Line 6 POD X3 Pro Guitar Multi Effects Processor

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Today's Bonus:

• USB 2.0 multi-channel digital recording (stereo wet/dry per input); Studio-quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters; 32-bit floating-point processing; S/PDIF and AES/EBU stereo digital audio inputs and outputs
• 98 stompbox and studio effects (with Tap Tempo control for time-based effects); 78 guitar amp models, 24 guitar cab models, 28 bass amp models, 22 bass cab models, 6 vocal preamp models, A.I.R.(TM) II mic modeling with 4 mic options
• Dual 1/4" instrument inputs; Dual XLR microphone inputs (with phantom power, trim adjust, signal/clip indicators and low cut filters); Stereo 1/4" line inputs; MIDI In/Out/Thru; FBV(TM) connector for optional pedal controller; Variax® Digital Interface
• Stereo 1/4" outputs (with Amp/Line switch); Stereo XLR balanced line outputs (with ground lift and Mic/Line switch); Dual 1/4" unprocessed line outputs; Stereo 1/4" effects send and return; 1/4" stereo headphone output
• Innovative routing options: send one guitar through two complete Amp/Effect signal chains simultaneously or independently process 2 separate inputs; Precision chromatic tuner with Audio Mute and Bypass options
• USB 2.0 multi-channel digital recording; Studio-quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters; 32-bit floating-point processing;
• 98 stompbox and studio effects; 78 guitar amp models, 24 guitar cab models, 28 bass amp models, 22 bass cab models
• Dual 1/4" instrument inputs; Dual XLR microphone inputs; Stereo 1/4" line inputs; MIDI In/Out/Thru; FBV connector for optional pedal controller;
• Stereo 1/4" outputs; Stereo XLR balanced line outputs; Dual 1/4" unprocessed line outputs; Stereo 1/4" effects send and return;
• Innovative routing options: send one guitar through two complete Amp/Effect signal chains simultaneously or independently
• USB 2.0 multi-channel digital recording (stereo wet/dry per input); Studio-quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters;
• 98 stompbox and studio effects (with Tap Tempo control for time-based effects); 78 guitar amp models, 24 guitar cab models
• Dual 1/4" instrument inputs; Dual XLR microphone inputs Stereo 1/4" line inputs; MIDI In/Out/Thru;
• Stereo 1/4" outputs (with Amp/Line switch); Stereo XLR balanced line outputs (with ground lift and Mic/Line switch);
• Innovative routing options: send one guitar through two complete Amp/Effect signal chains simultaneously or independently

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Line6 gear is used by some of the biggest pros in the industry. Why then, is this unit which is labeled as "Pro" such a disappointment?

The GOOD: The sound is typical Line6. If you liked it before you will find it good now. The interface is a little confusing at first but can be learned quickly. There are knobs (and not just buttons) that allow adjustment of parameters in real time. The overall unit, although lightweight feels fairly sturdy. There are multiple inputs and even an effects loop in the unit itself for the addition of other effects.

The BAD: The knobs on the unit feel weak and spin freely as if they will fall off or break at any moment. Many of the presets while decent, sound similar. Effects are limitedif you buy this make sure you really need amp modeling and not just effects as the latter is lacking sorely and sound generic. There is a ton of hum generated by this thing. Doesn't matter if you lift the grounds, use it in front of the amp, in the loop or with the "4 cable" method. It hums and I could not stop it from humming badly.

While using mine the sound abruptly died more than once and resumed a few seconds later without explanation. Saved presets mysteriously disappeared and more than once I turned the unit on and was greeted by nothing but the blank orange screen...nothing else and no sound. While switching presets was typically silent there was on occasion a hiss or pop while switching. This was not typically a repeatable event which was even more frustrating.

The UGLY: Midi implementation is still not included fully in this "pro" unit. You might be able to change presets but your expression pedals probably won't work...even Line6's own FBV pedals do not fully work with this thing...is that a joke? The X3 Live folks have been waiting a year for full midi.

