No I am not stupid and i know that the PODxt live has two quarter inch outputs. But what do I need to take to gigs and places with house PAs because I won't have cables to go from the pod straight to the board...what do I need to be able to hook up the pod into the pa with low hassle? and how do I do it. Also if I brought my own monitor, how would I hook that up?
How to hook up PODxt to PA?
- Thread starter G&Legacy
- Start date
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
You need a direct box. At a bare minumum, a direct box will have two 1/4" jacks (input and a parallel "thru" jack), an XLR output that will conncet to a PA system mike input (or to a snake input) and a ground lift switch to eliminate ground loops between your gear and the PA.
If your monitor has a 1/4" hi-z input, you can use the "thru" jack to connect to it. If it is also lo-z XLR, you'll need a splitter.
You need a direct box. At a bare minumum, a direct box will have two 1/4" jacks (input and a parallel "thru" jack), an XLR output that will conncet to a PA system mike input (or to a snake input) and a ground lift switch to eliminate ground loops between your gear and the PA.
If your monitor has a 1/4" hi-z input, you can use the "thru" jack to connect to it. If it is also lo-z XLR, you'll need a splitter.
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
XTL -> DI box -> PA - XLR out from your DI goes into the snake; use 2 DIs or a stereo DI if you want to run stereo.
The DI box you choose will have some effect on tone; the Radial JDI is generally considered the best option, though you can definitely get a perfectly usable tone through something cheaper.
XTL -> DI box -> PA - XLR out from your DI goes into the snake; use 2 DIs or a stereo DI if you want to run stereo.
The DI box you choose will have some effect on tone; the Radial JDI is generally considered the best option, though you can definitely get a perfectly usable tone through something cheaper.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Why would you need a DI box???
A DI box is normally used to convert a High Z (high impedence, like a guitar, bass, or microphone) signal to a Low Z (low impedence, like a pedal, amp send, or effects unit) signal. The Pod's outputs are already a low Z signal, therefore a DI is totally unnecesary.
Any decent snake should have both low Z and high Z lines on it. Most use 1/4" TRS jacks for the low Z lines ... just plug right into that.
Why would you need a DI box???
A DI box is normally used to convert a High Z (high impedence, like a guitar, bass, or microphone) signal to a Low Z (low impedence, like a pedal, amp send, or effects unit) signal. The Pod's outputs are already a low Z signal, therefore a DI is totally unnecesary.
Any decent snake should have both low Z and high Z lines on it. Most use 1/4" TRS jacks for the low Z lines ... just plug right into that.
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Yeah, but does that mean I have to buy really long quarter inch cables?
Yeah, but does that mean I have to buy really long quarter inch cables?
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Decent snakes are kinda hard to come by, then, I guess. Venues around here must be cheap or something.
Decent snakes are kinda hard to come by, then, I guess. Venues around here must be cheap or something.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Good point. My advice then is to contact the venue in question ahead of time and ask what they have.
Good point. My advice then is to contact the venue in question ahead of time and ask what they have.
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
In my book, anything 1/4" is going to be high-impedance. It might be instrument level or line level, but it's going to be hi-Z. (We're not talking about the POD's output here, we're talking about the mixer's input.) High impedance signals cannot run long lengths without signal degradation.
Long runs to a PA board should therefore be low impedance. For noise rejection, they should also be balanced.
A direct box will convert your POD's 1/4" unbalanced output to an XLR, low impedance, balanced signal suitable for running on any mike cable or snake.
Links to some good reading material on this subject:
http://www.rane.com/pdf/ranenotes/Sound%20System%20Interconnection.pdf
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/ftp/tech/tech01.pdf
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/ftp/tech/tech02.pdf
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/ftp/tech/tech03.pdf
In my book, anything 1/4" is going to be high-impedance. It might be instrument level or line level, but it's going to be hi-Z. (We're not talking about the POD's output here, we're talking about the mixer's input.) High impedance signals cannot run long lengths without signal degradation.
Long runs to a PA board should therefore be low impedance. For noise rejection, they should also be balanced.
A direct box will convert your POD's 1/4" unbalanced output to an XLR, low impedance, balanced signal suitable for running on any mike cable or snake.
Links to some good reading material on this subject:
http://www.rane.com/pdf/ranenotes/Sound%20System%20Interconnection.pdf
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/ftp/tech/tech01.pdf
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/ftp/tech/tech02.pdf
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/ftp/tech/tech03.pdf
guitarded
New member
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
For what's it worth. The PODXT, and I mean the bean model, not the floor model has balanced Outputs.
