zZounds' Take on Line 6 POD X3 Live Modeler
Digital amp modeling has become so advanced of late, it's a good bet that new song you can't get out of your head was recorded not with real amps, but with digital emulations. If modeling is good enough for the studio, it's certainly good enough for your live show, but no guitarist wants to bring a laptop on stage with them. . . and rack gear can be cumbersome, difficult to learn, and hard to use in performance. Leave it to the digital modeling masters at Line6 to perfect the ultimate live amp and effects modeling solution: the Line6 POD X3 Live Floorboard.
All the amazing amplifier, speaker cab and stompbox effects models that have made Line6 famous are available with the POD X3 Live, but in a package that's been fine-tuned for explosive live performance. Ten footswitches grant easy and instant access to hundreds of tone combinations. With direct-effect access, individual effects can be turned on and off within a patch; the X3 Live is less like having hundreds of individual effects and more like having hundreds of different pedal-boards! A dedicated tap-tempo button and wah/volume rocker pedal make the POD Live more than just a piece of gear, but a truly expressive instrument. Dual-parallel effects chains can be assigned separately to each side of the stereo output for lush live and studio tones you never thought possible. The POD X3 can be used in front of any amp, but with integrated speaker-microphone emulation you can run directly through the venue's PA for a rig that's more flexible and more portable than any traditional guitar-amp setup.
Perhaps the best feature of the POD X3 is that it's not only for electric guitarists. Preamp models and specially-calibrated effects can sweeten any acoustic guitar tone, 28 bass amp and 22 bass cabinet models bring plenty rumble and grind for low-enders, and there's even an XLR input for vocalists to take advantage of the special collection of studio-quality vocal processing effects like compression, EQ, reverb and more. With this wealth of sounds and input options, it only makes sense that the Line6 POD X3 can be used as a high-grade audio interface, thanks to the addition of a USB 2.0 jack. Perfect for demoing new songs, the X3 can process two instruments at once -- or guitar and vocals -- through parallel effects chains and two-channel USB interface. Placing digital signal processing "outside-the-box" also takes the strain off you computer's CPU for lower latency operation, a more stable recording environment, and more audio tracks in your project.
Line6 quickly established themselves as leaders in digital modeling not only because of their superior sonics, but also because of their gear's ease-of-use. No matter how many options are presented in front of you, a cumbersome interface is only going to frustrate, not inspire. Line6 makes sure that accessing even the deepest patch-editing functions on the POD X3 Live is second nature, thanks to the unit's large, backlit LCD screen, easy-to-understand graphical interface, and intuitive four-way cursor control. You'll be well on your way to crafting your signature sound in no time. Editing in the X3 is so easy, in fact, that an entire online community has sprung up on the Line6 forums, where users post and trade their homegrown custom patches. Adding these to your own POD Live is a breeze with the USB 2.0 connectivity. . . you're bound to find a couple hundred or so sounds that you love, and you'll certainly get some new ideas for your own tones!
With so many amazing sounds in such a powerful, inviting, and rugged package, it's never been easier to be a tone chameleon -- on stage or off -- than with the Line6 POD X3 Live.
Manufacturer's Description for Line 6 POD X3 Live Floor Guitar Modeling Processor
Get inspired all over again, like the day you got your first guitar.
POD X3 Live will inspire and amaze you with the most complete collection of POD-quality guitar amp and effect models ever. This arsenal of rare vintage treasures, modern boutiques, and perennial classics offers nearly unlimited creative possibilities. Built with working musicians in mind, POD X3 was designed to fit right in wherever you play, whether that's on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans or in the studio steadily churning out hits.
For those in search of greater tonal possibilities, POD X3 Live gives you more power than ever before to create entirely new sounds. Split your guitar signal and play it through two guitar amp and effect signal chains at once. Use the built-in expression pedal to smoothly change the blend between the two tones, or use it for wah or volume. Add bass or vocals using the bass amp and high-end mic preamp models now included in POD X3 Live. You can even plug in two instruments at once, each with its own independent tone processing.
POD X3 Live includes all of the inputs and outputs you need to practice, perform and record. Use the 1/4 in. instrument input for guitar or bass and the XLR microphone input for vocals and more. During practice, use the stereo headphones output to keep the noise down. For performances, plug in front of your amp or directly into the P.A. Use the stereo effect loop to add in your favorite stompboxes and other effects as well. When you connect a Line 6 Variax(R) guitar via the Variax input on your POD X3 Live, you can instantly recall POD X3 Live's amp, cab, and effect model settings matched with the perfect electric or acoustic guitar model-all by stepping on a single footswitch. When you're ready to record, use the stereo balanced line outputs or digital S/PDIF output for traditional recording. Or use the new USB 2.0 connection for pro-level multi-channel computer recording.