Upon ordering you are promised the full version of "Pod Farm Platinum" free by many sites. This is not without major catches. The software only runs as a VST plugin AND requires you use your unit as a giant "dongle" of sorts or Pod Farm won't work. So every time you want to use Pod Farm you'll need to drag a full size rack unit to your PC and hook it up...stupid.

Overall, if you really need good amp modeling and are running straight into a board or power amp then this unit might be for you. Most would be better served looking for another unit though. The PodXT is time-tested at this point and can be had cheaply on auction sites or here on Amazon. I would recommend that unit until this one is REALLY ready.

Buy Line 6 POD X3 Pro Guitar Multi Effects Processor Now

The Line 6 Pod X3 Pro has really great tones for just about every genre of music, the cleans are crisp and tight sounding, all the effects are very professional soundin and the options for creating your perfect tone are phenominal. It doesn't have a tube sound, but it cannot be expected to because it is not a tube amp, but that doesn't mean that you cannot get a great sounding tone from it. I am a believer in the Pod and I am all for this product!

Read Best Reviews of Line 6 POD X3 Pro Guitar Multi Effects Processor Here

I guess my title says it all! Seriously the Line 6 2.0 Pro and XT Pro, while offering less are stable. The X3 Pro and latest HD Pro continue a sad commentary on guitar processor wars to deliver on paper to entice buyers but lack the processing power. It takes little to get "SYSTEM OVERLOAD" on this. 85+ guitar amp simulations plus 20 odd bass amps and 8 or 10 vocal rooms but what good is it if it's all stuff you read in the manual or in details for unit that can't perform it and shuts down? Stick with "LESS IS MORE AND WORKS" over "MORE IN WORDS" that can't deliver! Better still, kick Line 6 in the A$$ and get them to raise the bar on the next Pod Pro!

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We can use this without PC compare with Guitar RIG. Sound good. Easy to control and set up for Stereo Device using Dual tone.

I've long been a fan of Line6 products. I've used the bean-shaped Pod 2.0 for nearly a decade, and the Bass Pod XT Pro for half that. Both were amazing. I bought this unit to replace both of those and add vocals. Since i play/record vocals and bass as well as guitar, this unit seemed like a dream come true.

The Good:

Vocals, bass and effects are outstanding. Phantom power is a big plus. This thing also handles acoustic guitar (direct, mic'd, or even both simultaneously!!!) Very good sounds. And electric guitar clean sounds are FAR better than they were in the Pod 2.0.

The Bad:

I've spent nearly a month trying to tweak a good EVH brown sound, or an AC/DC hard rock sound, to no avail. All the crunch sounds come with a weird distorted hiss, which sounds somewhat like the digital simulation of a blown speaker. I've tried turning off all cab sims and all effects, using only the amp sim, and then the problem is EVEN MORE noticeable! Try a mild distortion on Two Tone with everything set to 50%... and everything but the amp sim off. Very bad sound. If you add cabs and mic sim and lots of effects & EQ, you can mask the problem pretty well and get a decent sound that fits nicely in the mix, but honestly, my Pod 2.0 had MUCH better crunch sounds. After a month of frustration, i got a tube preamp to run into the line input in the back of the pod x3 (awesome connectivity with this thing) and turn the amp sim off entirely. Then i add a cab sim and a bunch of effects and have that perfect, unbelievable sound i was after!

Overall:

This unit does everything well... except guitar. If you only want it for guitar, get something better (like Axe FX) But if you want it for an overall studio tool, the connections this unit provides, as well as the effects and vocal/bass sims, are more than worth it. I'm disappointed a bit about the dirty guitar sounds, but overall i'm happy with the unit. No matter how good modeling gets, tubes are always better, and forcing me into a tube preamp purchase was probably a favor from Line6 (albeit one they didn't intend)