Did they KILL the Helix Yet?! Helix Killers Are Coming....
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 мар 2024
- For my Presets visit: johnnathancordy.gumroad.com/
For ArtistWorks courses: artistwork.prf.hn/click/camre...
For TrueFire courses and All Access Memberships: prf.hn/click/camref:1100lqzr3
Use the code JNC40 for a 40% discount off all courses, or JNC100 for $100 off all access membership!
Chief product designer Eric Klein has been talking about Helix killers...
/ johnnathancordy get my lesson tabs and backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
Get my PADs bundle here: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... (this folder will grow, and I'd encourage you to ask for different keys/songs and stuff that might suit this type of preset?)
I've decided to make it possible to grab both my Helix/HX Stomp bundles (the expression bundle with freeze presets has always been separate) together - www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... - I will then email you a link to both bundles!
Try my general patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
You can get my EXPRESSION patches in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my patches for Pod GO using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee! 
Видеоклипы
I have to point out 99% of us normal people have ZERO use for capture features. We don't have a wall of boutique amps and fancy microphones at home. And even if we did, there is someone out there that is going to do a better job of the capture anyway.
The only thing that makes sense of you want to buy amp captures. If they're well made by people who know what they're doing, they're good, BUT one capture is just over capture, with the mic in a certain position and with the amp's EQ set. That can be changed with some EQ, sure, but not the character of the amp. Personally, I'm not really sold on captures. Modeling today is really really good!
I'm fairly certain there are way more people with amp collections then you think
@@ironblast5 I have an "amp collection", or at least a collection of amps. But even if I did want to capture my beat up old Blues Jr, my scrubby AC15, or borrow a friend's HRD or Marshall DSL, heck even call in a favor and track down a bougie Matchless or something, I'd just be sticking a SM57 on it running into a presonus interface. To point of the post further up, that means very little to me when someone else can capture a 1964 AC30 with a Royer 121 and an earthworks sr25, running into a Neve 1073, to say nothing of the expertise of the person creating the capture. I'll buy that for 5 bucks and not worry about capture functions -- matter of fact that one is literally free. There may be tons of people out there with the amps, the mics, the preamps, and the know-how to use it, but I'd have to buy a lot of presets before I start wondering if I ought to invest in capture gear.
Agree with you. Given there are 8.1 billion people in the world, to even say that 1% of the population has this collection of amps would be 81 million people. Let that sink in. 81 million! I definitely don't think the numbers are anywhere close to 81 million people having their own collection of amps/cabs/microphones. I guess the question is what do you consider "normal" people? 🙂
True, like Mooer is doing very smart
Kemper still looks like a god ugly pop up toaster from the 1950's.
I like the vintage toaster. Looks good to me 😅
Don’t disparage pop up toasters from the 50’s like that!
Yea, the Kemper looks FUGLY.
Kemper looks like the car Homer Simpson designed.
Seriously! The new pedal looks sweet though
The POD was my first foray in to L6, and I was sold on the M series as I had one of each on different boards...... I went Helix in 2017, and I am extremely happy with it. They keep updating it for free. It is the gift that keeps on giving. I also love the Stomp, XL and Native. For me, it works. It is intuitive. I can't imagine what I would do to improve on Floor, honestly except I wish I could get a little more DSP out of using the poly stuff. But, It helps to get creative on your patch writing. The ability to play all my oddball instruments in stereo on the front end, mix the channels, have very creative routing options, and really great sound...... I still say it's the best music purchase I've *ever* made. Plus, the friends I've made in the community are incredible folks. I am excited to see what they cook up, but I'm very grateful to L6 to make me access the sounds in my head quickly and creatively.
Thanks for the shout out brother. Great insight as always
If it sounds good now, it'll sound good in 10 years time. And longer.
To who?
I really wish Line 6 would release an LT without the expression pedal, with an extra expression out and two more external loops and reduce the physical size, I would side grade from my current LT😊
I would too and I bought my LT literally two weeks ago 😅
Side note: I’m through the learning curve now (I think) and I love the thing.
HX Stomp sounds wonderful and lets me edit sounds in detail. I now have two - one in the FX loop of the other.
Our bass player has just bought one as well !!!!
Well done Line6 for making the whole of the Helix sound libraries available at this price point and for their updates.
