Line 6 POD X3 Live vs Amp

While attending the Thriving Musician Summit at Bayside Church last weekend, I was surprised to see the Bayside worship team going amp-less using POD X3 Live guitar processors.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PODX3live/

I'm not a big fan of "all in one" guitar processors, but I have to admit the guitars sounded pretty good. I've tried using the Line 6 POD Pro at my church with my Fender Tele and I've never been able to get a good overdrive sound from it.

Lincoln Brewster, who is the worship pastor at Bayside, says that they don't use the stock patches. So that could explain the great sounds.

Anyone else using one of these? If not, what are you using and how do you keep the volume under control?

Comments

[codyvilla]

I use the POD XT Live pedal - I really want to upgrade to the X3, because it has presets for Acoustic, Bass, and vocals all built in. I agree that you shouldn't assume the stock patches are as good as it gets. I start with nothing, and then I build a virtual rig exactly like I would buy it if I could spend all I wanted. I usually end up with the AC-30 amp model, a 2x12 cab, and I use the Overdrive on the amp for more distortion. I usually use the line6 compression and gate, and save my stomp boxes for other effects. The rest is easy - effects and delays and such. And, if you already have a sweet amp and don't want to run direct, it works as an amazing pre-amp. But to cut stage volume (most churches need this) and get a giant guitar sound anyway, this pedal is the way to go. I'm glad to hear the Bayside guys are using it too!

[Nathan]

No Way. Those things do a decent job of trying to sound like what they are modeling but there's no substitute for the real thing. I'll put my rig up against any all in one processor. It's digital vs. Analog and digital will never win in the tone purist's eyes. I propose a throw-down! We could record sound clips and blog the results...

[Bryan Nelson]

I use the Line 6 Pod XT Live with a Line 6 Variax 700 guitar via cat 5 cable. For my application, it works beautifully - switching effects and guitar model by a single pedal setting. If you need a Marshall cab with Les Paul sustain on one time followed by an acoustic with deep hall reverb on the next tune - it's a nice setup. After using it, two other monster guitar players got a Pod XT Live setup. True - it doesn't beat the real thing out of the box. Take time to tweak your patches. You can get very very close to the real deal...and save your back and setup time.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Scott Brockett]

I have been a line 6 guy for a long time. I was glad that Lincoln Brewster got behind the stuff so to give us guys using it some credibility. I agree that you can't and should not use the stock patches. The more I have used it the more I have found that most of the tone comes from a players hands. I can use my Line 6 Pod X3 Live and get a Hendrix/SRV vibe no problem but I have to play some Hendrix/SRV licks first! I also believe that you need to use some outboard gear like distortion pedals to really get the right sound. I use a TS9, Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive and a Keeley Katana. Coupled with a G&L S500 Tribute, I can really get some great stuff. At the end of the day, it's whatever gets you excited. For me, I use in-ear monitors at all of my shows so I can save my band mates from losing their hearing. I think that alot of myths exist especially when it comes to Tube stuff. These myths are created for us to BUY things in order to get that SUPERNATURAL tone. In the end, I think the tone comes from your fingers. Someone like Lincoln Brewster could make a squire with a solid state marshal MG sound good. If you go to our website, holdingoutband.com, our cd will be coming out next spring, and it will feature the POD X3 Live exclusively.

Thanks

[Brian Lusky]

I just recently made the switch to a more traditional rig (AC30cc2, pedal board) from the POD XT Live.

They both have their advantages, but on the whole, the sound of a well put together POD XT Live or POD X3 Live patch is on par with the normal tube amp/pedal board set up, and for church use, is beneficial to keep your stage volume down.

I use both on Sundays. When I use the amp, we keep it under the stage and turn up the master to get that good tube saturation. We mic it from under there and it keeps the amp isolated.

If we couldn't do that, then honestly I would just use the POD. Eeking out that minor upgrade in sound at the cost of distracting volume isn't worth it in the end, especially since most people in your congregation (and most musicians as well) can't tell the difference.

[Joel]

I've been stuck on analog after having a bad POD experience (don't ask, it was ugly) several years ago but after hearing my lead player (who is a tone freak and has amps that cost more than my car) play through a Digitech GNX3000 and get these amazing tones at zero stage volume I started to reconsider. Since that first earful, he has upgraded to a super expensive rack mounted amp/effects simulator (can't remember the name but will track it down if anyone is interested) and ditched the GNX on me. I used it for the first time this Sunday and I think I'm gonna stick with it. We're a portable church and after 3 years of lugging an amp every week I think I'm done. I think the key is to trust your ear. Don't go with an AC30 patch because The Edge uses one, close your eyes and listen to what sounds best with your guitar and your technique then keep tweakin' when you hear it through your church's sound system (it will sound different, trust me).

[Michael Yaeger]

I use the POD XT Live on all my guitar work. The only reason I use an amp is to monitor myself and I usually kick it up toward myself. If it's an indoor gig, there's no need.

