I've heard some people say it's old and not worth it in 2024, but Line 6 is STILL updating it. Once they released the 3.7 update I decided to get one and I'm very happy with it.
Helix is wonderful and a better product now than when it was first released. Line 6 product support and development is second to none. I love my Helix. And yes I use tube amps too. I love having both.
I upgraded my Helix with the ToneX and now it's amazingly versatile! The Helix is a great hub with 4 stereo send/returns, a whole bunch of other I/O, phantom power for mics, a fantastic PC app, lots of footswitches, a great pedal and the effects and versatility are top notch! When they upgraded all the cabs a few upgrades ago it was a game changer! It has a lot of great drive pedals on it too.
Did just that a year ago with tonex pedal and hx stomp and controlling everything via midi (MC6 by morningstar). it works and sounds great but quiet annoying when you've got to tweak or make a new preset on the go. So I'm just moving back to full helix floor. Only one unit that is super versatile and easy to use, yet powerful enough. plus the latest amps sounds killer. In the end I think great modelisation is far superior to captures IMO. Adding extra hardware next to it makes it quite cumbersome. (Helix floor is already on the annoying to travel with side compared ). I just wish they make a Helix the size of a pod go with embedded wireless and with the power of the full helix.
have an LT and I love it. One can create some fantastic tones with it, I will keep it till it dies. I use the AMP1 or Friedman IRX on occasions with it for the amp tones as well. I have tube amps that I have built and modified to my personal taste. Yip tubes are my favourite. I will however say Helix is great, had a Kemper once upon a time as well. For me now going into 2025 I would consider a platform(ecosystem), including hardware and software, that has more enhanced modelling as well as capture tech so a combination of both. The Helix ecosystem has been great. No doubt as the hardware power increases so will quality. I have a friend who play in a band with slightly older Line 6 tech and his tones are amazing in a live context and his ability to use the effects are amazing. I also suppose certain products will be better in one genre versus others… different strokes for different folks..
Basically every modeller today can sound great, tone wise there isn't much between them and at a gig (or a recording for that matter) nobody could tell the difference. So all down to budget and form factor/interface really I would say. But nice video Paul... enjoyed it!
Im a high gain guy. The new 5153 models in update 3.80 are some of the most accurate models I've ever heard. I own the physical amp and I honestly can't tell the difference unless I'm looking at the screen 🤣
You found some nice tones! Those original tones were updated, BTW, even though the name remain. Line 6 is really good at doing update patches as well as giving us new amps, cabs, and effects. That's why the platform remains amazingly current.
As a helix owner I’m not so much interested in preset as I am your favorite setting for effects. That is where I really struggle. It’s option paralysis. Thanks
Finally!!!! Glad to see this video Paul.....there are quite a few newer dumble type amps now...the Grammatico is very dynamic and responsive. In 2024 , I have had all the modelers and still today nothing compares or even comes close to Helix or Fractal . They are the two kings . Just HX is much easier for the masses to acquire. I will say for that feel under the fingers tricks I use just a smidge of chorus on every drive tone. Have a blessed day Paul 😎👊🏻💯
In your hands all units sounds good. I must admit though that I like the sound of the GX100 or GX10 way more. They sound more natural like a real amp. I’m not biased since I don’t have any of them❤
I took out my Helix yesterday to update it to the new firmware. I hadn’t used it in a while as I’d switched to the Fractal FM3 for my fly-rig (you’re right, the Helix is massive 😂). I really enjoyed playing through it and with the newer amps this unit is still playing with the big boys in my opinion. It’s also aesthetically a gorgeous looking unit. A big plus is the ability to easily copy presets from Helix Native to the device and vice versa. The factory presets are awful though. They really need to sort that out. Any Fractal unit has presets you could go straight out and gig with.
Thank you Paul. Is 10 year old Marshall still good in 2024? People would laugh at me for asking that. My Helix is many times better than it was when I bought it. It has had a repair and will need work on a switch soon. Do I want a more powerful motherboard... Maybe. It's hard y to use up all the processing power I have
Great video - I’m a recent convert to the HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL. It’s been such a joy bringing to gigs and running direct to FOH. And I don’t find myself limited by the effects, amps/cabs that I prefer…. In fact I find it a really fast platform for testing / dialing in tones. It’s nice to see that Line 6 is continuing to add new models & effects (the 3.80 update just dropped).
