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New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-29 17:48:27
I am an extremely unhappy customer.

I purchased a POD X3 this Monday and tirelessly spent the evening generating a bundle of wholesome, metal tones. This evening I brought it into the rehearsal studio. After about ten minutes into the session I began to notice a number of rather odd occurrences: Firstly, the reverb kept inserting itself to the tone (despite my repeated requests for it to remain inactive); secondly, the patch volume would decide to lower itself until the guitar was inaudible.

I then spent an unacceptable amount of time trying resolve the issue. After numerous resets, I tried 'parking' all the pots at 0% to 100%, inclusive – this had no effect; the problem persisted. I got to the point where I was 'river dancing' on the switches to keep myself from dropping out of the mix.

It costs us circa £25.00 for our precious 2 hours in the studio. We have a not-so-low-profile gig coming up; we cannot afford to waste an entire practice session on defective equipment. I am also a student - thus I suffer from further financial constraints, and consider myself to be 'out of pocket'. I cannot afford a back-up mfx; I had to liquefy my DVD collection in order to replace my defunct GT-8. In addition: I have to arrange transport to have the defective unit returned and book further studio time. I may also have to consider looking for a reasonably priced alternative. It's a crying shame; I love the tone the x3 provides, but I cannot depend upon it.

It appears that I am not alone; a sizeable portion of the X3 community has been inflicted with similarly faulty-units. Apparently, according to information gleaned from this forum, this problem doesn't necessarily manifest itself from the on-set; it can be days, if not months, before you experience issues. Effectively, every time you gig, your playing a game of Russian roulette; “will it be today that my unit fails me?” Furthermore, I get the impression that there have been a multitude of other build/firmware issues with this product.

Somewhere, between the initial phase of testing and mass-production, there has been an horrendous oversight that has allowed this sub-standard piece of equipment, onto the open market. This is diabolical practice for any company - In this instance, culpability is compounded when you consider that Line6's demographic, is primarily populated by musicians reliant upon cost-effective, amp-modelling. Generally, we cannot afford the newest rack processors, or the more revered tube based amplifiers; we depend upon companies like Line6, to provide the means for approximating our desired tone, as well as reliable, gig-worthy equipment.

Line6 have failed to do this.

I challenge a representative from Line6 to justify the premature release of the X3 and how the company intends to 'do right' by their customers. I am ex-president of a music-based, university society that currently consists of over 350 members – many of whom are guitarists/bassists. Through our national, web-based forum, I can reach a multitude of other, similar, university societies. I am frustrated enough to use this medium, to publicise my experience with the X3L, in a deliberate attempt to dissuade others from considering equipment manufactured by Line6.

I am angry, I am frustrated, and most of all, I am bitterly disappointed.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Osiris7837 on 2008-04-29 18:18:35
Why don't you just get a new one........There's lots of people that have had zero issues with there units. Even if its a 1 in 10 chance you get a bad unit I think its worth it to take the time to find a good one.....

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-04-29 19:43:42
Man... Not another one...
I was seriously thinking of switching to PODX3L.
This is frustrating.
Imagine the number of people NOT on this forum experiencing breakdowns.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Genghis_Khan on 2008-04-29 20:01:24
Get an XTL... cheaper and trustier :)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-04-29 20:18:34
Haha! That does make sense. Though we'll lose out on a ton of amps, dual tone, etc. But really, is the construction of the X3L that bad? How much of it is metal, and how much is plastic?
Software problems I don't mind too much, coz Line 6 has been very obliging to fix any bugs we find software-wise.
I'm mainly worried about the build-quality, and other issues that can't seem to be fixed. These include:
1. The * (asterisk) issue.
2. The mic pre pot problem
(Can we just replace it with a run-of-the-mill potentiometer if we wanted to?)
3. ... Well, you guys can add to this list.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-04-29 20:29:52
But you know, I don't mean to bash the unit completely.
It's got some real tight features like the stiffness adjust on the expression pedal with the snap on allen wrench, killer I/O, BIG SCREEN, and awesome A.I.R II tones that other companies can't match.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by sat_chY on 2008-04-29 21:44:32
JUST GET IT REPLACED OR FIXED THIS UNIT IS AWESOME SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS BUT I THINK PEOPLE SHOULDNT TAKE THIS OUT ON LINE6 AS THIS PRODUCT IS FAR SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT AND HICCUPS OCCUR :p

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by notubes on 2008-04-30 00:23:57
I am genuinely sorry to hear you are having problems with your Pod, however was it wise to purchase a new piece of gear on Monday when you need it for a rehearsal on Tuesday?, there is a chance of problems with new gear irrespective of brand and it would have been wise to give yourself more time to check out the Pod and replace it if necessary.
Didn't you notice the volume and reverb problems when you were creating the bundle at home, it seems strange that it would work flawlessly at home and then fail during your reheasal.

Just return it and get a good one, there are plenty of them out there.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 04:12:47
[quote]JUST GET IT REPLACED OR FIXED THIS UNIT IS AWESOME SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS BUT I THINK PEOPLE SHOULDNT TAKE THIS OUT ON LINE6 AS THIS PRODUCT IS FAR SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT AND HICCUPS OCCUR :p [/quote]

POD X3L hardware issues: Too numerous to list.
GT-10 hardware issues: Er...erm...the LED's are too bright?!?

Line6 have not created a 'superior' product; they rushed a product, cutting corners in the process, to saturate the market ahead of their competitors.

[quote]was it wise to purchase a new piece of gear on Monday when you need it for a rehearsal on Tuesday?[/quote]

Yes, when my other piece of gear is broken - as I stated in my previous post. I'm still considering getting another one but who's to say it's going to work...will it give out a day after purchase? A week? A month? When I'm on stage? I'd prefer to get a bean and a floor board, but as Line6 charge £250 for the FBV it's completely out of the question.

I appreciate your condolences, I do but I'm still a tad bitter; I was so damned excited to try out my new tones...grrr.

The entire bottom of the unit is plastic; it moves when you apply force to the expression pedal and one knock from an over-excited band member, will send it skidding across a smooth stage. Right out of the box this unit feels 'cheap'.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Rowbi on 2008-04-30 04:58:17
> [quote]JUST GET IT REPLACED OR FIXED THIS UNIT IS
> AWESOME SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS BUT I THINK PEOPLE
> SHOULDNT TAKE THIS OUT ON LINE6 AS THIS PRODUCT IS
> FAR SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT
> AND HICCUPS OCCUR :p [/quote]
>
> POD X3L hardware issues: Too numerous to list.
> GT-10 hardware issues: Er...erm...the LED's are too
> bright?!?

then why did you buy a POD....

>
> Line6 have not created a 'superior' product; they
> rushed a product, cutting corners in the process, to
> saturate the market ahead of their competitors.

that may be true, or not, but they're fixing the issues... and they've even implemented new features like delay trails and tone changing because people asked for it... have you ever tried asking BOSS for anything??? did they deliver?

I'm not saying line6 did it right, or wrong... what I know is that line6's tones are the best out there at the moment, and on a whole the X3L has some 1000's of units, and we've seen quite a few faults.... but quite a few (maybe 100) out of throusands (I estimate based on some sales figures of large retailers) that X3L's have sold in excess of 10000, so there must be loads and loads and loads of perfectly working ones out there. the GT10 is only just out, so how do you know what faults it's showing?? it's certainly not outselling the X3L so there's many times less GT10's out there.

>
> [quote]was it wise to purchase a new piece of gear on
> Monday when you need it for a rehearsal on
> Tuesday?[/quote]
>
> Yes, when my other piece of gear is broken - as I
> stated in my previous post. I'm still considering
> getting another one but who's to say it's going to
> work...will it give out a day after purchase? A week?
> A month? When I'm on stage? I'd prefer to get a bean
> and a floor board, but as Line6 charge £250 for the
> FBV it's completely out of the question.

but that question could be the same for any gear.... not just line6... that's why there are warranties.... and that's why people have backups.

>
> I appreciate your condolences, I do but I'm still a
> tad bitter; I was so damned excited to try out my new
> tones...grrr.

but you're wallowing in 'what if's'... just take it back, and exchange it. if it's faulty again, then take it back for a refund and get your GT10 (as it's better )

>
> The entire bottom of the unit is plastic; it moves
> when you apply force to the expression pedal and one
> knock from an over-excited band member, will send it
> skidding across a smooth stage. Right out of the box
> this unit feels 'cheap'.

i have to disagree with you there. we've actually had people test them by standing on them... full body weight of big guys, and nothing happened!.... remind me again what motorcycle helmets are made from??? oh yeah, plastic!

just cos it's plastic doesn't mean it's not strong... metal dents, plastic flex's a little and then bounces back!

as for the skidding accross a smooth stage... it's got rubber feet for grip... just like any floor pedal, metal or plastic... I do feel your pain for getting a faulty unit... but just deal with that one issue, and stop slagging the pedal off when you've not really had a chance to use it properly... once you've had it for a month or two, and used it, if you still feel that way... carry on slagging, I certainly wont stop you then.

Regards

Rowbi

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by phil_m on 2008-04-30 05:03:09
Are you saying that the reverb would spike on even if you had the knob set to zero, and that the tone volume would drop with the knob parked at 100%? That seems like a bit different than the behavior some people have reported.

Not that this is a defense, but this isn't exactly a new problem for Line 6 stuff. I actually had this same thing happen with both the POD2.0 and the PODxt under certain conditions. It seems that if the knobs get vibrated in the right way, they will change the parameter. On the X3L it seems to be more sensitive, although, I've only had it happen once to my X3L since I've gotten it in October.

