PODxt: worth having?

[jpo259]

Thanks JPO, and I totally agree with you about using the unit as designed.

Recently my guitarist spoke with one of the head engineers over at Line 6 (they're in Agoura, CA) and he said, "it's good to see that your bassist is using his Bass Pod Pro XT as it was designed to be used", that is, as a preamplifier and effects unit in front of a clean solid state amplifier with a relatively flat cabinet.

Yep, you're definately correct about making your own patches. In fact I don't have any unmodified factory patches in my Bass Pod right now (although I can back them up at any time) and I have over 50 original patches (because in some of our songs I'll use like 8 patches! each) that I use on about 20 or so songs. Sometimes the differences between patches is quite subtle, but it makes my foot work easier.

Funny that we're both into prog. (you like old school prog and I play prog metal) Maybe you just need to be a certain personality to figure it out. I have to admit I can't really picture your average punk or emo bassist using this unit. More than one note (or one tone) = too complicated. Haha!

You rock!!! Yeah, I have 12 presets I made myself that I really like. BUT,...............the possibilities are endless, and I will be adding to, subracting from, redisigning, and otherwise tweaking this thing forever!!! It's a fun TOOL!!!!! And I can't imagine NOT using it with the rig I have, either. I think another problem alot of bass players have with it is that they want to run it in front of their normal amp, and I find that that creates lots of MUD. Very, very cool device. Very cool to see how you are using it. IMO, that's the only way to go to use this thing live to max. effect!!

 

[xonebass]

You rock!!! Yeah, I have 12 presets I made myself that I really like. BUT,...............the possibilities are endless, and I will be adding to, subracting from, redisigning, and otherwise tweaking this thing forever!!! It's a fun TOOL!!!!! And I can't imagine NOT using it with the rig I have, either. I think another problem alot of bass players have with it is that they want to run it in fornt of their normal amp, and I find that that creates lots of MUD. Very, very cool device. Very cool to see how you are using it. IMO, that's the only way to go to use this thing live to max. effect!!

Yeah that's a good point - a lot of guys like to run their normal amplifier and preamplifier in front of the Bass Pod. They also like to run their sound through a highly colored bass cabinet. Ideally, I would like to run mine through PA cabinet or something really flat like an El Whappo or Acme cabinet.

My guitarist explained something to me that really made me think about the emulated cabinets differently and how I should use them.

He suggests thinking of the emulated cabinets like a sort of set eq. Makes sense if you think about it. Why do some cabs sound bright or have a disco smile or have bottom? It's all eq. coming from a tuned cabinet with a certain set of frequency biases and a speaker with a certain set of frequency biases.

Thus, if you run your normal preamplifier/amplifier before the Bass Pod that's one level of eq., then if you were to add something on the Bass Pod that's one eq. for the amp model and one eq. for emulated cabinet, then you run all of that through a colored cabinet (like an SWR) and that adds a fourth layer of eq. to your sound. Can we say mud?

In effect that would be analagous to running say a GK preamplifier/amplifier that's running out of a Mesa 1x18 then miking that cabinet and running that signal into an SWR preamplifier/amplifier that's running out to an Ampeg 4x10. I mean who would be that crazy Can you imagine how bad that would sound

It's no wonder that those types of setups are doomed to failure .

FYI, right before practice at our studio the other day was this other band and their guitarist had just purchased a Flextone that day. On his way out, the guy was like "man I just can't get anything out of this unit (after having it for only a day), what's wrong? I turn it to 11 just like I do with my tube amps and it sounds awful". My guitarist and I just shake our heads and laugh. Go back to your tubes buddy

 

[jpo259]

My guitarist explained something to me that really made me think about the emulated cabinets differently and how I should use them.

He suggests thinking of the emulated cabinets like a sort of set eq. Makes sense if you think about it. Why do some cabs sound bright or have a disco smile or have bottom? It's all eq. coming from a tuned cabinet with a certain set of frequency biases and a speaker with a certain set of frequency biases.

Thus, if you run your normal preamplifier/amplifier before the Bass Pod that's one level of eq., then if you were to add something on the Bass Pod that's one eq. for the amp model and one eq. for emulated cabinet, then you run all of that through a colored cabinet (like an SWR) and that adds a fourth layer of eq. to your sound. Can we say mud?

