"Pro" Modeller Questions

[Algiman]

My trusty POD XT has finally died, and I suspect is isn't worth getting it repaired given how cheap they are today. I'm an electronics engineer, and I'm pretty sure this thing is very dead, not just a little bit dead, so I'd most likely end up paying to replace the entire circuit board.

Looking at replacements, I'm probably going to go with either the POD Pro XT or the Boss GT-Pro. I liked the Pod, just fancy a change.

I'd mainly be using the unit to feed a mixer so I can play along with backing tracks through headphones in silence, but it'll be used for small jams too when I can't be bothered taking my main rig.

Here's the question: occasionally I'll want to use the unit to play and record bass, but, as far as I can see, the boss does not have specific bass modellers and effects, unlike the Pod. Has anyone here used the Boss with a bass?

[lemongrass]

Just a thought - the power switch on pod xt's sometimes fail - I've come across two (mine and a kid at school) where where this happened and rather than replace it (too lazy to order the part) I shorted it to always on and used the mains socket to turn it on and off.

Might be worth a look before you right it off...

Cheers
John

[Algiman]

Gone through all of that. It's dead.

[Algiman]

The switch was also knakered, which is what was starting to push me towards the Boss unit - I get pissed off with companies if their stuff breaks!

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

If you are looking at the Pod, it's worth checking out the new Pod X3, there's plenty of info on the Line6 site.

It's about $100 more, but does a lot more than the xt.

Rock on!

[Racerx2k]

Might wanna check out the Johnson J-Stations. They are great sounding (much better than the PODs, IMHO), and can be had on the cheap.

[Algiman]

If I was after a desktop then the X3 would definitely be on the list to try, but I'm quite keen on the rackmount form.

J Stations are great for the money, but I'm not looking to save cash here.

Boss is winning on the basis of versatility (loops etc) but I just want to know if anyone has experience of using a bass through one, and if it can be used to lay down a reasonable track.

[Racerx2k]

Well, I mentioned the J-Station because of it's sound quality. The price just happens to be an added bonus. I do bass track through mine, all the time, and they sound great. There are specific bass models on it, and with the second version of flash software, you can turn off all modelling, and simply use the effects, which is what I do, live.

[Scali]

I'd wait for the rack version of the X3 that's bound to come out sometime soon. Or have a look at the new Toneport UX8 rack unit? Downside on that is that it requires a PC to operate.
I hate the Boss GT series personally, I think they require too much tweaking to get decent sounds and even then they're only just 'decent'... I think a Pod sounds far more professional.

I use a Zoom G9.2tt myself, but there is no rack version of it, and I don't think there's one planned.

[albee1952]

You should check out the Vox tonelab boxes too.

[Algiman]

The thing I like about the boss is the ability to drop a real pre-amp into the loop. If not for that the Pod would be the clear winner. Good idea about waiting to see if there is a rack mount X3 though Scali.

There are loads of good modellers out there these day, so thanks for the pointers folks, but my question remains:
Can anyone speak with experience about using the Boss GT-Pro with a bass, and is it any good?

[mi2tom]

G9.2tt!!! You can't go wrong with em.

[modulo]

Me too
G9 2tt all the way, just bought one and tried the Pod and the Tone lab and bought the Zoom, its more versatile then the pod, or consider the Digitech RP 500

[jb4674]

Algiman, there are some presets in the GT-Pro that you could use a bass with. Although Boss makes no mention of this in the manual, I'm sure you could do it.

I own a GT-Pro and I love that thing. I recently recorded some stuff with it and the sound was pretty good.

Jimmy

[Algiman]

Thanks Jimmy. Have you recorded bass?