Boss GT-5 vs. Pod XT Live

[andrew_blues]

hi all,

I've got a GT-5, which I like a lot, but am sorely tempted to buy a Line
6 Pod XT Live. My temptation is fueled by the imminent arrival of a
Variax 300. I know that the rational and sensible thing to do is to wait
until the Variax arrives and then try it (in all it's settings) through
the GT-5. However the PodXT Live does have the advantages of data
connectivity - both to the guitar and to my PC.

From researching this on the web (Harmony Central et al) I get the
feeling that the Pod will have better amp sims (although will my ears
detect the differences???) while the GT-5 has better effects and better
flexibility in how you can switch effects in and out.

So here's the questions :-
: anyone got any experience of living with and gigging with the Pod XT
Live?
: Just which of Line 6's effects does it have?
: What's the delay/echo/reverb on the Pod XT Live ?


thanks to all who reply.

andrew_blues

[John P.]

Post by andrew_blues
hi all,

[......]

Post by andrew_blues
So here's the questions :-

Post by andrew_blues
anyone got any experience of living with and gigging with the Pod
XT Live? Just which of Line 6's effects does it have?
What's the delay/echo/reverb on the Pod XT Live ?

Hi,
I've done a lot of gigs with the pod xt pro, which as I understand things is
very similar to the xt live.
The amount of fx is fairly comprehensive and I think very good quality. The
only limitations I can think of are:
- (as standard) you can ONLY have ONE of each type of effect at a time but I
struggle to think of time when I would want more - they're arrangd as
"stompboxes" in the unit as compressor and noise gate, boost type -
overdrive/compression, modulation - chorus, flange, phase etc, delay,
reverb.
There are loads of choices in each group but only one thing form each group
at a time, tho' this can be expanded by getting the add-on model packs.
- There aren't any harmony or pitch shifting effects, which is a shame.

The model packs (metal, classic & fx) can be bought for $50 each or $99 for
all three and if you don't like them you can get a refund within 30 days.
The fx packs adds several more options for each "type" of effect including
some pretty wacky synth type sounds.

I rate the unit really highly - the sims aren't 100% but capture the
essence and sounds very good, the options available and ease of use is IMHO
amazing. If I was into the variax I would see it as a must have add on-
being able to switch between amp, speaker, microphone, several fx units AND
guitar type with one press of a pedal would be pretty cool.

Cheers
John P.

[Rob1]

Post by andrew_blues
hi all,
I've got a GT-5, which I like a lot, but am sorely tempted to buy a Line
6 Pod XT Live. My temptation is fueled by the imminent arrival of a
Variax 300. I know that the rational and sensible thing to do is to wait
until the Variax arrives and then try it (in all it's settings) through
the GT-5. However the PodXT Live does have the advantages of data
connectivity - both to the guitar and to my PC.
From researching this on the web (Harmony Central et al) I get the
feeling that the Pod will have better amp sims (although will my ears
detect the differences???) while the GT-5 has better effects and better
flexibility in how you can switch effects in and out.
So here's the questions :-
: anyone got any experience of living with and gigging with the Pod XT
Live?
: Just which of Line 6's effects does it have?
: What's the delay/echo/reverb on the Pod XT Live ?
thanks to all who reply.
andrew_blues

A friend of mine has a pod xt live, and where he likes it, I hate it with a
passion. Reasons:

o The XT has all controls on the floor at your feet - which means adding a
little bit of bass to a patch is impossible without mooning the drummer.

o The XT pedals are too close together. People with wide feet may as well
not even bother trying to hit a single button at a time!

o The multiple menu system of the XT series confuses the hell outta me. If
you are willing to dedicate a lot of time learning and practicing with all
menus then its ok, but if you want "1 button per function" then this isnt
the right box.

I am obviously slightly biased because I like a simple, tidy rack with my
gear in. I also prefer to have all the important stuff away from my clumsy
feet.

On the plus side, the PC data connectivity of the XT (usb) is great - he can
record a sample without any problem. Be under no illusion though, the
software *isnt* free.

The XT live has more effects than you'll ever use, most of which you'll
never use because they are unusable (unless you happen to be PaulS).

My setup involves a POD Pro, rack mounted. I only use one patch per song,
so I dont use a floorboard controller. My pre-gain effect is a wahwah, and
in the effects loop I have a blues driver to boost the volume during solos.
I tried an XT Pro, but like I said, the whole "Press this button then one
of these buttons, then turn this knob to change effects" confused the hell
out of me.

Oh, and the delay(s), and reverb(s) on the XT live are all very similar in
tone, with varieties such as "Ping pong", and various strange names.

In a last ditched attempt at being brief, I'll say that you should try the
XT Live:

"You should try the XT Live".

[Ashley Jones]

Post by Rob1
On the plus side, the PC data connectivity of the XT (usb) is great - he
can record a sample without any problem. Be under no illusion though, the
software *isnt* free.

Weelllllll.... let's be fair, now.
The RiffTracker recording software isn't free. I use my Pod XT Live with
Cubase SX3 anyway so wouldn't be bothered. I haven't even installed the
free demo of Rifftracker as I am happy with Cubase.

You DO get GuitarPort free (well, included) AND (more significantly perhaps
to a Variax owner) you will apparently get Workbench for free.
http://www.vettaville.nl/vvworkbench2.htm
And you get the Line 6 Edit software (when it's done).
http://www.line6.com/software/podxtlive.html

That's some kick-ass stuff right there.

