line 6 hardware advice? (guitarport, podxt, toneport???)

[r1ffraff]

I am going to take the RW plunge, and I need some help deciding which hardware I should purchase. I am partial to line6, as I like their sound(s).

I have a macbook laptop, and want to be able to plug in my guitar and record when inspiration strikes. Form factor is somewhat important (i.e. small and portable is good, but if it's small, portable and sux then I would rather have the big ugglies

Guitarport/riff tracker seems like a good way to get my feet wet without spending too much money. However, the actual toneport hardware seems more flexible, esp if I want to record other non-guitar audio. If I decide to go the guitarport/rifftacker route, what features am I losing out on vs the pod xt or toneport (besides the additional audio inputs)?

As far as latency/sound quality/proc power goes, can the guitarport do everything that the xt or toneport can?

Basically, if anyone has gone down this route, I would like to know why you bought the interface you did, and if you are happy with your choice. Oh, and if there is something missing or broken in the guitarport version, it would be useful to know before spending $$$...

Thanks in advance for any insight...

PS-I have been trolling this forum since I started using the sw, and I would like to say that the user community is great! I see many thoughtful posts, and I must admit that is one of the reasons I will be purchasing the SW!

[scott]

Hi R1ffraff,

Welcome to the RiffWorks forum!

I can give you an idea of what I use and my thoughts. Unfortunately, at this stage, I can't give you a comparison as I only use GuitarPort/GearBox with RiffWorks.

I've used GP since before RW came out and the two of them work great for me. Initially, GP & RW were integrated but, since v1.1 of RW they operate independently. GP now utilises GearBox for its amp modelling (the same software for TonePort/PODs etc.). The latency is very low.
Basically, to cut a long story short, it does everything I need it to do. I can record vocals, keys, guitars.
Now the next bit ... I'm going to move to TonePort for two reasons. 1) Flexibility and 2) added functionality - 2 inputs and phantom power. Buying TonePort will also unlock extra preset amp models.

I should say that I have used GP for years and it has been wonderful. All my recordings have been through it. It's certainly not a bad place to start!

Finally, choose your version of RW carefully. There's a Line6 version and a 'Standard' version. The former ties you to using Line6 hardware (GP, TonePort, POD etc.). Standard gives you more flexibility - it still allows you to use Line6 hardware, but you're not tied to only that.

Good luck and we all look forward to hearing your music on RiffCaster or on RiffLink in the future!

[GuitarSlinger]

I have owned all three.

It's exactly like you would imagine.

Guitarport is great for guitar only. Upgrades are available to add bass models.

Toneport gives you vocal pre-amps and mic inputs and line level inputs. These are fantastic for vocals and for micing acoustic instruments as well as recording from ecternal gear. You get more functionality, hardware ins and outs, etc.

PodXTL just rips. It wont do vocals, but it will do live. It comes pre-equipped with the Powerpack and FX junkie add ons. It is self contained and wont rely on your computers power. The big thing for me is the added functions, wah, volume, output modes, stomping on patches, it just makes sence for a guitar player and escpecially if dig the line 6 sounds and want to play live.

All 3 record via usb or line out but only the Pod does the processing. Latency was never a factor for me on any of them. I think all 3 are a good value.

Don't forget Riffworks in your budget.

[ThrobbyRobby]

I have to agree with GuitarSlinger. I started with the guitar port and loved all the great sounds I was able to record with, but I couldn’t duplicate them live so I bought the PODxt Live. Now when I dial in a new guitar sound, I save it on the XTL to use with the band.

[beauzeau]

I wish I would have accidentally bought a guitarport before getting my xt live. Instead, I accidentally bought a flextone II combo. It's got maybe two hours on it so far, and it cost more than the xtlive, the toneport, and riffworks combined! I don't do any gigging, so it's just sitting there.

The wahs in the xtlive are awesome. If you're a wah person, then the xtlive is definitely the one to get. There's like a dozen of them in there. But it also comes pre-packed (at least it did when I got mine) with the effects package from line 6 which has everything from screamers and synths to autowahs and swells.

After having been out of the music thing for about five or six years before picking it back up a year or so ago, I was unaware this stuff existed. When I plugged the xtlive into my computer and saw all the effects and amps and cabs that were just waiting for me to start twisting and punching on, I felt like I had died and gone to guitar player heaven! The last time I was playing, I was using a practice amp and a boss distortion pedal. Now, I can't believe there is still a market for pedals. I'm happy with my all-in-one xtL.

[bluesydude]

When I first heard about the Pod XTL I thought, I gotta have one of them. It was the best musical purchase I have ever made. Not only did I get a rocking effects box but I was introduced to the piece of software called 'RiffTracker' and life has never been the same. I highly recommend the Pod XTL. If there is a downside - it would be I have spent a lot of time tweaking settings for using it live. But it is wonderful for direct recording.

[r1ffraff]

You guys really suck.

I was totally happy to spend < $200 (for the GP/RT bundle), or maybe approx $300 (toneport ux1 or2, or maybe even the kb 37 + RW) ...

but nooooo, because of your posts, you guys are FORCING ME to buy the xt live. FORCING ME I SAY!

Why oh why did I post a question on guitar gear in a guitar player hangout? I shoulda know feature/price creep would have set in. And I was saving that $$$ for an iphone, or something nice for my wife...WHAT WAS I THINKING????

I hope you're all satisfied, you sadistic bastards

<sigh>, what else can I sell on ebay, these toys get expensive

[scott]

It only gets worse from here dude! Once you get in to RiffWorks, there's no hope!
Do they sell 'souls' on eBay?

[Wedgebill]

Get real, I bought a PODXT live in Florida for $399 and smuggled it back to UK where the asking price is anything up to £700 (a cool $1400 approx !!!). Listen to Bluesy and Scotty it'll be the best purchase you ever made in your life when you've paid the extra bit for RiffWorks.

Uncle Bill.

P.S. You're absolutely correct, I do suck, mainly corned beef actually,my missus sucks as well because she won't let me buy a Variax 600 to go with it

[bluesydude]

... she won't let me buy a Variax 600 to go with it

I hear you my brother!

And Scott is correct in only gets worse. I was addicted to nicotine for more years than I care to mention and was able to kick that, by the grace of God. I think this entire guitar playing, tone tweaking, riffcasting, rifflinking, forum reading, information gleaning addiction is worse than anything else.

Got to run and record some 'Sonoma XT Addiction" blues.

[Wedgebill]

Rifflink it, I'll come and wail for ya

[gatorjj]

Add r1ffraff to the "gear slut" list!

[jamienelson]

Try this one on the wife.
When I dished out $2250 for my last guitar, I told my wife "I think it's still cheaper than a Heroin addiction."

[r1ffraff]

Try this one on the wife.
When I dished out $2250 for my last guitar, I told my wife "I think it's still cheaper than a Heroin addiction."

Yes, but as I understand it, there is actually hope for dopeheads, I mean, you can get methadone, and I think you qualify for SSDI so you get paid for it!

What do us guitar players get for our addictions?

Nothing, nada, zip, a big donut hole....

oh, and sometimes no interest for 180 days

[GuitarSlinger]

Just think of all the vintage amps and effects you would have to buy to get all the sounds from a PodXTL. If you suffer from GAS, "Gear Aquisition Syndrome" like most of us do, then a Line 6 product is a great fix.

A guitarport may suit you just fine, it really depends on your needs. It makes a great combo for a laptop if you want to go portable. Though with the XTL you don't even need a laptop, unless you want to record, just plug speakers/headphones right into it.

Hmmm, I wish someone made a chargeable power supply for the XTL.