Why People Are Selling Their Line 6 Helix...
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- Опубліковано 12 кві 2024
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UA-camrs already putting out videos about moving on from Helix and how old it is while I'm here still saving up to buy myself one. 🤣🤣🤣
Great investment. Went from all analog to a mixture of both in a really small pedalboard thanks to the hx stomp. Best purchase ever
Dude, I’m still using my Eleven Rack from Avid 😆
I'd say get an LT unless you really need a mic input for doing 1 man shows. Save about 40%, and still get all the same processing.
I bought the helix Lt a couple weeks ago and honestly it was absolutely worth every penny, but I returned it because it took up to much space in my studio/home office area. But it can easily accomplish most of what fractal and qc can do and it sounds just as good. You’ll definitely be happy with it for years. Also fyi the LT is the helix floor minus the scribble strips but $500 cheaper.
You can find payment plans. I love mine.
Because it's never ending pursuit for the perfect tone. You don't need to sell your Helix, but rather spend more time practicing, instead of always tweaking your tone.
Well no, I sold mine because it stopped working and it’s too expensive to reasonably fix
@@bgarza18 Not sure what your particular issue was, but my Helix got a drink dumped on it which fried something related to the display on the main processing board. Audio in/out and USB all still worked. Yamaha/Line6 charged me $275 to fix it. Considering the cost of the unit, I figured that was money well spent. Still going strong years later.
Every time i stay more to tweak something than to play or study 😅 or to compared a lot of presets, to try new irs,etc
I've been using "low-end" modellers for years. I've gone through a few but, at the moment, I'm mostly using a Boss GT-1 and a Pocket GT.
Every now and then I thing "I really should get something better", but then every time I look I think "is that really going to help me play better?" And the answer is always "no".
I think about the only thing that would have been useful 6 months ago when I was attending a local jam group would to have a slicer, which would have suited a couple of the songs we were doing (the GT-1 doesn't have the slicer). But I got away with a deep vibrato.
I should point out I'm mostly a "bedroom player" and definitely not gigging. However, in the last couple of years I've seen gigging musicians and pubs and clubs I've been to using similar gear (including one popular music club where the entire backline was Katanas, and another where the guitarist was using a GT-1 wrapped in clingfilm to prevent beer-related damage).
And pro musicians like Johnny Marr used to used GT-100s back in the day (there's a video on UA-cam with him singing its praises), which is, basically, the same engine as in the GT-1.
If I had used the time I had spent on finding tone, I'd be a massively better player, that said, its all been fun, and once it stops being fun, you stop learning.
Just bought a helix last night, have had an HX stomp for years and realized a while ago that I had started building my pedalboard into a backdoor version of a full helix, so decided I’m going to sell off my other pedals just for the sake of having an all in one unit.
I managed to get a lot of functionality out of my board but it occurred to me that if ever I want to change my patches or how they’re controlled, it involves editing like 3-4 devices because I have them all connected via midi to communicate with eachother.
Helix hasn’t been the “new kid on the block” for quite a while so to speak, so I’m not too worried about it being the latest and greatest. There would have to be some seriously outside-the-box creative upgrades, were there ever to come a “helix 2”, for me to consider ditching it.
I’m sure there are tone snobs that have a million things they’d ask for, but for me it sounds good enough as is. It’s kind of funny how as guitarists we put a premium on both the latest cutting edge things, and the oldest most vintage things.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to put more of a premium on things that just let me play without a fuss. Traveling between practice spaces and gigs and stuff, I don’t like having to set up 800 pieces of equipment to get a slightly better tone that just ends up getting lost in the mix anyway 😂
That’s my lukewarm take anyway.
Agree - the one thing Helix has over most other things is an expression pedal built in and a load of programable buttons. Plus an IEC power connector to avoid those embarrassing forgot/lost the PSU moments (not that I have ever done this ;-)) .. these practicalities mean more to me than an extra ambient reverb or two, or the very best chorus. I was a little wary of the over drives, but I mainly use amp channels and thr Helix as a 'kick' works pretty well. Even the fuzzes are 'good enough' for me at least.
I did that years ago and then my modeler took a dump and in one fell swoop it was all gone. I had to go out and buy and amp and cabinet to get by on. Thats one thing I will never do again is put all my eggs in one basket.
@@DreidMusicalX fair enough, but you could restore a Helix from backup after ordering one up delivered overnight. My Twins fiery death was a lot more tricky to fix.
The amount of future proofing line 6 put into the helix is unparalleled. Just a genius design executed perfectly, then followed up on with constant updates. Line 6 made me a customer for life with the helix.
2
Might be a longer post (perhaps no one will read it).
What you said in the video is true, players are asking for smaller and smaller units - however, I've had both flagship Helix and Quad Cortex below my feet, and I felt comfortable stepping on only one of them. Not because of the small QC button-spacing, but moreso because I felt like if I lose my balance and step on it too hard (I'm 196cm or 6'5 in freedom units, so I'm a big bloke) I'd literally crush the QC. Helix is built like a tank. I love that. Makes me feel secure, and it IS below your feet on a gig and it is all-in-one pedalboard. QC, I believe, is more of a big pedal for an already existing pedalboard, it just feels like a smartphone below someone's feet.
