Build a Guitar Effects Rack | Line6 Helix Top to Bottom | Free Plan
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- Опубликовано: 12 июл 2024
- How to build a complete Line6 Helix effects rack. See other gear I used. Download a master rack plan as featured in this video. Part one.
I looked at the Line6 Helix some years ago so I decided to take another look at the Helix Rack 5 years later. But also I show you how to build a real guitar rack from scratch, the planning & actual build. I show the pitfalls and great tips and include a downloadable rack plan & the important things I encountered including sections on other units and the importance of cable quality and much more.
In this video you can learn:
A general overview of a real guitar rack
What the Helix Rack offers
Other equipment you might use
The importance of a plan to work to
Download my plan as a starter to help
The best choice of cables
Assembling a real guitar rack
Summing up
Important message
This 'review' and the making of the guitar rack is part one. I do show the inside and out of the Helix rack and the I/O and controls and other equipment to be installed and much more.
Here is a contents list:
Contents:
Start 0:00
Preamble & Intro 0:36
About my rack 4:25
Helix Inside & Out 6:06
Helix Processors 6:58
Helix Power 8:41
Top I/O Board 9:36
Bottom I/O 10:51
The joystick 12:15
Power Switch 14:10
Rear I/O Section 14:36
Controller 21:37
Front Controls 22:45
Floor Control 28:33
Jason Sadites 30:45
Expression Pedal 32:30
The Old Rack 35:04
Old Cabling 42:44
Decent Cables 44:29
Fitting the Helix 46:09
Line6 G90 Radio 46:37
Rear of New Rack 49:50
Cabling 50:29
Got a Plan? 54:00
My Complete Plan 56:37
Examine the Plan 57:42
First Problem 1:12:20
MimiQ Pedal 1:15:56
SP/DIF Cable 1:17:18
MIDI Cables 1:19:55
Other Cables 1:24:12
Front View 1:25:00
Testing SP/DIF 1:25:45
Summing Up 1:26:32
Special Note 1:27:44
As you see, I cover most of everything you need to know about how to create a guitar rack you can use every day whether on the road, in the studio or even in your bedroom!
Links:
Helix played on the original setup: • Line6 Helix Effects an...
My original Line6 Helix review: • Line 6 Helix Guitar Pr...
Part two of this review: Coming Soon
A link to my original Triaxis rack layout: tonymckenzie.com/triaxis_rack...
Visit Jason Sadites channel: / gtr111
Check Jason out...
Download the rack plan in jpeg: tonymckenzie.com/pdf/helix-ra...
Download the plan in PDF: tonymckenzie.com/pdf/helix-ra...
Download the plan in Photoshop layered format: tonymckenzie.com/pdf/helix-ra...
All are virus free and are downloadable from my website. The plan remains copyright of A B McKenzie 2020 but you can use it if you are a subscriber only!
In part two we will install the rack and connect up in the studio, show some of the tones that you can create, buy or just download for free and then show the rack in action in the studio over some music. Finally in part two I'll be discussing the price of the system that it cost me (in July 2020, how I got a bargain price for the Line6 Helix and final thoughts and a score of the Line6 Helix rack in the context of this two part review.
The guitar rack build is not highly complex, although from what I show you it is entirely possible to continue on and build a monster rack if that is your objective. But if you're starting out with the Helix or any other rack devices then this video and part two should give you a great introduction to the subject so you can finally create a rack with understanding rather than guesswork.
This equipment was purchased entirely by me at street pricing so I could determine the quality, service and support without feeling 'obliged' in any way to create a good review. So how did it go? Part two will hold those answers, but part one here could be extremely useful if you are on the journey to start building a guitar rack yourself but don't know where to start.
This video is recorded in 4K ultra high quality.
Visit www.tonymckenzie.com for other non RUclips reviews of fine guitars, amps and other guitar related gear, and my RUclips channel with at least 315+ reviews online right now! I buy all of the equipment myself and my reviews are not sponsored by third parties so you get a review that will always 'tell it the way it is' about all reviewed equipment.
