Not being a guitarist or vocalist, I felt a little out of my element with the Line 6 POD X3.
However, that feeling did not last very long. I was summarily impressed with both the
sound quality and the ease of use of this product. In addition, I found that the Line 6
website was very straightforward. I downloaded their cross-platform software package
and was ready to make music.
I was happy to see that the I/O was clearly labeled with pictures. I immediately thought
that this would be an ideal device for the novice or hobbyist. The instruction manual
also had several example setups, with settings, that were very clear.
I used Logic Pro 9 to test the sound quality and was blown away. I used my Tascam
FW-1082 mixer as the output source, then used the POD X3 as the input source in my
Logic audio setup. I took a 1/4″ cable from the headphone out of the Tascam and then
plugged the other end into the guitar input on the POD X3. I then plugged in two 1/4″
cables out of the POD X3 and into my powered M-Audio Bx5a studio monitors. I
plugged in the included USB cable into my 27″ iMac so that I could monitor the wet
signal.
After that, all I had to do was load up a loop in Logic, setup an audio track to monitor
stereo 1-2 from the USB connection, and I had some really cool effects happening! It
goes without saying, but you definitely want to mute the audio track while youʼre
monitoring to avoid feedback.
The LCD display is very useful and shows how the two, independent signal chains of
effects are being used to effect the sound. The hardware rotary knobs and buttons are
very intuitive and some of the controls are backlit, which I noted would be a great asset
to live musicians.
All in all, I an very impressed by the power, versatility, and sonic quality that I was able
to get with the Line 6 POD X3. Itʼs an absolute must for any guitarist or vocalist, looking
to add more effects processing power to their rig!