The only negative I can say about the Helix is that to get a tone you want, you will REALLY need to do your research and look for tips and tricks online, mess with EQ, Bias, Sag all of that. While on QC, getting a decent tone is much easier. QC also has some amp models that Helix does not, for me, as a metal player, Line6 does miss the EVH 5153 and it sorely does so (5150 does not do it justice, but Peavey Vitriol is pretty damn close). Getting tones out of a Helix can be a real pain.
In terms of DSP, the only reason I give a small nudge to QC is because, again, as a metal player, I really do need the drop pedal (if you're playing at home and jamming to your songs, metal bands are just all over the place with their tunings). Poly pitch shifter is a very processor-demanding feature on both units.
In regards to the future, I'd literally like the same-size big tank unit from Line6 whenever they decide to make a new Line6 hardware flagship. It is supposed to be a all-in-one unit, they could only do away with the expression pedal (and just include it as a cheaper optional extra). The reason people are still using Helix today is because it IS built like a tank, it sounds great and it endures the hardships of gigging.
One of my favorite youtube channels (Chilled Guitar Reviews) mentioned a something about NDSP and its plugin capability. You just bought an expensive unit, a really expensive unit - you shouldn't really need to spend MORE money (usually around $100) for a plugin to fit into your QC. To me, that is just bullshit.
Line6 will always take the edge in comparison because of two things: they maintain their firmware updates, and most importantly, Line6 community.
This.... I am 6'4 and 220 lbs. I need a tank that sounds great.
very true
I think you’re underestimating the ability of the QC to stand up to weight and footswitch abuse. My Helix had to go back to L6 for bad footswitches (on the circuit board) and I was a light user. I don’t think it’s as robust as you think except the chassis is strong as hell.
@@DavidEidelberg Exactly what I was aiming at, footswitches acting up is uncool, but the whole Helix box feels sturdy. In contrast to QC, to me, at least. Haven't had a chance to test out Fractal or Headrush stuff.
My attention span is too short.
Recently picked up an HX Stomp from Sweetwater and it’s the best music purchase I’ve ever made. Hands down. Late to the party, for sure, but I just love L6 as a company and the community is second to none.
You're not late. The hx stomp is in its prime.
Same, had it like 2 weeks now after bouncing around between UA and Boss and stuff - should have just gotten thr HX Stomp to begin with.
It's absolutely what I've needed.
@@zacharysmithingell5460 yep. I’ve tried them all in one for another, and this is actually the 2nd HX Stomp I bought and the 3rd or 4th Helix product I’ve owned. Hands down the best mashup of features and a company I love to support.
If you record, definitely consider getting the discounted Helix Native plugin. There was some crazy sale and I managed to get it from sweetwater for $50 which is mindblowing for what it is. I'd guess they'd do it again at some point. It's still a deal at $100. I'm actually selling my stomp but since I have helix native I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything now or in the future.
have had the stomp for a couple of years and its been updated twice in that time which is insane. Best money I've ever spent on a piece of gear and I wont be going back. Much like the video states, despite there being just so much out there, there is enough in the HX line alone to keep any guitarist busy for a lifetime. It's only limited by the imagination.
Just food for thought. Every item sold is 1 purchased.
I’ve been a helix floor user for years. Great device for so many reasons :
1- Great for practice at home. Reasonable volume via FRFR or via headset.
2- great for recording via its usb interface to your computer.
3- HX EDIT great for creating tones and organizing presets, scenes, and banks.
4 - very functional setup for playing live. All purpose and highly customizable pedalboard. Plug into PA and leave the amp at home.
Note - I use the L6 powercab as my monitor or as amp if PA isn’t possible.
5 - last but not least , as JNC noted in the video the firmware upgrades are great !L6 has really proven they’re committed to their users by constantly improving the product
I do wish they had included bluetooth / wireless connectivity.
I was literally about to sell my Helix LT and the dude that I was talking with just ask so many questions, it made me research the helix, and then I took it off the market. Because honestly ... If I sell it what am I going to buy, I'd probably buy one of the board you just mentioned and then I'd be missing the helix. Plus I would love to get into the amp/cab game, but the good gear is so expensive... I was just like .... I got what I've got!
Aw Bro…I love to see baby’s hands reaching while Daddy plays. 🥲❤
Love your playing. Love your channel.
I was thinking about it, and now after being a Helix user for a good chunk of years, using the Helix as my audio interface, midi controller, modeller, brains of the operation, etc. If my Helix broke I would actually buy another Helix, not another modeler. It's amazing and does everything I want it to and I'm very impressed with Line 6 as a company.
Totally agree
I love everything about my Helix LT. Yes it's large-ish but the footswitches have reasonable space between them and it includes the volume/expression pedal which gets some use. A guitar in each hand and my Helix backpack means one trip from the car. I typically only use one preset for most of a gig, but I use different presets (amps) for different guitars. And there are few songs that call for a special sound. Easy to use, flexible, sounds great, regular updates. Works for me. YMMV...
