what do you guys think of the pod xt?
- Thread starter Hydesg
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capt_oreo
New member
i was a analog and boutique effects freak once before until i was alittle tired of it ( yes, quitting them is a sin) and decide to go for smthing easy, and have tried quite a few multi like the zoom gfx-8, boss gt-6 and 8 and pod xt live. the pod xt lives works for me. its digital but the patches dun sound fake. and its very easy to use plus the knobs on it does react as accordingly when you tweak them so....no much complains if multis is what you are looking for. of cos, gd boutique effects is still the way to go if you are willing to spend the dough and stuff...
The podxt is great if you need a lot for a low budget. I use it now but I can assure you're not getting a good tone with lousy speakers. And speakers cost. Very full tones if you listen to it through headphones though, so that's the waay to go if you're a bedroom jammer.
I must say the channels are very limited individually and for each sound you need to change "amp", not good if you're into complex music. Takes a lot of time to bridge the gap between parts if you need a very dense( yes not the best word) and musical transition.
For metal I think the podxt live is great when through good speakers or else your gain will mud up and you can only play nu-metal. The gain is very tight for high gain sounds, especially for such a low-cost unit.
However, it sucks for rock/blues to me. after tweaking for over a year, I've yet to get a very good rock sound out of it as all of the distortions are too noisy( a lot of treble, not background noise) so your rock will sound very messy.
Cleans are great as long as you're not into dynamics that much. The overdriven/compressed jazz tones are very nicely created on the AC-30 model. Personally I find some models totally useless despite crazy tweaking. So the boast about 30++ amp models and stuff is just crap, only a few will appeal to each of us.
dynamics are not there. It is as dynamic as you hear on mp3s. we all know an analog amp into speakers produces a much more 'real" sounding instrument. This is for all digital pedals I believe, not just podxt.
The main problem with this pedal, everything has a side effect. If you want to thicken your tone, add reverb and chorus, but your sound will become very clumsy. If you want metal, up the gain up the gate, but your sound either becomes totally sterile or too hard to handle for n00bs. If you want rock, lower the gain but you'd lose the crunch and get more mud. For all gainy tones, you'd probably wanna boost it with a tubescreamer(modelled) if you want to hear your notes.
Buy this if you're into covers and multi-tasking. Don't buy this if you're trying to "find your sound" cuz you're going nowhere staring at numbers with your headphones on.
Lastly, this thing cannot be heard on stage if you're using a keyboard amp. You still need a stack poweramp or direct-PA to be heard but still it doesn't cut through.
My advice: attractive at first but I say buy a small amp and collect pedals. Even my Blazer 158 sounds more organic. Go for it if you're into recording songs cuz it's awesome for that purpose.
hope this helps
gjkung
I must say the channels are very limited individually and for each sound you need to change "amp", not good if you're into complex music. Takes a lot of time to bridge the gap between parts if you need a very dense( yes not the best word) and musical transition.
For metal I think the podxt live is great when through good speakers or else your gain will mud up and you can only play nu-metal. The gain is very tight for high gain sounds, especially for such a low-cost unit.
However, it sucks for rock/blues to me. after tweaking for over a year, I've yet to get a very good rock sound out of it as all of the distortions are too noisy( a lot of treble, not background noise) so your rock will sound very messy.
Cleans are great as long as you're not into dynamics that much. The overdriven/compressed jazz tones are very nicely created on the AC-30 model. Personally I find some models totally useless despite crazy tweaking. So the boast about 30++ amp models and stuff is just crap, only a few will appeal to each of us.
dynamics are not there. It is as dynamic as you hear on mp3s. we all know an analog amp into speakers produces a much more 'real" sounding instrument. This is for all digital pedals I believe, not just podxt.
The main problem with this pedal, everything has a side effect. If you want to thicken your tone, add reverb and chorus, but your sound will become very clumsy. If you want metal, up the gain up the gate, but your sound either becomes totally sterile or too hard to handle for n00bs. If you want rock, lower the gain but you'd lose the crunch and get more mud. For all gainy tones, you'd probably wanna boost it with a tubescreamer(modelled) if you want to hear your notes.
