Vox Tonelab SE and Line 6 POD XT Live

[Scott Peterson]

Well, here we go again.

I took lots of ribbing and raised a few eyebrows last year when I went from Bogner, Matchless, Guytron and Rivera (and many many more) and got all happy with one of them modeling amps. :D

It was the Vox Valvetronix 212. And I did gig it twice and liked it very much. It was about then when tons of bad reliabilty stories came from all over the net and I got spooked. If I cannot depend 100% on my gear to work, then I just will not gig it. I have always wondered if I did the right thing.

Well, now I have.

In my acoustic gig I run my Line 6 Variax Acoustic straight into a DI and split off a line to a JBL G2 EON powered monitor I use as a personal monitor in front of me. I absolutely love the setup/teardown and easy to carry rig. And the sounds are totally pro level and have been stellar. The JBL is 24 lbs. and I have a spiffy JBL padded carrying bag.

Well, it struck me that I was going to get some of those new Line 6 pedals (Tonelab?) and deciding I wanted three of them. The price for the three I wanted was around $300. And then I saw an ad for the new Line 6 POD XT Live... for $399 shipped. Hmmmm. No brainer IMHO... I'll try it. If nothing else, it'll make a great backup pedalboard into my amp; and I can stop lugging a backup amp to gigs... this thing would work. So I ordered one from American Musical Supply. Cool. Should ship this month (hopefully). I'll wait.

Well, reading about the XT Live on the web made me notice the Vox Tonelab SE. Basically it is thier version of the XT Live; and it has the same technology (the tube as a dummy load on the output) as the Valvetronix I liked so much.

An epiphany hit me. Let's look at one of these things using the GC return policy.

So today I got one of these things and set it up with my EON G2 and off I went.

The computer editor hooked up via midi made editing a breeze; and I setup a bunch of sounds.

This thing sounds great. REALLY great. I fully expected to be completely underwhelmed and take it back and come back to my senses.... but alas, the thing won me over. It sounds great. It feels and reacts great. the effects are really good.

Now I am going to take this to a rehersal and give it a good shakedown this Thursday and see how it shakes out.

Imagine walking into a gig with your footpedal (in the padded carrying bag - it was included with the pedal); your guitar; and the powered monitor. Split the signal coming out so you can run into FOH and use your 23lb. powered monitor in front of you loud as you want. And *boom* you are setup and ready to go.

As much as I always have and always will just absolutely LOVE my tube amps, great cabs and wonderful pedalboard with tons of cool boutique pedals.... the whole easy to carry, easy to setup and easy to teardown thing just tantalizes me.

Even if this all just ends up as a backup pedalboard/failsafe in case of complete amp failure... who could say no?

Much more to follow in the coming days/weeks. :D

[loverocker]

Few months ago I saw Pat Travers with the ToneLab SE (plugged into a Marshall JCM800's Return socket for his backline) on a small pub gig. He got really great sounds out of it.

One caveat - in the chat between songs he did apologise saying something about the footswitch buttons not being totally reliable. Cheap enough to have another as back-up though?

[Chiba]

Scott, between this and the whole Hamer thing, I'm starting to wonder if you've been replaced by a pod person.

:D

--chiba

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Chiba
Scott, between this and the whole Hamer thing, I'm starting to wonder if you've been replaced by a pod person.

:D

--chiba :D

Talk to Bluesdoc sometime; he is playing out with just his POD and has been. After Bogners and Two Rocks. He is my role model perhaps. :D:eek:

[toneseeker]

Scott,

When I was just jamming in the evenings at the local taverns in town I used to use an Allen Class Act head that I ran into a homemade isocabinet that contained a vintage 30. In the cabinet was a shure microphone that ran over to my eon G2 powered speaker. It was a gas to use because like you said you can run the volume anywhere you want for stage presence and loop it to the PA for balancing out front. It made life easy.

toneseeker

[brent]

I have the XT Live coming as well, supposedly end of this week, but we'll see.

I'm intrigued that you can use it as a stand-alone efffects unit, it includes the new Line6 effects pack which has some cool modulators and faux-synth stuff.
I also love the fact that it has the Variax input, as soon as the dust settles I am picking up the Variax Acoustic, (I'm just waiting a bit to see if they issue a 2nd model and revamp the pricing structure)

I use the XT for in the home-family sleeping stuff, so I sold the bean and will install this beneath my computer.

The pricepoint of the Live unit is incredibly attractive, now we'll see if it delivers

[Heffjbaby]

About 5 years ago I was sent to purgatory when I joined a band that gigged 4 nights a week. The caveat: everyone had to go direct. No amps, no real drums....you get the picture. At that time I did A/B shootouts with everything available at the time. The winner (for me) then and now was/is the BOSS GT-5. Better than the GT-3, or GT-6. All my gear buddies laughed, as I was the guy who had D*mbles, T*Wrecks, Bogners, Egnaters (the list is endless). I setup the P.A. system and my amps facing me, and tweaked the patches as close as possible. To this day I often get better results recording and live with this pedal vs. a real amp. Than a few months ago I decided to see if the VOX Tonelab would be an improvement. For some reason I could not get it to sound anywhere near as good as the GT-5. I wanted to like the VOX, but I could never get the sounds to be as amp-like as the BOSS. I'm starting to think the one I got at GC was broken? Particularly with overdriven settings, it just couldn't get there with a Strat. I have to agree though that just having my guitar and the little gig-bag for the GT-5 and my mic stand was the bomb for setup and tear down. That being said, I'm really enjoying playing through an amp again - TopHat Ambassador 50 with some killer pedals. In any event I will give the VOX another try, but I encourage you to check out a GT-5. They are plentiful and cheap, and I have not had a single problem after almost 1000 + gigs!

[hour9]

Scott,

So are you using this only for stand alone acoustic gigs with the Variax Acoustic, or for full band electric gigs?

Also, can you individually pick and turn on/off individual effects at will or do you have to pre-program them ahead of time?

Kyle

[Ariel Pozzo]

I'm using a POD XT Pro version 2.0 live and it works really great. I mainly use it for fly away gigs and tours plugged in the return of whatever rented amp I get. I think Scott is heading towards a simpler, lighter and easily replaceable pro-sounding rig, which i think it's a cool thing to do.
obviously a great tube amp is the best, but in today's state of things with the airlines and such, it's almost impossible to fly with a tube backline anymore.
:) :)

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by hour9
Scott,

So are you using this only for stand alone acoustic gigs with the Variax Acoustic, or for full band electric gigs?

Also, can you individually pick and turn on/off individual effects at will or do you have to pre-program them ahead of time?

Kyle

The acoustic setup is for my country band - I play all acoustic on that gig. I just use a small pedalboard that powers the Line 6 splitter box into a Digitech X series delay and then out to the DI (via a Peterson Strobostomp). split for FOH and my powered monitor setup.

The SE and possibly the XT Live are for shows like Ariel talks about; where I don't want to carry the big rig for my electric guitar setup. I am in a funk covers band and am exploring joining another band right now.

One thing to note; I am not looking to replace my current tube amp/speaker cab and pedalboard. I am looking for a "quick hit" rig for gigs that call for it. An alternative, but not to replace anything.

[JPenn]

I just got back to gigging again after a 4 year (work related) break. I picked up a used Flextone III, Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster (killer with a Strat) and a new L6 Shortboard. I've got $580 total in this rig and get some great tones with it. I've said this many times, it's not the be all/end all but it does everything I need it to do. I don't think there's a gig I couldn't do with this rig.

[hour9]

JPenn,

How does your Flex III react to the duncan boost?
I had a Flex III for about a month and got rid of it because it would not react well to pedals at all (among other things).

Kyle

[scottro123]

Anyone tried the Atomic Reactor amp w/one of these? I'd love to hear whether they can add back some of the dynamics that seem to be lacking w/the L6 amps.

A Variax--XT Live--Atomic Reactor sounds like an incredibly fun toy!

[bluesdoc]

Boy, some timing!!

Last week I was doing some deep (as deep as it gets) editing with my little Pandora PX4, in an attempt to have something for one of our singers to play guitar through, direct to board, in our rehearsal studio. I'd been using my PODxt. I was really, really impressed with some of the tones I was able to get. So much so, that in a fit of yet more downsizing, I sold my XT/floorboard, and ordered a little Korg AX10G which is essentially the Pandora with a few less features, but channel switching and exp pedal. I figured it would work fine..... I got it yesterday, took a couple of hours to dial in some 'decent' sounds, and brought it to rehearsal last night.

It was a total bomb. The tones did NOT cut it and it had a LOT of digital hiss/noise. My band members told me to bring the POD back...

So....... I will return the AX10G and will get whatever will work, now with a blank slate. Theres the xt live, TL SE, and way expensive but with lots of features I probably don't need - the GNX4 (or the cheaper earlier models). I like the idea of the XT Live except I'd have to bend over to redial in patches live vs. touching the 'bean' on my music stand. But I know that Scott knows tone and we understand one another. So........... I'm NOT near anything (except MF) where I can try and swap.

I've always liked sounds I got putting my POD into a Stewart power amp to one of my cabs, but sometimes I need a little preamp boost before the power amp. Sounds like the EON might be the ticket.

MMMmmmmmm

jon

[Scott Peterson]

Spent lunch today jamming over some Steely Dan tracks I am working on; and man, this thing is the bomb.

I will do a full blown review - including the frustrations of it (can't have certain things stacked in a given patch) but this thing sounds and feels good.

One trick to it I have found is to try all the cabs with the given "amp" model; the Boutique amp with the Tweed 4x10 is a killer clean tone. My vintage rock tone is a Mesa Recto with the gain way down and a "Boutique" (aka Klon model) pedal in front of it with a 4x12 cab loaded with 75's (which in real life I hate) but here... it works great!!

I completely like and appreciate having the deep editor on the computer. You can change something on the computer screen or on the pedal; and each thing updates in real time as you do it. Makes sorting presets a breeze too.

Ahhh, fun!


And Jon, that EON G2 is turning out to be one of the wisest purchases I have ever made - it is small, light and sounds great. Powerful enough to work for me on the acoustic gig at the largest festival and the smallest club. Has not let me down once. And now with this pedal; man - no real stage space taken up and a full blown completely capable gig rig. And I can get this thing pretty loud if needed.

[brent]

Originally posted by scottro123
Anyone tried the Atomic Reactor amp w/one of these? I'd love to hear whether they can add back some of the dynamics that seem to be lacking w/the L6 amps.

A Variax--XT Live--Atomic Reactor sounds like an incredibly fun toy!

I can see how the reactor could be pretty cool, I had real good results going:

Guitar>TIM (on all the time)>podXT>Mesa 20/20>2 1x12 Mesa cabs

the TIM and the EL-84's really seemed to help with the dynamics
(the TIM worked this magic in front of a Duoverb also, I hated the amp until I put the TIM in front of it)

[j_hotch]

Say, I'm curious:

Have any of you POD/ToneLab users ever tried running your guitar through your pedals and then into the modeler? To use them just for the amp/cab sims and nothing else?

I know it seems a waste to not use the effects, but I've always wondered if you could get decent tones that way (and not fret about letting your favorite effects boxes get dusty.)

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by j_hotch
Say, I'm curious:

Have any of you POD/ToneLab users ever tried running your guitar through your pedals and then into the modeler? To use them just for the amp/cab sims and nothing else?

I know it seems a waste to not use the effects, but I've always wondered if you could get decent tones that way (and not fret about letting your favorite effects boxes get dusty.)

Yes, if the model is a clean amp it works fine; but that defeats my personal purpose here.

The Vox TonelabSE thing also works well used simply as a pedalboard into my amp; but that isn't what I am looking to do.

So many options, it is fun!

[JPenn]

Originally posted by hour9
JPenn,

How does your Flex III react to the duncan boost?
I had a Flex III for about a month and got rid of it because it would not react well to pedals at all (among other things).

Kyle

I'm using the Dual Recto model thru the 4x12 Greenback cab and keep the gain less than half, that seems to be the trick with the L6 amps is keep the gain backed off. It doesn't lose the gain as much as it opens up the tone. The SD pedal I'm using more for the switch on it than the boost. I kick it on when I need my Strat to gain a bridge hum.

I used a 1st gen Flextone Duo for a lot of years so I'm pretty comfortable with the amps. If I hadn't spent as much time with the Duo I might not be as happy with the Flex III.

Another thing with the III that I like is the ability to switch around the cabinet models. The default cab for the Rectos is a Mesa 4x12 with 30's. I don't dig it too much, it sounds too metal for what I do. But when switched over to the GB's it gets a nice Marshall-type crunch goin that works for my classic rock/ blues rock band.

[bluesdoc]

I've used a number of lead pedals in front of my xt including the V-stack classic and tweedie, AC booster and COT50. It generally does not work as simply/reliably as into the front of an amp and requires eq tweaking on the pedal and the pod, but sometimes it works really well. Nothing is simple.........:rolleyes:

jon

[joejazzguitar]

Never thought I'd see the day....I recently joined a funk band, and needed to cop some of those Brothers Johnson, Isley Bros and P-Funk tones, but I didn't want to tapdance all over the discrete pedals on my existing board.

I had a Tech21 Power Engine 60 laying around, and picked up a Boss GT-6, so that I could step on a single pedal that would switch on a flanger, delay, fuzz etc. all at the same time. The setup was simple - Strat into the GT6 into the PowerEngine.

Well, the GT-6 covered the funk tones well, which I expected. What I DIDN'T expect was how well it covered my jazz and blues tones.

Normally I would use either a Fuchs ODS50, an Allen Old Flame, a Mesa Blue Angel or Studio 22, depending on the type of music and size of the room....I've used the GT-6 on four jazz and blues gigs over the past two weeks, and it sounded and FELT great, too.

Like I said, I never thought I'd see the day...

joe

[Scott Peterson]

I just did a A/B with my tube amps and huge boutique pedal filled pedalboard and the Vox ToneLab SE and JBL powered monitor.

What the tube amps offer more of; the Vox doesn't miss by much. What the Vox offers more of, the big rigs can't touch.

Me world is spinning.

POD XT Live on the way; due to arrive here Monday/Tuesday next week. Hang on tight....

:eek:

[ericb]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
I just did a A/B with my tube amps and huge boutique pedal filled pedalboard and the Vox ToneLab SE and JBL powered monitor.

What the tube amps offer more of; the Vox doesn't miss by much. What the Vox offers more of, the big rigs can't touch.

Me world is spinning.

POD XT Live on the way; due to arrive here Monday/Tuesday next week. Hang on tight....

:eek:

Scott, I have a room full of just about 26 tube amps and preamps.. I have a Valvetronix 2x12. Mine has intermittent issues , and I posted that a long time back. Unfortunately I bought mine thru the internet (actually member here) and it arrived with intermittent issues.. The issues are probably small as it seems to involved a pot or switch shorting out possiblly , BUT when working as it should the 4x10 Tweed and the AC30 and "Boutique" sims sound better than most of my other stuff. I have way better hi-gain amps, but for these types it sounds great. The cleans and mild-overdrives or gooey sounds are BEAUTIFUL and just perfect to me... ALSO , the reverbs and delays built in that amp are absolutely great. I wouldn't care would anyone else thought or said. Unfortunately I really want to use this with different situations with my band but I can't as I'm the only guitarist and I have a truckload of PA crud and no time to deal with gear failures and no room for back up amps. I'm pretty proficient at fixing things, or intuitions so if I do get something with these sounds or the hi-gain of the line6 stuff that'll be reliable for me I won't hesitate to use it ! Carry on

ERIC

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by ericb
Scott, I have a room full of just about 26 tube amps and preamps.. I have a Valvetronix 2x12. Mine has intermittent issues , and I posted that a long time back. Unfortunately I bought mine thru the internet (actually member here) and it arrived with intermittent issues.. The issues are probably small as it seems to involved a pot or switch shorting out possiblly , BUT when working as it should the 4x10 Tweed and the AC30 and "Boutique" sims sound better than most of my other stuff. I have way better hi-gain amps, but for these types it sounds great. The cleans and mild-overdrives or gooey sounds are BEAUTIFUL and just perfect to me... ALSO , the reverbs and delays built in that amp are absolutely great. I wouldn't care would anyone else thought or said. Unfortunately I really want to use this with different situations with my band but I can't as I'm the only guitarist and I have a truckload of PA crud and no time to deal with gear failures and no room for back up amps. I'm pretty proficient at fixing things, or intuitions so if I do get something with these sounds or the hi-gain of the line6 stuff that'll be reliable for me I won't hesitate to use it ! Carry on

ERIC

All true and I remember your posts about the Valvetronix issues *very* well because you are the reason I sold mine!

:D

I just didn't trust it. The ToneLab SE has no issues like that at all; it has been out for a while and I cannot find one story of one going down.

My backup plan is to use the POD XT Live as the backup (or vice versa) if that ever *did* happen. (Never say never, eh?)

It is just enough to make you dizzy though - the thought that you could walk into a gig, plop down your powered monitor, plop down your pedalboard, plug in your guitar and plug the balanced outs to the snake for FOH and *viola* your rig is setup. And the tones are damn good.

My world *is* upside down.

[JoeB63]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
I just did a A/B with my tube amps and huge boutique pedal filled pedalboard and the Vox ToneLab SE and JBL powered monitor.

What the tube amps offer more of; the Vox doesn't miss by much. What the Vox offers more of, the big rigs can't touch.

Me world is spinning.

POD XT Live on the way; due to arrive here Monday/Tuesday next week. Hang on tight....

:eek:

In theory I love this idea -- because I'm lazy and hate to schlep gear. I really want to try the XT Live.

Scott, How much $ is that JBL powered monitor? What's the model #?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by JoeB63
In theory I love this idea -- because I'm lazy and hate to schlep gear. I really want to try the XT Live.

