Line 6 Helix Floor Multi-Effect and Amp Modeler

I have been with Line 6 for many years. My very first amp from Line 6 was a Line 6 AXSYS 212. I also have the POD 20, POD XT Live, POD HD 500, the Spider 3-120, the Spider 4-150, and the practice amp 15 watts. While on tour I used the Flextone 3-2x12 amp.THE REVIEW: First and foremost tone and sound are most important to me. The models are definitely rich and pure in tone.The well thought out connectivity and the ability to maneuver the effects chain in any order that I desire is a plus and the ability to have unlimited effects in a chain is superb! I like the touch sensitivity to the switches that allows access to parameters for on the fly editing. Additionally, there is better processing with all of the effects. The headphone volume is a great option that adds ... MoreI have been with Line 6 for many years. My very first amp from Line 6 was a Line 6 AXSYS 212. I also have the POD 20, POD XT Live, POD HD 500, the Spider 3-120, the Spider 4-150, and the practice amp 15 watts. While on tour I used the Flextone 3-2x12 amp.THE REVIEW: First and foremost tone and sound are most important to me. The models are definitely rich and pure in tone.The well thought out connectivity and the ability to maneuver the effects chain in any order that I desire is a plus and the ability to have unlimited effects in a chain is superb! I like the touch sensitivity to the switches that allows access to parameters for on the fly editing. Additionally, there is better processing with all of the effects. The headphone volume is a great option that adds to this already exceptional unit. Also, the stomp box mode allows the Helix to be used as a peddle board rig. Thumbs up for the large screen display and the scribble strips. Last but not least, the unit is very sturdy which makes it easy to travel with.There are so many BELLS & WHISTLES included in the Helix unit that it's too much to put into one review. So with that being said, I am COMPLETELY satisfied with my Helix!

I've had my Line 6 Helix for about 2 weeks now. Having used a processor in the past, the learning curve was very minimal. When diving into the usages and possibilities for creating a perfect tone, I became overwhelmed on where to start! There could be worse problems, right? So far, I'm still in the beginners' stage of getting my presets and snapshots set up, but it appears that my initial complaints on having to dial things in manually (or copy/pasting) with the knobs can be alleviated with the HX Edit app for PC or Mac (which is free).I'm still trying to dial in my idea of a perfect tone, but the abundance of presets that come out of the box are excellent starting points. In addition to that, one of the coolest things about this is that Line 6 has a "Customtone" ... MoreI've had my Line 6 Helix for about 2 weeks now. Having used a processor in the past, the learning curve was very minimal. When diving into the usages and possibilities for creating a perfect tone, I became overwhelmed on where to start! There could be worse problems, right? So far, I'm still in the beginners' stage of getting my presets and snapshots set up, but it appears that my initial complaints on having to dial things in manually (or copy/pasting) with the knobs can be alleviated with the HX Edit app for PC or Mac (which is free).I'm still trying to dial in my idea of a perfect tone, but the abundance of presets that come out of the box are excellent starting points. In addition to that, one of the coolest things about this is that Line 6 has a "Customtone" section on their website that has threads of people offering free downloads of patches they've created, based of particular tones people are seeking. There are other paid patches you can download from third parties, but the fact that there are seemingly endless resources to capture your perfect tone is a great thing to have!

Easy to use, great sounds.

I've been a musician for approximately 20 years. I play both guitar and bass. With the line 6 helix, I feel that the guitar tones are extremely close to the original amplification system is that they are modeling. If you're looking for a modeling amplifier/ p I play both guitar and bass. With the line 6 helix, I feel that the guitar tones are extremely close to the original amplification systems that they are modeling. If you're looking for a modeling system for guitar, this is the unit for you.My favorite amp/cab models are the Mesa Rectifier, Vox AC 30, and Friedman BE-100. It's very easy to get a good tone from the Helix. However, if you want a great tone, it does take a bit more tweeking (and learning how to use this unit on YouTube). After watching several ... MoreI've been a musician for approximately 20 years. I play both guitar and bass. With the line 6 helix, I feel that the guitar tones are extremely close to the original amplification system is that they are modeling. If you're looking for a modeling amplifier/ p I play both guitar and bass. With the line 6 helix, I feel that the guitar tones are extremely close to the original amplification systems that they are modeling. If you're looking for a modeling system for guitar, this is the unit for you.My favorite amp/cab models are the Mesa Rectifier, Vox AC 30, and Friedman BE-100. It's very easy to get a good tone from the Helix. However, if you want a great tone, it does take a bit more tweeking (and learning how to use this unit on YouTube). After watching several videos on how to manipulate the tones, my tones came out crystal clear and exactly what I was looking for.For bass guitar, I feel that it is a good unit as well. My only criticism is that I wish there was a model of the Darkglass Microtubes X7. This pedal allows for distortion to be added in the mid and high frequencies but allows the low frequencies to come through clear without much distortion which is helpful in preventing Unwanted buzzing/rumbling when playing lower notes. As it stands, the helix works well with base, however, it will only adjust the global distortion/gain. If this does exist, I have not been able to find it. If you like the buzzing/rumbling sound of a base, I would highly consider this; the Darkglass modeler (Obsidian 700) Is a great distortion for bass, my only problem is that it feels a little too thick; I prefer a more subtle distortion on my bass. That is my only criticism of this unit.

