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Considering Helix, but not sure what model...

#21
Ignore the DI out ‘issue’. A TRS to XLR cable works just fine and sounds great.

What about Pod Go? It is cheaper, includes a foot pedal flute volume/ wah, and sounds identical to the helix! There is limited DSP so you have fewer slots and you cannot do side chaining/ two amps. However, the price point means you and your son can both have one. You can comfortably replicate your current setup of Sansamp etc, and the six foot switches give you very easy interaction at a low price.
 
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#23
One major difference between the Stomp and LT/Floor is that the larger unit has XLR outputs that can be set to mic level, whereas the Stomp can only be set to instrument or line level (even with a TRS to XLR adaptor).

This may or may not be an issue, but if you hand an XLR cable to a sound engineer, they will likely expect mic level. Many Stomp users end up pairing the Stomp with a DI for this reason.
 
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#24
kyral210 said:
What about Pod Go? It is cheaper, includes a foot pedal flute volume/ wah, and sounds identical to the helix! There is limited DSP so you have fewer slots and you cannot do side chaining/ two amps. However, the price point means you and your son can both have one. You can comfortably replicate your current setup of Sansamp etc, and the six foot switches give you very easy interaction at a low price.
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I've often toyed with the idea of getting one as a backup/alternative to my LT. I reckon I could dial in perfectly acceptable tones, but I would really, really miss the lack of split/parallel paths. For me, this is essential for using some drive effects.
 
#26
pflash4001 said:
What I've read about the various systems is that Headrush, Kemper, and others are more "guitarcentric" and don't have as many features for bass.
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There is some truth to that. But I find that my always-on effects (compression, HPF/LPF, gate, preamp sim) and the occasional effects (delay, flange, etc) are more than sufficient. And there ARE quite a few bass-specific amps, cabs, and effects on board as well - at least enough for someone like me who plays pretty sparingly. :)

Like I said before, it's the touchscreen and the number of blocks per rig/processing power that initially sold me on it. But with the Helix being potentially more bass friendly, I COMPLETELY understand why folks gravitate toward it. I might even give it a second look. ;)
 
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#27
ga_edwards said:
One major difference between the Stomp and LT/Floor is that the larger unit has XLR outputs that can be set to mic level, whereas the Stomp can only be set to instrument or line level (even with a TRS to XLR adaptor).

This may or may not be an issue, but if you hand an XLR cable to a sound engineer, they will likely expect mic level. Many Stomp users end up pairing the Stomp with a DI for this reason.
Click to expand...
Maybe, but once the sound person knows they should be able to adjust. Mine had no issue with the signal from the Stomp. I do use a DI now as a just in case for ground/noise issues.
 
#29
You might want to consider the Boss GX100. It's a guitar effects processor but it has a lot of great bass effects and the best part is that it's easy to program it has a "touch screen" where you can drag effects in or out of the "chain". You can save multiple patches.
boss-gx100.jpg
 
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#32
Which is more important for you? Board space or price? If it's price, I'd just get the Stomp since you already have two VERY capable preamps with DI-out on them.

Ever thought about checking out Zoom's stuff? They have some respectable effects units and amp models in the bass world, prices are pretty competitive too.
 
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#34
SteveC said:
I’ve heard some not great things about the QC. Power issues? Noise? You have to love the touch screen interface.
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never experienced any of those with mine. It’s been a rock solid option.
The helix is great for bass, but imo the helix is just about maxed out in terms of potential. The QC is just getting started and has insane processing power to boot.
Both are great options but if you are looking for a unit to serve you for the next 5-7 years I’d take the qc any day.
I do guitar for one band and bass in another and the qc is just leagues ahead for guitar, so that was part of my decision to switch from helix to the qc as well.


IMG_7257.jpeg
 
#36
KevInDaBassment said:
Which is more important for you? Board space or price? If it's price, I'd just get the Stomp since you already have two VERY capable preamps with DI-out on them.

Ever thought about checking out Zoom's stuff? They have some respectable effects units and amp models in the bass world, prices are pretty competitive too.
Click to expand...

I do get that, but I am kind of trying to cover double duty here. I would be using it with rock and country cover bands as a standalone bass system, but I would also be having my son play through it for church at those events.
 
#38
SteveC said:
I’ve heard some not great things about the QC. Power issues? Noise? You have to love the touch screen interface.
Click to expand...
I have been gigging with a QC for almost a year so far no problems. You do have to pony up for a better power supply CIOKs seems to be the best. Interface is awesome
For the money the Helix stomp is excellent. The interface is difficult for me though.
 
#40
The Boss GT-1000Core is $100 less than the Line 6 HX Stomp, and dramatically more powerful. If you are not already invested in the Helix cult, you should strongly consider alternatives. Also, the Quad Cortex is 2.5-3 times the size and price of the GT-1000Core, takes more than 3x the power to run, and Boss’ effects are better.

The trouble with these digital multifx/modelers is that far too many owners of them are diehard fanbois of their chosen unit, and reflexively recommend them only to others, without accounting for the realities of what each unit can do, how large they are, how much they cost, and how much power it takes to run them, let alone an individual player’s actual needs.

I urge everyone considering buying any of these units to download and carefully read the owner’s manuals of all of them, so they understand the limitations of each of them, before making a very expensive mistake.

As for the DI situation, any good stage DI box will solve the problem of your chosen unit not having a balanced DI output, and it will more than likely be better quality than any built-in DI, if you buy a decent one, like a Radial or Countryman.
 

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