Line 6 Helix

Megii

Blueingreen said:

Thanks for the answers guys.  I'm not super-fussy about dirt sounds, but I have an M9 and never found the dirt sounds adequate.  I'm using my (Quilter) amp as a pedal platform and use a Lovepedal Amp 11 and/or an Xotic BB Preamp.  But I'm not really committed to either of these  and sometimes gig with just a Flyrig 5.

The main attractions with the HX Effects are cost and simplicity - I just carry on with the way I'm doing things but with a different "pedal board".  The idea of the amp modellers is appealing but it would mean acquiring a different amp/speaker set up as well so it's a much bigger leap. 

Worth thinking about the amp modelling as a possible step you might want to make in the future, all the same. When I got my LT, I was just thinking as a pedal board replacement, but then I got persuaded by the possibilities with amp models - I could tell they were doing good things, even using the LT straight into a clean amp - glad I did. Plus there are other advantages - better footswitching capability, the very nice screen and editing...

Blueingreen

Yep I'm tempted by the modeller option but what's appealing about the HX Effects is the relative simplicity of amp + multi fx versus completely overhauling the way I do things.  A modeller raises questions like, would a Kemper be better, full fat Helix v LT, what to use for a power amp and speaker etc.  I'm not naturally good with technology so that's also a factor.  Maybe in time I'll bite the bulllet and give it a try.

John_A

Blueingreen said:

Yep I'm tempted by the modeller option but what's appealing about the HX Effects is the relative simplicity of amp + multi fx versus completely overhauling the way I do things.  A modeller raises questions like, would a Kemper be better, full fat Helix v LT, what to use for a power amp and speaker etc.  I'm not naturally good with technology so that's also a factor.  Maybe in time I'll bite the bulllet and give it a try.

Agree, there's a temptation to over-complicate things.  Don't worry about what's 'better' just get something and enjoy it.  I've heard  some great things out of Kemper and AxeFX, I went for a Helix and that sounds great too.  The real beauty is it actually gives you a lot less to worry about, I turn up at a gig with a Helix and a guitar and it sounds great

gibsongretschfan

Slightly off topic but I have to say this is the only forum/board/Facebook page of any sort I can stand to either read or even bother to offer (limited) advice on regarding any digital modelling gear. From The Cult of Cliff over at the Fractal forums to Chad Boston’s ______ (ill just leave that blank) and the blatant serial killers at the Kemper forums.

I don’t understand why modelling gear does this to people. I’m a member of two Les Paul forums and those guys just like arguing over plastics, it never reaches peak modelling levels of brain melt.

Anyway, who’s actually using a Powercab these days? Anyone?

sgosden

gibsongretschfan said:

Slightly off topic but I have to say this is the only forum/board/Facebook page of any sort I can stand to either read or even bother to offer (limited) advice on regarding any digital modelling gear. From The Cult of Cliff over at the Fractal forums to Chad Boston’s ______ (ill just leave that blank) and the blatant serial killers at the Kemper forums.

I don’t understand why modelling gear does this to people. I’m a member of two Les Paul forums and those guys just like arguing over plastics, it never reaches peak modelling levels of brain melt.

The internet is a fairly anonymous way from people to release their inner twat. And as with Stanford prison (ish), people will join in with OTT cultism faster than they'd ever admit.

Teetonetal

gibsongretschfan said:

Slightly off topic but I have to say this is the only forum/board/Facebook page of any sort I can stand to either read or even bother to offer (limited) advice on regarding any digital modelling gear. From The Cult of Cliff over at the Fractal forums to Chad Boston’s ______ (ill just leave that blank) and the blatant serial killers at the Kemper forums.

Guess it's tribal mentality.

You have the 3 very different product solutions, company ethos, history competing at the expensive end of the market.. People are buying into more than just the tech and due to the cost, feel the need to justify it.

Oh and many people, deep down, are morons.

gibsongretschfan

Teetonetal said:

gibsongretschfan said:

Slightly off topic but I have to say this is the only forum/board/Facebook page of any sort I can stand to either read or even bother to offer (limited) advice on regarding any digital modelling gear. From The Cult of Cliff over at the Fractal forums to Chad Boston’s ______ (ill just leave that blank) and the blatant serial killers at the Kemper forums.

Guess it's tribal mentality.

You have the 3 very different product solutions, company ethos, history competing at the expensive end of the market.. People are buying into more than just the tech and due to the cost, feel the need to justify it.

Oh and many people, deep down, are morons.

That last sentence sums it up 

Sporky

Blueingreen said:

Yep I'm tempted by the modeller option but what's appealing about the HX Effects is the relative simplicity of amp + multi fx versus completely overhauling the way I do things.  A modeller raises questions like, would a Kemper be better, full fat Helix v LT, what to use for a power amp and speaker etc.  I'm not naturally good with technology so that's also a factor.  Maybe in time I'll bite the bulllet and give it a try.

