fairly neutral tonally. Hope that helps.

[daddycam]

thanks, fiftywatt. my preferred way is to run it into the pwr amp in which bypasses my preamp. it's just a little easier for me that way.

i finally got to spend a little time with it the other night and came up with one patch that sounds pretty decent. i did it with my headphones then hooked it up to my amp and set the XTL to "combo pwr amp". it still sounds pretty decent at low levels. now i just need to find some time to crank it up a bit and adjust the EQ to fine tune it.

i also just downloaded the guitar port software and plan to load it on my laptop at home. that should make tweaking a bit easier. i'm pretty sure that this setup is going to work well for me. my biggest problem right now is time!

[I3PUTT]

Scott,

I was wondering how similar your XTL sounds through your JBL monitor as opposed to headphones? Or as compared to your sound samples you posted?

Thanks,
B.C.

BTW, thanks for posting the patches. I got them off of ION. Great stuff!:dude

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by I3PUTT
Scott,

I was wondering how similar your XTL sounds through your JBL monitor as opposed to headphones? Or as compared to your sound samples you posted?

Thanks,
B.C.

BTW, thanks for posting the patches. I got them off of ION. Great stuff!:dude

Pretty similar, though not really. I like them better through the EON; much better at gig volume. They tend to open up and sound less "small". They sound huge, at least to me. Those tones were also designed with a band in mind; not just solo jamming.

I have also redone the clean patch and improved it greatly. I'll get them rebundled and up later this week.

[Senor Blues]

Try the SilverFace Bassman for some clean tone....

It is a CC Model Pack amp, and WAAAAYYY different than the 58 Bassman Model.

I've got a patch for you Bluesy kinda guys, tone sample:
http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/tone.mp3

Patch:
http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/Bluesy%20Sad4x12.gpt


The Amp is the CC Model Pack Silvertone. I used a Variax Model of the 335 , Neck pickup connected via VDI Cable>>XTlive.

The great thing about that patch is it sets the Volume pedal on the XTL to a minimum volume of 30% if you roll it all the way back, and that patch cleans up nice with that, or by rolling back the volume on the guitar, try it out.

Feels like an amp too.

[niersbach]

Originally posted by bluesdoc
I guess I'm the only one here with a GNX(2).........:rolleyes: :)

Day 3 with it and it still rocks my boat!! It's more user friendly than the pod or TL. I feel like I've discovered this secret forumla for cheap great tone.

Great tone = that which makes me want to play it and makes me happy doing so and gooses my playing to my personal limits. All else is irrelevant. Of course, I don't have a recording engineer to please.....:p But I did, last year, and the XT did fine. This truly sounds as good or better. To me. ymmv........

jon

I have the Genesis 3 and the Control X floorboard. I bought them the first week it came out. I really wanted a desktop model since I play on my computer so much and its the same exact thing as yours but its a desktop. I liked it a lot more than the pod when I played it at Mars Music. The only thing I dont like about it is the fact that changing setting on it is so cryptic...i mean there is a lot of stuff packed into it for it to only have a few little knobs here and there and a few buttons...just never liked the hit this button and turn this knob at the same time and it will turn this thing on. I am of the opinion that if you try hard enough you can get some great sounds out of all the recent modeling contraptions...its just a matter of figuring them out.

[amosaic4u]

just curious

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by amosaic4u
just curious

I had a good friend and co-guitar player in my band at the time own the original Cybertwin when it came out. Sounded great on its own; disappeared completely with the band.

I have no exerpience with the Cybertwin SE at all.

[amosaic4u]

interesting...i saw buddy guy play with 2 of them and it cut thru great at this small theatre,,, I would use it for recording along with my tonelab se and pod xt live and adrenelinn 2.

[Jarrett]

Scott...umm, damn. Those tones are pretty friggin good man. The gap is closing very rapidly now between real and model, it seems.

Dadgumit, now you got me thinking I want one. What's are your thoughts on the amp to use it with? Does it sound better with a tube amp or something like that little JBL you have?

What about running something like the bottom setup from this page:

http://www.tech21nyc.com/PE60Hup2.html

XTL feeding two power engines to get the full stereo feel with seperate XLRs going to the board?

ALso, did you happen to try your Tim into the front of the XTL to give more of a amp feel? That pedal seems to add that feel as well to less ampy feeling amps, I've found.

[daddycam]

Originally posted by Jarrett
What's are your thoughts on the amp to use it with? Does it sound better with a tube amp or something like that little JBL you have?


obviously, scott is pretty happy with his JBL setup. i run my XTL into a fender hot rod deluxe because that's what i've got, and we've got the same amp at church where i play. it's not bad, but i'm still tweaking to make it better.

a lot of people on the Line 6 Forum and on instituteofnoise.com are just giddy about their atomic amps. i may have to check one out one of these days.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jarrett
Scott...umm, damn. Those tones are pretty friggin good man. The gap is closing very rapidly now between real and model, it seems.

Dadgumit, now you got me thinking I want one. What's are your thoughts on the amp to use it with? Does it sound better with a tube amp or something like that little JBL you have?

What about running something like the bottom setup from this page:

http://www.tech21nyc.com/PE60Hup2.html

XTL feeding two power engines to get the full stereo feel with seperate XLRs going to the board?

ALso, did you happen to try your Tim into the front of the XTL to give more of a amp feel? That pedal seems to add that feel as well to less ampy feeling amps, I've found.