I bough an Helix LT many years ago and It sound good and right allways. I dont Need any other from a modeller and I think only fractal have more that justify the upgrade. I also bought a tonex pedal recently for use It on the desk or in mini board with my old single pedals and unexpected FX add in last firmware release make It Powerfull device in small space.
hey Paul on your site for that helix preset it says quad cortex pack. sort of confusing. I went ahead and got it. thanks for doing some helix stuff. you were much more positive than I expected
I just had TMP a second time for a week.....pro....a few fender amps are spot on. Hendrix tones and SRV tones easily achieved.... anything with any serious gain is a big fat digital sounding mess I can make better on a boss GT 1 lol 🤣....I wish it wasn't the case because I do love the TMP and design. It needs Soo many more parameters, EQ , decent delays, auto filter pedals don't exist on it etc.....i do believe they will get there though the update it often and that's a good 👍🏻 sign
I've used the Helix since day one. Feel something new must be rolling out soon, but still loving the OG, especially for the effects, but never been a fan of the cabs section. I use a tone X in a loop more often.
its does a lot and great. Don't expect anymore huge updates as there is likely a successor in the works. Would I pay full price for one now? Probably not. Get a used one or look for a deal on one. Its likely at the end of its life cycle. Its stable, there's a ton of amps and effects already in it from the years worth of updates.
Nice video! Could you also make a video about the Fender Tone Master Pro? I saw some videos of Helix and Quad Cortex maybe you could compare it to the Tone Master Pro?
Did you update your Helix to the latest firmware ? The Helix is a different beast than what it was back in 2015 especially the cabs. I think it is up there with any of the other units if you know what you’re doing with it, forget about factory presets they are for beginners finding your own sound is where it’s at.
I sold all my amps few years back to go digital, now I’ve sold off all my modelers and only do plugins 😂 One of these days I’m gonna grab a new 1x12” combo amp, and maybe when we see Helix part deux “the double Helix 🧬 “
Great sounds. I have a question. Did you change the pickups on the Telecaster? Because when I use overdrive on mine, a US made from the 90s, it's just so noisy.
I’ve played through the Helix a number of times. I can never get what I’m looking for. Almost digital or fake sound to me. My Quad Cortex was almost instant love. Having said that, I have friends who get a good sound from the Helix.
Helix no. You know what sounds great? My amps. I was using the quad last night it’s the best feeling and UI but I always go back to my amps. The quad is better imo than the helix and Kemper.
If you want my honest opinion the answer is just straight up No. And especially brand new , They're about £1000 new unless you decide to go for the LT alternative.. But still you're looking between £800-£1000 for one. You can literally pick up a Fractal FM3 used for that kinda money which is a much better buy , A much better and newer unit with better Effects, Tones etc.. If you was looking on spending less then even a used Fractal Ax8 or if you wanted the Helix rack then an Axe Fx 2... You just get more inside those units and it's just better! Obviously Line 6 are still updating but even nearing 10years on.. It's still not as good.
I've heard some people say it's old and not worth it in 2024, but Line 6 is STILL updating it. Once they released the 3.7 update I decided to get one and I'm very happy with it.
Helix is wonderful and a better product now than when it was first released. Line 6 product support and development is second to none. I love my Helix. And yes I use tube amps too. I love having both.
absolutely... each update has been a leap forward for the product. The new Bogner Ecstasy is just great.
Thanks for this elegant and beautiful sounding demo, Paul .
My pleasure!
Thank you Paul. I've been waiting forever for the Studio Rats to give the Helix some love!
I upgraded my Helix with the ToneX and now it's amazingly versatile! The Helix is a great hub with 4 stereo send/returns, a whole bunch of other I/O, phantom power for mics, a fantastic PC app, lots of footswitches, a great pedal and the effects and versatility are top notch! When they upgraded all the cabs a few upgrades ago it was a game changer! It has a lot of great drive pedals on it too.
I've added an IR-D. same thing
Did just that a year ago with tonex pedal and hx stomp and controlling everything via midi (MC6 by morningstar). it works and sounds great but quiet annoying when you've got to tweak or make a new preset on the go. So I'm just moving back to full helix floor. Only one unit that is super versatile and easy to use, yet powerful enough. plus the latest amps sounds killer. In the end I think great modelisation is far superior to captures IMO. Adding extra hardware next to it makes it quite cumbersome. (Helix floor is already on the annoying to travel with side compared ).
I just wish they make a Helix the size of a pod go with embedded wireless and with the power of the full helix.
Just about to buy a Helix….. thanks for the video - great demonstration. Stunning playing as usual. 😀
Fantastic presets, thanks! The shimmer and bloom cleans are just wonderful
I love my Helix and the way deep editing becomes intuitive.