I think Line 6 could pretty easily do something in the way of a firmware update that takes care of this problem so that you have to turn the knobs a certain amount before the register a change. I would have to imagine that it would be much less of a pain turning the knob a little bit more when you want to change something than having to deal with sudden changes in your tone when you don't want them.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 05:27:05
To the first part of your post in regs to Boss...updates are irrelevant when the pedal does not perform at the most basic levels. The Gt-10 already surpasses the x3 in terms of features; it would make no sense for line6 to stagnate the x3's development at this stage. I'm not going to confuse 'good business sense' with 'good will'.

I got a PODx3l because the tone is awesome. I'm not 'slagging off' what it can do, I certainly am slagging off the build quality - which is rubbish compared to the gt-10, gt-8, gt-6 or even the PODXL. From what I've seen, faults and build quality issues were apparent from the offset with the x3, but the gt-10 has had no reported issues since release. It's a shame the gt-10 doesn't sound how I need it to sound.

Motor cycle helmets are quite a poor focus for an analogy, considering what they are designed to do in terms of balancing the need between safety, weight and effectively diffusing force in tandem with the other thick layers of protection between the riders cranium and the plastic. I doubt there's much room, between the outer layer and the chips inside, for the unit to 'flex'.

Don't take the BOSS comparisons so personally.

Looking at a competitors product is the most valuable way of ascertaining what a company should be providing for its customers. BOSS haven't chucked around the 'Built like a Tank' tag for nothing, you know?

I disagree about the weight issue. I weigh 10 stone and my band mates were amazed that the left-hand side of unit shifted every time I turned the wah on. I also managed to drag the unit without noticing, when I pulled my guitar cable tightly.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Septemfluous on 2008-04-30 05:27:15
Look, I'm not trying to bash you, but I feel a little common sense must be interjected into your post.

> I purchased a POD X3 this Monday and tirelessly spent
> the evening generating a bundle of wholesome, metal
> tones. This evening I brought it into the rehearsal
> studio. After about ten minutes into the session I
> began to notice a number of rather odd occurrences:
> Firstly, the reverb kept inserting itself to the tone
> (despite my repeated requests for it to remain
> inactive);

Sounds like you got a faulty unit. This happens to EVERY manufacturer. You go on ANY of the forums for ANY of the manufacturers and you'll see that some people have problems.

> secondly, the patch volume would decide to
> lower itself until the guitar was inaudible.

What firmware is loaded in your uniit? This was an intermittent problem with an old firmware version.

> I then spent an unacceptable amount of time trying
> resolve the issue. After numerous resets, I tried
> 'parking' all the pots at 0% to 100%, inclusive –
> this had no effect; the problem persisted. I got to
> the point where I was 'river dancing' on the switches
> to keep myself from dropping out of the mix.

I'm sorry, but at what point do you figure it's a faulty unit, unplug it, and go back to your original setup so you can continue on. EVERY gig and practice I've ever payed, where I introduced some new setup or piece of equipment, has encountered some problem. If I can't solve it within 10 minutes, I revert to the original setup and fix the problem on my time.

> It costs us circa £25.00 for our precious 2 hours in
> the studio. We have a not-so-low-profile gig coming
> up; we cannot afford to waste an entire practice
> session on defective equipment. I am also a student -
> thus I suffer from further financial constraints, and
> consider myself to be 'out of pocket'. I cannot
> afford a back-up mfx; I had to liquefy my DVD
> collection in order to replace my defunct GT-8. In
> addition: I have to arrange transport to have the
> defective unit returned and book further studio time.
> I may also have to consider looking for a reasonably
> priced alternative. It's a crying shame; I love the
> tone the x3 provides, but I cannot depend upon it.

I've got to ask: Who held a gun to your head and FORCED you to introduce new, untested, non-configured equipment into your system... then FORCED you to play with it for the entire practice time? You could've plugged it in, had problems, unplugged it, took it home after practice, troubleshot the problems, replaced as necessary, and been ready for the next practice to try again. This is just, as I said before, common sense. Don't blame L6 for your incapability to think/act sensibly.

> It appears that I am not alone; a sizeable portion of
> the X3 community has been inflicted with similarly
> faulty-units. Apparently, according to information
> gleaned from this forum, this problem doesn't
> necessarily manifest itself from the on-set; it can
> be days, if not months, before you experience issues.
> Effectively, every time you gig, your playing a game
> of Russian roulette; “will it be today that my unit
> fails me?” Furthermore, I get the impression that
> there have been a multitude of other build/firmware
> issues with this product.

This is where you're dead wrong. A sizable portion of THIS community (a trouble reporting forum) has problems. I'm not trying to rub your nose in it, but my unit has worked perfectly since I got it. I did have the volume dropping issue with the old firmware but, since I updated it, it's worked without a hitch... live and in the studio.

> Somewhere, between the initial phase of testing and
> mass-production, there has been an horrendous
> oversight that has allowed this sub-standard piece of
> equipment, onto the open market. This is diabolical
> practice for any company - In this instance,
> culpability is compounded when you consider that
> Line6's demographic, is primarily populated by
> musicians reliant upon cost-effective, amp-modeling.
> Generally, we cannot afford the newest rack
> processors, or the more revered tube based
> amplifiers; we depend upon companies like Line6, to
> provide the means for approximating our desired tone,
> as well as reliable, gig-worthy equipment.
>
> Line6 have failed to do this.

Like I've already stated, I completely disagree. My unit works flawlessly live and in the studio. So it's studio and gig worthy.

> I challenge a representative from Line6 to justify
> the premature release of the X3 and how the company
> intends to 'do right' by their customers. I am
> ex-president of a music-based, university society
> that currently consists of over 350 members – many of
> whom are guitarists/bassists. Through our national,
> web-based forum, I can reach a multitude of other,
> similar, university societies. I am frustrated enough
> to use this medium, to publicise my experience with
> the X3L, in a deliberate attempt to dissuade others
> from considering equipment manufactured by Line6.

L6 doesn't have to justify a single thing. A TON of these units are sold every month. yet, only a few dozen people post problems on this forum. Even using the, generally accepted, equation that only 1/10th of your customers will complain... I'll even give you that only 1/10th of those will post online... that leaves you with... what... 2500-3000 units with problems? How many of these units, do you think, have been sold so far?

> I am angry, I am frustrated, and most of all, I am
> bitterly disappointed.

And I am truly sorry you've had a bad experience. I haven't... A LOT of us haven't. It's still early, return your X3 and get your money back. Every piece of equipment is not for everybody. Get a Digitech, Roland, Vox, or any other of the modelers/multi-FX units out there. One of them is bound to work for you the way you want.

...but...

...just a friendly piece of advice: The next piece of equipment you buy... take it home, hook it up into your equipment and use it for a few hours. Set it up before you get to practice and have to waste other people's money and time learning your own gear.

If I've come across rudely, I really don't mean to. I'm not trying to rub your nose in anything. It's just a different perspective. I mean it when I say I'm sorry that you've had a bad experience. I truly wish you could have the same joy and excitement I experience every time I plug into my POD and let 'er rip.


Septy.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-04-30 05:30:26
Rowbi's got a point! :-) Perhaps he wouldn't mind posting some new YouTube vids?
Maybe demonstrating the strength of the unit? Standing on it, flipping it upside down and standing on it again, etc... ;-)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by LoonyBin-Fizzbin on 2008-04-30 06:39:16
"just cos it's plastic doesn't mean it's not strong... metal dents, plastic flex's a little and then bounces back!"

Ever fly lately? LOL I swear everything is plastic!!! Except for the Shell!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by mikey1 on 2008-04-30 06:47:53
What is wrong with you people?? This poor sod has been fooked. And you guys are blaming him? What I read between the lines is, you should have known better, after all, its Line6.

My suggestion to the OP is use that forum of yours. Do it today. Then get on Harmony Central and tell your tale there. Tell everybody you know about it. Its called word of mouth. You want these units fixed? Stop the sales. Complaining here just brings out the same 11 guys who have units that work.

Go to the Boss forum. Unless you believe they have a full time guy editing negative posts, it seems to be a very reliable product.

Lincoln Brewster has two set up onstage because although he believes in Jesus, he doesnt have much faith in Line 6. I wonder if its included in the pre-show prayer.
"Lord, please give my Pod the strength to function..."



It really bugs me when you guys gang up on someone with a totally legitimate complaint.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 07:02:34
> I challenge a representative from Line6 to justify
> the premature release of the X3 and how the company
> intends to 'do right' by their customers. I am
> ex-president of a ... I am frustrated enough
> to use this medium, to publicise my experience with
> the X3L, in a deliberate attempt to dissuade others
> from considering equipment manufactured by Line6.
>
> I am angry, I am frustrated, and most of all, I am
> bitterly disappointed.

Okay, you have every right to be angry and frustrated. Because if that happened to me, I'd feel the same way. But instead of threatening to do what you say you're going to do, which isn't going to solve your problem at all, why don't you call up Line6 support, tell them your tale, and go about getting a replacement unit?

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by phil_m on 2008-04-30 07:03:58
I don't see anyone bashing him.

It is unfortunate that these things happen, but the fact of the matter is that buying any new device as complicated as the X3L and taking it to a studio where you're paying for time the next day is a risky endeavor.

It's a shame these issues are around, but it's where we're at right now. I'm sure Line 6 doesn't like them either, and they'll do something to set it right.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Rowbi on 2008-04-30 07:04:02
> What is wrong with you people?? This poor sod has
> been fooked.

you've hit the nail right on the head... he's not been 'fooked' at all. he has a faulty unit, and what he needs to do (as he's already worked out it's faulty before posting) is return it for a refund or a replacement.... it's the fack that he's slagging it off when he's said he's only used it for a day (and a faulty unit for a day) that we do not agree with.

> And you guys are blaming him? What I
> read between the lines is, you should have known
> better, after all, its Line6.

I'm not blaming him for the fault... just his attitude.

