 PODx3 Shootout
I gave the new POD x3 for a spin. I've used the rack-mount POD pro for about 6 years or so, just after it came out. I love Line-6 guitar modeling. BUT, I dislike the Spider line a lot. I think the solid state Spider amps and even the flextone amps are too digital sounding. I've played the new Bogner Tube/hybrid but at low volume so couldn't get the fair sample of it. I got the x3 a month ago and dove into it, replacing old guitar tracks to compare sounds and I am very impressed by the improvement from the 2.0 series with 32 amps, to the x3 with 72 guitar and 30-something bass amps, plus super high-end preamps like Avalon, API and Neve.
The Shootout.
For the POD samples: Ibanez RG 7-string, to the Pod(no cab or mic settings), to an ADA Microtube power amp, to Marshall 1960 lead cab, to SM57, to Firepod. No fx except a 6db shelving cut at 100hz. Real amps were guitar-amp-marshall-sm57, same eq shelf. Drums were recorded using AKG overheads, CAD's on toms, CAD/SM57 on snare, CAD/Audix on kick. No bass
(Not in order)
1. Randall RH100 solid state 100watt amp, channel 1.
2. Crate BV120H all tube amp. Volume at 8, gain at 3.5.
3. POD-influenced 2001 Mesa Boogie Tripple Rectifier, channel 3, with an EQ boost stomp box on a estimated gain boost of 2 of 10.
4. POD-influenced 2004 Diezel VH4 channel 3, no stomp box
5. POD-influenced 2002 Bogner Ecstasy, no stomp box
6. POD-influenced 2003 Marshall JCM-2000 channel 2, no stomp box
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