Scott, How much $ is that JBL powered monitor? What's the model #?

It is the 10" model, weighs 23 lbs and sounds great. Gets VERY loud. More than enough bass, trust me. http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-JBL-EON10G2--d-2.html

It runs about $500 or less if you look around. It is worth EVERY penny.

[ericb]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
All true and I remember your posts about the Valvetronix issues *very* well because you are the reason I sold mine!

:D

I just didn't trust it. The ToneLab SE has no issues like that at all; it has been out for a while and I cannot find one story of one going down.

My backup plan is to use the POD XT Live as the backup (or vice versa) if that ever *did* happen. (Never say never, eh?)

It is just enough to make you dizzy though - the thought that you could walk into a gig, plop down your powered monitor, plop down your pedalboard, plug in your guitar and plug the balanced outs to the snake for FOH and *viola* your rig is setup. And the tones are damn good.

My world *is* upside down.


Ah comeon , 'upside down' can be a good thing ;) Anyway, I have an original POD and love it. I'm sure the new stuff is awesome. A guitarist I did sound for for a year and 1/2 who used to program his old AX2 combo brilliantly just told a friend to tell me he got a Vetta and 2 4x12 setup and he said I'd keel over if I heard it.. I don't think I want to be tempted. Anyway, I also had the Boss/Roland vf1 for awhile; neat little unit.. I had the Yamaha dg stomp.. (not that great to me but ok) , and the Valvetronix. This stuff is being done right soundwise.. I'm sure the SE is awesome as would be the XT LIve... Damn I'll probably look into that stuff myself... what to sell... hmmmm???

:)

ERIC

[drbob1]

As an alternative to the Reactor, GT makes a Soul-o 75 Satellite. It does a great BF Fender all by itself, power output from 30-75w depending on tubes, and it works really well with modellers.

[JNixon]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
It is the 10" model, weighs 23 lbs and sounds great. Gets VERY loud. More than enough bass, trust me. http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-JBL-EON10G2--d-2.html

It runs about $500 or less if you look around. It is worth EVERY penny.


Are you able to run the monitor and direct to the PA from the Tonelab or PodXT live?? They both look to have only one set of outputs... and if you run both wouldn't they be in stereo? (one left one right).... or I guess you can run an out from the monitor to the PA??? just curious how you would hook up...

Thanks.

[raz]

While I'm saving for a ToneLab SE, I use a Behringer V-Amp Pro that I picked up on trade for the equivalent of about $120. For the amp sounds I like (Marshall and Fender) it knocks me out. Doesn't do the high gain stuff as well as a POD, but absolutely slays on more traditional sounds...and for less than the cost of a really good distortion pedal.

R
A
Z

[Jim Martin]

I'm curious - has anyone here done a head-to-head comparison between the Pod XT Live and the ToneLab SE?

[bluesdoc]

OK, well then............;)

I just scored a GNX2 for a third less than new(due here later next week). One of the guys on the line 6 forum, an excellent player, prefers the digitech to the PODxt, and has both. We'll see. At worst, it'll be my backup to whatever Scott and I decide is the BEST modeler :eek: ;) The JBL is next. Cheap light tone works for me. Totally consistent with my current orientation to gear, money, and ownership. In the meantime, I have a gig this saturday at a very fancy restaurant in San Francisco (rented for a 50th BD party, The Bix) at which I'm using my PV C30. Live, no in-ears!! Yeah!!!

jon

[Jim Martin]

I'm particularly intrigued with the XT Live because for my church gig it's really helpful to switch between electric and acoustic on a song-by-song basis. My Variax acoustic is currently on its way here (purchased in part due to Scott's favorible posting on this board) and the Variax input on the XT Live sounds promising. I could keep an electric guitar plugged into the 1/4 input and the Variax acoustic plugged into the Variax input.

Electric and acoustic would come out through the same monitor then. Cool.

[Bassomatic]

You guys are giving the cork sniffers fits.

I love it.

Scott-

I love your willingness to color outside the lines and reinvent your live rig. Fun stuff to witness.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by JNixon
Are you able to run the monitor and direct to the PA from the Tonelab or PodXT live?? They both look to have only one set of outputs... and if you run both wouldn't they be in stereo? (one left one right).... or I guess you can run an out from the monitor to the PA??? just curious how you would hook up...

Thanks.

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.

Life is good. :D

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
I'm curious - has anyone here done a head-to-head comparison between the Pod XT Live and the ToneLab SE?

Early next week.

I will start a new thread with the "Vs." in the title. :D

Please stand by....

[cjb]

I have a Gibson GA30RVS which is a stereo guitar amp (2EL84 x 2EL84) 2x12 combo (2 V30s) and has a stereo fx loop with left and right returns which the manual says can be used as a power amp. I'm thinking about buying the Tonelab and was wondering if it would be a good match with amp. If it does I would get the SE, but if not, I might just get the desktop to use for recording. Any opinions here are greatly appreciated. Thanks....Chris

[Todd24]

Cant wait to hear the comparison Scott.

Ive been thinking the XT live is a perfect backup for me.

I use a Vetta and the only issue I have is with the feel. Its not bad per se, its just not as great as some nice tubes. For live I dont think I could go back. I abuse the routing and effect types too much. My pedal board (the real one) is already insanly huge.

Can you see me switching the order of my FX between songs?:D

There is nothing wrong with great boutique gear, it just isnt the only way to get it done.

[Jokald]

Right now my rig consists of a Vibro King with POD xt in front of it only using the effects. I have a Variax that I had Warmoth make a new body for. Needless to say I will be getting one of the xt Live pedal boards as soon as they arrive. Can't wait to have the option of saving my Variax settings along with all the effects settings and calling them up with a footswitch.

The latest POD software upgrade added an outboard EQ that really helped with dialing in overdrive pedal sounds going into the Vibro King. I was able to fatten up the Tube Screamer which made a huge difference in my sound.

I love hearing about those who have made this stuff work for them on some level.

[TheGrooveking]

Scott, I have to you credit for putting it out there. I have previously mentioned on other forums that the reason I have two BOSS GT-3's is because there are times that I will just bring that and a guitar, play through the PA. Others thought this was heresy! But I have played a few rough places were you take a break and come back to find a Bixonix Expandora ripped right from your pedlaboard! Plus the fleixibility! On vacation I throw the GT-3 in a RokSak gigbag and a lower value electic is a gigbag, some headphones and go! It's the reason I bought a 110VAC to 12VDC converter for my truck, I'll let one of the other guys drive and I'll sit back and play and program!

Others have seen some of the photos of my home studio and ask "What is that POD doing in there!" As I tell others technology can be embraced or it can leave you back in your cave!

If you've got balls, show them off!

TheGrooveking

[Scott Peterson]

Okay, I have had a few days with each of these pedals so I'll do a quicky comparison.

Form Factor:

Line 6 POD XT Live: 1
Vox ToneLab SE: 0

The Vox is a BIG pedal. Very long; not very deep. But very long. Makes getting to the switches very easy, but takes up a lot of floorspace. The two expression pedals are nice; but there is a severe limitation on what you can do with them (I'll get to that in a second). Extra solid construction; very heavy duty. I like the footswitches. One "WTF?" is the plastic "bubble" over the tube. Pretty? Sure! But, ummm, stupid.

The Line 6 is "just right". Much like the little bear's stuff from the fairy tale; the Line 6 is not too big, not too small and really is "just right". One caveat: it is easy to hit the expression pedal (by default a Volume pedal) when using the tap tempo footswitch.

In the end; one wants the smaller footprint on a stage; at least I do. IMHO, Line 6 takes a point here.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Ease of Use"

Line 6 POD XT Live: 0
Vox ToneLab SE: 1

The Vox is a no-brainer. You won't need a manual. Outside of configuring it to run out to a full range monitor/FOH or into your amp; everything is right there - knobs to go. I was flying in seconds. You can plug in midi cables and hook it up to your computer; viola - free software that updates on the pedal as you tweak on-screen in real time. Everything worked perfectly. There are no way, that I saw, to update the internal stuff. You get what you get when you buy this; there are no future upgrades to come AFAIK.I could be wrong, and they might update it via midi, but Vox has had this out a while now and I have not heard a peep anywhere on the net about any further upgrade path.

The Line 6 is not very hard to figure quickly either, but you do need to scroll though options. The Line 6 is *much* deeper; you have tons more to tweak if you like (or not!) and to keep it small as it is, it has menus ala the POD XT bean. Not a ton of menus, and not hard to figure out in a few dozen seconds; but there you are. Stupid award: Line 6 again pushed something to market ahead of small things like a computer editor for the box. AHGHSGSHGHH! Stupid! My back and knees are not talking to me; I was on the floor programing for hours. Ouch. Bad Line 6, bad! On the good tip, one is coming (by end November) and also they are porting some form of Guitarport with a recording app to boot. On the plus side for now; the Line 6 "Monkey" utility app to update everything is brilliant; hands off and no-brainer. Hook up USB to the XT Live; click the Monkey and it checks for updates, installs them if found and it all happens hands-free. Ahhh.

The Vox wins - it is a simpler device, and it is indeed easy-as-pie to tweak on the fly. They have software that works and is, well, available NOW!


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amp Tones

Line 6 POD XT Live: 1
Vox ToneLab SE: 0

The Vox has 16 amps. Some Fender, lotsa Vox, Marshall, one Mesa and one Soldano. There is a wildcard - "Boutique" which is a Dumble model. (My favorite by a mile for clean tones). The SE excels at pushed cleans; tons to work with and lots to choose from. The "clean" cleans are a bit limited in number, but if you like the basic tone it puts out, you'll like this thing plenty. Its weak area is indeed the heavier tones. Much like the Valvetronix... it doesn't have much to offer. The Soldano model is virtually unusable; there is an extreme amount of hiss on that; no amount of creative knob twiddling could remove it; no cab simulation helped outside of the 8" Champ... but it sounded like poo. So what you have is good; but it is not a full deck IMHO. You can get a good clean, a good pushed clean and a good distortion; but heavier players will be extremely disappointed IMHO. With no upgrades, no "model packs" (Line 6 thing I'll get to...) you just have what you have.

The Line 6 is like another world; I'll cheat and admit I bought the two available "model packs" add-ons (for $98) and that gives you like 72 amps in the box. The range is dazzling, the tones are excellent. I'll state for the record I have owned POD 1.0/2.0/XT and sold them all. Overall, I felt 2.0 was better than XT 1.0 for a variety of reasons. With the XT 2.01 update in this thing; wow. Impressive. Cleans of every sort from Hiwatt to Roland Jazz to Fender (and lots of Fender flavors to boot) to even some sweet Marshall cleans if you keep the gains down. The accuracy of the models isn't my major concern; I just want a range of *musical* and *usable* tones. I am not replacing or substituting this thing for real amps; I just want TONE baby, real tone. Of all colors. You got it here. Dazzling stuff. Line 6 has always had the heavy end of things nailed squarely; now the mid-gain of Vox's shine better (extremely close to the SE's if not better(!)): the pushed cleans of the Tweeds sounds authentic and rich; the clinical dry clean of the Roland JC-120 is uncanny. Impressive and useful.

Score this one a slam-dunk-in-yo-face; the Line 6 has so much to offer (with more model packs supposidly coming yet...) that it is silly. The USB update and loading of the model packs with the Line 6 Monkey Utility is again a no-brainer. Simple as pie.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cab Tones

Line 6 POD XT Live: 1
Vox ToneLab SE: 0

The Vox has some nice sounding cabs... and some awful ones. The best of the cleaner type is the Tweed 4x10; it is great!!! The 4x12-75 is the mack daddy of the heavier tones.... but that is because the others are so lame, not because the 4x12-75 is so good. The 2x12 cab simes are okay at best. I found this to be one of the disappointments of the SE. Using cabs not so much because I dug them, but because the rest sucked is, well, not cool.

The Line 6 Cab Sims - in this XT 2.01 version; are very good. It is hard to pick one or another; they all sound pretty darn good. There are more to choose from; and very few are bad. Impressive.


The Line 6 runs away with this catagory.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effect Tones

Line 6 POD XT Live: 1
Vox ToneLab SE: 0

The Vox has good usable effects; they are not a weak point at all. The wah is great; the modulation effects are outstanding. The "Stomp" group are good, but here we hit the #1 negative on this product - you can have only one at a time. The Line 6 has this too; to a degree. But there is one thing in particular that knocks the Vox down... you have to assign your "pedal" group to the wah if you want wah. Well, I might want Compression and a distortion pedal for a lead boost..... AND a wah. Can't have but one of those due to the way the Vox is setup. Pffft.

The Line 6, which comes with the "FX Pack" loaded for free, is over-the-top with effects. It lacks some of the killer chorus that the Vox has, but offers so many things - including a wicked cool hold-and-sample feature - and so so so much more; that it is the easy choice. Because it regards Compression as a seperate thing for each preset (not part of the "Stomp"; "Modulation"; or "Delay" groups; you can add compression to any preset no matter what. Same thing holds true for Wah. That is a major feature IMHO and one that puts the Vox SE in a seriously bad position in this A/B comparison.

In short, the Vox is extremely limiting with what you can do effect wise; though its effects do sound damn good. Chalk this catagory up to the Line 6. BOOM!


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel

Line 6 POD XT Live: 0
Vox ToneLab SE: 1

The Vox's Ace-in-the-hole. No other modeling device I have ever tried or owned (and I mean pretty much everything date) has the feel of a tube amp. That elusive thing; I call it "bounce" or "pop"; you pick your own term - that you get interacting with the tubes/transformers/speakers. It has give, feel, pop, sag and bounce. The louder you crank it, the more you feel it. Well, the Vox SE is, in this regard, just like a tube amp. The Vox uses the tube in it not as a tone coloring device, but to drive a dummy load for the output of the thing, NOT the tonestack - MUCH the same way the EL-84's are used in the Guytron preamp. They drive a dummy load to give you the feel. It works, and there is no denying it.

Here is where Line 6 takes its lumps. The knock you'll read on Line 6 is that they sound less like an "amp in the room" and more like an "amp on a record"; the feel is flat. The tones are happening, but the "life" give, feel, pop, sag and bounce are NOT there as a player. When you listen back to a recording, you can't tell if it is there IMHO. When you are standing there playing, you can not ignore it.

In short, the Vox is the one modeling unit that gets the tube amp feel right; and the Line 6 does not. Simple choice. BAM!


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wildcards

Line 6 POD XT Live: 1
Vox ToneLab SE: 0

I'll try to limit these to things not mentioned above:

The Vox has the following in its favor:
a) Carrying bag is included (it isn't top quality, but workable).
b) Balanced 1/4" outs; you can use a 1/4" TRS - XLR cable out to go to the snake for FOH.
c) LED is easier to read - not as much info, but bigger is better

The Vox has the following knocks:
a) No upgrade path
b) No "Model Pack" add-ons
c) Expensive as compared to the Line 6
d) Headphone jack is 1/8". Not a biggie, but there you are.
e) No Aux In.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Line 6 has the following in its favor:
a) Variax direct input; you can power your Variax with this and switch guitar models with the XT Live. Opens up incredible tonal

palettes. Impossible to ignore.
b) Easy upgrade path
c) Model packs upgrade options
d) The XT 2.0 "Post-EQ" feature. Perhaps the one thing that makes it all work for me - an independant POST quasi-4 band parametric EQ. If the tone is nailed, but you have fizzies - *poof* gone. This is extremely powerful and works perfectly. I am utterly impressed that they added this in; the Line 6 boards have bashed Line 6 over this for a long time; they can all relax now. It works, and it sounds great. Extremely useful feature; the one that "sealed the deal" for me.
e) 1/4" headphone out.
f) Aux in (though 1/8" input) you can plug in your IPod or a CD player and use it to jam along. Kudos to Line 6.
g) The price is a world beater. $400 or under? Ka-SLAM!

The Line 6 has the following knocks:
a) Software not available yet (mentioned above, but it sucks!!!) (10/11/04)
b) Carrying bag.... extra $$$
c) 1/4" outs are unbalanced. Not cool Line 6, shame on you. I need two DI's to run to FOH. Pffft.
d) Variax Cable is extra $$$.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the end, the Line 6 POD XT Live is deeper and offers more. The variety, better function set and superior depth of controls wins over the feel of the Vox SE.

Winner? Line 6 POD XT Live.

IMHO. Strictly.

[Todd24]

For the life of me, I cany figure out how line6 has failed at this. The nail pretty much everything. Mabye they just cant measure tube feel and therefore belive it does not exist?

Seems like they could add a virtual dummy load to the software and be done with it.

Thanks for the review, it fits in with almost every comparison of the Vox vs Line6 issue Ive read. Im gonna get one as a back up.

[Jokald]

Exellent review Scott. I have not used either of these units yet, but I use a PODxt and shortboard regularly and also had an AD60vt VOX with the VC-12 (large) foot controller and I would think that both were reasonably close in layout. I loved the feel of the VOX but the layout and function of the footcontroller was horrible compared to the way Line 6 has it layed out. The thing with the VOX wah pedal assignment is infuriating, especially with two pedals. It was part of the reason I got rid of the rig. If you are going to have such a great looking footboard and have two pedals, one should obviously be a dedicated wah. If you can't tell it still makes me mad! The other downfall of the VOX was having to switch between making the footswitches run the presets and running the effects. Line 6 is way ahead in the layout of the pedals.

[Jim Martin]

Thanks for the review, Scott. Exactly what I wanted to hear about them.

I know where you're coming from about the feel of the modelers. I don't know that I could reliably tell a modeler from a real amp on a recording, but I can tell when I'm playing through them.

I wonder if playing into a tube buffer (like a VHT Valvulator) in front of the XT Live would improve the feel at all?