>
> It really bugs me when you guys gang up on someone
> with a totally legitimate complaint.

but again, you've hit the nail on the head. his complaint is that the unit has some faults... he then goes on to say line6 should never have made it from plastic, or released it before the GT10... how is that relevant to his faulty unit..... it would only be relevant if ALL X3L's had the same faults (and they don't) so it's not been released too early... and if his plastic case was broken... and it's not!

he's even strated going into other threads and saying the same things... when the other threads weren't anything to do with his faults!

it's the same old story... FPT!

Rowbi

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 07:06:15
+1

Now he has a bad attitude !!!

Same thing, over over over over

Message was edited by: HeavyChevy

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Rowbi on 2008-04-30 07:10:00
> Okay, you have every right to be angry and
> frustrated. Because if that happened to me, I'd feel
> the same way. But instead of threatening to do what
> you say you're going to do, which isn't going to
> solve your problem at all, why don't you call up
> Line6 support, tell them your tale, and go about
> getting a replacement unit?

In steps Karl........ and he's right on the money!

good call

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by rublalup on 2008-04-30 07:12:43
> this unit feels 'cheap'.


i´m sorry tou had trouble.....mine´s 100% functional

but common....the unit feels cheap right out of the box????


for me looks/feels like a tank......a $1000 piece of gear

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 07:21:34
> but common....the unit feels cheap right out of the
> box????
>
> for me looks/feels like a tank......a $1000 piece of
> gear

Okay, that might be going just a little too far. I actually agree that the unit feels and looks cheaply made. The perceived construction quality isn't even up to the level of the XT Live which, to me, actually does feel like it's built like a tank and goes for $100 less.

Regardless of the perceived construction quality, I believe that currently constructed units, especially those that have all of the latest revisions to the case back and switches, should hold up just fine to normal use and abuse. And if it doesn't, hey, there's a 1 year warranty and you're somewhat foolish if you didn't buy some kind of extended replacement warranty on it.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by phil_m on 2008-04-30 07:23:21
I agree a tank is probably not fair comparison. Maybe a Toyota Prius? It works, but whether or not it will hold up in a major accident is questionable.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Septemfluous on 2008-04-30 07:39:19
> What is wrong with you people?? This poor sod has
> been fooked. And you guys are blaming him? What I
> read between the lines is, you should have known
> better, after all, its Line6.

You know, I just read through all of the responses to this post and I haven't seen a single response blaming this guy for the faulty unit. I have seen people blaming him for his attitude and lack of adequate planning... but how could we possibly come down on L6 for that?

> My suggestion to the OP is use that forum of yours.
> Do it today. Then get on Harmony Central and tell
> your tale there. Tell everybody you know about it.
> Its called word of mouth. You want these units fixed?
> Stop the sales. Complaining here just brings out the
> same 11 guys who have units that work.

You almost have a point here. This is a forum for people with problems. Those of us who aren't experiencing problems (which, BTW, I guarantee are the majority of X3 owners) stay on to help people who are asking functionality/assistance questions (e.g. how do I blend two tones, how do I get a sound like [insert artist of choice], what amps are you using and how well do they work for you, etc...). Me, especially, 'cause I'm one of the few full time bassists using this product (for both, bass and guitar).

Hate to stomp on your Disney Channel, but I think we're going to stick around so we can provide much more helpful responses than yours here.

> Go to the Boss forum. Unless you believe they have a
> full time guy editing negative posts, it seems to be
> a very reliable product.

This is just as I personally (and a couple of others) have suggested. Like I keep saying, not every product is for everybody. Everybody will have different preferences... that's what makes the world go 'round.

> Lincoln Brewster has two set up onstage because
> although he believes in Jesus, he doesnt have much
> faith in Line 6. I wonder if its included in the
> pre-show prayer.
> "Lord, please give my Pod the strength to
> function..."

So, I gotta ask... if you had the money, would you have two cars? You're just being sarcastic and mean spirited here but, the truth is, If I had the money... indeed, if all of us had the money, we would have two of everything available at every gig... guitars, amps, chords, strings, FX units, PA's, and (in some cases) band members.

> It really bugs me when you guys gang up on someone
> with a totally legitimate complaint.

I think you miss the point. Though, with this level of anger, I can see why. Nobody's ganging up. We have a forum that is here for a reason. Those "11 guys" you mention (which, I guess, I'm one of) have actually given thoughtful, incisive responses/advice. Maybe you can take off your anger filter, reread the responses, and follow suite.

Man, what did we ever do to you? I guarantee, if you ask a question, those 11 guys will JUMP at the chance to help you in any way they can. Yes, this includes me.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 07:42:56
.........now the anger angle. So predictable.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by MIDI_Geek on 2008-04-30 07:48:45
Man, I also got a rather defective one. Returned it and got a new one. No problems now.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by malhavok on 2008-04-30 07:56:00
Edited to remove all the attitude problems and emotional drivel, here is the new and improved original post which might elicit some actual help from someone ;)


> I am an extremely unhappy customer.
>
> I purchased a POD X3 this Monday and ... spent
> the evening generating a bundle of ... metal
> tones. ...I brought it into ... rehearsal
> ...After about ten minutes ... I
> began to notice a number of rather odd occurrences:
> Firstly, the reverb kept inserting itself to the tone
> ... secondly, the patch volume would decide to
> lower itself until the guitar was inaudible.
>
> I am angry, I am frustrated, and most of all, I am
> bitterly disappointed.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by mikey1 on 2008-04-30 08:01:21
Are they going to compensate him for his blown rehearsal time? What about the time he has to spend dealing with this issue? What about the time without a unit? And what about the reliability factor? Does he trust it? I wouldnt. Would you? And, what about looking like a tool in front of your band? Thats gotta be embarrasing.

I thought the poster was intelligent, well spoken, and had stuff going on. I didnt detect an inapropriate attitude at all. Remarkably polite given the circumstances. I dont wish this on anybody but, I would like to see how some of you guys would react if this happened to you.

And BTW, in thirty years of buying and abusing gear, the only piece of gear that has failed for absolutely no reason other than poor craftsmanship, is Line 6. I've had things wear out and break from misuse, but most of my stuff still works many years later in spite of not being treated very well.

And another thing, do we really have to quote the whole post when responding? I think most of us can follow the conversation without being reminded of every word that was written.

I had a crappy gig last night and I'm grumpy today. Sorry.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 08:10:39
> Are they going to compensate him for his blown
> rehearsal time? What about the time he has to spend
> dealing with this issue? What about the time without
> a unit? And what about the reliability factor? Does
> he trust it? I wouldnt. Would you? And, what about
> looking like a tool in front of your band? Thats
> gotta be embarrasing.

Yeah, it's embarassing showing up to a rehearsal with a piece of gear that you bought the day before, having it go south on you, and then being stuck without a backup in hand. Particularly when you're paying to rehearse.

I don't pay to rehearse, exactly. But I do drive 85 miles one-way out of my way to do so. And I wouldn't dream of wasting my band's time by having a unit blow out on me. That's why even though I have what I consider to be a pretty reliable setup at my rehearsal space, I carry a backup solution with me in my car. I bring two guitars too, just so I don't waste time changing strings in case one breaks.

I get your point, Mike, but this guy painted himself into a corner and then got mad when he had to get paint on his shoes on the way out of the room. Nobody is denying how he should feel, but many of us offered constructive advice to him on how to handle the problem. That doesn't make anyone a fanboy or a defender.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 08:28:47
[QUOTE]it's the fack that he's slagging it off when he's said he's only used it for a day (and a faulty unit for a day) that we do not agree with.[/QUOTE]

Woah, chill-out chap! My attitude is that of a pissed-off customer that's been bitten by a defective product. I bought this product as my old unit is bust. We practice weekly at the studio; between the last practice and Tuesday evening I had to sell my DVD's, scrounge some cash and then buy an X3. I didn't have time to road-test it, other than spending the evening putting some tones together and updating the firmware. I also do not have the luxury of purchasing a back-up due to financial constraints, which, as I stated previously, is probably true of most of Line6's target customers.

No one forced me to buy the unit; I actually purchased the unit based upon the glowing recommendations on those who posted on my original thread. The fact that this fault, and numerous others relating to build quality and software defects, arose almost immediately upon release testifies to the fact that this unit was released prematurely. the x3 has been on the shelves for months and these issues are still outstanding.

>he then goes on to say line6 should never have made it from plastic, or released it before the GT10... how is that relevant to his faulty unit.....<

It's speculation, to the same degree as you speculating that it is not the case. If a significant amount of units had been tested before release this fault would have been identified and corrected...oh yeah, and all the other mainstream faults. So if they had been tested the likelihood of me receiving a defective unit would have dramatically reduced. How is that not relevant? It's all about probability and when the probability of receiving a faulty unit reaches an unacceptable level. With the x3 and the sheer amount of faults increases that probability to a level that is visually more apparent than it's competitors. Just check the X3l's negative web presence and compare it to other units in the same league.

As to the build material: just because it hasn't broken doesn't mean that it won't or isn't more likely to than conventional build materials.

My other qualm was the build 'quality' of the unit. I am allowed multiple qualms with a product...or is it one per customer?

The other thread, as I have said, is subjecture (I said it implies). This forum is open to registered Line6 users cannot I not post there? Can I not infer a negative from another customers experience? Wanna jump on all those who inferred a positive?

Sorry if I've pissed in your sandbox fella but as I said before, chill. My negative attitude might be understandable considering my experiences, your negative attitude towards me...well...less so. No one FORCED you to post on this thread, no guns were held.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 08:30:31
>
I don't pay to rehearse, exactly. But I do drive 85 miles one-way out of my way to do so. And I wouldn't dream of wasting my band's time by having a unit blow out on me. That's why even though I have what I consider to be a pretty reliable setup at my rehearsal space, I carry a backup solution with me in my car. I bring two guitars too, just so I don't waste time changing strings in case one breaks.<

Guys, read my post. My unit broke. I had to replace it. I don't have enough money to buy two. I practice every week. Sheesh.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 08:33:23
Thanks mikey. I had a crappy time last night and I was a tad miffed as you can see.