I have Helix Native and an HX Stomp and love that both are still well-supported by Line 6. These guys are playing the long game which is good to see.
Right on
The question is also what are one's needs. Leaving aside its versatility, I enjoy my Helix for what it offers in terms of rooting, which allows me to use it as a mixer too. I use both electric and acoustic guitars in my setup and I have them all plugged in simultaneously and ready to play, which includes using the XLR input for internal mics that I have in my acoustic and nylon guitars. Plus, I have a guitar-synth and a looper plugged in.
Maybe another piece of gear would allow me the same, yet I'm not looking since that works well for me. Leaving the guitars aside, it pretty much all fits in the Helix gig bag I got with it, so it's a good and handy all-in-one solution for me.
I sold my Helix months after I got it. Did a cash/trade for an HX Stomp and $750. No regrets, I use it for a travel rig and with analog pedal. Actually looking to get a Stomp XL strictly for traveling now so I can keep the HX on my analog board.
I ain't selling mine! I love my Helix LT. It does far more than I'll ever need as it is and I'm a full on wet/dry/wet effects laden sound type of player. They work. Very well.
Because now is the right time to sell.
You think so? I’m interested to know why--🙂
I never sell anything. I just buy more stuff and it piles up.
Will the new model debut so soon?
Great cause I am looking to buy!
@@shitmandoodyeah my wife shares the same philosophy
I was just looking at my phone while listening to the intro, I look up and suddenly a baby's hand... and my heart just melts
I’m more excited by the helix now than ever- it’s still a tonne smaller than my massive mike hill pedal board I use with the big band….and it’s the convenience too as always for me, I use the line 6 link into a power cab plus 212 and pan the speakers to get a nice wide stereo sound- just one lead. That’s great. And I love auditioning different drive pedals and trying out amps I would never be in the same room with. I think I worry about the smaller modellers buttons being too close together- feels cramped, my feet are more a shot gun than a precision sniper rifle so I need space.hehe
I am using it pretty old school though- I’m still nervous of snapshots - although I can see how helpful they would be for me but I do use expression pedals for increasing gain and volume on drive pedals or speed on modulations etc.
I will never use it to full capability..I’m just not that complicated but more and more I see (thanks to you mostly) just how much it can do- it sort of goes so beyond the normal guitar world of sounds into something else..something that’s always fun and interesting. I suppose other modellers have this too but I don’t feel the neeed to learn another modeller or it’s edit software.
I’m sure line 6 will come out with replacement soon…they must be thinking about it and discussing it, right? It’ll be really interesting to see what they come up with…if anything--nice one,john.
i shifted from axe (due to the disfunctıoning)to helix. i love my helix. and you videos are guided me so much. thnx for the videos. keep making good tutorials. cheers from Turkey
Did you find the Helix user interface better than Axe? Cheers
@@keithb5612I think helix UI is still king. I have Axe2 and I've seen Axe3.
I know multilple people here (me included) that aren't happy with the helix amp+cab modeling. Most are moving to kemper or fractal
Right On! I would be proud to have you as a subscriber!
I just did the oposite and Helix has recently joined in my gear list. Coming from a big pedalboard with Strymon pedals, lots of effects, Boss ES5 controller... it's so easy to dial in and is so much more flexible that I now only regret that I haven't made this transition earlier. I think the only rational argument against the Helix is that the amp modeling may not be quite on par with the rest of the competition. I really love the UAD modelers for just the amp tones and when I compared them with Tonex, Helix, Fractal FM3..I liked the sound and feeling of UAD better.
The fact that now I can stick my 3 UAD modelers (ruby,lion,dream) into the FX loops of the Helix and there is pretty much no tone suck ( those modelers sounded much worse when I sticked them into the Boss ES5 fx loops ) just blows my mind and I'm so happy with my tone right now. Also I love that I can dial the amp tone on the UAD pedals without any menu diving.
If you have a Tonex pedal you could do the same with the additional benefit of having MIDI capabilities. So many great gear and options these days...
For possible newcomers taking this kind of approach, if you're not using the Helix for amp modeling, an HX Effects may be worth considering. It has an effects loop. -Tom
@@TLMuse it also has half the dsp so if you wanna use a ton of effects a regular helix or LT might be worth considering still
I found the Tonex to be amplifying a microphonic effect which is not present at all the dry signal, which is why I returned it. Anyone else experience that?
@@christophertaylor1671 I don't think that the Tonex is any different in that regard as any other modeling/capturing device. Have you compared it with the same volume levels?
As a headrush gigboard owner, I think the issue with the prime and core models is that all headrush did was add vocal input, new cab models, and a shiny new paint job. Other than that it’s no different than the pedal board/gigboard. Also, headrush is bad with updates which is why I’m switching over to line 6.
Love the channel! I bought the Helix in 2016 and still use it for important gigs, or recording. I bought a stomp last year, and built a compact pedalboard that works for 90% of rehearsals, home practicing, or grab 'n go gigs. It's the best of both worlds. I'll always keep the floor because it has so many capabilities
The reason I couldn’t buy a Helix new is that they will undoubtedly bring out something newer and superior a month after I buy it.
