Line 6 Bass POD XT Live

Oulala, there are plenty of things:
amp simulators, cabinets, stomp boxes (distos, cuts, autowah, etc..), effects (chorus, phaser, flanger, synths, etc.), reverbs, delays, choice of output system (according to whether it fits one leaves direct console, an amp, with or without tweeter)
All that is editable via PC software or via the pedal, but beware of the lumbago.
Connection honest, but no effects loop, and especially two outputs: one with effect, one without. You can set and send the bass and treble on one another (with crossover), but can not be used with 2 outputs the modulated signal.

UTILIZATION

The config is simple, the manual is very clear, very elaborate and ergonomics.
Taking automation quickly, and we are not surprised.

SOUND QUALITY

I more or less depending on the effects of happiness ...
For me distos remain-eating bass, amplifiers whose gain grows rapidly lose their natural character, and the synths are used sparingly (I say this because with such a serious effect is not always blessed)
Special dedication to the autowah, the analog delay, and phaser.
I always wondered if you could (why not against currency sounding) download bundles effects and improve the software, but I do not think so. The machine is fixed, forever.

OVERALL OPINION

Used in rehearsal and concert since purchase, with a hard core sounds irremovable (a clean precise, a autowah an overdrive) and satellite sound I change according to your whim, I walked on with great pleasure, and he always answers: it is solid.
I have not tried many other models, at least not intensely, but I know that the ideal pedal does not exist: I liked the digitech autowah I loved distos boss, etc.
What I like most: ergonomic, solid, informed
What I like least: complicated home studio - he ends up having too many possibilities, and you have to crawl to edit a sound ...

A classic range of effects is available, a priori the same as the Bass POD XT. Some are more or less gadget, style synthesizer ... I confess to not having explored the thing too, especially for the low, I use an old combo so far and 0 effect.
The highlight of the unit is obviously the digital amp simulation and speaker cabinets. For more details, check out the reviews on the bass POD XT is the same thing it seems to me, only changes the format of the device.
The device can be connected to a PC (a Mac too, probably), midi or USB. I have not tested either, I do not know if the apps that go already developed for this product, but having tried the thing with a Pod 2 (guitar), I do not make me worry about the issue . Furthermore, it will be possible to update the firmware via the internet, then you may call one or all original sounds without having to connect. But all the effects seem to be relatively easily editable from the pedals.
In addition to MIDI and USB ports, there is a normal input (with a choice between different modes), a Variax input for those who have the complete Line 6, and an auxiliary input (for CD player, for example ). There is a DI output (which apparently bypasses the presets and the volume pedal), a normal output with a direct switch / amp (you can refine the selection after the exit) and a headphone output.
I do not know if I went around, but it lacks against a second output line: on stage, since this type of device is designed to be connected directly to the table, it would be nice to be able to also connect an amp back ... I experiment with the headphone or DI, but I have not found a solution. On the other hand, there is no output XLR.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is simple and complicated at the same time: no worries to scroll through the presets, banks and others, the volume pedal wah-wah also, but is hard to trigger.
on the other hand, as we want to tinker a little, the controls and displays do not seem super intuitive, there is a time when we are ready to enter the manual, even in English ... But once the system is somewhat integrated, it's actually quite easy, even if the number of adjustable parameters does not help to simplify things ... But I am far from having yet explored, indeed I did what most would call a courtesy ...
The manual, in the tradition line 6, has some "quick start" for the impatient, and some more technical, always with a minimum of self-promotion, but also all the information you want. on the other hand, it was provided in English with the Pod, it is now available in French on the site of line 6 (which is virtually all in English) and I have to go harass the dealer for a French edition.