The "Helix Killers" appeal to those chasing sounds and effects. The mainstays - Helix, Fractal, Kemper, Quad Cortex - I think have done a great job of promoting their respective workflows (how you create tones) perhaps even more than the quality of their tones.
Fractal sounds way better and it's well built and advertised
@@martinopinto6323 maybe best for you. Helix sounded best to me. It's all good either way
Helix will remain relevant even 10 years from now, in some form or other. I had the Full version, but I now own stomp and Native.
you can guarantee the studio guys will have it on their boards, they love their Line 6 products.
😂
What about a new version of the helix? Some kind of quad processor or a wiggle processor that 10 x more powerful? Maybe one that offers direct dry to a half stack and stereo wet to either two amps, powered speakers or direct to board.
@@caseykittelI think that may not be too far off. The new little pod pedals are a great way to market test cheaply, and the appeal is seeded to a whole new group. I sure interested to see what it’ll be, I love my Stomp and the whole helix system is pretty great.
@caseykittel can’t helix already do that?
If you need more blocks in a patch, buy a second hand Helix (or HX Effects) and patch it onto your existing Helix on a stereo send/return, link them with MIDI. You've now got up to double the number of blocks (and DSP) available.
I've never had a super expensive modeler, but I have a nux mg30 and absolutely love the sound and tweakability it gives me. I'm just a working-class blue-collar type, so I gotta do more with less 💰 🤑
I run the Tonex plugin inside Ableton (already owned, so not part of the guitar rig cost) with a whole rig made of mostly native or free 3rd-party plugins and have a fully-functioning rig. It does have some downsides that a pedal doesn't, but that's another method of doing more with less. It's really insane what quality you can get from free stuff these days, assuming you have a platform to run it all. In my case, that's the laptop I already use for running tracks at church (i.e. Ableton), so that was another layer of no-cost in my case.
Due to already having those two major aspects on hand (platform/DAW), ymmv.
That said, I love the sounds people can get out of all these options and would be perfectly happy to have some of these smaller-profile hardware options for lugging around when necessary.
Mg-30 is so good! I can compare with my neural plugins, and sometimes I can match em, and beat em out of the park 😅
Oh shit I got a shout out! Thanks Cordy!
I don't play out at the moment, I'm quite happy with Amplitube 5 and Tone-X together. You can run Tone-X amps and pedals inside Amplitube 5 for endless rig/tone options.
Until a Helix killer can do all the flexible routing and handle multiple inputs as well as the Helix does (separate paths for electric and acoustic, for example) the Helix will never die.
I’m sorry I know John really likes the helix but the feel and the sound are not there. The quad cortex is better feeling and sounding. Great UI. But I find myself still using my amps 95% of the time. The way they take pedals is completely different as well. Modelers may sound ok to an audience but it doesn’t feel the same and it doesn’t sound the same. The Kemper was even worse.
I own an HX Stomp for home and backup use and an HXFX for live effects with my tube amp. The Helix ecosystem has so many good things, reasonable price, decent UI, a lot of flexibility, and fantastic effects. The time based effects are really great, the modulations are very good too (and I'm very picky on modulations). I can switch channels and change snapshots in a pinch live with midi on my 5153 which has been a gamechanger, my pedalboard shrunk to the FX a whammy and a wa so much lighter and smaller with barely any sacrifice in sound. Their amps and cabs are very good and they're all I use at home for practicing and demos but I think there's room for improvement there though. Overall after watching many videos etc trying to switch to a different rig I'm keeping my HXFX and real amp, all the others have something that kills it for me but I'm sure it'll change eventually.
I use the Helix live, and have always used Neural plugins. But lately I’m thinking about getting Helix Native for plugins because having the same interface and patches is appealing, and it all sounds good.
Hey John! I love every content that you make for all these modellers and I have learned so much from your videos. I was wondering if you could make a video using fractal with preset mode, I heard that fractal released a new update where it can switch between presets seamlessly and with no audio gap
I used to use a Boss GT6 multi effects and amp but changed over to Line 6 when the HD500 came out. I later got the 500X and stuck with that until the Helix came out in 2015. I have been using the Helix floor ever since and got a HX stomp as a backup a few years ago. I love how easy it is to use and it sounds fantastic since the last major update. I'm not really that bothered about the lack of being able to capture amps with the Helix or use anyone else's captures as it has everything I need already. About the only thing that would make me change to something else is if Line 6 come out with an improved version of the Helix. Fractal interests me but I don't think I really want to learn how to use another modeler as it seems quite complex?