In effect that would be analagous to running say a GK preamplifier/amplifier that's running out of a Mesa 1x18 then miking that cabinet and running that signal into an SWR preamplifier/amplifier that's running out to an Ampeg 4x10. I mean who would be that crazy Can you imagine how bad that would sound

It's no wonder that those types of setups are doomed to failure .


LOL!! Yup. The Bass POD Pro XT takes a little brain power, oh, and reading comprehension, to get the most out of!! I like how your guitarist broke that all down. Very good explanation. Seems to be the way most who get PODs use them, though. I got my XT Pro in August of 2003, the very first one out the door at West LA Music. I got the poweramp a month before, and the cabs,' too. NOTHING was going to stand in the way of the POD's signal! HEY...I think the mod's ought to make this a sticky or put it in FAQs'. There is ALOT of ignorance with the POD's out there in bass-land.

FYI, right before practice at our studio the other day was this other band and their guitarist had just purchased a Flextone that day. On his way out, the guy was like "man I just can't get anything out of this unit (after having it for only a day), what's wrong? I turn it to 11 just like I do with my tube amps and it sounds awful". My guitarist and I just shake our heads and laugh. Go back to your tubes buddy

Typical.................................

 

[Ozzyman]

Oh, i believe you can use ANY MIDI controller for the POD's. The [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], which is the only Behringer I have ever and will ever buy. It's well constructed (mine was). I use it for the rack mounted Echo Pro Studio Modeler.

 

[jpo259]

Oh, i believe you can use ANY MIDI controller for the POD's. The [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], which is the only Behringer I have ever and will ever buy. It's well constructed (mine was). I use it for the rack mounted Echo Pro Studio Modeler.

ANY??? I have an A/DA MC-1 Midi controller and a set of Roland PK-5 Midi controllers'. Niether would be worth a f*%! with the POD. Yeah, they would scroll through the pages, etc. But, without the display on the FBV Shortboard, I'd have to run back and peek at the tiny display on the front face of my Pro to have any idea of what preset I was on. THAT would suck. The Line 6 stuff is well-thought out, and works like a charm together. Oh, niether of the two mentioned Midi controllers have a vol./wah pedal, and no way to access the Pod's tuner. It would take a sh!@-load of Midi mapping to get the effects to come on, etc with some other controller. The Line 6 pedal looks a hell of a lot sturdier than that Behringer also. For anyone contemplating getting a POD for live use, I'd suggest sticking with Line 6 pedalboards.


EDIT: I COULD use the A/DA MC-1 with the POD. I would be able to access all the preset main pages....and that is all. I would have to memorize what is at each preset number, though. And, I could not use the tuner, could not turn on or off the effects, or have a volume and wah pedal Anyway I slice it, it would still suck.................

 

[Sako]

xonebass and jpo-

thanks for such insightful posts (and thanks to talkbass for a great forum).

i'm trying to find the ultimate multi-effects unit for bass, and the pod seems to be in the forefront. i would be using the pod as a preamp, for eq, and effects -- to play live as well as to try my hand in recording.

i think i've followed all the input you two have given, but i'm a little unclear how i should use it with my amp. i have a fender 400 pro combo,

Invalid Link Removed

i assume i would NOT go from bass to pod to front input of amp, but instead use the effects return/send jacks in the back. but, how do i use them? do i go bass to front input of amp, then go from amp effects send jack to the pod input, then pod output to the amp effects return jack?

also, would i still be using the preamp/eq section of the combo using the effects loop or would it bypass it? if it doesn't bypass, should i keep all the eq knobs at 12:00 on the front of the amp? thanks!

 

[jpo259]

xonebass and jpo-

thanks for such insightful posts (and thanks to talkbass for a great forum).

i'm trying to find the ultimate multi-effects unit for bass, and the pod seems to be in the forefront. i would be using the pod as a preamp, for eq, and effects -- to play live as well as to try my hand in recording.

i think i've followed all the input you two have given, but i'm a little unclear how i should use it with my amp. i have a fender 400 pro combo,

Invalid Link Removed

i assume i would NOT go from bass to pod to front input of amp, but instead use the effects return/send jacks in the back. but, how do i use them? do i go bass to front input of amp, then go from amp effects send jack to the pod input, then pod output to the amp effects return jack?

also, would i still be using the preamp/eq section of the combo using the effects loop or would it bypass it? if it doesn't bypass, should i keep all the eq knobs at 12:00 on the front of the amp? thanks!

