POD XT steel guitar settings

Drew Howard · From: 48854

I played a session at a studio that insisted on recording me direct thru a POD XT. Not knowing much about editing the amp models, and not having much time either, I wasn't pleased with the sound I got. Could anyone who has steel guitar presets for the POD XT please share them?

I'm an amp guy but in this case I need to get with the program at the studio.

thanks a ton,
Drew
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http://www.drewhoward.com

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Jack Stoner has some..I think they are posted on his site. They are good for traditional clean steel.

Eric West also has some - his are also for clean steel but a little more "creative" sounding to me.

If you're looking for a warmer, more "rounded" tone you're kind of on your own though. I may note out some "old tube amp" type sounds, along with a few delay and phase-type settings when I get the time.

The real secret to the PodXt is NOT to use the factory presets. They are ALL exaggerated in some way or another to demonstrate capabilities...not to create usable sounds. Almost all DSP gadget and amp companies do the same thing with their presets.

Subtlety is the key. Use too much of anything and the sound turns to mush.

And unlike my bud Eric, I HATE the reverb. I only use delay - just a hint with lightly fading repeats. It gives you a big sound without the washout of reverb. I know Dan Tyack (and the late Sneaky Pete) also uses delay primarily instead of reverb.
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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Drew Howard · From: 48854

Jim,

Thanks for the tips - I downloaded Jack Stoner's settings.

I guess what I really need are amp settings as the studio will give me efx to monitor but not to print.

Drew
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http://www.drewhoward.com

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Amp settings will always vary depending on the room, volume lever, etc. Your settings change drastically at different volume levels, and things like hard, parallel walls vs acoustic panels or curtains also have a big effect on your settings.

I've said repeatedly when folks have asked for things like "what amp settings to I use on my Twin Reverb?" that there is no such thing as a "typical" setting...it's totally dependent on volume and the environment.

Same goes for amp settings in the PodXt. First, you have to envision what kind of sound you want - a clean amp in a large club, and "edgier" amp in a small dive, or a pair of Marshall stacks at an outdoor festival (grin). Once you know your imaginary environment, THEN you can start tweaking the settings, always taking into account the "environment" you started with. It actually works pretty well if you think in those terms.

I also screw around with a Yamaha DG stomp I picked up real cheap at a Sam Ash "used closeout" sale, and while it's much more simplified than the PodXt it's quicker to set up for those "imaginary" venues, has great sound once you learn it's nuances, and it's a floor unit - if I'm lazy I can use that with the FC-7 foot controller (a very substantial and adjustable unit) (sticking it all in the back of a combo amp)for volume or wah and its 4 stomp switches, not having to carry all my normal effects gear.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

Hey, Drew, check with Tommy Dodd. He's come up with a bunch of POD presets for steel.

Tom Mossburg · From: AZ,

Ditto on the Tommy Dodd info. The times I've heard him his tone was awesome. I think if you go to his website you can get a unit from him already programmed.

Its been my experience that the modelers all sound thin live (except for what Tommy Dodd does with it), so in that respect I have to agree with Jim. He's dead on about the stock sounds.

Eric West · From: Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.

I find that building one from scratch is the best considering.

A "Tube PreamP" model is a good place to start.

If you end up boosting and or cutting too much stuff you're just asking for trouble.

I like the "Cavernous" reverb with "NO" decay, as it's as present as you want it, and you can unmud it. NO DECAY is the secret. The Spring models and plate models I find WAY too muddy. No matter what.

Delays are great.

I was swamped with recovery stuff today or I'd have done more of a search of the old Forum.

"Saving" EVERY time you find something that you like is the secret. Especially at the Venue.

Anymore, with my tube amps I don't use an "amp model".

Mind the "Regeneration" or as they call it "Decay" on the verbs.

I never use compression on PSG.

Sorry but I'm swamped now.

The "Old Forum" search of "Electronics" has TONS of my old stuff, and others'.

ENjoy.

Smile

EJL

Tommy Dodd · From: Acworth, Ga., USA (deceased)

Stephen and Tom, thank you for your kind comments on my POD settings. As many of you know, I got into the POD XT units after having a very scary situation with United Airlines when they dropped (and nearly ruined) a rack full of Lexicon processors on a trip to one of the Mesa, Az.(SWSGA)shows a few years back. I bought a POD primarily because it was compact and had a really good reputation with all my studio guitar players here in the Atlanta area. (And when I flew a date I could put it in a briefcase and carry it on the plane). After spending many hours of tweaking I came up with several presets that I was happy with and they've served me very well both in the studio and on live gigs as well. I call the POD XT "the steel players' Swiss army knife" because it does so many things very well. It is an effects processor, a preamp (modelling of course), a chromatic tuner, and a great headphone amp. When Line 6 saw the mounting bracket I designed & build specifically for steel players they contacted me about becoming a dealer and focus on the steel guitar market. The POD XT is a tremendous tool for steel players, guitar players, and bass players.... but like any great tool it needs a good set of hands to use it!

Bob Grado · From: Holmdel, New Jersey

Tommy,

Are your steel settings available for those of us who already own a POD XT?

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