Line 6 Firehawk - Great or Garbage?

[@danaowens30]

I acquired one of these s year ago and all I have to say is AWESOME. I have a Boss GT 3, GT5, GT6 ,GT8 Digitech RP 1,6 ,7 and 12 , 20 valve just aquired as well, Digitech GNX1 GNX4 and GNX 3000. Korg toneworks AX1500G Ax1000G, AX3000G ,Digitech GP21 pro RolandGP8 and GP16 various other collection of pedals I love all I have and my Firehawk FX is the main one I use but I use them all and love them. The FireHawk FX is out of this world

[@brianrupe85]

Definitely worth the money. I bought one 3 years ago and have used it extensively.

[@carlwilliams9733]

Great review, I use a recently acquired 2nd hand FHFX in a fledgling covers band. There’s lots to love including the fact it can power and switch patches on my Variax. So one guitar and this pedal does it all for me. Got the Harley Benton FRFR speaker and so should be set for a good while yet. Patch volumes can be problematic and I’m picking up some lag when switching patches sometimes but that’s no biggy. Its a large unit but also seems massively robust. Again, thanks for taking the time and energy on you’re review, very helpful and really appreciated.

[@johnbaldwin2948]

I have one...it was a "pre-Helix"...the same "layout" with the colored buttons...and the innards of the HX...and a little less tweekability.

[@CVV123456]

Firehawk does a lot of stuff that other brands of amp modeling are just starting to offer . . I do own a Firehawk FX floor unit and also the amp Firehawk 1500 . . both have a great quality of sound above the rest . . it is just matter of knowing how to tweak it to make it perfect. I do use those to rehearse and also to ensure my guitar sounds exactly the way each artist sounds on their records. this is easily achievable. On top of that if you are lazy Line6 also has a tone cloud where hundreds of thousands of presets have been uploaded by other users. so you can actually download the tone you need and tweak it to your definition of perfection. even you can play music with your phone and play along any song using its bluetooth capabilities.

[@brianpark492]

Great sounds but the pedal switches bothered me.

[@brianpark492]

Mind you I really didn't spend much time with it.Been using my Marshall head lately.

[@brianpark492]

Great demo

[@heavybrett-al4082]

I'm only recently new to line 6 products, but it really seems they don't make much bad stuff, I've read a few people complain about the pod go being limiting, but I'm digging it! Operating and tone wise.

[@bc3953]

Had one a few years ago and it was a great beginner multi-effects pedal. Bought a HX effects looped through a Marshall JVM 410 halfstack - No comparison!

[@boxboxbox624]

I use this with a Variax JTV-69s and it's a brilliant package. Because of the guitar's modeling and tuning ability, I can change from Keith Richards' 5 string tele open G sound to the ultimate Kashmir DADGAD with a single click of a Firehawk footswitch. Awesome stuff!

[@peterharvin2775]

Agreed that it's not garbage, especially when you can get it at bargain price. But I do feel like you can tell just how much Line6 learned by the time it got to the Helix, Stomp and HX Effects.

[@jmelara324]

Helix and Firehawk released the same year

[@VONNRIOT]

Great Video! I like mine! It's been great in my studio for years, app is just OK. I only use 3 channels, "The holy wars lead", "acoustic chorus", and a "bass channel"... I am however looking to possibly add a fractal.

[@AJPMUSIC_OFFICIAL]

External IRs are always the way to go. I still use the old PODX3 for a bunch of stuff and with custom IRs it works perfectly well. Cleans and high gains buts nothing in between really.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

I'm aaaaaalmost convinced there's nothing a good IR can't fix. Even using GarageBand's less-than-stellar amp models, load up an IR plug-in and some IR's and they're not bad!

[@dariomartinez6358]

@@nicholastotoro7721 what are IRs? lol im new to this stuff

[@nicholastotoro7721]

@@dariomartinez6358 Impulse responses. I look at it as a fancy way of calling them cab simulations, but I know it’s not that cut and dry… 🤣

[@Bob-tp3nx]

Thanks for doing stuff like this. It's nice to see you aren't afraid to demo less expensive gear. I run a Helix LT and have tried all the big names but sometimes some of this older tech can really work for people. I still haven't found a high gain tone that works as good as the Treadplate in my old XT Live. I just rarely use high gain stuff these days so I cant reconcile using an XT Live any more.