Also if I buy a new piece of kit I want to go on UA-cam and see everybody telling me how wonderful it is and how clever I am for buying it
Same with the timing thing as it just feels like product refresh time... Although I did feel that when I bought a (used) Strymon Timeline in 2015, and people are still buying them new nearly a decade later!
@@NFMorley yeah you have to wonder where they go from here, I think there’s more than enough processing power in modern units to do pretty much anything now.
My prediction for NAMM 25 is a tube power amp with an iPad dock. My iPad has an M2 processor, it’d be great to harness all that power.
Companies spread FUD about older gear to sell new stuff but you can ignore it. All the guitar gear is incredible these days and has been for years. We are spoiled in 2024. You really can’t go wrong if you just find something you like and focus your time and energy on your craft.
@@r0bophonic Excellent point. Still rockin' my Pod 2.0 with no plans to change. More practice will take me farther than the latest gear.
They need to make an Helix "Touch" ... the software and updates are great but the hardware is now lagging in terms of ease of use. Smaller unit, 8 footswitches, no pedal, touchscreen, footswitches = knobs that's what needs to happen IMO
Can't imagine touchscreen being a good thing while playing a sweaty, cramped gig.
@@Steff_kjns I' d say that's a one in a hundred scenarios...I'm sure you could still use knobs to navigate as an alternative, like in all touchscreen modellers.
Hard no from me, all those reasons are why I like it. But just proves there is no such thing as one size fits all here :-D .. bluetooth to a phone app for patch tweaking & backup would be be nice though, just a little more convenient than squatting down and peering or breaking out the USB lead
@@jivetolkein I wonder if the Bluetooth connection could be added as a small usb dongle on any existing helix unit. That would be nice!
I don't need touchscreen. I need Helix to be able to just read my mind. 😅
Why is everyone talking about moving on from the helix with all the options when there is nothing new that’s better hmmmmm
As someone that just bought a HX stomp, I didn’t buy it because is the shiny new toy, I bought it because it’s small, it’s has been around for a while, it’s actually being used on an ongoing basis by players that I think carry some level of authenticity and honesty and it’s not part of the fast fashion mentality.
The rat race of needing to buy a piece on new technology each year because the previous version/generation is now deemed as obsolete is just horrible. I appreciate the fact that the Stomp etc have been around for a while and that there are regular updates and that the manufacturers didn’t just abandon the platform to force people to buying into a new product only to see that product fade into forced obsolescence.
Having owned (or still own) all of the 'big boys' in modelling. I think that although the Helix is easy to use, it also takes the most effort and tweaking to get the tones as good as the Axe, Kemper, or Quad Cortex. I just find it much easier to make a new tone im satisfied with in the other modellers, whereas I feel like I'm always tweaking the Helix to eek out that last few %.
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great content man! I acutally just got a helix floor, late to the party, been using headrush since 2017. Great unit! Quick question, what mic are you using? Looking to get one for myself.
That was so cute. Cherish those moments my friend because time goes by fast, so take advantage of every opportunity.
Instead of the full size Helix I went with an HX Stomp and an HX Effects as found it was easier for me and was able to have both in the rack and controlled by MIDI :)
I sold mine after 6 years. Not because it don’t like it. Instead I went back to an amp last year from FRFR. This was so I could use a backline amp if available and only used FX in Helix. Then I decided to further reduce and got a HX FX instead. With two analog drives. Happy as can be. Love the Helix effects and in fact the OCD is still my main lead drive.
Being familiar with the software is definitely a big factor. Learning all new software kind of like learning to wipe with your off hand.. The age factor is a major thing, too. If two products are pretty much the same price, you are far more likely to choose the newer one.
Ultimately, the gear is never the critical factor. You, John, have the Music in you. Beautiful and may I say cosmic intro jam!
What I like more about the full size helix is that it is a lot easier to power than most units, especially smaller units. That makes it in my opinion better for gigs. That being said, the Hx stomp has enough DSP for me.
I like the sound of the hotone Ampero two - I thought the sounds were killer on your demo - my only question - is there computer software GUI to create my own custom patches?
I got the Helix (floor) shortly after it released and used it for several years but it's so large and heavy I ended up getting a Boss GX-100 because it was smaller/lighter and did generally what I needed it to. Just picked up a Fractal FM3 and just getting it setup. I do think a smaller form-factor is key for me in general. (I am enjoying the FM3's modeling quality... although I haven't rehearsed with it or giggled with it yet...)
How you liking the Fractal FM3?
@@IshredGuitar I am liking it a lot.The controls aren't as complicated as it is often portrayed (although, I suppose using other modelers have helped get the basic concepts.) The different amp models (and cab models) have a much different response to each other, but each have real accuracy to the real thing. So, in light of that, still working through creating presets around specific amps. But I am liking what I hear so far...
I have a one year old HX stomp XL that I've used for less than on hour. The one time I took to a gig I must have pressed the wrong button and could not get the unit back to a working/playing mode. The interface is very confusing. It stays in my closet. I went back to my XT Live.
