What do you think of the PodXT for home recording?

[Supercreep]

Wow

Strong opinions all around. I use the XT and a Fender Deville 212. As an effects box it's great, but I'd never use it by itself for anything other than detail work. It dosen't stack well, IMHO, so it isn't a great choice for a "wall of guitar" layering technique. Some of the sounds are really fake, so somebody with a good ear probably won't get into trouble. I don't hear any of the tone-destroying elements others here describe, however. It's not the apocalypse or anything, just another tool in the box.

 

[Paul881]

In fairness, the POD XT is actually better at the quieter tones rather than the big driven noises that can seem over processed. In that way, the sounds can be layered quite successfully.

OTOH, when I used to go to real rock concerts in the 70's and see players with wall to wall, floor to ceiling Marshall stacks, I'm not sure you would describe the outcome as being "layered"

But a "wall of sound", yes.

 

[XXXDiablo]

In fairness, the POD XT is actually better at the quieter tones rather than the big driven noises that can seem over processed. In that way, the sounds can be layered quite successfully.

I agree 100%. I was gonna say that myself. With less noise, layering
becomes easier, not more difficult. Seems I have become a bit of a
defender of the PODXT here. LOL. Didn't really mean to be.
But... I use it quite a bit and I simply cannot agree with all of the
comments that seem to spin it in a negative light. I think it's a very
cool piece of gear. Like I said, I have seen it in the racks at more
than a few pro studios, so I know I am not alone in my opinion.

 

[XXXDiablo]

It dosen't stack well, IMHO, so it isn't a great choice for a "wall of guitar" layering technique. Some of the sounds are really fake, so somebody with a good ear probably won't get into trouble.

I am curious as to how you "fake" a sound.?

As I mentioned in an earlier post; the PODXT sounds like the PODXT.
It will not "clone" something else. I like the PODXT for what it is.

When I bought my Fender Strat, I didn't complain because it didn't sound
like my Les Paul. Of course, Fender didn't claim that it was going to.
And I think that's where the confussion sets in. I think people expect
that the modeling gear out there will clone other things. It will not.

 

[Supercreep]

I am curious as to how you "fake" a sound.?

As I mentioned in an earlier post; the PODXT sounds like the PODXT.
It will not "clone" something else. I like the PODXT for what it is.

When I bought my Fender Strat, I didn't complain because it didn't sound
like my Les Paul. Of course, Fender didn't claim that it was going to.
And I think that's where the confussion sets in. I think people expect
that the modeling gear out there will clone other things. It will not.

Umm.. Modeling a sound is faking a sound. Triggering a sample of a sound is faking a sound. Emulation of a sound is faking a sound. I didn't imply that the Pod XT creates some new energy wave that has some properties of sound but isn't. So what is it that you are curious about, exactly?

The more distorted patches don't layer well, in my opinion. I can get much better results from the 212 if I want a really big electric guitar sound. There's lots to like about the XT, but it's not the answer to everyone's question.

 

[XXXDiablo]

Umm.. Modeling a sound is faking a sound. Triggering a sample of a sound is faking a sound. Emulation of a sound is faking a sound. I didn't imply that the Pod XT creates some new energy wave that has some properties of sound but isn't. So what is it that you are curious about, exactly?

The more distorted patches don't layer well, in my opinion. I can get much better results from the 212 if I want a really big electric guitar sound. There's lots to like about the XT, but it's not the answer to everyone's question.

Well... like I said, if you expect a "clone" of something you won't be
satisfied. But... the PODXT does produce it's own real sounds.
If you can hear it, it is real. Of course if you try to draw comparisons
between the sounds the PODXT produces and the ones that it claims
to reproduce, you will conclude that the sounds aren't the same.

On a previous tour, our sound guy purchased a few Marshall JMP-1 pre-amps
for a direct monitor mix. And to be perfectly honest with you... when I
heard them, I said "man, that doesn't sound like any Marshall I ever heard."
They just don't sound exactly the same. But... that didn't leave me to
conclude that it was a "fake" Marshall. It was simply... "different".

Anyway... I agree that the PODXT is certainly not for everyone.
But... what one piece of gear is? And it is not accurate to say that
the unit is junk. That is a bias perspective. And while the PODXT is
not for everyone, it can be the exact answer for others.
For example, someone looking for a quality direct/preamp
for HOME RECORDING. I hate to beat a dead horse, but I think
that's how this thread got started. I believe the question was...
"What do you think of the PODXT for Home Recording?".

Of course... when you ask a question like that, you should expect that
you will get a variety of opinions which are largely based on people's
person preferences.

The correct answer to the questions is; "Technically, the unit will certainly
work in a home studio. In fact, it has become the biggest seller in rack
mountable guitar preamps. Lots of players and studios use them
including many pros. But... to know if it's right for you, go to a local music
store and try one out for yourself to see if you like the sounds.
If you do... buy it. If not, keep looking.".

It all depends on what sounds you are seeking and what a particular piece
of gear will deliver those sounds.

But alas... this thread has become what so many on here do; a volley
of opinions that will never end.

My best advice for anyone asking a "sound" questions is... use your own ears.
If you hear a sound you like, and you want it, find out what made that sound
and buy it. If you like a sound that was made by a certain Marshall or
Boogie amp, and you want that exact sound.... buy the Marshall or Boogie.
Don't buy ANYTHING that claims to "model" those amps. You will
be disappointed. On the other hand, if you aren't decided on a
particular "sound"... give the PODXT a listen, you might like it.

 

[Yfoiler]

Dah Cube

Ever since I got tired of trying to get ANY cool sounds out of my old DG Stomp, (not your POD I know, but...) my favorite rig for apartment dweller recording, or not disturbing the sleeping wife monster, is the Roland Cube with a large diaphram condenser on it. I make an amp box out of couch cushions and pillows, stick the cube in there and put a condenser mic about six inches away (off axis) and crank it... Man, it is one great little recording amp. It is dead quiet too. You can't even tell it's on. For me there is noting worse than a ton of high gain structured hiss on a track when you're not playing... Just my two cents---and worth every penny.

The "Y"
PS - NEVER disturb a good late night recording session by awakening the wrath of the sleeping wife monster.