I am indeed very happy with the JBL setup I have; and that is just that. I don't feel a need to compare amps or anything else... for me it is *done*.

I have since sold the TIM.

I like Tech 21 stuff, but have no experience with the Power Engines.

To me, the paradigm of "guitar/pedal/amp/cab" does not apply. Now it is "guitar/pedal/powered PA Cab" done.

The one caveat is the VHT Tube Valvulator 1 buffer, that is absolutely essential IMHO for what I want. YMMV.

[Jarrett]

Now I am reading up on the reviews of these Atomic amps. A couple of those and a XLT sounds like fun :)

[Jarrett]

Man, it's tempting... :D

Contents Of Your Shopping Cart
Name Quantity Each Subtotal Availability
2- Atomic Reactor 112 Tube Amplifier Slave (Warehouse Resealed) $449.97 $899.94 In stock
Will ship today
1- Line6 POD XT Live Guitar Amp Modeler Pedalboard (New) $399.99 $399.99 In stock
Will ship today
1 - VHT Valvulator 1 Vacuum Tube Buffer and Power Supply (New) $199.95 $199.95 In stock
Will ship today
Item Total : $1,499.88
Please select a shipping method : : Free!
Order Total : $1,499.88

Or

Contents Of Your Shopping Cart
Name Quantity Each Subtotal Availability
1 -Line6 POD XT Live Guitar Amp Modeler Pedalboard (New) $399.99 $399.99 In stock
Will ship today
1- VHT Valvulator 1 Vacuum Tube Buffer and Power Supply (New) $199.95 $199.95 In stock
Will ship today
2- Tech21 PW60 Power Engine 60 Matching Extension Cabinet for the Trademark 60 (New) $294.95 $589.90 More expected 12/03/2004.
Preorder today.
Item Total : $1,189.84
Please select a shipping method : : Free!
Order Total : $1,189.84

Both seem like really nice setups, but the Tech21 route gives you Stereo SansAmp XLRs out to the board. But the Line6 guys say the Atomic stuff is heads and shoulders about the Tech21 in terms of tonage.

[AndyZ]

I've been using 2 Atomics with my XT bean and it sounds killer! Live and for recording. The PE60 can't hold a candle to these. From another thread... Not sure what Mastervolume was doing to have his sound so-so. Maybe his patches aren't dialed in right. Just an observation, but it seems like from his post, he doesn't care too much what sounds he's getting for his worship band... so maybe "just okay" is good enough for him. Hard to tell without any feed back on what exactly he doesn't like about it.

[Papajuice]

Hey Scott just noticed you used the deep editor was it the sound diver from the line6 site. And also what type of card do you have to put in the computor for the midi hookups. Don't mean to sound stupid but anything t make it easier, just spent 3hr downloading abunch of sounds and want to make my own.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by brian b
Hey Scott just noticed you used the deep editor was it the sound diver from the line6 site. And also what type of card do you have to put in the computor for the midi hookups. Don't mean to sound stupid but anything t make it easier, just spent 3hr downloading abunch of sounds and want to make my own.

I use the USB hookup and Guitarport to deep edit sounds/tones/patches.

No soundcard needed, you can monitor through the POD XT Live with phones.

[Papajuice]

Must be missing something on the Guitar port, did not see where to do the editing. But got alot of tone thru it. Guess it is time to down load a manual for it.
Thanks. Scott It is great to get help from others.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by brian b
Must be missing something on the Guitar port, did not see where to do the editing. But got alot of tone thru it. Guess it is time to down load a manual for it.
Thanks. Scott It is great to get help from others.

Hook up your XTL to your computer with the USB Cable.

Download and run the Line 6 Monkey; it will help you to register and then update (if needed) your XTL.

Close the Monkey, open Guitarport. Once open, step on any preset and you'll see the Guitarport software load whatever preset you are stepping on. Change anything you like; once you have the tone dialed in, "Save To POD XT Live...." and pick your slot for your preset.

You'll never kneel on the floor again.....

[dyer_maker]

I'm thinking about getting a pair of Eon 10's. Looking for some opinions on the matter. Right now I'm looking for something to run the XT into around the house. I'm not using the Live version and I'm not having any success using my Carr amps. I've considered getting some quality nearfield monitors but in all reality I don't have a true "studio" environment. You know the story stuff everywhere, computers are what not, not really the environment for proper imaging. I've also considered the Atomic but the Eon seems like a nice little package and doesn't seem to be too critical with regard to placement. It also seems to be the closest to how the XT was originally intended to be used.

What say ye? Opinions?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by dyer_maker
I'm thinking about getting a pair of Eon 10's. Looking for some opinions on the matter. Right now I'm looking for something to run the XT into around the house. I'm not using the Live version and I'm not having any success using my Carr amps. I've considered getting some quality nearfield monitors but in all reality I don't have a true "studio" environment. You know the story stuff everywhere, computers are what not, not really the environment for proper imaging. I've also considered the Atomic but the Eon seems like a nice little package and doesn't seem to be too critical with regard to placement. It also seems to be the closest to how the XT was originally intended to be used.

What say ye? Opinions?

I say yes.

Here is why.

You can use them as PA speakers, if the need comes up. They will last, they are tough. They sound great. They will be easy to sell if you ever decide to do so (keep the packing boxes, you never know). And they are portable.

[dyer_maker]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
I say yes.

Here is why.

You can use them as PA speakers, if the need comes up. They will last, they are tough. They sound great. They will be easy to sell if you ever decide to do so (keep the packing boxes, you never know). And they are portable.