Not selling my Helix floor or HX stomp!
I bought the Full version in 2017 and sold it in 2018, it was too big for me, and I was not too found of it's build quality, as I live in humid climate and the switches seem to rust quickly, plus I found I don't use more than 3-4 effects at a time, so it was just too much for me and cash was locked in it too, so sold it, but I have always kept some Helix stuff, like for now I have a Stomp and Native, Line 6 now needs to make the Helix Full version smaller and more powerful with bigger display and better built quality.
It was paralysis by choice when using the Helix and then I ended up just using one tone - so I got the real thing...
Amen
Hey John, I love how your kid walks up and Tweaks your Tone! Beautiful.
For a similar size footprint I have a board which includes a QC, Peterson Tuner, Expression Pedal, Shure Wireless receiver, IEM hardware, various USB charging outputs, Powercon mains input and convenient side loading ins and outs that are relatively cheap to replace if over used or damaged, rather than those on the expensive unit itself. The QC is also my favourite modeller at the moment.
I started using Line 6 products in 2003 when I purchased a used POD 2.0 replacing a Digitech RP-100, my first multi-effects processor. I first experienced a POD in a shop trying out a guitar and I quickly understood the significance of the technology. The POD 2.0 was such a huge step forward in comparison to the RP-100 in terms of versatility, functionality and usability. I still have my POD and have no plans to let go of it. I also have a HXStomp I use it most of the time and I really like it, but I occasionally find myself wanting to be able to do more with it, three foot switches are a bit limiting at times. I originally wanted to get a POD Go, but the retailer didn't have any at the time, so I bought the HXStomp. I have thought of buying a Helix Floor at times and may still do it. I think the engineers at Line 6 thought long about what they were doing and worked hard to put out a product that holds up to this day.
I agree... most of my gigs can be done with HX stomp...BUT, I still love my Helix Floor. That baby was exceptionally designed...look at the longevity of the hardware. T
I've deviated over time, and keep returning. i DID shift from a full helix to a LT, only because I didn't need the scribble strips, and the slightly smaller footprint seems to work for me. I DO have a Stomp and HXFX, but every time I try to gig with them, I find something is lacking, compared to the full up unit (Floor OR LT). I think it's the comfort of using XLR to FOH, and separate 1/4" outs to monitor, etc.. is just easier on the larger units. Also, I like having the on-board expression pedal. Just feels right.
Great video again John. For me, the advantage of the Helix is it's switching flexibility and connectivity. I really do not mind the size of it. My Helix rig is still smaller and easier to setup than my analog rig :)
All I know is the next flagship line 6 product I am buying.
Honestly if the stomp xl got double the DSP, it would be over…
I got a Helix last Summer. I have not come up with a reason to sell it given the competition. It's built like a tank, so it's durable. Also it has a lot of routing options. You can control other devices or software from it. You can use another device to control the Helix and software (i use a FCB1010 to control everything). You can add external effects pedals to it.
Effects that i have that aren't a part of what the Helix already has (B9 Organ, MXR talk box and Bigsby Pitch pedal) can be added to Send/Return/FX loops. You're allowed up to 4. And aside from that, there so much to explore and experiment with if you want to make new sounds/tones and aren't only chasing the ones that have already been made in the past.
I'm keeping my helix until it becomes collectable 🤣🤣. Y'all thought the klon sells for crazy prices...just wait bro...just wait.
John what would you like to see on a helix stomp 2, more dsp ? What would be on your wish list?
I actually recently went back to the Helix but using it 4CM into the PRS MT15 amp/cab. I was using the Kemper and the Kemper Kab. But I found it to not be loud enough. So now I'm back on the Helix and strictly using the Kemper for recording.
I'm keeping my Helix Floor. Yes the Axe FM3/9 & Neural QC are smaller, but Helix Floor has an expression pedal. Also, if you use a Variax guitar you can control it with the Helix Floor, change guitar pickup sounds with presets.
I wish the Variax had caught fire. I was sad to see such an innovative product be discontinued. The integration with the Helix is amazing!
Helix floor is pretty big and heavy, but I feel like it's kind of at the sweet spot between durability and portability. Some smaller units like the quad cortex and even helix LT strike me as kind of flimsy
@@DanielCrouch I have the Helix LT and it is built like a tank. Very solid build quality. The trade off is all that metal is heavy!
@@r0bophonic I didn't realise they'd completely discontinued the Variax line, that is a shame. It's funny that amp modelling has taken off big time, and yet guitar modelling didn't
the only real issues for a helix is primarily dsp power, especially when using the poly stuff plus some of the new reverbs/delays it can create issues, and then there is the issue of electronics degradation for older devices, but i think that s not something that will effect that many people
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I was just wondering the same thing. I've never seen so many on Craigslist. For under a 1000$ too.
Is the Fender Tone Master Pro really that cool..
I think the built in expression pedal is a big plus of the Helix floor. Having 10 stomp boxes/ 8 snapshots in one preset is super flexible as well. Personally, I have no plans to change to a different unit as I see no major advantages in sound or work flow. I’ve been using Helix since 2017 and it’s been hands down the best money I’ve ever spent on a piece of gear in my 25 years of playing.