I think that's entirely reasonable, but I also think there are entirely reasonable answers.

If you've got the money for a Helix or Helix LT over an HX effects then the former two do everything the HX does, and more. You can always just not  use the "more" until you want/need to.

As for the competing units... I don't think there's a "best", as each has its own advantages and disadvantages for each person summing them up. I am pretty sure that most of us who'd get on with any one of them would be OK with the others, but I'm equally confident that if we had a month or two with all three we'd come out with a strong preference. Fer example, I've long felt that flexibility and ease of configuration are the most important things about any multiFX unit, because I can get a satisfactory sound out of every one I've tried.

digitalscream

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix LT - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

preston61

digitalscream said:

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

Oh, that's interesting. I have the LT so there would be a bit more room (but I could do with a Novation 25 backpack for a novation 25 key midi controller, so it wouldn't be a totally wasted experiment)

digitalscream

preston61 said:

digitalscream said:

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

Oh, that's interesting. I have the LT so there would be a bit more room (but I could do with a Novation 25 backpack for a novation 25 key midi controller, so it wouldn't be a totally wasted experiment)

Oooo, fair point. I can't swear to it with the Helix Floor, I have the LT too. I'll correct my post.

Megii

digitalscream said:

preston61 said:

digitalscream said:

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

Oh, that's interesting. I have the LT so there would be a bit more room (but I could do with a Novation 25 backpack for a novation 25 key midi controller, so it wouldn't be a totally wasted experiment)

Oooo, fair point. I can't swear to it with the Helix Floor, I have the LT too. I'll correct my post.

Ok for Helix floor also, according to this video

preston61

digitalscream said:

preston61 said:

digitalscream said:

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

Oh, that's interesting. I have the LT so there would be a bit more room (but I could do with a Novation 25 backpack for a novation 25 key midi controller, so it wouldn't be a totally wasted experiment)

Oooo, fair point. I can't swear to it with the Helix Floor, I have the LT too. I'll correct my post.

Even better!!

Blueingreen

Sporky said:

Blueingreen said:

Yep I'm tempted by the modeller option but what's appealing about the HX Effects is the relative simplicity of amp + multi fx versus completely overhauling the way I do things.  A modeller raises questions like, would a Kemper be better, full fat Helix v LT, what to use for a power amp and speaker etc.  I'm not naturally good with technology so that's also a factor.  Maybe in time I'll bite the bulllet and give it a try.

I think that's entirely reasonable, but I also think there are entirely reasonable answers.

If you've got the money for a Helix or Helix LT over an HX effects then the former two do everything the HX does, and more. You can always just not  use the "more" until you want/need to.

As for the competing units... I don't think there's a "best", as each has its own advantages and disadvantages for each person summing them up. I am pretty sure that most of us who'd get on with any one of them would be OK with the others, but I'm equally confident that if we had a month or two with all three we'd come out with a strong preference. Fer example, I've long felt that flexibility and ease of configuration are the most important things about any multiFX unit, because I can get a satisfactory sound out of every one I've tried.

One of the appeals with the HX Effects is the small form factor.  If it wasn't for that I'd probably just go for the LT on the grounds that it's more bang for buck and will be more cost effective in the long run if I do down the modelling road. But I don't want to lug a bigger unit if I'm not using the extras.

Cabicular

digitalscream said:

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix LT - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

I wonder if the guys at Novation are sitting at their sales meeting going " we've sold 200 bags but only 3 keyboards ... what's going on?"

Sporky

Blueingreen said:

One of the appeals with the HX Effects is the small form factor.  If it wasn't for that I'd probably just go for the LT on the grounds that it's more bang for buck and will be more cost effective in the long run if I do down the modelling road. But I don't want to lug a bigger unit if I'm not using the extras.

Fair point.

gibsongretschfan

digitalscream said:

In case anyone's still looking for a...well, case...I've just got the Novation 25 backpack for £33 from Richtone, and it's like it was actually made for the Helix LT - it couldn't be a better fit if it tried. Well-padded, plenty of storage space for cables etc and very comfy straps.

Bargain.

It will also fit a Fryette Power Station in the front pouch perfectly

John_A

I have one, fits my full fat Helix perfectly.  It's a tiny bit tight at first, but seems to stretch a little bit after using it.

Megii

Just FWIW, I currently have one of these https://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_effect_pedal_bag.htm - is an excellent fit for Helix LT, and good quality.

timmysoft

Has anyone found a good gigbag for the helix control? I’m searching!!