Whether you choose to recreate the sounds of the past or turn tradition on its ear, POD X3 Live comes fully-loaded with the most inspiring collection of POD-quality amps and effects for your live performances, studio recordings, and everywhere in between.
Features
Electric Guitar
POD X3 Live offers a whole new level of control over your guitar tone.
Plug straight into any one of the 78 ear-shattering guitar amp models for pure, unadulterated guitar tone.
Combine amp and cab models with the mouth-watering collection of 98 stompbox and studio effect models to build out your rig.
Take your sound to the next level by blasting your guitar through two guitar rigs at once to create a massive wall of sound that even guitar heroes of the past would respect.
Or plug POD X3 Live in front of your favorite stack or combo to pile on up to nine simultaneous effects, including vintage overdrive, scorching distortion, beefy fuzz, vibey delay, lush reverb, ethereal chorus, irreverent flanger, wah-wah to name just a handful.
Acoustic Guitar
Whether miking up an acoustic or plugging in an acoustic-electric guitar, POD X3 Live will showcase the natural warmth and beauty of your instrument.
Warm up your acoustics with the high-end tube mic preamp and compressor models to bring out the natural tone of your acoustic six or twelve string.
Apply a touch of color with a full palette of reverbs, choruses, delays, EQs, and other essential effects.
Bass Guitar
Whether you seek stadium rock, a Motown groove, or modern grind, look no further than POD X3 Live.
Dial in classic bass tone using the 28 incredible bass amp and 22 bass cab models.
Bring a direct sound to life by using the modeled mic preamps and high-end compressors instead of traditional bass amps and cabs.
Add a combination of the 98 stompbox or studio effects to tweak your bass tone to perfection for practice, performance, or recording.
Vocals
POD X3 Live includes an XLR input for your microphone and an amazing set of effects for your vocals.
Six studio-grade vintage and modern microphone preamp models are included capture the natural warmth and richness of your vocals.
Smooth out your sound with studio grade compressors, EQ's, gates and de-essers.
The comprehensive collection of studio-quality post effect models at your disposal include rich reverbs, vibey delays, lush choruses and more.
Songwriters
POD X3 Live is the ultimate sonic toolbox for the creative songwriter.
With its massive set of models for guitar, bass, and vocals, POD X3 Live will elevate your creative sketches to polished works of art.
When inspiration strikes, record your guitar and vocals all at the same time to capture the magic of the first take.
Harness the Power and Flexibility of POD X3 Live
Computer Recording
POD X3 Live fits right in with whatever computer recording solution you use.
With USB 2.0, POD X3 Live can send processed and unprocessed signals to your recording software, so you can always change your tone and fix it in the mix.
POD X3 Live can record 2 fully-processed instruments at once.
Split your guitar signal and record each virtual rig on separate stereo tracks to create rich, layered sounds.
With on-board, real-time processing, POD X3 Live takes the load off of your computer and eliminates annoying latency.
Use the S/PDIF digital output to plug into ProTools systems and other pro-level audio interfaces to add legendary POD tone to your recordings.
Play in front of an amp
Use POD X3 Live as the ultimate pedal board with your favorite combo or stack.
With 98 stompbox and studio effect models, you have more freedom over your tone than even the largest, heaviest pedal board could ever offer.
Stomp - Fuzz, Distortion, Overdrive, and more.
Mod - Chorus, Flanger, Tremolo, Rotary, Phaser and more
Delay - More than one of each type of delay: Analog, Digital, Tape and a mix of specialty echoes you won't find anywhere else.
Reverb - More than one of each type of reverb: Room, Hall, Chamber, Plate and Spring models.
Miscellaneous - Compressors, Gate, 4 Band Semi-Parametric EQ, Synth and Filters, Wah and many more.
Use up to 9 effects simultaneously to build the sound you're looking for. Create rich blends of two entirely different effect chains to create a screaming wall of sound.
Plug into the PA
Plug POD X3 Live directly into the PA system for bullet-proof live sound that rocks.
Leave your back-breaking mountain of gear at home, and make set up and tear down easier than ever.
