Line 6 Helix

[MultiScaleMale]

I’ve gone through a ton of Line 6 gear over the years from the black bean Bass POD on and always been left wanting “more” from the gear. Well, on a whim I bought a Helix last weekend and I have to say that I’m impressed. Do I “need” a Helix? Probably not. I could get by with an OD pedal and a few others. But this takes things to an entirely different level, especially with the dual paths and being able to blend everything. Fuzzes that sound too harsh can now be blended and tamed. Same with other effects. Now that they’ve added the legacy effects from the M series, there is very little left over that you could want.

I’m still getting the hang of everything you can do with the programming and routing. Also picked up a few IRs from 3 Sigma Audio and I’m experimenting with those, but the capabilities are limited only by your imagination and the processing limitations. I do wish it had 50% more CPU horsepower so I would never run out of juice.

 

[Seanbassplayer]

I’ve gone through a ton of Line 6 gear over the years from the black bean Bass POD on and always been left wanting “more” from the gear. Well, on a whim I bought a Helix last weekend and I have to say that I’m impressed. Do I “need” a Helix? Probably not. I could get by with an OD pedal and a few others. But this takes things to an entirely different level, especially with the dual paths and being able to blend everything. Fuzzes that sound too harsh can now be blended and tamed. Same with other effects. Now that they’ve added the legacy effects from the M series, there is very little left over that you could want.

I’m still getting the hang of everything you can do with the programming and routing. Also picked up a few IRs from 3 Sigma Audio and I’m experimenting with those, but the capabilities are limited only by your imagination and the processing limitations. I do wish it had 50% more CPU horsepower so I would never run out of juice.

Congrats on the purchase! I have the LT version and love it. The only thing with no disrespect to Line 6 is the octave and synth blocks could use some upgrading. Other than that everything else is amazing. I haven't messed with the IR blocks yet cause haven't needed them yet as the combination of bass amp and cabs with all their control settings is covering what I need atm. I reccommend try running teemah into obsidian into the woody amp combined with svt 8x10 and 1x18 cab split and merged back in with high/low pass after merge. I've been really digging this tone for the last week or so. Add the clawthorn between teemah and obsidian for fuzz mayhem too!! Also don't forget to read the Line 6 HX Effects thread if you haven't already. Lots of useful info and tips there. Cheers!

 

[two fingers]

Man, I had some of the older Line 6 stuff years ago and was underwhelmed.

Last night I went to a rehearsal and the guitarist showed up with a Helix.

Now, this guy owns some really nice tube amps. REEEEEEALLY nice stuff. He owns several hand wired Vox, Fender, and Marshall clones. He has thousands tied up in guitars and amps.

When he threw this thing on the floor, I assumed it was going to be his "rehearsal rig".... and that it would sound "OK".

No. This is some next level gear.

I was a skeptic...... until I heard it.

He was playing a really nice Tom Anderson Strat type HSS guitar and a custom shop Tele.

We were using a cheap powered head and some Yamaha Club series 12" monitors mainly just to hear some vocals. Even through that, the Helix sounded like half a dozen great tube amps. Even the acoustic guitar preset was respectable. It didn't sound like a vintage Martin or anything. But it sounded better than most acoustic guitars I hear at live performances.

He and I are going to get together and try out the bass presets soon. Based on the guitar tones, I will be going at the bass presets with an open mind.....a blown, open mind.

I was not prepared to be impressed.

But I was impressed.

 

[scuzzy]

Man, I had some of the older Line 6 stuff years ago and was underwhelmed.

Last night I went to a rehearsal and the guitarist showed up with a Helix.

Now, this guy owns some really nice tube amps. REEEEEEALLY nice stuff. He owns several hand wired Vox, Fender, and Marshall clones. He has thousands tied up in guitars and amps.

When he threw this thing on the floor, I assumed it was going to be his "rehearsal rig".... and that it would sound "OK".

No. This is some next level gear.

I was a skeptic...... until I heard it.

He was playing a really nice Tom Anderson Strat type HSS guitar and a custom shop Tele.

We were using a cheap powered head and some Yamaha Club series 12" monitors mainly just to hear some vocals. Even through that, the Helix sounded like half a dozen great tube amps. Even the acoustic guitar preset was respectable. It didn't sound like a vintage Martin or anything. But it sounded better than most acoustic guitars I hear at live performances.

He and I are going to get together and try out the bass presets soon. Based on the guitar tones, I will be going at the bass presets with an open mind.....a blown, open mind.

I was not prepared to be impressed.

But I was impressed.

that has been my experience watching a great guitarist who is a friend with one. he has always had incredible tone. he recently sold all his high end pedals and one of his tube amps. he runs direct with his helix always now and he says he has never been happier with his sound, and he said he hasn't looked at gear in the year+ he has owned it. i would love one, but $$$....