Really enjoy your playing. Pretty much why I watch. Just wonder what u think about geadrush prime. I'm older don't want a computer hooked to ky rig. Just wondering what u think. Thx
I agree it all depends on your ears. Not when it’s made, how big it is, or interface differences. If it sounds best to you, go for it. I shortly owned Fractal modelers, and have played through a friends Helix a number of times. Neither of those modelers hit their mark for me. I bought a Quad Cortex and the sounds blew me away. Everyone’s ears are different. There is no right or wrong.
I'm intrigued with the 24 fret tele guitar that still has the classic pickup configuration. What kind of guitar is it?
I used the helix for years with an amp, MIDI to change channels, and 4cm method. At the time it was the best tones I ever had. But now that we switched to IEMs about 3 years ago, having all that equipment started not making sense since I don't hear it anyways. This year I bought a Quad Cortex, I was able to mirror that setup in the QC in about a week, and just gigged with it direct and I could never go back. I am not a big fan of using a computer to modify things, and that really is the issue with the AXE FX and Helix for me. The QC touch interface makes it easy to do complex configurations on the fly at practice or at a gig. It backs up over WIFI and downloads new captures, updates, and presets, the freedom from being tethered to a computer alone is a game changer.
Agree. And I couldn’t stand the Kemper and was not impressed with the helix. Amps first. But the quad’s really good. Yamaha makes a double modeler that everyone overlooks. It comes with its own power and a footswitch with just a few fx. It sounds and feels great. $800 new.
I don’t have a computer so this comment really stands out to me. I’m going to look it up!
If my Helix LT blew up or got nicked the only reason I might consider something else is the size of it.....I prefer the Stomp in live situations for this reason. The Stomp XL would probably happily replace the Helix for home use since I also have Helix Native which probably gets the most use of all. Certainly not been tempted by any of its so-called killers.
I love my Helix stomp, purchased in 2019, still going strong, still amazing, still does everything I need, and 1 million things have yet to discover. You really do not need anything else, it is the swiss army knife of these products, the OG.
I’m on the Fence with the Stomp. I’m not a huge fx snob. What I am diligent about is Tone, Amps, and Speaker 🔊 Sims. Does the Stomp come with a good variety of High Gain Amps and Are any stick IRs usable ? Oh, how is ease of use ? I’m old and not into relying on computers. Thanks
Gt1000 Core kicks it's butt.
to each their own. If you love something, there is no need to badmouth its competitors. Your satisfaction should be enough for you.@@MrNeedlekiller
@@teriakamotoI’d say it has a handful of really good high gain amps that I tend to stick to and that’s enough for me, I’d recommend getting some good ir’s but I don’t go crazy with fx and I still would say the hx stomp is great can give you a really good tone takes a bit of tweaking but once it’s dialled in it’s great
I just bought an HX Stomp XL and I'm trying to record it so I can replace a rhythm guitar in some Multitracks that are already recorded, but my input levels are so quiet compared to the other tracks. I have watched all the videos and cannot figure out why. I see that you also use reaper. Can you give some insight to this?
I've been using a Helix LT for a couple of years and the standout feature for me is the Command Centre. I have it connected via midi to my Boss VE500 and via USB to a laptop which controls the lights. When I change patches or snapshots it changes both the vocal patch and the lighting scene to go with the section of the song, such as verse, chorus, etc. One button changes guitar sound, vocal harmony and lighting! I don't see that opportunity on any other floor multi FX at the moment.
How much is too much? I purchased the Helix in 2017 and I still haven't explored all the amps, effects and available routing options. There comes a point of option overload and analysis paralysis.
The scribble strips are my heart ❤️
I mentioned this in one of my (awful) videos the other day that, "guitar gear doesn't really have 'planned obsolescence'", and the software updating on Kempers, Fractals & Helixes was sort of the ur-example (in my mind) of that. 20 years ago digital technologies that are the predecessor processors of modern modeling were disposable...that's no longer true. And that's fantastic. That's how it should be.
I have had my LT for 7 years now and it is one piece of gear I’ve never found a reason to replace or upgrade. I wouldn’t mind an updated version with more DSP and a couple other small features, but Line 6 has done amazing job with their completely free massive updates.