For what's it worth. The PODXT, and I mean the bean model, not the floor model has balanced Outputs.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
I'll have to crack open the manual to be sure, but I'm 99% sure the XT's output is low Z TRS.
EDIT: the manual says 1/4" balanced TRS +4dBu.
I'll have to crack open the manual to be sure, but I'm 99% sure the XT's output is low Z TRS.
EDIT: the manual says 1/4" balanced TRS +4dBu.
Last edited:
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Let's break it down!
1/4" is the diameter of the plug - the standard guitar cable size
Balanced, put simply, is a way to transmit an audio signal that eliminates most outside interference and noise. It uses a three-conductor cable (see TRS) as opposed to the standard two-conductor guitar cable (which is called an "unbalanced" connection). It's ok to plug an unbalanced cable into a balanced jack, but it will probably be noisier over longer distances.
TRS stands for Tip Ring Sleeve, which means the plug is split into three sections. If you look at your guitar cable's plug, it probably has two sections (the tip and the sleeve, aka. TS). TRS has a third section in the middle. This is done to accomodate the balanced connection (see above). You can plug a TS cable into a TRS jack, and vise versa, with no problems.
+4dBu is the level of the signal coming from the POD. This is a line-level signal, which means it can be hooked directly into other line-level equipment, such as a mixing console or a recording device. There are two levels of line level signal: +4dBu (the professional standard) and -10dBV (the semi-pro or home audio standard). +4dBu is a "stronger" signal, and is capable of traveling longer distances without degrading.
So what does that all mean for you? It means you have a few good options for hooking the PODxt to the PA.
Your best option would be a balanced connection direct to the board, if the venue's hardware supports that. A good mixing board will have 1/4" TRS balanced jacks on at least a few of the channels. To do this, you will need 1/4" TRS-to-TRS cables that are long enough to get you to the board or the snake.
If they don't have a balanced connection for you, you can use the TRS-to-TRS cables anyway. They will work fine with an unbalanced signal, and that way you still can have the cleaner balanced signal when you play somewhere that can accomodate it.
Anyway, my recommendation is to get a pair of decent quality TRS-to-TRS cables that are as long as you can afford.
Let's break it down!
1/4" is the diameter of the plug - the standard guitar cable size
Balanced, put simply, is a way to transmit an audio signal that eliminates most outside interference and noise. It uses a three-conductor cable (see TRS) as opposed to the standard two-conductor guitar cable (which is called an "unbalanced" connection). It's ok to plug an unbalanced cable into a balanced jack, but it will probably be noisier over longer distances.
TRS stands for Tip Ring Sleeve, which means the plug is split into three sections. If you look at your guitar cable's plug, it probably has two sections (the tip and the sleeve, aka. TS). TRS has a third section in the middle. This is done to accomodate the balanced connection (see above). You can plug a TS cable into a TRS jack, and vise versa, with no problems.
+4dBu is the level of the signal coming from the POD. This is a line-level signal, which means it can be hooked directly into other line-level equipment, such as a mixing console or a recording device. There are two levels of line level signal: +4dBu (the professional standard) and -10dBV (the semi-pro or home audio standard). +4dBu is a "stronger" signal, and is capable of traveling longer distances without degrading.
So what does that all mean for you? It means you have a few good options for hooking the PODxt to the PA.
Your best option would be a balanced connection direct to the board, if the venue's hardware supports that. A good mixing board will have 1/4" TRS balanced jacks on at least a few of the channels. To do this, you will need 1/4" TRS-to-TRS cables that are long enough to get you to the board or the snake.
If they don't have a balanced connection for you, you can use the TRS-to-TRS cables anyway. They will work fine with an unbalanced signal, and that way you still can have the cleaner balanced signal when you play somewhere that can accomodate it.
Anyway, my recommendation is to get a pair of decent quality TRS-to-TRS cables that are as long as you can afford.
J Moose
New member
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
+1
Go get yourself a decent direct box. The 'Countryman' is the standard (not a great one) and the Radial & BSS boxes are pretty solid too. Should be about $150-200 depending on what 'ya get.
There are passive boxes out there for about $50-60 USD that are "ok" but are pretty much tone suckers at the end of the day.
You should ditch ANY idea of being able to hand the soundmonkey a 1/4" TRS line and them being able to plug that directly into the console.
Hand 'em that & it's going into a DI box.
Even if there ARE some 1/4" inputs on the snake chances are they're being used for monitor returns, driving the amp rack or some other purpose.