Fantastic piece of kit!!

I have used several line6 products over the years, from a Bass Pod XT Live to a Pod Studio with POD Farm software on a PC for recording.I finally plumped for Helix to replace both, especially to expand my recording capabilities for both guitar and bass, as well as turning up to rehearsals without carrying my amp everywhere.It’s great! Not much more to say. The tones are good, the menus are intuitive and the HX Edit software allows really easy building of patches without spending time on all fours….. There are loads of online patches for download and a really good community of users contributing advice on multiple platforms.I’m really looking forward to working out how to do more with it and building a whole new sonic palette.

Helix does not rule for me

I was hoping that the latest firmware 3.50 would result in a better sounding Helix. But I still can't identify with the amp, distortion and cabinet sounds.I am used to a DVMark Raw Dawg EG with a Boss MS-3. With IK Multimedia Tonex I was able to make a super good profile of the DVMark that sounds almost identical.Now I thought I could still use the Helix with Tonex via the USB ins and outs. That works in principle, but then the sterile distortion effects throw a spanner in the works. As analogous as the distortions on the Boss MS-3 sound, as sterile and digital as the distortions sound on the Helix. So the Helix didn't appeal to me there. The latter is a pity because the rest of the functionalities and effects work very handy. Tastes differ, but the Helix will ... MoreI was hoping that the latest firmware 3.50 would result in a better sounding Helix. But I still can't identify with the amp, distortion and cabinet sounds.I am used to a DVMark Raw Dawg EG with a Boss MS-3. With IK Multimedia Tonex I was able to make a super good profile of the DVMark that sounds almost identical.Now I thought I could still use the Helix with Tonex via the USB ins and outs. That works in principle, but then the sterile distortion effects throw a spanner in the works. As analogous as the distortions on the Boss MS-3 sound, as sterile and digital as the distortions sound on the Helix. So the Helix didn't appeal to me there. The latter is a pity because the rest of the functionalities and effects work very handy. Tastes differ, but the Helix will not work for me and is therefore registered for return.

Incredible possibilities with 3.5; cheap construction; unr

Helix is fantastic for all studio musicians. You can construct so many different sounds with it. Since 3.0, the Helix is a complete package as far as guitar processors go: you have all different amps, cabs, effects, acoustic sim, synths, polyphonic transposition, harmonization, oversampling. Lots of in/outs, lots of ways to route it.The workflow is great: you have the computer editor. You can back up/restore your Helix, email the backup to yourself, etc. The Helix can absolutely replace your entire signal chain and be used as the only piece of gear to process your guitar sounds. The same could not be said about the Helix when it was on earlier firmware versions.Now, the Helix itself is very cheaply made. I thought I'd purchase one and never need to use anything ... MoreHelix is fantastic for all studio musicians. You can construct so many different sounds with it. Since 3.0, the Helix is a complete package as far as guitar processors go: you have all different amps, cabs, effects, acoustic sim, synths, polyphonic transposition, harmonization, oversampling. Lots of in/outs, lots of ways to route it.The workflow is great: you have the computer editor. You can back up/restore your Helix, email the backup to yourself, etc. The Helix can absolutely replace your entire signal chain and be used as the only piece of gear to process your guitar sounds. The same could not be said about the Helix when it was on earlier firmware versions.Now, the Helix itself is very cheaply made. I thought I'd purchase one and never need to use anything ever again-- wrong! After about a year of light use, the buttons stopped working reliably, then an LED stopped working. Helix is assembled using cheap Chinese parts that are tiny! For example, the footswitches are not what they appear to be--there are tiny tactile microswitches underneath.The Helix will not withstand nonstop gigging for more than a year, unless it's regularly serviced/cleaned, etc. It's a real shame because it can sound great, but something is always failing, or about to fail.

Perfect for the weekend warrior musician

I play in a couple of different bands and we occasionally do live performances. I was getting really tired of transporting my half stack between practices and shows, so I wanted something that was not only going to be easier to move, but also was going to give me everything that I need in a much more portable package. The Helix is a powerful tool that allows you so many different tonal options that span across any genre all in one convenient foot pedal. It comes with factory default scenes that you can immediately start playing with or you can customize your own right from the pedal itself. It offers a lot and with that comes a bit of a learning curve, however, it's not as difficult as I thought it was going to be. It's actually quite easy to get started and the ... MoreI play in a couple of different bands and we occasionally do live performances. I was getting really tired of transporting my half stack between practices and shows, so I wanted something that was not only going to be easier to move, but also was going to give me everything that I need in a much more portable package. The Helix is a powerful tool that allows you so many different tonal options that span across any genre all in one convenient foot pedal. It comes with factory default scenes that you can immediately start playing with or you can customize your own right from the pedal itself. It offers a lot and with that comes a bit of a learning curve, however, it's not as difficult as I thought it was going to be. It's actually quite easy to get started and the user manual is helpful. There are also tons of videos online via Youtube that can help you get started. I pair this with the Line 6 Powercab Plus 212 cab and it works excellent. I always dreaded the need for complex pedal boards that were a headache to connect and I would have to tap dance around to get the sound I wanted. Now, I can program it all in this pedal and with one touch I can command the exact sound I want on the fly. The sounds the Helix provides are great. It may take some tweaking but I'm sure anyone can find what they're looking for with this product. It has very sound construction that feels quality so I'm sure it will hold up from constant use and you have several connection options from plugging into a PA system or cab and adding more pedals. There is also a plethora of online help from a very dedicated community of fellow Helix users that provide IR's and other downloads to help you find that sound your want. All in all, this product has made hobby much easier and much more enjoyable but don't think that it's just for hobbyist. It can be used by all including professionals. I would definitely recommend this product.

