Line6 Pod XT Live vs Vox ToneLab SE

[Raz]

OK so yesterday after a dissapointing time at the music store, I happened to notice the Pod XT Live was around 4 hundred and something CDN...not bad. Then I seen this beast with an actual tube in the floor effects unit, the ToneLab SE. Now the first difference I noticed was the price, anyone share their thoughts on these two units (OC feel free to step in) I mean I am happy with my tone, but I was close to buying a Line6 DM4 and now thinking about consolidating all of my pedals into one unit (its easier to vacuum the living room this way )

 

[SteveB]

Raz,

I'll tell you one thing... I can't step on a single pedal on the Line6... they're too close together. I don't have that problem with the Vox. You should check that before making a final decision. It's a real pain when you're trying to switch sounds and you get the wrong one 'cause the pedals are too close to each other.

Hopefully your feet are narrower than mine.

You could always buy or build a good old fashioned pedalboard to mount your existing pedals. That would solve your vacuuming problem.

 

[Raz]

I think this came up before, about the pedal spacing...well I'll definately need to try it out first...thanks!

 

[koogie2k]

Obviously Raz, I am going to say, try them out and pick the one that works for you. I happen to have the Line 6 Vetta II and shortboard. It works for me and I am VERY happy with it. But, I have heard the Tonelab and thought it was a good sounding unit. I did not get to play with it (wife pulled me kicking and screamin' out the store) so I cannot give you the lowdown.

 

[Raz]

Obviously Raz, I am going to say, try them out and pick the one that works for you. I happen to have the Line 6 Vetta II and shortboard. It works for me and I am VERY happy with it. But, I have heard the Tonelab and thought it was a good sounding unit. I did not get to play with it (wife pulled me kicking and screamin' out the store) so I cannot give you the lowdown.

I can't make out your new avatar? Oh that'll be one of the reasons I don't bring the wife guitar shopping...

 

[SteveB]

I can't make out your new avatar? Oh that'll be one of the reasons I don't bring the wife guitar shopping...

Raz,

The avatar is a hermit crab disguised as Koogie, carrying a 50-caliber machine gun. There's another thread with the whole lowdown somewhere in the guitar folder.

 

[Raz]

Hmmm I guess it's search time!

 

[Pundix]

Boards is boards

Hmmm I guess it's search time!

The problem I've always had with multi-effects stuff is that they are "multi"-effects. I actually use an old Digitech RP2000 (or something like that) because it has a couple of sounds that I like, but when I want to say have a bit of chorus it makes me jump through hoops to not have anything else. Also, every multi unit I've ever tried thinks it knows more about how my eq should be set than I do. Overall they tend the change the tone of your amp way too much. Individual pedals on the other hand tend to do one thing and not screw around as much with trying to set the overall tone.

Just my $0.02...

 

[SteveB]

I have a Digitech RP-2000 and a GNX2. They don't really change the tone of my amp because I run them right into a power amp.

Why not bypass the EQ in your patches?

 

[Raz]

Well I only use the clean channel on my amp, everything comes from my V-Amp + effects thru the effects loop, while I run my comp. dist. wah, and whammy direct (thanks Mr. Fulwilder). I just finished jamming with my SUB, and my tone is super...so I figure I'm getting GAS again...
I'm gonna post a little number soon...if I can get off me lazy butt!

 

[Pundix]

I have a Digitech RP-2000 and a GNX2. They don't really change the tone of my amp because I run them right into a power amp.

Why not bypass the EQ in your patches?

I do bypass the EQ in my patches. I usually run the RP-2000 through the effects loop of my MK IV just for some chorus and a tough of delay, occasionally a tremelo. The MK IV has a loop in/out switch on the footpedal and when I swap it in or out I still hear huge eq differences. I can get it close by tweaking the effects send and the output of the RP-2000, but it's still there.

 

[SteveB]

when I swap it in or out I still hear huge eq differences.

Bummer!

 

[sausage_jon]

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i have just come into the possession of a Pod Version 2.0, however the person i got it off had no idea how to use it and after many hours i cannot get any sound out of it apart from feedback which is the same whether a guitar is plugged in or not!! there was one time i got some sound but i have no clue as to how i made it happen.
Could anyone give me some simple instructions on getting started using it like when to press the tap button or something. it is very frustrating i have never seen anything like this machine surely it can't be that complicated to use??

 

[fsmith]

Check the Line6 site, you should be able to download a .pdf of the operating manual for it.

yep, check here... http://www.line6.com/support/manuals/

fred

 

[tommyindelaware]

jerry goodman chose the vox......(although there were a few software issues that were worked out)
i think the vox sounds more natural live. the pod players iv'e encountered live usually sound pretty good (depending on who's playin em) .....all seem to have a bit of buzzyness to them that the vox doesn't have . the pods seem do a little better in the studio though going direct. & for hardcore touring.....the pod is tough as nails. the vox is a little more fragile......... a little more care required.......but it does sound better to me .......
plus you would be amazed at how much you can improve the sound w/ a high quality 12ax7' verses a standard sovtec or ei.

 

[sausage_jon]

Thankx

thanx for that link i downloaded the instructions, of course the simple guide to make it work in 10 steps did not work!
the line 6 pod must be the most complicated thing i have ever seen, unfortunately mine now no longer powers up so that is a shame!! i will never hear it work - good job i borrowed it and didnt pay £200 anyway i am sure it is great if you have a degree in astro physics.

 

[mcvinyl]

Try the POD forum on the Line 6 site. They have lots of guys there who have experienced / fixed pretty well every problem that comes up with these things.

Simon

 

[Spudmurphy]

The xt is awesome.

I use it with the FBV shortboard and its all that I need.

It even makes my Marshall honk like a Fender.

I can't emphasise how good it is.

Spud

 

[Raz]

Tonelab Rules

 

[samuel_js]

I have a Pod XT Live and I think it's a fantastic tool. It doesn't feel like the Mesa/Boogie that I use, that's really tube sound agression... but the pod has good effects and simulators. It sounds really nice and it's perfect for home recording or studio arranging. And the price... well it's cheap.