 

[two fingers]

that has been my experience watching a great guitarist who is a friend with one. he has always had incredible tone. he recently sold all his high end pedals and one of his tube amps. he runs direct with his helix always now and he says he has never been happier with his sound, and he said he hasn't looked at gear in the year+ he has owned it. i would love one, but $$$....

I was just talking with that guitarist from last night and he said I could borrow his to check out the bass presets...which are as follows....

AND the thing has a ton of effects? I really hope it sounds like crap. I wasn't prepared for my whole gear world to be turned upside down this week.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I like running the SVT and Portaflex models in parallel

 

[Seanbassplayer]

Acoustic 360 and Sunn in parallel with high pass filter after the merge is really nice too.

 

[scuzzy]

Yeah, if I played more, I would own an LT. Can't justify right now as my pedal board is cutting it and I need amps on stage for personal monitoring....but dang.

I'm even looking at the hd500x once some funds clear up. For bass usage, it is comparable, though surely not as good.

 

[two fingers]

I like running the SVT and Portaflex models in parallel

Because if you can have a fliptop tone and an SVT tone at the same time, you would he silly not to.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Because if you can have a fliptop tone and an SVT tone at the same time, you would he silly not to.

Lots of parallel options. I picked up some IRs from 3 Sigma, so trying two upright IRs in parallel, one body, one fingerboard. Add some reverb to the body and some slapback to the fingerboard.

 

[Skybone]

Yeah, if I played more, I would own an LT. Can't justify right now as my pedal board is cutting it and I need amps on stage for personal monitoring....but dang.

I'm even looking at the hd500x once some funds clear up. For bass usage, it is comparable, though surely not as good.

I use a HD500X, and although it only has a handful of amp models, it sounds a damn sight better than the PODxt/X3 and even the Zoom B3. I've owned a PODxt Live and a Zoom B3, but the HD's a keeper. I'd love to upgrade to a Helix / Helix LT, but can neither afford it, or justify it.

The HD still needs the HD Bass pack purchasing & installing, though there are a few standard models that can be used and sound good with bass (B15N, Bassman & HiWatt), adding the Bass pack gives you the SVT Bright, SVT Normal & GK 800, with the 8x10 & 4x10 cab models. Well worth it.

My only criticism is that, though the software editor is easier to use than the unit, it's not as intuitive as the old Line6 Editor for the PODxt. Though once you've figured it out and got the settings as you want them, it's really good. On the upside, there will be good deals available on them on the used market, as people will be upgrading to Helix.

 

[ga_edwards]

I'm so, so, so tempted. But I need to justify spending the considerable tokens for this. But, I have been waiting a long, long time for an all in one device that does everything I want, and this is it.

Sometimes I run a dual channel setup from my Attitude bass, and sometimes a traditional single channel from the Attitude or one of my other basses. Trouble is, whichever route I choose, I'm stuck with for the night. With the Helix, one button press and I can easily change setup.

Global eq with hpf/lpf. This on its own is worth its weight in gold. I'm getting away with a mix of amp eq and the parametric and hpf in my MS60b, but it's nowhere near as detailed, accurate or intuitive.

The Pierce model. As you can guess, I'm a fan of the inimitable Mssr Sheehan. Whilst I don't want to sound like him, the dual channel setup sometimes just works for me. I have the EBS signature drive which is fab, but the Pierce amp model is about as close to the real thing as I can ever imagine getting my hands on. For me, it is the quintessential bass overdrive that perfectly sits in any rock mix.

Routing. Sometimes I hear, say, a Muse or Royal Blood song and want to give it a go, but it invariably requires reconfiguring my pedalboard. Why not get a switcher I hear you say? Yes I could do that, but to get one that does the complex parallel routing I would need, for like, one or two songs, I can't justify it. But the Helix, routing goodness is just a click away!

In fact, I keep catching myself thinking about getting a new pedal for this or that reason, and putting it off because I know the Helix will do it everything I want it to do.

I really should stop typing right now, I'm gradually talking myself into getting one.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I'm so, so, so tempted. But I need to justify spending the considerable tokens for this. But, I have been waiting a long, long time for an all in one device that does everything I want, and this is it.

Sometimes I run a dual channel setup from my Attitude bass, and sometimes a traditional single channel from the Attitude or one of my other basses. Trouble is, whichever route I choose, I'm stuck with for the night. With the Helix, one button press and I can easily change setup.

Global eq with hpf/lpf. This on its own is worth its weight in gold. I'm getting away with a mix of amp eq and the parametric and hpf in my MS60b, but it's nowhere near as detailed, accurate or intuitive.

The Pierce model. As you can guess, I'm a fan of the inimitable Mssr Sheehan. Whilst I don't want to sound like him, the dual channel setup sometimes just works for me. I have the EBS signature drive which is fab, but the Pierce amp model is about as close to the real thing as I can ever imagine getting my hands on. For me, it is the quintessential bass overdrive that perfectly sits in any rock mix.