[SeeU 22]

"Okay, I have had a few days with each of these pedals so I'll do a quicky comparison."

I hate to see your long comparison if that was a quicky.

Thanks for the review Scott. I am quite excited to read this because of the last couple weeks I have been experimenting with my Vetta 2.03, both miced and DI to the FOH. I regularly gig a Bogner 101b so I am using that as a bench mark.

Modelling is to the point where they have become very effective tools for live performance and recording. This fall is pretty busy for the band and I intend on taking the Vetta out to our next gig for it's debut live performance to see how she hangs.

I read the review with a great deal of interest because I have been considering picking one of these units up for a back up for live use.

I am glad to read that they included the post eq to the XT live. IMO that is the avenue to getting a great tone out of the Vetta and I use it to some extend on all my presets.

My real quirk with Line 6, besides the feel issue, is why we need to use the post eq to get the models to sound proper. I have discussed this with other users and have found that our eq settings and generally similar. Leading me to believe that there is something missing in the modelling process.

Neil

[brent]

Originally posted by SeeU 22


My real quirk with Line 6, besides the feel issue, is why we need to use the post eq to get the models to sound proper. I have discussed this with other users and have found that our eq settings and generally similar. Leading me to believe that there is something missing in the modelling process.

Neil

How are your settings similar?

I picked up the XTlive Friday and have just begun to mess with the post EQ, I haven't spent enough time with it yet but am getting passable and encouraging results, I would be interested to hear from Vetta users how they have implemented the post EQ.

[daddycam]

thanks for the review, scott. i'm looking forward to picking up the POD XT live myself.

[presence]

thanks for the review Scott. I'll wait for the next version of the Vox!

[SeeU 22]

Brent,

I meant that my Post Eq settings were similar to other Vetta users. I am not sure how the settings will translate to the XT Live. On the Vetta there is a patch called Cliffs of Dover which obviously is an Eric Johnson inspired patch. I use the post eq settings from that patch as a starting point for eqing my vintage hi gain tones( think 80's rock) which are the tones I feel that the line 6 gear has the hardest time mimicing.

I am going out to my rehersal space later today and I will write down some of the eq settings I use.

My main point in the previous post was that most experienced Vetta users know that one of the most important tools for a great tone is the post eq section. I always wondered if my ears were different than the folks at line 6. I also thought that maybe my guitars had certain harsh frequencies that needed to be cut. But I have concluded that some of the models just don't sound right unless you use the post eq to zap out some of the fizziness.

All in all I am really begining to like the Vetta and I am looking forward to picking up the XT live for home recording and to use a a backup live.

Neil

[SeeU 22]

"thanks for the review Scott. I'll wait for the next version of the Vox!'

You might be waiting a long time. Although I would like to see Vox incorporate some of the Line 6's ideas into their product. Or better yet, when Vetta III comes out lets hope they include a tube reactor curcuit. That would be the ultimate.

Neil

[brent]

thanks Neil

I've been building patches playing through a 20/20 poweramp and a pair of 1x12's. I find I have to approach each patch individually and that my EQ settings are varying a bit. I'm hampered by not having any rehearsals scheduled for the next 10 days or so, I really feel I need to hear this in context to see if I'm getting there. The fizziness is really easy to address with the post EQ but I'm having some trouble getting rid of some upper mid harshness in some models. I was curious as to what you were finding in context with a band. I'd love to have the XTLive to use as an alternate setup for some of the stuff I do. I figured if I would know from the other setting sif I was in the ballpark

[SeeU 22]

Hi Brent,

Have you checked out this place yet;

www.instituteofnoise.com

Plenty of useful info there.

Neil

[retrospex]

Scott, my question is : does it make a difference in tone when you use different guitars with different pickups? I have never used a modeler and was wondering if the modeling amps can distinquish different guitars and pickups?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by retrospex
Scott, my question is : does it make a difference in tone when you use different guitars with different pickups? I have never used a modeler and was wondering if the modeling amps can distinquish different guitars and pickups?

In a word - Yes. A huge difference. Same as any amp really.

[Drunkagain]

Scott, question for you. I've been planning on putting together a modest pedal board for the last few weeks. All I'm using at the moment are a few old 80's Arion pedals I've had forever and I've been meaning to replace them with something better for awhile now. Since my delay just went to shit a month ago now seems as good a time as any.

In your opinion would the XT Live make a decent alternative to putting together a pedalboard? The price is certainly right considering the pedals I was looking at would have run me close to a $1000. I would be putting it in front of a Ampeg Reverb Rocket 2x12. I'm mostly just looking to give my sound some more options.

Thanks.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Drunkagain
Scott, question for you. I've been planning on putting together a modest pedal board for the last few weeks. All I'm using at the moment are a few old 80's Arion pedals I've had forever and I've been meaning to replace them with something better for awhile now. Since my delay just went to shit a month ago now seems as good a time as any.

In your opinion would the XT Live make a decent alternative to putting together a pedalboard? The price is certainly right considering the pedals I was looking at would have run me close to a $1000. I would be putting it in front of a Ampeg Reverb Rocket 2x12. I'm mostly just looking to give my sound some more options.

Thanks. Yes - and if you think about it; it makes a great backup rig should your amp ever go down.

IMHO.

[Drunkagain]

Fantastic! Thanks man, this saves me quite a bit of money. Of course I'll no doubt think of something else to spend it on.:D

[avenerjimmie]

long time listener, first time caller. :) this thread's got me intrigued though, and so i've got a load of questions:

how does it work if you want to run it into an amp?
would it sound horrible straight into the front of your amp's clean channel?
would you be able to apply the unit's effects to your amp's tones, and then be able to switch to the unit's amp tones? i don't really see how this could work, but if it would be possible, it would be amazingly versatile.

i owned a vox ad120 and loved it for that versatility, but had to sell it for a few problems it had. i miss that convenience though, and i'm trying to figure out a way to combine the tone of my shiva half stack with the convenience of the modellers. i'm not opposed to having a-little-les-than-perfect effects tones, and i seriously want to be able to have piles of patches with set tempos on every effect without setting a whole rack system. would this be able to do it? thanks.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by avenerjimmie
long time listener, first time caller. :) this thread's got me intrigued though, and so i've got a load of questions:

how does it work if you want to run it into an amp?
would it sound horrible straight into the front of your amp's clean channel?
would you be able to apply the unit's effects to your amp's tones, and then be able to switch to the unit's amp tones? i don't really see how this could work, but if it would be possible, it would be amazingly versatile.

i owned a vox ad120 and loved it for that versatility, but had to sell it for a few problems it had. i miss that convenience though, and i'm trying to figure out a way to combine the tone of my shiva half stack with the convenience of the modellers. i'm not opposed to having a-little-les-than-perfect effects tones, and i seriously want to be able to have piles of patches with set tempos on every effect without setting a whole rack system. would this be able to do it? thanks.

You are going to like the answers.

1) It can be run into the amp; it has a setting for output into different amps; and overall EQ correction to do so; you can match the output EQ to your amp/cab.

2) One big footswitch is for the amp/cab sim - easy to turn off in any patch. And easy to turn on. You can run the effects (they are grouped as "Stomp" "Mod" "Delay" "Reverb" (one of each)) to any given patch. And turn on/off any one of those effects "groups" at any time. On the fly. Tap Tempo; dedicated footswitch. Silent tuning; on the fly.

3) You can setup all the patches you want; rough the tempos in; and use the tap tempo to adjust on the fly if needed.

I have owned a Valvetronix 212, a Bogner Shiva half stack, and a Bogner Ecstasy Classic Half stack too. I know where you are coming from.

[avenerjimmie]

awesome! i'm seriously considering one of these things man. there are so many good things about it. i'll have to play one through my rig of course, but i mean, a four hundred dollar back up amp/ effects rig that weighs next to nothing? i see no downside whatsoever.

on the shiva, your posts on here were actually one of the reasons i ended up getting the amp, and i have not been dissapointed. that amp is just a joy to play. the other guitarist in my band has a rake, and your positive words for that amp helped solidify that purchase as well. we both love them, and you certainly helped us make the decisions. figured you would want to know that. :)

thanks for the response by the way. i'm already feeling welcome.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by avenerjimmie
awesome! i'm seriously considering one of these things man. there are so many good things about it. i'll have to play one through my rig of course, but i mean, a four hundred dollar back up amp/ effects rig that weighs next to nothing? i see no downside whatsoever.

on the shiva, your posts on here were actually one of the reasons i ended up getting the amp, and i have not been dissapointed. that amp is just a joy to play. the other guitarist in my band has a rake, and your positive words for that amp helped solidify that purchase as well. we both love them, and you certainly helped us make the decisions. figured you would want to know that. :)

thanks for the response by the way. i'm already feeling welcome.

Wow - I am honored! Those are really kind words!!!

I still own my Rake; I would still own my Bogner Shiva, but alas finances dictated my selling it. If I ever needed it; I'd get another in the flash of an eye. You cannot go wrong with either amp.

[CGrisamore]

Hi Scott

Quick question for ya. From 1985 until about 6 months ago, I played through a Twin Reverb exclusively. I lived a long time in the world of having a clean amp and using pedals (or a multi-effects unit) in front of it for effects and/or distortion.

6 months ago in my quest for something lighter, I bought a Koch Twintone and discovered that having the amp's 2nd channel for a 'dirty' sound was WAY better than any pedal I ever had in front of my Twin. In addition to the weight savings, my take on it has been that I got a HUGE upgrade on distortion.

having lived with that setup for the last few months, 3 weeks ago my new band went into a studio to do a demo. No amps were used, I went straight out of my GT-6 to the board. Since I couldn't use my amp for distortion, I went back to the bank of patches that I formerly used with the Twin and it was never more clear to me how much more I liked the Twintone distortion versus the GT-6 preamp and distortion settings.

Now of course taste varies but it's interesting that you seem to be traveling in the opposite direction than I am. Are you simply balancing the compromises in sound as compared to the weight and bulk savings you are getting or are you truly just as happy with your new setup?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by CGrisamore
Now of course taste varies but it's interesting that you seem to be traveling in the opposite direction than I am. Are you simply balancing the compromises in sound as compared to the weight and bulk savings you are getting or are you truly just as happy with your new setup?

Charles,

Excellent question.

I'll state what I did in my first post; this is in no way going to replace my tube amps. This is an *alternative* for when the gig calls for it. In that capacity, this thing - at first blush, I have not yet played out with it - seems to really fill the bill.

I have found, in my tonal journey, that I have almost always had a channel switching amp and never relied on pedals for distortion tones/boosts at all. Ever. And that works great, as long as the flavor of distortion from your amp fit your tastes and your gig.

In the last year or so, I have gone on a path of clean amp/pedalboard that I prefer simply because I can switch the "flavor" of the distiortion to taste and/or as my whim changes. I am extremely taken and impressed with the pedals I have in front of my "one trick pony" GT Soul-O 45 head. It was designed and built to take pedals, period, and it does it *really* well.

I see this all as a non-exclusive thing; I like channel switchers (in my case the Bogner Shiva, Rivera Rake (which I proudly still own and use) being the preferred choices of taste for me); I like clean amps with pedals (detailed above) and I liked the Valvetronix I had.... and by extension the ToneLab SE and now the POD XT Live.

The hardest part of playing a pedal like this live is this:

When you play an amp/guitar(s) you like live, you get a vibe and work it. You work with the amp. This holds true to pedals and an amp too.

But when you play a modeler like this live, you have so many flavors of tone that you need to attack each differently; and that can be disarming to create that vibe with the "amp" IMHO.

In the end, the form factor of size, weight and convenience are indeed extremely important factors figuring into this equation for me with the whole XT Live thing. I am seduced by that grail of quick setup, easy to use and easy to get around. I am willing to try it and see what happens.... so there you are. :D

[JoeB63]

Scott,
A few more questions about the XT live:

1. Can you get a good Fendery clean out of it (Fat and bouncy sounding clean, no effects other than verb, little or no dirt)?

2. The lack of balanced outs seems to be a big omission. To me, the most interesting thing about the XT Live is the ability to replace the whole pedals/amp rig on stage - which means you've got to connect it to the PA. So, how far can you run an unbalanced cord to the PA? Alternatively, I don't have a direct box, but I do have adapters that convert from a 1/4" plug to an XLR. Will that work to use a longer run to the PA, or do I really need a direct box?

I suppose if your personal monitor has 1/4" in and a balanced line out (to send to the PA), you're OK.

Interestingly, last weekend I heard a guy play with (a latest generation) Flextone amp, and at one point he clicked on to a fantastic overdrive tone - big, meaty and smooth. I was impressed.

[CGrisamore]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson

But when you play a modeler like this live, you have so many flavors of tone that you need to attack each differently; and that can be disarming to create that vibe with the "amp" IMHO.


Although sometimes a particular song requires a special patch to be created to match a unique sound, in general I use the following.

1. clean sound (with & without chorus)
2. medium distorted rythm sound (with & without wah)
3. #2 + boost + compression for soloing

As you can see, I cover a majority of the material that my cover band plays with a few basic sounds. Now each of the patches individually is a combination of effects but generally my 'regular' patches are all within one bank on the GT-6.

Are you creating more specialty patches to custom tailor a distortion sound to the song? If so I can see why a pedalboard approach would be preferred....

[presence]

Originally posted by SeeU 22
You might be waiting a long time. Although I would like to see Vox incorporate some of the Line 6's ideas into their product.

Neil

I think we'll see the next version of the Vox in one year at the rate these things are going now. I really like the layout of the Vox and the simpicity. I don't want to be doing any "deep edits." I already have a hard time managing treble, mid and bass on my amp!

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by JoeB63
Scott,
A few more questions about the XT live:

1. Can you get a good Fendery clean out of it (Fat and bouncy sounding clean, no effects other than verb, little or no dirt)?

2. The lack of balanced outs seems to be a big omission. To me, the most interesting thing about the XT Live is the ability to replace the whole pedals/amp rig on stage - which means you've got to connect it to the PA. So, how far can you run an unbalanced cord to the PA? Alternatively, I don't have a direct box, but I do have adapters that convert from a 1/4" plug to an XLR. Will that work to use a longer run to the PA, or do I really need a direct box?

I suppose if your personal monitor has 1/4" in and a balanced line out (to send to the PA), you're OK.

Interestingly, last weekend I heard a guy play with (a latest generation) Flextone amp, and at one point he clicked on to a fantastic overdrive tone - big, meaty and smooth. I was impressed.

1. Yes. Extremely important to me; I play in a funk covers band and a smooth-groove/funk band - and spend a lot of time on the cleans.

2. Agreed. The JBL saves me here; it has both 1/4" and XLR ins; a thru XLR out that can run to FOH. As with any unbalanced cord, anything over 20' causes you to lose highs. (Hence buffers/DI's). I have a Whrilwind "IMP" DI that works for the other channel out (the other feeding the JBL for monitoring).

The adaptors are fine as long as you keep your cable run to 20'. If it is more, you need a buffer/DI.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by CGrisamore
Although sometimes a particular song requires a special patch to be created to match a unique sound, in general I use the following.

1. clean sound (with & without chorus)
2. medium distorted rythm sound (with & without wah)
3. #2 + boost + compression for soloing

As you can see, I cover a majority of the material that my cover band plays with a few basic sounds. Now each of the patches individually is a combination of effects but generally my 'regular' patches are all within one bank on the GT-6.

Are you creating more specialty patches to custom tailor a distortion sound to the song? If so I can see why a pedalboard approach would be preferred....

True that; and if it works, I can't argue!

So I won't.

But in my funk covers and smooth-gorrve/funk band, we tend to improv on the tunes we do; and I like flavors. I will create speciality patches if needed, but the plan right now is to go with a setup similar to what you do... and I do already. Just much smaller and lighter. :D

[CGrisamore]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
True that; and if it works, I can't argue!

I will create speciality patches if needed, but the plan right now is to go with a setup similar to what you do... and I do already. Just much smaller and lighter. :D

Wholeheartedly agree about smaller and lighter. Every time I lugged the Twin up and down my stairs, I swore I was gonna get something else. I have no earthly idea why I waited so long.

[Jim Martin]

Originally posted by avenerjimmie
on the shiva, your posts on here were actually one of the reasons i ended up getting the amp, and i have not been dissapointed. that amp is just a joy to play. the other guitarist in my band has a rake, and your positive words for that amp helped solidify that purchase as well. we both love them, and you certainly helped us make the decisions. figured you would want to know that. :)

Scott's quite the influential gear guy. My new Variax Acoustic just arrived today, based on a twenty minute audition at GC and the raves of Scott. I haven't had a chance to plug it in yet, but it sure feels nice to play.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
Scott's quite the influential gear guy. My new Variax Acoustic just arrived today, based on a twenty minute audition at GC and the raves of Scott. I haven't had a chance to plug it in yet, but it sure feels nice to play.

Hey, I am just the messenger.

Good gear is good gear, no matter who makes it or the name on the headstock.

Wait till you rip a big PA system with that guitar and let go of it.... and it doesn't feed back.

You'd be well served to have another pair of shorts nearby. :D

[fiftywatt]

Hey Scott, on the POD XTLive..

Do the distortion/modulation/delay FX sound as good as the Stompbox modelers? (DM4/DL4/MM4) I'm looking at the XTLive
as an effects unit running into the front end of a tube amp as my foremost application. I remembered you have owned all of the Stompbox modelers and just wondered how the XTLive tones measured up. btw, great review of the unit. I really appreciate your "real world" appraisal.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by fiftywatt
Hey Scott, on the POD XTLive..

Do the distortion/modulation/delay FX sound as good as the Stompbox modelers? (DM4/DL4/MM4) I'm looking at the XTLive
as an effects unit running into the front end of a tube amp as my foremost application. I remembered you have owned all of the Stompbox modelers and just wondered how the XTLive tones measured up. btw, great review of the unit. I really appreciate your "real world" appraisal.

