Comparing POD XT Live to Pedals

[scott58]

This XT Live is really my first pedal and i've had it over 2 years so I know my way around it a bit and have been happy with it, but I felt it was time for improvement as my playing got better. 1st stop was a Wampler SuperPlextortion. Outstanding, drop dead killed the POD with the first note. 2nd stop Skreddy Lunar module, same thing, improvement dramatic enough to bring a tear to your eye. Now the 3rd pedal H2O Chorus/Echo. It was better don't get me wrong, but only a minor barely noticeable improvement. Kind of causing my to slam on the breaks on buying pedals. I don't mind spending the money for Wampler/Skreddy kinds of improvement and i've been looking at a Red Witch Moon Phase. I just don't want to drop that much cash and end up with another H2O situation. Think i'll just hold off until I get My Rebel 20. Hopefully i'll be able to try a few phasers against the POD in the meantime. Anyone with similar experience?

[valen]

I travelled the same road you did. Initially got the POD XT Live and though I would be good for a long time. Soon after I bought a Barber Small Fry and all hell broke loose. Now I have a Pedaltrain board that is half loaded and I am on my way to fully load it. I use the the real pedals for gigs and use the POD at home for practicing an figuring out licks (great PC software form Line 6) and for casual jams when I don't feel like lugging everything.

Just can't beat real (analog) pedals into a real amp. The only digital pedal I have now is my DD-20. The rest is all analog.

[Eliguitar]

In my opinion, not every single pedal out there will sound way better than digital modeling pedals. Its all about how you use them. Also, If you dont like the chorus/echo pedal you have now, sell/return it and try something else.
Thats why I always buy used, if I dont like it for whatever reason I can always sell or trade for something else.
I used to use a BOSS GT-5 back in the day, then I added a couple of OD pedals in the loop. That was an improvement then I slowly started adding analog pedals to my rig and eventually sold the GT-5. At first, not all of the effects I got were necessarily "better" than the ones on the GT-5 but eventually you'll find the ones that work for you.

[scott58]

I know what you mean. i guess now I'm looking for bang for buck and H2O wasn't it. The other worry (?) with the POD is I can't get away from the slo100 and AC30 amp models. It's 1 thing to substitute pedals. Substituting amps is going to be expensive. Only live once I guess.

[Peeb]

Waiting patiently (ordered Feb. 28) for my Wampler Pinnacle 2. I'll let you know how it compares with the podxt when it arrives.

[scott58]

That and the cranked ac. His SuperPlextortion took out not only the OD/Dis (although I still like the ProCo Rat model) of the POD it also knocked out the the JTM 45 and JCM 800 models. i was real happy about that. If his Cranked AC can do the AC 30/15 models. Then I only have to worry about the hi-watt, slo100, bassman and dual reverb. I use these alot and unless i find something better this POD may be sitting here until arthritis kicks in.