Pros and cons...

I've been playing guitar since 1983 and primarily play 70s/80s hard rock/metal. I bought the Helix strictly for use in home recording/YouTube projects. I've owned it for roughly 7 months and bought it to replace my POD HD500, which I used for 7 years. To start off, the Helix is easily a step up from the HD500 and is capable of much more natural sounding tones. However, if you do not have experience with amp modelling processors, the learning curve can be steep. The basics are easily mastered, but really understanding some of the critical tone-shaping factors such as the amp models' sag/bias, and fine tuning in general, take time and commitment. There are plenty of people selling patches for it but beware - what you hear on YouTube is not always what you get LOL, and ... MoreI've been playing guitar since 1983 and primarily play 70s/80s hard rock/metal. I bought the Helix strictly for use in home recording/YouTube projects. I've owned it for roughly 7 months and bought it to replace my POD HD500, which I used for 7 years. To start off, the Helix is easily a step up from the HD500 and is capable of much more natural sounding tones. However, if you do not have experience with amp modelling processors, the learning curve can be steep. The basics are easily mastered, but really understanding some of the critical tone-shaping factors such as the amp models' sag/bias, and fine tuning in general, take time and commitment. There are plenty of people selling patches for it but beware - what you hear on YouTube is not always what you get LOL, and finding good tones for free on the Line 6 CustomTone site is challenging too. I also don't care for the built-in presets, but still much better than the HD500. Back to the tone shaping, the low-end response and feel is GREATLY improved over the HD500 but they may have over-compensated there as the low-end can be overbearing. Fortunately, it's nothing some EQ'ing can't fix. The bigger challenge is replicating that wonderful crunch and responsiveness you can only get from an actual high-gain tube amp. For reference, my real amp is an EVH 5150iii. The blue (crunch) channel on that amp is what I strive for. While again we see improvements over the HD500, the Helix doesn't quite get you that crunch perfectly (but it's close). For my direct-recording purposes, I'm happy enough with it, but in the end simply nothing compares to a real tube amp. As for the effects, I have no complaints there and really like the versatility allowed. If you can do without the LCD labels (or "scribble strips") next to the footswitches and don't need a lot of output options, I highly recommend checking out the LT version. You get the same tone for quite a bit less money. All of that said, I'm excited to see where Line 6 goes next.

Review of Line 6 Helix

It has so many useful feature for a home studio guitarist (including being a decent Audio Interface). I'm still learning how to get the best out of it in terms of recording. Eg SPDIF, AES, Line Out etc. How to get DI and affected tones. And how best to utilise my Shuriken (piezo pickups are great for recording at home)But most importantly the sounds are great. There's nothing like standing in front of a Dual Rectifier cranked. But there nothing like tinnitus either. So i wish this had been around 30 years ago!Being able to edit / create patches with the HX Edit app makes things easier than having to bend down for long periods of time.. Saying that i have managed to edit a few patches on the fly with my feet. But i've really only scratched the surface. There are ... MoreIt has so many useful feature for a home studio guitarist (including being a decent Audio Interface). I'm still learning how to get the best out of it in terms of recording. Eg SPDIF, AES, Line Out etc. How to get DI and affected tones. And how best to utilise my Shuriken (piezo pickups are great for recording at home)But most importantly the sounds are great. There's nothing like standing in front of a Dual Rectifier cranked. But there nothing like tinnitus either. So i wish this had been around 30 years ago!Being able to edit / create patches with the HX Edit app makes things easier than having to bend down for long periods of time.. Saying that i have managed to edit a few patches on the fly with my feet. But i've really only scratched the surface. There are tons of videos on YT that i'm working my way through. But for anyone wanting the most flexible home set up, great usability out the box, without the complexity of a Kemper this is it.

Wonderful

It's exactly what I hoped for. I can use it for woodwinds (flute, saxophone), bass, and guitar. Plenty of memory for all of those. One device to cover all the instruments that I play so I no longer need multiple pedalboards. Sounds fantastic right out of the box. I found plenty of presets and user downloads that are great and I haven't even started tweaking yet or making my own sounds.My only negative has to do with Musician Friends Rewards Points. This item earned me quite a few points which I would like to use toward another item I want. When I called customer service I was told it would be 2 or 3 months before the points were credited to my account. I don't understand why such a simple transaction should take so long.