IMHO, they have improved on the stuff in the boxes.

I am getting some real good tones with this box now and enjoying it!!!

[TNJ]

I dont know about you, Scott...but I hate the idea of not using my pedalboard anymore. Since I got the Boss ME50...the pedalboard is collecting dust. And the pedals/tuner on that board are absolutely wonderful! But, I'll rarely use them again on the gig. My age, and back advise against it. :D
What I do is just hook an overdrive pedal du jour from the guitar to the Boss...and then to the amp (straight in). It's just too easy, and sounds too good, not to use.
One 112 combo, one Boss pedal, one OD pedal, one guitar...setup in minutes, and tone that works well in the context of the band. Tear down at the end of the night is a (MUCH NEEDED) snap. And now you say that all I need is a guitar and a POD XT Live!
Damn...guess I'm gonna have to check one out. I could use the pedalboard at home for recording...but again, the POD is tailor made for studio use too! My POD sounds marvelous on tape, with an OD pedal in front, the lead tone is killin'.
The times they are a-changin'. :(
S.
j

[brent]

Originally posted by TNJ
I could use the pedalboard at home for recording...but again, the POD is tailor made for studio use too! My POD sounds marvelous on tape, with an OD pedal in front, the lead tone is killin'.
The times they are a-changin'. :(
S.
j

Even cromagnon me has jumped on this bandwagon!

I've always used the pod for recording and practicing late at night, the Live is my first foray into the performance aspects of it

I sold my XT and picked up the XTLive to replace it with the hope of using it as a pedalboard also. It sounds good, I like it with the TIM in front of it. Ihave written some patches to use it with a mesa 20/20 and 2 1x12's. I haven't tried it with the band yet but I think the sounds are there.

I'm pretty sure this thing will work REALLY well live with the EL84 power amp, whether or not I can retrain the operator to use it live is a whole nother story ;)

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by JoeB63
Scott,
A few more questions about the XT live:

1. Can you get a good Fendery clean out of it (Fat and bouncy sounding clean, no effects other than verb, little or no dirt)?



I can get that bouncy clean fender SOUND out of the PODXt live, but it SOUNDS like that, it just does not FEEL like that.

I CAN get that sound and FEEL out of the Tonelab Desktop I have.

I like BOTH of them, PODXT Live tones and effects are hard to match, but they FEEL ....dry for lack of a better term. You have to adjust your playing if you have been playing tube amps IMO.

The Vox has a FEEL and 'mushiness' or bounciness that feels like an amp. It surprises me that Line6 has not added this as a type of 'model', adjustable in some way since, much like TONE, this will be VERY VERY subjective to people. But its just signal processing after all. If Line6 had this I MIGHT ditch the Tonelab. The other things LIne6 does just beat the hell out of the Tonelab.

We all have various types of guitars and even amps, for various situations, why not have both the Vox and the Line6? With the two of them, there is not much you could NOT do, tone wise.

[Scott Peterson]

Jato,

Add in the other essential ingrediant - the monitor (Brent is using his power amp and speaker cab). I am using the 23 lb. JBL EON G2 and baby, it is the bomb!

I am ready to gig it... but have no gigs. :( Note to bandleaders.... schedule some shows!!!!

[TNJ]

How many channels in?
S.
j

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by TNJ
How many channels in?
S.
j

Two in.

One: 1/4" unbalanced
Two: XLR Balanced.

XLR Out Balanced from EON G2 to FOH.

[Senor Blues]

I"ve got some Modeling Gear, PODXT, a borrowed XT live and I am going to buy one, a Guitar Port, and a ToneLab. I've got a couple of tube amps, my current favorite is the Little Zvex half watt Nanohead. Its raunchy and "Plexi-ish " through a 4x12. If you think Hound Dog Taylor had great tone, you wil love the Nano with a nasty P90 guitar :) But its still too damned loud for late night playing.

Last night my usual late night headphone jamming rig, the Tonelab, died. RIP, back to Korg with you! It was a love/hate relationship anyways....I loved its feel, hated its high end fizz and some of the amps all sounded the same to my ears, when you get into gain with them. POD always sounded good but had lousy feel and some harshness.

PODXT has more and better SOUNDS if you ask me, but the PODXT FEELS like you are playing a ... digital modeler. Not an AMP. I stil played the POD a lot, I like the SOUNDS. The Tonelab FELT like an AMP, but was sometimes either way too Digitally Fizzy without Post EQ (or Running IT through the PODXTor Guitar Port ) or way too darkon the AMP setting. Tonelab Sounds good through an Amp's Power AMP in, or effects return. Not always was Tonelab fizzy, just as a PODXT or XTLIVE is not always fizzy.

I feel the XT and XT Live cab sims are better than the Vox's and you have some 'mic'ing' options too. I like the Line6 Effects better than the Tonelabs too.

Now then, today I was out pawn shopping and I found a 16 OHM THD Hotplate in a a Pawnship, paid not much money for it. Its beat up visually but I hammered it for an hour with a Marshall Super Lead, and it worked fine. I took it home.

I actually don't like how it colors the Nano sound through a cabinet.......HOWEVER, I took the Nano into the Hotplate, and set the Hotplate to LOAD, and took the line out into -- you guessed it--the PODXT. I didn't ant to chance overloading the new XT Live till I own one of my own.

Now, with this setup I get that REAL AMP FEEL, that mushy responsive guitar, and I use the POD for post Effects like Delay and such, and the CABS ( Set your PODAmp model to Bypass, and just use effects and Cab sims --or NOT, some combos of POD amps can be GREAT with the Nano running in via the Hotplate ! )

I talked to Ed at THD about doing this, and he uses a Flexi 50 into a Hotplate (or , I think it HAS one IN it ) and into a NI Guitar Rig and ONLY uses their cab sims, and I think his tones are spectacular.

Through the PODXT or the $99 Guitar Port, with a 4x12 Cab sim it sounds GREAT, and I can plug in my Headphones, or record with Guitar Port.

Even the clean sounds with this set up are still Tubey and 'bouncy' with the Nano's volume low.

I have the Nano sitting on the Hotplate, which at half a watt is more like a "coldplate". I have some pedals in front of the Nano and between the Hotplate and POD I put a Boss Ce-2 Chorus, and man I'm liking this :)

It all takes up, along with my Laptop which has 40 gigs of my mp3 collection on it, and running the Guitar Port software, about 18 inches by 14 inches of deskspace. I can fit it all in a gig bag, walk off to a business road trip with it, jam in hotel rooms. Damage my hearing :)

I liked the Tonelab, but, after owning it for 6 months, and it died just yesterday, well if they fix it and return it to me, I'm gonna ebay it. I don't gig anymore. I'm a bedroom musican, have money and like to buy gear :) the most I play out is a Blues Jam on occassion. I think a guitar and one pedal is enough for the blues jam nights. (one pedal : a Zvex SHO or a COT50 will wake up almost ANYTHING :)

Oh, and for some reason, to my ears, there are NO high end fizzies or that Modeling 'harshness' with this set up, unlike a guitar right into the PODXT where you really NEED the new Post EQ sometimes. I'm sure it woud work with other amps. How/why the Line6 guys left the fizzies and harshness in the PODXT I know not, but that is another debate.

Here is a question for the Amp Guru's: Do you guys ( Doug ? Ed? ) think that maybe going into the tube amp and through a hotplate could be the reason for no high end fiz? Like it gets filtered out via this setup so is NOT there for the PODXT to amplify? Plugging a guitar into a PODXT can _sometimes_ get fizzy.

For those that have not seen one, I give you the mighty Zvex Nano, one-half watt of raging tube power that has to be heard through a 4 x 12 ( or 2!!) to be believed:
http://zvexamps.com

Long live the vacuum tube!

[Jim Martin]

Informative post, Senor Blues. From your post and Scott's review, it sounds like the XP Pro would be ideal if it could get the amp response that the Tonelab seems to have. You've come up with a pretty novel solution to get that.

I think I mentioned it earlier, but I don't think there was a reply. Has anyone tried a tube buffer (like a Valvulator) in front of a Pod to see if it gets better tube amp response?

[Senor Blues]

Thanks! A valvulator? Hmmm. now that would be interesting. To ebay we go.

I have a Presonus "BlueTube" preamp, but you know I think ( I don't know ) if that might have output too hot to runino the pod. Nice experimenting though. Are tub preamps too hot to run into an amp/pod?

The POD/PODXT...not so much the XTLive has this ...this ...latency...or pick 'pop' I can feel when plugged directly into it. I think. Its hard to describe. You guys know what I am talking about?

Through the tube amp/hotplate setup above that 'pop' is NOT there, just this nice feel, sorta saggy --well maybe not saggy since there is no tube rectifier, but the little Nano head makes you FEEL the little tubes in there.

The POD is just for signal processing after the fact of that, so the Valvulator might just do that.

I love tweaking stuff. I probably tweak more than I play :)

BTW, the Nano takes PEDALS really well, which the pod does not IMO. A COT50 into the Nano is sweet.

I can tell you this: If Line6 made a POD that FELT like the Tonelab, or felt like the setup above, they would sell a boatload of them, I 'd buy it almost sight unseen. They probably think it does feel good, and sound great, well....we don't have the same ears and hands, Line6 and me, about some things.

I'm going to make a lockable road case for this setup, since my laptop goes everyhwere with me I can fit all the other gear into a padded case and take it all with me!

Life as a a road sales rep. Sigh.

My fingers hurt I've been playing with the Nano/hotplate/Pod setup since 12PM non stop. Food, oh yeah.... I better order some takeout!

I have always loved the vriety of sounds on the POD's.

I'm gonna try an old ADA MP-1 from the bad old rack mount days into the PODXT, see how that works. Its MIDI controllable too, with real tubes.

Scott is SPOT ON in his review too. Line6 has so much more stuff, and using just as a signal processor like I am, well its very nice. The EH delay in the POD is better than the one I have.

The POD Univibe sucks, as does the one on the Vox Tonelab, but I have a Mojo Vibe for that.

[Scott Peterson]

The last two posts are excellent. Truly.

I have wondered if a tube buffer (ala Demeter Tube DI or the VHT Valvulator) would indeed change it up.

So I am going to run my (non-tube) Axess BS-2 buffer in front of the POD XT Live.

Interesting.

[Senor Blues]

Thanks Scott. Your ears may vary! My setup is just well, I had money and nothing better to do today, didn't plan on doing this, but when I saw that Hotplate, I had been thinking about it already due to Ed's Flexi50 into the Guitar Rig posts. The hotplate was STUPID cheap too.

Hmm more on this....Check VHT's FAQ #10 here-soudns reasonable:

http://www.vhtamp.com/product-news/v1-faqs.html#10

Then Check the FIRST HC review of the VHT Valvulator here:
http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/Data/VHT/Valvulator_I-01.html

The guy says pretty much the same thing.

What would it take to make a Tube Buffer like this, using those little 6021 tubes? I emailed this question to ZVEX. Small SHO sized box. The Nano uses those puny little tubes. Use the same ones.

It would be a good pedal in general too, not just for PODS!

This guy already had the Idea using those same 6021 tubes:
http://amps.zugster.net/projects/sub-mini/

Its easy enough to check out, to see if you think it sounds better with any tube amp into the POD if you have a hotplate, or some way of getting the line out into the pod, it might just sound great for you too. I am thinking of buying one of these just for variety:
http://www.geocities.com/ansilgregory/minibeast.htm

3 screaming watts!

I can tell you this...my Tonelab sounded better with the Cab sims OFF , SOMETIMES--especially on some higer gain stuff that got fizzy on the Tonelab, So that was Tonelab >> Pod and just using the POD's Cab Sims and Effects.

Like I said, I tweak stuff. Too much!

[Scott Peterson]

Holy *($#.

You nailed it.

The issue is the input on the modeler. it is indeed the solid state input of the modeler. Oh my.

I just put my Axess BS-2 in front of the XT Live and did a straight up A/B. With and without. Recorded it.

The Axess is a very very high quality buffer, no tube. The difference?

Night and freaking day.

Wow. We just solved the great mystery of the universe. And that is not sarcasm. Holy mackeral!

The feel, pop, real "body" of the tone is all there. I noted the EQ shifted too. The guitar "felt" right; but I gotta do it at full volume to really know. But even in headphones, it is no gray, black and white.

Whoa.

[Senor Blues]

Wow! glad my stumbling onto this could help someone who actaully gigs.

Dig this.. the POD has some really HOLY FREAKING &&%^$ AWESOME Fendery cleans....right? but... here is the thing...they --the Line 6 Models--don't really 'clean up' if you have them setup for that springy fender overdrive.... when you roll back your volume.

Just now I set the nano up for that _slight_ Tubey breakup and ran it into the PODXT 64 Blackface......set the Blackface pretty clean, some Vintage Plate Reverb. Blue Compressor--see this is AFTER the fact of the overdrive. Use the Nanos REAL POWER TUBE Overdrive, due to the Hotplate setup.

With the Pod alone she no clean up when you roll back the volume on the Strat. Sounds like doo.

But with the Nano being a tube amp set for slight real tube overdrive, slight, but you can feel and hear it, it cleans right up when I roll back the volume with no real volume loss. Pick harder it gets gnarly again. you know, a TUBE AMP. So right there ....just THAT is a HUGE plus for my little setup. Even the Tonelab didn't model it like this.

I could see a guy gigging with this, like this: the little Nano, or Gilmore JR sitting on a hotplate set on LOAD, into a POD or XT Live, from the XT Live --with no Balanced outs ( grrrr ) into a monitor for you to hear yourself and a Direct Out like the $25 Behringer Ultra-G into the FH. The Ultra-g sounds GREAT.

Points to the 3 inch by 4 inch little half-watt Nano, "Thats my amp" LOL

See..here is another thing.... I don't get those " Atomic Amps" for Pods and tonelabs, some guys like em, some don't. I don't. It is after the fact, whereas here we have the Tubes and PowerAmp Distortion as above, -- and I stomp the COT 50 and slap the little Nano hard, before the fact of the POD's signal processing.

:dude

[SeeU 22]

Scott,

Would you mind posting those recordings?

I am planning on buying an xt live to use as a backup for my Vetta.

I have been toying with the idea of getting a Valulator to run infront of my Vetta. I always wondering about the difference between the Valvulator and the BS-2 in this application.

Neil

[Senor Blues]

Well I guess I am little behind :)

These guys discovered the Valvulator on the L6 board :
http://line6.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001324

I think I 'd like to build my own....I've got an ADA MP1 too, I gonna toy around with that too.

Doing a search for 'valvulator' on the various Line6 message boards gets some interesting reading.

[Scott Peterson]

Here you go.

Buffer in; then fade... No buffer.

Click here to hear!! (http://128.121.187.118/BufferNoBuffer.mp3)

[Scott Peterson]

I gotta try a Valvulator.

Damn, you guys cost me $200.

:D

[KennyM]

I can attest to the improvement the Valvulator makes with modeling devices. While I haven't had a POD for quite some time, I use the Valvulator with Amp Farm all the time and I do not find the feel to be much diferent to any of the amps I use. Most people can't believe that my tracks were not cut with an amp. The only diference I seem to notice is that I get a little bigger 3D sound out of the amp, but this is only really apparent with parts that need to stand out by themselves. As for layered and ear candy parts, I bet I could fool just about anyone 99% of the time.

My signal chain is the Valvulator into either a Neve or API mic pre's instrument input and then into Pro Tools HD 192. This setup works for all my guitars and lets you hear and feel the detailed diferences between each of them. Pretty much like a good amp.

Thanks for reviews guys. As I have started to play a few live gigs again, working the POD XT Live or Tonelab SE into a live setup would be pretty sweet. I'll have to check them out.

Kenny

[Scott Peterson]

Thanks Kenny and all. I am convinced. :D

Anyone got $200 I can borrow? Or want to buy my Bowflex? :D

[Jim Martin]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
I gotta try a Valvulator.

Damn, you guys cost me $200.

:D

I have one on my pedal board, it really helps the signal through all the pedals (even though pretty much all of them are true bypass). Keeps it sparkly. Which is why it seemed like it might be good in front of the Pod (I remembered that VHT FAQ, too).

I guess if I get an XT Live I'll need to buy another one.

Two hundred? Cheap! I think you've cost me a Variax Acoustic, a DiscumBOBulator, and RC and AC Booster, and probably soon a Red Witch and Pod XT Live! My wife's gonna put NetNanny on the internet connection and set it to block TGP...

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
My wife's gonna put NetNanny on the internet connection and set it to block TGP... [/B]

This is costing _me_ a new keyboard after spitting my coffee out on it laughing.

[journo]

Hi Scott,

If I hadn't heard it I probably wouldn't have believed it. You comparative sound clip showed exectly what I don't like with the POD. It also showed what can be done to get rid of it. Great difference.

Where do I get a hold of an Axess buffer like yours?
Please also post your thoughts on the Valvulator vs. the Axess!

Thanks.

Journo



Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Here you go.

Buffer in; then fade... No buffer.

Click here to hear!! (http://128.121.187.118/BufferNoBuffer.mp3)

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by journo
Where do I get a hold of an Axess buffer like yours?
Please also post your thoughts on the Valvulator vs. the Axess!

Thanks.

Journo

Mario is *THE* man:

http://www.axess-electronics.com/


I will keep everyone updated on the Valvulator... I need some $$ first because I am dead broke. :(

[journo]

Hi Scott,

Regarding your need of $$. Seing your equipment list, I think I know why. ;)

Looking foreward to your findings.