SOUND QUALITY

I use this device to the Baloch, therefore times ranging from bagpipes to rock, hence the need for more sounds ... The effects are in this framework to be used sparingly, but his level, there is already, just with the presets, enough to find happiness. Part of them is dedicated to recording studio in theory, another to live, and a final owners of Variax, I'm not ... But we can draw within three, adjusting a little équalo, worry-free.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought the beast two weeks ago, I made plans with four ... This is a notice hot, I had little time to tinker with it, and in addition I am very far from a pro audio ... Anyway, there was nothing, then it's a start for those interested in the thing?
I particularly regret that no two outputs, as on my guitar pod, that I have problems returning. Otherwise the device is practical, looks very sturdy (not like some pedals of my knowledge, I do not know if we can give names).
I tried a Boss pedal, I also have a small pedal zoom, but even the Boss, I found a grain a little electronic, which did not please me at all ... And connectivity, especially to a computer was down ... Later, at his, it should not argue over the head with a brick, and a pair of speakers, but it's beginning to look like, at a lower cost and size ...
Line 6 is still a bit expensive, especially compared to the ranges of Behringer, but quality level there is absolutely no contest, which justifies the price difference ... He can only hope that this device will be as good as other branded products.
The presentation is more pedal at different levels: it's cheaper than buying a Pod + pedals, connectivity and less, so fewer sources of trouble ... It's just a little more difficult to resolve, it is better to do at home than on stage.
For me it's a good way to change my sound without ruining me, it has an undeniable convenience to the scene, and there are different qualities of Pod to tinker at home on your sound card. If I can solve this problem out and return, then yes, without hesitation, it's worth it ...
It did not take notes fabulous, because I do not know much in sound and effects, and in addition I did not have much time to look into the matter, but I refer even those who want an opinion pointed to the opinions given on the Bass Pod XT, pending further advice here ...

Pedals, multi-effects, amp modeling.
We therefore find the overdrive and saturation of all types modeled on famous pedals, a wha-wha, wha of self, filters diverse and varied, delays / chorus / flanger / phaser / compressor, etc..
Basically, this pedal has all the most used pedals from the past 40 years.
Amp level, we find a small thirty of the old Fender amp with SWR, through the Marshall, Sunn, Alembic, Aguilar, Vox, etc.. We can associate with a score of different speakers from the small 1x12 or 2x10 to 8x10 or 4x15 in the above mentioned brands. Everything is taken up by four different virtual microphones that we can move virtually.
Connection level, we find an instrument input, Variax input low, a normal output, DI output (no sound processing), and an entry to a USB port (for direct recording on computer).
The pedal features 64 memories that we can control the foot pedal on / off the amp, effects "stomp" (distortion, overdrive, auto wah, filters), the effects of modulation and delay / reverb. We find a pedal tuner for access to that doubles as a controller for the tempo of the delay and an assignable expression pedal to volume, wha-wha, what parameters or n'imorte effects and low Variax.

UTILIZATION

Configuration is very simple: pages that are not sucèdent in other pages or menu hidden. Also the parameters of the chosen Amli are directly controlled from the dedicated knobs.
The manual is delivered in English, but the Line 6 site, you can download the French edition.

SOUND QUALITY

There is something for all tastes. I find the amps very successful and the effects but may be less useful for bass players (after each style).
There is frankly no amp I do not like, depending on the styles, they all find useful.

After several weeks of use here is my verdict:
the sound through headphones is excellent frankly, after using a bass amp is a forgotten, it does not work. Then a sound system, why not, but the result is not the same as headphones.
Finally, I have chosen in order to make home made, but without disturbing neighbors with my two lamps and the body, there is a real problem: the sound alone is fine but unlike a real amp at mixing, it is impossible to place a coherent, low stands of the mix of a very special way: it is useless!

OVERALL OPINION

I have a few weeks and I love its endless sonic possibilities. I love the association with the Line 6 Variax bass that you can control with the pedals: eg it is possible to move from its ultra modern SWR amp, compressor and a Warwick bass with his old such an old Ampeg B-15 and predicted that a flat wound strings by pressing a single pedal ... it is truly magical!
Honestly, the POD XT Live can not be compared to other models or Behringer Boss type, we really are a cut above.

Despite all this, I sold it after a month: in the end, it may be regarded as a good headphone amp, but live or recording situation, it's almost unusable ... too bad!