Lincoln Brewster has been using the Line 6 processors for all of his guitar work over the last several years. The sound is amazing, as can be heard on the records. There's no need to question it, because, unless you knew that he used it already, you would never be able to tell.

[Bruce]

I use the GNX4 and it is AMAZING! I promise once you go to a processor it is hard to go back. I lead worship and I have patches for my acoustic and electric and I adore it.

[Tim Heerebout]

Seriously try the AxeFX from www.fractalaudio.com

It's the best modeling/direct device out there. More expensive than line6 for sure but about 10x better too. I have tried just about every piece of line6 gear out there and this kills them all.

[Eddie]

I used to own a POD xtLive which I used every Sunday for two years and I used a Line6 Flextone amp before that. The xtLive was a great tool for running direct and for being able to try a variety of models and effects. Even so, I was never really satisfied with my tone. It lacked the warmth and punch of a tube amp. I sold my xtLive and went back to a tube amp/pedalboard setup about six months ago and I am more satisfied with my tone now than I have been in years.

[Scott Bartholomew]

We used PODs at my church for a while, then I bought a Sansamp GT-2 for my guitar players to try out. It's an analog pedal that models the sound of a Fender, Marshall, or Mesa type of amp. They use their regular stomp boxes in front of it (it responds really well to overdrives like the Tubescreamer or Digitech Bad Monkey), and then we run the Sansamp into a Behringer DI box that has cabinet simulation. The results have been great so far. They are both really happy with the sound and the feel that this setup gives them.

[Kendall]

I have used Line 6 amps for almost 12 years. I have used them in almost any imaginable environment for playing live. So, to be sure, I put these things through their paces.

While in the beginning, Line 6 products were a poor man's substitute for owning as many amps as possible, now things are becoming very different. The amps sound better. The models behave more like amps than sounds that bathe your guitar in sap.

I have the Pod X3 Live and it is an amazing and versatile device. It does not have the best out of the box sounds, however if you take the time to understand GearBox (the included sound design software) and especially the new Pod Farm plug in, you can easily design sounds that will put any conventional amp to shame. It is especially attractive when you consider the price. After recently downloading PodFarm, I have re-fallen in love with my X3 Live. I have to say, you must invest time into understanding the software. It really makes a difference in designing and KEEPING your sounds.

Look folks, a POD is not for everyone. However, if you like to use a full color pallet when crafting a worship service, you can't go wrong by using this. While I respect other manufacturers - I have used them and IMHO - they don't compare. My American Strat sounds like a strat through this board. It keeps the same character. I recently retro-fitted my Les Paul with Seth Lover pickups and it sounds great through this device. Being able to model 2 amps at once is incredible! It makes your sound so much bigger. If you have not played an X3 Live in a live environment, you are missing out.

Line 6 has come a long way. I have watched them develop since I bought my first AX2. When you look at bang-for -the-buck, and who can't in this economy, I could not recommend a piece of equipment higher

[Scott]

SO what does the Forum have to say about the Line 6 X3 Pro Vs. the Line 6 X3 Live?

Aside from the two nicer mic inputs and direct buttons to the FX categories?

[Kendall]

There is a good bit of difference
(1) The processing power is better on the X3 Live.
- You can model two amps at once (ie a fender twin through the left speaker clean and a marshall plexi through the right distorted),
- The models sound richer and better - this is akin to playing a PS2 game through a PS3 and the game looks better. Additionally, they remodeled some amps altogether.

(2) There are more features on the X3 Live.
- All of the add-ons (model packs and effects) you had to purchase for the XTLive are included in the X3Live right out of the box.
- You have bass amps and vocal preamps on the X3 Live.
- More (and different) inputs and outputs. Additionally, they are better sounding...

(3) The X3Live is a better constructed unit.
- The buttons and the Wah/Volume pedal are much better on the X3Live.
- The entire unit feels more solid and more stable.

I could go on but let's summarize...

The X3Live sounds, feels and plays better.
It is more durable and has more features.
It can do things the XTLive just cannot.

It is a true upgrade to an already great product.

I think that might help some...

Blessings,

Kendall

[Aaron]

I have recently just started using the PODxt Live. I run one side to the soundboard and the other side to a fender blues junior that I use as my monitor. I read above some people were having some issues with it being muddy and not very clear. SO i got an idea. I used to use an MXR M133 Micro Amp Boost pedal after all of my pedals in my affects loop and it gave it that extra cut and clarity. SO i thought. Why couldnt I do it after the POD. I coupled it up before the line going out to the board and turned the single knob to about 11 oclock and it sounds incredible. I switch back and forth between some Lincoln Brewster patches and some Orange Rocker 30 tones I created in my studio. You can pick up the Line 6 Micro Amp at www.route62music.com. for 79.97. That and the Line 6 Podxt Live are an incredible mixture. Blessings,
AJ