Besides... even if you DID manage to get plugged into one of those inputs the soundmonkey's gotta be able to plug it into the desk on the other end in a somewhat conventional manner.
Not to mention that if you run a 100' high-impedance line all your high end is gonna disappear and it's a GREAT way to pick up stray interferance from the all-night taxi shop that's a half-block from the venue.
Remember the air base scene in Spinal Tap?
Save the headaches.
Buy a direct box and hand THAT to the sound dweeb.
+1
Go get yourself a decent direct box. The 'Countryman' is the standard (not a great one) and the Radial & BSS boxes are pretty solid too. Should be about $150-200 depending on what 'ya get.
There are passive boxes out there for about $50-60 USD that are "ok" but are pretty much tone suckers at the end of the day.
You should ditch ANY idea of being able to hand the soundmonkey a 1/4" TRS line and them being able to plug that directly into the console.
Hand 'em that & it's going into a DI box.
Even if there ARE some 1/4" inputs on the snake chances are they're being used for monitor returns, driving the amp rack or some other purpose.
Besides... even if you DID manage to get plugged into one of those inputs the soundmonkey's gotta be able to plug it into the desk on the other end in a somewhat conventional manner.
Not to mention that if you run a 100' high-impedance line all your high end is gonna disappear and it's a GREAT way to pick up stray interferance from the all-night taxi shop that's a half-block from the venue.
Remember the air base scene in Spinal Tap?
Save the headaches.
Buy a direct box and hand THAT to the sound dweeb.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Any sound guy who plugs a balanced TRS +4dBu into a DI box is a moron.
Then again, we are talking about sound guys here ... I wouldn't put it past them. Most of them don't know what to do with anything that isn't an SM57.
Any sound guy who plugs a balanced TRS +4dBu into a DI box is a moron.
Then again, we are talking about sound guys here ... I wouldn't put it past them. Most of them don't know what to do with anything that isn't an SM57.
J Moose
New member
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggghhht.
So how's that gig as A1 on the Madonna tour working out?!?
Not trying to be condensending here...but 'yer talkin' out of your ass.
Any... and I do mean ANY +4 line level signal coming from 'stage' is going to get jammed into a direct box in a "real" PA setup.
Doesn't matter if it's a sampler, guitar synth or two dozen keyboard sound modules going into a Smackie mixer & being summed to a stereo output...
Could be a club that holds 200 people, 5000 seat theatre or a 30,000 seat arena...
None of 'em... NONE, ZERO, ZILCH, fukking NA-DA are running +4 line levels into a stage box for FOH & monitor land.
Hunt around the stage on a big production like Living Colour or something (4 piece band running 40 inputs) and you'll see at least a dozen or so direct boxes hanging around.
Peace.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggghhht.
So how's that gig as A1 on the Madonna tour working out?!?
Not trying to be condensending here...but 'yer talkin' out of your ass.
Any... and I do mean ANY +4 line level signal coming from 'stage' is going to get jammed into a direct box in a "real" PA setup.
Doesn't matter if it's a sampler, guitar synth or two dozen keyboard sound modules going into a Smackie mixer & being summed to a stereo output...
Could be a club that holds 200 people, 5000 seat theatre or a 30,000 seat arena...
None of 'em... NONE, ZERO, ZILCH, fukking NA-DA are running +4 line levels into a stage box for FOH & monitor land.
Hunt around the stage on a big production like Living Colour or something (4 piece band running 40 inputs) and you'll see at least a dozen or so direct boxes hanging around.
Peace.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
I still haven't seen a real, technical explanation as to why you can't plug a balanced +4 line direct into the PA. All I've seen so far is "that's not how its done".
If you're going to call me a dumbass, at least explain why I'm a dumbass.
I still haven't seen a real, technical explanation as to why you can't plug a balanced +4 line direct into the PA. All I've seen so far is "that's not how its done".
If you're going to call me a dumbass, at least explain why I'm a dumbass.
Re: How to hook up PODxt to PA?
okay guys, no need to fight, I am the one that needs help.
by the way I am running a xt live. So I shoudn't run it into a DI? I am confused. Can I use regular guitar cables from the Pod to the DI?
Maybe, i should email line6...
you guys that have one...how do you hook it up to a pa, or do you use it thru and amp?
okay guys, no need to fight, I am the one that needs help.
by the way I am running a xt live. So I shoudn't run it into a DI? I am confused. Can I use regular guitar cables from the Pod to the DI?
Maybe, i should email line6...
you guys that have one...how do you hook it up to a pa, or do you use it thru and amp?