Currently enjoying two parallel amps into one cab using split and mix etc .
have an LT and I love it. One can create some fantastic tones with it, I will keep it till it dies. I use the AMP1 or Friedman IRX on occasions with it for the amp tones as well. I have tube amps that I have built and modified to my personal taste. Yip tubes are my favourite. I will however say Helix is great, had a Kemper once upon a time as well. For me now going into 2025 I would consider a platform(ecosystem), including hardware and software, that has more enhanced modelling as well as capture tech so a combination of both. The Helix ecosystem has been great. No doubt as the hardware power increases so will quality. I have a friend who play in a band with slightly older Line 6 tech and his tones are amazing in a live context and his ability to use the effects are amazing. I also suppose certain products will be better in one genre versus others… different strokes for different folks..
Tonex + Helix = An amazing rig. Thanks Paul!
Basically every modeller today can sound great, tone wise there isn't much between them and at a gig (or a recording for that matter) nobody could tell the difference. So all down to budget and form factor/interface really I would say. But nice video Paul... enjoyed it!
Love my QC, but the Helix still has it's place. Classic bit of kit.
Im a high gain guy. The new 5153 models in update 3.80 are some of the most accurate models I've ever heard. I own the physical amp and I honestly can't tell the difference unless I'm looking at the screen 🤣
3:33 - That reverb sounds very realistic.
And the auto-swell at 5:05 gave me some serious Bill Frisell vibes.
You found some nice tones! Those original tones were updated, BTW, even though the name remain. Line 6 is really good at doing update patches as well as giving us new amps, cabs, and effects. That's why the platform remains amazingly current.
As a helix owner I’m not so much interested in preset as I am your favorite setting for effects. That is where I really struggle. It’s option paralysis. Thanks
Great video and demo. Definitely plan to buy the patches.
Finally!!!! Glad to see this video Paul.....there are quite a few newer dumble type amps now...the Grammatico is very dynamic and responsive. In 2024 , I have had all the modelers and still today nothing compares or even comes close to Helix or Fractal . They are the two kings . Just HX is much easier for the masses to acquire. I will say for that feel under the fingers tricks I use just a smidge of chorus on every drive tone. Have a blessed day Paul 😎👊🏻💯
What a fantastic video Paul have a great weekend ❤😊
In your hands all units sounds good. I must admit though that I like the sound of the GX100 or GX10 way more. They sound more natural like a real amp. I’m not biased since I don’t have any of them❤
The boss stuff is killer!
Really look fwd to the next Gen Helix but will keep my 10yr old faithful.
I took out my Helix yesterday to update it to the new firmware. I hadn’t used it in a while as I’d switched to the Fractal FM3 for my fly-rig (you’re right, the Helix is massive 😂). I really enjoyed playing through it and with the newer amps this unit is still playing with the big boys in my opinion. It’s also aesthetically a gorgeous looking unit. A big plus is the ability to easily copy presets from Helix Native to the device and vice versa. The factory presets are awful though. They really need to sort that out. Any Fractal unit has presets you could go straight out and gig with.
When you’re still using any tech from ten years ago, that’s pretty impressive.
Sounds awesome. Does that tele have stock pickups in it, it sounds awesome in all your videos
Thank you Paul.
Is 10 year old Marshall still good in 2024? People would laugh at me for asking that. My Helix is many times better than it was when I bought it. It has had a repair and will need work on a switch soon.
Do I want a more powerful motherboard... Maybe. It's hard y to use up all the processing power I have
I think so their stuff really holds up...i miss sellin my POD x live...
Great video - I’m a recent convert to the HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL. It’s been such a joy bringing to gigs and running direct to FOH. And I don’t find myself limited by the effects, amps/cabs that I prefer…. In fact I find it a really fast platform for testing / dialing in tones. It’s nice to see that Line 6 is continuing to add new models & effects (the 3.80 update just dropped).
Great to hear!
I bough an Helix LT many years ago and It sound good and right allways.
I dont Need any other from a modeller and I think only fractal have more that justify the upgrade.
I also bought a tonex pedal recently for use It on the desk or in mini board with my old single pedals and unexpected FX add in last firmware release make It Powerfull device in small space.
hey Paul on your site for that helix preset it says quad cortex pack. sort of confusing. I went ahead and got it. thanks for doing some helix stuff. you were much more positive than I expected
Cheers Chris all fixed!
Helix is still great. Pros and cons to all of these units. Have you tried the tone master pro yet? I'd be curious to know your thoughts on that.
