Just got a Line 6 PODx3

[RickBlacker]

And wow... Going to be a learning curve. Like it, I can see where this will be a fun bit of gear to have. The options you have are stifling.

[Superhuman]

Hey Rick, make sure you connect it up to your pc and download the Monkey software from line6.com - its makes things so much easier when it comes to tone sculpting. No more tinkering with knobs and the tiny lcd display unit - you get the full set up on screen as if it was the amp, cab, stomp boxes, mics etc - much easier. I used to bash the PODxt because I could never get a 'great' tone out of it but I've come to realise that it is just another tool to getting what ever you want to achieve. Works for some things and not for others, as do tube amps, solid states and walls of rack units. Good luck with it man, hope it works out for you.

[RickBlacker]

Hi Superhuman...

I did download monkey, then I downloaded Gearbox. I think it's gearbox that you're referring to which allows you to have a nice user interface into the PODx3. Gearbox is an AWESOME application. Love how the GUI looks. It's so much easier to use Gearbox than the small little led screen on the x3 itself.

They have some new application called POD Farm. But, i'm not sure exactly what it is.

I also downloaded REAPER. Kind of wish I hadn't in a way, now i find that I waste to much precious guitar playing time fartn' around with the PODx3 and REAPER. :o

[Superhuman]

Reaper has a pretty steep learning curve alright but the trick is to set up a template with your prefered settings so when you want to record all you do is open it up and start straight away. My basic template has the following:

Track 1: midi set up with the drum VST (EZdrummer)
Track 2: Mono - Rhythm guitar - hard panned right
Track 2: Mono - Rhythm guitar - hard panned left
Track 3: Mono - Rhythm guitar - middle
Track 4: Stereo - Rhythm guitar - centre
Track 5: Stereo - Lead guitar bridge
Track 6: Stereo - Lead guitar - neck
Track 7: Mono - Bass centre

I add any extra harmony tracks as required, the number of lead tracks depn on the effects used (delay, reverb etc).

If you use the same set up every time you can even customise the voulme levels and EQ so that everything comes out mixed as per the template. Very handy and a huge time saver.
Hope that helps!

[RickBlacker]

It does help, but I need to step away from it and keep focused on my steep enough guitar learning curve :) I really only wanted something that would allow me to record my progress. Kind of a diary if you will. Today, I sound like this, six month ago, I sounded like that... A way to actually hear differences in how much I've learned.

Having said that, I know at some point I'll really dig in and learn Reaper and start recording things for real.

[Te eF Kay]

Hey, I got one of those recently also and I can vouch for the fact that it's a steep learning curve! ;)
But definately worth it.

[RickBlacker]

Gearbox is my best friend regarding the x3! :D