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What’s this? A solid state modeling amp being reviewed on a site dedicated to hotrodded tube amps? Have I sold out? Abandoned my roots? Gone completely mental? Well, let me tell you, this was not an easy thing to do. Like many of the loyal Metaltronix.net visitors, I am a “solid-state-a-phobe”.
Now, I have my reasons for plugging into a solid state. I wanted an amp that is easy to transport, can be played at low volume (or with headphones), and sounds great. The first two criteria lead me down the path of a solid state combo amp, easy. But a solid state that sounds great? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve come across a few solid state amps that have sounded pretty good, but great? Never. That is, not until I tried the Line 6 Flextone III XL.
Tone
Out of the box this amp had me a little worried. The preset tones are not that impressive. But after a couple hours of getting familiar with the amp I was able to dial in some killer tones, including a tone that comes pretty darn close to my M-1000. The preset amp models are ok, but I found that changing speaker simulations really makes the difference. By combining the Boogie models with the Marshall cabinet Sims, I was able to dial in some great warm distorted metal tones.
Clean tones are both warm and bright. This is where the Fender amp models shine. Again, try mixing and matching amp models with different speaker simulations. This can really bring out the warm tones of the amp.
Effects
I have to admit, I’m not one to use a lot of effects. With my M-1000 the only effect unit I run is a Lexicon LXP-1, which in my opinion is the greatest reverb unit EVER. So when it comes to the effects on the Flextone III XL I’m a bit biased. While the effects are not studio grade, they hold up fine for live gigs, jamming, etc. The amp comes with the following effects:
Delay Effects based on*:
- EP-1 Tube Echoplex
- Roland® RE-101 Space Echo
- Deluxe Memory Man
- Digital Delay MXR®
- Ping Pong Delay
- Sweep Echo
Reverb Types:
- Spring
- Room
- Plate
Modulation Effects based on*:
- Tremolo
- Chorus
- A/DA Flanger
- MXR® Phase 90
- 2x10 Fender® Vibroverb
- Uni-Vibe
- Leslie® 145
Another cool feature of the Flextone III XL is the MIDI capability for deep editing via your computer or laptop. Plus, you can download/upload settings to the “Line 6 Tone Transfer Library” via the Line 6 website. This feature allows you to share settings with people all over the globe. INCREDIBLE!
Durability/Craftsmanship
My Flextone III hasn’t fallen down a flight of stairs yet (unlike my Metaltronix cabinet); however, I can tell it’s built tough. The workmanship is solid. The only thing lacking is removable casters – which I eventually added myself after a trip to the local hardware store.
Features:
- 32 Vetta-based amp models
- 12 premium digital effects
- 4 user-programmable channels (36 with optional footcontroller)
- MIDI capability for deep editing and access to the “Line 6 Tone Transfer” Internet library
- Mix 'n' Match speaker cab options
- 1/4" TRS headphone and balanced XLR direct outs
- 2 - 12" custom Celestion speakers
- 150W stereo output
Value
The Line-6 Flextone III XL retails for $980, but I found mine at Musician's Friend for $699. If you’re looking for a combo amp that delivers a variety of tones and is built tough, this is a steal!
Summary
This amp rocks! The Line 6 Flextone III XL comes as close to a tube amp as a solid state can. Persnickety audiophiles will be able to determine that this is not a tube amp; everyone else will be drooling over your god-like tone. If you’re willing to give up just a little bit of that “edge” a genuine tube amplifier provides, the Flextone III will reward you with oodles of flexibility, a variety of killer tones, and a heck of a lot of fun. In my opinion this amp blows away many of the tube amplifiers available today. In fact, of all the amps I’ve tried, I would place the Flextone III XL in my list of the top ten.
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© 2006 Old School Amplification | "Metaltronix", "Built to Blast", and "Lee Jackson" are registered trademarks of Lee Jackson Amplification ®.
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