PLEASE DONT FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, RING THE BELL AND THUMBS UP TO HELP MY CHANNEL - THAT'S ALL I ASK AND THANKS FOR WATCHING.
(c) 1997-2020 A B McKenzie & tonymckenzie.com
All Rights Reserved. All Trademarks Acknowledged.
#buildaguitarrack #line6helix #howto #guitar 
Видеоклипы
Hey Tony, Awesome Video! According to this gent, you can set any of the rear return Loops on the Helix to be alternate instrument inputs ruclips.net/video/P2luYLeFlMU/видео.html it's around the 4:10 marker in his video. I hope this solves your input issue with the helix!
Thanks Jason for this info... but he is not quite right. The front connector jack provides impedance selection and a switchable pad - and the impedance and/or pad are NOT assignable to other inputs. So while he is 'right' you could set a rear loop return as he suggests he of course failed to mention that - as most do. It might be one of those or both that you can't assign (I think it was the impedance thinking back) hence I ran the cable to the front. But thanks for the post - its greatly appreciated. I had about three or four guys over time tell me the same about assigning the loop etc. but the manual on page 8 is specific about input 17 (the front input). Page 40 refers to the returns and there is no ability to assign the impedance like on the front input. Notice that the return in the manual they refer to keyboard etc. through that but NOT guitar and my guess is that's the reason. Thanks and stay safe out there!
B
That's an incredibly in-depth review! Thanks a lot!
Hope you liked it and thanks for watching.
Excellent Tony. Very complete for where you intended to go. This is exactly the kind of detail I look for when trying to learn anything tech-based. Great job and thanks again
These videos like this one just take forever. I'm starting part two on Monday which should be interesting too. Thanks and stay safe.
Thanks for this really. As someone getting into guitar but through the electronics approach, this is a really wonderful full on explanation of everything. Gives a clear "why" things are the way they are done the way they are.
Thanks!
I enjoyed making this one really. As you will have seen the older gear needed an update and it was replaced with the Helix Rack. I had the old gear since early 90's and you can still buy it today, but best with the new stuff... Thanks for watching and it sounds like I got this right for you :). Stay safe too!
Thanks Tony ,I love my Helix
It has improved since my original review there's no doubt. I think it really does sound better than that version 1 I reviewed... it gets nearer to mark... I'm currently throwing it through a tube amp but intend to show a few different tones with different recording etc. in part two. Thanks and stay safe
A pleasure to watch, and interesting too.
Thanks and you might want to watch part two that builds on the idea and shows a number of different things that could be useful to any one wanting to go the rack route. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenziecom Cheers, Tony :)
I consider the Line6 Helix to be the best music creation unit. It has such setting options that all the competition is behind. I know what I am writing because I already had everything.
Hi Waldemar - there is no better way of knowing this than owning each brand of simulator and I have also owned them all (I currently own the GT-1000CORE, the Helix rack and the Kemper rack. The Helix is the easiest to use I think really and that was one of the key reasons for buying it... as I'm sure many guys have. Thanks for your post because opinions of real users of the equipment is always a great thing to hear. Stay safe!
Good job Tom
Thanks...
Very nice tom
Glad you liked it... I like this one too - works well as I have it through an amp...
I guess my Pod Pro with floorboard is slowly becoming obsolete. Thanks for the excellent review. Stay safe
Ha it all becomes obsolete over time :) But look at that GCX and 'system mix plus' I showed from the 90's... while the SMP is obsoleted the GCX is available even now : www.andertons.co.uk/audio-solutions/voodoo-labs-gcx-audio-switcher and at a price we can afford to forget! It all 'gets old' sooner or later... Ha look at me! :) But one thing is this - we all forget one thing about gear like that - it works and sounds exactly as well as the day we bought it. What that really means is that our expectations have changed and are likely more demanding these days. Thanks for watching and stay safe too.
