The Helix NEEDS An Upgrade -Right?

[@ssiowi]

Great topic and necessary. Chip developer here--both microprocessors and DSPs--with good news: more power will always, always come to market. That is the business model. We Helix lovers have all hit the processor limit while exploring models. Either Yamaha will address this with a follow-on product and/or competitors will. All these years later; love the Helix. Eager to watch this product category over the next decade; exciting time for musicians! Thanks JNC.

[@Indiegaze]

I'm very curious and confused about how the chip market works? If you compare the insane level of power, quality and engineering you get with ex. the new $600 Mac Mini vs the ancient stuff you get in a $700 Line 6 Hx Stomp, something seem to not add up. It seems like in most realms of consumer tech, processing power and efficiency improve every year, and old parts decrease in value every year. Decade old computer chips are basically worthless. But in the guitar world they sell stuff with decade old parts, and they increase the price every year, while not doing any hardware updates. I'm really confused about how this makes any sense...

[@giles3211]

@@Indiegaze i would guess that since audio is generally not a heavy task computationally, there really is no benefit to a faster chip

[@joethrelfall6370]

The pod go needs an upgrade hence people have been block hacking it etc.

[@ernarrowsmith8589]

​@@IndiegazeIt's a really good question. I imagine part of it will be down to the volumes of parts. Apple sell around 20 million computers a year , have developed their own chips and use them in other devices as well. Yamaha will be selling somewhere in the order of tens to hundreds of thousands of units per year so the volumes are a completely different order of magnitude, meaning every part (not just the chips) will be costing Yamaha a lot more than the equivalent costs Apple. Cost of R&D is probably also a factor; Apple's use cases are a lot more "typical" so can build on existing knowledge, whereas the line 6 cases are more niche and there will be fewer proven designs they can adapt. Finally I would think that the base Mac mini doesn't have a huge profit margin, instead it'll be viewed as a way to get people into the apple ecosystem/further embed them in, where they can then make their real money by selling iPhones and services.

[@Wozguitar]

Ah no way, I’m Warren! Ha. Thanks again John, absolutely nailed it with this. Right on the road with the band, hope to cross paths with you someday soon

[@israelr6636]

I have a Helix LT and it's more than enough for my real world situations w/ or w/o my amps. Great video John.

[@thedaver8]

I love the Helix, and I know people say they want an upgrade, but as someone who uses the Helix multiple times a week for gigging, I rarely encounter a situation where I think the Helix isn't good enough. Line 6 will make an upgrade when they think it's the financially correct decision, meaning that the market values competitors more. But people are still talking about the Helix and still playing it, so it's still relevant, and (more important) competitive.

[@89digits59]

There were 2 primary reasons I sold my Helix Floor - the foot switches were beginning to rust and the USB socket at the back was acting up (I wish it was Type C) - apart from these 2 problems - I think this unit is a Legend 👍

[@rockkstah2550]

I own, QC, FM9,Fender TMP, Kemper Profile Stage, and my Helix is just as EQUALLY good as all of them. I gig every weekend so I get to rotate them around per gigs. As per work flow, Helix, Fender TMP,QC, FM9,Kemper, in that order. The next helix will probably be a more faster DSP but everything will be the same.

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

I've done extensive tracking with several HX products. Lots of compliments on the tones. When I tell them I was direct with IEMs they can't believe it. Getting killer feedback and fuzz with direct sounds was what convinced me. I will use an amp too, but it's not required to get great tone

[@findingtheFOOT]

It's been a pretty amazing tool. Maybe a large touch screen? With more dsp? But I've only maxed it out while being completely overcomplicated.

[@jaymax3201]

I'm looking forward to the HX update. The new HELIX will probably be more powerful in the near future, and the price will definitely go up. For me, small size is important. Even the more expensive FM3 will suffer from a lack of power like the HX Stomp. I'll go with the BOSS GM800, which is what I'm most interested in right now.

