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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Should I, Shouldn't I?
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 03:36 PM
OK. I have about 500 pound budget (950 sollars approx) to spend on a Live device for effects to help me get a better sound. Is the POD X3 Live worthwhile for me to buy and will I be happy with it? Or is there something better out there that has many effects. I'm worried that the POD X3 Live will soon a bit rubbish and I hate wasting money as it makes me depressed. 
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Smells Feb 18 2008, 03:45 PM
totally hear where ya comin from, things out date so quickly but a bit like anything really, tv`s, computers etc
I`m more than happy with the XT Live, as we said before the X3 features for me would be wasted but.. if I was going to use them then I`d go for it mate, I think the Line 6 stuff really rocks.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 03:51 PM
Could somebody list the additions of X3 Live over XT Live if possible? I really don't know what I want. We as a band basically play a mixed set. Half originals and half covers and we have very varied songs but at the minute I use two pedals live. A Metal Zone and a Tuner. This isn't good as we are doing covers that aren't metal all the time and so I need something a bit more versatile. How can I go from Funk to Metal to Country to Pop to Rock etc best?
Posted by: ZakkWylde Feb 18 2008, 03:51 PM
If you can deal with modeling then it's the best choice you can make. If you are a tube guy like me, better try before buy...
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 03:53 PM
Well I have a JCM800 amp which is obviously a classic Tube amp. Will the POD X3 take away from my sound because I have that sort of amp?
Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Feb 18 2008, 04:13 PM
It depends what effects you use, how much you use them, how loud, it depends how good you play, many factors are involved. If yo do use JCM800, I wouldn't suggest POD at all. By something liek Muris's TC Eletronics GForce or cheaper model, Gmajor, and a MIDI foot controller.
Maybe Muris can give you some specific advice about his gear, but I'm pretty sure that POD is not the way to go with that sort of money.
Posted by: ZakkWylde Feb 18 2008, 04:18 PM
I don't think the jcm 800 will get clean enough to use a line 6 modeling effect with it. The problem is that the line 6 simulates another amp so it needs a neutral device like a speaker to work perfectly. When you use it through the marshall it will sound whack because every model you use (for example a rectifier model) will be mixed with the the sound of the jcm800. Best would be you use the X3 live through the pa-system when it comes to a gig.
On the other hand, you have a JCM800 imho one of the best sounding amps in the world (when played loud). What is it exactly you want to improve on your sound?
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 04:19 PM
Maybe Muris can give you some specific advice about his gear, but I'm pretty sure that POD is not the way to go with that sort of money.
Too many considerations.
I play ok on guitar lol. I'm not useless but I'm no John McLaughlin 
I like it loud even though I know it's wrong it makes me go a bit more crazy and people that come to see us like it loud and don't care about dynamics. Heavy is better to them. I might ask Muris about the G Force but what does it actually do?I'm stuck for ideas
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 04:21 PM
On the other hand, you have a JCM800 imho one of the best sounding amps in the world (when played loud). What is it exactly you want to improve on your sound?
I just want lots of effects to be honest like phase, flange, delay, chorus etc in an easy to carry around unit. And have lots of sound presets like this to switch between especially for my cover band that does lots of different styles.
Posted by: Bogdan Feb 18 2008, 04:53 PM
I would in your place buy a big pedalboard and fill it with different stomp box pedals...I think that way you'll get much more quality live sound than from some digital device..Also you have the money needed... 
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 04:54 PM
Surely buying stomp boxes seperately would cost way more than 500 pound?
Posted by: MickeM Feb 18 2008, 05:17 PM
If you're just looking for effects I wouldn't go for a POD. There is however a neat piece from Digitech called GSP1101 that would do great as a fx unit, also has modeling if you like to plug in for direct recording. Pro stuff at low cost!
I'm craving one for myself (or an ENGL E530) but right now I'm leaning towards the GSP1101 for "more in the box" so to speak but I think I'm waiting for the yearly bonus before a buy.
With that piece you have the possibility to start an entire rack setup in the future. If you have a floor unit... you've got a floor unit. 