Another great video! I have several racks (for compressors, EQs, DATs, synthesizer modules, FX units, HD Recorders, etc. Mine remind me of spaghetti junction near Birmingham - perilous, but for the moment, efficient. I just hope the copper scavengers never find my address!!!
Ha... exactly like mine was of course too! Overall they are so much cheaper these days against the incessant 'new' effects pedals with the latest 'colour splurge' to sell them and with names that are basically meaningless... hence my rebuild of the rack. Of course this one is simple, but it's designed to help guys that have never tried to build a rack before. Part two should actually be interesting showing the thing installed in a few ways and of course the result... thanks for watching and stay safe!
Great job Tony!! I have both the Helix Rack and a Floor also. I know I’m a gear hound but I love my Helix’s and my Variax’s. I do use the Variax input and made up an external switch which was designed to switch between two Ethernet Cables. I think it was about $12 USD. I use it so that I can plug a Variax in from the front.
If I can be so bold. Get HX Edit (its free from Line 6 downloads) on your PC or Laptop it will make programming your Helix much easier. I’d get ahold of a Variax from somewhere. I know that you’ll really enjoy the thing and all amazing stuff the Helix can do. I’ve got my Helix’s going to a PowerCab 212 via the L6 Link. It is amazing. Used it both in a studio and with some Non-Covid Doctor friends recently. I’ve got a ton of gear but I love this equipment!!
Thanks again for the great review. Love watching you from across the pond from the colonies. Stay well and healthy!!
Interesting thing re rj45 switch. I do have Helix Edit software (that's in part two which covers things like Edit, warranty, playing and anything else I can throw in there) and that is similar to what it was years ago but updated with some very useful stuff. Last time I looked there were far less things in edit (and the firmware) but now it's far superior. I do own a Matrix amp, but I decided to use the Helix with a tube amp basically because that's what the rack was used for before. But this time I'll be connecting up more outputs for sure. I never had a Variax, but I am aware of what they can do... but I doubt I'll get one as I have so many guitars currently - and while I could see a use for it, my wife won't! The evil eye is watching me :) - they always do watch us somehow :) Thanks for the info... and yes you too be careful with that horrible virus stuff far too many will learn about that the hard way. Just a little research on what it can do and most people would not want to go out... ever! And at my age... I don't want them closing the curtains yet :) If you're the right sort of doctor you will know precisely what I mean. Thanks...
@@tonymckenziecom I know exactly what you mean My wife keeps a tab on all the "New Stuff" that gets delivered to the house!!!! Tell the Mrs. that you need to get ahold of a Vaiax as a required device for product research. Tell her the doctor said it has therapeutic value and may increase your longevity lowering stress and anxiety-- You never know it might work!
I've been lucky enough to run the Helix's through an assortment of Tube and Solid State amps. Marshalls, Boogie MK IVs as well as some vintage Carver, Fenders and Line 6 DT-50s. Honestly, the PowerCabs are really sounding amazing. They do sound convincing enough to use in a studio and for live situations. I've got a bunch of gear snobby friends and an increasing number are becoming Helix addicts-- and I do mean that literally. Several have been reported missing as they lock themselves in their "Caves" going tweak crazy. I kind of knew you would be doing the HX edit review in Episode-2 but I had already sent you my reply electrons before editing it out of my previous message. (You did mention the PC editing at the tail end of your video)
As both a physician and a member of the "Borderline, Older, Higher risk category" I fully share in your angst with this horrible Viral situation. We are all suffering from this pandemic. Real or not COVID-19 has affected millions of lives all over the world and none of us including medical professionals have the all answers. My advice is to follow the suggestions of your local medical "Experts". That is if you trust their suggestions. Wash your hands, and try not to expose yourself or susceptible individuals as much as possible. (If wearing a mask floats your boat then, by all means, do it so long as you don't have a medical contraindication) I wish I had more / better insight into how to stop this mess but universally accepted hygiene and common sense seem to be the best that anyone can offer.
Stay safe and well! Get a Variax it is known to alleviate COVID-19 induced depression and sadness :) Doctors Orders!!
