Line 6 POD Studio KB37 Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm new to creating music on a computer, and my research, along with tons of positive reviews from others, led me to the POD Studio KB37 as a good all-purpose starting point. In terms of flexibility, this package is very hard to beat. The built-in inputs and mic preamps let you record just about anything, from guitar/bass and other electric instruments to vocals and acoustic instruments (using your own mic, of course). For these uses alone, the KB37 is a great way to get sound into your computer with minimum headaches. Simply connect the KB37 to your computer with a single USB cable. It's USB-powered, so you don't even have to plug it into a power outlet.
The hardware's MIDI keyboard and control surface open up a whole new dimension. They allow you to add keyboard parts and adjust some software parameters via real-world knobs and buttons; this is much faster than clicking and dragging onscreen "virtual" controls.
The included software package reveals the KB37's full potential, transforming an otherwise great product into an incredible bargain. Sure, the Reason Adapted (synth, sampler, sequencer, and effects) and Ableton Live (multitrack recording) software are the "lite" versions of these programs, but even so, they're very versatile and powerful. If you're fairly new to DAW software, trust me, even the lite version of Reason is pretty incredible -- you'll get a lot of use out of it. It includes tons of sampled real-world instruments, fully functional and tweakable soft synths, drum machine, sequencer, effects, and a lot more. It takes quite a while to explore its impressive capabilities. Once you do, you'll know whether you want to upgrade to the full version, which is available at a discounted price. But again, the lite verion will be plenty for many users.
Finally, you get Line 6's POD Farm software, which gives you an arsenal of stompbox and rack effects for guitar, bass, vocals, and just about anything else. On top of that, it includes amp, cab, and mic preamp modeling. You get everything that most guitar multi-effects units provide and then some. Because it runs on your computer, naming and saving patches is quicker and easier than stand-alone multi-effects units, and you can save as many custom patches as you like. And, unlike stand-alone units, POD Farm is expandable. Line 6 claims that the KB37 allows you to monitor your tone, complete with effects, without a latency problem (a lag between playing a note and hearing the output). This is not an empty promise. On my modest laptop, which runs Windows Vista on an Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz) with 3GB of RAM, I experience zero latency problems.
All told, for the price of one guitar multi-effects unit, you get everything you need to start a home studio. If you're a full-time keyboard player, this package probably isn't aimed at you. As its name suggests, the KB37's keyboard has only 37 keys. So, there are probably better MIDI keyboard controllers out there for you. Plus, as a keyboard specialist, you'd most likely want a full version of whatever synth software you prefer. On the other hand, if you play guitar or bass and you want all the building blocks for tweaking your tone, adding vocals, effects, *and* getting your feet wet with powerful synths, sampling, and multitrack recording, here it is for a laughably low price.


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POD Studio KB37 combines the stunning sound of POD Farm' plug-in with a powerful and versatile USB interface and 37-key MIDI controller. Essential to the success of countless platinum-selling albums, these immortal Line 6 guitar, bass and effects tones are now available for recording guitarists. POD Farm, The Premium Tone Plug-inPOD Farm plug-in features the sounds of the sought-after vintage essentials and must-have modern monsters necessary for a pro-sounding recording. It includes 18 immortal guitar amps Models,24 guitar cabs, 5 bass amps and 5 bass cabs, 29 essential stompbox and studio effects. Drag and drop models into the signal flow, pre or post amplifier. The carousel-style gear browser, displaying each and every coveted model Plus, get your free FX Junkie model pack and add 35 more effect models including synths, filters, delays, and more to POD Farm!KB37, the Lowest Noise for the Clearest RecordingsKB37 boasts the lowest noise for recording guitar, 12dB more dynamic range than similar interfaces, for clear and dynamic recordings. Plus, exclusive Line 6 ToneDirect' monitoring virtually eliminates latency allowing you to record with amp and effect modeling and without sacrificing tone or feel.Half rock-solid guitar interface, half feature-packed MIDI controller, KB37 is as versatile as it is powerful. It features 37 full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, a pitch bend wheel, octave up/down buttons and a set of software-assignable controls.Start Recording Right Out of the BoxPOD Studio KB37 includes POD Farm plug-in, Ableton Live Lite Line 6 Studio Edition 16-track recording software ideal for guitarists, and award-winning Reason Adapted production software featuring a sought-after sequencer and tons of stunningly lifelike instruments. This collection of studio-standard hardware and software provides instant pro recording, right out of the box.

