POD xT Live input/output configuration setup

[rx7carl]

Hi all, I've had my xT Live for a few years now, and I think I've not had it optimized for my needs. Here's how I'd like to reconfigure it. Please add any feedback to what I'm going to try. My goal is to have all my tone in the POD, and none from the amp, so I can plug in anywhere and have consistent tone no matter what

 

Input to norm for mag pickup guitars, pad for my active EMG equipped guitars, will also be using a variax 300 soon as well

output switch to line level

output level as needed ( how loud idk)

L mono out to amp input (Marshall 8080 combo, using effects return jack, 0db/-20db switch to 0db, this should be line level input?)

 

Should I turn off or use cab/ir models? I'm thinking in this configuration I'm not really using the amp as a guitar amp, but really more like a powered speaker (power amp and speaker only), or is it still coloring the sound as its a guitar cabinet and speaker?

 

How am I doing so far?

[silverhead]

On 2/26/2024 at 7:28 AM, rx7carl said:

….. My goal is to have all my tone in the POD, and none from the amp, so I can plug in anywhere and have consistent tone no matter what……

…….

Should I turn off or use cab/ir models? I'm thinking in this configuration I'm not really using the amp as a guitar amp, but really more like a powered speaker (power amp and speaker only), or is it still coloring the sound as its a guitar cabinet and speaker?

 

Your physical guitar cab/speaker will colour the sound a lot; you will not be able to get all your tone from the POD, and it will sound very different if you switch to a different physical guitar cab/speaker. When connecting to a guitar cab you should not use cab/IR models in the POD preset. 
 

If you do want to control your tone mostly from the POD you will need to not use your guitar amp at all. Rather, use PA speakers or studio monitors, both of which are commonly called FRFR (full range, flat response). In that case you would use a cab/IR model in your POD preset.

 

You can experiment with the levels. Typically your amp FX Return will take instrument level. You’re right about using the input pad with active pickups.
 

 

[rx7carl]

Thanks for the response. I'm sensing this FRFR is the optimal way to use it the way I want to. Off topic a bit, but I just bought an old Variax 300 to play with and I read some things about the acoustic sounds being atrocious thru a guitar amp. I'm guessing FRFR is the way to get a good tone on that as well

 

On the effects return jack I still am trying to figure which is better. The Marshall manual states

 

Effects Level Switch

"Selects the level to match your external effects

units (0dB for rack units and -20dB for pedals)."

 

So does this still make it instrument level? Line level?