Good information. I wish Helix had a regular guitar input on the back so the output of the G90 Relay could use it without having to run a cable around to the front of the Helix.
Exactly... but I almost carried out the mod to do that - not particularly hard to do really... maybe a different video :) Thanks and stay safe
Great video, I thought your Linkinperk quip was fantastic :)
Ha I know it sounded like I made that up! But scarily, there it was typed right on the cable bag! Surely someone really IS taking the 'mickey'... I laughed when I recorded that and had to have a take two :) Part two will be interesting, but will take me a bit of time to do that one... waiting for bits and pieces. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenziecom haha, looking forward to it, you too! Well said on the masks :)
What I use for the input is George'L cable fed through the bottom left rack screw hole. This means racking it using only three screws. Works for me.
Thanks for the post and I'm sure that many guys will take note of that. I was honestly surprised about that shortcoming of the rack unit and that the guitar is only available on the front. Thanks and stay safe.
Great review and info Tony. I also have the same GCX. I may use it again some day but it as been shelved for some years. Also I was looking for a guitar double fx a couple years ago and looked at the TC one. I ended up getting the Keeley 30ms. It worked well in some situations but it did not take well to some pedals I have in front of it. Kind of would cut in and out like it go over loaded or something. As pro level as the Helix is, it does surprise me that there is no guitar input on the back.
Ha the GCX was cutting edge with its other unit the system mix plus back in the mid 90's or around that time. It worked surprisingly well and as I said they still use that unit out there today in pro bands - try and find one that is as flexible is really hard to do. The TC unit does work reasonably well. I often play guitar twice for the rhythms and pan L & R hard accordingly which always works for me but the TC pedal (might) should reduce the time factor... and if not it will make eBay :). You can also create the effect with a delay from about 7ms to 30ms or so between two identical channels but the mimiq has an advantage of introducing variance between the two outputs which seems a good idea. Yes, I was also shocked to learn that a 'supposedly' pro rack unit like the Helix does not have the pass through that even the system mix plus has from 1998! Don't get me wrong, the Helix is a unit that has moved forward a long way since my original review, but the fact is that once they make a mistake like that they did not correct it in production... I could add an internal pass through to the back myself but did not want to 'butcher' a new unit. Maybe I will in another video because anyone with the rack will likely have similar issues. On the back there is an 'aux' that they say handles active pickups etc. but that has a number of differences to the 'real' guitar input on the front. My own opinion is that (no matter what they say) the Helix was firstly designed for end users and not quite professional high end bands. It's still a very useful unit though and as will be seen in part two it can be a powerful unit depending on what you're doing. Thanks and stay safe.
Well I hope you found out after learning how to use the Helix that you can route any input on the back of the Helix as a guitar input in the menu. :)
Hey Fred indeed I already knew that. But then, if you don't use that front connector there are features that ONLY the front connector has for guitar - check yourself (The front connector jack provides impedance selection and a switchable pad - and the impedance and/or pad are NOT assignable to other inputs). Its a great point you made for sure though, and others have said what you mentioned too - but factually check and you will see what I mean... and hey thanks Fred for watching - its appreciated.
Hello Tony. Once again another brilliant review. Everyone keeps going on about the helix and the fractal. Ive tried them all and pound for pound they don't come close to the headrush. Much easier to use and you can alter it on the fly. Don't know your views on it but would be brilliant if you could do a review on one.
Hi Alan. I have considered the Headrush on at least two occasions... but they were when the unit first came out and like most first releases the O/S seems to be ropey... but like this Helix that will have changed these days I'm sure. How do you like the tones out of the Headrush? I'm all for simplicity for the user too... and in order of easy to hard (I'll take your word on the Headrush for now) they might go like this then:
1. Headrush
2. Helix
3. Kemper
4. Axe-FX III
The fact is, that many guys don't consider ease of use until its too late. Then they struggle (on some of it I'm not surprised) to make it work as the sounds and the promises that the sales reviews suggest. They are not 'fools' but rather regular guys that don't want to be computer or software scientists in general, they just want to play guitar! This was a VERY valid point on the Axe-FX III which was so over complex it was way beyond anything most guys want. I might well get to the Headrush unit - its just a matter of time and effort right now and this Helix rack review I have to say is not easy to make because of work commitments and the dire situation out there re that darned virus and its impact on us all. Great point on complexity. Thanks and stay safe.