Cheers,

Journo

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Mario is *THE* man:

http://www.axess-electronics.com/


I will keep everyone updated on the Valvulator... I need some $$ first because I am dead broke. :(

[Senor Blues]

Lance, what is the POST EQ like from your Tonelab to the Computer on that ToneLab StratBluesClip?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
Take a listen to these two clips using my Strat into the Tonelabs AC15 with Compression Pedal activated.
http://146.145.5.218/board/files/TonelabStratBlues.mp3
http://www.bluecrystalsoftware.com/download/LanceTheWall.mp3


Dude, beyond the gear = that is some slammin' good playing. The tone is perfect, agreed on that, but that is some wicked tasteful playing to go with it.

Impressed.

[Scott Peterson]

Here is a rip I had on a funky backing track up in the Member Soundclips section; it is me on the Melancon with the POD XT Live. Though I'd post it here too, so folks that wanted to hear the tones I'm getting could; and understand what this thing can actually do.

I had the Axess BS-2 buffer into the POD XT Live direct into the FMR RNP and no Post EQ on the POD.

I like the tones a lot.

Click here to hear it.... (http://128.121.187.118/DogMadeMeFunkySPStyle.mp3)

[Moat]

Hey, Scott - just a wild stab here, but if you'd be interested in an even-up swap for your BS-2 - I've got a Valvulator that I use for home recording, but am gigging almost exclusively these days... so I've been considering a BS-2 for my already-too-crowded-and-heavy pedalboard... but, alas - like you, I'm broke too... :(

I'm in Lansing/Charlotte area, could drop it off to 'ya no problem (I commute/gig in Royal Oak every week).

FWIW, anywhoo.......

Clips sound nice! I'm gonna have to give the XT Live a serious look (dang! ... not even done with my current, 6 mos. old POD 2.3 based pedalboard project! :mad: )

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Moat
Hey, Scott - just a wild stab here, but if you'd be interested in an even-up swap for your BS-2 - I've got a Valvulator that I use for home recording, but am gigging almost exclusively these days... so I've been considering a BS-2 for my already-too-crowded-and-heavy pedalboard... but, alas - like you, I'm broke too... :(

I'm in Lansing/Charlotte area, could drop it off to 'ya no problem (I commute/gig in Royal Oak every week).

FWIW, anywhoo.......

Clips sound nice! I'm gonna have to give the XT Live a serious look (dang! ... not even done with my current, 6 mos. old POD 2.3 based pedalboard project! :mad: )

Check your email.

[Moat]

Got it, Scott - fired one back!

[Soundhound]

Scott, Senor Blues et al,

I've been following your conversation with great interest. I got a GT-6 last year but it's been sitting in the closet. The modulation and delay stuff sounded pretty good, but the amp models I thought were terrible, and the overdrive sounds almost as bad. I've gone to all pedals, boutique and otherwise and love the sounds I'm getting, but I have been using a POD 2.0 for headphone practice and I put various pedals in front of it (TIM, LTD, Hermida Mos, etc, and the tones are pretty great) So I'm wondering about the GT-6 compared to the Podxt live and Tonelab se, has anybody compared those? Also, I'm intrigued by the idea of using a tube/buffer pedal in front of one of these multi-effect/modelers to get more natural sound. I have all kinds of boosts, etc: BArber Launchpad, Seymour Duncan Pickup booster, Xotic RC booster, will any of those do the job? I'm not familiar with the V-stack etc pedals.

THanks!

[Moat]

Hi, Ok101 -

The other guys here might be able to answer your question more directly, but I thought I'd throw this idea your way... and I agree on the GT-6 amp models.

You may want to try your POD2 in the effects loop of the GT-6. This will give you the POD's decent amp models (with the tremendously useful ability to post-EQ the POD tones with the GT's EQ's) along with the GT-6's effects (no GT-6 pedal models, tho - the effects loop is, unfortunately, one of the pedal selections!?!). Turn off the GT's amp model/preamp section... and I actually get the best results setting the POD AIR to "direct" mode (small switch by the output jack), and using the cab sims (helps roll off the high-end "fizzies", and gives more voicing options to the base tone). I also prefer to turn the "AIR" all of the way off for all patches, using the Sound Diver software.

This works for me, into the front of assorted guitar amps/combos. The "classic" POD - in "direct" mode and w/cab sims - can sound unnaturally mid-rangey/boomy/boxy into the front of a guitar amp, but can be mostly tweaked out with the GT's EQ (post POD in the GT's effects chain). I've been able to come up with some very good tones this way.

I've used my VHT Valvulator tube buffer in front of the POD2, and feel it does indeed improve the tone - subtly warmer, with more realistic sparkle and punch. IMHO - YMMV. Not sure about your boost pedals - I'd give 'em a try, tho - might do the job fine. Many stomps have buffered outputs - but it's their buffering circuit's effect on tone that can sometimes fall short.

$.02... FWIW... :)

[Soundhound]

Guitartone: Thanks for the info. That's what my guess was from the little experience I've had with them, but am glad to hear others who spent more time with them felt the same way. I did try bypassing the amp models and distortions on the GT-6 and using several of my favorite stomps for drive etc and going into an amp. I think that could still work, but it's basically just using it as a modulation and time-based effect pedal with a wah. Not the most convenient all in one solution.

MOAT: That is a cool idea indeed, thanks I'll try that out. Somebody is going to nail this one of these days. I thought maybe the podxt would do it. There were some interesting posts here about using a buffer/tube pedal in front of the podxt to give it more amp-like feel. hmmmm....

I don't need tones to be perfect, but I'm not sure I can get the sounds out of one of these yet that will make me happy playing live. Maybe the podxt live with the vht pedal is worth a look

[Soundhound]

Moat,

Just reread your post about the VHT, I think I'll give that a shot. Thanks!

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Ok101
Maybe the podxt live with the vht pedal is worth a look

I'll let you know about that combo tonight!

:D

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by Ok101


I don't need tones to be perfect, but I'm not sure I can get the sounds out of one of these yet that will make me happy playing live. Maybe the podxt live with the vht pedal is worth a look

Hehehe, I'm gonna wait and see what Scott thinks of the Valvulator. I trust his ears after reading a lot of his posts and listening to some clips on here.

Scott: When will you be getting the VHT? :D

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Senor Blues
Hehehe, I'm gonna wait and see what Scott thinks of the Valvulator. I trust his ears after reading a lot of his posts and listening to some clips on here.

Scott: When will you be getting the VHT? :D

See above post. :D

Trades are goooooood.

[Soundhound]

Very cool Scott, can't wait to hear your reaction. I would love to have an all in one (or close to it) solution for grab n' go. I really like the idea of having one of these all in one devices and just using my favorite overdrive of the week in front of it. Actually that does make me wonder, I don't think the Podxt live has an effects loop. Do you think that's a problem? I've used various stomps in front of the pod 2.0 and it seems to work well, for recording and headphone use anyway.

Nice, very knowledgeable group of equipment maniacs here by the way, glad to meet y'all!

[Jim Martin]

Hey, Scott, have you tried the XT Live with your Variax acoustic? At my church gig yesterday I played the Variax acoustic (which rocked!) for all but one song where I switched to electric. I felt kinda stupid bringing out the huge pedal board and amp (and making the sound guy run another line) just for one tune, so I'm thinking the XT Live might be the way to go.

I could plug both an electric and the Variax acoustic (using the Variax input) into it, have a small setup, switch between guitars quickly and only run one XLR to the house.

Plus that little EON thingie for self monitoring (since I've learned to never assume I can get my own monitor mix). Cool.

[Senor Blues]

Scott: You must have been replying while I was writing mine.

Do you need us to send food? LOL

I posted a little early-morning-stiff-fingers clip of the Nano Amp into the Hotplate into the $99 Guitar Port here, and I got emails from a gent doing the same with a Univalve.

http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/nanopod.mp3

First part is Nano into $99 Line6 GuitarPort, NO CABINET sim. Sounds like doo doo.

Long Pause to drink more coffee, and setup the AC30 2x12 Cab.

Long Pause, setup 4x12 with Vintage 30's

Long Pause , keep the 4x12 just turn on some delay, chorus and reverb wihtout really paying attention to the settings of any of them..

Screeny of Guitarport setup:
http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/guitarport.gif

The Clips can only give an idea of what it sounds like really, The main point is that it FEELS like I'm playing an amp :)


My next purchase:

http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/tb.jpg

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
Hey, Scott, have you tried the XT Live with your Variax acoustic? At my church gig yesterday I played the Variax acoustic (which rocked!) for all but one song where I switched to electric. I felt kinda stupid bringing out the huge pedal board and amp (and making the sound guy run another line) just for one tune, so I'm thinking the XT Live might be the way to go.

I could plug both an electric and the Variax acoustic (using the Variax input) into it, have a small setup, switch between guitars quickly and only run one XLR to the house.

Plus that little EON thingie for self monitoring (since I've learned to never assume I can get my own monitor mix). Cool.

I have tried the Variax Acoustic with the POD XT Live.

Ummm, it is far better than just the Variax Acoustic straight to the PA. Seriously.

You can setup for the pedal to control the models/mic position/compression to match given presets; I found that adding a compressor as a boost on the "Stomp" was extremely cool for single line solo or fingerstyle parts. The ability to EQ the guitar is far enhanced and adding delay/reverb or modulation is extremely handy if you want/need to do that. I had to buy the Line 6 cord; but am glad I did.

Next time my country band goes out, I am ready and will be using the POD XT Live for sure. I can also have an electric guitar plugged-in to change up what I do on stage for them and add to my versatility and usefullness to the band. Utterly ideal and no excess equipment needed to do so. Brilliant. . :D

[journo]

Hi,

I don't know if you are interested but here are a few sound clips of the POD xt I have done. Recorded straight into a cheap M Audio 9624 sound card with no extra processing what so ever. All guitars and electric basses recorded through the POD xt.

Pea In A POD (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/POD-xt/Pea-in-a-POD.mp3)

Tube Funk (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/POD-xt/TubeFunk.mp3)

xt-ra nice (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/Line%206%20POD%20xt%20Pro/xt-ra%20nice%20Master.mp3)

For those who are curious here are a few clips recorded with the BOSS GS-10.
Recorded straight into the same cheap M Audio 9624 sound card with no extra processing what so ever. All guitars and electric basses recorded through the BOSS GS-10.
Good Source (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/Boss%20GS-10/Good%20Source%20GS-10%20Master.mp3)

Slick Shuffle (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/Boss%20GS-10/Slick%20Shuffle%20Master.mp3)

A Good Week (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/Boss%20GS-10/A%20Good%20Week%20GS-10.mp3)

Who Are You (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/Boss%20GS-10/Who%20Are%20You%20Solo.mp3)

What's This? (http://www.fuzz.se/nermark/artiklar/div_artk/2003/Boss%20GS-10/Whats%20This%20Octabass%20040207.mp3)

Hope they are of some use to you :)

Cheers,

Journo

[Tanner Vix]

First post members! I was directed here from Mr. Barry Weber who I got to know on the institute of noise forum.

Little about me (I'll make it short). 25 years old, played for 8 years or so, and currently play a Vetta.

This XT live has really caught my attention as, like Jim who posted earlier, I play at church a lot and use Vox/Matchless/Bassman/Marshall patches that I've created from the Vetta. I purchased the vetta for it's portability, amp modeling and fx all in one unit.

My dream amp has always been a Mesa Dual Recto, but the problem is I would never use this live, but rather would use it for my own jamming purposes in the garage! What I'm wondering is if I can transfer via midi my "live" patches to the PodXT Live and use the XT live for a FX unit in front of the Mesa should I decide to sell the vetta. This way I will really be portable and will eliminate a lot of stage noise that the combo produces as I would use the POD only at church plugged directly to the PA.

One other concern I have is that if I run the XT just for effects that I could shut off so to speak the speaker and amp models in it. Understand, that I want the Mesa for the true tube tone and feel and like has been discussed, I don't want the Line 6 product to interfere with the tone, but want the XT for all the crazy effects from it.

Thanks. I look forward to correspondance with you all.

[amosaic4u]

i too wonder of this matchup...the vht uses a tube and the axess does not...hmmm

[Scott Peterson]

Bob stopped over tonight - nicest guy btw - and we exchanged boxes. :D

He has the smaller DC powered Axess BS-2 Buffer/Spliter now and I have the VHT Valvulator.

While he was here, we did some A/B testing.

The BS2 and Valvulator both add that "thing" back to the POD XT Live. That "feel" or "bounce". Perhaps differing more -slightly- in character and less in the "pop" from the amp.

I was surprised at how similar they sounded in front of the POD XT Live and how much they did not differ at all.

My conclusion - from this LESS than scientific study (:D) is that perhaps one thing that Line 6 gets wrong is on the input section of their stuff. Their inputs don't load the pickup correctly; and it saps the life and dynamics out of the tone.

I have felt, and still do, that the tone is/was there always; what has lacked for me is the dynamics from the amp, that interacting with it. Well, add in a top quality buffer ala the Axess or the VHT and viola - you have it back.

So, my conclusion is that you *can* have your cake AND eat it too.

:D

Everyone will bag on me if I don't do a clip... so I'll have one here.

Without the Valvulator; pause; with the Valvulator. Click here to hear it!! (http://128.121.187.118/ValvulatorBufferoffbufferon.mp3)

[Senor Blues]

You can definitely hear the difference.Its subtle. Its like a form of compression, only different :)

But I am betting that the feel it imparts is a lot more noticeable and that is not something that can come through in an MP3 clip. For me, that is the thing--the feel, and the sound, no matter how good it is without the tubes and thos dynamics, well its just not happening.

My Little Nano amp really always sounds like a Nano amp. Its a one trick pony. But until the hotplate into the POD, it's what I played the most, followed by my now dead, RIP, Tonelab. Its all about dynamics, given a good sound to begin with.

Tubes are a 'de-harsh-ifier'.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Senor Blues
You can definitely hear the difference.Its subtle. Its like a form of compression, only different :)

But I am betting that the feel it imparts is a lot more noticeable and that is not something that cannot come through in an MP3 clip. . For me, that is the thing--the feel, and the sound, no matter how good it is without the tubes and thos dynamics, well its just not happening.

My Little Nano amp really always sounds like a Nano amp. Its a one trick pony. But until the hotplate into the POD, it's what I played the most, followed by my now dead, RIP, Tonelab. Its all about dynamics, given a good sound to begin with.

Tubes are a 'de-harsh-ifier'.

That is something that Bob and I discussed in-depth; live we both heard it right away. I know if "felt different' right away. It is like night/day from the feel.

Will the audience notice or someone listening to a recording? We both felt, honestly, probably not.

It matters more to the player than to the audience.

And that isn't a bad thing. :D

[Todd24]

Scott, I cant help but notice the aparent volume differance. The Valvulator part is louder sounding. Does the Valvulator add gain? IF you balanced out the volume would it still sound better? It sounds like it would but....I gotta know. If that really can add that much springyness I will need one bad.

I tried using my Matchless dirt box in front of the Vetta for the same reasons. It works but you really cant dial out the dirt all the way. If the dirt box would clean up fully, It would be the saving grace for the Vetta. All the missing feel comes back. Mabye a Hot Box would do it?

[Jim Martin]

Scott, do you know the measurements on the XT Live? I couldn't find them on the Line6 site and I wanted to see if it would fit with a Valvulator on my smaller PedalTrain board...

Also, why did you go with the EON for self monitoring? Was it sound, cost or light weight (or all of the above)? I have a friend who runs his guitar through a Genz Benz kickback powered monitor, but it looks a lot heavier.

Thanks again for the clips and reviews.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Todd24
Scott, I cant help but notice the aparent volume differance. The Valvulator part is louder sounding. Does the Valvulator add gain? IF you balanced out the volume would it still sound better? It sounds like it would but....I gotta know. If that really can add that much springyness I will need one bad.

I tried using my Matchless dirt box in front of the Vetta for the same reasons. It works but you really cant dial out the dirt all the way. If the dirt box would clean up fully, It would be the saving grace for the Vetta. All the missing feel comes back. Mabye a Hot Box would do it?

Well, nothing at all was changed between the two sections - except I added the VHT in. It does seem louder, but it isn't; honest. In fact looking at the wave form in Cubase SX, it is simply fuller; the peaks are really not higher. But the waveform is easy to see, and hear, as louder because there is more of it and more dynamics. I don't feel it added gain or grit, more like it just filled back in the dynamics. The non-buffered stuff sounds flat dynamically, like it is being limited and crushed down; like hitting a wall. The buffer seems to let the signal breathe again, like a real amp does. If listen past the volume difference, you'll here there is no more dirt on the second half.

Dunno about the Dirt Box; does it buffer the signal?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
Scott, do you know the measurements on the XT Live? I couldn't find them on the Line6 site and I wanted to see if it would fit with a Valvulator on my smaller PedalTrain board...

Also, why did you go with the EON for self monitoring? Was it sound, cost or light weight (or all of the above)? I have a friend who runs his guitar through a Genz Benz kickback powered monitor, but it looks a lot heavier.

Thanks again for the clips and reviews.

Jim,

The XT Live measures 20-1/2 x 11 x 3-1/2.

I went with the EON G2 because of a) sound; b) light weight; c) Patching options.

[Todd24]

Guess I gotta buy a buffer then.

Thanks Scott....I think;)

[Senor Blues]

As for a buffer box, I now miss the Siegmund MicroTube Overdrive I had for a while. It woudl get nice and chimey. MIght make a good buffer, not cheap though.

To me the Line6 stuff is nice, it sounds and looks impressive at first, and I suppose it is. I mean they have some talented engineers. They also have great marketing guys. I keep buying the Line6 stuff..., but...its sorta like women when I was younger man, I always went for the ones that seemed impressive and fun at first, ahem....or were fun to toy with for few weeks , then I would get tired of them. Then I'd want a new one, have fun for few months, but then you find out the less desireable charaterisitcs/aspects.