Buy this if you're into covers and multi-tasking. Don't buy this if you're trying to "find your sound" cuz you're going nowhere staring at numbers with your headphones on.
Lastly, this thing cannot be heard on stage if you're using a keyboard amp. You still need a stack poweramp or direct-PA to be heard but still it doesn't cut through.
My advice: attractive at first but I say buy a small amp and collect pedals. Even my Blazer 158 sounds more organic. Go for it if you're into recording songs cuz it's awesome for that purpose.
hope this helps
gjkung
I detest multi-fx units, because most of them sounds digital to me, and kinda too refined.
But I have to say that i might not pass a blindfold test, but these are just my opinions ya.
I have 2 friends using the xtlive, the tones are somehow too refined, and not 'in your face' kind of sound. To me its a good tone (pardon my lousy description) but is one that is caged up, and kinda over saturated on the mesa setting. Might just over power the other guitar in the mix, or end up sounding very muddy.
To me all line6 multi-fx units are great for recording, not for gigging. the cleans are quite nice though, wah is errr, at most decent.
Might vary from different rigs, but this is my experience with pod xt's so far.
Errr however I feel that the amp modellers will sound better on a neutral speaker like a computer speaker headphone or something. Just don't like the way it sounded against the marshalls we hook it on, didn't do that amp justice!
Yeah just my 2 cents..
But I have to say that i might not pass a blindfold test, but these are just my opinions ya.
I have 2 friends using the xtlive, the tones are somehow too refined, and not 'in your face' kind of sound. To me its a good tone (pardon my lousy description) but is one that is caged up, and kinda over saturated on the mesa setting. Might just over power the other guitar in the mix, or end up sounding very muddy.
To me all line6 multi-fx units are great for recording, not for gigging. the cleans are quite nice though, wah is errr, at most decent.
Might vary from different rigs, but this is my experience with pod xt's so far.
Errr however I feel that the amp modellers will sound better on a neutral speaker like a computer speaker headphone or something. Just don't like the way it sounded against the marshalls we hook it on, didn't do that amp justice!
Yeah just my 2 cents..
Rossie
New member
Hi,
I got my PODxt LIVE the moment it came out. Didn't even need to think about it.
I won't go into the models as it's just personal preference. A little advice, don't trust what you see, trust your ears. Don't let the brand models intimidate you.
Many users have a big problem when using it live. Plug it into the PA for best hassle-free setup. But of course there's a tendency that a PA isn't available. Just find a way to bypass the amp's preamp, then you should have the tone that you want on stage. You can do this by using your PODxt LIVE as an effects loop (send/return jack), or jack in normally with the amp's bass and treble at zero, mid at full.
I got my PODxt LIVE the moment it came out. Didn't even need to think about it.
I won't go into the models as it's just personal preference. A little advice, don't trust what you see, trust your ears. Don't let the brand models intimidate you.
Many users have a big problem when using it live. Plug it into the PA for best hassle-free setup. But of course there's a tendency that a PA isn't available. Just find a way to bypass the amp's preamp, then you should have the tone that you want on stage. You can do this by using your PODxt LIVE as an effects loop (send/return jack), or jack in normally with the amp's bass and treble at zero, mid at full.
I'm glad I owned it cuz it's a lesson learnt. You need to try analog and digital to tell between the two. A pure valve-geek would never know till he's made a mistakes.
shred: yeap thanks. 8)
Hydesg: hey you wanna reconsider? The bean itself without the foot controller will be a real pain in the rear, cuz I cannot do one song through without stepping on at least 3 pedals. The bean itself is only adequate for home recording usage.
Once again I recommend a good analog amp for your use. Like a Peavey Transtube or something similar. Don't dive straight for podxt live's gain and clean settings, they BORE!
shred: yeap thanks. 8)
Hydesg: hey you wanna reconsider? The bean itself without the foot controller will be a real pain in the rear, cuz I cannot do one song through without stepping on at least 3 pedals. The bean itself is only adequate for home recording usage.