As I was typing and talking out loud durability did come to mind. Most monitors are pretty fragile, EONs on the other hand look like they are built to take some abuse. The occassional grab-and-go scenario wouldn't phase me with the EONs. Good point Scott!

[Papajuice]

Got everthing downloaded properly. Now it like a kid in a candy store going thru all these sounds and adjustments. And the Eion does sound nice, just got o steal my valvutaltor back from my son's efffects.

[Papajuice]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scott Peterson
[B]I am running the balanced left (mono) out to the JBL; which has a direct out XLR for FOH. I have a TRS 1/4" to a XLR for the right channel for FOH; if you use a TRS 1/4" you have balanced outs on the SE.

So I monitor in mono; but FOH gets a stereo feed.

So you run your podxtl to the jbl and the from the jbl to the FOH. Am I getting this correct. I was trying to figure out a way to do this, without relying on getting my sound back thru a monitor mix. Where I'am on stage I have a small community monitor and if I add a third guitar to the mix(mine) it might get lost and hard to find.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by brian b
[QUOTE] So you run your podxtl to the jbl and the from the jbl to the FOH. Am I getting this correct. I was trying to figure out a way to do this, without relying on getting my sound back thru a monitor mix. Where I'am on stage I have a small community monitor and if I add a third guitar to the mix(mine) it might get lost and hard to find.

Yes, I am running to the JBL and then the JBL makes the unbalanced signal balanced for XLR direct to FOH (or the snake for the PA).

I can feed them stereo if I run a 1/4"/XLR cable I have; no issue as long as I keep it to 20' or so. I also have a standalone DI if need be for a longer run to keep it stereo; I have no real issue running mono to FOH.

[Papajuice]

Cool thanks for the quick response, That is how I was going to hook it up at Church in the morning.

[Jarrett]

Scott, regarding the XTC thead...

The clips of your new rig sound good, but when you are sitting there in front of the JBL wedge does it sound and feel good like a nice tube amp? I mean, just for playing around the house, would you prefer this new rig over say a Shiva or XTC?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jarrett
Scott, regarding the XTC thead...

The clips of your new rig sound good, but when you are sitting there in front of the JBL wedge does it sound and feel good like a nice tube amp? I mean, just for playing around the house, would you prefer this new rig over say a Shiva or XTC?

Yes.

And I don't say that lightly nor without hesitation.

It is a hard thing, really, to wrap around your head. At least for me it is.

I don't need a tube amp. I don't need a cabinet. I don't need a pedalboard (in a traditional sense).

To come to that place in my mind is -still- a bit of a stretch. I *still* love my tube amps. I still love my amps. I still love my cabs. I wouldn't trade them nor am I considering selling them off.

BUT, (there is always a but) the ease, sound, tone, feel and utter power to get whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want at any volume I want is *impossible* to ignore. Even the best pedalboard/amp setup or the top of the world best channel switcher can't hold a candle to what this silly $400 pedal can do.

And really, with the big 15" JBL EON G2 pumping, you have that utter physical experience of moving HUGE amounts of air just like the best cabs.

The 10" JEL EON G2 is a very good workhorse and portable to an extreme. I sorta look to it like taking a 1x12 cab out. The big monster 15" is easier to move than most 2x12 cabs, but truly can be viewed as a 4x12 for the bass and sheer amount of volume it can do.

I am on the train. :D

[Jarrett]

Dadgumit, you are going to make me go buy one...:)

[Papajuice]

Played mine in church yesterday and a/b with my rivera and genz benz 2x12 cab. The ownly difference was the slight feel that the cabinit added, other wise same sound. I just have to get the volume's dialled in. Changing from one amp to another the change in volume was noted but not that big of a deal. Iam loving this and my Eon G2.:D :dude

[Turbo Gerbil]

hey scott, how are you handling the backup situation for the XTLive and EON combo? I suppose the XTLives are cheap enough that if you really need it you could buy another one. If the EON goes I guess you could get a monitor mix from the house, unless you are using the EON for a live amp.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Turbo Gerbil
hey scott, how are you handling the backup situation for the XTLive and EON combo? I suppose the XTLives are cheap enough that if you really need it you could buy another one. If the EON goes I guess you could get a monitor mix from the house, unless you are using the EON for a live amp.

Two XT Live's will be in the house by next week. I will have all the model packs loaded up on each and they will be clones when I go out to play live.

No backup on the Valvulator 1; perhaps someday.

I have the 15" and the 10" JBL. I'll leave one in the car or sidestage and grab it if needed only.

All this is still cheaper than one Bogner Shiva and one Bogner cab.

[Jokald]

Just to back up what Scott said about being able to use the JBL's for PA use, I have a cover band that plays 4-6 times a month and we have been using two of the 15's with a powered 15" sub for a year and a half and have never had a problem not having enough juice. About 3 months ago I picked up four of the G2 10's for a grand on ebay and have been loving them for use as monitors.

That being said, at one point we had three guitarist using PODxt's straight to the FOH and the portability was excellent. However, we have all gone back to having amps and think that the overall sound is better. In our situations we never mic the amps and when we had all of the guitars going to the FOH it seemed too harsh. Now this may not be a problem if you are using the G2's as your amp.

With all of this in mind, I love this thread! I'm using a XTL in front of a Vibro King with my Custom Variax and loving it. The other night one of the other guys had a problem with his AC30 so I gave him my Vibro King and used an old amp setting I used to use for direct to FOH and it sounded great. I really enjoy reading about people that have found a way to use this stuff with an open mind.