I'll probably just buy a Valvulator, unless I can find a tube based schematic to build something myself, and I'll have new project. But first I gotta find some place with an XT live in stock and return the borrowed one I have. Once they have the editors out for it, its gonna be nice, fit it right under my desk.

I want one for the Variax VDI connection for acoustic stuff, saving patches and all that , with the amp settings and what not. And for the Variax workbench connectivity, but for most electric stuff I can't get past the dynamics aspect.

Now, It's all about the dynamics, the dynamics I never get tired of :D

[SeeU 22]

Hi Scott,

I just imported your clip into Sonar's wave editor.

The Valvulator definately added some gain. The first clip maxed out at -6.9db while the second part maxed out at -3.5db. Over all the second clip averaged about 3 db high than the first one.

Volume issues aside the real interesting part of the clips is the waveform. I really wish I could post a picture of the two clips waveforms. They look quite different. The waves of the individual chords are fuller and have more variation in the amplitude of the wave.

I rerecorded the second part of you clip with 3.5db of gain reduction. That evened out the volume. The new wave form still looks the same(with less amplitude of course). It's fuller and has more dynamic range. It's harder to hear the difference between the two clips now, but you can still see a dramatic difference.

I really have to try one of these into my Vetta, as they say seeing is believing.

Neil

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by SeeU 22
Hi Scott,
I really wish I could post a picture of the two clips waveforms. They look quite different. The waves of the individual chords are fuller and have more variation in the amplitude of the wave.
Neil

We wanna SEE !

Just press the printscreen key, that takes a screen shot , then paste that into your favorite image editor, make a jpeg or gif and post us a linky to SEE :)

I took a screeny of it, In Audacity, here it is:
http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/scottsclip.jpg

[journo]

Hi GuitarTone,

Thanks for the kind words.
The guitar was a stock Fender American Vintage 62 Strat.
The xt was the virst version that came on the market so it was definitely not the 2.01.

Cheers,

Journo


Originally posted by GuitarTone
Journo

I just listened to the Funk clip,man that was brilliant.
Nevermind cheap soundcard,that was a high quality recording,and some beautifull guitar work.
Sounded very much like a Strat to me,what were you using.?

Are you using the XT with the new 2,01 software.
Do you fell like sharing your patches with me,I'd love to try them.

I'm busy downloading the GS10 clips to compare.

[Jokald]

Tanner Vix

You can do it! The xt Live has a footswitch just for switching the amp models on and off. Just download your Vetta patches via MIDI and then save them to another bank with the amp switch in the off position.

By the way, I use mine in front of a Vibro King and love it.

[Moat]

Hi, Scott! Nice meetin' ya - hope you didn't have to spend TOO much time wipin' the drool off of your sweet gear collection... :D !!

I think your right about loading the pickups correctly (although I also feel Line6 is not the only gear-maker to miss this mark, as the VHT seemed to help on a variety of stuff I tried it on) - as the waveform shows, there's more harmonic "stuff" happening between the fundamental's peaks - "stuff" that would otherwise be filtered out by capacitance/impedance losses, I believe.

It's all of that harmonic "stuff" that's inherent in the guitar itself, that needs to get out - and define the guitar's individual personality. As well, I think a lot of the nuances of the player - the "feel" and expressive parts of playing - reside within specific freqency ranges that tend to be those lost to these capacitance/impedance issues.

For instance - ever notice how, on certain guitars/basses, when emphasizing the upper partials/harmonics by boosting EQ at, say, 12khz-20khz... often the low notes will really come alive and sound warmer/bigger/phatter/more present? Even tho the frequencies boosted are a long ways from the low note's fundamental, they're still there, in the guitar's flailing string - adding dimension and expression to the note/chord. And AFAIK those higher frequencies are some of the first to go when talking capacitance losses in typical guitar circuitry.

Well, that's my theory, anyways... ;) . It sure sounds and "feels" that way to me.

If I pick up an unplugged guitar and strum a chord, listening carefully to the ringing, delicate sustain of partials - I always hope to hear as much of that as possible, from whatever I plug into. The Valvulator definitely gets things closer to that ideal, IMO.

Don't know if I'd call it the "Holy Grail" or not, but it's certainly a couple of coconut-shell claps closer!! :D

If I ever get the BS-2 mounted to my pedalboard ( :jo ), I'll let you know if it does the same!

Gotta get away from this 'puter, tho - and git 'er DONE!! (sorry about blabbin' on...)

:)

[Tanner Vix]

This is great! Nice versatility.

Originally posted by Jokald
Tanner Vix

You can do it! The xt Live has a footswitch just for switching the amp models on and off. Just download your Vetta patches via MIDI and then save them to another bank with the amp switch in the off position.

By the way, I use mine in front of a Vibro King and love it.

[Desiknow]

SO...which one, if you could only own one< the Tone Lab or the XT Live?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Desiknow
SO...which one, if you could only own one< the Tone Lab or the XT Live?

In my case, I took the ToneLab SE back to the store. IMHO, the XT Live is a slam dunk once you add in a Valvulator. Dead even price-wise on the XT Live with the buffer compared to the SE alone at all new street prices. No-brainer IMHO.

Just my opinion.

[TNJ]

How much for the POD XT Live?
:rolleyes: :D

S.
j

[brent]

I use the TIM in front of the XTlive. I discovered it helps with modellers when I tried the Duoverb on the 30 day plan, made it respond much more amplikeand really livened up that IMO dog of an amp, so I began using it in front of my PodXT. When I picked up the XTLive I just figured I'd always use the TIM in front of it. I would like to try out the Valvulator. I wonder if a circuit like the drag circuit in the Switchbone would help with the modellers.

[Tanner Vix]

$400 on MF.


Originally posted by TNJ

How much for the POD XT Live?
:rolleyes: :D

S.
j

[brent]

Originally posted by TNJ
How much for the POD XT Live?
:rolleyes: :D

S.
j


I picked it up at Sam Ash for $400, it works really well as a standalone effects board as well (with the amp modelling off) Has some pretty cool ring-mod and Faux-Synth stuff

[bluesdoc]

If any of you guys have time on your hands, check this thread on the Line 6 forum. Hang on for the ride :eek:

http://line6.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=008635&p=

jon

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by bluesdoc
If any of you guys have time on your hands, check this thread on the Line 6 forum. Hang on for the ride :eek:

http://line6.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=008635&p=

jon

Jon,

I have actually read that thread, and the other guy's thread whom plugs the output into an EQ and has his own presets you use.

I'll stand right here and say, "So what?"

Trust me, with good ears and a goal in your brain, you can do what those guys offer with this POD XT Live and a buffer up front (or behind it, if you like) and get just as good a tones. Or better.

There is no "magic box" IMHO. They are both just messing with the EQ, that is a no - brainer. It takes an ear, of course, but it can be done pretty easy.... without throwing money at these guys.

Now, the guy who did the software "upgrade" and designed his own cab model that you add to the Vetta; now that is freaking genious. Whether it works or not (and everyone who paid the guy $40 says it does); his concept makes much more sense to me. Genious.

I'll do some clips of my little setup simlar to the magic box guy; I won't do an A/B; but you can decide on the tones yourself.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by bluesdoc
If any of you guys have time on your hands, check this thread on the Line 6 forum. Hang on for the ride :eek:
jon

That thread is a MONSTER, the cliffs notes version is this: This Gent 'Radley'designed some electronic snake oil thingy to reduce the high end fizzies on the PODXT sounds. It remains to be seen if it really works in all applications.

There is sometimes a high end harshness to POD stuff that is not addressed too, not always...but HERE is a clip on the Line6 that is supposed to sound like 58 Bassman. I dunno whose Bassman they modeled, or maybe they modeled a model of a bassman, its harsh:
http://www.line6.com/media/PODxtLive/audio/SM%20Tweed%20B_Man.mp3

Obviously my ears and Line6's differ. They MUST think it sounds good or would not have put it up.

Seems to me that would still leave the feel and dynamics aspect out of the picture, and I find that the guy radly, just from his posts on there, ... I dunno it seems sorta shady.' IMHO

[Turbo Gerbil]

Hmm... I think my long neglected Ibanez "Tube King" is going to have to be pressed into service in front of my POD Pro to see how it works. Don't know why I didn't think of doing that before.

[Soundhound]

I've been using a POD 2.0 for headphone practice and some recording for a few years. At first it was pleasing to just have a quick way get a decent direct sound, but over the last year I've been using pedals in front of it. TIM, LTD, Mosferatu, Blues Devil, you name it, it probably makes the POD sound great. Whether any of this means the PODXT live will do the job for me I don't know. I like a range of sounds, but tend to like things from clean and rough edged to various levels of dirt: SRV, Jimmy, Duane and Dickey, Doyle Bramhall II, Derek Trucks. I'm not sure I'd ever be able to get those kinds of 3d sounds through a modeler live, but I'm pysched to try out the podxt live with a buffer in front trick. This does sound like maybe these devices are perhaps one or two generations away from being there, but if it's here now, I'm in.

[Scott Peterson]

Guitartone,

It is all good and we are cool man. You aren't really disagreeing, you just hear/feel/see it different.

You got the clips to prove it too man, nice stuff.

We shoot for similar goals tonewise, but go about it differently; which is the essence of life and fun on the boards here - no one has to agree and we can all do our thing and still be friends about it.

So don't take my thoughts as "end-all/be-all" or "my way or the highway" type of statements; I am just sharing my thing and my feelings and my experinces with all this stuff.

It is all good man.

I gotta find some time to do some proper clips soon. :D

[ericb]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
Couple of points.

Desiknow.....I'll have to disagree with Scott.;)
The XT Live has many more FX and amp models than the Tonelab,so if you want a ton of stuff that you'll never use,then the XT Live is your baby.

It depends what music you play,if you play Hi Gain Metal and you're looking for monster distortion then the XT Live is once again your baby.

However,big however.:D ....if you play lowish gain to clean kind of guitar,then the XT Live doesn't compete with the Tonelab,in fact not even the great Vetta competes with the Tonelab for those tones.

Here you go,listen to these tones,done using Tonelab presets,no tweaking and no post EQing or processing.......done on my PC through a SBLive Soundcard.
No XT clips I've heard come close.IMO.

http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Sitinamix.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Benattor.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/FlangeClean.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Hitcharide.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Walkthisway.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~sean.strickland/Doobie.mp3

You be the judge.

Are the Valvetronix and an SE really different?? Is the POD 2.0 and the POD xt-live really different tonewise? IF NOT, The Valvetronix is WAYYYYYYYYYYY BETTER for lo gain , clean , chewy dumbly , overdriven tones, and Bassman tones, and the POD's are better for Soldano/5150 stuff... The Marshall emulations could go either way but I 'd go toward POD..... IF they're way different I'm gonna find out for myself anyway! :) Anyway, the Valvetronix Bassman/Dumble/etc's are just awesome.. I have over 20 tube amps and much either rare or really good stuff too , but I like it as good as any for those styles for sure. I don't think the Vox is as good for Soldano or Rectifier tones... How much of an upgrade MODELING-WISE are the XT and SE?? I'm not inquiring about midi-options or fx qualities , OR CAB EMULATION btw, just amp modeling? Thanks for any info

ERIC

[ericb]

Originally posted by ericb
Are the Valvetronix and an SE really different?? Is the POD 2.0 and the POD xt-live really different tonewise? IF NOT, The Valvetronix is WAYYYYYYYYYYY BETTER for lo gain , clean , chewy dumbly , overdriven tones, and Bassman tones, and the POD's are better for Soldano/5150 stuff... The Marshall emulations could go either way but I 'd go toward POD..... IF they're way different I'm gonna find out for myself anyway! :) Anyway, the Valvetronix Bassman/Dumble/etc's are just awesome.. I have over 20 tube amps and much either rare or really good stuff too , but I like it as good as any for those styles for sure. I don't think the Vox is as good for Soldano or Rectifier tones... How much of an upgrade MODELING-WISE are the XT and SE?? I'm not inquiring about midi-options or fx qualities , OR CAB EMULATION btw, just amp modeling? Thanks for any info

ERIC


Also I'd like to mention , that I for one , didn't like my Axess BS2 Buffer much at all with my pedalboard in any position, or with combination of my pedals. I did NOT like what it did to the sound. Most guys on this forum said it 'restored' the sound and 'restored the feel" ... Not to me... The sound and feel was better without it... I do really like Tonebone's buffering a lot tho... Anyway, my stmt has NO revelance to what the BS2 would do (or Radley's deal would do ) used in conjunction with digital amp modeler's etc as I never tried it, but it was another device I bought because guys on the internet raved about it (mostly on the hugeracks forum) and after owning it for a few weeks it did no positive thing for me. It's cool if it does for others tho! ERIC

[Desiknow]

...Allof this for me :( :(

aaahhh.

Thanks Guys!:D :D

"I Kidd, I Kidd... I Never Ment to Hurt You"(Triumph the Insult Commic Dog)

Everyone in this forum is awesome and full of information.


I would be using it for more of a mellow modern rock / brit rock thing...but not even as heavy as those first two clips

http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Sitinamix.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Benattor.mp3

:dude :dude

[Jim Martin]

There's one thing that all the posted clips have shown me. I should work more on my playing and less on my tone!

Seriously, folks, that's some fine playing. Shows that it's the notes you play, not the gear you play it through.

[Scott Peterson]

I don't have all the answers, but after hearing this solo'd out, thought I'd throw it up for consideration. This is the solo run I did on the laid back funk track.

I have some clean stuff in front, going to single coil dirty; then to humbucker and with some wah in there towards the end. You can hear me switching things.

I challenge anyone to knock the clean or dirty tones. (Well, you can, but to my ear, these are pretty damn good).

No efx outside of the stuff on the POD XT Live (slight reverb/delay at about 8% wet on each). Direct in, no compression, no tricks, no post efx or processing.

Here is the track by itself:


Click here to hear just the solo track! (http://128.121.187.118/AxessbufferSoloTonesPODXTLive.mp3)



Here is the track with the backing track. See if it sits in the mix okay.

Click here to hear it!! (http://128.121.187.118/DogMadeMeFunkySPStyle.mp3)

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
There's one thing that all the posted clips have shown me. I should work more on my playing and less on my tone!


+1

[Turbo Gerbil]

Hey Scott, here's some homework for ya. See if you can duplicate Petrucci's uber kick ass rhythm sound from "Perfect Strangers" on Dream Theatres "A Change of Seasons". Quite possibly the single best high gain live rhythm sound ever.
:D

[daddycam]

do you guys know of any place that has the POD XT live in stock? musician's friend and samash are showing 3-5 days, and zzounds is showing 10/30.

[Todd24]

Im confused. I thought Sean was a Vetta user until just recently. I didnt know you were into the tone lab. I would think I would have read that on ION. Arent those clips Vetta clips?:rolleyes:

Are you really Sean?

[fiftywatt]

Originally posted by daddycam
do you guys know of any place that has the POD XT live in stock? musician's friend and samash are showing 3-5 days, and zzounds is showing 10/30.

Guitar Heaven in Antioch, TN had 3 in stock as of yesterday
afternoon, 10/18. I bought mine there yesterday for an excellent price too. Their phone number is (615) 717-0600
Their website is www.gtrheaven.com.

[daddycam]

Originally posted by fiftywatt
Guitar Heaven in Antioch, TN had 3 in stock as of yesterday
afternoon, 10/18. I bought mine there yesterday for an excellent price too. Their phone number is (615) 717-0600
Their website is www.gtrheaven.com.

thanks! i just ordered their last one. :D

[amosaic4u]

you bastard

[daddycam]

nice to meet you too! can't you just congratulate me on my prompt action? ;)

[amosaic4u]

i was just kidding..congrats....

[Jim Martin]

Originally posted by daddycam
do you guys know of any place that has the POD XT live in stock? musician's friend and samash are showing 3-5 days, and zzounds is showing 10/30.

Where's MF say that? You can put one in your cart and it says "in stock" - is it later in the checkout that it says otherwise?

Or did you call?

Thanks.

[amosaic4u]

i went to sam ash cause of the 1 yr no payment no interest

[Tanner Vix]

You had me confused too. I got to know Sean on ION as well as I am a vetta owner.

I have posted pics on Sean's guitars4god.org site.

Nice to meet you though!


Originally posted by GuitarTone
The Vetta wishes for those tones,just kidding.:D
No I'm not Sean.

Sean kindly gave me links on his page for the clips a couple of months ago,definately my Tonelab.

BTW you must see Sean's new rig,no Vetta involved,but lot's of other new expensive equipment.
He just got an Engl 580 and a Palmer PGA-05 amongst other things,it sounds very good indeed.

[fsmith]

Alright, so I know this is a discussion about the POD vs. the Tonelab, but just a quick question for those who may know.

I was this ---><--- close to pulling the trigger on the PodXT Pro, but after seeing all of the discussion about the PodXT Live, does anyone know of any reason to go with the Pro over the Live?

I won't be playing out, I'm a home player just getting my feet wet with the recording side and thought the Pro was the way to go after seeing a friends setup.

Any comments are appreciated...

thanks,
fred

[daddycam]

Originally posted by Jim Martin
Where's MF say that? You can put one in your cart and it says "in stock" - is it later in the checkout that it says otherwise?

Or did you call?

Thanks.

today it says in stock. yesterday when i checked it said 10/22 next to availability. oh well, i got it for the same price.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
Scott.

Isn't it strange that I've owned various PODs for 5 years,but now I dream of owning one of your Tube Amps.

I've never owned a real Tube amp,but I've always wanted one,even a small one..I've now got this ambition and GAS to buy a little H&K 1x12 Tube 20 and mic it up......and you who owns some beautifull tube amps now uses an XT for recording.