Once again I recommend a good analog amp for your use. Like a Peavey Transtube or something similar. Don't dive straight for podxt live's gain and clean settings, they BORE!
capt_oreo
New member
from what i have experienced, alot turned disppointed with the xt becos they will not using proper speakers. a pair of wharfdale will make that much difference and the diamonds pros are not even considered high end. if you are using live, run thru PA. the xt live will never work with amps. 2 cents worth, and also for those that has a neg perception towards the variax and got disappointed when you plugged it into your amp....it only works well if you got the pod xt.....
yeap captain, let me quote myself if you would:
Wharfedales are about 200-300, that makes your podxt purchase 600-700.
You'd notice that allow of podxt users that are satisfied are those who've played many years with various equipment and then finally get lazy( harsh word but no offence capt_oreo) enough to settle down with a step-and-play tone that they recreate with the podxt. They know what they want and they can make do with a lesser version of it, hence the tone doesn't question their playing.
If you're new to tone like I was, you'd find yourself fiddling with the knobs( 6 of them, just enough to distract you from each string) more than playing. very distracting and unconstructive unit if you ask me. And soon you'd also start to desire an all tube unit or whatever the trend is later on.
So Hydesg, please add the speaker costs into your bean package and consider that as a whole. Still, affordable for the great variety of tones. Only good for recreating the tones already created, hard to structure your own tones with.
Wharfedales are about 200-300, that makes your podxt purchase 600-700.
You'd notice that allow of podxt users that are satisfied are those who've played many years with various equipment and then finally get lazy( harsh word but no offence capt_oreo) enough to settle down with a step-and-play tone that they recreate with the podxt. They know what they want and they can make do with a lesser version of it, hence the tone doesn't question their playing.
If you're new to tone like I was, you'd find yourself fiddling with the knobs( 6 of them, just enough to distract you from each string) more than playing. very distracting and unconstructive unit if you ask me. And soon you'd also start to desire an all tube unit or whatever the trend is later on.
So Hydesg, please add the speaker costs into your bean package and consider that as a whole. Still, affordable for the great variety of tones. Only good for recreating the tones already created, hard to structure your own tones with.
capt_oreo
New member
lol...yes i agree...not harsh at all, but i am defitnitely one o fthoise who had been fooling around with analog and boutique stuff for too long until i just got too lazy setting up anymore one day and decided to go for an easy life 
, but it's true at tat point i already know what i wnat and what to look out for.
true you will need to add the cost of speakers in. i think the minimum should at least be wharfdales, which are on discount now which also makes them cheaper to purchase now.
so if you are looking to get lultis, especially xt live, do consider the additional costs first so you can avoid disappointment.
, but it's true at tat point i already know what i wnat and what to look out for. true you will need to add the cost of speakers in. i think the minimum should at least be wharfdales, which are on discount now which also makes them cheaper to purchase now.
so if you are looking to get lultis, especially xt live, do consider the additional costs first so you can avoid disappointment.
hey man i played the bean on gigs and i dun hav a problem with cutting thru..
Hydesg...what you need to do is be prepared...for this sort of situation..
create patches for direct in put to amps and also those that are connected to amp effects loop..furthermore i dun use footswitch ...just dial with my hands ..haha..or if im in the mood i`ll down my footswith..
i think there is a lot of eqing factor in the podxt...from amps to speakers to the "connected to" part.Dial the amp, if you dun like the tone change the cab ,mic, then play with the connected to ..function...
some effects also can help in the eqing part..and u get get that metal packs even though ur not playing metal...more available amps to suit ur style ..i like the engl ..hehe
Insane model is crazy for metal ..gain galore...but i dun use 50% of gain,add pedal effects to achive that cool not muddy distortion..and the compressor for boosting solo...
and u can download patches from the web to try out ..dun like just edit them..from there u can learn on how others do their patch.No worries its a learning curb.
let your ears be the guide..for eg, live performance u can still use the "studio" connected to part to patch ur tone...thats is if u find that appealing...no boundaries man...
currently i`ve sold my amp ..and been using the same patch to practice at home connected to pc speakers...hehe budget yet effective set up..
if you wan dinamics while recording ..just get a 57..and mic up..ur in business...you can mix the usb to mic outputs ..to thicken the tone..
lastly its cheap and with lots a function...if its lost i`ll get the podxt pro so that i can wire up with othe digital effects like the deq2496..cool stuff..