[@LeonTodd]

Treadplate rips!

[@bultronlagore4932]

My favorite is the Lunatic amp. 2nd fav would be the Insane amp.

[@journeytree]

I have one from years ago. I always thought it sounded bad and very muddy, but I am also pretty sure I was using it incorrectly as I only ever ran it through a Line 6 Spyder amp which probably ended with two amp sims running together. I might dust it off and take a look at it again.

[@rodcrist]

I used the Firehawk FX straight on the mixing console between 2018 and 2019. Today I'm using a Marshall JVM410 and a JVM210 along with a Fractal FX8.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Oh man. I had to get online and see what was up. Found this right off the hat and brought a smile to my face to see your video sir. Sounds pretty good to me. I actually really liked the chorus. The delay was cool too man. I can see someone using that to record or gig with just fine. Digital effects have really been pretty good for some time IMHO. I know tube guys might disagree, but that's ok. That's why there are lots of 0roducts to buy. You can vote for your product like with your money! Great stuff. Thanks buddy. Back to taking meds and bed for awhile to give the ticker a rest.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Hoosier Daddy Healingand Strength to you Brother! Went through a rough health scare myself awhile back. Be Well Brother!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@stevenmgyori3826 Thanks man and the same to you kind sir. It's no fun for sure. God speed sir.

[@newrosesartworx4662]

hey leg-end :)...was given a boss gt-10...amps are pretty poor,ok cleans...but has a programmable fx loop...so now i have a "driveboard" in the loop...2 baby bombs 30w into a laney 2x12 ...i can do all kinds of "wet/dry" dual mono or stereo...fun stuff...

[@zipporaid]

One thing I miss from the older line6 stuff that they changed to the helix is human sized knobs.

[@markjohnson1020]

Had all of the pre Helix Pod versions. I am now using (and in love with) the ISP Theta Pro. Astonishingly good high gain 80's tones. And the Chorus is to absolutely die for. Have you tried one out yet?

[@TheFairway8]

Bought one way back in 2016 secondhand always liked it the amount of amps, effects and adjustable parameters is quite immense. Plus it’s built like a tank, my cat brought up a fur ball all over it and it still works absolutely fine so I guess it’s fairly puke resistant too

[@ozzy8791zig]

I had mine yesterday 100usd 2nd hand mint condition almost new

[@jourdinthedragon]

Looking for a recommendation: I'm trying to get rid of mine. It served me well ever since it came out (had the amplifi before it), but it's time for a change. I'm heavily invested in ToneX, and I'm hoping to add either the hx stomp or a boss gx100 to my setup in place of the Firehawk.

[@MatteStevenson]

I definitely heard some Bryan Adams in the Chorus demo :)

[@loveaboveall2382]

What song are you playing from 7:53 to 8:40 ? It's so beautiful!

[@LeonTodd]

It's loosely based on this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJXKcnqlg7Wcn8U&ab_channel=LeonTodd

[@loveaboveall2382]

@@LeonTodd that's another beautiful piece. I can't find the original piece anywhere 😭

[@DJCJ999]

Owning a Variax…a Line 6 board is essential… The Firehawk is nice but the HX doesn’t rely on apps to run it… the Helix is the end game, you can have the VAxe output a 12 string on one signal path and a distorted single coil output to another chain, this means you can have incredible patches setup for epic covers!

[@AdaptivePhenix]

" the HX doesn’t rely on apps to run it" I prefer apps running things. User interfaces receive the most abuse. Android devices are everywhere. I build industrial control systems and the front-end is always an industrial Android tablet. I replace big-name stuff such as Siemens. It their user-interfaces are not already obsolete, you pay thousands and can wait weeks for a new one. :)

[@208414]

The amp models left a lot to be desired, but the effects sounded above average good.

[@davidhendrox]

Hey Leon! hope everyone is good. Can you try a new guitar from variax hd line if you get one on your hands ?

[@tjatkinson88]

I had one and got some great tones out of it.