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Line 6 POD HD 500 Review

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(More customer reviews)Before we get started, I am more "pro" than amateur. I work at a church as a pastor of Worship Arts and use this in my work. But I hesitate to say I'm only "pro", because "amateur" means you do something purely for the love of it... and I feel that way about music... So...
First... the models I've tested are far and away more realistic to my ears than other modelers I've used, which includes Logic Studio's amps (these sound almost as good btw), POD X3Live and XTPro (the HD models are noticeably better... and the fizz is GONE GONE GONE), the original POD and 2.0 (which sounded the same to me and made me happy at the time), and the ToneLab SE (which I missed for a while, but not anymore).
I made a few patches for one of my guitars based on having a Bassman 4x10 alongside the Dr. Z, and it is the coolest sound I've ever made with this guitar... easily. Better sounding, to my ears, than the real amps I've been using (maybe because I put them off stage and don't run them very loud). I ADORE the sound of this unit.
Oh, and as always... forget about all the pre-sets. They're probably all as useless as you imagine they might be.
Now the bad news. And it's significant... for some...
First off, editing is clunky like it was on the XT and X3Live. Just forget about trying to use the display. Connect to a computer... Seriously. When you start from an init patch, you only get lucky, it seems, to manage to coax it into "two amp" config...
Next, The functionality of this unit is exaggerated by it's specs. You will almost certainly NOT be able to do 8 FX at once the way you're thinking. Why? Let's say you use an XT or a X3. think about what you're used to.
You start with 8 FX
Subtract effect banks for...
1. volume pedal (you need to use an effect bank). You might be able to use an analog pedal, but I like my volume after my compressor... so I have to do it in the loop I guess...
2. FX loop (only works with an effect bank... Line6, is there any way you can make this always active in a firmware upgrade? Seems like you could.)
3. Noise Gate (used to be always available... don't worry if you mix this with the M13 as I plan to do, though, as the M13 has a great gate). I mostly use clean or just barely broken-up amps, so I might be able to skip this.
4. Wah (this is always available and active in the X3 and below).
5. Post-EQ. The X3Live had a final EQ before final output that I liked a lot. in addition to all the other FX, too. You need to dedicate an FX bank now.
SO... you might only have 3FX left. For me, put in a clean boost and tube drive (which I think sound better in this box than they did in the M13. Probably because they're "digitally part of the signal" is all I can think) and a verb for the amp. No slots left. What if you need delay and modulation? EEK! I have to re-think the way I use FX in this box. Still evaluating how that will work for me.
What if you're a guy like me who was using the X3Live (occasionally) as a one-box solution for a dual-voice guitar. (All my guitars have piezo bridges.) No dice.
I will have to use an acoustic preamp. No matter. I have one. I will probably dedicate a "null" amp to bring this signal into the unit and mix it.
In addition, there aren't as many computer-recording routing options as the X3Live, and the SUPER-sweet ability to switch between two FX chains in one patch (instead of switching programs) is gone. As far back as my old Vox ToneLab SE, I could literally switch channels from one amp/cab to another in the same FX chain. You could do something similar on the X3Live. Not here. Also... Line 6, why on earth can't you make the Midi in and out work as a USB Midi interface with this unit? How complicated can that really be?
In short... the X3Live has significantly... SIGNIFICANTLY more flexibility imho than this unit, for many of us at least, and ought not to have been discontinued imho. For some of you, it's still a viable option.
You also still might need your other FX!
I thought it might be possible that this unit, even if I needed to use my AG Stomp for my acoustic side again (which I'm happy to do) would bump my M13 off the stage. Maybe not. At least not all the time. That said, I think from what I'm hearing that some of the FX (especially the dirt pedals) work FAR better inside this box than they do in the M13 when you connect it to a POD or amp.
My favorite patches so far that I've made (which use the Bassman model and the UNBELIEVABLE Dr. Z model... far and AWAY my favorite amp model EVAH!) don't leave any room for modulation or other special FX. (I'm not a "switch whole patches on the fly" guy. I turn FX off and on.) So I need my M13 after all. And the way I use my M13, having four FX processors with 3 FX available at any time is something I don't think I can live without anyway...
My rig is not getting any simpler, though... and that is a minor disappointment. The X3Live was a one-box solution for the two-voice guitar I do... Am I complaining? No. Because the sound of this unit is so extraordinary. I'd take off a full star for this shortcoming, but the fact is the unit sounds good enough that I can't do it.
There will, at some point, I hope, be a next-generation of this technology which will possibly address some of the usability shortcomings, but I have to say, for this price, I am totally satisfied with the sound, and have the other gear to add to it to make it totally work for me... BIG TIME!
In the meantime, am I willing to trade the flexibility of my former rig for the sound of this one? Heck yes, it sounds that good. I even love the models of amps I know I'll never use for the first time ever....
So... I will likely have a rig consisting of the HD500, and sometimes an M13 (I'm SERIOUSLY thinking of down-sizing that to an M9, but probably won't bother), and an acoustic preamp (currently a Yamaha AG-Stomp) mixed in with the HD signal through the mp3 input or using ONE of the FX to route it through the aux input.
Am I disappointed? Not really. I'm only nit-picking so that you will know all the trade-offs. For what I have been fantasizing about, basically an M13 in form and function with a handful of amp models shoved in the box, this is as close as we're probably going to come. And, did I mention... the SOUND! It's seriously great!
UPDATE! I have learned that I will indeed have no problem replacing my M13 as well, and am selling it in the next day or so (already have offers). It's a great unit, but I simply will not need it anymore with this thing around.