[Jarrett]

Scott, what upgrade packages are musts do you think?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jarrett
Scott, what upgrade packages are musts do you think?

For me - in my situation (which you most likely can glean from the posts on this thread along the way!):

- VHT Valvulator (for feel, harmonics like a real tube amp).
- CC/MS model packs from Line 6 - offers you tons more tones; many of my presets are based on models from those "add-on" packs.
- Variax guitar/cable. This is actually secondary to *my* needs; but I am enjoying it. Picked up a 700 electric for a price too good pass up (and traded my 500 in the process) so just getting up to speed on that side of the world. My 700 Acoustic Variax has been discussed at length; I am extremely happy with it and have used it on dozens of large and small gigs with *excellent* results. Using the XTL with it is just icing on the cake... but some sweet icing it is.

[Jarrett]

Cool, I actually didn't know you had the Variax stuff. I guess you are enjoying them since you are buying more. I guess I need to do some searches and find where you talked about them.

On a slightly diff tangent, I am playing bass in the P&W group at church and I have been kicing around the idea of getting that new Line 6 bass for that gig. I guess the XTL would be nice for that as well. Yet ANOTHER reason to buy, hehe. Thanks.

[Jim Martin]

Scott, I dug the patches you posted a while back. Anything new?

I was playing the Variax acoustic through the XTL last weekend and the other guitar player commented that it sounded better than any acoustic through a direct box he'd heard before. I haven't even really done more than put some verb on the guitar using the XTL - I need to try out the EQ and compression...

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
Scott, I dug the patches you posted a while back. Anything new?

I was playing the Variax acoustic through the XTL last weekend and the other guitar player commented that it sounded better than any acoustic through a direct box he'd heard before. I haven't even really done more than put some verb on the guitar using the XTL - I need to try out the EQ and compression...

Yea, I have redone the patches quite a bit and am happier now; the tones are measured more with real bands now and holding up.

I gotta do a new clip.

Got a Variax 700 now (sold the 500) and am getting the hang of it now. :D

[Jarrett]

HOw do those guitars play compared to Tom Andersons, etc?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jarrett
HOw do those guitars play compared to Tom Andersons, etc?

Well, they aren't at that level. They are made in Japan and are a pretty good quality guitar. The one I got is all black, nothing fancy. Plays nice, going to do some work to it (new nut, rolling the edges on the fingerboard; new tuners) but the changes I am doing are mostly personal taste.

The 700 is a nice, good quality guitar that is a *far* better instrument (not talking the electronics) than the 500 IMHO. I'd play this on stage with no hesitation. I did end up playing the 500 on stage a few times and hated the thing (tones are fine, as a physical guitar I hated it).

[SouthernShred]

Once again proving Scott Peterson is a bad, bad influence... :D

My credit card is creeping out of my wallet...

[heretic]

I am borrowing an EON G2 10-incher have to say the results with my XTL are quite impressive! I guess that means I'll be moving over to the dark side but now I'm wondering whether I should get the 10", maybe 2 of them for stereo or a single 15" EON G2.

Stereo isn't a big factor, tweeter harshness at loud volumes is. I was surprised how much "thump" the G2 -10" is capable of delivering, but I am concerned about coming up short on volume in the most extreme situations.

Scott, if you don't mind, could you offer some insight on these issues, and your opinion: Since you have both sizes, which model plain "sounds better" to your ears? From what I've read, we seem to have the same needs in terms of gear for gigging, and we play in similar gain ranges (more towards clean/semi-dirty, and the occasional high-gain lead tone, no death metal).

Thanks for your input!

[Scott Peterson]

The 10" and 15" EON monitors sound very similar up to about 100db.

The sheer power and bass of the 15" comes out after that point; the 10" seems "pushed" and the 15" just gets LOUDER. Like 100 tube watts into a 412 loud. Up to even 126db the 15" just sounds massive and unpushed.

I have a db meter to measure stuff btw.

The knock on the 15" is simple - it is massive compared to the 10" and nearly 2X heavy.

For most stuff, I will run the 10". For rock gigs that have no backline, the 15" is up to the task with not a blink of an eye.

[Jarrett]

Man I tried HARD to go buy a XLT today. I could of had one, but goofed. I went to a ton of stores in Dallas including a few GC's and there was only one I could find. I walked in to buy it and apparently a guy walked in JUST before me and was negotiating a trade. I offered cash, but no luck. I guess it wasn't meant to be.

[heretic]

Well...I'm not sure I could get used to it. The EON had plenty of volume, and I wasn't even going thru the PA. I had a single VOX AC30 patch set to just breaking up that I used all night just because I didn't want to be tweaking every 4 bars.

It sounded good. The guys in the band thought it sounded great! As for me, I didn't like the feel - felt like I was fighting the speaker all night. BTW, I'm comparing this setup not to a tube amp, but to my Vetta combo. I missed the feeling of air around the amp, the sound coming from the back of the cab...Another thing I noticed was, how directional the tweeter on the EON was. When slightly tilted from the upright position, I could barely hear the highs. When fully tilted in the "monitor" position, I had almost too much highs, it was "plucky". I settled for an angle "in between". I'm glad I was just borrowing the EON, I think I may look into different brands for a speaker with a better monitor angle...Mackie has a new 10-incher that looks like a possibility. I may also give up altogether and just keep using my beloved Vetta.

