I've come to the conclusion I'd like to try a smaller version of the Helix.
Whilst I would love to get the full floor model, I bought one brand new about 18 months ago but sold it on due to not having any time for it.
I was incredibly impressed with the build quality and ease of use. I didn't really get too involved in finding my sounds as I didn't have time, but I know they have added a lot to it.
Part of me wants to go for the full Helix, but the price is now about £250 more than I paid, or more! It's one of those moments where you tell yourself you can't pay THAT much more for the same item.
I wasn't even interested in the HX effects as I wanted the amp/cab etc options, especially because I will also use it with bass as well as guitar. So that leads to HX Stomp.
HX Stomp is now only £390, which is less than a third of the price of a Helix! I know it is stripped down...but that price point is really good.
Then I started to like the idea of just using effects and having more blocks and switches, hence HX effects.
Can anyone point me in the direction of good full fat Helix deals or indeed just recommend the Stomp?!
Thanks
Comments
Local bass player of more than some competence and skill uses the HX Effects with nary a problem.
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I bought a stomp, love it, just wish it had one or two more blocks as 6 can get restrictive. Thinking about selling the stomp and getting a LT when funds allow. Though it did sound a bit like the stomp may get more than 6 blocks at some stage via an update....
I've never once yet run out of blocks, tbh, but Im not a massive FX person. I do run my KOT and Duellist through the loop of the HX, and assign it to a switch. Superb.
Ross did a great write up a while ago
I do love individual pedals, so I think I'll go with the Stomp and integrate it into what I'm using...
And Ive actually sold mine, and then re-purchased one again this week. It is amazingly versatile, and the 3 buttons are perfect for me.
Shame the HX stomp couldn't have just one more button...a bit more like the Headrush gigboard.
Cons:
The user interface is much better on Helix / HX stomp.
Effects are a bit of a pain - you don't get a "Here's our Boss CE2 model", like you do with the Line 6 stuff. The effects have waayy too many parameters for normal folks and it takes a while to get the hang of that. On the flip side, once you do it is incredibly flexible and can be made to mimic pretty much any of the mainstream effects out there - compressors, boosts, flanger, chorus, phase, trem, reverb, delay et. You are also stuck with a single line of blocks (including only one boost and delay).
Pros:
The sounds are incredible - not just for the money, but excellent overall. Particularly some of the Marshall models but also the Fender Deluxe.
It integrates very nicely with a larger pedalboard (particularly the Amplifire 6) and pedals do exactly what you'd expect them to do into an amp.
It has more buttons to push - which is a good thing.
Once you get it set up the pros massively outweigh the cons.
In your shoes I'd be taking a trip to Andertons' to A/B the Stomp vs the AA6.
I do think the Atomic modelling sounds better but the usability/editing is crap compare to Helix. Most of the Helix amps sound a bit muddy and over compressed with my setup but the P75, Litigator, Badonk and Placater cover enough bases for me anyway.
I am also tempted by the Headrush - it looks lots of fun to use but it's still a fairly chunky unit and I've read a few stories about unreliability and poor service. I suppose one good thing about the Stomp is if I decide not to base my whole rig on it, I can bung it on my pedalboard and just use it to replace selected stompboxes.
I have some experience of the Helix so I know they sound good. One major advantage of the Stomp over the Amplifire 6 or Headrush Gigboard for me is I can probably smuggle it past the wife without a Spanish inquisition!