Line 6 POD 3X PRO

This unit faeture a dual tone mix output from 2 discrete model sources.

It also models Bass Amps, as well as a huge, almost excessive number of guitar amps modulators, stomp boxes, pre-amp models, cabs, and micing modeling options. Way huge feature set.

Line6 has also included two discrete low impedance XLR Mic Pre-amps with 48vdc phanton power, trim pots and 20db pad and phase switches.
Extensive routing upto and including line, instrument and digital system connectivity via USB/spdif/aes outs, along with high/low analog outs as well as pro 3pin XLR outs. Pretty much anything can be routed through and to anywhere, from anywhere. They did some homework on this baby!

I believe myself to have a decent ear for tone quality, dynamics, and spectral filtering qualities in audio. (I run a small studio)

As far as guitar modeling characteristics of the X3 Pro, compared to the earlier XT-Pro (which I also own)this model is quite an improvent in several ways. I believe they have better a/d-d/a converters in this model, so you don't notice so much 'digi-fizz' accompanying the sound samples. In fact, I don't recall hearing ANY!

The samples have seemingly been improved upon in general quality terms quite a bit; in that they seem clearer and cleaner in resolution. You hear a cleaner, more present, up front signal without artifacts of a noise nature wreckin' shit up.

The sample sound output itself seems to be a bit better as well than the XT-PRO. Though I've had my XT a few years and have tweaked it to I think it's optimal sound/tone potential, the X3 get's you there a lot quicker tonally I believe.

The parametric EQ feature whilst not 'fully' parametric, (no Q control) renders waaay more spectral shaping potential than it's previous XT model. As a result, you get a much rounder tone shaping capability. Really a nice full sound. Dynamically it's still a modeler, and they only do so well dynamically; BUT...because of the improved sample sound/resolution and, the parametric EQ, you can get a far better dynamically pleasing tone than the XT Pro will ever get.

It has boatloads of really decent samples. I have not yet gotten around to even trying the Bass amp samples yet cause it's real new yet. Asl have not yet tried the mic pres. and models of thse yet either. Most of my use will be Guitar and likely Bass Guitar uses.

The efx are numerous and seem pretty nice sounding. The reverbs are a bit smoother and there are many adjustments to consider. Mixing efx of the two sound channels gives huge possibilities. Quite striking in spatial aspects.

Between the ability to generate dual samples, nice resolution, way more choices in matching up these sounds and giving each it's own parametric flavor and spatial/phase efx mixes combines up serve up QUITE a dizzying array of sound possibilities.

However...strip away all the efx and it's still a much improved raw sound over the XT model. Hands down!

They have done a real nice job with this unit considering it's not a real amp, but it comes damn close and does many things real amps will never do. The sound output (as a musician evaluates this,)
is not too damn shabby! My opinion of Line 6 has improved I think.
It isn't the end all to be all, but it's a really nice sounding unit!

Seems very well built, but I wouldn't try a drop test.
I have never dealt with Line 6 from a service need perspective so can't comment. I can say my XT still runs like a champ for several years now. I'll keep using it and my Vox Tone-Lab as well. (Which is also very well built, ad has some great sounds too. Most of these companies are coming up with some very good, robust designs.
The 3X PRO is built like a brick shithouse, so expect no physical issues.

Don't know. Hoping they are OK to deal with, cause I don't speak Chinese. (I suspect that's where they're built)

You should really try one of these. You'll be pleasantly surprised I think. They have just now been shipping and I'm glad to provide an initial look into this unit. It meets MANY needs of studio work. I'm guessing used live would work great! They have a 'quick' window as well as this same window doubling as the program detail window, so during stage use, one can switch easy between channels and banks, and quickly see where one's at. It has the Floorboard connection as well, for remote ops.

I am using this in a professional studio situation, but this unit is extremely versatile in many applications, (even custom) and perhaps rendering other units slghtly obsolete in some ways. So it would work grat for practice, stage use, Even as a portable vocal recording pre-amp with line level outs available.
(try to get that out of yer Champ Amp!
It's also capable as an 8 multi-channel device when using the USB.

It's quite a box!