One last thing: Driving home, I noticed how much ear fatigue I had, and my sound levels all night weren't any louder than usual! I'm wondering whether it had to do with sound pressure levels coming from such a small source.

[dyer_maker]

Any thoughts about using the Radial dragster as a sub for the Valvulator or the Axess?

[ericb]

Originally posted by heretic
Well...I'm not sure I could get used to it. The EON had plenty of volume, and I wasn't even going thru the PA. I had a single VOX AC30 patch set to just breaking up that I used all night just because I didn't want to be tweaking every 4 bars.

It sounded good. The guys in the band thought it sounded great! As for me, I didn't like the feel - felt like I was fighting the speaker all night. BTW, I'm comparing this setup not to a tube amp, but to my Vetta combo. I missed the feeling of air around the amp, the sound coming from the back of the cab...Another thing I noticed was, how directional the tweeter on the EON was. When slightly tilted from the upright position, I could barely hear the highs. When fully tilted in the "monitor" position, I had almost too much highs, it was "plucky". I settled for an angle "in between". I'm glad I was just borrowing the EON, I think I may look into different brands for a speaker with a better monitor angle...Mackie has a new 10-incher that looks like a possibility. I may also give up altogether and just keep using my beloved Vetta.

One last thing: Driving home, I noticed how much ear fatigue I had, and my sound levels all night weren't any louder than usual! I'm wondering whether it had to do with sound pressure levels coming from such a small source.

I don't think it' d be as much a result of coming from such a small source, but potentially just directed straight at your ears more. Did you angle it different than you normally set up your Vetta? IF so , that's the answer, if not, I'd blame it on the drummer! :) OR at least in my band I do! ERIC

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by ericb
I don't think it' d be as much a result of coming from such a small source, but potentially just directed straight at your ears more. Did you angle it different than you normally set up your Vetta? IF so , that's the answer, if not, I'd blame it on the drummer! :) OR at least in my band I do! ERIC

A Few things:

1) I ran an EON 10" as a dedicated guitar monitor all summer; it doesn't push as much air physically as a 212. No how, no way. The experience is indeed different than running a 212 combo.

2) If it is too bright aimed at your ears, your presets/patches are too bright. Simple as that.

3) The experience of having your sound in a monitor aimed at your head is a very different realm than a guitar amp aimed at the back your knees. Pure and simple. If you want the big air and push like a 212 amp, use the bigger 15" EON.

Just my experience and opinion.

[bluesdoc]

After using the EON10 for a couple of months with my GNX2, I tried using one of my Stewart power amps to one of my regular cabs. Didn't sound very good until I removed the cab sims on the modeler. I kept the output signal direct (analogous to the various output destinations with the PODXt) but just took away my cab sim and did a minor eq tweak and holy crap, it sounded incredibly good.

I haven't gigged yet with the EON but have rehearsed with it and though it sounds really good, having the narrow front radiation and NO back sounds is a little bit of a constraint. Now, with the power amp to (open) cab, etc, I can have it all. Choices - got to love it. Also, having spent lots of time with the GT series (3 and 6) and the PODxt, the GNX2 seems better than those when using pedals in front. The Boss sucked, the POD was better and the GNX is more like an amp. No prob with pedals. Lately, since scoring a Dual Drive, I like using that and the COT50 in front. V-Stack sometimes also. But the pedal would be fine without any of those. Lotta great sounds in there.

jon

[heretic]

Jon, I can totally relate to your power amp + open cab rig - I never use cab sims on my Vetta. Too fake sounding. But the cabs sound good when using a powered speaker!

I haven't given up just yet. I really want this to work because it is the universal all-in-one solution. (Electric/Acoustic/Local/Road/Fly gigs with supplied backline)

I wonder right now if using 2 small EONs in stereo would help restore the lost feeling of "air". You guys have certainly given a lot to think about.

Anybody heard the small Mackies yet?

[dyer_maker]

Well I bit the bullet (Damn you Scott :D ) and ordered two EON 10s. Got a sweet deal on the $890 shipped and they are brand new. Probably could have got a couple 15s used in that range but the 10s are already big, the 15s are huge. I also lucked out because I bought some Tannoy monitors off eBay and UPS damaged them. I'll end up getting a refund for those.

Regarding the JBLs, anyone have any recommendations for placement? I'm thinking about buying a couple stands for them.

[tobereeno]

I wonder how those 18watt Atomic Reactor amps stack up to a good powered monitor? Does anyone make a stereo EL34 or 6L6 power amp that runs in **class A** (a la the power amp section of the THD Univalve)? I just got my XTL (my Valvulator is still enroute) and I'm pretty happy with it...after using tube amps for my whole playing career thus far, it's just hard to let go of them in the signal chain. But I'm so happy with how simple the XTL is, and the computer editing thing is such a trip! (it's my first time, I'm a bit of a luddite, particularly when it comes to MIDI)

[s!c.fxr]

I have been reading all ToneLab SE vs Pod XT Live till this forum. I have made my decision ( I will buy it in next week ) , but still got questions just to be sure that's the good decision.
I have 100Watt tube amp with built-in 5-band equalizer ( that's Polish Laboga firm so you propably don't know it ). I play hard rock to death metal and from other reviews I know that PoD XTL should be better in heavy tones. But what about when I plug it to my amp does the feel of tube-amp just dissapear?

I have just read first time about VALVULATOR. How does it affect with Pod XTL ?