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New HD amp modeling: sound and feel like never beforeHD amp models defy the accepted standard. They feel, behave, and interact with previously unachievable realism.Creating these new HD amp models was no small feat. We mixed 15 years of amp modeling experience with 3 years of new research and development to build an entirely new amp modeling technology from the ground up.During that time, we hunted down 16 incredible amplifiers andwith the help of LAs top tube amp expertsrestored each one back to peak condition. The new modeling technology uses 10-times more amplifier information than before, including single-ended class A tube stages, class AB push/pull interactions, power supply behavior, and more. The result is unprecedented, warmth, feel, sustain, and articulation for you to fall in love with.Tube amp fanatics have long enthused that their favorite stacks and combos arent merely amps, but instruments themselves, with playability equal to that of the guitar plugged into them. New HD modeling takes the POD HD experience to that same exalted level, capturing the genuine playability that great guitarists demand. Your amp collectionnow in HD!On the menu is a collection of freshly modeled amps, many of which are brand-new to POD, and all of which are essential for performing guitarists who require a wide variety of tones in one streamlined, multi-FX-sized package. POD HD500 includes 16 HD amp models based on* Fender Twin ReverbHiwatt Custom 100 (DR103)Supro S6616Gibson EH-185Fender BassmanFender Blackface Deluxe ReverbDivided by 13 JRT 9/15Dr. Z Route 66Vox AC-15Vox AC-30 (Top Boost)Marshall JTM-45 MkIIPark 75Marshall JCM-800 (2204)Bogner UberschallMesa/Boogie Dual RectifierENGL Fireball 100*All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during Line ...

