PodXT Amp? - Guitars101

Ledzep77 · 02-14-2005, 06:29 AM

I bought a Line 6 Spider 2 112 amp but a few weeks later bought a PodXT. I love the Pod and it sounds awesome through the headphones. I have a 45 day trial on the amp and I don't like the sound of the PodXT through the amp.

I'm going to send the amp back but I was looking for advise on what amp to look at that will sound good with the PodXT. Something $500 range. I've looked at the Atomic and I've heard good and bad. I'm also thinking should I just go stereo?

Also I was wondering what is some good software for recording. I'm no pro its just a hobby. Just looking to draw on the experience here. I've been playing about 6 months so a beginner.

Thanks,

Zep

ibanezlover · 02-14-2005, 08:53 AM

Hey Zep, I would recommend returning the amp. Basically your running your podxt, which is a modeling processor, through your spider amp that has a built in modeling processor. I don't believe there is an effects bypass on that amp. I run my podxt through a Behringer Kx1200 pa/keyboard amp, and it sounds great. They are under $500 as well. Another option would be to pick up a power amp and a 4x12 cabinet. As for a recording program, there are many out there. Some are free, most are not. Goto www.downloads.com to see some. A good one that is free is n-track.

Rythameen · 02-14-2005, 09:43 AM

Hey Zep......take a look a the Atomic Reactor 112. It is designed specifically for the Pod XT. It has a special holder for the Pod, it's got tubes and what the little bit I have heard in a store, it sounds awesome with the Pod. And it's $499.

Ledzep77 · 02-14-2005, 11:51 AM

thanks for the advise guys. I have heard some good things about the atomic. This is all new to me but doesn't anyone make an amp with an input that would bypass the onboard fx? I can see using the pod alot at the pc and would be nice to have an amp that would work that had some onboard fx. Then it wouldn't be dependant on the PodXT and vise versa. The best of both worlds so to say.

I'm probably getting to be 2 big a gearhead for my ability level but it's so much fun and encourages me 2 get better.

On the software side it looks like lots 2 pick from so I'll try some demos.

thanks again.

Zep

**Mondy** · 02-14-2005, 12:37 PM

I have never tried the PODxt through an amp, so this isn't the voice of experience. However, it's a modellor so is doing it's damndest to produce a tone for you. Then, once you run it through an amp, that amp is going to flavour that tone somewhat, so it's going to sound different.

I have heard that the best sound out of them is if you go into a PA system, then you get the pure POD without any colouring from the amp.

But like I say, I haven't tried this for real, so just going on what I have heard.

As for programs, most people here use Cool Edit Pro which can be gotten hold of and Quisgarded. It's easy enough to use !

There's also a version of Adobe Audition if you look hard enough !

ibanezlover · 02-15-2005, 02:52 AM

Most amps do come with an effects bypass loop. Most guys that i know with pods are using power amps, pa systems, or the atomic reactor amp that was made for the pod.

Ledzep77 · 02-15-2005, 08:37 AM

If an amp says it has a FX loop like the Fender FM212R, is that a loop out to record or go to another amp is that a place to plug in to bypass the FX. I even called Fender to ask but the answer wasn't very clear.

ibanezlover · 02-15-2005, 11:31 AM

Thats where you would want to run your pod through, the fx loop.

Lazerjeebs · 02-15-2005, 02:33 PM

I read (somewhere on this forum) about using an Alesis SUMO 100 keyboard amp to get a good sound from your modeling processor. I think they cost around $299 at Musician's Friend.

Ledzep77 · 02-15-2005, 05:54 PM

Thanks for the help. I decided to go with the Fender FM212R. I talked to 3 people that are using the PodXT with this amp with good results. The PA idea is good and it seems many use that. I think this will give me an amp I can use on its own and with the pod. But then Just like with the first amp I have 45 days to test run it.

The PodXT sounds awesome through the headpones and on the tracks I have recorded. I'm real happy with it and the things it can do.

Thanks again for the help.

Zep

**Supersonic** · 02-16-2005, 01:18 AM

as far as recording goes, I use Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro 3. Good Luck and keep on truckin'!

Ledzep77 · 02-18-2005, 03:20 PM

I got the Fender amp today. Interesting but it sounds better when I go right from the Podxt Output into the amp input rather than using the FX loop.

Have not really tweaked it yet but it sounds good. The amp is very loud. Afraid to go past 3. I have 45 days to decide.

Still looking at all the choices for software. Thanks again for the good suggestions.

Zep

Ledzep77 · 02-19-2005, 05:12 PM

Ok this amp on its own is pretty plain jane. It is real loud. Can't go past 3 without stuff falling off the wall. When I plug the podxt into the pwr in jack it sounds really good. The tones I will use most of the time will need to be tweaked and I have to play with the vibe setting but I think its a keeper.

$200 cheaper than the atomic and I have an amp that I can play without the pod if its at the pc most of time. I think its a good fit. Plugging into the pwr in bypasses all the effects in the amp so its straight line pod to power.

Zep