Here are the options for using the Bass POD XT live.

1. Direct to the house.

2. As a stand-alone preamp going into a power amp and cabinets.

3. Run the POD in between your bass and your Fender amp.

Choice No. 3 is the least-reccomended. (My opinion). Here is some info right from the owners' manual:

"When you're playing ( plugging) Bass PODxt into the front of a combo amplifier, it's a good idea to start off with your combo amp in neutral. What is "neutral", you ask? Well, if you only have one volume control on your amp, set it low enough to get a 'clean' tone; that ensures Bass PODxt's sounds come through as purely as possible. If you have a master volume in addition to a volume control on the input, set them both so that the first volume doesn't overdrive the master volume (so you're getting a clean tone). This will vary from amp to amp, but usually the input volume is going to be less than the master volume to get a clean, non-distorted sound. If you have passive tone controls, try setting your mid control to max, and your treble and bass controls at zero (this is actaully 'flat' equalization-wise on most amps). Active tone controls may vary, but just be sure you're not overdriving the amp so the Bass PODxt tone comes through WITHOUT EXTRA COLORATION. Once you get going, you can tweak the amplifier settings to suit your tastes. Try to set the Bass PODxt's OUTPUT so you're not overdriving the input of the amp. IF YOU HAVE A BASS AMP WITH AN EFFECT RETURN OR A JACK THAT LETS YOU CONNECT DIRECTLY TO THE INPUT TO THE POWER AMP, YOU CAN PLUG BASS PODXT'S OUTPUT RIGHT INTO THAT CONNECTION AND THAT WILL GENERALLY BYPASS THE TONE CONTROLS' OF THE AMP AND AVOID THEIR COLORING OF BASS PODXT'S TONES.


The key to getting the most out of the POD is using it as 'directly' as possible. Either directly to the house, or into a good power amp and cab. Next best would be to plug it into the effect return as described above. For your amp, I'd go like this: Bass into POD. POD Model out. into Fender amp effects return. IF it bypasses' the amps' EQ, GOOD!! Use the POD for all the tone coloartion you'll EVER need!! IF it doesn't bypass your amps' EQ, use the suggestions above from the owners manual.

 

[Sako]

JPO-

Thanks for the info!

 

[PMA]

Xonebass and jpo,

I've been researching whether to buy a Podxt Pro to replace my aging ART Nightbass. From reading the manual, I can't be sure whether I can do the following:

1. I would like to run from the unbalanced 1/4" outputs to my stage set up which would be a power amp driving Mesa Powerhouse cabs, a 4x10 and 1x15. The outputs are marked high/low for biamping so I would want to drive highs thru the 4x10 and lows thru the 1x15. The Line 6 website says these outputs can run studo, live or bi-amp modes but doesn't make clear whether the signal is wet but without modeling when biamping. Can you clarifify if this is possible?

2. I would then like to simultaneously run the wet and speaker modeled signal from the XLR's for a left/right stereo output to the PA. It says that in Studio mode "they're" ready. Does this mean both outputs are sending the wet/modeled signal? In Live mode, is all that changes is whether it is +4dBu or -10dBu but the signal is still wet?

The Nightbass allows a wet biamp mode through its unbalanced outputs and L/R stereo (also wet) from the balanced outputs. I just want to be able to do the same with the POD.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[jpo259]

Xonebass and jpo,

I've been researching whether to buy a Podxt Pro to replace my aging ART Nightbass. From reading the manual, I can't be sure whether I can do the following:

1. I would like to run from the unbalanced 1/4" outputs to my stage set up which would be a power amp driving Mesa Powerhouse cabs, a 4x10 and 1x15. The outputs are marked high/low for biamping so I would want to drive highs thru the 4x10 and lows thru the 1x15. The Line 6 website says these outputs can run studo, live or bi-amp modes but doesn't make clear whether the signal is wet but without modeling when biamping. Can you clarifify if this is possible?

2. I would then like to simultaneo
usly run the wet and speaker modeled signal from the XLR's for a left/right stereo output to the PA. It says that in Studio mode "they're" ready. Does this mean both outputs are sending the wet/modeled signal? In Live mode, is all that changes is whether it is +4dBu or -10dBu but the signal is still wet?

