You’ve probably guessed by the title that this is a section on Pod XT/XT Pro/XT Live model packs.
I know you can get all your info on these from www.line6.com but this is more of a review (excludes the bass model pack as i do not have it).

I have personally been using the Pod XT Live since it was released, and also purchased the Classic and Metal packs. I also own a Pod XT (without any model packs). Both these units are brilliant (with the exception of the usb drivers), and haven’t let me down once.

Now, before I start on the actual model packs, I would like to do a small review on the current firmware (version 3), which also contains a few extra amp models, some stompboxes, and wah models.

My favourite thing about this update is the wah models. I absoutely love them! Each wah model has its own unique sound, but my favourite is definately the “throaty” model. This particular wah is very deep sounding and works well for my style of music. The amp models bundled with this update are ok, but in general can’t be compared to the Classic and Metal packs. The only one I usually use is the Modern Hi Gain. Now onto the stompboxes… The effect I had been waiting for in this update initially was the Whammy effect, which they hadn’t put in the previous firmware. This effect sounds almost exactly like the Whammy effect on that big red box I used to own ;). Although it doesn’t beat the original, it comes pretty close. However, the one thing I don’t like about it (as with most of the synth effects in the FX Junkie pack) is the tracking. Not as smooth as i’d hoped. Please fix this Line6! The octave effect is also pretty cool, but also suffers from tracking problems.

Ok, thats that out of the way! Now onto the model packs…

First the Metal pack. This pack features 18 high gain amp models based on various modern amps. Made for the player who needs more gain in their sound. Various tones can be achieved from these amp models, even some not so high gain tones, but my personal favourite has to be the Bomber Uber model, which is based on a Bogner Uberschall (the best amp ever made). Having heard the proper Uber in action, I was quick to use this amp model when I purchased this pack. To my ears, there really isn’t much difference between this model and the proper amp when cranked up. Infact, because of the various mics and cabs available on the Pod, there are actually far more tone shaping options available than any amp could give you. I find myself using the Bogner the most because I just love it’s sound, but I do use a lot of the other amp models in this pack, such as the J800 (JCM800), the Big Bottom (Mesa Rectifier on steroids), and the Criminal (Peavey 5150). On the whole, these amp models provide some very usable sounds for both rhythm and lead. Whatever sound you’re looking for, and whether you’re planning on recording or playing live, i’m sure u’ll find this model pack very usable.

Onto the Classic pack. Naturally, these amps sound at their best for classic rock, blues, and any low to medium gain applications. Also with 18 amp models, this pack is a must for fans of clean amps. If you like vintage amps u’ll love these also. Although I don’t really use the clean amps that often, I do like the Purge model (hotrodded JMP1), and the XTC (Bogner Ecstasy). Like with all amps, spend some time tweaking.

In my opinion, both of these model packs are well worth the buy; or if you want to get them free, just buy one of the new Pod X3’s.

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