My main issue now is whether I trust Line6 enough to get another or get a refund. Even if I got another who's to say it will last? All the little things compound to the point where I'm struggling to give this thing a second chance.

Tis a shame; bloody awesome tone.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 08:46:20
> It's all about probability and
> when the probability of receiving a faulty unit
> reaches an unacceptable level.

Truth !!!

(But SOME that claim "no problems" have in fact, had problems)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by jasonbogen on 2008-04-30 08:51:06
I understand getting upset when the unit doesn't work. Not everyone can afford a backup and while you should have one, it has nothing to do with whether or not a company is responsible for selling you a defective unit and should not be used in the argument. That being said, by far most people that have an X3L have functioning units. There have been some issues, but for the vast majority, they are issues that are being or have been fixed or things that can be worked around. To say that someone 10 stone will flip the unit is ridiculous though. I way 15 stone and have been beating the crap out of it on stage for months now and have never had it shift on me, unless you are playing on a bed of gravel or laying your X3L on an uneven surface of some sort, I don't get this. As for the motorcycle helmet analogy, I don't know how you could say that isn't a good analogy, in fact you made the point yourself. Considering plastic is used to protect the head of a human being in a potential high speed collision, I would say that plastic is fine for the bottom of a guitar pedal. Considering I weigh 50% more than you and have had no problems whatsoever, I wouldn't worry. For all the issues we have seen, NOT ONE has had anything to do with the bottom of the unit breaking. Return the unit and get another, you have a right to be pissed about the inconvenience, but move on.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by jasonbogen on 2008-04-30 09:03:59
Not that I want to turn this thread into a debate about the looks of the unit, but I don't get how it looks cheap. Every time I pull the thing out of the case for a gig I think about how great it looks. I have had plenty of guitarists come up to the stage after a gig or on break and ask about what I am playing through and remark positively about the looks of it. The top of it, remember, is metal, not plastic. The bottom you don't really see, but doesn't look like cheap plastic to me or anyone I have showed it to. Like I said, I am not going to go into a debate about this one, but I think that a lot of people were pissed they didn't make the whole unit metal like the XTL and are being a little biased when the talk about it looking cheap. Just my opinion and I respect your right to yours, but think the "plastic" issue is overblown.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 09:09:49
> Guys, read my post. My unit broke. I had to replace
> it. I don't have enough money to buy two. I practice
> every week. Sheesh.

Dude, it's okay. But when you have the cash, get a backup. I practice every week too. Sometimes twice a week with different bands. And when you can't afford to have your gear let you down, you buy a backup. I don't care if it's Line6 gear or not. You have a backup guitar too, right?

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 09:14:00
> have had plenty of guitarists come up to the stage
> after a gig or on break and ask about what I am
> playing through and remark positively about the looks
> of it.

I actually have had people come up and comment on the sound more than anything. ;)

> I respect your right to yours, but think the
> "plastic" issue is overblown.

Yep, that's why I said perceived quality. Some people's perception of quality construction is different than others. I've had the opposite experience from you. Nearly everyone I've shown it to winced when they saw the plastic bottom (and the plastic part of the top too).

But in the end, it's whether the unit will last regardless of its looks. I think the jury is still out on that one for the most part. Keep in mind when reading my stuff that many people think I'm a Line6 fanboy just because I have 2 X3s and think their stuff sounds great.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by spaceatl on 2008-04-30 10:27:34
Why would you have to buy 2? There is a 1 year warranty...an exchange with the dealer you bought it from?...If you have lost your confidence in Line 6 then by all means get something you would be comfortable with...It seems that you should be able to get your money back if you have had the thing less than 30 days...If you can't, maybe you gave your money to the wrong shop...

I have a lot of confidence in Line 6 but I use the amplifiers and the FBV shortboard. I do use a borrowed XTL for some gigs where I have to use a supplied amp but that is pretty limited...But I do not have a lot of confidence in all-in-one footcontrollers anyway...My opinion in that regard was not realized by anything that Line 6 ever did. Rather, it was the RP-1 that I had some 15 years ago. That was the begining that the end of me ever using an All-In-One guitar tone and foot-controller...The biggest POS I ever bought.

I hope that you are able to find a solution that you are happy with...That's really all that matters...

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by sbruce on 2008-04-30 10:28:15
Karl-

A bit of different question, based on your comments...

How can you tell if you have one of the "new revisions" of the hardware?
I bought a X3L last week and the tap button crapped out on me after about 10 minutes of use.

I went ahead and exchanged it; but would love to know whether the issue has been fixed or not (before it actually happens again...possibly while onstage :)

Thanks!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by forresal on 2008-04-30 10:59:16
> Lincoln Brewster has two set up onstage because
> although he believes in Jesus, he doesnt have much
> faith in Line 6. I wonder if its included in the
> pre-show prayer.
> "Lord, please give my Pod the strength to
> function..."

To me that's a stretch. So anyone whoever gigs with any sort of backup lacks faith in the maker of his gear?? C'mon...just because someone has two of a piece of kit doesn't mean the kit is not trustworthy.

Better anaolgy IMHO is that your car has a spare tire in the trunk so you must lack faith in the four that are on it now. Actually, you'd better return the car for one made by a different company that doesn't provide spare tires...then it'll be reliable.....

...I think....

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Brion_Kean on 2008-04-30 11:06:03
You have China and their sub-standard, shoddy production values to blame.

Rather than villify Line 6, perhaps scold them for trusting a country to produce the X3, who have little or no regard for quality control.

I have yet, to this day, ever bought a single product made in China that I trust to function properly, to have quality build, to not break. Taiwan, Korea - heck Ireland makes better stuff than China! (IE, my Sennheiser HD-Pro closed back headphones, designed in Germany, manufactured in Ireland).

Kind of ironic, that generally speaking, China puts so much effort into things like censoring their population's knowledge base (IE, Googe 'China' being a vastly edited and censored version of Google), spreading state produced propaganda (IE, the '50s footage they are using to justify the atrocities they are committing in TIbet), and protesting CNN for some pointed (honest) comments about China.

Imagine if all that misguided energy was put into 'work ethic' and 'quality control'.
Then, we'd all have a sweet USA designed, China made X3 Live that didn't fall apart after light usage 6 mos. into ownership. Is this Line 6's fault? No, they paid for a quality build of product, and that spec quality was not matched.

And thus, Chinese production, again failed to achieve quality control. They can't match American build quality, nor can they match German engineering, or Italian, or French, or any of the other high-design, high-production value countries of this world today.

Perhaps, had the Line 6 X3 Live been manufactured in some country other than China, these problems would not exist.

In a sort of perverse way, I'm excited to take my X3L to the authorized service center to have the buttons repaired - the 'D' button went first, now the tuner / tap don't function, etc. After a tech in USA gets done cleaning up the shoddy Chinese factory work, I will have significantly more faith in the longevity of the unit. That, and since the X3 lives were failing right out of the gate, you get an unprecidented extended manufacturers warranty!

So, to clarify for the reactionary types, that's my OPINION stated there, above, and it's just that - my opinion, probably misinformed as can possibly be.

Peace!
-Brion-

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 11:08:09
....If your car were a X3L, you might want to consider having more than one spare tire. Probabilities.........

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by forresal on 2008-04-30 11:12:33
Who's to say that any gear you buy will last? With any electronic product, its all a gamble.

(Except I could never break the joystick to my Atari 2600 no matter the number times it came into contact with a wall traveling at high velocity .... )

It's all relative to your level of comfort and trust.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by forresal on 2008-04-30 11:13:46
lol

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Brion_Kean on 2008-04-30 11:18:58
Some background info for you all, regarding 'Chinese Quality Fade'

"Chinese manufacturers continue to deliberately and secretly seek to widen their profit margins by reducing the quality of materials they put into their products."

Here are some links to information regarding this issue:

1. "China's Quality Control Problems The Result Of Market Pressure" on Techdirt.
http://www.personalbee.com/105/15905258

2. "Can Chinese Companies Build a Culture of Quality" on The China Vortex (a new blog by Paul Denlinger).
http://www.chinavortex.com/2007/07/can-chinese-companies-build-a-culture-of-quality/

3. "It's Called Scare Marketing and Adam Smith Knew Why", rightfully pointing out that THE market will sort all of this out, on Adam Smith's Lost Legacy.
http://adamsmithslostlegacy.com/2007/07/its-called-scare-marketing-and-adam.html

4. "Dealing With China's Quality Fade," on the Status of Chinese People Blog.
http://chinaview.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/dealing-with-chinas-quality-fade/

5. "The Scrouge of Quality Fade," at the Evolving Excellence Blog.
http://www.evolvingexcellence.com/blog/2007/07/the-scourge-of-.html

6. China-Manufactured Products and the 'Quality-Fade' Debate,"
http://transnationallawblog.typepad.com/transnational_law_blog/2007/07/china-manufactu.html

7. the China Economics Blog has run a post entitled "China and the Concept of Quality Fade,"
http://china-economics-blog.blogspot.com/2007/07/china-and-concept-of-quality-fade.html

8. Heritage Tidbits has run a post entitled, "Beware the "Quality Fade from Chinese Suppliers."
http://www.heritagetidbits.com/archives/2007/07/beware_the_quality_fade_from_c.htm

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by kozmikyak on 2008-04-30 11:25:35
Just a brief point--in most cases, "backup" is pretty cheap. Get a Behringer GDI21 if you don't have lots of cash--less than $40. Even get more than one and a patch cable if you want more than one "model" available simultaneously, or if you can't trust Behringer's build quailty--backup in numbers. Mine has saved my ass once or twice. They're so cheap that I feel every guitarist/amp-user should have one around _even if_ they also have better backup available. Besides passable analog modeling, it can also serve as a passive direct box. Who hasn't wanted another one of those along on occasion?

