PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

[Mllerrin]

I got a PoDXT Live, and because of financial problems I'm looking to sell my Mesa Single Rectifier Half Stack and use my PoDXT to go straight to the PA. This is only temporary until I get back on my feet. I was planning on getting some different stuff anyway (I really want to see about getting one of those Marshall JVM's).

Anyway can anyone tell me how I would set this up?

Guitar -> PodXT 1 -> Direct Box -> PA
-> Monitor

So the Direct Box should have two outputs?
Also what kind of direct box should I be getting, Active? Passive? Guitar?
Any reccomendations on specific ones?

 

[davedvdy]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

Or you could use a stereo to mono adapter out like I do with the POD XT. It has a connection that uses both the left and right outputs on the unit, and then you can take that to go into a regular guitar cable out to your direct box or amplifier.

 

[Mllerrin]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

But will the Direct Box have 2 outputs so I can send one to the PA and one to a Monitor?

 

[LesStrat]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

Yes. Even cheap passive direct boxes have a hi-Z output.

Typical configuration is instrument-in (hi-z in) and hi-z out on one side, and XLR (mic) out on the other.

When I play with my POD xt Live, I set up this way:

Parker Fly Deluxe-->Dynacomp-->POD-->Passive D/I box

-->hi-z out to Hartke Bass combo for monitor
-->XLR out to mixer

Originally, I used the stage monitors, but we ran short of channels. Besides, with a separate monitor for the guitar I was better able to hear my axe.


EDIT: I used PODs exclusively for about 6 years. I have no major complaints about that setup, as long as the PA is decent.

 

[Mllerrin]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

How many watt of a bass amp would you think is needed to monitor myself correctly? I don't want to spend too much on just a monitor. Or would it be possible to just connect to a Monitor with the Hi-Z output?

And I'm assuming this DI is the one to use:

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-RAD-PRODI.html#

I wouldn't want to get too cheap of a direct box as it's controlling a lot of my signal I guess.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

Sounds like you need to be thrifty right now, so just go to the PA and run to the stage monitors. If you have a decent PA, this might be fine. It has been for me in the past. If that doesnt work out for you, just get a basic SS guitar amp that has a good clean channel. I have run mine to a 30 watt peavey and had more than enough volume to hear myself. (when running through the PA)

 

[LesStrat]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

Sorry, I have no experience with that particular DI. But the "thru" jack is the same as the hi-z out.

You could come out of that DI into a monitor if the monitor is powered. Otherwise you would need an amplifier to power it.

As far as wattage of an amp used to monitor your sound, it depends completely on the stage volume of the band.

I disagree with the recommendation for a SS guitar amp. You would want a full-range amp (keyboard, bass, acoustic guitar, etc.). Otherwise, the sound you hear would not even be close to the sound in the PA.

If the PA has a decent monitor setup, then you could use one of the stage monitors to monitor your sound. The question is whether you would have a monitor channel dedicated to YOU. If you have to share it, then monitoring yourself becomes more difficult. Not impossible, but difficult.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

I disagree with the recommendation for a SS guitar amp. You would want a full-range amp (keyboard, bass, acoustic guitar, etc.). Otherwise, the sound you hear would not even be close to the sound in the PA.

sorry, you are right. you will get different sounds. Mine ended up being the majority of my sound, with the PA as a small boost when needed to balance me out. Not near the ideal setup, but.........

 

[LesStrat]

Re: PoDXT Live -> Direct Box ->Monitor Setup

No worries. My li'l bass combo is nowhere near ideal, but it gets a fair representation of the PA sound, so I have a clue what signal I'm sending.