new line6 pod has usb out

[jboutelle]

The new line6 pod has usb out. What are the implications for low-budget home recording? Does it even matter what your soundcard is if you're going directly into USB? Would GuitarTracks or other home recording software be smart enough to pick up the signal from the USB instead of the soundcard?

 

[Slackmaster2K]

If the drivers are implemented properly, your software will see the POD as an input, just like a soundcard. The implications are simply that you can go digital from the POD, meaning that there is one less digital-to-analog-to-digital conversion taking place, which could improve sound quality. This is already possible on the j-station and POD pro, which both have SPDIF outputs (FYI).

Does it mean you can get rid of your soundcard? Only if all you record is the POD.

Slackmaster 2000

 

[jboutelle]

obviously can't record mics this way

I'm just recording guitar+bass for now. The problem is my computer is a laptop with a crappy sound chip, and all the usb/firewire/etc solutions cost serious money. If I can just upgrade my pod instead that's a reasonable alternative for me. I also don't like to own lot's of "stuff" (I like to travel light) so if I can use my pod as a de-facto break-out box soundcard, that's an advantage.

 

[TexRoadkill]

You still need a way to monitor your recorded music. Does the XT also function as monitor outs? Will it accept audio from the computer over USB?

 

[jboutelle]

here's what there website says

What does the USB port do?

Soon-to-be-released PODXT Driver software will allow direct digital recording and MIDI control of PODXT via the USB connection, plus the ability to use PODXT to play back audio from your computer like a soundcard.