Apart from the modelling aspect, best thing about the Helix Floor is the amount of inputs and the routing possible in one board. I'm using is for all sorts of midi messages and routing multiple instrument switching during gigs now. I'm not sure if there's another board that would do all that self contained.
I have the HXFX unit, which I bought over 5 years ago. I normally get bored with gear and go chasynew stuff. I haven’t with this unit due mainly to it constantly being updated with new Fx etc. Well done Line 6
I don’t think we’ll see a Helix killer until Line 6 does it themselves.
And honestly I hope they don’t do that next. Would love to see something like a Helix Turbo instead. Since all Helix really needs to look like a 2025 product is to be slimmed down a bit with some more horsepower, but the workflow and interface remain totally the same
I was really surprised by how much fractal stuff limits your block use. I gotta give it to L6 what they squeeze out of the Helix and the support they give is commendable
What ? Fractal's block use is the most flexible I've ever seen on anything.
uh...yeah I was Helix for 6 years and switched to FM9 about Year ago....Fractal block routing is easily more flexible than Helix
Helix doesnt limit you to X amount of blocks per effect type. 2 Reverbs, 2 delays, etc. You can just use whatever blocks you want until you run out of CPU. If I want to use my unit as an effect madhouse with an external AMP, I can do that.
Doing parallel routing is also much easier to manage with helix. When you make the split it gives you a split indicator that has all the options to balance the two paths in a number of ways. Fractal doesn't have that, you have to manually go back and fourth between the blocks. If you use some other type of parallel mix setting that isn't quite linear you have to use additional blocks. Every block does have a built in mix control but that ends up hiding the real routing. You could pull up a preset and not even know it has a parallel split. The helix block system is not just robust but its easier and faster and more intuitive.
My FM9 feels clunky and limiting in any way that doesn't have to do with amp settings, where it IS in fact a creative playground. I think the assignable envelopes are another major thing it has but I have not explored it as much as I should.
The helix also doesn't force me to dongle an expression pedal and mic preamp.
@@towardstarSerious question, in what scenario do you need more than 2 reverb or delay blocks, especially considering each block can utilize up to 4 channels? That’s already 8 reverbs or delays that can be instantly accessed, not to mention their various delay types like multi delay, ten tap, Plex Verb etc. Seems to be a bit of a stretch to suggest Fractal is limiting you in any way. The UI really does suck on the Fractal though, without a doubt the least intuitive I’ve tried of all the modelers.
Since my guitar playing started (mid '90) I was on the quest to find The Tone - for me it was that crunchy/marshally/egde of breakup/mid-hi rich kind'a piercingly annoying thing I imagined well. With limited budget back then I found something similar in BOSS GT-3, named MS1959. Tried different things along the way and ended up with 50 watt JCM 800, which I used for over a decade for gigging and recording alike. Never really liked Line6, had a few units (UX2, HD500), sold'em all a long time ago. Recently, coming back to rehearsing after some health issues I just wanted to cut some equipment weight I need to carry around (head and speaker is, what, like 30, 40kg?) I started to look around for a modeler. I found a blind test on RUclips based on JCM800 models. One was harsh bright, one was bit strange, two sounds I really liked, so went to reveal video to check what units were used to make those two samples - how surprised I was to find out that my two favorite sounds were, respectively, Line 6 Helix and original JCM 800 via OX... I didn't like Fractal and Kemper... So I got myself HX Stomp.
I’m fairly late to the Helix (well, at least if you count HX Stimp) having got mine 3 years ago (firmware 3.00) and have felt in that time it has been consistently improving. Also, I’m getting to the point where I know my way around it very well and have it integrated very nicely (including with MIDI) into my other pedals. For me, it just works… and would take something very special (and I include any potential Helix V2) for me to move on
Normally I'd be saying "I have that guitar" but I definitely own a pair of those exact pants :p
Hi John, thank you for you insight but interested to know why you dont discuss the BOSS GT1000 in comparison to the Helix?
The only thing missing from the Helix ecosystem would be a 'Neural Amp Modeler' block. Running NAM captures together with all the Helix stuff would be perfect 😎
My mini board with my HX stomp handles all my amp sims and mod/delay stuff, so all I really GAS over these days are overdrives and distortions lol.