hes back
Indeed... and you're the first comment... ;-)
@@tonymckenziecom I also use Helix. I love it. Nice choice mate
Hi Tony, would you recomend today, 2024, the G90 relay? It's old tech? Should I go with for example Shure GLXD? Thanks! Great videos always.
Great question... The G90 still works fine, but everything moves on of course. Legislation changes too and is often the case the newer stuff particularly in radio improves in leaps and bounds. I have not tried the Sure GLXD myself, so hard for me to give any meaningful view about that one. But thanks for asking and for watching - appreciated...
19:55 Ha! 🤣 Oh, almost forgot. I picked up a SansAmp PSA-1 rack mount and a Boss Katana 100 watt head with a Carvin 2x12. Productive weekend! GAS is real!!
Well that's one of the tings that makes guitar interesting for me too. I have been technical since I left school (not a real techie) and have always been fascinated by gear... I started learning in about 1970 and the gear started then. Man have I played some stuff and looked inside it all :) If you're like me, I'm always looking for 'that' piece of gear that can work some 'new' magic on the playing or style or... you'll know what I mean. Of course I never really find it. Having said that, exciting gear can inspire me to write music on that gear when I first get it... strange, but that does happen. It sort of 'makes' you want to play and that is really less of a chore than sometimes it could be... I ordered the Spark to 'look inside' really! OK for review, but also I'm inquisitive as to what's going on with that when its cheap as chips. Anyway Sansamp stuff is pretty cool and the Katana won product of the year if I remember. Should be fun :)
Tony - so are you still using the Helix these days? I'm seriously considering getting one for cover band gigging, but have not been able to find one anywhere to try out to know if I would even like it. Wondering how happy you've been with the tones you get out of it plus the ease of using it. Would be great to see a follow up on this if you still have it.
Indeed I still have the HELLIX Rack setup. The unit had a recent update that improved the tones (at least thats what I think) and someone like @jasonsadites seems to think and I do rate Jasons opinions - I watch those sometimes. So I'm not 'disappointed' with the Helix at all (or it would have been sold swiftly!) Overall I always did like the Helix because of the aspect of ease of use and in many ways it becomes the 'control centre' of the racked rig. I could create a video on the Helix again (not a bad idea) but I might be a little while before I get to it. But certainly I'll bear that in mind... and thanks for watching.
Only a few question :
The Tascam Rack, what is it for ? I don't know this rack.
Can you see in very good condition all screen indication on the display of Helix Control Pedalboard when you play outside in a full sunny day ?
I had the FBV3 (Line 6) and it was impossible to see indication and color switch in a festival in sunny day... so the gig was a mess and I decide to sell it.
For me, a great pedalboard controler MUST display all information in any condition : the night (easy), on stage inside (easy) and, important, on stage outside in full sunshine/sunny day.
What do you think ?
The Tascam rack allows me to have background music (or even backing tracks) coming out of the FOH or the amp if not being used. Useful for me but may or not be useful for others. The pedal board is 'OK'. I would not say I have seen really any in high level sunlight (98 degrees midday in Florida) but for most uses its pretty good and I have never had an issue with it. Interesting point of the controller display as you mentioned. Thanks for posting that. Overall opinion? It depends where you are in the world and at what time of year. I come from sunny England (its NOT sunny!) and would generally have zero issues. But I have seen the weather in Dallas mid summer at over 100 degrees, very sunny bright and unless I checked that myself I really can't advise. Try and check one where you are... and see for yourself. This is a great point you raised and a very important one... so thanks - and stay safe.
You can go out of your 1/4 wireless out to the aux in of the Helix, the aux in is for active pickup guitars you can still use global input gain reduction too I believe, or use one of your 4 returns????
