Overview

• Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Setting up a Line 6 Flextone II XL isn’t as straightforward as setting up a tube or solid-state amplifier. While a traditional amp usually has only tone, gain and volume controls to sculpt your sound, a modeling amp boasts many more parameters to consider. With all the possible combinations of amplifier and speaker-cabinet simulations offered in the Flextone II XL, dialing in the sound you want can pose a challenge. Of course, you can just plug in and play from the hip but to truly personalize your tone you'll need to take time getting your settings right.
  
  

Look With Your Ears, Not Your Eyes

• While the factory presets provide a good starting point, tweaking the amp's settings will get you closer to your own style and sonic preferences. Listen to your sound as you adjust the tone controls with your eyes closed. You may find the best tone at unexpected places on the dials. Increasing the master volume won't alter the tone as it will on a tube amp.
  
  

What Would Jimi Play?

• Trying to replicate an early Rolling Stones jangle calls for an amp model different from one you would use to emulate Eddie Van Halen’s howling overdrive. If trying to replicate a signature sound, use the Internet to find out what the artist in question originally played through, and then match it to one of the 30 amps the Flextone models. This process may not provide the exact sound, but it will serve as your starting point.
  
  

Live in Stereo

• Using the XL’s dual outputs to connect to two separate 8-ohm speaker cabinets will enhance the amp’s stereo performance (its internal speakers will be disconnected while running external cabinets). Inserting line quality stereo effects into the Effects Send and Return loop (using a stereo cable) will provide further stereo possibilities.
  
  

Online Resources

• Visit web communities such as Line 6's CustomTone (see References for link) to download settings based on classic gear or the signature sounds of great guitarists. Because the site offers hundreds of free settings uploaded by other Flextone users, you can usually find a shortcut to get the tone in your head to come out of your amp.