Line 6 - Bass PODxt Pro Using state-of-the-art, patented technology, Line 6 has released the latest generation of their award-winning ...
Line 6 - Bass PODxt Pro
Using state-of-the-art, patented technology, Line 6 has released the latest generation of their award-winning Bass POD Series, the Bass PODxt Pro. This new unit is packed with a re-engineered tone engine, all new amp and cab models, as well as an expanded and improved set of effects. From the stage to the studio, the Bass PODxt Pro allows the user access to world-class bass tone with over 50 sought-after stomp box, studio, and synth effects, 28 vintage and contemporary classic amp models, and 22 models of the most renowned cabinets ever built (see specifications below). In addition, Bass PODxt Pro delivers six simultaneous effects that can be routed to meet your unique sonic and tone-shaping needs along with a dedicated high-end compressor and 6-band semi-parametric EQ that are available at all times. The effects include models of classic distortion boxes, delays, choruses, flangers, compressors, as well as synth effects, filter effects, and rich reverbs. With painstaking analysis, the engineers at Line 6 have paid fanatical attention to detail, and this is especially apparent in the vintage bass amplification department. Exclusive to Line 6, the Bass PODxt Pro features the latest generation A.I.R. technology (acoustically integrated recording). This revolutionary A.I.R. technology is the key component to Line 6's successful recreation of all the elements including amps, cabinets, speakers, microphones, and the recording areas that interact and contribute to great bass tone.Front Panel:
The first feature that jumps out at the user is the new LCD window for deep patch editing. From this user-friendly LCD, you can view all the modifications made upon tweaking any of the front panel's various controls including Amp Models, Effects, Drive, Tone Controls (Bass, Lo Mid, Hi Mid, Treble), Channel Volume, and the Compressor which is based on the famous LA-2A tube studio compressor. Inspired by the classics, the Bass PODxt Pro features 64 user/factory presets. Many of these presets are based upon some of the most popular tracks ever recorded, offering the user access to a mind-boggling collection of the most revered bass rigs. Admittedly, I am not a big effects tweaker. Unlike every other effects processor that I have ever tested and owned in the past, I found that the Bass PODxt Pro's preset effects sounded great and didn't require any tweaking at all in order to dial up cool bass tones. Although, with the deep editing and flexibility offered by the Bass PODxt Pro, you will have the option to tweak every parameter imaginable using the many controls accessible from the front panel. Several buttons provide multiple functions depending on what is selected in the LCD. If you adjust the amp model control to bring up the amp emulation that you desire, the Bass PODxt Pro automatically matches that particular amp model with an appropriate cabinet and microphone setup. In fact, when you select an Amp Model, all of the amp-related settings including drive and the tone controls automatically load. All of these amp-associated defaults may be customized to fit your own individual preferences. To locate the desired tone you want to hear, simply press a button or tweak a knob to switch cabs, amps, effects, and microphones and their placement. You have complete customization available at your fingertips, and the possible combinations are almost limitless. The Effects Tweak control varies different aspects of the effect you've selected and each parameter's settings is viewable in the LCD window so you know exactly what you are tweaking. The Select control allows you to dial through the Bass PODxt Pro's 64 channel memories (16 banks of 4 channels each), a huge collection of pre-programmed amp and effect selections. With the four soft buttons located below the LCD, you can control different operations depending on what you have highlighted in the LCD. The Effect On/Off buttons located above the LCD allow you to activate or disable the 6-band parametric EQ as well as the loaded stomp-box, modulation, and delay/reverb effects. If you press the CAB/A.I.R. button, you can choose a cabinet model to pair with an amplifier and select a microphone and its "room" to be used on a cabinet. You can save all of your personalized tones with the Save button. Push the Edit button and you have deep editing control over all the parameters and settings. Simply tap on the Tap button to control the timing of the delay effects. The I/O & Dig Select button serves several functions including selecting the connection of your input source to the Bass PODxt Pro, configuring optimal studio or live settings, and bi-amping your rig among other options. Using the headphones output, you can practice your bass skills anywhere with the Bass PODxt Pro. And, why spend hundreds of dollars on a hand-held tuner that might get lost when the Bass PODxt Pro also comes with a built-in chromatic tuner that offers precision tuning at the touch of a button?
Back Panel:The back panel of the Bass PODxt Pro is a session bassist's and studio engineer's dream come true. Every possible output you could need in the studio or live on stage can be found on the back panel. With its XLR and 1/4 inch outputs, 24-bit/96k digital ins and outs (AES/EBU & S/PDIF), effects loop, MIDI, and USB connectors, you can connect the Bass PODxt Pro to any type of analog, digital, or computer audio hardware that you need. The 1/4 inch outputs can be used in Studio, Live, or Bi-Amp Modes. In Studio Mode, the Bass PODxt Pro is ready to be plugged into a recording device with -10dBV unbalanced inputs. In Live Mode, the speaker simulation is disabled and ready to be connected to an onstage amp. When Bi-Amp Mode is utilized, the low frequency spectrum of your signal is sent out the D.I. output while the high frequencies go out the Model output. Each output may then be connected to discrete power amps and speaker cabinets for independent amplification of the low and high frequencies. The D.I. output provides a line level direct signal that is perfectly time and phase aligned with the processed (amp-cab-mic-effects) signal driven out the Model output. Ever record a track and then later wish you wouldn't have used a particular effect, amp, or cabinet? By using the Analog Reamping input/output connections, you can send a dry unprocessed signal to a recording device and then re-route it right back into the Bass PODxt Pro. This feature allows you to hear an effected bass signal while recording an unprocessed signal at the same time to your recording device. Later, during mixdown, you may choose to alter your signal with any of the Bass PODxt Pro's controls. By way of the MIDI jack, the user may control every aspect of the Bass PODxt Pro. Using MIDI, you may select any Bass PODxt Pro channel, tweak any parameter, and even backup your Bass PODxt Pro's memory to your computer. Although the Bass PODxt Pro contains practically every stomp box and studio effect you could ever need, the unit also contains a programmable effects loop so you can run your old rackmount effects processors in either series or parallel. And, as if all of these previously mentioned ins and outs weren't enough, the Bass PODxt Pro supports direct digital recording to your PC or Mac with its USB connector and free downloadable drivers and the functionality to play back audio from your computer like a soundcard through your bass cabinet! Forget about having to haul cabinets, amplifiers, and heavy rack cases to and from the studio. Simply plug into the Bass PODxt Pro and you can record straight into Pro Tools or any other software-driven recording application. The Bass PODxt Pro is compatible with Line 6's FBV Series foot controllers including the FBV, FBV Shortboard, and the FBV4. These optional foot controllers provide access to 64 presets via hands-free channel switches, large backlit name display, dedicated stomp box on/off switches, combination wah/volume pedal, tap tempo switch, and expression pedal input among other features. The Bass PODxt Pro is also compatible with the FBV4 foot switch for access to four channels.
