Community: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Up to Discussions in POD 2.0, PODxt Family, Pocket POD, FloorPODs

2057 Views 11 Replies Latest reply: Sep 13, 2011 9:21 AM by Line6Don

Antti29

6 posts since
Jan 11, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

Aug 23, 2011 9:56 AM

Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

I was unpleasantly surprised not to find the same problem described on the forums. Am I the only one?

Anyway, I have the Bass PODxt Pro and it works fine. I installed Line6 Monkey, everything is up to date, and the device shows up as a sound card in my Windows XP. However, when I try to record with it through USB, the signal level is ridiculously low.

I have, to my knowledge, tried every setting in both the computer and the Pod. Whenever I see a volume control, I crank it up to max level, but nothing seems to help. The only way I can get an audible signal is turning up gain on the Pod, but the level is still at about 25% of maximum, which isn't nearly enough and the quality is of course down the drain due to gain.

I've tried multiple recording softwares, including Windows's sound recorder, Audacity and Adobe Audition. They all share the problem.

As I said, the device works just fine elsewhere. I've used it in studio (with the XLR outs) and on live performances. I can hook it up to my amp and play with headphones. The USB signal level is the only one that isn't high enough.

Like (0)

Tags: usb, volume, problem, recording, bass_podxt_pro

Line6Don
5,275 posts since
Mar 14, 2011

Currently Being Moderated

Aug 25, 2011 2:26 PM (in response to Antti29)
RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Hey Antti29,

First thing to do is make sure your Line 6 drivers and software are up to date:

Download and install the latest drivers for your operating system:

Windows Drivers 4.2.4.4:
http://line6.com/software/readeula.html?rid=3987

MAC Drivers : 7.0.9
http://line6.com/software/readeula.html?rid=4170

Once the drivers are installed you will need to install the Line 6 Monkey application from the links below:

Windows Line 6 Monkey 1.41:
http://line6.com/getrelease?rid=4114

MAC Line 6 Monkey 1.41:
http://line6.com/getrelease?rid=4115

Once Line 6 Monkey is installed, remove any additional unnecessary USB and firmware devices from your computer when troubleshooting this issue. Make sure to connect it directly to a USB port and not a USB hub, extension, or keyboard of any kind, preferably connect it to a USB port on the rear of computer. Try using additional USB cables and every USB port available until you are able to launch Line 6 Monkey and detect the device.

Once Line 6 Monkey is launched apply any updates that are available until you have a green check next to each component.

On the Bass POD XT Pro the "Chan Vol" will control the overall level being sent to the USB. Make sure and turn down the compressor. Make sure that the input pad is set to normal.

Make sure and use an amp model as well to boost the signal.

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Antti29
  6 posts since
  Jan 11, 2009
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Aug 26, 2011 7:56 AM (in response to Line6Don)
  Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low
  
  I already said that I have Line6 Monkey installed and that everything works and is up to date.
  
  That leaves me with the last two lines of your reply. Both "Chan Vol" and "Output" are at maximum, compressor has no effect on the matter, and input level is at normal. The problem persists with any combination of effects, amps and cabs, including with them being off.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
  - TheRealZap
    11,829 posts since
    Dec 22, 2006
    
    Currently Being Moderated
    
    Aug 26, 2011 8:01 AM (in response to Antti29)
    Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low
    
    it is supposed to be really low if you have the "dry" inputs selected in the pod.
    i don't have a bass pod xt pro so i can't tell you how to select the affected outputs.
    
    but for XT and X3 devices there are usually multiple output choices available for the track in your recording software...
    for instance on the x3
    track 1/2 is tone1 stereo
    track 3/4 is tone 2 stereo
    track 5/6 is tone1 + tone2 stereo
    track 7/8 is the dry inputs from tone1 and tone 2
    
    Report Abuse
    
    Like (0)
    - Antti29
      6 posts since
      Jan 11, 2009
      
      Currently Being Moderated
      
      Aug 26, 2011 4:03 PM (in response to TheRealZap)
      Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low
      
      That was rather promising: Audacity did find 16 channels from the device. Sadly, the only ones that worked were the first two, mono and stereo respectively. Having stereo as an option was weird since the device is mono. I tried recording stereo, and the left channel had the normal (in this case, silent) signal and the right channel something very very silent, resembling the proper signal.
      
      I did find the dry bass setting too, and it was just as silent as the processed output, if not even more so.
      
      Thanks for the effort though!
      
      Maybe I'll just throw in the towel and go buy a small mixing board.
      
      Report Abuse
      
      Like (0)
Line6Don
5,275 posts since
Mar 14, 2011

Currently Being Moderated

Aug 29, 2011 11:09 AM (in response to Antti29)
RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Hey Antti29,

Please make sure to try removing any additional unnecessary USB and firmware devices from your computer when troubleshooting this issue. Make sure to connect it directly to a USB port and not a USB hub, extension, or keyboard of any kind, preferably connect it to a USB port on the rear of computer. Try testing it using additional USB cables and every USB port available as well.

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Antti29
  6 posts since
  Jan 11, 2009
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Aug 31, 2011 12:24 PM (in response to Line6Don)
  Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low
  
  The only other USB device connected to my computer is the mouse. Using another cable or another port (rear ones) had no effect on the issue.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
Line6Don
5,275 posts since
Mar 14, 2011

Currently Being Moderated

Sep 2, 2011 11:24 AM (in response to Antti29)
RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Hey Antti29,

If you still are receiving a low input volume, I would suggest to use a amp model or a compressor to add some extra volume to the signal.

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Antti29
  6 posts since
  Jan 11, 2009
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Sep 4, 2011 10:05 AM (in response to Line6Don)
  Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low
  
  Neither of your suggestions helped. Well, they did, but it's like getting an increase from 10 to 12 when I want to be at 100. I think I should be able to clip the signal at will.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
Line6Don
5,275 posts since
Mar 14, 2011

Currently Being Moderated

Sep 7, 2011 8:25 AM (in response to Antti29)
Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Hey Antti29,

Make sure the Line 6 Audio-MIDI driver is sending the processed guitar signal.

The Line 6 Audio-MIDI device menu can be found on the the Windows Control Panel. Once you have brought up the menu, select the Inputs&Recording tab and make sure the PODxt Audio Signal Routing is set for "Send Processed Guitar".

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Antti29
  6 posts since
  Jan 11, 2009
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Sep 8, 2011 9:16 AM (in response to Line6Don)
  Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low
  
  Yes, the setting is as in the picture. I believe that is the default setting.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
Line6Don
5,275 posts since
Mar 14, 2011

Currently Being Moderated

Sep 13, 2011 9:21 AM (in response to Antti29)
Re: RE: Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Hey Antti29,

At this point I would suggest to contact Line 6 Europe for some assistance in locating a Service Center in your region to assess if your Bass POD XT Pro is in need of repair.

Line 6 - Europe
Telefone: +44 (0) 1788 566 566

Report Abuse

Like (0)

Go to original post

Legend

Correct Answers - 5 points
Helpful Answers - 3 points

About
- Line 6 Story
- News
- Press
- Jobs
- Support
- Contact Us
Follow

Stay in the mix and in the know.
Subscribe

Latest offers, special deals and insider updates.

Aug 23, 2011 9:56 AM

Signal level on Bass PODxt Pro through USB really low

Actions

More Like This

Bookmarked By (0)

Legend

About

Follow

Subscribe