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1860 Views 3 Replies Latest reply: Nov 23, 2009 10:13 AM by Line6Miller RSS
JTHARPE Just Startin'
JTHARPE
24 posts since
Nov 7, 2008
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 21, 2009 5:03 AM

Amp for Pod X3

I am looking for a good amp to use with Pod X3 Live that doesn't have all kinds of effects and dials on it, seeing that the X3 has all the tones I'll ever need. I was just wondering what people are using or would recommend.

Thanks

Jeff

  • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
    silverhead
    7,254 posts since
    Apr 1, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 21, 2009 5:33 AM (in response to JTHARPE)
    Re: Amp for Pod X3

    Many X3 users don't use an amp at all - just route the X3 Live's outputs to a PA system. The XLR direct outs are designed for this, and the  1/4" outs work well for this too. A small PA system can work very well for home/studio use as well as small venues. For larger venues you will likely have a house PA available.

     

    Another common setup is to use a small, neutral-tone amp (e.g. a keyboard amp or acoustic amp) as an on-stage monitor receiving the siganl from an X3L 1/4" out while still delivering the XLR signal to the house PA. The monitor volume can be controlled separately. The keyboard or acoustic amp can be used without the PA for home/studio monitoring.

     

    I don't have any recommendations for a specific keyboard/acoustic amp - the more neutral the better. As you say, the X3 can deliver all the tone you need so you basically want to get an amp that provides minimal tone colouration and enough power for your needs. The most important knob for this purpose is the volume control;  everything else should just try to get out of the way. Any amp that can do this will work well for you.

  • timowens Gear Head
    timowens
    1,230 posts since
    May 14, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 21, 2009 8:25 AM (in response to JTHARPE)
    Re: Amp for Pod X3

    I use the JBL EON 15G2. I tried various tube amps, solid-state amps with guitar speakers, etc. But I found I wanted 2 things, I wanted total control over my stage volume, I didn't want to count on the sound man to turn my volume up or down in the monitors, and I wanted my tone on the stage to be as close as possible to what was going out of the mains while going direct (not micing my amp). And it has worked out really good. I just did some test a few weeks ago comparing my 100W tube amp with the X3L and another modeler driving the JBL and the modeler/JBL totally kept up with the tube amp in volume, tone and feel, I was surprised how good it sounded. I also tried a 120 watt solid-state poweramp drive a passive monitor and it just didn't have enough power, it sounded good until I tried to keep up with the drums and then it pooped out.

     

    The thing to remember is that it take 2 to 3 times more solid-state power to equal tube power so if you're gonna crank it you'll need plenty of power, personally for a rock band I'd recommend 300 watts minimum. Besides the JBL, I would also look at the Mackie SRM or the new QSC K12.

     

    I haven't tried any keyboard amps myself but I'm sure there are some that sound equally good.

  • Line6Miller Line 6
    Line6Miller
    11,613 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 23, 2009 10:13 AM (in response to JTHARPE)
    RE: Amp for Pod X3

    All good advice here.

       

      If all of your questions have been answered please be sure to award Helpful and/or Correct points to community members who respond with helpful or correct answers, and close out the ticket as “answered” if your situation has been resolved. Thanks!

       

       

       

      Line6Miller

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