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Septemfluous on 2008-04-30 12:00:46
> Are they going to compensate him for his blown
> rehearsal time? What about the time he has to spend
> dealing with this issue? What about the time without
> a unit? And what about the reliability factor?

In what industry do you get to do this? If you bought a car and something broke, you wouldn't get compensated for that. Also, the manufacturer wouldn't give you a new car for a loaner. That would be at the discretion of the vendor. Who did the OP buy the unit from? He should talk to them about a loaner until a new one arrives. In fact, he should talk to them about an instant replacement.

> And, what about
> looking like a tool in front of your band? Thats
> gotta be embarrasing.

Sorry, but this is the OP's fault. Not L6. Even if you practice EVERY SINGLE night of the week, you don't have to bring the unit with you to practice to waste time and money. You work with it on your own time until it's ready, then you introduce it into your playing rig.

> I thought the poster was intelligent, well spoken,
> and had stuff going on. I didnt detect an
> inapropriate attitude at all.

I think being angry that practice time/money was wasted was completely inappropriate. That's YOUR time not the company's time. Why are we entitled to have L6 force information into our brains and make us responsible adults?

> And another thing, do we really have to quote the
> whole post when responding?

No. ;-)

I just wanted to address each point specifically and one-by-one. This way what I was typing would be more difficult to take out of context.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 13:09:55
> I purchased a POD X3 this Monday and tirelessly spent
> the evening generating a bundle of wholesome, metal
> tones. This evening I brought it into the rehearsal
> studio. After about ten minutes into the session I
> began to notice a number of rather odd occurrences:
> Firstly, the reverb kept inserting itself to the tone
> (despite my repeated requests for it to remain
> inactive); secondly, the patch volume would decide to
> lower itself until the guitar was inaudible.
>
It's a crying shame; I love the
> tone the x3 provides, but I cannot depend upon it.


Yep.

It's your own damm fault - per Septemfluous

Ya shoulda had it malfunction BEFORE you took it to the studio.

Oh, by the way. If the OP decides to return it - how can he tell if he got a good one ? Are there special markings or some identifier as such ? Or will he still be shootin' craps ?

Message was edited by: HeavyChevy

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Septemfluous on 2008-04-30 14:24:24
Ok, I'll bite (though I'm assuming I'm going to get nothing but vitriol). Why is it my fault? Also, Heavy, what did I do to you to deserve such anger and hatred? You don't even know me, I've done nothing but try to help and you start making it personal. Are you really trying to pick a fight on an internet forum? That's kinda silly and sophomoric, don't you think?

Well I, for one, am going to try to keep this informative.

There is an easy way to see if it's malfunctioning. You hook it up OUTSIDE of the studio or practice (at home, friend's house, garage, etc...). Yes, it can absolutely break between where you originally tried it and the studio. At that point be angry... take it back... call the manufacturer a total fweazil for all I care. But don't buy it, and try it out in the studio/at practice the very next day having not tested it in any way... then keep trying to trouble shoot it in the studio/at practice, at the expense of everyone else, instead of hooking up your original gear that you've been using all the way up 'till now and getting things moving all the while blaming the manufacturer. I actually had my X3L for three months before I took it into the studio for this very reason (also, because I needed the Gearbox plugin before I would record).

Is that clear enough? I can go into more detail with the actual testing process (plug it in, turn it on, plug a guitar into it, move the volume pedal, play it for a while, etc...) if you need me to.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 14:27:20
C'mon......presumptivestatistitionists.....

Step up to the mic..........This is obviously a smart kid !!!

What are his ODDS ??? (of getting a good one - one that sounds good and does not malfunction)

Message was edited by: HeavyChevy

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 14:34:09
It's not your fault. It's the OP's - right ? That is you opinion ? Right ?

I am so angry....that....I can not stop.......laughing !!! Someone .....make him ........stop !!!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by malhavok on 2008-04-30 14:45:28
> everyone else, instead of hooking up your original
> gear that you've been using all the way up 'till now


He has no "original gear" to fall back on. But again, as I think it got lost in all the emotional mudslinging that has been going on, check out this edited version of the original post:

> I am an extremely unhappy customer.
>
> I purchased a POD X3 this Monday and ... spent
> the evening generating a bundle of ... metal
> tones. ...I brought it into ... rehearsal
> ...After about ten minutes ... I
> began to notice a number of rather odd occurrences:
> Firstly, the reverb kept inserting itself to the tone
> ... secondly, the patch volume would decide to
> lower itself until the guitar was inaudible.
>
> I am angry, I am frustrated, and most of all, I am
> bitterly disappointed.

If the OP had kept it simply to this, then he still has every right to be an upset customer. He purchased something that is broken. Step 2, resolve anger/frustration/disappointment by either exchanging or returning said faulty unit.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by dcrissinger on 2008-04-30 14:51:23
Every bit of junk that comes out of China is the fault of whichever company is choosing to have their junk made there. If we are eager to pay the lowest price, and we apparently are, this is what we, the consumer will get.

It's very difficult to pay more for something with our limited cash. When we consider the low price we get these goods for, we have to remember what does it really COST?

I returned my bean X3, but I still come to these boards. They are kind of funny sometimes. I also really like the guitar sounds I got from the x3 for a few weeks.

I have made a conscious decision to own less stuff. I try to buy ethically produced, quality products. It's the least I can do. But man is the cheap stuff tempting for my one income family. Some times plastic's good and sometimes it isn't.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 15:09:33
I can not tell a musician to be unemotional. I do not have that capacity.

I wish you good luck and God's speed - caelestis !!!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by 12aux7a on 2008-04-30 15:56:56
What a fine post to jump in on for my first post on here... ;-)

Just to tag along on Chevy's last post...Ain't that the truth. and to go a step further, remembering when I started out and a few of my first gigs when I couldn't afford much quality gear I had some fellow musicians loan me their cabs, heads, and even backup guitars. So, if you live close to me 'caelestis' you can borrow my new X3L (awesome unit) or one of my rigs or even a couple pedals to get you through in a bind.

Although, I'm sure the music store you bought your unit from would do the same thing for you if you had to wait for a new product of your choice. I know the one I deal with has done the same for me when I was in a bind. (Dave, sorry I scratched that brand new $2000 guitar you took off the wall and loaned me for that gig years ago..damn studded belts...lol ).

China>>>> I don't even want to get started on that topic. We as consumers want "cheap". Wonder what the X3L would cost if it were made in a country like Germany, England, Canada, USA?

Anyway, hope you get it sorted out. Hey, buy a couple cheap backup pedals just in case.

From playing with my X3L for a week now I do see some minor issues but all in all it sounds great. Time will tell with this unit.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 16:17:42
[qoute] But don't buy it, and try it out in the studio at practice the very next day having not tested it in any way. [/quote]

I didn't; I spent about 6-7 hours using the blighter before the studio test. The problem only manifested itself ten minutes into the rehearsal session. Perhaps the 'pot slippage issue' is aggravated by the extra bass/air shifting produced by a stack amp as opposed to my 'home studio' setup.

I spent 6-7 hours setting up tones, flashing firmware, general jamming etc. I did mention this in my initial post. The unit was, for all intents and purposes, rehearsal ready. The problem does not always manifest itself from the onset - as other forum users have found.

[quote] instead of hooking up your original gear... [/quote]

MY ORIGINAL GEAR IS BROKEN i.e. Not working - This I have also mentioned on numerous occasions, including my first post.

Septemfluous - Despite your sarcastic post - a post that was fairly unjustified considering it was based on information you have obviously misconstrued - you have a very cool user name. Based on Latin yeah? Flowing seven times? Seven streams? Argh! I need to brush up on my Latin!

Edited because I'm a bit of a forum spacker.

Message was edited by: caelestis

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 16:30:11
HeavyChevy, 12aux7a - Cheers guys. This is why I love the musician scene. We rock!

12aux7a - Aww man don't tempt me, you'll find me on your doorstep with arms outstretched. Damn awesome thing to offer, though. \m/ Glad to hear your enjoying the X3L.

Your right about the unit though - in that it sounds great. I even made our drummer smile when he heard my new lead tone! Bless him.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 16:31:01
Be careful my friend............

We are now in the "hateful" and "personal" phase. Be sensitive.....

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 16:38:21
Aye, apologies if that across as being insulting on a personal level, but I do feel the level of sarcasm applied in his post was a tad uncalled for. I'm not trying to sound hateful towards any individual on this board.

So, yeah...

Too many 'haters' not enough 'players'.

Urgh. I feel so dirty for saying that...I think I need to listen to some rockin' 'choons' and wash the 'gangsta' off.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Septemfluous on 2008-04-30 16:46:16
You're absolutely right! I don't even begin to know where I come of trying to solve an intellectual problem with... dare I say it?... intellect. I bow to your superior emotionalism.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 16:50:10
Don't apologize to me !!! I am with you 1000%

I am the one that needs to apololgize !!! Sorry fanboyz !!!

(Next phase - .................)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Septemfluous on 2008-04-30 16:50:40
Sorry to disappoint, but I wasn't being sarcastic. The emotions are running high on this thread and I was really trying to make an intellectual point. Heavy seems to think I'm blaming you for the Pod not working which just isn't the case. I guess some remedial reading skills are in order.

I'll bow out of this thread now.

Heavy, may you find peace, serenity.





No sarcasm was implied in this post, either directly or indirectly. I truly wish for peace, serenity, and intellect for all.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by HeavyChevy on 2008-04-30 16:51:31
Next phase ?

....intellect........

Thar she blows !!!