Another pice, which is a floor unit 
built around well known effects and probably the only foor control you need is Boss ME-50. Now I'm not into effects myself but if I still had my JCM800 which was quite straight forward, instead of getting single pedals I'd go for this without hesitation.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 05:20 PM
Too many options lol. I hate buying things as I never know what is best for me and for me in the band that I'm in.
Posted by: JVM Feb 18 2008, 05:23 PM
Not necessarily. You can get a lot of good effect pedals in the ~50 pound range, or you can spend more if you want. I would just make sure to get a good delay chorus and wah, then you can also get flangers and whatever else you want.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 05:26 PM
I have a Morley Wah/Volume pedal and an Electro Harmonix Poly Chorus. Are they any good?
Posted by: Bogdan Feb 18 2008, 05:46 PM
They are very good..Look at prices of boss pedals..Also make a list of effect you need (no need for chorus you have it and also volume/wah if you are satisfied with that one)..You can buy a lot of stompboxes for 950$!
And its more fun having these sturdy quality pedals rather than one big plastic digital device (I'm guessing its made of plastic 
)
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 05:48 PM
And its more fun having these sturdy quality pedals rather than one big plastic digital device (I'm guessing its made of plastic ) Cool. I might go on a pedal puying mission and try out loads. Might be more fun
I really need an EQ as well because that can add a lot to sound yes?
Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Feb 18 2008, 05:55 PM
Yes, but your JCM800 doesn't have effects loop right? Then what's the point on using delay, even chorus? You need a FXloop on your amp in order to buy a multiFX unit.
Posted by: MickeM Feb 18 2008, 05:58 PM
And its more fun having these sturdy quality pedals rather than one big plastic digital device (I'm guessing its made of plastic ) The ME-50 which is made our of metal and comes loaded with 20 Boss effects for the price of about 3 Boss stand alone pedals.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 18 2008, 05:59 PM
Normally I just plug pedals in a row and into the amp input. Didn't realise you had to have an FX Loop. But I think mine does have an FX loop. It has send and receive I believe. To be honest it could have a thousand pounds strapped to the back of the amp and I wouldn't notice lol
Posted by: Bogdan Feb 18 2008, 07:17 PM
There must be a reason for it...I think..
EQ pedal is cool to have on board
Posted by: MickeM Feb 18 2008, 07:33 PM
Normally I just plug pedals in a row and into the amp input. Didn't realise you had to have an FX Loop. But I think mine does have an FX loop. It has send and receive I believe. To be honest it could have a thousand pounds strapped to the back of the amp and I wouldn't notice lol
My previous JCM800 had a fx loop. You don't have to have it but it doesn't hurt.
Posted by: MickeM Feb 18 2008, 07:37 PM
EQ pedal is cool to have on board
Yeah, well, everything comes at a cost so saying the ME-50 is worth $100 times 20 pedals is not right. I agree. But if you want them all and can't afford the analog effects pedals at single price, it's worth something
Posted by: Tjchep Feb 18 2008, 07:53 PM
I'd reccomend a TC electronics G-Major, G-Force or a nova system by them..
All great quality stuff.
Posted by: Gus Feb 19 2008, 01:18 AM
Hi. I had the XT live and now I own a X3 live. So I guess I can say a few words.
From what you said, I believe that the POD X3 Live is not exactly the piece of equipment you are looking for (at least not for the reason you mentioned). You have a great amp and is looking for something that will make your live sound better. That may be achieved by the X3 live, but probably can be done on a better way with cheaper stuff.
That said, the POD X3 Live is such a great piece of equipment. For the same price, I don't know any other device that delivers you so much. What is really amazing is amplifier simulation (not perfect, but who can buy 78 different amplifiers? Also, you can get great sounds even at low volume. I think of that as saving my ears). However that is not supposed to be used on top of a real amplifier. I am using the X3 live now for practicing and also playing directly into PA. It is also much better to carry it to a rehearsal than an amp.
Next, I want to buy a tube amp and I will use it only for effects. Eventually, I will buy individual effects and then the POD X3 Live will still be useful for recording(specially at home), practicing and also as a backup.
So, to me it was the perfect piece of equipment to me now.
In the end, you should test it and you may actually decide to buy it for other reasons you did not consider before.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 19 2008, 09:56 AM
Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to look into this a bit more
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