The Nightbass allows a wet biamp mode through its unbalanced outputs and L/R stereo (also wet) from the balanced outputs. I just want to be able to do the same with the POD.

Thanks,

Paul

1. The outputs on the PODxt Pro, either 1/4" or XLR, are sending out either completley uncolored bass, the 'DI' outs, or Modeled bass, the Model outs. The DI NEVER has any of the PODs' 'stuff' UNLESS you choose to use the Bi-amp mode. ONLY THEN does the 1/4" DI out carry modeled signal. (The low signal). Oh, and what do you mean by 'wet' and 'wet without modeling'??

2. There is no stereo capability with the out's on the POD. The XLR Model out sends modeled info, the DI out sends straight bass. Before you hook up to either a studio situation or live, or really whenever you use the thing, you should access the I/O & DIG SELECT button on the front face and tell the POD what it is you are hooking up to. ONLY in the studio mode does the POD model the amp, the cab, and the mic and room. What they call A.I.R. In the live mode, the mic and room sims are off and the cab models are 'reconfigured'. Also, when you select Studio or Live, that is how the POD knows to send out +4dbu or -10dBv signal.

This is what I do live: I use both the Model and DI XLR outs. I send them to a small Behringer mixer, UB802. There, I can mix the amount of DI to Model bass easily, and the Behringers' outs give me a stereo option. If I didn't want to have the ability to mix in DI like that, I could access the page that each preset has and adjust the amount of DI-Modeled bass per preset. And then I would only use the XLR Modeled output. As it is, I send one ouput from the Behringer to my on-stage poweramp, the other goes to the house. Both the house and my onstage amp get exactly the same signal, which is a mix of both Modeled and DI tone. Personally, if I was going to bi-amp my POD, I'd take the out from my Behringer that goes to my stage amp and send it to a Rolls Tiny x-over and then to my amp (I run my amp in stereo). Hope this helped.

 

[PMA]

Hey jpo259,

Thanks for the reply. Let me answer your questions and feedback:

If I understand your response, both sets of outputs are completely dry (no effects or modeling) unless you instruct the POD to do otherwise, correct?

Seems odd that only in bi-amp mode does it send the modeled sound which would not make that usable live. For live, I want to bi-amp the non modeled sound but with effects such as flanging or other stuff. This is what I mean by wet without modeling. My interpretation is that modeling is to emulate amp/speaker combinations so wouldn't want that live, just the ability to add some effects as needed.

If I can get the above to happen, I would then use Studio mode for the XLR outs assuming BOTH of these would have the modeled signal for the PA. I understand what you are describing by mixing the DI and Model outs separately but want to be able to do that within the POD.

It's starting to sound like my ART has more versatility even if it is older technology. Interestingly, one of our guitarists has the PODxt and can do what I am describing above for his guitar.

Thanks again,

Paul

1. The outputs on the PODxt Pro, either 1/4" or XLR, are sending out either completley uncolored bass, the 'DI' outs, or Modeled bass, the Model outs. The DI NEVER has any of the PODs' 'stuff' UNLESS you choose to use the Bi-amp mode. ONLY THEN does the 1/4" DI out carry modeled signal. (The low signal). Oh, and what do you mean by 'wet' and 'wet without modeling'??

2. There is no stereo capability with the out's on the POD. The XLR Model out sends modeled info, the DI out sends straight bass. Before you hook up to either a studio situation or live, or really whenever you use the thing, you should access the I/O & DIG SELECT button on the front face and tell the POD what it is you are hooking up to. ONLY in the studio mode does the POD model the amp, the cab, and the mic and room. What they call A.I.R. In the live mode, the mic and room sims are off and the cab models are 'reconfigured'. Also, when you select Studio or Live, that is how the POD knows to send out +4dbu or -10dBv signal.