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Line 6 POD X3 Pro Guitar Multi Effects Processor Review

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(More customer reviews)Line6 gear is used by some of the biggest pros in the industry. Why then, is this unit which is labeled as "Pro" such a disappointment?
The GOOD: The sound is typical Line6. If you liked it before you will find it good now. The interface is a little confusing at first but can be learned quickly. There are knobs (and not just buttons) that allow adjustment of parameters in real time. The overall unit, although lightweight feels fairly sturdy. There are multiple inputs and even an effects loop in the unit itself for the addition of other effects.
The BAD: The knobs on the unit feel weak and spin freely as if they will fall off or break at any moment. Many of the presets while decent, sound similar. Effects are limited- if you buy this make sure you really need amp modeling and not just effects as the latter is lacking sorely and sound generic. There is a ton of hum generated by this thing. Doesn't matter if you lift the grounds, use it in front of the amp, in the loop or with the "4 cable" method. It hums and I could not stop it from humming badly.
While using mine the sound abruptly died more than once and resumed a few seconds later without explanation. Saved presets mysteriously disappeared and more than once I turned the unit on and was greeted by nothing but the blank orange screen...nothing else and no sound. While switching presets was typically silent there was on occasion a hiss or pop while switching. This was not typically a repeatable event which was even more frustrating.
The UGLY: Midi implementation is still not included fully in this "pro" unit. You might be able to change presets but your expression pedals probably won't work...even Line6's own FBV pedals do not fully work with this thing...is that a joke? The X3 Live folks have been waiting a year for full midi.
Upon ordering you are promised the full version of "Pod Farm Platinum" free by many sites. This is not without major catches. The software only runs as a VST plugin AND requires you use your unit as a giant "dongle" of sorts or Pod Farm won't work. So every time you want to use Pod Farm you'll need to drag a full size rack unit to your PC and hook it up...stupid.
Overall, if you really need good amp modeling and are running straight into a board or power amp then this unit might be for you. Most would be better served looking for another unit though. The PodXT is time-tested at this point and can be had cheaply on auction sites or here on Amazon. I would recommend that unit until this one is REALLY ready.

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The Line 6 Pod X3 Pro is the powerful Dual Tone processor that comes complete with amp and effect models for recording guitar, bass and vocals. Like all members of the POD X3 family, POD X3 Pro offers powerful Dual Tone modeling and routing options. Split your single-input guitar or bass signal through two different amp and effect chains simultaneously to create gorgeous new hybrids, or use its dual inputs to individually process two instruments-a microphone and a guitar, for example-at the same time. Computer-based studios will want to exploit the USB 2.0 connectivity provided by POD X3 Pro for multi-channel recording as well as its S/PDIF or AES/EBU Stereo Digital Audio I/O for sending a direct digital signal to their DAWs. For additional recording and processing flexibility, POD X3 Pro also includes software plug-in functionality for integration with DAW recording applications. Over USB, you've got the ability to record any or all of 8 different signals running through the POD X3 Pro. The 1/4-inch and XLR inputs can be used to simultaneously record two individual instruments or microphones to separate tracks in your DAW, each in stereo and each with the option of recording the dry mono signal at the same time. (This is perfect for going back after you've recorded a track and adding a little magic with the included plug-in.) In addition to the dual stereo and mono options, there's also a stereo blend being sent down to your DAW that matches exactly the blend coming out of the stereo 1/4-inch outs. Amps and Cabs Quite simply, there has never been an amp modeler with this much sheer firepower. The awesome amp arsenal in POD X3 Pro boasts a whopping 78 guitar amps and 24 guitar cabinets, from boutique beauties to screaming monsters, along with 28 bass amp models and 22 bass cabinet models. With the new POD X3 Dual Tone processing, you can double your trouble by running through two amp rigs simultaneously, pa