Do I get extra by predicting the next two phases - quintella style ?

Message was edited by: HeavyChevy

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 17:20:38
[quote] if the OP had kept it simply to this, then he still has every right to be an upset customer. [/quote]

So I don't have the 'right' to be an upset customer now...

Your two step solution is all well and good, but I still feel somewhat aggrieved. There is - in my subjective opinion - a case for having Line6 admit a degree of culpability, when they are accused that the PODx3 was released too early, and has an unacceptable amount of varying defects/build issues.

There seems to be a reasonable case here, with a substantial amount of evidence and numerous testimonials. My reckoning is that either the testing was not substantial enough, the mass-production cycle differed from the original design spec, or Line6 were aware of the defects, but considered them within the company's AQL (Acceptable Quality Level). If it is the latter of the three then I am - as I stated before - bitterly disappointed with Line6.

It's all about 'probability'.

If nothing is said, nothing will change. Generally speaking, the only thing that prompts change within a company's procedural infrastructure, is an impact to their profit margins. Making potential users aware of potential defects, their frequency, and both negative and positive feedback, allows them to make an educated choice.

Message was edited by: caelestis

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 17:49:56
Sorry if I misread; however, it seemed to me that you were not blaming the unit's failure on me, but rather that it was my fault that its failure caused me any sort of detriment.

As I have explained, I didn't really have a choice in the matter. Regardless, the unit should have worked.

The sarcasm remark was directed at your prompt for further clarification on how I should have tested the unit - that I had not considered to plug it in, attach cable, turn on etc.

I can't speak for Heavy, but I gave your posts the attention they deserved - a thorough read

I was genuinely curious about your user name, though.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Insidian on 2008-04-30 17:53:37
> Man... Not another one...
> I was seriously thinking of switching to PODX3L.
> This is frustrating.
> Imagine the number of people NOT on this forum
> experiencing breakdowns.

What you see here on the forums is probably a good majority of the people that are experiencing issues, because this is a SUPPORT forum, and the manual leads you here. What you should be imagining is the vast number of people that never get to this forum, because they are NOT having any issues. :)


]:)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by caelestis on 2008-04-30 18:06:22
Please don't exaggerate...I didn't say flip; I said it moved or shifted etc.

The analogy is flawed: due to weight constraints a helmet cannot be anything other than an outer shell of light plastic. It also contains a multitude of other thin layers, and a not-so-thin layer of foam, that provide a sizable buffer between the rider's head (circuit board) and the impact zone. It's designed to flex, crumple and sometimes break to diffuse a potentially lethal blow. A bike helmet is a manufacturer's compromise between weight, comfort and safety. I don't intend to wear a PODX3L; I want it to resist impacts from gigging accidents.

The X3L has a single layer of plastic - that I doubt is helmet grade - between the base and the circuit boards. That being said, I've never opened one up so cannot comment on its exact nature or the existence of further buffers.

In truth the plastic bottom was a minor issue compared to the volume drop-out - these things tend to compound my dissatisfaction, however.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by malhavok on 2008-04-30 19:42:35
> So I don't have the 'right' to be an upset customer now...

Come on man, I'm siding with you on being upset over getting a faulty unit and you've got to give me that response. Truly, emotions are running a little too high here.

>If nothing is said, nothing will change. Generally speaking, the only thing that prompts change within a company's procedural infrastructure, is an impact to their profit margins. Making potential users aware of potential defects, their frequency, and both negative and positive feedback, allows them to make an educated choice.

Absolutely true on every count. But what really tends to happen is when you add the sob story about how your personal life was impacted by the event, people will generally discount your entire claim based on all the other "flaws" they find in your story. You wanted to bring a story about an upset customer, instead people read a story about someone making what they feel are "bad" decisions. I'm only trying to distill all the chaff out of the original post so people can see the real issue here.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 20:52:29
> > Lincoln Brewster has two set up onstage because...
>
> C'mon...just because someone has two of a
> piece of kit doesn't mean the kit is not
> trustworthy.

I actually know the story of why Lincoln has that second X3L right there at the ready. And it contradicts your statement above.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 20:53:40
> How can you tell if you have one of the "new
> revisions" of the hardware?

Good question. Hope and pray. Short of opening it up and examining the revision numbers on the PCBs (and that really doesn't tell us much either) there isn't any real way to tell.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by sbruce on 2008-04-30 21:17:46
so how do we know that there has been a revision of the hardware? I'm guessing I don't have it as my GC has had the same 3 units for months...I'm going on day 4...so far, no problems...I shouldn't have said that...now I'm jinxed for sure :-)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-04-30 21:59:33
Well, we don't really know except for Line6 telling us, right? They supposedly redid the standoffs on the case back so that they wouldn't impact the main PCB when you step on the chrome bar. They also supposedly changed out the design of the buttons. I know that someone did open their's up and saw different rev numbers on the PCBs. And I confirmed that my new X3L got shipped to GC from Line6 less than a month before I bought it in April. So who really knows. Anyway, the switches are covered for the life of the unit.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-01 04:56:35
> Hey, buy a couple
> cheap backup pedals just in case.

Good idea. Not to harp on the backup issue but here's my real-life backup story from last night.

I get to rehearsal early and find my entry blocked by an SVT Classic head and 6x10 cab on its way out the door. Apparently, our bass player's rig had shit the bed. Needs tubes or some crap like that. But that didn't stop us from playing that night because he has 2 backup/alternate rigs that he can use.

Moral of the story, always have a backup. Had he not, my trip and the gas to get there would have been wasted, as well as the gas and time of everyone else that came from far and wide. Your backup doesn't have to be expensive. Buy a cheap POD2 from eBay or something like that.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Rowbi on 2008-05-01 05:26:25
> Moral of the story, always have a backup. Had he
> not, my trip and the gas to get there would have been
> wasted, as well as the gas and time of everyone else
> that came from far and wide. Your backup doesn't
> have to be expensive. Buy a cheap POD2 from eBay or
> something like that.

great advice! backups are a must! I go to rehearsal with 2 guitars, my X3L my atomic my XT bean, and there's a PA there that I can use if needed as a backup amp. I also have spare strings and cables and picks..... it's a must!

Regards

Rowbi

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-01 05:37:03
> I also have spare strings and cables and
> picks..... it's a must!

And beer. Sadly, I forgot to apply my backup rule to beer last night. I finished off what I had left in the band fridge. Never gig without backup beer! :D

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by nuser101 on 2008-05-01 05:46:31
Caelestis,
I'm sorry you are yet another unhappy customer. However, the question is what to do about your disatisfaction. Your post challenges "a representative from Line6 to justify the premature release of the X3 and how the company intends to 'do right' by their customers" without specifying what "do right" should mean. While that may be an appropriate means of expressing frustration, which is certainly within your right, the odds of this tactic accomplishing anything productive are quite low.

To the responders who insist on "backup" at all gigs. Well, I can afford that now, and I'm guessing most such respondents can, but I think we've all forgotten what it's like to be a student. Back in those days (ca 1970), it was just me, my Tele, my Twin, and a Ross distortion booster. The philosophy was to buy reliable gear that didn't break. In that regard, no amount of warranty makes unreliable gear worth the purchase. No stage player I know would trade the experience of having a bank select switch fail during a live performance for any amount of warranty that the switch will be fixed after it fails. That's the poorest defense imaginable.

Again, though, complaining about such things is not a productive exercise without specific solutions in hand. So, instead of a post with an implied threat of posting dissatisfaction across the web, I would suggest that in the future you make your own decision as to the best course of action for you, which, given your level of frustration probably means a product return and the purchase of alternative gear. Then, you can post a private letter to Line 6 expressing the reasons for no longer using its products. I believe that approach would be far more productive in regards to effecting long term change.

I agree that you have the right to post exactly as you did - I'm just questioning the efficacy of the approach.

For me, it's extremely frustrating that a once useful forum has degenerated into a series of arguments and ad hominem attacks that serve no use. It's even more disturbing that long term posters have begun to contribute fewer and fewer posts, and that the number of logged in users (and viewers) has gone way, way down.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Nick_Mattocks on 2008-05-01 05:57:43
You have a faulty unit. It's incredibly annoying and frustrating I can appreciate. You simply need to take it back to the store where you bought it on Monday and get a new one. Before you do though, install line 6 Monkey on your PC and the drivers for the X3 and back up all the patches you've tweaked as a bundle to your PC.

When you get your new unit, it'll take about two minutes to load your already tweaked patch bundle back into it.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by 12aux7a on 2008-05-01 06:10:12
>I finished off what I had left in the band fridge
>Never gig without backup beer!

I like the way you think Karl... Lets hope the "band fridge" doesn't crap out as well. Might need a backup cooler and ice...lol...Cold beer !!!!


Hummm, wonder if I can have a backup wife? Did I say that out loud...Oop's... ;-)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-01 06:11:45
> I like the way you think Karl... Lets hope the "band
> fridge" doesn't crap out as well. Might need a backup

Dude, believe it or not, we have a backup fridge. :D

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by nuser101 on 2008-05-01 06:16:50
My problem is that, even if I just drink a little while I'm playing, I need a backup brain.

During gigs, I'm stone cold sober until closing, when the bar owner at Jacksons' serves me up as much Scotch as I can handle. I chase it down with Schlafly's pale ale, and it makes up for the enforced gig sobriety :D .

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Osiris7837 on 2008-05-01 06:17:37
Quote Caeletis ''updates are irrelevant when the pedal does not perform at the most basic levels. The Gt-10 already surpasses the x3 in terms of features; it would make no sense for line6 to stagnate the x3's development at this stage. I'm not going to confuse 'good business sense' with 'good will'. ''


I had to post for this one.....How can ypu possibly think that the GT-10 surpasses the X3 in terms of features the X3 has more Models and works with Guitar, Bass and Vocals.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-01 06:22:54
> My problem is that, even if I just drink a little
> while I'm playing, I need a backup brain.