I have no desire to sell my Helix. I also have a Quad Cortex, Stomp and an Axe-Fx III. With the exception of the Stomp (it's on a pedalboard) I think they all sound different enough to keep them all. It's like going into a music store and trying two different Fender Twin Reverb's. They both sound really good but different. I think one of the biggest issues with any modeler is too much tweaking. Most everyone want to have all these different presents when in reality how many are you going to need on a gig, especially if you're not in a cover band or even in your bedroom. The more presets the more tweaking is required. When I was growing up I had one amp and one guitar for 10 years before I was able to get something else. There were only a couple of pedals available so you made do with what you had. There's so many options now that most people buy a pedal and after the love affair is over (assuming there is one) off it goes to Ebay or Reverb and in comes the newest. I think modelers are the same. I just saw a video of Eric Johnson trying a new amp and it still sounded like Eric proving that most of the sound is in your fingers.
The current uk price increases for the line 6 kit just doesn’t make sense. I have long considered trying line 6 again, but when a pod go goes from £400 to £600 in some places it really is not going to encourage new users. Maybe those ‘free’ updates are now going to be paid for by new users… shame that won’t be me at the current pricing.
I sold my helix recently because the Tone Master Pro was a better fit for me. I love the ease of use and UI. It really nails the EVH tones too. The form factor also played a part in that. Helix is still an amazing product though.
I’m not where I can watch the video (maybe later), but I sold my Helix Floor and kept my Stomp and HXFX. Even bought an HX One. Why? I’m still a fan of the HX effects and the Stomp is so tiny that it has a place in my stash. But I felt that I get better feel and tones from the QC and TMP. I also prefer the form factor of the TMP (I think the QC is too tight). I also sense that Helix is long in the tooth and it will be replaced in the foreseeable future so I sold while it still has value.
You brought up the technology of the hardware. Tell me about the technology of any Boss pedal old or new, and why they are so coveted.... IF it sounds good it always WILL sound good. So what does it matter. I suppose some people need the newest iPhone and maybe they are the same people... This is my first choice and I just got it used on Reverb about 1.5 months ago. I love that I'm still working thru all the options and changing things out based on my ability to make subtle changes that sound better and better. It's also getting dusty!!
I moved on for size reasons. I have a QC with a Morningstar MC6 and Paint exp pedal. The whole board is smaller and lighter than Helix Floor.
I use the QC in snapshot mode, and use the MC6 to turn pedals on and off and easy switch between my fav presets.
Love love love the helix. I miss stuff, like how hitting a snapshot twice will send you back to your prior snapshot. And the additional stomp options like momentary switches. But mostly, I miss the extra space between the switches!
Appreciate your opinions, but the clicking at the beginning was my favorite. (I used to give mine a mixer and patchbay with cables to mess around with.)
Still have my Helix LT which I bought way late into the game maybe 4 yrs ago now. I havent even used 10% of its capabilities but love how L6 has really done great to give us a "brand new" unit every 5 months or so for FREE! most others cant say the same and the L6 community is really worth its weight in gold for free presets and user help/support in the forums/social media.
I still haven't found a sound I want that I can't get out of my Helix. 90% of the time I use it with my PowerCab but with a click, I flip over 4CM into my Marshall DSL40CR and it's amazing in a new way. We are a long way from moving on from the Helix. Line 6 simply did it right and with the updates, continues to hit it out of the park!
Just bought a hx stomp to go with my tonex, amazing two piece punch. Bought your HX stomp pack too!
I've had a Helix floor fir about 6 years and it's been great with constant updates. In that time I just had to repair one switch using some contact cleaner. Last week I bought a B stock Quad Cortex as I wanted a lighter unit as my back has been playing up. I think the touch interface is a game changer for ease of operation. I think if Line 6 came out with a unit similar to the QC they would be on to a winner.
Helix and HX Stomp General Presets , is this pack work for SD power stage 170 and 2x12 celestial v30?
Made me so happy to see you little one going for the whammy bar. My little girl does the same thing. I just sold my hx to buy a kemper player. They are all great though.
My helix has a faulty joystick. Getting it repaired is a pain and expensive. Part of the reason I'm holding off is because I do want to spend a lot of cash on something that might only have a short time left. It's given me years of good service.
No idea how I would manage to gig without my helix floor. Recorded some tracks today with a better guitar than what I got, I was amazed by the tones I got
Although I wish my FM9 was as simple to use as my Stomp, there are some amps on it that I love and are not available on the Stomp. But the same is true of the reverse. Some of the Line 6 amps are more to my taste than the equivalent on the FM9.
Then there’s the Kemper. My friend has one and I fell in love with a couple of the amps on there.
In the end; they’re all great, really. I doubt I’d be selling my Helix if that was my go-to. It’s a great unit that can do everything you need.
