Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Skarekrough
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Skarekrough

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So, I'm trying to put together a rig for an audition tomorrow night and I thought I'd go with a PodXT and Crate PowerBlock setup.

I've got everything rigged up; guitar -> PodXT -> PodXT L/R Outs -> Crate PowerBlock L/R Line In -> Speaker Out (8 ohm) -> Marshall JCM 900 2 x 12.

In this mode the XT controls the volume, a nice feature.

However, the thing isn't really, well, loud. I swear my Deluxe Reverb Reissue is much louder than this setup, and it's cranked!

Am I missing something?
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

i think that this has been covered in depth at the gear page

if you do a search over there i think someone sussed out the answer - i just dont remember the details becasue i do not own a PB so i couldnt get my head around the solution

good luck
t4d
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

Skarekrough said:
So, I'm trying to put together a rig for an audition tomorrow night and I thought I'd go with a PodXT and Crate PowerBlock setup.

I've got everything rigged up; guitar -> PodXT -> PodXT L/R Outs -> Crate PowerBlock L/R Line In -> Speaker Out (8 ohm) -> Marshall JCM 900 2 x 12.

In this mode the XT controls the volume, a nice feature.

However, the thing isn't really, well, loud. I swear my Deluxe Reverb Reissue is much louder than this setup, and it's cranked!

Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

I had this discussion awhile back. I thought you were in on it too, but guess not. It basically discussed the nature of the line in, and having a line level loud enough going in to be able to use the amp's power to its fullest potential. I don't like how the preamp's volume controls the volume of the amp, because you're not able to tap into the power of the crate. Perhaps the POD XT really doesn't put out a true line-level signal? Is that the same "out" of the POD that others may run through the front of their amps?

At any rate, I suggest going through the front and tweaking the EQ and preamp such that it would have minimal affect on the sound, but it's probably going to have an influence. But it will be loud. Although it's "made for PODs" I think it's really made best for pedals through the front end.
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

oh yeah, i remember now, try the pod into the CD input

and i guess you'll have to 'season to taste' with the pod speaker modeling - might not need/want it

t4d
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. I've noticed the same that it doesn't get very loud. Perhaps it's my imagination, but when I run the POD stereo into both returns and run it at 16ohms or in Stereo it seems louder. Maybe it should be that way. Still it doesn't really hit the volumes I expect or am used to.

Sorry I was no help.
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

Is there a tweak to the POD's output "type"? When I had a GT6, you could set the output type depending on what you were running it into, full-range PA, recording, front end of a guitar amp, etc...

FWIW, I use my PB as an amp with some pedals, it will get plenty loud, so it seems to be something to do with the signal that the POD is feeding it.
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

devastone said:
Is there a tweak to the POD's output "type"? When I had a GT6, you could set the output type depending on what you were running it into, full-range PA, recording, front end of a guitar amp, etc...

FWIW, I use my PB as an amp with some pedals, it will get plenty loud, so it seems to be something to do with the signal that the POD is feeding it.
Click to expand...

You can set the way the PodXT is supposed to behave, and I've done that with some success.

However, for what push the PowerBlock is supposed to have I would expect WAY more.

I'll go ahead and take the PodXT out of the loop on this and consider it a decent way of really evaluating what the actual volume of the unit is.
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

impedance mismatch?

maybe try the whole rig as mono ?

good luck
t4d
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

Interesting idea...

Plugged straight into the PowerBlock is louder, but honestly not all that much louder. I guess I just expected it to be alot louder.

The results with the PodXT are good, could be great. It's going to be interesting to see how it works out. The patches I have really need to be re-designed to take into account the whole of the setup, but I've done one for the Jumped Plexi with really nice results.

Typical of me though...I'll have a hundred amps at my disposal and then only use two....
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

my power block is LOUD running in mono at 8 ohms plugged straight in, something doesnt sound right
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

Skarekrough said:
Interesting idea...

Plugged straight into the PowerBlock is louder, but honestly not all that much louder. I guess I just expected it to be alot louder.QUOTE]

that does sound odd. it should have plenty o' volume.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

My recommendation is to put something in between the POD and the power amp to give yourself a bit more control over the level and EQ. Cheapo Behringer mini mixers are great for that purpose (but please don't use it for any studio work). Max the output level on the POD and use the mixer to attenuate the level and shape the EQ a bit if necessary.

This also gives you the ability to plug other things into the Power Block, like an acoustic guitar or a bass.

Substitute Power Block with Roland Cube 60 keyboard amp, and that's essentially my live rig.
 
Re: Crate PowerBlock /PodXT issues

Just caught this thread now. A few tips as I have been using this combo live for some time.

1. Use TRS cables and plug the Pod XT left and right outputs into the FX return on the Powerblock. I forget how much db this will get you but it is significant and you will hear the difference.

2. On your patches use the Line6 onboard compressor as a boaster. Around 5DB will make all your patches quite loud. Don't use any compression unless you want it... Just use the gain kno on the compressor. This will also make your patches sound more upfront and less distant, and help you cut through better. I got this tip from looking at other people's patches I had downloaded and comparing the good ones to the bad ones.

3. Set your Output on the POD XT to PWRAMP/Stack

If you head out to the line 6 POD forums you will see quite a few discussions about using the POD with the powerblock. Presently, I ended up giving up on using modeling live, because it was just too time consuming, and I was spending less time practicing and more time messing with my tone than I would have liked to. I still use the Powerblocks, but I use a SD Twin Tube Classic to provide the overdrive, and a few assorted Boss pedals for modulation, delay and reverb.
 
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