I understand your misgivings about twiddling. I haven't used mine live and
can imagine it could be a nightmare to make subtle differences.

But, (see my recent post) I think that the Variax connectivity would REALLY
sell it to me as a complete live solution. I expect to buy a Variax this
month on the strength of this.

Cheeeers
Ash

[Al]

Post by andrew_blues
I've got a GT-5, which I like a lot, but am sorely tempted to buy a Line
6 Pod XT Live.

Not entirely on topic, but ...

Have you tried the Vox Tonelabs SE? I haven't had chance to try one myself,
but the reviews are good.

Having said that, I'm perfectly happy with my Pod XT - not 'Live', so
presumably 'Dead'? ;-)

Post by andrew_blues
I know that the rational and sensible thing to do is to wait

?

Just go and buy stuff :-)

Al.

[Must go look at the Vox when the last GAS attack on the credit card has
been paid off]

[Daevid Jael]

Post by Al
Have you tried the Vox Tonelabs SE? I haven't had chance to try one myself,
but the reviews are good.
Having said that, I'm perfectly happy with my Pod XT - not 'Live', so
presumably 'Dead'? ;-)

Post by andrew_blues
I know that the rational and sensible thing to do is to wait

?
Just go and buy stuff :-)
Al.
[Must go look at the Vox when the last GAS attack on the credit card has
been paid off]

I've Just bought an XT after getting really fed up with multiple pedals/
power supplies and the problems they carry... Tried it today in my FX return
on my Mesa Studio 22+ and i must say...

Wow...

Not perfect, but then i don't have the money to have perfect, but it's good
enough for me :)

I'm now selling my V-twin, Modulation Modeler and Tuner on e-bay to buy the
footcontroller and gigbag. I did debate on buying the XT Live but the idea
of a kidney shaped device sitting on my desk whilst recording appealed to me
more... plus the XT has balanced outs (the XT Live does not)...

Go Pod, there are so many possibilities...

Daevid (recent convert)

[Phil Coates]

Post by andrew_blues
hi all,
I've got a GT-5, which I like a lot, but am sorely tempted to buy a Line
6 Pod XT Live. My temptation is fueled by the imminent arrival of a
Variax 300. I know that the rational and sensible thing to do is to wait
until the Variax arrives and then try it (in all it's settings) through
the GT-5. However the PodXT Live does have the advantages of data
connectivity - both to the guitar and to my PC.
From researching this on the web (Harmony Central et al) I get the
feeling that the Pod will have better amp sims (although will my ears
detect the differences???) while the GT-5 has better effects and better
flexibility in how you can switch effects in and out.
So here's the questions :-
: anyone got any experience of living with and gigging with the Pod XT
Live?
: Just which of Line 6's effects does it have?
: What's the delay/echo/reverb on the Pod XT Live ?
thanks to all who reply.
andrew_blues

I have the PODXT Live.

I run it through a Marshall Valvestate power amp into a Tech 21 cab - a
Trademark 60 without the amp which went belly up.

I've gigged twice with it and rehearsed a couple of times. The Line 6
discussion forum is a good place for info.

I run the XTL in 'Bose PA' output mode after a tip from said forum. I
have tweaked the unit to have 8 patches i really need. They are mainly
based on the HiWatt 100 model. Cleam (+/- Chorus and delay), Clean lead
- as before with a tubescreamer boost, Crunch - increased drive on the
HiWatt plus the DS1 model and Lead - SLO 100 model with the gain
down(ish) and a tubescreamer boost (+/- delay).

The other four patches are similar but more Fx laden.

The unit is dead quiet BUT you can get great sustain AND feedback
(musical) if you need it.

I'm running a Burny Supergrade, a Fernandes Jap Strat and a Fenix Tele
with SD's into it. I have 8 patches EQ'd for each guitar depending on
what i decide to take along with me.

In summary, it is true that you need to tweak - i was on the point of
giving up before i struck on the idea of mainly using the same amp and
cab models for most patches - i use the Matchless DC30 2x12 cab for all
amps. This seems to give a uniformity of feel to all the patches.

Phil

[T N Nurse]

Post by andrew_blues
hi all,
I've got a GT-5, which I like a lot, but am sorely tempted to buy a Line
6 Pod XT Live. My temptation is fueled by the imminent arrival of a
Variax 300. I know that the rational and sensible thing to do is to wait
until the Variax arrives and then try it (in all it's settings) through
the GT-5. However the PodXT Live does have the advantages of data
connectivity - both to the guitar and to my PC.
From researching this on the web (Harmony Central et al) I get the
feeling that the Pod will have better amp sims (although will my ears
detect the differences???) while the GT-5 has better effects and better
flexibility in how you can switch effects in and out.
So here's the questions :-
: anyone got any experience of living with and gigging with the Pod XT
Live?
: Just which of Line 6's effects does it have?
: What's the delay/echo/reverb on the Pod XT Live ?

No! No! No! No! You must resist at all costs - you're just
gear churning. Go the otherway and minimalise. Sell everything
and buy a 50 watt valve amp - an old Selmer T&B will do - and
a Bad Monkey stomp pedal. That's all you really need. Spend the
money you save on beer.

[icarusi]

Post by T N Nurse
No! No! No! No! You must resist at all costs - you're just
gear churning.

No! No! No! Keep on churning! We need you're 'pre-owned' gear (at knock-down
prices) to sustain the trickle-down effect and save on land fill sites.

Icarusi
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