I don't use my Helix Floor as much these days, but its more due to the size. There have been major updates and a full architecture upgrade in my life since the time I bought the helix floor in 2015. (got married and moved into an apartment lol). I don't know if theres a product that could really "kill" the Helix, more so a better optimized workflow. I've been eyeing the Kemper Toaster as a desk appliance for playing guitar, and I am curious about profiling vs modeling. Nothing to do with sound quality or features but more so workflow/format.
and as an aside I can't believe its been almost 10 years with the helix!
Ahh yeah I remember seeing the thread, I guess I didn't pay attention long enough to see Eric in there.
You hit the nail on the head with the two things that are missing in the Helix. Capture and form factor.
Re: capture, I've said this before, I would love to capture some of my pedals. Never liked the Helix distortion pedals as compared to analog. Amps are great, not sure why I don't get along with the pedals as distortions (OD/boost functionality is fine, but that's more the amp sound).
Re: form factor, I would love something that's approximately Stomp XL or HXFX sized but with dual DSP. I guess there is an alternative in just daisy chaining two stomps together lol.
Been using the helix floor since 2016 (primarily play live, I don't do much recording, so my interest is very much in the physical hardware). Helix still sounds great, effects wise, I don't love the amps. Been using the tonex in the loop and that's been a pretty significant upgrade honestly in terms of amp tones. The helix fx are incredible, the only system that would really temp me is a fractal, so that I can have everything else combined into one again.
I was thinking about this earlier. I'm sure in 10 years I'd look back at this and sigh but other than adding capture abilities & beefing up dsp power, i'm having a hard time imagining how the hx world could improve more than incrementally. Maybe an AI-run, voice activated UI ("helix, dial up an angus tone") but yeah, I'm saying it's pretty perfect & i imagine it'll still be useful in another decade, as long as the mechanical side endures
Bought the Line6 for playing in a band and live gigging last August. I was thinking back and forth if I should get the qc. But Helix was 1400€, qc 1900€ at the time. And for the qc I would have needed to build a pedal board, add an external pedal, have an additional power supply. There was no software to configure the qc from a pc and no possibility as promised to use plugins from the pc. Also due the small form factor I thought that there might be problems to hit the right switches with the foot without wearing ballerina shoes, so I decided for the Helix. I love the neural plugins and would like to have a qc, too. But there is only that much time and money, that you can spend for your hobbies
I know I'll be keeping mine just to have it, but I just pulled the trigger on an ENGL Ironball SE that's going to replace most of what it does for me being the SE is great marriage of onboard effects and PA compatibility with a tube amp and having that 'amp in the room' feel.
While I’ve admittedly never owned a Helix ‘proper’, I have owned and gigged with an HX Stomp and POD Go…in both cases it was ultimately the amp models that caused me to let them go. Line 6’s models in general have never quite ‘done it’ for me 🤷🏻♂️
I think the only “improvement” the Helix could make is to add capture/profiling tech. Call it the Helix X and charge $1799. I think there’s still a market for the existing form factor far into the future.
You know what’s an interesting thought. There’s still no modeller after 30 odd years of modeling taht can replace the capability of a load of pedals in a loop switcher plugged into one or two amps. I mean from a functionality POV. People only ever talk about the audio quality (which is really important obviously) but functionally is equally if not more important for a lot of people.
Looking forward to seeing your review of Ampero II Stage, if you can get your hands on one.
I haven't found anything my Helix LT can't do. I only play metal but as far as sounds and DSP it covers everything. The only thing I wish it had was either more IR storage or a way to easily see which IRs you're no longer using. I also really love the Line 6 original amps especially the Oblivion. Also I love HX Edit.
Love my Helix: love the connectivity as I run external pedals, 4 cable, and stereo out, love the midi as I also run a small switcher - fully midi controlled - along side. Love the snapshots - really just now getting into building my live sets completely in snapshots. Only question is....why the HECK didn't I do this earlier. Pedal/switch tap dance is over, HUGE variations within songs and within the set, from one tone to another, reliably, no stress, usually just one toe tap. Worth the effort to build them out.
95% talking, 5% shoe-gazing depressing crappy open string noodling...this vid's got it all
I Have had several modelers over the years. Line 6 POD, Helix LT, Boss GT-1000, and finally have settled on a Fractal FM9 Turbo. It sounds the best to my ears (subjective). I think you just have to spend time and learn the unit. They are all good units really. My Marshall sits in the closet. I should probably take her out to a gig once in a while.