Thanks for this, although I have never tried that - the manual stated that the z was on the front only... but thanks - and for watching.
Very in depth reviews and productions and saves me the trouble of taking gear I buy apart lol! Keep up the good work Tony we'll keep on watching.
Thanks...
@@tonymckenziecom there's no reason to use the Variable Z/Impedance input on the front with anything other than passive (high impedance) pickups and guitar cables.
There's no pickup loading involved when using wireless, active pickups or low-z/buffered signals in general.
The Helix Aux In is 10k low/medium impedance line level and that G90 like most wireless units has low impedance line level outputs of far less than 10k which basically means that it's a perfect match to use the G90 1/4" output with the Helix 1/4" rear input.
Thanks for the post... ut I just wanted to say that there IS a difference between the inputs... using wireless dead true, but in reality in the studio I do also use regular cables etc. too. A useful pos that will help many guys and thanks again
Dear Tony, did you do a complete "check up" of the POD HD PRO X ?
OK, the HD PRO X is less than the Helix, I play with the HD PRO X for 3 years and sound great (my feelings now, but maybe I have bees in my ears 😉), but is more confortable, I think, to use. I bought the HD Packs model in order to have more amps that the only 22 amps on the basic rack.
The only thing I regret on HD PRO X is the little arrows navigate switch : it is used each time but it is the more fragile switch.
Many thanks in advance.
Love from Dunkerque.
Phil.
Hi Phil.... sorry I have not really checked the POD HD Pro X out you are right. Thanks for the info about it. I did check out the 500 HD some years ago and that one was reviewed on my channel at that time. The problems with this stuff is that it all moves on continuously and I always try and show the stuff at launch (I reviewed the Helix when it first came out) and don't always go back later. In my case I bought the Helix because of ease of use, sounds and for the one I bought the price did have a big role to play. In any case thanks for the info about the POD HD Pro X unit you use and sorry I did not check that one... Hey thanks for watching too! Stay safe.
@@tonymckenziecom Dear Tony, Many thanks and No problem. I hope you will try a POD HD PRO X in order to give you a taste (good or bad, anyway) and compare it with the Helix, Kemper and Fractal. Today, this is the cheap and more compromise with the huge price of the other and what I like it more, the knobs on front rack works like a real amp.
Anyway, take care of yourself (great song from Level 42 😉). My kind of music is Fusion ruclips.net/video/21f47T5vH6c/видео.html
Phil.
Phil, that playing style I have seen in the studio here from a couple of friends (one sadly passed a while back) and it is quite incredible playing from all you guys in that band. Thanks for the link - it's always great to see great musicians and I appreciate you linking that work. It all sounded very good no doubt... and if I find one of the POD HX Pro X around I'll take a look. Stay safe there.
@@tonymckenziecom All my Best Tony
Phil.
Hello sir, may I ask for information on the sale of Helix LCDs, they are very hard to find in Indonesia.
who knows in your country there are those who sell.
Thank You
My guess is that those are hard to find everywhere! I do know on other equipment that LCD screens they seem in short supply and likely to be expensive... thanks for watching.
Part 2 anywhere ? What’s the mimiq for ta
Part two will arrive but have some health stuff to fix first ;-) The Mimiq can create a tone like two guitars over stereo... and in this case can be turned on or off per preset and/or per snapshot. Thanks and stay safe.
Hey Tony, had a similar problem with the Input on the front, solved it by using the wireless through the Aux In on the back and then having a spare cable for the Guitar In on the front. On the input block on the helix, I set mine for "Multi In" and it allows me to use both. Agreed, there should be a dedicated second guitar input on the back, but the Aux in is supposed to be there for those situations.
Also used that trick to have an acoustic and electric guitar hooked up to the helix at once with different paths and set a button on helix to select which path was active. One was going to my amp and the other to a DI.
GREAT video btw. Your original Helix vid helped me decided on the Helix vs a Kemper/AxeFX. Lot more bang for you buck and they've done a great job of keep it updated and adding new stuff.