[Supertgtr]

well, I bit the bullet and picked up the XT Live last night. I must say, this thread really helped make my decision. My band has been using in ear monitors for the past three years, so I havent relied on my amp's stage volume for a while. Hopefully the transition will go smoothly.

Does anyone make a hard case for this puppy?

Does anyone use this in conjunction with a TC elec. G-major?

[Papajuice]

[
Does anyone make a hard case for this puppy?

It fits perfectly in my Pedal Train

[spykemitchell]

Here's a question, for those of us with valve amps, is there really any need for the valve in the vox and therefore making the Line 6 significantly better?

For direct recoding it's allready been established (though not unanimously) that the POD has the upper hand and therefore if it's going into a valve amp that would make it better than the Vox?

Also, I played on the Vox this morning and it is pretty damn good, especially the twin expression pedals on it. Does anyone know if it is possible to add on a second expression peda to the POD?

Spyke.

[spykemitchell]

Never mind about the second expression pedal. Yes is the answer. Says so on the L6 website but it's going to cost you more.

[daddycam]

Originally posted by spykemitchell
Does anyone know if it is possible to add on a second expression peda to the POD?


Yes, you can add another expression pedal to the POD XTL.

http://line6.com/podxtlive/insOuts.html

[daddycam]

Yep, you beat me to it. I haven't had the need to add another expression pedal yet, but maybe one of these days I'll get one.

[Supertgtr]

Yes it is possible to add an expression pedal to the pod-live.

The tube in the tonelab is, in my opinion, a marketing gimic.
The unit sounds good, but not due to the tube.

[Supertgtr]

So how come if you remove the Tube the Tonelab doesn't work.?

I didnt say it would work without the tube, I said it's a marketing gimic.
The tube could probably be replaced by a transistor, and if one were to remove that transistor, it probably wouldnt work either.

My point is that manufacturers love to put one lousy 12ax7 in a piece of gear and then call it a "tube" circuit. I'm not saying the tonelab doesnt sound good or any thing like that. Just call a spade, a spade.

[heretic]

It does add something to the feel. I was always amazed at the clean tones of the TLSE when I had mine, I would just play a chord and listen to the decay - for one thing, the notes sustain longer than on my XTlive, but it's a natural decay, that tubey compression that doesn't feel hyped or squashy.

My problem with the TLSE (which led to my selling it) was, all the mid/hi-gain models sounded too similar. The only way to get really different flavors was to use a stompbox model in front, but then you lose the wah. Oh, and the cab models sounded blah to me, I only liked the small 8" cab- that one is definitely a keeper!

I still have and use my Vetta in town, and XTLive on fly gigs - I did get a Mackie 10 inch active speaker, and ended up selling that as well. Still haven't found my universal solution, although I had an epiphany the other day - I rehearsed at a studio where they had a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe available in the room. I plugged my XTlive in the power amp return, set the output destination to "poweramp, combo" and folks, my XTL sounded and felt amazing! I was lucky to beta-test the XTLive for Line 6, and back then they did tell me they were "voicing" the combo output modes around the HRD because it was one of the world's best selling amps.

So now, I'm about to buy a pair of HRDs and using those for everything. On fly gigs, I know the backline providers will most likely have that amp (they almost NEVER have a Vetta). My Variax acoustic tones will suffer somewhat, that's the only downside.

Hey TGPers, is there an amp that is within the HRD specs (power/size/weight/price) that you would recommend OVER the HRD , specifically for this application?

[Robotechnology]

Holy crap the ToneLab comes with a computer interface for editing!?! Didn't know that... gotta download that!! Clip sounds good, I never thought to use a DSL with the gain at only 1.8 before.

[kensmith]

Hey guys, I am new here so forgive me if this has already been linked (or if linking to other sites is frowned upon) but here is another recent comparison/eval of multieffects unit (MFX):

http://www.thestompbox.net/Home/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=21

Ken

[fakeox]

Great informative Shootout! Hope to see updates sometime.

[dankayaker]

Hey Scott,


I'm looking for a direct recording solution, from this thread I gather you're still pleased with the PodXT Live and the VHT ?

thanks

[rpavich]

Scott,
I just ordered a PODXT Live from MF "B stock' for 299+free ship.
At the very worst; I get to use it for a month and send it back.
I'm interested because I play at church (no amps) and I currently use a PFX9003 which sounds great but no switching available. :(
The one thing I really do like about it is it reacts like a tube amp, more than other things I tried....back off on the volume..cleans up..pick harder...sounds meaner...I like that.

I usually just set it for a good "edge of breakup" sound with some light reverb and delay and leave it there, until this weekend when I programmed a second patch one button push away that was tremolo/fender clean. It worked so well it got me to thinking that it would really help the arrangements if I could use whats appropriate instead of what's convenient because of what processor I happened to purchase.

the price also was a good bargain, not a whole lot more than the 110.00 I paid for "no flexibility"

bob
ps thanks for the good review.

[Scott Peterson]

FWIW, I still use the POD XTL quite a bit.

I have been using a Radial "Dragster" in front of it for the past month or so; that is a cheaper and IMHO, more effective way to use it.

I use it live and in the studio. For what I do, it is a great tool. But it is only that, nothing more. I don't try to replace rigs with it or anything anymore. But I get some good sounds out of it; but I build my own presets, nothing in it that I use is based off a preset or anything I have downloaded.

[daddycam]

I have been using a Radial "Dragster" in front of it for the past month or so; that is a cheaper and IMHO, more effective way to use it.