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Line 6 POD X3 Review

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(More customer reviews)Geez, where to start. This thing is unreal. For the gigging musician you only need to plug your Mic into the XLR input and your guitar/bass into the guitar input, dial up your favorite patches (you can create your own "User" patches), and run your output into the house PA. No amp or other gear to lug around!!
This thing has truly great guitar/bass sounds and great vocal sounds both out of this one unit. What I really like about it is that the key parameters (gain, EQ, presence, volume, reverb) ALL have their own dedicated knobs on top of the unit...no fumbling thru a bunch of confusing and dimly lit menus. And when you are at the gig there is a way to get the patch number to take up the whole LED (in BIG letters) so you can actually see what patch you are using. And did I mention the sound....I have Boss 600 digital recorder with amp/bass models which until I got the Pod, I thought were pretty good. Well I no longer use the Boss for guitar sounds. Instead, now I run the Pod into the 600 (which is a great digital multitrack recorder with so/so effects).
And now lets talk about the studio. This IS your computer audio interface. The Pod interfaces with your computer (Logic, Cubase, Gband, etc.) via a USB interface. You get simultaneous wet and dry outputs over the USB so you can get all the inspiration the Pod gives you but if you choose, record dry while your DAW is tracking. You can also use your DAW to cycle the Pod thru patch changes if that is the direction you want to go. The Line 6 website has updates/drivers and you will want to plug your Pod into your computer and follow the update instructions on the LIne 6 download page.
When I got this thing I plugged in my guitar (Takamine acoustic first, then Epiphone Casino elec) and some headphones and read just enough in the manual (5 min) to audition the thing. I ended up playing guitar for 2 hours. I was in heaven. Yea, there are a lot of high gain "thrasher/shredder" sounds but there are also a lot of clean sounds that I prefer. The next day I plugged in my Mic, set the Mic gain pot to max and got a great guitar/vocal thing going. However, the MIc input defaults to "mute" so I had to spend about 10 minutes to figure out that I had to play with both the input and output menus to get the MIc working. I played/sang for 3 hours straight after that. It was very inspiring. The next day I figured out how to get the sound to come out of the two 1/4 outputs into a Fender Princeton amp. It sounded great too.
The only "bad" thing is that for each patch you have to have to setup the inputs, outputs, and vocals. Otherwise, the Mic input will not work nor will the outputs work as they default to "Mute". What you want to do is setup user patches that have all these switches set the way that YOU want them so you don't have to tweak each patch every time you turn the thing on. Also the manual is a bit weak and some of the controls are a bit confusing at first. But it is not as difficult as the 600 as the 600 has about 4 levels of menus while the Pod X3 only has 2 levels of menus.
Oh yea, and if you want you can buy a footswitch controller if you are gigging. My friend has the Pod XT and I was just about ready to buy one when I stumbled across the X3....I am so glad I got the X3 as having the capability to do BOTH guitar and vocals at the same time (with their own controls) is huge for me. As a singer/songwriter I could setup all my user patches, show up at the gig with just my guitar, Mic, and Mic stand, and run my feed directly into the house board.
Best money I ever spent on a piece of gear. If you just want a stomp box for your guitar try the pocket Pod or the Pod 2.0. But if you want vocals, guitar, and a computer audio interface, this is your baby.

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The POD X3 will inspire and amaze you with the most complete collection of POD-quality guitar amp, cab, stompbox and studio effect models ever. This arsenal of rare vintage treasures, modern boutiques, and perennial classics offers nearly unlimited creative possibilities. Create your own tones or instantly play through any of the 250+ professionally dialed-in presets. For those in search of greater tonal possibilities, POD X3 gives you more power than ever before to create entirely new sounds. Split your guitar signal and play it through two guitar amp and effect signal chains at once. Add bass or vocals using the bass amp and high-end mic preamp models now included in POD X3.You can even plug in two instruments at once, each with its own independent tone processing. Whatever your music calls for, POD X3 has the power and flexibility to deliver. Whether you choose to recreate the sounds of the past or turn tradition on its ear, POD X3 comes fully-loaded with most inspiring collection of POD-quality amps and effects to let your sound break free. Most powerful POD EVER!Line 6 POD X3 Features and Benefits Electric Guitar POD X3 offers a whole new level of control over your guitar tone. Plug straight into any one of the 78 ear-shattering guitar amp models for pure, unadulterated guitar tone. Combine amp and cab models with the mouth-watering collection of 98 stompbox and studio effect models to build out your rig. Take your sound to the next level by blasting your guitar through two guitar rigs at once to create a massive wall of sound that even guitar heroes of the past would respect. Or plug POD X3 in front of your favorite stack or combo to pile on up to nine simultaneous effects, including

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