Value:
With a retail price of $899.00, the Line 6 Bass PODxt Pro offers serious bang-for-the-buck. At a fraction of the cost of amassing a substantial amps, cabinets, and effects collection, Line 6 has delivered the goods in a two-space rackmountable unit. You can definitely consider the Bass PODxt Pro money well spent and an investment in your tone for years to come.
Other:
The accompanying Bass PODxt Pro handbook guides you in a step-by-step fashion through all the ins and outs of the unit. The handbook was one of the most thorough and easy-to-read instructional manuals I've ever read on any piece of equipment. It features a quick start guide, an in-depth analysis of all the controls and various connections, getting set up in various configurations, creating and storing sounds, thorough descriptions of all the modeled amplifiers, cabinets, and effects (with pictures of the original devices), deep editing tweaking, possible options using the foot controllers, and appendices filled with diagrams, tables, references, and signal flow options.
Specifications:
28 Amp Models
Acoustic 360
Aguilar DB750
Alembic F-2B
Ampeg B-15
Ampeg SVT
Eden Traveller WT-300
Fender Bassman Combo and Head
Fender Dual Showman
Gallien Kruger 800RB
Hiwatt DR-103
Hiwatt 200DR
Marshall Major
Marshall Super Bass
Mesa Boogie 400+
Polytone Minibrute
Sunn Coliseum
SWR SM-500
Versatone Pan-O-Flex
Vox AC-100
6 Line 6 originals plus Tube Preamp and Sub Dub
22 Cabinet Models
Acoustic 360 1x18
Ampeg B-15 1x15
Ampeg SVT 8x10
Ashdown ABM 210T 2x10
Eden 4x10
Euphonics CXL-112L 1x12
Fender Dual Showman D130F 2x15
Fender Bassman Combo 4x10
Hartke 4x10
Hiwatt 4x12
Line 6 4x10
1967 Marshall Basketweave 4x12
1968 Marshall Basketweave 4x12
Marshall Major 4x15
Mesa Boogie 1x18
Mesa Boogie 2x15
Polytone Minibrute 1x15
Sunn Coliseum 1x18+12
SWR Big Ben 1x15
SWR Goliath 4x10
Versatone Pan-O-Flex 1x12
Vox AC-100 2x15
Effect Models
Mu-Tron III Auto Wah
Arbiter Fuzz Face
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
EH Memoryman
EP-1 Echoplex
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
ProCo Rat Classic Distortion
Tycobrahe Octavia Octave Fuzz
MXR Dynacomp Compressor
Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer
ADA Flanger
MXR Phase 90 Phaser
Boss CE-1 Analog Chorus
Uni-Vibe
Fender Opto Tremolo
Vox Bias Tremolo
Fender Vibratone Rotary Drum
Boss DM-2 Analog Delay
Roland RE-101 Space Echo
Line 6 Bass Overdrive
Line 6 Bronze Master
Line 6 Vetta Compressor
Line 6 Deluxe Chorus
Line 6 Deluxe Flanger
Line 6 Sweep Echo
Line 6 Digital Delay
Line 6 Reverse Reverb
Line 6 Spring, Room, Hall, Chamber, & Plate Reverbs
Additional Features
6-band semi-parametric EQ
64 channel memories
Effects loop
Bi-amp output mode with selectable crossover
Built-in chromatic tuner
+4dBu/-10dBV balanced 1/4" outs
4-bit A/D/A converters
MIDI I/O/Thru
USB connector for digital I/O
Headphone out
Audio mute
Bypass
Foot controller connector
S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital I/O (up to 24-bit/96kHz)
XLR line out
Balanced +4 line input for analog re-amping
Options:
FBV, FBV Shortboard, and FBV4 Foot Controllers
Bottom Line:
Why spend thousands of dollars trying to accumulate all the classic tones of yesterday along with the hi-fi sounds of today when Line 6 has already done all of the work for you. With its unsurpassed tone shaping flexibility, you have limitless sonic possibilities available at the push of a button or the turn of a knob. If you are serious about tone, then the Line 6 Bass PODxt Pro is a no-brainer.
To learn more about the Bass PODxt Pro from Line 6, go to: Line6.com or contact them at:
Line 6, Inc.
29901 Agoura Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301-2513
Ph: (818) 575-3600