What is that doing for you? Is it just giving you the missing "tube feel" back? Thanks.

[Scott Peterson]

What is that doing for you? Is it just giving you the missing "tube feel" back? Thanks.

No, it gives back the feel of plugging into an amp; it kills that thin, bright, brittle sound you get plugging a guitar into something other than an amp. Try it, you'll be most impressed. I think it was $40.

[daddycam]

No, it gives back the feel of plugging into an amp; it kills that thin, bright, brittle sound you get plugging a guitar into something other than an amp. Try it, you'll be most impressed. I think it was $40.

Cool, I'll have to try that. Will any buffer do the same?

I do run mine into the power amp section of a Fender HRD, and it does sound better when I get it loud enough to start pushing the tubes. I think it sounds pretty good, but it's not perfect of course.

[Scott Peterson]

Cool, I'll have to try that. Will any buffer do the same?
To a point, but this little box works perfectly for the job and is adjustable. And inexpensive compared to the buffers out there that are usually focused on.

I bought it mainly to use on my wireless (and finally, finally, something that works for that job) and on my pedalboard.

I am *very* impressed.

[Moe45673]

Yeah, I've been using my bass podxt live for about a month now. I'm really not able to get a good sound out of it live.

I think I'll return it and buy some pedals instead. It's a shame, cos I really wanted to like it, but I can't get that "feel" out of it.

[rpavich]

Scott,
I've been living without an onstage amp for about 6 months now and I'm used to it..that should be no problem with the PODXT for me...

I'm hoping that the Radial Dragster is everything you said it was because I ordered one last night based on your comments and I'm going to try this rig at church this weekend...(I won't have the dragster by then)

This is a quote from a guitar mag over on the dragster:
A guitar signal with high impedance doesn't go too well with the input on a sound card or a mixer that has high impedance - the purpose of the Dragster is to provide the guitar with an input it “likes” before the signal goes on to a wireless system. I connected the Dragster between my guitar and my DI-box and got both better sound and playing feel when using Sek'd Amplitude and such like. I also noticed improvement with the Dragster in front of a Boss GS-10 and PODxt. Not the least when playing electric bass...A Dragster is recommended to all users of digital modelers.


My main bugaboo on any of this stuff is that the feel isn't there BUT I'm happy with the feel of my 99.00 PFX9003 so I guess I might be easy to please.

I know that this stuff doesn't replace my dr z and 4 x 8" cab...but I've got no choice on the church gig...just trying to make my playing experience as satisfying as possible while giving the congregation a little different tone for different sections/songs.

bob

[Scott Peterson]

Bob, the Dragster is a great little box that'll surprise you. It isn't hype, just simple electronics. And works.

[rpavich]

Scott,
I just heard some clips from this site and I was very impressed....usually the stuff you hear from modellers is "buzz saw" distortion...nobody is willing to go to the "just to the edge of breakup" sound...which is what sets apart amps for me....that's "my" zone...

Listen to this guys blues tunes...very convincing I think

http://www.robtognoni.com/line6.htm

[rpavich]

Scott,
One last question: how do you organize the tones inside the unit to avoid the tap dance?

I'd like to be able to go from clean chorus for the verse, to a slightly crunchy rhythm for the chorus, to a pretty biting lead; all without stepping on multiple pedals.

I used to have a Genesis 3 that I taped a legend on the front of the footpedal so the 4 banks were visible to me at all times..

bob

[StompBoxBlues]

Bob, the Dragster is a great little box that'll surprise you. It isn't hype, just simple electronics. And works.

You've really got a lot of us interested :)

I just went to Harmony Central and there is only one review on this, guess it isn't promoted enough, but...

A couple quick questions. The review mentioned there is no battery, and no power supply (it must be passive)?

He mentions that you "should set it at the end of the chain" after all the other pedals, I got the impression from looking (I could be totally wrong, it was the impression I got though) that you used it first?

I'm really interested in this.

[Scott Peterson]

The HC reviewer is wrong. You put it directly after the pickups; they "load" the pickups.

[rpavich]

Stomp,
I ordered one from MF and should receive it soon....I'll let you know how I like/don't like it..

PS Tonight's the first trial of the new PODXT Live..church gig...

bob

[journo]

This is a quote from a guitar mag over on the dragster:
A guitar signal with high impedance doesn't go too well with the input on a sound card or a mixer that has high impedance - the purpose of the Dragster is to provide the guitar with an input it “likes” before the signal goes on to a wireless system. I connected the Dragster between my guitar and my DI-box and got both better sound and playing feel when using Sek'd Amplitude and such like. I also noticed improvement with the Dragster in front of a Boss GS-10 and PODxt. Not the least when playing electric bass...A Dragster is recommended to all users of digital modelers.

bob

Hi Bob,

I wrote the review for the swedish guitar magazine FUZZ. After returning the Dragster after the review I missed it so I decided to buy one. I still use it and am very happy with it.

Cheers,

Mats N

[rpavich]

OK,
First off I have to say; I'm not saying that I'm dumping my DRZ amp!

I took my new XTL to church to practice and here are my impressions...

1.) Ease of setup: Very easy...two cords, one AC cord and a guitar.

2.) Sound quality; Very nice, as good as the Zoom unit I've been using. I downloaded some patches to use instead of the presets and that turned out to me a good move...a few of the patches I downloaded got "double takes" from the band members, they were so good. One that was called something like "P90 Variac Marshall" or something like that was VERY life like...it did the feed back thing just like my tube amp would...it will take a while to sort thru what I do and don't like as far as patches...