[@SteveDGoodwin]

The biggest gap that I see between helix and everything else is the ability to do capture. Obviously with that, you would need more DSP, but line 6 has said that they’re not interested in going that route. There may very well be a successor for the helix sometime in the future, but I don’t think it’ll be anytime soon. It’s still a relevant unit Which is crazy considering it’s already almost 10 years old. I’ve been using the LT version since about 2019, and I am about to upgrade to the floor version with the scribble strips and more IO. For the money, workflow, and tone, there is nothing better.

[@limpeacock573]

According to Eric Klein (Silent Stage Podcast) update 3.8 for Helix should be coming out soon. The only thing he confirmed is that there would be some new amp models. We’ll have to wait and see.

[@thpark8189]

I still think the Helix is better sounding and easier to use. The Floor is kind of big, but it has far more flexibility and ins/outs than smaller units. I like having the utility. Although I also have an HX Stomp where that fits better. Tried the Tonex and absolutely hated the UI.

[@chaseattwood-steele2682]

Even if they update it, I don't see them changing necessarily the architecture they use, so it would likely be more DSP and with that some higher DSP blocks? The only thing that would potentially get me to upgrade would be if a new version had a built in power amp to go straight to a cab. I could also see them possibly building in wireless capabilties. But again, I dont see any updates that would rework the entire system. I'm happy as is for now personally!

[@tonyro1805]

Appreciate you John ! Much love man !

[@TorgeirThoresen]

Still love it after all these years. Of course I wouldn’t turn down a more powerful version of it - a dual amp setup of something like the cloudburst preset would be awesome, SLO+5150, maybe a fuzz in front, an octaver, and a capo - still, I’m impressed it’s as relevant as it is after all these years. Also, the ability to load (or even capture) nam profiles would make a killer feature alongside the rest of the helix effects, and really set them apart from the competition!

[@outlawfrank88]

I've been a Line 6 user for a long time, since the X3 series. I've had a Helix since 2015. You can get a good sound with a Helix, but I still haven't managed to get that feel under fingers like I got on other processors, like the BOSS GX100.

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

Missed this video on the day. Interesting stuff. Personally, the Helix floor's footprint is ideal for me. I would not want less switches and certainly not closer to each other as I have pretty big feet so I already occasionally press the wrong switch by accident. As for DSP, I do run into limits once in a while, especially since pretty much all my presets are two amps presets. I use IRs for a couple reasons but one is that IR blocks use less DSP than the cabs blocks so that helps me. It also means I can have different IRs depending on what amp is active. I usually have comps/drives + noise gate and the two amps on the first path then, EQ, IR block, mod, volume then delays + reverbs on path 2. That works well for me. And yes, the scribble strips are a must as well for me. I usually have 4 snapshots in the bottom row and 4 stomp switches in the top row although sometimes I have a 5th snapshot on the top row. Live, I now prefer playing with the Helix over my tube amp rig.Next purchase for me will be the Fender FR-12... ;)

[@norbertplaysguitar7244]

Preparing for the studio in two weeks. Played a lot of big pedalboards with real amps over the years. I got access to a lot of amps and pedals yet I bought a helix in 2024 because managing a band, singing, playing, switching instruments, controlling IEM from stage and still having fun didn‘t get across. So the helix makes things a lot easier live - more than other units did for me. After learning it, I‘ve no need to setup a new pedalboard and amps before the studio. I can concentrate on performing now and I only take one ode two additional pedals and no amp. I think I will sound better than ever before. It was a lot of work but it sounds amazing and so will the record.

[@brianjaction]

I got a Helix about 4 years ago and it's been a game changer for me, with a Helix and an H90 I can get pretty much any sound imaginable, that being said I have been eyeing getting an Axe FX 3 lately because it just has that extra oomph to push things into the stratosphere, but I've been hesitant since it seems like a Helix 2 would be coming around sooner or later and I'd like to compare that to Fractal before I sink 2k into something

[@tommanseau6277]

I think the best of both worlds is sorting like a Tonex capture in combination with a Boss GX-100 or even the GX-10. As an effects unit, the Boss units are serious contenders at very reasonable prices. The amp models can get a serious improvement with better IR's. And they can both be had for less than a Helix floor unit. 😊

[@arnold.glennphillips9279]

The unit no doubt is legendary, all it misses (but not really necessary) is tone captures and an ecosystem like tonex or neural to share those captures. Am sure if it happens, it’ll be the BEST!