Take the guess work out of getting a great live sound every time. Use the XLR outputs to plug directly into the mixing board without a direct box.
Reasons to Upgrade from POD XT Live
POD X3 Live delivers a ton of new features to inspire your music and simplify the creative process more than ever.
POD X3 Live comes fully-loaded with the most comprehensive set of POD amps, cabs, and effects models ever. Includes models of 98 guitar amps, 24 guitar cabs, 98 effects, 28 bass amps, 22 bass cabs, and 6 vocal preamps.
Designed for gigging musicians, the rugged, stage-ready design features heavy duty metal footswitches and a racecar-inspired Wah/Volume/Expression pedal.
Split your guitar signal and run it through two amps or two guitar rigs at the same time to create entirely new sounds that will blow your audience away.
Use the XLR input or 1/4 in. instrument input to play or record two instruments simultaneously-each with its own independent tone processing.
Add studio-quality POD tone to your acoustic guitar, bass guitar, vocals-or any other instrument you mic up-for incredible recordings and live performances.
Use the stereo effect loop to integrate your favorite stompboxes and other effects into your setup.
The new, enlarged display shows a complete end-to-end signal chain for each tone at a glance. Change amp or effect settings on a single page for quick and easy editing.
Use the USB 2.0 connection for professional multi-track channel recording with your favorite computer recording software. Simultaneously send a dry unprocessed signal and wet processed stereo signal for each instrument/input to your computer for convenient and flexible computer recording options.
Use the S/PDIF digital output to record digitally into Pro Tools and integrate smoothly with other audio interfaces.
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Line 6 products.
Inputs & outputs
1/4 in. instrument input (w/ normal/pad switch)
XLR microphone input (w/ trim adjust)
USB 2.0 for computer recording & tone editing
S/PDIF stereo digital audio output
Stereo 1/4 in. line outputs (with amp/line pad switch)
Stereo XLR balanced line outputs
1/4 in. stereo effect loop
Variax digital connector
1/4 in. expression pedal input
MIDI in & out/thru
1/4 in. stereo headphones out
FBV connector for optional pedal controller
1/8 in. stereo (cd/mp3) jam along input
Controls
Expansive backlit LCD display
8 chrome "amp control" knobs: drive, bass, mid, treble, presence, reverb, tone volume, master volume
5 metal stompbox on/off footswitches: amp, stomp, mod, delay, comp/boost
Built-in heavy-duty wah/volume/expression pedal
Metal tap tempo/tuner footswitch
Dedicated bank up/down & a/b/c/d metal footswitches for preset selection
Dedicated "dual tone" control metal footswitch
5 context-sensitive parameter edit knobs
Dedicated input/output configuration buttons
Ground lift switch
Amp, cab & effect models
Massive model set for guitar, bass & vocals
78 guitar amp models
24 guitar cab models
98 stompbox and studio effects
28 bass amp models
22 bass cab models
6 vocal preamp models
A.I.R. II cab/mic modeling with 4 mic options each
Additional features & benefits
Rugged, stage-ready design with premium metal footswitches
Send guitar through 2 complete amp/effect signal chains simultaneously
Independent tone processing for 1/4 in. and XLR inputs
2 chrome handlebars
USB 2.0 multi-channel digital computer recording (stereo wet/dry per input)
Studio-quality 24-bit a/d and d/a converters and 32-bit floating point processing
Up to 9 simultaneous effects per signal chain, with pre & post amp routing
Tap tempo control for time-based effects
Precision chromatic tuner, with audio mute & bypass options
USB 2.0 cable included
External power adapter included
Optional accessories (sold separately):
Outfit your POD X3 Live for the studio or the stage with these optional accessories.
Carrying bag - protect your investment in great tone with the heavy-duty, rip-and water-resistant bag that's designed specifically for your POD X3 Live. Embroidered with the line 6 logo.
EX-1 expression pedal - the EX-1 expression pedal gives you even more options at your feet. Now you can control wah, volume and tweak all at the same time, or dedicate wah and volume to separate pedals. lack plastic, with embossed Line6 logo. Includes 1/4 inch connecting cable.
Line 6 Warranty
Line 6 Warranty
Most Line 6 products carry a warranty of 1 year. The G-Port and RiffTrack package carries a 90 day warranty. All non-new Line 6 products carry a limited warranty of 90 days.
If you have additional warranty questions,
please call the manufacturer at 818-575-3600
zZounds is an
authorized Line 6 dealer