Am I imagining something about a real tube amp that doesn't really exist,or is it true that a tube amp has a feel and tone that is unique.
Maybe I've just read too many stories about tube amps and I've been brainwashed.

Keep in mind I picked up an electric guitar for the first time in 1999.....I bought the first POD and started learning how to play......so I dont have any serious tube amp experience.

Actually that is a great thing really.

When POD first launched I used it and raved about how it was a great "taste test" for folks coming up; and once you nail down what you like in the POD you won't waste thousands of dollars, and I mean THOUSANDS of dollars, going out to buy amps because you already know what you will like from the character of the models in the POD and other things like it.

I have been playing since about 1980. I have owned crappy amps and some incredible amps. In the end what honestly wins the day is just this - tubes or not, these things are all just tools. Just a means to an end. It doesn't matter what you use, as long as you get the job done. As you gain playing experience, you'll find your tools and stick with them.

Or like a bunch o' folks on this board at least, you'll turn into a gear monster and buy/sell like a madman. :D

There is something indeed magical about a good guitar and good tube amp that nothing will touch. But there is something extremely practical and useful about a box that can get you through an entire gig that you can carry out under your arm. And do it well, hence my enthusiasm with this particular product.

[AndyZ]

We'll probably be doing a big tone dialing session with the XT live at our next Line 6 Users Group meeting. Probably in November here in L.A. Hopefully it will show off lots of great options that we can post for new users.

[Jim Martin]

OK, already.

I just ordered a JBL EON10 and an XT Live. I got the last XT Live from Brian Meader at Chuck Levins (sorry). Incidentally, they were significantly cheaper than Musician's Friend on both pieces (10-20%).

[Soundhound]

Andyz,

Could you give me a heads up on the next users group meeting, if you guys allow gatecrashers? I have a POD 2.0 for headphone practice, some recording etc. and though playing live I'm a stompbox devotee I'm really curious about the xt live and vox tonelab as a grabngo alternative. Oh, and I'm in Venice.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by AndyZ
We'll probably be doing a big tone dialing session with the XT live at our next Line 6 Users Group meeting. Probably in November here in L.A. Hopefully it will show off lots of great options that we can post for new users.

Wow - that is outstanding. Is there info on the ION page about this (I can't come, but would like to know about it....)

Of course, I gotta check out ION some more. Signed up though - that's a start, eh? :)

[AndyZ]

All are welcome to the Users mtg. We usually have them at Line 6 where they have a stage and all there. This time we'll probably have it at a rehearsal studio in the San Fernando Valley somewhere. I usually post the mtg notes on my site under Usergroup and if there are any sound samples or patches they'll be there too, along with photos if any.

I usually post a banner on my forum that it's coming a few weeks in advance. If you email me,I can put you on the mailing list as well. az@instituteofnoise.com

As far as the XT Live, I just spoke to Tom King, president of Atomic Amps and he just demoed an XT Live into 2 Atomics and said it was just stunning. This was at a store he was showing it off to in the Pacific Northwest area.

Since I have 2 Atomics as well, they will be at the next meeting for all to try out if they like as well.

[Senor Blues]

Scott: I Just ordered a Valvulator I.

Have you any more feedback on how it affects , say , distorted electric tones?

Or how it may give some 'feel' and bounce to the Line6 Fender Amp sims? That is what I am most interested in. They SOUND good--mostly, except for the Bassman, but they lack that FEEL.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Senor Blues
Scott: I Just ordered a Valvulator I.

Have you any more feedback on how it affects , say , distorted electric tones?

Or how it may give some 'feel' and bounce to the Line6 Fender Amp sims? That is what I am most interested in. They SOUND good--mostly, except for the Bassman, but they lack that FEEL.

That is what it is all about for me; and why I am now using it. The feel.

The tone is stronger, more full (see the stuff from the page before) and it also carries on the heavier stuff. Less EQ needed.

I have also learned that all the cab models were redone for the XT Live and will in the next software upgrade for the bean and the Vetta. So for now, the POD XT Live is indeed "king". :D

[Senor Blues]

Cooll, thanks!

I am wondering...they just announced that the Guitar Port is getting version 2.5 and will also have the model packs available too. But you have to pay for those obvioulsy. But...for home bedroom usem and taking it on the road on trips, the $99 Guitar Port has been an amazing value.

I hope they include the new cabinet technology in that Guitar Port.

Andy...any rumors on this? I can't wait for the PODXt upgrade! I hope they do the guitar Port to the same specs.

[AndyZ]

Scott they actually re-did the cab voicings for the PODxt version 2. I think that the next release is rather minor compared to 1.xx to 2.xx upgrade. I also believe that the next release will probably addmore relative items needed for porting in and out of the XT live with other POD xt beans and Model Pack adjustments.

[AndyZ]

I think the next release will make portability across the products that much more seamless with the next upgrade. I don't know yet any of the new features. We'll see pretty soon I'm sure. We may get a hint at the next usergroup mtg.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by AndyZ
Scott they actually re-did the cab voicings for the PODxt version 2. I think that the next release is rather minor compared to 1.xx to 2.xx upgrade. I also believe that the next release will probably addmore relative items needed for porting in and out of the XT live with other POD xt beans and Model Pack adjustments.

From an interview from Line 6's Product Magager for the POD/Guitarport Mark McCrite, from the Vettaville site:


Okay I get the point, you're quite busy and really managing the stuff! So how long does an upgradeproject take?

Mark: They're all different, but we can talk about PODxt/Pro 2.0 & Model Packs project (it was all one thing) as an example. Start to finish, this project took somewhere between 6 months and a year from idea to realization, but it kind of started sooner than that and kind of hasn't ended yet. You have to keep in mind that it's all kind of one big evolving mass and it's hard to segment development cycles to one project or upgrade. Changing just about any small thing in PODxt means there will necessarily be an update to GuitarPort, Line 6 Edit, and maybe the Online Store, Drivers & Line 6 Monkey - and all of the people who work on those components are also working on new unannounced products or products in other lines.

PODxt Live's new live cabs and Tone Correction mode were originally intended to first show up in PODxt 2.0, but we felt like the update was substantial enough without the new live cabs and that it made more sense to test the new live modes during the test cycle for PODxt Live because testing a new hardware product would by definition focus a lot of energy in verifying behavior of the "POD in front of amp" scenario. While PODxt Live was wrapping up, we were simultaneously updating PODxt and PODxt Pro code to roll in the new stuff from PODxt Live - and this will be out soon.

We also intended to release a GuitarPort update that supported PODxt 2.0 & Model Packs right when they were first available, but then we'd have to go through specification/development/testing/release all over again to make it support PODxt Live and then again for GuitarPort RiffTracker. In the end we decided it would be best to just make one GuitarPort update that did it all.

[Scott Peterson]

Hey,

Here is the rig!!!

http://128.121.187.118/102004MiniLiveRig.jpg

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Hey,

Here is the rig!!!

[

Was watching some guys load into a club last night to play, I think they had TWO of those big FORD extra long vans.

You could do your load-in with a Yugo or a Cooper Mini :)

[Soundhound]

So Scott, do you use the EON as an amp, or does the house just hear you through the p.a.?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Ok101
So Scott, do you use the EON as an amp, or does the house just hear you through the p.a.?

I use the EON as a personal monitor for me only; and use FOH to reach the audience.

I am in the process of getting another EON G2 in case I need to use them as an amp; I don't think the one by itself will push the db's needed for a room with a crowd over a drummer.

[AndyZ]

Scott since the XT Live was designed more for an amp, you should really try it through one of the Atomic Amps. It'll really feel even more real tan it does now. You can still feed it to the House PA while monitoring via the ATomic.

[AndyZ]

And since I'm mentioning the Atomic... here's one of the first soundbytes I did with the PODxt Ver 2 upgrade into the Atomic.

It's the Fender Twin model. Played with a Tele with a Little 59 in the bridge and the stock Fender HB pup in the neck.

Atomic Soundclip- Blackface Twin (http://download.instituteofnoise.com/atomic_twin_az.mp3)

Here's another using the Spinal Puppet model. Still needs a touch more tweaking whcih I've done since.

Atomic Soundclip - Spinal Puppet (http://download.instituteofnoise.com/atomic_spinal_az.mp3)

[Soundhound]

FOH (what's the acronym it means house sound, right?)

[jim dandy]

wow, this thread is great. if i ever have the money to get the PODxt Live, i'll be sure to check out a buffer for it too. The clip comparisons Scott Peterson posted make it very obvious. i'm glad i joined this forum. theres so much i can learn from everyone.

[AndyZ]

Front of House monitors...

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Ok101
FOH (what's the acronym it means house sound, right?)

Like Andy points out:

FOH = Front Of House

[Soundhound]

Right. Der. Thanks Obi-Wan

[amosaic4u]

will atomic make a stereo version ? it would sell well i think..

[Jim Martin]

Nice rig, Scott. Mine will look pretty much exactly the same (I already have a Valvulator sitting around and I just ordered the other two pieces). I might throw the RC Booster in front of it, too, maybe a TIM.

[Senor Blues]

i can tell you this...The XT Live responds REALLY well to my Full Drive 2 and LOvepedal COT 50.

SIB Varidrive sounds like doo doo through it, but sounds great into a tube amp.

Too bad I have to give the XT live back this weekend.

I'm gonna order an XT live, next paycheck. Or ...maybe sooner if I can figure out how to eat . Lessee, <thinking>I could get a CASE of Ramen noodles for 5 bucks, water is free. I've got coffee. I got a closet full of canned soup</thinking> ....hmmmm.... :)

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
Personally I think what comes after the XTs outputs is far more important than what comes before the Input.



We had this conversation several pages back in the thread I think, I think there are several factors, I think that digital yuk could be causes just as they say here:
http://www.vhtamp.com/product-news/v1-faqs.html#10

But you could be right too. I don't think that surrounding the POD with Tubes is a bad thing, in any case :)

You know also Lance...one thing I notiiced with the VOX Tonelab, is that it too had its OWN additions to the sound, in that there was always this...this ....'something' added to any amp model on it, not bad, but definitely THERE. I cannot describe it, but its a coloration of some sort. Mostly on the high end, and not the fizz part on high gain, just a slight harshnes maybe.

Tone is completely subjective. Its almost like talking religion and/or politics.

EDIT: actually I think debating tone might be WORSE than religion or politics :D

[AndyZ]

amosaic4u... Considering this is their first product, I'd be surprised if they didn't expand the product line once they are more firmly rooted into field.

[Turbo Gerbil]

Originally posted by Senor Blues
I think that digital yuk could be causes just as they say here:
http://www.vhtamp.com/product-news/v1-faqs.html#10
:D

Thats interesting, one of the things that has always bugged me about my POD Pro is that my PRS Ce-24 and a couple other "hot" guitars can overload and clip it's input. I usually have to roll the volume back a tad on the guitar when using it, which is damn annoying.

[AndyZ]

Turbo, if you adjust the POD's Channel volume for the guitars that clip it, you can adjust all the other patches accordingly to be balanced. Many times I make a set of teh same patches but for different guitars to handle that problem live.

[Turbo Gerbil]

Originally posted by AndyZ
Turbo, if you adjust the POD's Channel volume for the guitars that clip it, you can adjust all the other patches accordingly to be balanced. Many times I make a set of teh same patches but for different guitars to handle that problem live.

Interesting, I didn't know that channel volume would affect the input clipping. I'll try that, thanks.

[AndyZ]

I have a couple of patches using the Twin that I used to have set around 7-8 for my Variax. Lowering them 4-5 made all the difference when using a hotter pickup.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by AndyZ
I have a couple of patches using the Twin that I used to have set around 7-8 for my Variax. Lowering them 4-5 made all the difference when using a hotter pickup.

+1

[AndyZ]

Scott... I can't believe I don't know,but what the heck does +1 mean? :rolleyes: I see that all over the place.

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by AndyZ
Scott... I can't believe I don't know,but what the heck does +1 mean? :rolleyes: I see that all over the place.

Direct translation - "What he said... plus 1"

:D

[AndyZ]

:eek: Thanks!

[bluesdoc]

Gents, I've been busy. I'll cut to the chase......

The Digitech GNX2 that I scored was up for sale. I couldn't make it work right. Also tried the TL SE and it didn't blow my skirt up. Today, I spun a few more dials and holy crap, the GNX2 is da BOMB!! I'm getting sounds out of it that compete, if not surpass, the clean and lead tones I got out of my XT. I scored the JBL EON10 G2 and now have a giggable, recordable rig that is as good as anything I've had or heard. I friggin' can't believe it. I brought my guitar bud out to my music room and he was blown away.

My understanding is that it's got the same sounds as the GNX 3 and 4, without all the recording features. One exp pedal that does wah and volume nicely and independently of other functions. I've only scratched the surface but I have a killer Twin clean model that I can dirty up with a RAT model, and also a 78 Marshall patch that just rocks. If I get no more out of this pedal, I'll die happy. It's 300 new and I scored it for 200. Compact and efficient. Only downside so far is that it's a bit tricky switching from the bank switching mode to effects mode (where the patch pedals select effects). It's got a drum machine and really nice intelligent pitch shifter, etc, etc, etc.

The TL SE is sold and where I thought I was gonna buy the XT Live, I think this might just do the trick. Nobody around here talks about the digitech modelers and I only got into it because of the ravings of a very good player on the Channel 6 (line 6) forum.

It's also a really good example of what can happen if you don't 'learn' the box well. Not that I've got it down, but I was more than ready to unload it until I sort of stumbled on how to make it work properly.

YMMV ;)

jon

[Tanner Vix]

Guitar tone, what amp model on the tonelab did you use for sitinamix and walk this way?

That's the cream I've been looking for. Absolutely no sexual inuendo intended.



Originally posted by GuitarTone
Couple of points.

Desiknow.....I'll have to disagree with Scott.;)
The XT Live has many more FX and amp models than the Tonelab,so if you want a ton of stuff that you'll never use,then the XT Live is your baby.

It depends what music you play,if you play Hi Gain Metal and you're looking for monster distortion then the XT Live is once again your baby.

However,big however.:D ....if you play lowish gain to clean kind of guitar,then the XT Live doesn't compete with the Tonelab,in fact not even the great Vetta competes with the Tonelab for those tones.

Here you go,listen to these tones,done using Tonelab presets,no tweaking and no post EQing or processing.......done on my PC through a SBLive Soundcard.
No XT clips I've heard come close.IMO.

http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Sitinamix.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Benattor.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/FlangeClean.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Hitcharide.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~java._.junkie/Walkthisway.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~sean.strickland/Doobie.mp3

You be the judge.

[fiftywatt]

Picked up the POD XT Live on Monday, didn't get a chance to fire it up til last night. I spent about 90 minutes checking it out with a pair of Sony MDR7502 headphones and my trusty PRS SCT. I must say I'm pretty impressed. I think the effects set is pretty solid and many of the amp models are way better than previous iterations of POD that I've worked with. To date, my favorite modeling tools have been VST software plugs, Amplitube being my fave for high gain tones and Guitar Rig for clean tones. I've also used the Sansamp stuff, Boss GT5, and various POD's for direct recording, with mixed results.

XT Live seems to have the bells and whistles of Rig (without the sometimes mushy compression of that plug) but sounds much more real (like Amplitube) I have been fortunate to own and gig many classic vintage tube amps, so I like to *think I know* what a real AC30 and Marshall plexi sound like. The XT Live can be pretty startling thru phones, very musical and dynamic.

So far, the Plexi 100, JCM800, AC30, and JC120 have been my early favorites. This is one deep featured device, and loads of fun. I have yet to try it out through an amp, but that ear test is next. Just wanted to share my thoughts. Scott's earlier review certainly enabled me to pull the trigger on this one.

[Jim S]

Jes, this is impressive. I've been lugging my Soldano racked SLO + X99, pedalboard, and Soldano 4x12 cab around. I loooooooooooooooooove my Soldano stuff.

The way you guys are raving about this I might get a Line 6 Vetta II head for backup or rehearsals. The XT Live is tempting but I'd have to take a head with me too.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
How does XT tone sound.?...it's the Plexi Variac model using the new software.

[

Well I think it sounds pretty good. However Tone is subjective, entirely.

And equipment varies. I mean you get great tones out of the Tonelab. You know what? Mine sounded fizzy without OutBoard processing and a tube change. Sound Cards, Mixers, speakers, EARS LOTs of factors contribute to the word "tone". I have three computers here , clips I record sound DIFFERENT on all three, they all have good speakers and one set of monitors.

I like the laid back approach here. If it sounds good to you, well it's good.

Having said that...how about a Sonic Maximizer and some POST EQ on that patch? Did you try all of that.

Disclaimer: What happens on most other forums that I don't want to see happen here, as I LIKE this message board, is that the people forward " mine is great , yours sucks" type opinions. Now then, the wonderful UPS man just cam to my door....bearing a Valvulator.

In 5 minutes of testing, I can tel lyou that my GuitarPort also now has all the 'feel' that my Tonelab had, and it adds that 'x-factor' that was missing in the clean jangly fendery bouncy tones.

Its like night and day to quote Scott! I have an old Mullard 12AX7 to throw in there , but that is only for experimenting to see if it changes it....it sounds GREAT the way it is! It is now THICK and BOUNCY!

Clips later!

As soon as my paycheck clears tonight I am ordering an XT Live!

[AndyZ]

Lance, when I pump the jumped Plexi model into the Atomics, it's pretty spot on in my mind. One of the better ones. Ya know that the SexyPlexi in the model packs, is my patch I did during beta testing of it? I have a slightly tweaked version of that I use for my Atomics that just rips!

[Senor Blues]

Ok, see if you can hear the difference in this clip, I paused audacity long enough to plug in the Valvulator for the second part:
http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/Valvulator.mp3

In some ways it 's very subtle--sound wise, others notso subtle --like when you are playing it, it feels different. More like an amp.

