Basspod question

[crow01]

I am looking for a multi unit that has effects and speakers configurations. I am just tired of bringing along 5 or more stomp boxes around.

I always heard of the Line 6 bass pod. I saw a video of a Basspod Xt. But I guess this is an old model, cause didn't see it in Guitar center.

I was reading that it needs a lot of tweaking, but that's ok, as long as I can switch quickly from one preset to another for different songs.

Can somebody give me a little summary of the different Line 6 Bass pods, and which are the pros and cons of each. Or give me some direction into which to buy

I basically want:
- Use it in recording and Live gigs
- Distortion, compression, wah, digital delay
- Tuner
- Speaker configurations...anything
- Budget under $200 so either new or used

How do you connect this to an amp/speaker configuration, same as a stompbox? (bass-pod-amp-speaker)

Thanks.

[Ubersheist]

You're looking for the holy grail of effects systems. You want it all and don't want to pay much for it.

It doesn't exist. Sorry. The Basspod is probably one of your better bets, but I'd never use it recording. Depending on what you're using to record, the board effects that the studio will have are usually way, way better then anything you have. Generally, single good quality pedals (i.e. the ones that cost well over $100 for a single effect and nothing from Digitech) will serve you better then any multi-effects system.

I don't have enough experience with the Basspod, so take my advice with a big grain of salt. But here's my synopsis:

Pros: cheap, small, relatively easy to get the sounds, easy to recall, pretty clean and quiet compared to many other multi-effects units

Cons: no real good quality effects (it's a jack-of-all trades but master of none), no true bypass so that the "bypass" mode sounds crappier then if you plugged directly into your amp, takes time to get the right sound, too much background noise for a good quality recording

If you're relatively happy with the effects you can get, then I'd use it only live and through the effects loop if you have an effects loop footswitch. I'd never use it recording except for maybe a few effects that are very clean, but I don't know what they would be and I'd be very, very hesitant to do so.

[René_Julien]

The Bass POD XT is replaced with the POD X3.
Or it is in the proces of replacing. A lot of stores still have XTs in stock.

I bought myself and X3 recently, but I also have a bit of experience with the XT and the original POD.

I'm guessing the XT is right for you.
I got the X3 because of the new features (bells and whistles)... the two tone setup (I love that very much)... also: I can use it for guitar.

Check out www.line6.com and compare the difference.
The X3 also has a lot more effects, but to be honest not much usefull for bass. Most of them are intended for guitar.
What I liked in every POD is the fuzz modelled after the Big Muff. I even like it more then a stompbox fuzz.

On the XT versus X3: I heard that some bassists are not welcoming the X3 and are quite happy with the XT.
Other then extra weirdness, the X3 doesn't offer more then the XT to a serious bassist. (I'm not a so serious bassist. )

Connecting: I have two XLR outs and (not now, in the future) they go into a poweramp (stereo) to two cabs for tone 1 and one cab for tone 2. (Click link in my sig. Do it. DO IT. )

So I use my POD as a preamp. I have no experience with a POD place before an actual bass amp. But I assume you can just use the 1/4 unbalanced out to your amp, amp set at flat settings.


IMO; the speaker simulations... not so usefull. Maybe when used in direct out to a recording device or PA. But I don't use it. I'll probably keep mic'ing the cabs after the poweramp.
Only the Acoustic 360 18" simulation seems to do something special to your sound. Other then that, I don't use speaker simulation.

This is personal, maybe others like the speaker simulations.
BTW, great DI sound without speaker simulations are possible.


Yes a POD demands a lot of tweaking.

Also, have to throw this in, SUB DUB. The best feature in Line 6 PODs.


I hope I was somewhat helpfull.

Do you need to know something more specific?

(BTW: also at least two members on this board with more experiencs then me with POD, maybe they chime in.)

[IronChains]

I've had the Bass Pod XT for about a year now. It takes a lot of tweaking to get the tone you want. But, in the end, the number of tones you can get out of it are pretty cool.

Unfortunately, I have no use for it anymore. I play hardcore punk, so I just downgraded to an ODB-3. No need for the extras. If you figure out that it's what you're looking for, let me know. Mines in pretty good condition, and I'm willing to get rid of it.