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The last few sessions with own own version of a Dream Rig have been so enjoyable, I felt the need to share it here, especially sInce I have been moderately vocal about the goings on at Line6 since the Yamaha buy out. My setup is a JTV59 -> POD HD500 -> BossRC-30 Loop Station -> Tech21 Power Engine (x2). I am not gigging regularly with this setup at present, but I will likely be taking it to an upcoming open mic affair. In preparing for that, I have REALLY dug into the bowels of my rig and instead of lamenting what I perceived I couldn't do with it or otherwise focusing on it's shortcomings (real or perceived). The results have been startling to say the least, especially since I damn near sold it all off recently. The things that have made it different include: Using the Cabinet parameters, especially the Lo Cut and Early Reflections parameters. Doing this has allowed me to taylor, for example a 12" Deluxe Reverb cabinet into more of a 10" Princeton type sound. Copious use of EQ to weed out the crazy overtones and tame to signal path where it needs it. Observing the "less is more" rule of effects use. Sure, I can make whacky sounds that some of the more esoteric effects provide, but at times just a pinch is even better for that "is it really there" type of effect -- especially with modulation type effects. Using multiple delays (of multiple types) and using synchronization in sequence to provide some very tasty backdrops for looping. Stepping outside my comfort zone of prefered effects. Fotr example, I almost reflexively grab the 63 Spring reverb out of long time habit. But I have found that the Octo reverb is an exellent pad type tone to add to many of the type of sounds I do with my rig. Great dscovery there. Also, the Echo is very useful as well as Tile reverb at times. Learning to love Compression. As a long time Fender tube amp buy, I always felt that compressors stole my dynamics. But in the context of the POD, it adds so much clarity while keeping the notes discernable. I like it so much, I got an Xotic SP Compressor (with a blend knob) for my analog rig and it stays on all the time now. So I guess what I am saying is what another member said somewhere along the trail of tears that has been here recently -- "I am just going to have fun with what I have" I believe were their exact words. It's worth remembering this at all times to me, and even more so as we all wait for Line6 to establish it's new directions as a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha.