Feature rich and powerful

Still the best modeler, multi-effects unit out, even after 10yrs being in the market. There's a bit of a learning curve but once you get a hang of it, the menu diving becomes 2nd nature. Software updates are pretty common which shows how much Line 6 cares for this product. I'm knocking a star off because it's old and the engine is slow compared to today's top modelers.

From Gear Setup

Astonishing Piece of Equipment

I am a long time user of Line 6 products, way back to the original kidney bean POD, but this is in a different galaxy to all the previous digital modelling stuff that these guys have made. The thing looks like the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise and is built like a tank.

I bought it way back in October 2015 and I use it almost everyday as the heart of my recording studio because it is also a 24bit /96kHzUSB audio interface, and it allowed me to ditch my Focusrite Saffire. It has every option that I might need for recording just about anything. Inputs for Guitar/AUX and Mic with 48V Phantom Power, 4 x Send and Return, Ground Lift, 1/4", XLR and Phones outputs, S/PDIF In/Out, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Inputs for 2 Exp pedals plus one built in to the unit, Variax digital input. Large LCD colour screen for viewing and navigating the signal chain. 12 capacitive touch sensitive footswitches with scribble strips. Stomp mode and Snapshot mode. 8 Setlist with room for 128 presets in each.

Over 80 Guitar and Bass amps modelled along with 40 Cabinets, and 220 Effects covering just about anything you can ever need, loads up to 128 Impulse Response files, and lots of updates to the firmware which adds more and more effects eg: polyphonic pitch shifting and Euclidian delay.

Basically - it's the mutts nuts. Oh, and because I bought the hardware, I got a discount on Helix Native, which the software plug-in version of the the unit. Outstanding!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

It's worth it.

Like many working musicians, I'm always looking for ways to improve my sound. I was starting to notice that I was spending more time than I wanted adjusting settings on my pedals and I have never enjoyed the pedal tap dancing that occurs throughout most gigs. Enter Helix.

This thing is a beast. Incredibly well-built and tough as nails. But that's just the superficial. The internals of the Helix are truly beautiful. I had been reading up on rack effects and in particular products from Fractal but after a lot of research I found a more cost-effective alternative. The Helix offers a similar sonic experience but with unparalleled intuitiveness. My number one reason to love Helix is that it's SIMPLE to use live or anywhere else. It can adjust to whatever sound you need.

The effects are incredible and worth the cost by themselves. However, the ability to use the amp modeling into front-of-house starts to widen the gap between Helix and other multi FX units. There is a trend for stages to be evermore "quiet" and Helix is perfect for helping you get an optimal mix for whatever monitoring technique you utilize. If you aren't satisfied with the stock "amps" Helix allows you to load third-party impulse responses (IR's) to dial in your ideal sound.

The Helix will also help you record. Any sound you can come up with can be brought over to your Mac or PC easily. You won't regret this feature as it could potentially save you a lot of money in plug-in costs.

As an active stage/recording musician I'm telling you that the Helix will meet all your needs and then some. If you are at a stage where you are wondering how to maintain good tone while simplifying your stage responsibilities look no further than Helix.

very good

I use this for live playing and recording of: Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Vocals I also use this as a mixer and interface for the above instruments in any constellation i.e. all connected to separate channels of the Helix concurrently or each set up individually depending on the need. I would have given five stars except that the Helix Floor does not have 2 separate XLR inputs. This limits microphone recording to mono only, and solo live mic applications.

Best UI of all last generation modelers

Even if the latest AxeFX or Quad Cortex might be slightly more realistic sounding, the ease of use the Helix combines with the quality of amp models and effects is unparalleled. And with each (free!) software update that quality keeps on growing.

Literally the kitchen sink

If you can afford it, get it. It's fun to program and the possibilities are endless. Blind listening tests show people cannot tell the difference between this unit and the units it is modeling. Terribly efficient over time when you consider all the features and combinations possible.

Excellent!

Great piece of gear! Fantastic sound quality, all effects you might need for the highest level of creativity. This multi FX modeller is easy to operate and will deliver within minutes great sounds that will impress even pros!

On stage I'd recommend to run it with a good Combo, my favourite is The Vox AC30 and mic it.

Tonal possibilities are only limited by your imagination

After lots of research and listening to what was possible, I made the move from the Firehawk FX to the Helix. Ease of use, limitless possibilities make this a tool that every guitarist will enjoy.

The king of all tone

From playing into a speaker to playing into an amp the Helix has your back. We cannot stress our love and affection for this piece of technology. Has unlimited potential and unbelievable tone. As we said before, there are no words for our appreciation for the Helix.

My second choice.

I like it as I can have it right on my desk and pick my tones. Use an expression pedal if needed. I still will always use my overdrive pedals, as the chief complaint is the built-in overdrives are not the best. Again, problem solved.

I love this unit, but I love the Kemper slightly more. I don't play live, and when I do I just use an amp and a couple of pedals.