[@Sodacake]

'COS WHEN THE FEELIN'S RIGHT I'M GONNA RUN ALL NIGHT I'M GONNA RUN TO YOU

[@LeonTodd]

B. Adams always brings it!

[@eduardoherrera3341]

how did you added the IR? Via Daw?

[@livevrraction]

Thank you very much! Did you play this demo true a guitar amp, or a ‘clean’ PA/amplifier?

[@_Ike]

He played direct into his interface. Says it earlier on, before he starts playing with it :)

[@markbrooks4658]

great use of the autoWah, was pure funk

[@chrisfit]

The older stuff is good and can’t get great sounds, but it’s harder to dial in and there are less usable sounds than current generations.

[@martwill6631]

Bought is second hand last month for €125,.. good deal!

[@ozzy8791zig]

I had mine yesterday 100usd 2nd hand mint condition almost new

[@lanunberadab1649]

Can i get the setting for delay 8:30

[@magicker8052]

Had one of these for years.. no idea it could do half that stuff

[@laomisaavedra]

1:49 Nena nunca voy a ser un súper hombre…

[@JohnBaker-vm1wf]

What I find really sad and greedy from the company POV, is that companies (LINE 6) could release completely new firmware to run on these chips of older equipment like the HD500X with up to date modeler CODING (because that's all it is) and have them perform well past their perceived lifetime with better sounds...this may diminish other stuff due to higher processing requirements, but I'm willing to sacrifice. It's not _what_ the processor can process at all, it's just a question of what they can process in a given naosecond. This is where analog users are ahead. I have an HD500X, and I found the reverbs, mods, and other FX to be really stellar quality. A $140 NUX MG300 crushed it in terms of hi-gain imho, but obviously lacks in other depts like granular adjustment. I'm really hesitant to get rid of it, and have thought about trying to use the FX loop on therHD 500X and inserting the MG300. Anyone try anyting like this? Any open source folks looking at this sort of thing?....programming older equipment to work better?

[@onzkicg]

2023 still good buy? I’m eyeing for their Helix series but still on high budget. Thanks for good review!

[@LeonTodd]

I'd grab a pod go or boss me90 if you can't go with a Helix

[@AdaptivePhenix]

Grass is always greener. Funny thing is that you can search YT for Andertons comparing a POD-2 with a Kemper.....read the comments...🤣😂 I agree with them which is why I still have _SIX_ GNX4. I'm gonna grab a Firehawk FX because I have a Variax 700 and JTV-59. This demo was disappointing. Plug-in a Variax, switch tunings, do the acoustics and the 12-strings, the Dobro, Sitar etc. Many of us cut our hair, decades ago and nobody wants to hear the high gain stuff anymore.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Good Morning Leon! Sounds good to me. Line 6 has a negative rep for some reason. Imported? Cheaply made? No one of stature uses it? Anyway Thanks for sharing Luka and Leon. Be Well All!

[@CaliLuke]

Sounds so harsh compared to the Helix. They really have come a long way.

[@asmerovski]

This or H500x? which one to buy for home use?

[@aguitarhero007]

Sounds ok but after hearing similar styled tones on the fm9 they are night and day!

[@LeonTodd]

Stuff has come a loooong way in the last 5 or so years

[@aguitarhero007]

@@LeonTodd agreed, I’ve bounced around between a Helix, Kempe, and all the fractal gear. My personal conclusion is the Kemper is great and feels so good, but the new Fractal amp modeling is inching closer. It’s so close it’s not worth avoiding it anymore. Now that I’m back with an Fm9 I get all the added benefits of not having an ugly unreadable green screen 😅 plus the verbs, drives, and basically all the effects are just better with Fractal. I’m still blown away with the gorgeous verbs in this thing!

[@LeonTodd]

Wait until some of the new Axe-Fx III effects types get ported over!

[@aguitarhero007]

@@LeonTodd I’m pumped. I’m really looking forward to the updated version of the virtual capo. I do a lot of praise and worship music at multiple churches and all the key changes would be easier with that.

[@adrianperan508]

I just bought one for 225 dollars What you think did I make a good choice?

[@vhcxhbvg]

Actually, you're right, the modulations and doo dads sound great

[@cristhiantrinidad7526]

how did you load your IR??

