Line 6 POD X3 Live

The POD X3 is an amp sim/multi-effects pedal from Line 6. It uses all digital signal processing. Getting started is as easy as plugging in your guitar and headphones, then stepping on the foot-switches to jump between presets. The software application for the POD X3 has always given me problems. I think there are some 'bugs' in the way it downloads the presents to the foot pedal. Normally, I recommend using a software editor with a GUI. However, with the problems, I find it easier just to tweak the knobs on the pedal whenever I want to make changes.

UTILIZATION

There is a learning curve when starting out with the POD X3. There are tons and tons of options to edit the internal processing like: amp EQ, speaker models, microphones, effects pedals, parallel signal chains, etc. This requires scrolling through a lot of menus when looking at the screen on the pedal. It can take a while to figure out how to get to the right place to edit what you want. After you figure this out, this pedal is capable of a ridiculous amount of different sounds.

SOUND QUALITY

Amp simulation isn't perfect. The Line 6 X3 sounds convincing, especially if it is in the context of a full band. Still, it only gets the guitar player most of the way to the experience of playing through a real amp. To me, the best use of these kinds of effects pedals is in the studio to experiment with a ton of different sounds without having to completely change your setup. If you play live in a cover band, it might be useful to be able to switch between a lot of different sounds as well.

OVERALL OPINION

Although Line 6 has released a new line of PODs (the HD series), the POD X3 still has some useful aspects. I really the Matchless, Orange, Budda, etc. amp sims in the X3, but they are missing in the HD series. Hopefully, Line 6 updates the firmware of the HD series in the future with more amp models. Until then, the X3 has the most number of different amp simulations, well over +100. This alone should attract the true tweakheads.

I play guitar in a garage band of 40 somethings who are trying to recreate our teenage years. Call it a mid-life crisis, or whatever, but the simple fact of the matter is finally we can afford the toys we've always wanted, and now we get to make time to play with them. Sure, men never grow up, but who cares, we're having fun.

My wife actually bought this for me as an early Christmas present recently. She wouldn't say exactly, but after looking it up I can see she paid about $500 at one of those online music gear retailers. I did want a new guitar, but when she asked me why I told her I was getting tired of the same old tones. On her own, she went and researched and decided to get me this as we, like most folks, are on somewhat of a budget this year at Christmas. What an amazing woman.

Wow, this board has it all. Effects for acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and vocals. It can process two live streams so you can hook your guitar up to it and use the vocal processor at once - amazing. It can serve as a front end to any home (or heck, even professional) recording rig, and is just as comfortable in front of my half stack. This thing has so many amp, cab, and effects models built in, i don't know what to do with them all - I know, try them! Seriously, there are like 98 amps for guitar, 24 cabs, almost 30 bass amplifiers and maybe like 20 bass cabinets. There are also 6 preamps for vocals processing! Built in! You can even run seperate lines from one guitar through two different processes and to two different amps. Talk about crazy. The unit runs USB 2.0 for interfacing with your PC and whatever your flavor-of-the-month record software is, or S/PDIF digital out if you have Pro Tools or something that can take a fully digitized signal. I also like the fact that I can take this board over to my buddies house and plug straight into his PA. Because of the various amp models, etc. it's a lot easier than lugging my stack around.

As with anything that offers this much, the board can be somewhat cumbersome. While I think it's slightly easier to use and a little more intuitive than, say, a POD XT, there are a lot of things to play with so don't expect to know your way around this board until you've had it for several months. That's really my only complaint with it, that they packed almost too much into one unit.

Construction? How about built like a brick shit-house? This unit is tough, built of strong materials and just feels solid and heavy. Ive already dropped it twice I think moving it from my computer room to my garage and it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. You old timers will remember what commercial that is from! Some of the switches seems a little flimsy but that just might be me. Something to keep an eye on over the long term, but right now I dont see a problem.

Nice job Line 6. The POD X3 Live is packed with cool stuff to experiment with, has multiple line processing capabilities, supports multiple instruments/vocals, can be interfaced to anything from an amp, PA, computer or other recording device, contains tons of amp, cab, and effects models, and is all bundled together for around 5 benjamins. Cant beat that!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

What are the effects, or types of effects available?

You name it, the X3 Live has it. From reverbs to chorus to flange and even tremelos, the Pod X3 live is a shmorgasboard of effects.

What technology is used? (analog, digital, tube...)

This board is all digital but don't let that deter you from at least trying it out. The sounds are pretty good for what they're modelled after.

Can they be edited? through a Mac/PC editor utility program?

Editing can be done through your PC with the free Line 6 monkey software as well as Gear Box. It takes a little time to get used to using it this way if you've never done any kind of editing on the PC before but once you get a handle on things, it's a piece of cake (assuming you are comfortable on a computer in the first place!)

What connection types are there? (Audio/MIDI)

Here is what you get:
-1/4-inch Instrument Input (w/ Normal/Pad switch)
-XLR Microphone Input (w/ Trim Adjust)
-USB 2.0 for computer recording
-S/PDIF Stereo Digital Audio output
-Stereo 1/4-inch Line outputs (with Amp/Line Pad switch)
-Stereo XLR Balanced Line outputs
-1/4-inch stereo effect loop
-Variax Digital Connector
-1/4-inch Expression Pedal input
-Midi In & Out/Thru
-1/4-inch stereo headphones out
-Pedal 2 input for optional second Expression Pedal Controller
-1/8-inch Stereo (CD/MP3) Jam Along input

Is it rackable?