I use my HX Stomp every day, and Helix Native ocassionally, particularly when I want to experiment with a Preset. I think Line 6 should include a way to import and use NAM IRs. This would probably be best implemented by adding that capability/feature to HX Edit, and/or Helix Native Software, and allowing those IRs to be loaded into the physical Modelers. We can already load many 3rd Part IRs. After that, being able to create Captures/Profiles would be a natural next step. I think this would extend the life of this line of Modelers, and help keep them relevant for many years to come.
HX Effects and Boss IR200 here. Love the I/O flexibility. I can add other effects and program in the Effects to my heart's content
I remember that long stretch where the PC editor for the AxeFX was out of commission... And I had to edit on that small, tedious screen... But a pro at it did I become! 😂
My Helix LT isn't going anywhere. Suits my needs perfectly. I'm betting that Line 6 figures out a way to play amp/pedal sound captures with the Helix (similar to loading an IR).
It’s about processing power. Until there is a major jump in computing power we’ll be at a plateau.
The versatility of my L6 Variax Shuriken combined with the Helix Floor and a MIDI controller is unbeatable. Even after a so called "Helix killer" becomes well established, I'll still be using this rig.
Only upgrades I'd want is some kind of wireless connectivity for seamless mobile editing, 50% more DSP for all the Fripp-core tones you can think of, and maybe a treadle-less Floor model to improve the form/weight. The brand competition thing is just silly otherwise.
Better FRFR cab solutions from all brands would be great too.
Line 6 did algorithms to emulate acoustic and other strings in their Variax. A beefed up version of that, low latency, would be SUPER cool to me. I just need USB/a laptop to edit tbh.
@@Fl4ppers Yes! Thank you! I had a Variax for a bit, and while I loved the features I just didn't love the guitar itself. Something that gets closer to this on Helix would be fun.
Hi John,
I hope you and yours are well!
I like my Helix!
Customer service is excellent! (Technical advisement)
Good sounding mod. amp!
Highly recommended!
I still use my Helix floor on gigs and the zise never bothered me at all i love that it has a expressions pedal and the scribble stripse. I use it in a 4cbl method with a mesa boogie tc 50 and the midi for switching channels on my amp within snapshots is just absolutely amazing. I don't use the amp or cabinet models at all. I have it as a backup for if my amp fails
Started my line 6 journey with a line 6 spider III. Wasn't bad but at higher volumes I started hating the sound. Got myself a pod plus, and enjoyed the sound but it felt like it was missing something.
Got a hd500x after that and it opened my eyes and ears to the possibilities of soundscapes. Sold it and bought a Helix LT and I honestly don't see myself changing to anything else because the sounds it can produce are great and very comparable to the actual amps and you can load your own IRs which is where the sound really is at : the "speaker" and as such as long as you get good IRs you're set
I have an interesting perspective on this. I bought my Helix LT in 2018 (after finding the POD limiting). Struggled finding good sounds and started a long journey buying tube pre-amps, analogue pedals, the Tonex and most recently the Friedman IR-X... Well, at some point I was just frustrated with all the cables running two loops and having a separate pedal board... so, I tried unplugging everything and just using the Helix with some new IR:s. Voila, I have never been happier. I don't know what has changed! I have learned more about how to get good sounds. Perhaps the models have changed as well. I just feel so stupid, spending all this money on other gear just to go back to using my Helix on it's own.
Worth remembering that Yamaha also have some expertise in modelling. Remember the DG Stomp series? Fantastic pedals, well ahead of their time. Also the THR series. I’d have a great deal of confidence buying Line 6 products with that history and those resources behind them.
You are one of the only people that talks about HELIX NATIVE. It's a HUGE talking point that gets overlooked. I believe most people looking into these pedals/systems including HELIX owners are oblivious to what having NATIVE can actually do for them. Any company that wants to come at LINE 6 and compete, needs their own NATIVE software.
Giving the ability to tweak sounds in the mix after the fact or record with a dry signal and not even need the hardware and then export the finalized sounds for the player or self to the Pedals to use live is what really sets it apart. Once you make it part of your workflow, you cant ever let it go.
Plus the fact it conforms to any of the HELIX form factors within the processing levels is a godsend. You should do an entire video focused on just HELIX NATIVE, so that people understand what the hell and why the hell it is the only system to allow you 1to1 recreation of studio to stage.
