Line 6

Keegsdad · #1 08-20-2010, 09:52 AM

Hello All,

I just purchased the Line 6 X3 Live and so far I like it - my question is: For those who use this do you just go direct into the house PA? or do you use it with an amp? or do you use it with a line to your effects return to hear on stage?

What is the best way to go? I have been using my Eden WT800 and two Mesa Cabs as my live sound and now I am looking at this. Could use some advice...last what is the best method to get your patches on the same level?

Thanks

Jools4001 · #2 08-20-2010, 10:23 AM

I don't have an X3 but I have been using a Pod Pro for many years. I've used it direct into the PA with no amp on stage, I've also used it as a pre-amp direct into a power amp then into cabs to make up a rig.

With the direct into PA approach I just used to get a monitor mix with the bass level set high in it (thanks to 6 aux channels on the desk and individual monitors everybody got their own mix). Downside is that you hand over your sound to whoever is running the desk, and I had some problems with the sound guy 're-eq-ing' when a patch was changed to make it 'sound the same as before'.

For the longest time I used it simply as a pre-amp/power amp/cabs rig, running my own sound (good for most of the gigs I do) and only sending a DI to the desk if PA support was needed as well.

Now, I've stumbled on the most flexible format. I realised that when playing without PA support, if I needed a little global EQ tweak to compensate for the room I couldn't do it easily. If one patch needed to have a little more bottom end, or middle, or top end, then all the patches I'd set up would need the same treatment. I got around this very easily since I had an old Trace Elliot GP7SM amp on which the power stage has died but where the pre is fine. So now the signal chain goes Pod Pro > Trace Pre > Power Amp > Cabs. I've set up all my patches with the EQ presets, Graphic and EQ balance on the Trace all flat, so it means I can just tweak the EQ on the Trace if the room needs it.

Of course that's almost identical to the X3 > WT800 > Cabs scenario, so a long winded way of saying that I've tried lots of ways and it works best for me the way you're doing it.

As for the patches on the same level? There ain't no way round it but to go through each patch and save the channel volume. Start with the quieter sounds first and the channel volume saved at max, then go through your louder patches or ones with effects on and turn those down until all the relative volumes are too your taste...it's a lot of hassle, but the good thing is you only have to do it once or twice

Keegsdad · #3 08-20-2010, 02:29 PM

Thanks for the info, good stuff....I think for now I will go with the X3 to my effects return, having the rig on stage even though I don't want to carry it around :-) and go direct to the house PA until I feel good about just using the Pod X3

Regarding the patch levels - I will try maxing the tone and working backwards like you mentioned and see how that works...appreciate the input!!

F

Gaetano Paul · #4 08-20-2010, 09:58 PM

I went X3 straight to PA last weekend, and that is the best way to go with modelers, you really get to experience the cab sims, or lack there of. The only problem I see with your above 6 approach is the tone you will be hearing will be different then the tone in the house. Because your power amp and actually speakers will color the sound. Probably wont be as dramatic if your amp has a direct out, even if not still not to big of a deal I guess.