[@m1kr0kosmos]

love the seventies strat, bROOO

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Hi brother! Do you have any review on the Por Go? Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@LeonTodd]

Not yet!

[@scubbyism]

Can we make presets on board in this??

[@petinyiri]

can a dunlop cry baby used through the pedal 2 input?

[@dmock66]

"Hello Legends! I hope you are all FANTASTIC!"

[@hetrickaj]

I'm convinced you could make a toilet sound like a million bucks. Great review!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Agree. His playing is so good he could make an Rick sound great! 😜🤟♥️

[@JulianFernandez]

thanks!

[@tomsawyer2112]

Certainly not suitable for gigs. I have the latest firm update and yet the unit blocks down, with two red light, and it happens for no reason at all, just randomly, when changing a tone. I factory reset the unit, and it still does it... Tone patches can only be created by their own App, it is a closed system, so all tones created and shared by users should work fine, as it is not possible to use some hacks. But for some reason, some tones from their cloud can make it crash, and these tones are not removed, and their is no way to notify these harmful patches. And from that moment, it will crash again and again, even if this tone is not loaded or used. Line 6 never managed to resolve this issue, which I get every two days, in fact I am sometimes surprised when a day passes without a crash. I got faster at turning the button off on blindly in the back of the unit than changing chords... And then finally, the buttons of the unit fail pretty soon... even if it remains in the most perfect environment, no humidity, heat, cold. so in a gig, to change a tone, you have two risks : 1. the unit crashes 2. the button to select your tone does not work It has been taken from the stores, and well so.. I cannot sell mine if I would, It would be dishonest to sell something with a hidden defect. Line 6 did not have this moral issues.. Never a Line6 product ever again...

[@kayongkong]

I think your unit's memory card is failing. I did experience almost the same problems before with my FHFX but did a backup microsd ahead and I just swap it in and fixed the issue. I hope you can get lucky by just doing what i did too.. rock on bro! 🤙👍🤘

[@nicholastotoro7721]

The HM2 actually sounds pretty dead accurate. It made me giggle. That's proof LOL!

[@LeonTodd]

It's a thing!

[@ctcards2636]

I dont trust any Line6 stuff for live use. Had quite a few issues with Line6 equipment going haywire on stage over my decades of playing. And im not alone on that. I think they make great stuff for at home and recording. But not for live use.

[@mountain_king52]

How much it costs nowadays, anybody knows?

[@zakklee2556]

it does not have Line 6 link the Line 6 Hd500/X does.

[@SnappyJCM800]

It’s interesting how they still use the same icons and logos for the effects and amps in their newer products. Guess if it ain’t broke don’t fix it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@willota3450]

IN FACT I HAVE ONE.... ITS NOT INCREDIBLE BUT...ITS PRETTY DECENT I MEAN.. ILIKE IT!!!!

[@diegofiorillo6412]

Sounds fucking awesome if you ask me, just got one for 125 pounds.

[@thammananchaiyanon3633]

Better more than korg ax 1500

[@pot__roast1976]

Man I have this unit and for some reason I just can't get good tones out of it

[@hollywoodactress]

Just seen this pop up and about to watch it. I always love how you go over old multi fx gear. Have you ever done a review of the Eleven Rack? Apologies if you have and I haven’t checked your video history 👍

[@LeonTodd]

Not yet but it's on the list!

[@ianryan5727]

bunch of stuff!

[@defin99]

i gig with mine.

[@loveaboveall2382]

Me too 😂😊

[@TimO-wt9sz]

Garbage lol I had to turn my volume down ear streaking I'm sure there ok but geesh you said it though get the pod go 100 dollars more

[@jjmackey3101]

Petition for all amp controls to be sliders instead of knobs going forward!

[@thrash8315]

The app no longer works. Looks like it's garbage now.

[@LeonTodd]

Bummer!

[@shaharbar]

I think the best description for the tones is “plastic”

[@nonameguy6729]

chinese multieffector is much more better

[@vhcxhbvg]

How are these still $300? I'd get a katana

[@dortonguitar]

Wow, piece of crap. Pedals rule for tone.

[@terrymurphy276]

Garbage