3) Noise level...just fine...no excess noise at all.

One person suggested to get better sounding patches, change the output mode from "studio direct" (the recommended setting) to "Bose PS1" even though I'm going thru the PA...they said big improvement. I'll give it a shot next practice.

Overall, I'm impressed enough to keep it. Sure it's no Drz Carmen Ghia...but I didn't expect it to be...but it feels more like a tube amp than I expected...

I have the Tonebone dragster coming and if that improves the feel more...then that's just the icing on the cake...

bob

[rpavich]

Gig report while using the dragster...

The PODXTL did it's job in spades...lots of compliments on my sound.

I ended up going simple...one basic sound distorted and rolling the guitars volume knob off to clean up the sound when needed and using chorus or leslie and delay for some stuff...the only other sound I used was a nylon string patch for some quiet stuff...

It did a good job and was responsive as anything I've tried...

Thanks Scott for suggesting this alternative to me...again, it will never replace my DrZ amp but then again...its not supposed to...
bob

[Scott Peterson]

Dragster goooooooooood! :D

[akivisuals]

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but after reading through all 24 pages I never saw any posts about your take on the Atomic amp in your sig Scott. Could you explain how that compares to the JBL EON that you were sold on? Also, which version of the Atomic are you using? I just picked up a used 18 watt version and think it sounds pretty great with my XTlive. Now, I just need to kill the squeak in that volume/wah pedal... Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Scott Peterson]

The whole thing is here:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=204896&highlight=making+modeling

Squeaky wah/volume, I have no idea. Some silicone spray; my father in-law installs drapes and blinds; they use silicone spray to lubricate the metal/plastic in those. Seems like it would do the job; but I've never had a squeaky wah or volume pedal (and I have two XTL's).

[akivisuals]

Thanks Scott. I actually stumbled onto that thread last night.

As far as the squeaky pedal goes, I've heard of lots of instances of it on the Line6 forums but when I call the service centers not a lot of folks have had those issues... Hmmm.... Maybe I just got a bad one.

[777]

It sounds like we have some knowledgable people here, so maybe someone can help me out...

I really like the way that my PODxt Live sounds through headphones. When I run direct into a P.A. it sounds great until I pick a patch that involves overdrive or distortion. Those patches sound like they have a "sizzle". Some may call it a fizz.

I am on the 'Studio Direct' setting and I've run down every other thing that I know to do. I'm not much of a technical guy, so there may be something that I'm missing.

Thanks guys,
Brad

[jazzguitarplay]

I had a Vox Tonelab SE and couldent wait to sell it off on e-bay. I toured with it worldwide. Maybe a good backup depending on where your gigging and what equipment is back lined but for me to much tweaking. then if you step on it while playing, you can change or default vital settings. Plus the overdrives/distortions are lame to my ears anyway. I use a boss GT-3, its smaller, lighter and sounds better. Pods are better too. ITs too much tweaking and time going thru various amps for my needs if your on the road. I could see it for recording but again the sound quality for me is a 3 outta 10 on the Tonelab

[Scott Peterson]

777 - find my thread on "Making modeling work..." in this section.

Paul, Interesting. I understand where you are coming from. There is no universal solution. You'd need a universal amp on every stage to make it work consistently. If I was touring, I'd probably opt for some known pedals and use them instead of the POD honestly. They would just works for what you find on supplied backlines; I play a bunch of festival shows each spring/summer/fall with one country act I am in; if I can't take the Atomic, I will not be taking the POD.

[777]

Scott,
I have read some of that thread, however it seemed that you are using an amp on all that I read.

If you have stuff in there that involve the PODxt Live thru a P.A., I'll read through the whole thing.

[Scott Peterson]

Scott,
I have read some of that thread, however it seemed that you are using an amp on all that I read.

If you have stuff in there that involve the PODxt Live thru a P.A., I'll read through the whole thing.

I don't. I personally moved away from using the XT Live through a PA; it didn't work for me. Check the Institute of Noise Forum for lots of guys running that way.

[Musikman4Christ]

BTW the "Sitinthemix" clip was played by a friend of mine through my Tonelab using the JCM900 Sim and a LPaul.
What you heard was a double tracked guitar panned 50% left and right....that's what made it sound so fat.


Guitar Tone,

I love your tone man, I really liked the FlangeClean sound, I also own the TLSE and I would like to know if you would like to share your patches. I would love to have that sound that you did.. really awsome.

Warmest regards,

Musikman

[DavidE]

I have an XTLive and I couldn't get it to work well for me. I recently picked up a Flextone II with shortboard for $400 and downloaded some patches and I have several that actually sound amazing to me (and I use a nice pedalboard with Shiva, Naylors, HK Switchblade, Marshalls, Vox AC15 w/ Blue, vintage Fenders etc....). I'm thinking this could really work.

A friend prefers the Vox TL SE to the XTLive (and he played a Vetta for years before switching to an HK Switchblade). I picked one up at a good price and it arrives Tuesday. I have my XTLive sold, but reading this thread I'm wondering if I shouldn't just hold onto it.

I was impressed with the Vox Tonelab SE when I saw Pat Travers live a couple of summers ago on the Doors of the 21st Century tour.

Anyway, if running the XTLive through the p.a. really doesn't work well, why not just stick with the Flextone III?
I don't need a billion amps and effects. I just need several that work.

Thanks for any advice!