So I've been thinking about my rig (nonexistent as of now but would like to build one soon). I just purchased an x3 live and absolutely love the flexibility of the thing. My dilemma is will I loose the versatility and flexibility of the x3's modeling and effects if I were to run a standard amp, cab, or rack setup?

I'm starting to lean towards a more PAish kind of "flat" system that could easily reproduce all of the details of the modeling and tones that the x3 creates. Am I completely out of my mind, or should I take my x3 and bass up to chucks and start listening to as many amps as possible? I think I have seen a DVD of Dave Matthews bass player in front of a "small" Meyer PA. If I remember correctly the guy was playing through an MSL 2 (15 and a 2 inch compression driver) and a 650 (double 18).

I'm curious what other Bass playing x3 users do, as well as the thoughts of the folks at Line 6.

Thanks everyone!

Loren

Well, I don't really use my X3 at shows (bean version)- but, I will say that a properly tuned/matched pa or monitor system can sound pretty incredible on stage! Clair Bros. 12" monitors have one of the best bass reproductions that I've heard (in a floor wedge format). Meyer Sound is a close second!

There's definitely some merit in going down a Line6+quality monitor system setup. Although, you'll almost certainly end up spending more to sound great than going with a traditional high-quality amp/cab setup.

I like the Acme B2 for this purpose. I keep the cabinet modeling on and the Acme has a very flat response, so I'm pleased with the results.

FOH sound on PODs and modelers is usually fantastic. It may not 'feel' like the real thing, but you'll get plenty of great audience feedback.

FRFR (Full-Range Flat Response) gear for modelers is the way to go if you don't feel like mucking about with colored power amps and fiddling too much with cab sims.

Thanks guys...I appreciate the info. I actually got to mix today with a bass player playing through the X3 live and now have a little better idea how I want to proceed. A little background: I'm currently building a bass that is going to be very close to what I wanted (in terms of sound). My goal eventually is to build an entire rig (minus the x3), bass to cab. So now I have a better idea of what to aim for.

I may be a tad late to comment here, but I hear a world of difference after I by-passed my Markbass LMII's pre-amp. I was killing my tone by using the PODxt live, a sansamp VT and the Markbass's pre plus other a sorted stomps. After trying the power amp only and no other effects other than the POD I have decided to buy a decent power am buy Mackie or Crown. I do have some full range speakers so I am partly there. Good luck on your build.