I’m not aware of any other modeler than Helix that lets you adjust “bloom”.
I have a line 6 pod HD 500 which did certain things great, compression wasn’t one of them, it didn’t have an attack control so I had to purchase a Keeley compressor, now I have a Boss. GT1000, and with the money I saved, not buying these other boards, I was also able to afford an Eventide H90! Not trying kill any other product, it is a preference thing, but I do like my set up!
The thing I wish they integrated in the Helix is a wireless receiver for their Relay TBP-12 bodypacks. It would have been a killer feature. They have released the Pod Go Wireless though so maybe someday...
You need ballerina shoes for those QC switches LOL. That said, if it had a proper IEC power inlet I'd probably try one out. I was Tier 1 preorder and bailed for a Fractal. I think the Fender TMP is a great size and spacing for switches.
What curved tele are h playing in the beginning?
It’s great! We are at the point of “diminishing return” what more could I want than my Helix. The quality jump from L6 HD500x to Helix was jaw dropping. Will that ever happen again?
Would love to see a comparison video Pod express vs Helix in terms of sound 😊
Great subject and video! Honestly I like the idea of multiple(Fuzz, Booster, OD, DS, H9, G3, Helix One, Cab+, Amped3) pedals from many builders driving the sound. The whole idea of a all in one just is nothing special and tends to sterilize a pickers sound....imho. Cheers!
I am still loving the Boss core 1000 for live gigs.
The only Helix killer will be the Helix 2
How far off is this do you think? I’ve heard nothing.
Could you review the WVave Tank G? I just got it and i find it awesome
Cmoon, Fractal Axe-FX III is double the price compared to Helix. Helix is still the best bang for the buck ❤🔥
Wouldn’t Fractals helix competitor be the FM9? The Axe fx is like twice as powerful as helix
Idk if it’s fair to compare the Axe III to Helix.
FM9 is much more comparable. Both in price and functionality.
@@89ji76It's fairer to compare the FM3 since it costs the same as the Helix Floor here in the UK.
You'd have to pry my Helix Floor from my cold dead fingers! Realistically, many of these modelers are great; I just ended up getting a Helix after seeing Pete Thorn's video of it on RUclips. When I first got it, a buddy came over with his Fractal and a small full range flat response cabinet and we did a shootout. We'd pick a particular amp model, adjust the volumes, tones, etc. to be the same and compare them. There were slight differences in gain and tones, but they were more similar than different from each for the most part. He ended up getting a Helix.
with the newer CPU chips out there, i'm hoping L6 will up their DSP... that's probably the only thing they can improve on. workflow, form factor everything i think is perfect!!! love the L6 ecosystem!
Was HELIX released in 2015? I think the new version will be announced within the next few years. Until then, I'll stick with HX Stomp. The synth category is weak, so I look forward to an update. When the new one comes out, I'll decide FM3 Turbo or NEW HELIX, but of course I won't let go of the HXStomp.
I got a boss SY-200 to take care of that. If something similar was in the Helix I would be a very happy chappie.
@@darrenlivy
Of course I thought about that, but 3.0's Poly Pitch consumes half the DSP capacity on HX, and even a quarter on HELIX. Anyway, I think my problem will be solved when NEW HELIX is released, thanks.
Helix sounds are still great. It's just the form factor that is starting to be considered. I don't have one yet but, seems to me, the hotone ampero stage II might be, not a killer, but likley to grab significant market share
Too many guitarists be bitching about the size, these aren't that big, imagine carrying an amp head and cab around. They say I don't use an expression pedal!!!! But tonnes of us do, and they're better when they're built in and integrated. I won't even look at a multi-fx pedal without one, personally. If you want it a bit smaller, get an LT. Geez, these things aren't big at all, I pop them in a carry bag, take to gig, so easy. I also think small form factors suck coz the pedals are so bunched together, I'm a big dude, makes hitting the pedals with my big feet harder and clumsier.
Started with the PODxt which worked amazingly for 15+ years and then upgraded to the HX Stomp which works great and I’m pretty sure my next processor will be whatever Line6 launches when it’s time to do so. Helix killer will be coming from Line6 itself, no doubt about that. Thinking of getting Helix native as well…
technology obsolescence is a legit concern. L6 used to put out PODs like Marvel movies and i always felt a requirement to upgrade. going back to pedals and a tube amp + IRs keeps me much more content than a flagship digital modeller. Like, it's weird that old hardware is being supported, no? Kemper is nearly 15 years old, HX stomp is 6 years old.
