m9 or pod x3 live ?

Bassragerstitch · #1 11-06-2011, 08:43 PM

So im looking in to getting either the m9 or the x3 live. I can get the m9 used for around 300 or i could spend 250 and get the x3 live i just want some opinions. i have a digitech rp500 that is ok and i had a line bass pod xt live a few years ago which i regret selling. so lets take a vote

* poll coming soon, be patient

Kwesi · #2 11-06-2011, 09:37 PM

If you want a wide variety of useable effects, do not get the M9. Modulation, reverb, delay and pitch-shifting are it's fortes for bass but everything else is just about crap. The filters are workable with some serious tweaking. I don't know anything about the Pod x3. as a do-it-all pedal, you'd be better off with a ME-50B or a GT-10B if you have the scratch.

**nervous** · #3 11-06-2011, 09:43 PM

I had the X3 Live for guitar and what a total piece of crap. Delicate, glitchy and completely unreliable. Never again for me...

cheapbasslovin · #4 11-06-2011, 10:20 PM

I can't say for you what would be the best choice. I will disagree with Kwesi about the M9 versus ME50B. I've owned an M13 and a ME50B and I would not consider an ME50B again. I get a good deal of usage out of a lot of the effects, but I like to toy with sounds and I don't have a 'tone' that I am hunting for. I get away with using the distortions, but I don't long for (and never really have) the perfect dirt tone as the subtleties seem to get lost pretty quick in a mix. I also use a blender with many of the distortions. I agree with Kwesi on the units strengths, but to call the rest 'crap' only means to me that he didn't give them half a chance, or only was looking for a specific sound that may not be in there.

My trick for getting the M13 to work for me is to drop the input signal from my bass to get the input sensitive effects (filters, distortions, comps, etc.) to respond the way I like. If you don't want to do this, then the M9 will probably not be for you. If you want to use amp emulation for your dirt, the M9 wont do that.

If you want to use it like I do, there is nothing better in its price IMO. If you don't want to use it like me, then take my advice for what it is worth. Happy hunting.

Johnny Crab · #5 11-06-2011, 10:36 PM

I've used a BassPODXTLive for 5 years. No problems except when rain got into it. Dried it and it works fine. Avoid the X3. It is Line 6's Windows ME(i.e. not good and step-childed).

I am seriously considering an HD 500. Our guitarist has one. As an electrical engineer(BSEE), I'd probably upgrade the switches. His has been to the shop twice for them. Other than that, I LOVE what I hear. He let me try it a bit and it is MUCH better than the X3 or XT for the models. IIRC, it only has a Fender Bassman but the other amps are good on bass as well IMO. The Mesa guitar amp is KILLER for bass with a bit of dirt without losing the bottom end(think Amy of Clatter).

Bassragerstitch · #6 11-07-2011, 08:37 AM

Thanks guys for all you insight, the way i have my rp500 set up it is
1-Clean w compressor
2-Clean Delay
3-just a hint of dirt
4-main distortion
5-distortion with delay
I dont use the amp models so that is why the m9 appeals to me plus its small but on the other hand the x3 would be good for recording to my computer. Is the tuner any good on the m9 ?

ustabawannab · #7 11-07-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nervous

I had the X3 Live for guitar and what a total piece of crap. Delicate, glitchy and completely unreliable. Never again for me...

I'm sorry you had issues with yours but I totally disagree regarding the reliability if the X3 Live. The X3 Live has been my main preamp in my gig-rig and my recording for almost two years.

To the OP if you have a head that you like and just need effects the M9 is very nice. The X3 live is a very good modeling rig with M9 effects added in. $250 to $300 for an X3 is a good value.

stflbn · #8 11-07-2011, 12:00 PM

The Bass octaver in the M5, M9, M13 is one of the best out there IMHO. The chorus's and flangers also are very good IMHO, and even better if you add a expression pedal, or blend pedal to the mix. Once you add a blend pedal the Overdrives, etc all then have new life and usability.

So in short, there's quite a bit that's worthwhile in the M5, M9, M13... coming from someone that's owned Pods, Lives, and X3. I no longer own them, but I own an M9 and M5.

IMHO.

sj_bass · #9 11-07-2011, 12:09 PM

I've been using the M9 religiously for the past six months. It serves as a great boost when I'm switching from an active to a passive bass, plus the effects are terrific and modifying them is as easy as using any stompbox.

If you need a:
Compressor
Distortion/overdrive
Reverb
Delay
Chorus/flange
EQ-pre
then get an M9. Otherwise, stick with carrots.