chris.niziolek

So I got my refund check and I can't save it.... I must spend it. I have a POD xt pro hooked up to a 4 channel mixer that mixes my computer with the POD output. I would like to route my POD output to a loudspeaker. The reason I am going this route vs buying an amplifier is I don't want my investment to go to waste. I have probably spent nearly a grand on a Compressor, 31 band-EQ, Sonic Maximizer, and the POD xt pro.

What I would like to find. A self-powered 12" or 15" loudspeaker, something over 50 watts (its not a very large space), decent frequency response for guitar, and all around $300-$400.

I would go for a 2 channel studio monitor if the price is right.

Any suggestions?

Cathbard

I've seen Mackie Thumps go for that sort of money new on US ebay. That would be my choice. I'd probably go for a 15" if I could so it will be useful as part of a PA when you get around to buying one. You can always use it as a foldback wedge down the track too.
Now there's another option that I'd probably lean towards on reflection - a powered foldback wedge. If you buy one bit of PA gear it should be foldback wedges. If the house is going to cheap out anywhere, it's foldback. If you have your own wedges it doesn't matter so much.
But having said that, I used normal PA bins as foldback wedges for most of my career and they work fine. You just lay them on their side and jack up the front on a brick or something (make something) to angle them towards you.

Edit: If you ever do use bins as wedges don't just jack up the front, stick something under it at the back too. You don't want it to roll over and crush somebody in the front row. You'll end up wanting it at about 45 degrees so it is teetering on the corner. So brace it front and back unless you like lawsuits.
The best thing to do is make a cradle for it. It isn't like it's a hard thing to make. If you couldn't make a cradle you wouldn't have the hand-eye coordination or brains to play guitar.

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Reincaster

I try not to get a 15" speaker for modeler purposes, because the crossover point usually does not favor guitars. With that said, I've heard some great tones with my axe using JBL's PRX 15" models. However, at your price range, I have to recommend an Alto SMX112A. It's coaxial speaker, so it's very compact, and is decent for the price. Will also help you monitor yourself in a live situation.

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