This is what I do live: I use both the Model and DI XLR outs. I send them to a small Behringer mixer, UB802. There, I can mix the amount of DI to Model bass easily, and the Behringers' outs give me a stereo option. If I didn't want to have the ability to mix in DI like that, I could access the page that each preset has and adjust the amount of DI-Modeled bass per preset. And then I would only use the XLR Modeled output. As it is, I send one ouput from the Behringer to my on-stage poweramp, the other goes to the house. Both the house and my onstage amp get exactly the same signal, which is a mix of both Modeled and DI tone. Personally, if I was going to bi-amp my POD, I'd take the out from my Behringer that goes to my stage amp and send it to a Rolls Tiny x-over and then to my amp (I run my amp in stereo). Hope this helped.

 

[jpo259]

Hey jpo259,

Thanks for the reply. Let me answer your questions and feedback:

If I understand your response, both sets of outputs are completely dry (no effects or modeling) unless you instruct the POD to do otherwise, correct?

Negative. The DI outs, both 1/4" and XLR, are just that... Direct bass. This from the Owners Manual: "...your Bass PODxt includes, along with it's Model output, a D.I. output that gives you an unprocessed direct bass signal line level output......" The Model output ALWAYS has the modeled amps, cabs, effects that YOU assign.

Seems odd that only in bi-amp mode does it send the modeled sound which would not make that usable live. For live, I want to bi-amp the non modeled sound but with effects such as flanging or other stuff. This is what I mean by wet without modeling. My interpretation is that modeling is to emulate amp/speaker combinations so wouldn't want that live, just the ability to add some effects as needed.

Seems to me you are seeing this (the POD) as more of an effect unit. Why would you want to buy a POD if you weren't planning on using the Amp/cab models? That is what it is all about. The effects inside affect the amp/cab models. the presets. Sure, you can create presets where no amp or cab is modeled. Not sure how well that would work, though. Lastly, only the 1/4" outputs get affected by the Bi-Amp mode. The XLR out's still retain the seperate signals-Model and D.I.

If I can get the above to happen, I would then use Studio mode for the XLR outs assuming BOTH of these would have the modeled signal for the PA. I understand what you are describing by mixing the DI and Model outs separately but want to be able to do that within the POD.

When you assign the connection mode to the POD (Studio, Live w/ Horn, Live w/out Horn), the POD ONLY sends info relating to that mode to ALL outputs. It's either all or none. All Studio (amp/cab/mic/room models) or Live (amp/cab models). And once again, no, not ever, does the XLR D.I. output have any effects or modeled tones. It is straight bass. As far as mixing DI signal to modeled signal, yes, you can do that inside the POD. Each and every preset or memory bank has a page where you mix the ratio of modeled to DI bass.

It's starting to sound like my ART has more versatility even if it is older technology. Interestingly, one of our guitarists has the PODxt and can do what I am describing above for his guitar.

The surely he can show you how this can be done with a Bass POD xt.
Thanks again,

Paul

mnmnm

 

[abhishek]

i was talkin to this friend of mine who has a behringer v-amp2.he basically said that for an active pu bass like his ,he later dint find it of much use as his active eq could do quite a decent job.

i own an active as well as a passive PU bass.even tho tend to play the activea tad bit more!so wt do u guys think about the pod in use with an active bass?!any difference here or as usual is it just a silly stupid question of mine as usual!

another thing that sux is the fbv4 shortboard costs as much as the bass pod xt!!bah!!think ill invest in the fbv4 MUCH later!!

 

[jpo259]

i was talkin to this friend of mine who has a behringer v-amp2.he basically said that for an active pu bass like his ,he later dint find it of much use as his active eq could do quite a decent job.

i own an active as well as a passive PU bass.even tho tend to play the activea tad bit more!so wt do u guys think about the pod in use with an active bass?!any difference here or as usual is it just a silly stupid question of mine as usual!

another thing that sux is the fbv4 shortboard costs as much as the bass pod xt!!bah!!think ill invest in the fbv4 MUCH later!!

Tho only thing I notice between and active and passive bass is that the active bass can easily clip the input of the POD. The PODxt Pro has a Pad feature that fixes this easy enough. When I use my POD, I find myself messing with my tone controls ON THE BASS less than usual.

 

[xonebass]

If I understand your response, both sets of outputs are completely dry (no effects or modeling) unless you instruct the POD to do otherwise, correct?

Not really because you always have the option of running the bypass mode on the Bass Pod so that you do not have any models running. This will allow you to still use effects but no modelling. I use this feature a lot when I just want to hear the preamplifier directly from my bass.