I DID look at that of course, but the input (I believe) misses out a little because it expects higher input (in the manual) for active pickups? So I 'dodged' the bullet! Maybe your solution fixes that though from what you say and the wireless will drive it more of course... Too late now for me but I don't really mind... if I want a cable in the front (and not on wireless) then it's easy anyway... But thanks for the tip and I'm sure others will use that one. Good point. The two guitars is useful too. See I have a very sheltered life :) and without guys chirping in I would never have looked further - you know what I mean I'm sure... Ha I'm a little idle :) ALWAYS just love tips like these... stay safe.
Some years ago and its STILL on there. I remember looking at it early on and some things were 'strange' compared to the Kemper (for example) but the Helix as you say had a lot of stuff for half the price of the FX and at the time about 2/3 the cost or something like that. The Rack sounds to my ears much better than the version one I reviewed. I am glad that my video did do some good for someone though and that was the real reason for making it at that time - it took me about two months or longer to make that. I'm sure there were mistakes in there somewhere but it was interesting to make too, which on some gear it can be very boring... but not on the Helix stuff. I have not talked much about price yet (that is part two) but I paid £850 for this rack - about the cheapest anywhere. Thanks...
Did you figure out that you use the aux in on the rear of the helix as a rear input?
Ha indeed I did! But as its setup now I'm far too idle to mess around any more... the manual seemed very obscure in that point at the time. Thanks for pointing that out and stay safe.
@@tonymckenziecom Thanks for the quick reply. I am a 5 year helix user. I watched your helix floor review when you originally made it, and I just watched it again. I watched your helix floor and rack, and also your axefx3. I like your videos. I be never seen anyone pull the units apart before, and I appreciate you doing that, as it’s nice to know what you are paying for. The helix has been great for me as a guitarist, as an amp/recording interface and a tone teacher. I’ve had an ax8 for a very short time, it sounded great, but I found it too complicated. I also had a kemper too. I sold the kemper after a year, spending hundreds on profiles, but preferring the helix. I’d love to see a helix 2 as I feel it’s at the end of it life, as it’s now easy to max out the processing power. The helix 2 needs to be smaller and more powerful.
I decided some years ago to adopt a review style that others never did (or do) and the inside of any product can tell you a lot. Helix is easier than the axe-FX products from my experience too. The Kemper is relatively between the two but that sounds good also... so I opted for the Helix this time and it has improved since my first review. Helix is on the money for sure. I think on the 'power' side of things it all depends on what you are using it for and styles etc. For me it's easily ample, but you're right all of them can be loaded up with the effects etc. Interesting stuff though and thanks for your opinion and kind words. Stay safe.
Tony as a doctor..
Tony: _and here we have a patient with crippling depression_ *starts pointing stick at patients entire body*
Me: But Tony, I'm just here for some allergies
Tony: *starts pointing stick again*
Ha I'm no doctor... which could make things worse :) Thanks for watching and stay safe.
I still can’t decide between the Helix or AxeFx III. Ugghh.
Well I guess what suits you best is the best choice! I chose the Helix because it was easier to use for my needs. I tend to use the effects rather than the amps themselves in the units also and that can have a bearing on the choice of amp simulator you end up with. And the cost of course. Thanks.. and stay safe.
What a long winded and drawn out video of such a simple thing to do , you've got bloody laminated diagrams as well talk about overkill Tony !
Please let me explain. While you clearly have an 'understanding' of guitar racks and gear, there are many guys out there that don't. My video is to HELP people. Clearly you don't seem to understand that there are many levels of guys who really want to learn something and my video is basically for those guys. If you don't like it you don't have to watch it? The video title says everything. It's not necessary to be condescending in the way you have towards the video and/or me. Remember this, I spent the time creating the video to help others while you did not. Thanks.
how on Eath did you make a 5 minute video into an hour and a half , not including the two hours hyou spent making yhe totally unnecessary pretty wiring diagram !
I don't really understand some people. You're one of them. Thanks.