Being that it's a floorboard, no it is not rackable.

UTILIZATION

Is the sound or effects editing easy?

I find the editing to be super simple but I've had a lot of experience with Line 6 products and know my way around them. For new customers, it may take a couple of weeks to get used to.

Is the manual clear and sufficient?...

I've always found the Line 6 manuals to be lacking. I generally get my answers at the Line 6 forums or other guitar related board forums online like Rig Talk.

Is the general configuration/setup simple?
Yes, the setup and configuration is laid out for you nicely until you want to get into deeper sound editing. That's when it may get a little tricky if you're not familiar with the menus.

SOUND QUALITY

With what instruments do you use them?

I've only used a strat and a Line 6 Variax guitar with this. The Variax was basically built to be used with the pod series and can provide a wide array of usable tones. I'd recommend that setup for guitarists in cover bands that need a different sound for every song.

Which are your favorites and/or the ones you hate?

The cleans are generally good...some some nice and fat while others were a little thin. The mid gain tones were just ok...nothing beats a tube amp in that regard. The high gain tones, if dialed in right, can be good. There's always going to be that artificial sound that sits on top of the tone that is caused by a digital device. If you can live with that, then you should be happy.


Is the sound of your instruments or your microphones faithfully reproduced? Is the pre-amp transparent or does it color the sound?

I've tried other guitars with this board but each guitar pretty much sounded the same through it. You can hear subtle differences but the audience is not going to pick up on it or care. The Variax can sound like a ton of different guitars. Whether or not you think they sound authentic is up to your ears.



OVERALL OPINION

What thing do you like most/least about it?

The best part of Line 6 gear is the way it makes your gigs and recordings so much easier. Want a simple live setup? Bring the X3 Live, your guitar and some cables to a gig, connect to the PA, get sound in your monitor or in-ears and you're good to go. No lugging around a bunch of gear. For recording, just plug in, get your sound and go.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?

I've used the other XT Live in the past. The X3 sounds about 75% better and has many more options.


What is your opinion about the value for the price?

The product is priced correctly in my opinion. You get an awful lot for the $300 or so you can buy these for. As I said earlier, this is a great solution for a top 40 cover band guitarist.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?...

I would probably upgrade to the newer Line 6 Pod HD500 series if I was looking to buy again as it's had a major overhaul. If that wasn't available, I would buy this again if I needed it.

Precision and quality of the sound?

Sound quality is as good as your ears can judge. Don't let others tell you otherwise. If you like it, then use it. It provides a good reproduction of some pretty famous amps and effects.

(Originally written by kikiln/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Pod X3 Live bought in December 07.

All-digital amp simulation and multi-effects pedal for bass and guitar! Sold with user's manual, USB cable for PC connection (can be used with the free Gearbox software) and PSU.

Very comprehensive connections!!!

Inputs: variax, guitar, mic, phones, aux, Midi, FX, CD/MP3, pedal 2

Outputs: L/R PA system, L/R amp, FX, S/PDIF, Midi out/thru

Allows the connection of two instruments at the same time: guitar/guitar, guitar/bass, bass/vocals, etc.

Disadvantage: mic level setting is not easy but it's ok if you are patient.

Good integrated volume/wah or FX control pedal. No noise problems.

Nice chrome switch and knobs. They work well, no sweat.

My only concern is the plastic housing! Take care of it if you want it to look new a long time.

UTILIZATION

- Is it easy to make settings?

Yes, a beginner could use it and the user's manual is clear enough.

- Is it easy to edit sounds or effects?

Not really, if you want to do it directly on the device! Personally, I use the Gearbox 3.7 software for PC which is incredibly easy and intuitive. I make the whole editing on my PC and I save them in the POD XL. The sound possibilities are so many that I will need a very long time to discover its full capabilities.

- Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

Yes (I skimmed through it). Line 6 provides user's manual updates on their website. And they are downloadable.

- Drivers, software?

The free LINE6 MONKEY software gives you an overview of all installed drivers and programs compatible with the POD X3L. It also informs you when a new version is available. Nice!

The last firmware (v3.4.2.9) seems to be very stable. I had problems with older firmware versions but Line 6 did a good job and removed all bugs.

I find the free GEARBOX software wonderful and essential to use the device. It makes sound editing very easy.

POD FARM is also free and excellent. It's a kind of VST plug-in that allows you to use the PODX3 in your favorite sequencer (Sonar, Cubase, etc.).

Until now, I'm very satisfied with all Line 6 software tools compatible with my POD X3L. A real DELIGHT!

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is just excellent!!!

For a fully digital unit, it's incredible. Amp models are very faithful to the original. I previously owned a Fender tube amp and believe me the Fender models in the POD X3 are very authentic.

The unit provides you huge possibilities. Only high quality. The device allows you to discover new effects and amps (I especially like the Mesa Boogie and Citrus).

The distortions sound vintage and the clean sound is excellent.

The very powerful Dual Tone mode allows you to combine two sound sets.

But I personally don't use it a lot. I use it mainly when I connect two instruments to get a dedicated sound for each source.

I use a 2 x 60-watt Tech21 Powerengine to get a transparent sound. It enhances the audio quality and the amp modelings of the POD X3.

I also own a Variax, which is a delight with the POD X3.

OVERALL OPINION

Amazing!

I'm ecstatic! And with a Variax guitar it's even better!