If I can get the above to happen, I would then use Studio mode for the XLR outs assuming BOTH of these would have the modeled signal for the PA. I understand what you are describing by mixing the DI and Model outs separately but want to be able to do that within the POD.

Not sure what you're getting at here - you can mix the amount of modelled and effects signal within the POD or you can mix it outside of the POD by adding dry signal through use of the DI.

It's starting to sound like my ART has more versatility even if it is older technology. Interestingly, one of our guitarists has the PODxt and can do what I am describing above for his guitar.

If it can be done on the guitar PODxt then it can be done on the Bass PODxt.

I'll be honest, it sounds like to me that you haven't any interest in giving the Bass PODxt a shot and that you're trying to justify the current rig you use .

I don't really have a problem with that since it's your tone after all. However, as I stated several posts ago, you can't possibly know everything there is to know after reading the manual. Heck I don't know all there is to know about the Bass PODxt after nine months of intensive use.

Do yourself a favor if your really serious about increasing your tonal capabilities and try out the unit for 6 months. If you still don't like it then it's the unit. Until that point you really don't know what it's capable of - period.

 

[wilser]

I tried to bean version of the pod xt at a local music store some time ago. It was cool, but not really impressed. Seems it's more like a toy than a real musicians tool. I much prefer to get MY tone out of a good preamp (of course, the guy with the prog-rock-opera gig sure had his use for it). But that's just my opinion ...you guys can do whatever the heck you want.

 

[xonebass]

I tried to bean version of the pod xt at a local music store some time ago. It was cool, but not really impressed. Seems it's more like a toy than a real musicians tool. I much prefer to get MY tone out of a good preamp (of course, the guy with the prog-rock-opera gig sure had his use for it). But that's just my opinion ...you guys can do whatever the heck you want.

Yep, the bean does look like a toy, that's why I use the Bass Pod XT Pro which is a rack mount version. It certainly doesn't look like a toy all in black.

 

[abhishek]

ok tht doesnt sound very encouraging to someone who's bout to buy a bean pod xt!lolz!the toy bit i.e

anyways wt do u think my active bass eq setting shd be like?shd i cut em to flat n let the pod take care.cos otherwise will it color the sound?same w amp settings:shd i cut out on mids,trbl,bass etc?wt about on my passive bass:flat eq?!

the worryin part is tht my setup will be the bass connctd to the pod which goes to the amp n then to sound console.most of u say this is the worst setup ffor the pod!cos its kinda difficult to go in direct out here.the sound guys r damn fussy n want things dne their way!

 

[jpo259]

ok tht doesnt sound very encouraging to someone who's bout to buy a bean pod xt!lolz!the toy bit i.e

anyways wt do u think my active bass eq setting shd be like?shd i cut em to flat n let the pod take care.cos otherwise will it color the sound?same w amp settings:shd i cut out on mids,trbl,bass etc?wt about on my passive bass:flat eq?!

the worryin part is tht my setup will be the bass connctd to the pod which goes to the amp n then to sound console.most of u say this is the worst setup ffor the pod!cos its kinda difficult to go in direct out here.the sound guys r damn fussy n want things dne their way!

The 'Bean' POD xt is just as capable as the rack-mount PODxt pro as far as modeling and effects. It, too, can be hooked up to the FBV Shortboard for live use. The Bean POD has no XLR outputs. This leaves you with a little dilema when using it live. You may want to feed your amp/poweramp on stage AND the house. I do this with my old Bean POD: I simply use a 1/4' Y adaptor from the Model out. One 1/4" cable goes to my amp, and another goes to a Rolls Matchbox DI ($25.00) then XLR to the house.

Abishek, read the post above about using the POD in front of a combo amp. And you don't need to be concerned about active or passive basses and their EQ. Like Xonebass has been saying, it is going to take TIME to find the tones you really like, and that will involve time spent playing your basses through it, and tweaking whatever YOU feel needs to be adjusted tone-wise.

 

[abhishek]

yes jpo,thts almost the same setup i had in mind.but why feed both amp n house.is it just for the xlr out?y nt jus directly use the DI alone?

i know finally the choice is upto me regarding the bass eq setup.but i wanted to basically know if it will color the pod tones in any way.cos i wdnt want the muddy situation in any way.as u said,its upto me to figure out.but jus wanted to get a lil info on others experiences