I like it :)

[AndyZ]

Definitely helped Senor!

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by AndyZ
Definitely helped Senor!

Si!

It seems to add some compression and some midrange complexity and a very little gain.

I just voided the warranty and threw in an old Mullard 12Au7 that no longer sounds good in my amp. Huh! Sounds good in the Valvulator. Valvulator came with 12AX7WB Sovtek in it.

The waveforms generated LOOK different in Audacity, too-- from Straight in, compared to going through the Valvulator.

5 hours till my pacycheck clears, gonna get me an XT Live!

Question for Variax and XT Live owners: How does the XT Live sound with the Variax using VDI cable? Is there a difference in tone using that as opposed to TRS cables?

[Senor Blues]

I already own a bean XT Lance.

I sold an XT on ebay, then I missed it. The Live has Variax connectivity for certain tasks that will be good, and it does things the Tonelab doesn't.

I like the XT with the Valvulator better.


If I want real tone, well I'll plug into a real Bassman, my little tube Nano or whatever.


YMMV :D

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
I just hope you keep your Tonelab,because you might want to re-visit it after a couple of weeks listening to the XT.

Or not.

I did straight up A/B; in my own space, with my own equipment and with my own money on the line.

I felt - once I hit on the buffer in front idea - that the XT was a better option. In every way.

Everyone has a right to their own opinion and taste; I am merely pointing out that perhaps they might prefer the XT Live.

Or not.

Your point is valid; but me thinks that someone with some determination and a good ear could make up thier own mind, especially if they had both in hand to directly A/B.

In my case, I was set to own one of both. One was to back the other one up; sort of covering the bases.

IMHO, and in MY case, the XT Live was a better solution and I will buy another to back-up the first.

So, my point, is to keep an open mind. Perhaps you are and I am reading you wrong; but someone with a ToneLab and an XT should be able to make up their own opinion. And given, they might agree with you, with me, or with neither of us. It is all good.

Peace. :D

[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

[ericb]

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 thought you were selling a GNX 2 last week?

ERIC

[I3PUTT]

I have had a gnx1 for about 2 years. Sounds great through headphones, but I found it lacking when plugged into the P.A. I ended up putting a DDSS in front to liven it up a bit. To me, the cleans are just too sterile.
I have a PODXT Live that will be here today.
I guess I will find out pretty quick how it stacks up.

B.C.

[iluvstrats]

Where can you buy a POD XT live? No stores have them in Atlanta.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by GuitarTone
Senor Blues

How do the GPort recorded tones compare to the XT recorded tones.?.....I would imagine they would be very similar if not identical.

They are ok, the GP 2.0 compresor sucks--but otherwise they are the same--minus a lot of cabs and effects, The 2.01 bean with the new Comp is better. I mean it still sounds like a POD, but I like it especially with the valvualtor in front. The cool thing about the GP is that with the upcoming 2.5 upgrade it too will support he model packs, and the thing called a Power Pack which will bring it up to all the cabs and effects in the XT.
Details:
http://www.vettaville.net/Guitarport/GP2.5.htm

Not bad for laptop toting road warrior like myself.

I have a new XT Live Fedexing it's way to me :)

One thing I like about line 6 is the different amp and cab models truly DO sound really different from one another, I mean the tonelabs sound different too, but there is not as MUCH difference in the various Tonelab tones--they all have that Tonelab vibe to them. The line 6 stuff has its own vibe, but the amp models, cabs and the differences therein are far more dramatic in the Line6 gear than on the TL. Like the difference between a Tiny Tweed Tone and a Blackface Tone or whatever in the POD is dramatic, its NOT so dramatic in the TL. Once my TL gets back from repair I will probably keep it. I think I have given up on selling gear, I am now going to just collect it:D

[bluesdoc]

Originally posted by ericb
I thought you were selling a GNX 2 last week?

ERIC

Eric, I stated in my first post on this that I put it up for sale as I couldn't get any good sounds out of it AND THEN tweaked it some more and found the pathway to serious tone. I don't know about the GNX1, but my 2 is version 1.1, and 1.3 or 6 is out. I haven't loaded that in yet.

The cleans I'm getting are far from sterile, to my ears. And the Marshall stuff is great. So much of it is finding what works and whatever sound system it's going to. I took Scott's lead and picked up the JBL EON and it works so well in this app. I've also run it through a ss power amp to guitar cab and though it sounds good, it's different than from a full range system. The output choices though are great. I can use them to further tone shape. For instance, there are different setting depending on whether I'm going direct to board, front of various amps (1X12, 2X12, etc), or in the loop of various amps. In the end, it doesn't really matter because most guys will stick with the better known systems and we'll all have a great time :)

I also appreciate the low cost, small footprint, and ease of navigation (though admittedly I got waylaid at first - I did have to read the manual a bit :rolleyes: )

jon

[Cable Guy]

Mystery modeler clip......well it must be a modeler right? hmmm

thoughts on tone?



www.musicgearsource.com/rfpartial.html

[Senor Blues]

COT50 >>Tonelab?

Sure does sound nice!

[Cable Guy]

Originally posted by Senor Blues
COT50 >>Tonelab?

Sure does sound nice!

Thanks bud....im not gonna let the cat out of the bag yet...keep guessing....i couldnt hear it real well when i was recording and played it back and was like...wtf?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by turtleheadblues
Mystery modeler clip......well it must be a modeler right? hmmm

thoughts on tone?



www.musicgearsource.com/rfpartial.html

Here's the truth man, it is some smokin' stuff and it don't matter what you used to get that tone. You got it and the playing is great.

How you got that tone equipment-wise don't matter one bit.

Just keep doing it. :D

[Cable Guy]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Here's the truth man, it is some smokin' stuff and it don't matter what you used to get that tone. You got it and the playing is great.

How you got that tone equipment-wise don't matter one bit.

Just keep doing it. :D

lol dont worry Scott its not a Digitech Bad Monkey or anything...LOL

and thanks BTW for the work in this thread and kind words...You got me wanting an xt live with half this forum. L6 better send you a nice xmas present! Serious thanks for the shootout, very informative.

:dude

[Senor Blues]

I do rather agree it doesn't matter much HOW you got it, but its a rather silly game to not tell us, SO I won't be guessing anymore.

IMHO: Silly Games are Echoes of Harmony Central.:D

[Cable Guy]

:( I guess youre right im sorry, i thought it might be fun...

It was a Yamaha DG Stomp with my Squier strat into my computer.

[Cable Guy]

oh yea i do have some Line6 Xt clips on my site under soundclip station....


follow the link in my sig

[Senor Blues]

I was gonna buy a DG stomp too, maybe I will. Sounds good.

Senor Blues' Immutable law of gear: You never have enough.

and:

If by chance one does think he has enough, some new toy is just over the horizon.

EDIT: Witness the Digitech Bad Monkey, those things sound GOOD. I need one.

See?

[Cable Guy]

I did read in this thread that the effects model pack is included with xt live. Does anyone know if they include the metal amps and vintage amp packs in the XT live?
<all 3 packs were originally addons to the bean xt>

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by turtleheadblues
I did read in this thread that the effects model pack is included with xt live. Does anyone know if they include the metal amps and vintage amp packs in the XT live?
<all 3 packs were originally addons to the bean xt>

The "CC" and "MS" amp packs are not included, but you can buy them and install them. I did. :D

I really like them.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by turtleheadblues
I did read in this thread that the effects model pack is included with xt live. Does anyone know if they include the metal amps and vintage amp packs in the XT live?


Nope, just the FX Junkie.

First thing I am doing...ok well second thing after unpacking the XT Live tomorrow and making sure it works is to give Line6 another $100 for those new Amps :)

I REALLY like that you can use XT Live as an effects pedal only too, I will have patches for that to run it into my Nano head, and into a Bassman too.

BTW. I'm not so much on a 'tone quest' as I am interested in doing things like this guy did, all with a PODXT and Variax:
Cover Songs With Variax/PODXT (http://line6.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=18&t=000974)

[AndyZ]

Here's a pic of the Atomic with a blank template that you'd use for the XT Live if you want to go that route. Actually this template would work for any type of rack/floor preamp setup into teh Atomic Amp.

Follow the link for the pic... http://www.instituteofnoise.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16300
.

[Senor Blues]

Well after the Fedex man woke me uo this moring I've been playing with my own XT Live. Last night I went and got my VDI cable back, returned the borrowed XT live and got my XT bean back.

Initial honeymoon opinions on the XT Live and Variax using the VDI:

Connecting the Variax and XT Live via the VDI gives the best possble sound, better than straight in via TRS (sorta thin), better than through the Valvualtor (but this does sound MUCH better than straight in even with the Variax ).

My Strat sounds/feels best through a Valvulator and then into the XT Live.

I am keeping the Valvulator for my GuitarPort and bean , and for plugging a standard guitar with pickups in, it makes a HUGE difference on those.

But....I actually LIKE the Variax via the VDI the best, and I just spent an hour A/B ing it. , Plugging, unplugging, bending over, tweaking, playing listening.

Has anyone else that owns a Variax done an A/B comparison with your vax comparing the VDI to the TRS Input?

[Jim Martin]

My XT Live and EON showed up today. Of course all of the presets sound pretty sorry.

Scott and other owners, any recommendations for settings you like to serve as a starting point? Particularly, which amp models work the best?

I know I just need to spend some time with it, but I was looking for a road map with some shortcuts...

Thanks!

[Senor Blues]

Some of the presets can be pretty good, but only say 10-20% of them. Too raspy.

If you get the model packs...oh there are some GEMS in the Collector amps, there is a patch called 'Bluesy Sadness' on the Silvertertone 2 x12 amp that is , with a little tweaking, VERY sweet with a Strat.

I find the Line6 presets to have too mucj treble. Harsh even. Were I to judge the XT Live by the stock patches I would never have bought it. Same goes for the Vox Tonelab.

Check out Philberts Patches here:
http://philbert.lh.net/

(Like the ones that have MASTER in them.)

Get a copy of GuitarPort 2.51 from Line6 . And the Monkey.

I REALLY like some of the modeled Line6 Brand custom 'clean' amps, like the one where they took the preamp from a JTM 45 and put it on a Bassman or something, its good. But that little Silvertone is my current favorite. (its in the Collector Classics model pack ).

AndyZ has some truly GREAT patches also, some of his clean Twin, Clean fender amps are REALLY good. I kept all of Andy's Pataches and some of Philberts. Not many of the Line6 presets.

www.customtone.com has some great patches too.

Oh and...one of the BEST amps in the XT is called " Bypass ".

I have never seen one on the market though or played through a real one :D

[Bix]

I just received my XT Live this week, and having had a pod 1.0 before, there have definitely been improvments made in sound and feel.

The problem I've got is I am killing myself saitting on the floor tweaking the sounds. I looked at Line 6 website and they indicated not having guitar port for the XT Live yet. Senor Blues, are you using guitar port with your live? Is anyone else using an online editing package?

Thanks
Mike

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by blues72
I just received my XT Live this week, and having had a pod 1.0 before, there have definitely been improvments made in sound and feel.

The problem I've got is I am killing myself saitting on the floor tweaking the sounds. I looked at Line 6 website and they indicated not having guitar port for the XT Live yet. Senor Blues, are you using guitar port with your live? Is anyone else using an online editing package?

Thanks
Mike

Guitarport 2.51 released the other day.

You can tweak everything all you want there and then only have to reach down to save your preset once you get it tweaked.

When you have the USB hooked up, you can just step on your preset on the pedal and the software loads it on the spot.

It is MUCH easier, trust me. :D

[AndyZ]

Senor Blues, were my Atomic patches in there too? They start with ATX. If not they may be pretty cool if your going to an amp and not the PA. They are just re-eq'd version of the ones in there already, with a tad less compression and/or drive.

[iluvstrats]

Does the xt live have the same old wall wart power supply?

If so, doesn't that annoy you for live gigs? Is it not possible for line 6 to use a regular ac cord?

I want to use the XT live as a dedicated effects processor in fornt of my tube amp. Is there a problem setting the input or output volume on the POD to match the amp?

Is there a way to bypass the input or output volume on the POD and just use the effects as if they were standalone like my analog pedals?

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by iluvstrats
Does the xt live have the same old wall wart power supply?

If so, doesn't that annoy you for live gigs? Is it not possible for line 6 to use a regular ac cord?

I want to use the XT live as a dedicated effects processor in fornt of my tube amp. Is there a problem setting the input or output volume on the POD to match the amp?

Is there a way to bypass the input or output volume on the POD and just use the effects as if they were standalone like my analog pedals?

It has the same Line 6 power supply as the POD. I use a twospace power rack; with a Furman PL-PRO and a Furman AR-1215 that I can set off to the side; the powersupply sits inside of it. I am usually on the side of the stage setup; so it has never been an issue for me.


Setting the levels is as easy as turning a knob. They have a global output pot on the back of the unit near the outputs.


Yes. You can indeed use it as just an effects pedalboard and buypass all the amps/cabs 100%.

[swampthing]

Originally posted by iluvstrats
Does the xt live have the same old wall wart power supply?

If so, doesn't that annoy you for live gigs? Is it not possible for line 6 to use a regular ac cord?

I want to use the XT live as a dedicated effects processor in fornt of my tube amp. Is there a problem setting the input or output volume on the POD to match the amp?

Is there a way to bypass the input or output volume on the POD and just use the effects as if they were standalone like my analog pedals?

I'm using mine exactly as you explain you'd consider running one. I've set up my presets to dedicate the amp on/off switch to instead engage the compressor. I setup my bassman head just before it's break up point and then the compressor simply adds a 3 dB gain boost with little to no compression and that gives me my "crunch". I have a second boost setup on the stomp switch that adds about 7 dB that I use for playing leads as it's just enough to add more cut and pushes the amp into a foaming frothing frenzy :D I've created 4 presets with these settings and simply changed the Delay, Verb, and Mod settings to fit my needs.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Guitarport 2.51 released the other day.

You can tweak everything all you want there and then only have to reach down to save your preset once you get it tweaked.

There is also the Option in Gport to " Save to PODXT" no leaning down to press the "save" button.

Also check out the Tone Locker in the GPort, you can move a whole bunch of tones to the XT at once, right from your hard disk.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by AndyZ
Senor Blues, were my Atomic patches in there too? They start with ATX. If not they may be pretty cool if your going to an amp and not the PA. They are just re-eq'd version of the ones in there already, with a tad less compression and/or drive.

Yes there were some of the ATX patches in there, and they sound good even in Direct mode :)

Andy is hereby dubbed "XTLive Patch God"

[Scott Peterson]

Originally posted by Senor Blues
There is also the Option in Gport to " Save to PODXT" no leaning down to press the "save" button.

Also check out the Tone Locker in the GPort, you can move a whole bunch of tones to the XT at once, right from your hard disk.

D'oh! Sweet!!! You can rename them too!

I dig it!!

[Jim S]

I might want to pick one up for rehearsals and maybe live gigs instead of hauling my rack, 4x12, and pedalboard around.

After 17 pages of this thread, what do you all think for easy of use, tones, and live playing?

POD
Vox
Digitech
Boss

BTW, I'm surprised the Vox Tonelab SE costs so much more than the POD XT Live (not absolute dollars but per cent.)

[Senor Blues]

Andy had given me the contents of his XT Live Patches the other day, I posted it here:
http://home.austin.rr.com/bobbyj8866/

Caveat:***WARNING: The one GPT file that says"USE MONKEY" is the COMPLETE dump of all patches, and you have use the L6 monkey to get it into your POD XT , which will OVERWRITE EVERYTHING THERE NOW!!! WARNING ***

However, I uploaded a selection of my current favorite individual patches including some of Andy's in there, THOSE you can just open in GPort and try it out, tweak , save to POD if you WANT to. Some use Model Packs.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by Jim S
BTW, I'm surprised the Vox Tonelab SE costs so much more than the POD XT Live (not absolute dollars but per cent.)

Well the TLab has been out a lot longer, and I am SURE L6 took that TLSE price into account when they priced their own XTL.

I like the TLab and I like the XTL, the Tonelab has great feel, but all the models have some amount of same-ness or sound to them-- they all sound like a Tonelab, not that it is bad. Just like amps have a certain Character, so do the TL and POD. I just like the XTL better, taking all factors into account.

[Scott Peterson]

I am now a XT Live slappy. And proud of it. :D

[AndyZ]

Bobby, Those are actually from my plain ole PODxt version 2 with the model packs.

[Senor Blues]

Originally posted by AndyZ
Bobby, Those are actually from my plain ole PODxt version 2 with the model packs.

Oh...you holding the good stuff out on us?
:D

[bluesdoc]

Originally posted by Jim S
I might want to pick one up for rehearsals and maybe live gigs instead of hauling my rack, 4x12, and pedalboard around.

After 17 pages of this thread, what do you all think for easy of use, tones, and live playing?

POD
Vox
Digitech
Boss


Lone voice in the wilderness........

I used the Boss GT3 for a couple of years, GT6 for a couple of years, PODxt for at least 2 yrs and now have the Digitech GNX2. Oh yeah, I had the Vox TL SE for a week........

The digitech sounds best to my ears, is very user friendly, and very affordable. As with all the modelers, the appropriate time must be put in to mine the great sounds. I had actually listed the GNX2 for sale after a few hours with it. Another hour or so and bam!! there was the gold (a brief perusal of the manual also helped :rolleyes: As always, YMMV and it's only my .02 ;)

jon

[AndyZ]

Actually Bobby, I don't have an XT Live yet. But my PODxt, Floorboard and Atomics pretty much do the same thing.

[iluvstrats]

Where can you purchase an xt live today?

There aren't any in Georgia that I can find.