Routing. Sometimes I hear, say, a Muse or Royal Blood song and want to give it a go, but it invariably requires reconfiguring my pedalboard. Why not get a switcher I hear you say? Yes I could do that, but to get one that does the complex parallel routing I would need, for like, one or two songs, I can't justify it. But the Helix, routing goodness is just a click away!

In fact, I keep catching myself thinking about getting a new pedal for this or that reason, and putting it off because I know the Helix will do it everything I want it to do.

I really should stop typing right now, I'm gradually talking myself into getting one.

I sometimes use no pedals, sometimes use a "basic" pedal board that's easily transportable and now that I have the Helix, I can do just about anything I can dream of. My only ding on it is that the tuner kinda sucks. With your Attitude bass, you would love this.

 

[GBBSbassist]

I was just talking with that guitarist from last night and he said I could borrow his to check out the bass presets...which are as follows....

View attachment 2997345

AND the thing has a ton of effects? I really hope it sounds like crap. I wasn't prepared for my whole gear world to be turned upside down this week.

It won't, sadly. You're going to be GAS'ing big-time.

About a year and a half ago, my singer bought an Axe-fx ii and brought it to practice. I set it up right on top of his Bogner Ecstasy, and was absolutely blown away at how good amp modeling has gotten in the last decade.

 

[kringle77]

I owned a helix rack. Yes, the convenience in routing, less cables/noise, ease of use, are all great. But, as good as it is, and it is good, I found myself endlessly tweaking and not quite getting what I wanted, especially the compression. Making on the fly adjustments at a gig is not nearly as easy as a real amp either. The feel isn't quite right either. After weeks of tweeking, I plugged my bass into a cheap lmb3 compressor, into my magellan 800 with any of my cabs and just said "oh, there it is". The helix really is great but, it's still not there yet, for me. That said, I may own one again someday, just because it is fun to toy with. I think even billy sheehan may admit to the same things I'm saying, in private. From some of the clips I've heard, you can kind of hear that the compression isn't really where he wants it and, it sounds like his hands are fighting it a bit. He hasn't post any times because he is still tweaking. If you read enough, you'll see that is a common theme. Again, a really good piece, but not quite there yet. If I was always going di however, I would buy another helix.

 

[ga_edwards]

I sometimes use no pedals, sometimes use a "basic" pedal board that's easily transportable and now that I have the Helix, I can do just about anything I can dream of. My only ding on it is that the tuner kinda sucks. With your Attitude bass, you would love this.

Indeed. I've just bought a used Valeton Dapper Bass, that will service as my barebones, easily transportable setup. But yes, everytime I think of a particular sound, setup, routing issue, the Helix will do it.

 

[ga_edwards]

I owned a helix rack. Yes, the convenience in routing, less cables/noise, ease of use, are all great. But, as good as it is, and it is good, I found myself endlessly tweaking and not quite getting what I wanted, especially the compression. Making on the fly adjustments at a gig is not nearly as easy as a real amp either. The feel isn't quite right either. After weeks of tweeking, I plugged my bass into a cheap lmb3 compressor, into my magellan 800 with any of my cabs and just said "oh, there it is". The helix really is great but, it's still not there yet, for me. That said, I may own one again someday, just because it is fun to toy with. I think even billy sheehan may admit to the same things I'm saying, in private. From some of the clips I've heard, you can kind of hear that the compression isn't really where he wants it and, it sounds like his hands are fighting it a bit. He hasn't post any times because he is still tweaking. If you read enough, you'll see that is a common theme. Again, a really good piece, but not quite there yet. If I was always going di however, I would buy another helix.

I was not aware of the compression issue. There's a couple of other Attituders I know of that are huge Helix fans and neither of them has mentioned it, yet. But it's good to know.

I think the potential endless tweaking is one of the things putting me off (not to mention the initial cost). I've had large multis (Boss GT6B and Zoom B9.1ut) and spend many a long hour tweaking, and this is next level stuff. Thing is, I was single and living on my own then. Life has changed somewhat (for the better I might add) and I think I'd struggle to find time (and space) to setup and tweak at home.

I do feel more at home with individual stompboxes and an amp. It somehow feels more tangible and organic.

 

[kringle77]

Again, the compression thing is my opinion and, I'm very used to hear that I've had for so long. I'm also probably more picky and tuned into certain things than average, which may not always be a good thing!

 

[Digital Igloo]

I owned a helix rack. Yes, the convenience in routing, less cables/noise, ease of use, are all great. But, as good as it is, and it is good, I found myself endlessly tweaking and not quite getting what I wanted, especially the compression.

You didn't mention your playback system with Helix Rack. Unless you're running into the power amp section of your Magellan 800 (with its cab), you're not doing a proper A/B test. One's playback system is at least half their tone.

 

[kringle77]

I used the magellan as a power amp into barefaced super twin, pair of bag end 15's, bergantino nv610, lds 6x10, multiple pa systems and multiple in ears/headphones. The feel and tone through a live rig was never quite right but, through in ears, it was more compressed and therefore, felt more natural.