Best amplification for PODxt Live

[Aceman]

I'm thinking about going to a POD xt Live. What's the best option for something to actually produce the volume?

Powerengine from tech 21 - 60 watts, chainable
Atomic - Uses tubes
Keyboard amp (i.e Roland 60 watt) - 4 inputs
Small PA
Guitar amp - your call

I'd love to have a flat out to get good reproduction, but I think I'd miss the ability to just move an amp and play - not that I do that often, but still. Then again, I'd like to get a programmable rhythm box or maybe a bass, and we have a keyboard at home too. I really love tweeking to sounds off of albums. I'm just looking for something clean (meaning not a bunch of wires and connections) yet has some flexibility.

 

[gtg10k]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

the atomic amps are really nice. i had a modeling amp when i got mine and traded it in for a peavey classic 30. its a simple tube amp and works remarkably well with the xtlive. For me i like having a guitar amp through it so i can use some of the amps features every once in a while. dont get the small PA, or keyboard amp. get the atomic or a small tube amp like a fender blues junior, laney lc15r or peavey classic 30.

 

[SOLO GUITAR STEWIE]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

Get a good power amp and a Avatar cab.

my .02 cents
chris

 

[presa_tito]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

I have an atomic amp with XT Live. Havn't tried much else with the XT, but no need since I'm already completely satisfied.

 

[aleclee]

My friend's experience with the Atomic

My friend's experience with the Atomic

YMMV of course:

I have extensively tried the modeling route lately and have got some good results from that; but in the end the Atomic Reactor/POD XTL solution was just not loud enough, too directional and compared A/B to my Rivera Rake solution (using the XTL as the complete front end into the efx loop return *OR* the XTL as an effects only situation - in lieu of the massive boutique pedalboard I ran last year) the Rake just destroyed, IMHO, the Atomic. The modeling thing gives you tons more tones to choose from. Lots of character; but the 18 watt 1-12 ported combo just didn't do it (especially on the clean headroom thing) with a full on drummer. The solution from guys running that route is to buy another Atomic; well that sorta puts the "lighter/simpler" thing in the toilet for me.

 

[ankalar]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

Get a good power amp and a Avatar cab.

That's what I did.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

I say a good powerful Keyboard amp would do the job if a Atomic amp will not... I love the sound of POD's thru Keyboard amps.

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

Peavey classic 50/50 stereo tube power amp - simple circuit, very neutral sounding, I use one with an Avatar 2x12 cabinet. The amp will run 50 watts stereo or 100 watts mono.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

No Powerengine feedback out there?

 

[mmguz]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

I use mine in the effects loop of a fender hot rod deluxe and sounds great and really loud. In front of the amp sounds great too. Is the only way I have tried it. But a lot of people says that the tech 21 is the best way and less expensive.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

mine sounds great through the bassman 100

basically, the best thing to do is figure out what models you're going to use most, and base everything else off that

for instance, if you're gonna use the brit tones most, getting something with 6l6's wouldn't be too smart

if you're after the vintage american stuff, v30's or jensens & 6l6 is the way to go, really.

for mine, well, the bassman is obviously 6l6's, and then i use eminence legend 125's, which are similar to the 75 watt celestions, but sound better IMO, i think every amp sounds better with those tubes & speakers, so i'm a lot happier with the tones i get

and you CAN run the cab models even if you're plugging into a cab, infact, more often than not it's a good idea to do so, it doesn't sound weird or bad, it sounds like your speakers mixed with the ones you're running on the XTL

i dunno how it'd sound using just it for a preamp, but keep in mind i'm a FREAK about tone control, i dial in EQ on my amp, on the amp model, parametric EQ on it, and yeah sometimes the cab models. Basically i EQ the crap outta everything, tightens stuff up a lot, i don't have problems with certain ranges being too...whatever

i hope that helps?

 

[presa_tito]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

Quote:
I have extensively tried the modeling route lately and have got some good results from that; but in the end the Atomic Reactor/POD XTL solution was just not loud enough, too directional and compared A/B to my Rivera Rake solution (using the XTL as the complete front end into the efx loop return *OR* the XTL as an effects only situation - in lieu of the massive boutique pedalboard I ran last year) the Rake just destroyed, IMHO, the Atomic. The modeling thing gives you tons more tones to choose from. Lots of character; but the 18 watt 1-12 ported combo just didn't do it (especially on the clean headroom thing) with a full on drummer. The solution from guys running that route is to buy another Atomic; well that sorta puts the "lighter/simpler" thing in the toilet for me.

I wouldn't expect 18 watts to be enough to play large shows on its own obviously. It can get very loud though, believe me. The newer 212 version might be more suitable for some. It is quite directional, which is what I expect from most closed back combos. I'm not saying it outdoes lots of $2000 amps, but it sounds great for what it is, has vast flexibility, and is fairly inexpensive.

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

i have no complaints with my XT and atomic 1x12 combo for practice and bedroom use...i don't think it can keep up volume wise with my drummer (he's an animal lol) but it does get pretty damn loud. if you need more volume go with the new 2x12 atomic...the atomic amps just bring new life to pods!!

-Mike

 

[Willis]

Re: Best amplification for PODxt Live

If you want a Peavey Classic 60/60, you can find one for $200-$300. They're similar to the 50/50s, with the biggest difference being power tubes (6L6 in the 60/60 and EL84 in the 50/50). I have a 60/60 on layaway for use with my ADA MP-1, and I'll probably get it in about a month.