LOL!!! Well, I definitely can't afford one of those! :D Seriously, I only have at the most 2 beers during a 4 hour rehearsal. Just enough to quench the thirst and unwind from being a computer dweeb during the day.

For gigs, I have a little secret. ;) I keep a nearly empty brown beer bottle in a zippered coozy, with just a little water in the bottom on my mic stand beer holder. If someone from the audience buys me a drink, shot, etc, I drink it, hold in mouth, then "wash it down" into the container. That way, nobody gets insulted and I remain clear headed. :D

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by sbruce on 2008-05-01 06:27:47
Thanks Karl. I hadn't heard that Line6 had said they had revised the units. That's good news! (although i'm pretty sure I don't have one) I just wish they would somehow let you know if you have one of the faulty ones BEFORE it goes out on you! I have no service center within hours of me; so I guess my options are to take the X3L back or pray it doesn't die during a gig! But even if it does, I' m not sure how I would get it fixed.
Oh well...I've got 26 days to decide (before GC return policy wears out)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Pstrat on 2008-05-01 06:46:51
Doesn't this break one of the cardinal rules? Never bring new gear to a Show/Studio until you've had ample time to setup and work out the kinks. I bought my X3L and had the metal bar issue. I took it back and now have yet to have any issues with my unit.

Also, as nice as XTL is it doesn't sound nearly as good as the X3L(I've owned both)

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by ricksox on 2008-05-01 10:12:20
OK. Everyone here needs to chill out. caelestis , I'm very sorry to hear about your issues with your POD. It's still under warranty and we can arrange to get you a brand new replacement unit. And just so you know, it's common practice for us to replace units for a certain amount of time after their release. This helps us troubleshoot possible issues as fast as possible in an ultimate effort to improve the users experience. I would much rather get one of our disgruntled users a new unit than have it sit in a repair depot for who knows how long anyway. After all, we do have about 150 other products to support and repair at all times so turnaround times on repairs can take much longer then a week and a half.

So, I accept your challenge. Please let me know if you'd like a replacement unit. I speak with the reps over in the UK every week so I can give them a heads up of your situation and get a replacement RMA arranged.


Thanks for your time.


Line6Miller

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by joeswo on 2008-05-01 10:25:51
I received a faulty unit in December 2007.

Looked like it had been used and abused and put back in the box.

Got no joy from the retailer until I approached Line6 about it.
They pressured the dealer into refunding my money.
Then Line6 sent me a new unit with free shipping.

It did take 4 months in all, mostly due to the dealers unwillingness to put matters right.

Line6 were courteous, understanding and helpfull, although a little more urgency would have been appreciated.

There are issues with the X3 and I too believe it was released too soon.
Having said that, it is an awesome piece of kit and I am happy to now have a good one.

I wish you the best of luck in resolving your issues.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-05-02 02:16:18
Insidian, you're right. :-)
True to look at it that way too...

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-05-02 02:23:02
Karl! :-) Please do tell me why Lincoln has two X3Ls onstage.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by John_J on 2008-05-02 02:30:26
:-)
*BIG WIDE GRIN*
My PODxt was made right here in Malaysia!
4 years in, not a single problem with it!
Of course, now Line 6 has their PODxts made in China.
Hehehe... Blessed me!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Brion_Kean on 2008-05-02 13:58:14
I have to say, even though I have to drop mine off tomorrow at the Service Center to have the buttons repaired / reinforced, the thing is still dynamite to me! The sound, the sound, it is top notch. All the talk about flimsy case, failures, metal vs. plastic, etc. on and on - none of that REALLY matters.

The sound you can get, when the thing is working right, is unprecidented.

I'm not saying the problems don't exist, I'm just saying, Line 6 has got your back when / if things go wrong. I'm psyched, in a backwards-weird way, that the buttons did fail! I expected them to eventually, reading all the trouble others have had.

Now, once they are fixed properly, I can stop worrying "when is that tap button gonna fail?" And if it does fail, five years from now, outside of warranty, Line 6 has SPECIFICALLY stated that they will cover the cost of repair, or needed replacement, for that faulty footswitch button issue. Cool, right?

Imagine if your car dealer did that...Transmission, head-gaskets, all that covered for the life of the car, no having to pay $5,000 at 105,000 miles..

Cheers!
_Brion-

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Brion_Kean on 2008-05-02 14:03:23
Again, maybe the Boss Gt10 is "Built Like a Tank". Maybe, to some, it sounds better too! Just because the build is sturdy, doesn't mean the sound is good / better.

I am going to play a Gt10 soon, maybe this weekend - just want to hear for myself. My impression of Roland /Boss is good, overall, solid stuff! Esp. Roland, I have a great weighted keyboard and an awesome old-school Roland drum machine which rock!!

I did also previously own a Boss "COSM" product, and just wasn't happy. I haven't fully compared the Boss "Amp modeling" stuff, I know the FX are supposed to be great, and the amp modeling not as great, but still a step up from previous GT series.

Will Boss support footswitch failure if/when they occur outside of the product warranty period? Do they need to? Who knows, ask the GT10 owners a year from now how well their gear has fared!

I do know, that I LOVE the sound of the Pod X3Live, it is a significant improvement over the MB50 series which I owned previously, and other than the annoying Chinese Quality Fade issue, which has left Line 6 in the lurch due to flawed quality control, I'm loving the device, it's the best sound I've heard from anything like it - that being, compared to Boss, Vox toneLab, Digitech, etc.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by nuser101 on 2008-05-02 14:08:18
> The sound, the sound, it is top notch. All the
> talk about flimsy case, failures, metal vs. plastic,
> etc. on and on - none of that REALLY matters.
right, is unprecidented.
>
> Now, once they are fixed properly, I can stop
> worrying "when is that tap button gonna fail?" And if
> it does fail, five years from now, outside of
> warranty, Line 6 has SPECIFICALLY stated that they
> will cover the cost of repair, or needed replacement,
> for that faulty footswitch button issue. Cool,
> right?
>
Hmm... I've played on stage for many years now, and, no, that's not cool to me. The warranty does me no good if I'm playing a hot venue for the first time. It either works, or the club manager says "What the H*LL is going on with your sound system?" I understand the concept of backup, but I also understand that backup is a fall-back, last resort, measure. I've said this once, and I'll say it again - no amount of warranty makes up for a stage failure, especially when the failure in question has been experienced by a large number of users..To say that this is a support forum, so you should expect lots of failure reports is ridiculous. It wasn't that way during the xt/xtl period. There may have been sporadic complaints, but nothing like this. Give me a break. End of MIR (Merlot Induced Rant).

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by LoonyBin-Fizzbin on 2008-05-02 14:16:46
I love Merlot!

And a BU of that too!

:D

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by nuser101 on 2008-05-02 14:21:24
Hey Fizz,
Actually, the more loaded I get, the more sorry I am that I ranted. You guys know I love Line 6 sounds, but that's exactly why I get so frustrated by what's going on right now. Ya gotta shoot straight if ya wanna hit the target.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by nuser101 on 2008-05-02 14:36:37
> Again, maybe the Boss Gt10 is "Built Like a Tank".
> Maybe, to some, it sounds better too! Just because
> the build is sturdy, doesn't mean the sound is good /
> better.
>
That, we agree on. Through the GT-8 series, I can guarantee that Boss gear does not model as well as Line 6 gear. This is an absolute - I have owned the GT-8 and the xt PRO. I cannot comment on the GT-10 at all - I have not auditioned it, and what's on the web is, frankly, useless information.
>> Will Boss support footswitch failure if/when they
> occur outside of the product warranty period? Do they
> need to? Who knows, ask the GT10 owners a year from
> now how well their gear has fared!
>
This, speaking from long experience with the GT series, is irrelevant - I've owned both the GT-3 and the GT-8. Neither has given even a hint of failure in any regard whatsoever. The footswitches are reliable - period.
>
> I do know, that I LOVE the sound of the Pod X3Live,
> it is a significant improvement over the MB50 series
> which I owned previously, and other than the annoying
> Chinese Quality Fade issue, which has left Line 6 in
> the lurch due to flawed quality control, I'm loving
> the device, it's the best sound I've heard from
> anything like it - that being, compared to Boss, Vox
> toneLab, Digitech, etc.
>
Possible agreement - except that the latest GSP1101 doesn't sound all that bad to me. Admittedly, that's just a matter of taste, but I have to admit that I was impressed enough to wait on my next purchase decision. BTW- I assume you mean the ME-50 or ME-20, and not the MB50. If there's an MB50 that sounds great, I want to know about it.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by pda041376 on 2008-05-03 16:11:08
The beginning stage of the XTL had its fair share of problems/issues as well.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by jesuscares on 2008-05-03 21:38:40
Thats why I pray before I buy.Never had problems & I get a good deal!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by timowens on 2008-05-06 17:19:47
Hey, I prayed over my purchase but it didn't work, I still had troubles, John 16:33 comes to mind here. But seriously, now I'm praying for a refund. Just to be safe, do you think you can pray for me to get a refund. Tim.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by markryan on 2008-05-06 19:49:27
It's been well documented that some of my customers have had problems with this unit, so I brought a couple home to test them. I had some teething problems myself I must admit but these seem to have now cleared. My son has been using 1 of the units and I have been using one for some weeks now. I think they are bloody brilliant. I have done around 30 gigs with it, some recording, and lots of programming and not many problems. I don't like the build quality, and I have stated that I would be happy to pay extra for an all metal unit for peace of mind. I have had the issue with the unit moving when switching to and from Wah mode which isn't great, but I'm happy to put up with it for the tone I'm getting. The GT-10 is also a great box which I've been working with now for a couple of weeks, but to my ears at least, the tone isn't what I'm looking for, although it's infinitely better than previous attempts by Boss.