My Helix floor is large and at home tends to sit up on a raised table. I am tempted to get a small midi controller like the Morningstar with exp pedal. But gut check is I will never get round to learning M1D1
I’ve owned every line 6 pod I still own the pod hd prox and the 500 x, I own quite a few Variax guitars, the line 6 Variax standard was or is the best Variax they have made, both their modeling is great and the mag pickups are ok but you can change them out to anything you can put in a strat. Thought about a HX stomp because I don’t have any helix ecperience yet I’d be afraid 3 buttons will make me work harder making presets. I always lagged behind to see what a product would do. I have helix native and love it. Line 6 has never worked on keeping their products freshened up but they do with helix. I wonder if it’s because Yamaha owns it. I’ve owned vetta vetta II combo and stack. Those always sounded good to me I’m 68 years old been playing since 1964 owned a lot of fenders , acoustic, ampeg V4 LOUD AMP AND REALLY HAD TO CRANK HER TO BREAK UP. Today’s amps all have master volumes and other features. The amps of the 60s were like muscle cars. Today lots of bands funnel everything including bass through a good PA system but if you look at a concert in 1972 these guitarists and bassists stood in front of a wall of amps stacks of heads and speaker cabs. Painfully loud and terribly balanced in any forum. As they moved to giant PA systems with cabinets surrounding the arena the volume got less painful and the fidelity came way up. I get so pissed at tube amp Nazis. Don’t get me wrong. T have a pair of line 6 DT 50s one 212 combo and one stack.to me the ( I like using racing metaphors) the DT 50 has plenty of headroom, fir the ability to range your tones with cleaninringing clean and some punchy mids, if you tie your DT 25/dt50 through a pod hd 500x or pro x, I have one Xlr cable coming out of a hd pod pro x or soon a helix floor, with one cable I can control the amp compleatly through the pod or helix. Helix by the way didn’t start out with the dream rig software to operate the amps. That’s what’s sold me on going to a helix now. I don’t see them changing the hardware soon, I hated this about line 6 because should you need company support after they close down a product it’s as if they didn’t make and sell it. Because all line 6 electronics are on a circuit board nothing is hand made, I if you love a product try to find 1 or two spare parts like transformers for the Amos. I was amazed line 6 still has that goofy spider going yet closed down best for price amp in the world. Bugs? Well the DT series amps were too knew to have too many issuer to work out. I hear like in a background noise nobody wanted the DT amps. Why, I’ve seen so many reviews, like when Andersons bought out the whole stock of the DT series they made a lot of videos and all their reviews were amazing. Now I believe I can do anything with the helix floor the little bit I play out, I’d just plug into the church sound and listen to myself through a wedge. My problem selling the amps I still have is the regret at every other amp I sold. Man they all had memories, my grand kids would love them. Things that are vintage now including guitars amps and cars wernt vintage in 1973. I had a black faced dual showman with 2 15 inch D 130 guitar speakers. It would be a great pedal bed right now, the amp head had no fx loop, no master volume not even reverb and tremolo. I just played with that and a cry baby wah wah. Oh to have had a helix floor or rack back them.
The bottom line to me is of all the modeling units line 6 I think was the first, over the decades line 6 has done a wonderful job fixing all its issues. You John seem to mainly play the helix. The one you play the most will sound the best, because you know exactly what to do sith it nothing to learn. I love your playing man. I hope to see you on the very top one day because you in my mind are in the top 5 to 10 best players in the world. Have listened for hours you are like a Swiss watch never skip a beat ever miss a note, there are guys that are fast but are not clean, I’m not talking tone, I’m talking FINESS. You’ve got more than enough speed and more FINESS than any other player I’ve ever seen. Are you on iTunes? Do you write? Mark
I sold my Helix LT in January. My reasons were mainly workflow related. I've gone hybrid with other pedals and prefer the Tonex for amps both soundwise and for practicalities (such as, ease of powering).
Still think it's a great series of products but has been a good change for me.
The way I see it, if it sounds good now it'll sound good later. Will there be "better" more advanced newer etc etc etc stuff coming down the line in coming years? Yeah probably. Is it going to be a big enough difference that it'll justify selling the Helix, buying something new, and putting in the time and energy to learn a whole new infrastructure and workflow? Almost certainly not.
I have the exact same situation now. I've been using my Helix for 7,5 years now. And lately been using my Tonex for tones. My Helix is beginning to break down, so last rehearsal I managed with just my Tonex and Eventide H9, so I'm planning to build a board now, get myself a HX Stomp and probably a Strymon Big Sky. And then go from there.
I find your videos very often really cool and interesting! Maybe a Friedman IR-X Preamp review with your stomp could be interesting for a bunch of tube appreciaters 😅 like something in between 👍
My stomp just died today.... I have been using it daily since 2+ years ago, i'm really sad... it Will cost almost half of the price of a new one to repair it, so i'm thinking in move on to another brand... But i don't like the cheaper ones like ampero or nux, in the other hand i'm not sure to spend almost 1000usd on a fm3... Maybe the pod express +repairing My old stomp is the right choise for now
Dude try the Nux MG400 and later this year they're coming out with the Nux MG40! I would be proud to have you as a subscriber!