Well I used the Helix for over 7 years live, and just sold it and bought a Fractal FM9. Miss the ease of use of my Helix, but the DSP issue was becoming a problem as they make more DSP intensive algorithms. Honestly the FM9 is a whole 'nother level as far as power and capability. Love the Helix and will revisit if they ever come out with a new high end model.
Helix' user flow and the whole interface are unmatched, still.
Everything is spot on with the stomp: it's the ideal central hub to build a pedal board around it with other / better components: in my case a polytune cause it tracks really fast and is always on, fortin zuul becaue metal, a wireless, and a SD Powerstage.
Then think of a totally different configuration a few months later, or something with midi, and the stomp ALWAYS facilitates it.
I love my 2015 Helix so much that I sold it to buy the new Platinum edition xD
I have a Helix rack in my studio and its I/O is critical for my audio plumbing. On the go I use an HX Stomp primarily as an amp and cab modeller on a small pedalboard. [An "HX One Amp" pedal surely has to be in the works...] Much as I'd love a Helix Floor, it's just too damn big to use with other stompboxes and for me that makes its I/O completely redundant: it's Helix Floor and nothing else, or its Stomp and other pedals on a board.
Everyone should try the Boss GT-1000….In my ears the best sounding multieffects board 😊
This is the problem with digital sound solutions. Things will always become redundant. Something which my never happen to my tweed 5 handwired watt
Love the Helix except for the IR storage limit! We are in the days of IR & that is definitely a down side!
The other thing Helix/HX have going for them is the HUGE user base and the availability of presets and tutorials. That’s tougher to overcome than any technical chops.
Personally I want the HX Stomp form factor with the XL processing power and an extra Exp/FS input.
bro idk if it's your cable or what but you can hear a noise constantly from the beginning of the video...
i went into the wilderness and got the floor
im debating the floor and the one with no strips etc
im delighted with the floor but the one down is 699 less
im more than happy with the floor
I can’t believe More people are not Buying up Line 6 Spider Valves made by Reinhold Bogner! I’m not gonna mention some other ones that people overlook all the time! With a SpiderValve and IR loader in the loop holy Wowzers! All tube, true tube, pre and post/ power amp! Uh oh I sold Mine…😂
comparing Helix and Fractal is bit unfair, because Fractal is on the third generation already and yet there is no Helix II yet 😀
But yes, i get your point.
And Steve made excellent points of how fast Helix is to operate even on middle of the gig, even in the middle of the playing, altering parameters using just your foot without touching anything with your hands, that is quite original thing.
And for a guy who has ridiculously large feet, the form factor on Helix is about the smallest i can tolerate without buying ballet pointe shoes.
2017 marked the death of amps for me. I have used the Helix since. I liked the HX stomp, but I play in a Genesis tribute, so I need 2 inputs for a doubkeneck bass/12 string, a normal guitar, and separate bass as well. So, 4 instruments at once. Managing the signal chains is a breeze. The sounds are great, and the I/O on the Helix is unmatched. Helix floor is still tops in my book.
Wow. Genesis is amazing.
The musical box from Canada is amazing creating whole shows in thier entirety.
@@thorpenator9148 they are astounding. They do all the earlier Gabriel stuff. Very dramatic and theatrical. We cover the Phil era so only play the Gabriel tracks as Phil sung them. But yeah... what a band.
@AlexVonCrank Phil era has some killer material as well.
Trick of the Tail album is a masterpiece.
Wind and Wuthering, Duke too! @@thorpenator9148
Amps will never die , I still prefer to plug straight into an amp and use zero effects . Remember everything is trying to reproduce a real amp not the other way around.
Several pros for me that I've found... the Helix is good for my big feet. They're possibly being more efficient with their programming to get some of those algorithms compared to other brands (blind test people and they'll like both). In the mix/a band setting nobody in your audience can tell its a Helix and not a 4x12. If you're DI'ng or recording there are some pretty neat "pro" emulations of things like FET compression and plate verbs..
I really wanted to like the HX Stomp, so I bought one and worked at editing for months, but just couldn't get the sounds I wanted. The clean sounds were good, but I found the drives flat and unrealistic.
Line 6 has been relevant for decades. From the Bean to the DL4.