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3890 Views 10 Replies Latest reply: Nov 12, 2009 5:09 AM by Farbruun RSS
ltweed Just Startin'
ltweed
8 posts since
Mar 12, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 8, 2009 12:45 AM

Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

Hi.  I recently started using the POD X3.  I generally use it with headphones to listen as I play (I'm NOT an accomplished guitar player, and anything else might be considered torture).  In any case, it was suggested to me that I record myself so I can gauge my progress.  I am not quite sure the best way to go about this with my equipment, or if I need additional equipment.  I've looked around the forums, and I've picked up some info, but I'm just not connecting all the dots.

 

I'm assuming I can buy one of the various software packages for recording (I saw Riffworks in the line6 store), and the POD X3 will be able to interface via its USB 2.0 connection.  Is that correct, or do I need one of the interface type products I'm seen around the Line6 site?

 

Is there recommended software for someone at my low skill level? (luckily, my computer skills and knowledge are more advanced than my guitar skills).  I don't need top of the line software, but something with room to grow would be great.

 

Would I monitor recording via the same headphone jack on the X3?  I'm assuming this would not include any track I'm playing along to, but this is a point of confusion for me.

 

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  I know there's lots of info out there, but I think I need to have an "AHA!" moment first.

 

Thanks.  Let me know if any further information would be helpful.

 

Larry

 

p.s. - Hello Line6 community!!

Tags: x3, recording
  • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
    silverhead
    7,250 posts since
    Apr 1, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 8, 2009 6:09 AM (in response to ltweed)
    Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

    You've made great progress already. Your questions show insight and understanding, so I'm sure you'll be successfully recording in no time.

    Here are my thoughts on the answers:

     

    ...

    I'm assuming I can buy one of the various software packages for recording (I saw Riffworks in the line6 store), and the POD X3 will be able to interface via its USB 2.0 connection.  Is that correct, or do I need one of the interface type products I'm seen around the Line6 site?

    That's correct - the POD X3 and its USB interface are all you need with the recording software you choose.

     

    Is there recommended software for someone at my low skill level? (luckily, my computer skills and knowledge are more advanced than my guitar skills).  I don't need top of the line software, but something with room to grow would be great.

    Riffworks is a good choice. Many other POD users like Reaper. You could try Audacity for free, and I've seen posts from people with Ableton Live, Cubase, and other popular programs. I suggest you compare Riffworks, Reaper, and Audacity.

     

    Would I monitor recording via the same headphone jack on the X3?  I'm assuming this would not include any track I'm playing along to, but this is a point of confusion for me.

    Yes - use the X3 headphone jack to monitor. And it WILL include playback of backing tracks but you'll have to make sure your recording software is configured to send its playback audio to the X3. This will probably happen automatically when the software detects that the X3 is connected, but you may have to specifically set the Audio Prferences, or Setup, to designate the X3 and its ASIO driver as the audio input/output device.

     

    Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

    If things are set up properly you should be able to select from among 8 input options when you set an audio track up for recording, These are documented in the X3 manual and allow you much flexibility in deciding which Tone(s) you want to record from the X3 to a specific audio track. You can choose to record the 'dry' (i.e. unprocessed) signal from the X3 while monitoring the 'wet' signal through the headphones. This will allow you to use the POD Farm plugin processor that comes with the X3 to recreate the processed sound within your recording program by applying all the X3 effects in POD Farm to the recorded dry signal, just like the X3 did in the first place - the sound which you monitored while recording but didn't record. Then you can tweak/edit/reamp the sound to your taste as the song develops, without having to reperform/re-record the part. Very useful.

     

    Let's save anything else for later. Let us know how it goes.

     

    Good Luck!

    • ltweed Just Startin'
      ltweed
      8 posts since
      Mar 12, 2009
      Currently Being Moderated
      Nov 8, 2009 10:59 AM (in response to silverhead)
      Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

      Thanks so much, Silverhead.  That's exactly what I needed!  I think I was confused about the whole signal path, and I completely overlooked using the POD farm plug-in as well (I've never used it before).  I think I have to hit the manual again, then I'll go grab some software.

       

      I'll let you know how it goes.  Thanks again.

      • ltweed Just Startin'
        ltweed
        8 posts since
        Mar 12, 2009
        Currently Being Moderated
        Nov 8, 2009 6:31 PM (in response to ltweed)
        Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

        Just an update...

         

        I can definitely record both my backing track and my guitar using Audacity, and monitor using my headphones on the X3.