Just sold my LT to a buddy of mine. I miss it honestly. I find I like the tonex captures more than the helix models but really miss the interface and effects. I might pick up an HX effects to use with the Tonex. Best of both worlds.
Change is interim all aspect of life Music/guitar gear is no exception.
So in the US there are over 20 for sale on eBay.
Like I mentioned in my video it’s more economical than age !
The helix is holding up quite well and as judging by its Firmware it could be released in 2024 and will still fit in the market 👌🏽
Huge fan of yours by the way
My niece does the same. Gotta flick the switches and turn the knobs!
I sold my Helix Floor (still have a Stomp) because:
- Extremely bad visibility under critical light conditions.
- No global blocks (not exactly the Helix' fault, but I found out that my next modeler would either have it or I'd stick with a hybrid system, for which the Floor was too large).
- Not the hardware quality I'd trust on, say, day to day gigging.
- To big and heavy to ever make it into a suitcase, a backpack and what not.
For the time being I'm happy with my hybrid board and I may get a GT-1000 for all kinds of general purpose jobs as it doesn't suffer from any of the above.
I use my HX Stomp the most but my Helix isn't going anywhere. I have it set up as an in-studio tool that interfaces with my amp switcher and Synergy rig. The extra DSP is nice but it's more the I/O options that makes it so great.
I'm an old bastard - born in the 70s - almost 60s - only started playing 8 years ago - so im not the best player and not real good with "tech" devices either - my brain is maxed out just trying to play half decent - so for me i like the full Rack and foot control UI (user interface) with tons of display space and scribble strips etc so i can see excatly whats happening IN THE NOW - i cant be trying to remember how to scroll menus and all that on top of playing. Might cost me $1000 more than a smaller unit but my use case (attempting covers from many generes) pretty much demands it with my limited old age brain capacity!
I'm an old bastard as well! 1960s.... I would be proud to have you as a subscriber!
I still love my Helix. I have started using some other pedals with the Helix to get the sounds that I like. If Line 6 made just an amp model version....no effects...I would buy that.
It’s not bigger than a decent sized pedal board. I have the LT and a Catalyst 60. I can enjoy the catalyst if I’m just playing alone but I found the LT into the Cats power amp input works quite well. I set up a bunch of presets I liked but when I went to a jam Britney av
Katana 100 shared via a mixer my presets where more brite and strident.
Great starting jam!!
Always had issues with buying new gear, pedals... with Helix that just stopped for me. It does everything I need. As long as it works I don't think I will ever change it.
I only use an overdrive eq reverb and two delays most of the time.
The expression pedal on Helix Floor is essential. That's the deafult flagship unit for line 6. Helix floor is the king for so many years now.
Helix floor is a big unit, but on stage i don't dance around so much that i would need too much space anyway, so it don't matter, and with big feet, Helix would be right size to operate it easily,.
If i would be choosing modeller, it would be Helix floor or FM 9, or maybe Kemper would be good too.
But at the moment i use just HXFX and Amp1
I think the logical thing for Line 6 to do next is to release smaller, modular items that break up the functionality across different devices. If they were to put out smaller units similar to the Universal Audio Lion, or the BOSS IR-2, where they concentrate on one facet of the modeling, more people would incorporate their units into their rigs. Say one unit that just focuses on amp models, one with basic effects, one with IR’s, and maybe one that concentrates on switching/loops like the new Fender pedal loop switcher. These can be in a small form factor like the HX One or POD Express and give players the ability to just get the unit they need without a huge learning curve and tones of options that most players don’t end up using. Why spend $1,500 on a huge unit that is loaded with 200 amps, 400 effects, etc, when a few amps or effects are all we end up using? They can still use the same software architecture that seems to have convinced most people that the modeling sounds great and has been born out in the huge numbers of people, amateur and professionals, using them today. But if I could get a unit that just has some amps, or just great effects, that I don’t need a computer editor to get in and use the thing, then I can get the unit that I can incorporate into my rig that works great with my amp, or pedals/preamps, and not take up so much valuable real estate or weight.......or expense.
I actually sold my pod go today, not because it was bad, but rather I wanted to try something different the headrush mx5. It is really a change in sound which I like.
I glad I’m not the only one that uses a paint brush to remove dust from gear/pedals.
Just bought a second hand Helix and Powercab and am very happy, if you can’t get a useable tone out of a Helix then it’s probably a you problem
Friedman IR-X with an HX stomp for effects is quickly becoming my main board. It’s so simple. Sounds and feels so good.
I sold my Helix over a year ago to a friend and bought a Fractal Fm3 as i wanted a more portable unit. When i first got the fractal unit i honestly didn't think there was much difference between that and the Helix. In fact i actually preferred the Fx on the Helix especially the modulation side. After a year of using the Fractal and comparing again to the Helix. I have to admit the Fractal FM3 not only sounds better. Its far more customisable. Probably a little too much for some people. So i think people are just moving on. The Helix is coming to the end of its life cycle. Still a fantastic unit though , and with a price drop it could find more longevity
I sold my Helix because I had to pay rent. Still have a helix rack, but there's not really anything else I'd ever need. Helix is solid as ever.