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audio interface in my portable music rig. An eight-channel audio interface that lives on the floor wasn’t an easy concept to deal with at first, but it worked brilliantly with my audio software and was very easy to configure and tweak. Toward the end of my review, my tests were overheard by a fellow with an ear for interesting guitar tones, and he spirited it away for some trials of his own Fernando rocks out I was able to use the POD X3 Live connected directly to a PA, a DAW using Pro Tools LE, and some different amps. I also played a variety of guitars, like PRS, Ibanez, Fender Strat and Telecaster, and I was able to appreciate the sonic similarities brought on by the POD X3 Live. Like all digital guitar amp simulators, the Line 6 POD has its own character. I’ve been a POD user since their version 2.0, and remember first having sat down with the manual—which included pictures of the amps it simulated. I would close my eyes and imagine I was playing through that particular amp. During these tests I was able to appreciate the advances in Line 6’s technology since it got started. Even though the POD 2.0 still holds its own and has some simulations that are still useful, Line 6 has certainly added amps, features and improved the product in general. Despite the fact that the POD X3 Live’s stompbox simulations are really good, I often preferred to integrate my analog pedals. Fortunately, if you have an investment in relic or modded stompboxes and don’t want to play without them, you will appreciate the FX Send / Return. Many users won’t use it much since the POD X3 Live includes 98 pedals and studio effects, which I found to be perfect for a live setting (hence the word “Live” in the product name), but in the studio I enjoyed being able to easily use my analog gear as well. I really liked the sounds of the POD X3 Live. When I tried it with different guitars I noticed that it allows for every particular instrument to show its true sonic colors, and although the “digital” sound is present to my ears, you can appreciate the essence of your instrument. It plays very well when combined with my real guitar amps, giving the best of both worlds. The many built-in effects and presets are great to quickly try different options that would otherwise be very difficult. For example, I am working on a retro’70s style classic rock song, and the client asked me to include some sounds that would be reminiscent of the era. As I was scrolling through the presets of the pedal board I started to play with a reverse delay. This ‘psychedelic’ effect was used by many like Hendrix and added an interesting texture and authenticity to the song that I otherwise would not have been able to access. Two thumbs up The POD X3 Live is like a Swiss Army knife for guitar players, a tool where you find a bit of everything in a compact product. The pedals are solid, and its plastic and metal construction inspires confidence that it will last many gigs. In all of our tests, whether live, in the studio, or hooked up to computers, it performed like a champ, with quality, versatility and convenience. While we don’t see it completely replacing analog stompboxes and guitar amps, we think that’s true of pretty much all the digital processors out there, and that doesn’t stop it from being a great adjunct to a guitar recording rig. Price: $499 MAP • More from: Line 6, www.line6.com.

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Recording - January 2010

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