I’ll check it out
I just had TMP a second time for a week.....pro....a few fender amps are spot on. Hendrix tones and SRV tones easily achieved.... anything with any serious gain is a big fat digital sounding mess I can make better on a boss GT 1 lol 🤣....I wish it wasn't the case because I do love the TMP and design. It needs Soo many more parameters, EQ , decent delays, auto filter pedals don't exist on it etc.....i do believe they will get there though the update it often and that's a good 👍🏻 sign
I've used the Helix since day one. Feel something new must be rolling out soon, but still loving the OG, especially for the effects, but never been a fan of the cabs section.
I use a tone X in a loop more often.
Thanks for sharing!
Really really really hope you get your hands on a Fractal VP4!
Me too
How about LT? for my first FX.
How much do you charge to build a patch for the Helix? Please let me know. Thank you
Hey Mate - I am trying to purchase your Helix Preset Pack on your link but it will not let me do it. Can you help?
even though It goes against all logic regarding tech stuff, it really still is great
Great video Paul! just because im curious about... in terms of tone, which one is a better option for you...helix or boss gt1000?
I prefer the boss
@@TheStudioRats Thank you for your response!
its does a lot and great. Don't expect anymore huge updates as there is likely a successor in the works. Would I pay full price for one now? Probably not. Get a used one or look for a deal on one. Its likely at the end of its life cycle. Its stable, there's a ton of amps and effects already in it from the years worth of updates.
Nice video! Could you also make a video about the Fender Tone Master Pro? I saw some videos of Helix and Quad Cortex maybe you could compare it to the Tone Master Pro?
I’ll look into it.
Did you update your Helix to the latest firmware ? The Helix is a different beast than what it was back in 2015 especially the cabs. I think it is up there with any of the other units if you know what you’re doing with it, forget about factory presets they are for beginners finding your own sound is where it’s at.
Of course its still good in 2024 !
Only issue i got with the helix use the weight and size.
I love it though. Tried other models
Would you play the valtron 300
+++ Tnx a lot, Paul+++
I sold all my amps few years back to go digital, now I’ve sold off all my modelers and only do plugins 😂
One of these days I’m gonna grab a new 1x12” combo amp, and maybe when we see Helix part deux “the double Helix 🧬 “
The Helix still sounds great
Yes it is.
Great sounds. I have a question. Did you change the pickups on the Telecaster? Because when I use overdrive on mine, a US made from the 90s, it's just so noisy.
FINALLY!
Will your preset work with the HX Stomp XL?
I’m afraid I don’t know.
Helix rules
Have Studio Rats reviewed the HX Stomp?..........I've decided to sell mine and get my life back!
Yup
I’ve played through the Helix a number of times. I can never get what I’m looking for. Almost digital or fake sound to me. My Quad Cortex was almost instant love. Having said that, I have friends who get a good sound from the Helix.
The QC is a definite upgrade
Any Modeler can achieve great tones. It's user error if not
The new update is a game changer
Helix no. You know what sounds great? My amps. I was using the quad last night it’s the best feeling and UI but I always go back to my amps. The quad is better imo than the helix and Kemper.
Years ago, when I played the Helix Vst, I decided to buy Fractal.
Still sounds flat to me
If you want my honest opinion the answer is just straight up No.
And especially brand new , They're about £1000 new unless you decide to go for the LT alternative..
But still you're looking between £800-£1000 for one. You can literally pick up a Fractal FM3 used for that kinda money which is a much better buy , A much better and newer unit with better Effects, Tones etc.. If you was looking on spending less then even a used Fractal Ax8 or if you wanted the Helix rack then an Axe Fx 2... You just get more inside those units and it's just better!
Obviously Line 6 are still updating but even nearing 10years on.. It's still not as good.
I do not use Line 6 anymore after my experience with their Amplifi line.
The company simply sucks.
There’s is nothing wrong with helix line up. More so if you use synths
You sound great as usual ...but no.
Helix? Weak CPU does not allow better parameters. Obsolete
Tones swimming in effects and the same bits of playing. For the love of god man learn some new tunes to demo the gear. It gets really tedious.
Does somebody need a little cuddle?
@@TheStudioRats Hahaha
Nope. DSP is geriatric, as well as the interface. Falling behind.
To me all the Line 6 products have a very digital, borderline fake sound, as compared to Fractal and other modelers.
their newest technology is a decade old so that's probably why
I have both, you can make them sound almost 100% identical.
@@DS76204 yes, i agree with you.
User error.
They can all produce excellent results. The Helix is the best gigging solution
That's just psychoacoustics I think. If I listen to a good blind test I can't reliably tell any difference.