         

        I have not figured out how to use POD Farm or to select between the "dry" vs "processed" signals, although I see those options in POD Farm.   I do not see any option in the Audacity software to select which line to use as input.. there's just the one option for the X3.  POD Farm does not seem to recognize the POD X3 as a compatible device when starting up (X3 isn't a valid option), but it recognizes it as an audio-MIDI device if I look in hardware preferences once the software is started.  Maybe this is the intended behavior, and I just need to read the manual. 

         

        I think I'm still missing something.

         

        In any case, I can record myself now.  I'll nail down the other details later.

         

        Thanks again.

         

        Larry

        • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
          silverhead
          7,250 posts since
          Apr 1, 2009
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 8, 2009 7:35 PM (in response to ltweed)
          Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

          I'm not familar with Audacity - other than I know it's free and some people have used it with the X3. However, you generally get what you pay for and it may be that Audacity is simply not capable of using the multiple recording options in X3's ASIO driver. Normally, when you arm an audio track for recording you can select the input device/signal to record. From what you've said, all Audacity shows is the one option for the X3. More advanced (read $$) programs will recognize the X3's eight input options. Double-check that area in Audacity to see that you're not missing something but, as I say, it may simply not be up to the task. You won't be able to record the dry signal if Audacity can't see it as an input option. Reaper or Riffworks certainly will be able to handle this.

           

          Re: Pod Farm - it does not operate as a standalone program with the X3. That means it won't recognize the X3 when you double click it to launch it like a normal program.  It can only be used as a 'plugin'. That means it is used/launched from within the recording program (essentially it's 'plugged in to' another program). Again, Audacity may not handle plugin apps. If it does, you should be able to find an area where you can define a VST plugin and tell Audacity where to find it (i.e. the directory/folder where Pod Farm is installed).

           

          At worst, Audacity has let you begin in the wonderful world of recording. If and when you outgrow it, you'll know what to look for next. Meantime, have fun doing what you're able to do with it.

           

          Hope this helps.

          • ltweed Just Startin'
            ltweed
            8 posts since
            Mar 12, 2009
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 8, 2009 8:16 PM (in response to silverhead)
            Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

            Audacity does have the ability to use VST plugins, and this is clearly the next thing I will investigate.  That was the piece I needed to understand better.

             

            I'm not at all opposed to spending money for software, and certainly will buy a package at some point (maybe sooner than later).  I'd just like to get my bearings and fill in some of my knowledge gaps a little so I can evaluate which package would be best for me.  I totally agree with the "get what you pay for" idea!

             

            Thanks!

    • Farbruun Just Startin'
      Farbruun
      7 posts since
      Sep 23, 2006
      Currently Being Moderated
      Nov 11, 2009 12:48 PM (in response to silverhead)
      Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

      any tips on how to 'record dry' while listening to 'processed signal' when I record with my X3 into Garageband om my MAC ?

      • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
        silverhead
        7,250 posts since
        Apr 1, 2009
        Currently Being Moderated
        Nov 11, 2009 1:05 PM (in response to Farbruun)
        Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

        No - sorry. I'm not familar with Garageband or Mac. I remember someone else asked me a similar question not long ago and I wasn't really any help. I think it boiled down to whether/how Garageband can use the X3's ASIO driver. You might get better support for this in the Garageband user forum (I presume they have one).

        • Farbruun Just Startin'
          Farbruun
          7 posts since
          Sep 23, 2006
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 12, 2009 4:39 AM (in response to silverhead)
          Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

          Ok thanks.

           

          I actually sorted it out.

           

          But...

           

          The recorded 'dry' input seems very low. I can't seem to find out how to adjust the recording level of the dry input. Any help?

          • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
            silverhead
            7,250 posts since
            Apr 1, 2009
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 12, 2009 5:06 AM (in response to Farbruun)
            Re: Recording with Pod x3 - beginner question

            Yes - the dry input level is very low. I asked the very same question in this forum when I first started using the X3. The low level is not a problem - in fact it's as it should be. The dry level you record is the same input level that the X3 receives at the guitar input jack. The reason you record the dry level is so that you can re-amp it later using the POD Farm plugin. This way, both the X3 and the POD Farm plugin apply the same software modelling to the same input signal, yielding virtually identical results, as intended. Try using POD Farm on the dry signal. You'll find the processed level after POD Farm does its stuff is perfectly adequate - and almost identical to the X3 sound.

             

            Here's a link to my original question if you're interested:

            http://line6.com/community/thread/5165?tstart=0

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