Hydesg...what you need to do is be prepared...for this sort of situation..
create patches for direct in put to amps and also those that are connected to amp effects loop..furthermore i dun use footswitch ...just dial with my hands ..haha..or if im in the mood i`ll down my footswith..
i think there is a lot of eqing factor in the podxt...from amps to speakers to the "connected to" part.Dial the amp, if you dun like the tone change the cab ,mic, then play with the connected to ..function...
some effects also can help in the eqing part..and u get get that metal packs even though ur not playing metal...more available amps to suit ur style ..
i like the engl ..hehe Insane model is crazy for metal ..gain galore...but i dun use 50% of gain,add pedal effects to achive that cool not muddy distortion..and the compressor for boosting solo...
and u can download patches from the web to try out ..dun like just edit them..from there u can learn on how others do their patch.No worries its a learning curb.
let your ears be the guide..for eg, live performance u can still use the "studio" connected to part to patch ur tone...thats is if u find that appealing...no boundaries man...
currently i`ve sold my amp ..and been using the same patch to practice at home connected to pc speakers...hehe budget yet effective set up..
if you wan dinamics while recording ..just get a 57..and mic up..ur in business...you can mix the usb to mic outputs ..to thicken the tone..
lastly its cheap and with lots a function...if its lost i`ll get the podxt pro so that i can wire up with othe digital effects like the deq2496..cool stuff..
loldude333
New member
I say the xt live is gd enough for most users except the most demanding ones(in my opinion). Jus plug it into a gd PA system and it will own. Of course, analog is also nice but i tend 2 get lazy 2 step on this and that pedal, esp. when i jus wanna practice. Stagewise, to be fair, i say use a GT-8 or a GNX4. Better to get the tones u want. But 4 the price, i can't complain. Nothing's perfect, btw.
i am using the xt. (red bean)
i am very satisfied with it. when i play it thru amps. its fairly consistent.( as in. what i set at home. i am able to get smth close to it ususally when i jam or gig)
while recording via line in. its also gd.
i vouch by it ! ha . just needs hell alot of time to tweak and get it right la.
i am very satisfied with it. when i play it thru amps. its fairly consistent.( as in. what i set at home. i am able to get smth close to it ususally when i jam or gig)
while recording via line in. its also gd.
i vouch by it ! ha . just needs hell alot of time to tweak and get it right la.
blueprintstudios
New member
just curious, any of you tried the behringer vamp pro ? (the one that looks like pod xt pro) comparing it with pod xt. I remember I tested it (for fun) at hung bros ages ago and it was selling at $400- $450+
I used to have a line6 pod 2.0 and behringer vamp 2.0. of course line6's tone was better, but behringer didn't sound "worse" just sounds different. so thought probably some of you guys who have a podxt pro and giving it an A/B comparison with the other.
p.s : i'm not interested in branding flame wars. ("yuck, behringer sucks bla bla bla, low quality") just trying to find/suggest a more cost effective alternative for some of the ppl here with slimmer wallets and fatter instrument playing talents.
20¢ worth
I used to have a line6 pod 2.0 and behringer vamp 2.0. of course line6's tone was better, but behringer didn't sound "worse" just sounds different. so thought probably some of you guys who have a podxt pro and giving it an A/B comparison with the other.
p.s : i'm not interested in branding flame wars. ("yuck, behringer sucks bla bla bla, low quality") just trying to find/suggest a more cost effective alternative for some of the ppl here with slimmer wallets and fatter instrument playing talents.
20¢ worth
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