As for backups, I can't for the life of me understand any serious musician who could go out without one.

I understand there are financial constraints but to not have something in place is unforgivable. It wouldn't be the first time I've had to unplug an fx unit and just use my amp, so I really don't see why you couldn't have done the same.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by timowens on 2008-05-06 20:01:44
Wow, you sell these things and were willing to test them like that, that’s cool. I’d love to see more specifics about your test and the results. As far as having a backup, that would make these things $1,000.00, I bet you don’t recommend that when you sell them.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by istlota on 2008-05-07 05:52:46
Even a 1 in 10 faiilure rate would be horrendous. I agree that the X3L was released before it was ready - -especally for us MAC users.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by ivan40 on 2008-05-07 19:51:18
Hi All, I'm new here. Nice place you all have..

Sorry my very first post here could seem argumentative to some but I feel I need to set something straight..

The idea that one needs to view a piece of gear as "unproven" and tinker with it for a while is nonsense..This is NOT how things work in my world. If I need a new Reverb in the Rack, I go get it, rack it up and it sure better be working when I go to use it.. Yes, gear can and does fail but if I am reading these numbers even close to correctly, then there is NO WAY to claim that the X3 is ready for high stakes pro end use.. You can NOT have this many failing's per 10000 units.. MY GEAR MUST WORK LIVE. IT IS A HUGE HUGE DEAL IF IT BREAKS DURING A SHOW AND THIS SHOULD BE UNBELIEVABLY RARE!!

Look, I tend to think that Line 6 might be the best sounding Modeling gear out there, if you can't use amps. But I gotta tell ya.. I will NEVER figure out what is going on in the minds of these folks when it's time to actually put the physical units together.

I've owned three Twins.{Old ones} They just don't break. A bunch of old school recording gear, many many guitars and just a pile of amps and stomp boxes.. The truth is, people CAN build this stuff so that it is VERY RARE that it fails.. They just don't, thats all.. They don't because a dollar is a dollar.. It is always better , from a corporate profit stand point at least, to go cheap.. They walk the line between pissing to many people off, and not.. As long as the business plan holds up at the end of the year and they can keep on selling to entry level people, they just don't care. Period.. Caring costs money that they don't want to spend..

With out question, they could build an X3 that wont break. I would gladly, GLADLY pay another $200,00 for this "feature".. But They are not selling to me first. They are selling to new players first. Guys like me {and many others here I'm sure}, might end up buying but for me personally, I want to see some units tour for a good year straight "out in the sun" and being dropped tired roadies first.


Line 6 is NOT alone in making this mistake. Many others do it also.. Here's the thing.. I have not seen an X3 up close and I'm already mad that it's not made from all metal.. Why the plastic bottom? I don't want it to FLEX AT ALL. not at all!!

The bottom line is this. Very well made gear is hard to come by these days.. Sad..

Ivan...................

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by talbotpat on 2008-05-07 20:22:39
Exactly (regarding John passage)...you could be trying to get that X3L working correctly in Myanmar about now. A little perspective is in order I think. Line6 is very good about these things...of course, sometimes it's not as satisfying to just get the issues taken care of without the drama. (praying for much more relevant things than *my own* issues with the X3L...a few of which I do have by the way, just patiently waiting for the fixes and acting accordingly with a XTL as backup)

Tim - Did you ditch the X3L altogether? If so, what were the dealbreakers for you?

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by timowens on 2008-05-07 20:24:45
Thanks for the input Ivan and welcome to the forum. I'm with you on this one, however, you should note though that a Pro (Lincoln Brewster) does in fact use the POD X3L on stage (albeit he has a backup unit right there on stage next to his main unit). Check out his web page at http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/extras.phpand be sure to watch the video.

Tim

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-07 22:01:38
> I have not
> seen an X3 up close and I'm already mad that it's not
> made from all metal.. Why the plastic bottom? I don't
> want it to FLEX AT ALL. not at all!!

I'm upset that the X3L isn't all metal also, albeit for different reasons. But I do want to clear one thing up for you. Unless you actually STAND on the X3L, it isn't going to flex. I'm a pretty light foot switcher normally so flexing isn't an issue at all, but even if I put the entire weight of my foot, leg and one side of my body on the unit, I detect no flexing.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Rowbi on 2008-05-08 02:56:38
> Even a 1 in 10 faiilure rate would be horrendous. I
> agree that the X3L was released before it was ready -
> -especally for us MAC users.

it was more like 1 in 100,

remember that this is a tech support forum... so you see just about ALL the faults on here..... I know of one store that sold well in excess of 2000 X3L's in the first 3 months!! so there's probably 20,000 X3L's out there at the moment... and with a few 100 failed units!...

that's good in my book, and if anyone thinks that is too high a failure rate, then they're kidding themselves if they think a £300 electronic device would be any more reliable... it's just the way it is!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by dgoad on 2008-05-08 04:47:32
I agree with you on the plastic, its plenty strong, its those darn pesky footswitches! My x3l only took a very light touch for them to engage, so i was easy on it, but one broke anyway, $20 shipping, week (s) without it etc.
How has your bean and shortboard held up so far, because thats where i am headed i think. i know you put them to plenty of use. Thanks

I dusted off the xtl last night, getting it ready for sunday, after not using it for months, it felt like a bag of concrete!!!!

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by timowens on 2008-05-08 06:38:03
OK, feeling a little convicted now. Thanks for the reality check, “jesuscares” please forgive me for my response, my motives were a bit selfish.

No, I didn’t ditch the X3L, I was ready to but Line6Miller convinced me to give it another shot, he’s a good guy and will really go out of his way for you. The unfortunate thing is it did take a bit of effort to get someone’s attention there at Line6 hence the drama (I think it’s called the squeaky wheel theory). Again, thanks for the perspective.

Tim

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by talbotpat on 2008-05-08 07:12:53
Totally understand...not trying to be preachy, I have more than my share of 'getting wrapped around the axles' moments as it were with regard to the guitar rig. (and lots of other stuff also!) ;-)

Glad to hear you are getting support on the X3L, I'm looking forward to the next firmware for a few issues to go away as well....just grateful I still have the XTL if something goes really awry, but so far, the X3L has been reliable with a few stray exceptions. Knowing how to minimize and quickly overcome those is getting me through for the time being, and hopefully (just like the XTL) the X3L will get to that same level over time.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-08 07:13:22
> How has your bean and shortboard held up so far,
> because thats where i am headed i think. i know you
> put them to plenty of use. Thanks

Like a tank. The FBVSB is built rock solid and could survive being stomped on repeatedly by an elephant. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but it's way more solid than either an X3L or an XTL. I've dented door frames, scratched car doors and stubbed toes on the FBVSB and it still looks and works like new.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by GibsonX3117 on 2008-05-08 10:38:12
This entire thread seems to have degraded beyond helpfulness. I purchased my X3L Last night, and had the pleasure of buying one that had been shipped from line 6 and recieved by guitar center earlier the same day.



I have not had a chance to test or use it yet, as I am visiting my mother in New Jersey, and do not have any of my gear, and her laptop is a bit too slow to support gearbox or any recording software for me to run it through, later today (in about an hour) I'm going to be going over to one of my good friends (and bandmates) houses to have a nice long 6+ hour recording/jamming session.



After reading all of these posts I'm debating even bringing up any flaws I may experience. Having bought one freshly shipped frome L6 I'm not anticipating many, if any.



Irregardless of that, I wonder why so many people are taking what the "11 with good units" have said so far out of context. I have noticed that they realized that he did not have any backup gear, and have only said helpful and insightful things. The blame shifting is pointless. User error is no fault but the users, and manufacturing errors are no fault but the MANUFACTURER'S, which would be the chinese plants they're being made at. Any flaws in design, I have not seen yet. So none of this, that I have seen or read, in my oppinion are line 6's fault.

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by dgoad on 2008-05-08 10:45:06
>>. I've dented door frames, scratched car doors and stubbed toes on the FBVSB and it still looks and works like new<<

Thats good to hear Karl, door frames-car doors-and toes...i do enough damage to those already, i will really have to watch out now :) Thanks

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-08 11:03:34
Yep, it's a SOLID unit. The only reason I bought a carry bag for it was because I was getting tired of it damaging other things. :D

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by Karl_Houseknecht on 2008-05-08 11:10:37
> Any flaws in design, I have
> not seen yet.

Well, that's because at least two of the design flaws aren't visible to the normal, naked eye. :) The design of the offsets in the plastic case bottom were causing a short problem on the main PCB. That design flaw has since been fixed in new production. And the switch mounting assembly was also flawed but also apparently fixed in new production.

Some folks might also argue that the plastic back is a design flaw because it facilitated the need for spray-on conductive paint which has fallen off onto the main PCB during movement and allegedly caused shorts. Others might also say the design and placement of the optical sensors for the expression pedal is flawed because it necessitated a cheap piece of foam to be inserted under the pedal to shut out ambient light.

So there are plenty of minor flaws in the earlier units, some of which have been fixed since then.

I'll tell you what, though. Nobody is complaining about the tone. :D

Re: New PODX3L owner - bitterly disappointed.
by GibsonX3117 on 2008-05-08 11:37:14
I dont know, I just cant find anything to complain about. Even if I get a dead switch, or something else that is cropping up. I'll be happily sad, because I know it will be fixed by an american, with better quality than it was put togeather.

This is my first Line 6 Product that I myself have bought, but I have used HD147's, Spider Valve HD100's and a few Spider III's, and the beautiful tone's i've gotten from them impelled me to buy this beautiful product. Because that's what I think it is, beautiful. I dont think it looks cheap at all. I agree with the guy who said it looks like a $1000 product. To me, It does. And well, that's what should matter, personal oppinions of tones and looks.