[@benriddelluk]

I wanted a Helix without the built-in expression pedal. Being a left handed player the expression on the right side is really inconvenient - my solution was the Helix Rack with a Morningstar MC8 and three Dunlop DVP3 pedals The look and size of the Quad Cortex is appealing but the Helix has everything in it I want (besides a Victory Kraken amp model). The two current processors is enough

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

I upgraded my Helix with the ToneX pedal!

[@ThePlanarchist]

Just more compact would satisfy me. Though I have an LT, for live use I prefer a hybrid board which includes the HX Stomp at the heart of it. Would be great to have more DSP though probably not as critical as it once was thanks to other pedals on the (ever expanding) board. Great preset!

[@SethDStanley]

"The enemy of art is the absence of limitations." - Orson Wells. Heck I play primarily worship genre (effects heavy, lots of dsp demand) and only run an HX Stomp XL standalone (except for a Lore which honestly I rarely use just for a specific texture) and I rarely run into a situation where I don't have enough power for the tone I want. I'll take an upgraded chip but I'm certainly not hurting for it. Sometimes embracing the limitations is good for you.

[@thedaver8]

I will also say, if we are talking about features for Helix 2, the things I would personally love to see is a Bluetooth connection and a phone app editor. It would also be cool if there was a way to take your presets and send them to a friend through the app or text or something.

[@RyanBlue-z5j]

I want a Blues Driver in the Helix

[@johnnathancordy]

YES

[@SI-ck5bj]

Bb preamp also

[@raykeefe9253]

I agree that while large, the Helix is great for gigging. Button spacing, built in expression pedal, usable UI and solid. And sounds great.

[@jmsclbwmn]

Helix is my personal favorite of the current digital platforms, but I hit the DSP limit more times than you’d expect. This platform is going on 10 years old. It’s definitely time for an update!

[@ggkohler]

Great vid, John! Your lead tone here is absolutely glorious! Question: I have an HX STOMP XL. Do you happen to have a lead patch equivalent that would work?

[@thenickbw]

More DSP would be nice but honestly what I want more is wifi or Bluetooth connectivity to install updates and download and upload preset's without having to take it to my computer for everything. OTG capability would be nice too for quick audio recording to phone for scratch tracks...

[@Fl4ppers]

For me its not the effects. Its the stacking of the effects and amps. I want a stereo spread of say 4 different amp and cab settings, with individual effects. Stacking IRs also takes up processing power. I'd like reverb IRs too like on the computer.

[@rockinrollshow1]

Well to be able to load tone capture yes to make no. Size works for me leave it larger. more DPS sure why not. Thanks

[@Double_0_7_Strings]

I think the helix is fine as is, but I’ll always say that there isn’t enough of the hi gain amps that come standard in everything else. The 5150 III is a big one. And not just one channel, I’m talking add all the channels of each amp. Still love the thing, though. I use the Friedman for everything hi gain and it just sings.

[@JorgeLFajardoG]

Bro you gotta try the BadOnk model. For me is the best Hi-Gain amp in the helix.

[@AVeelcheck]

Line6 Oblivion is a 5150 III with fixed knob. There is ENOUGH 5150 like amps

[@honkytonkinson9787]

My experience with digital began in the 90s; I’ve tried several digitech boards and was never happy. I had the first gen Peavey Vypyr and it was ok loud with a band, but lacking at home at lower volumes. I prefer analog old fashioned stuff I’m slowly looking at something digital so I can have a silent and portable rig, but all this stuff overwhelms me a bit. I almost feel like I need to wait a little longer for that stuff to get sorted out a little more. I played with an HX stomp for a bit one time and it was nice, but I like how I could make a profile of my two tube amps on a Tonex and be closer to what is familiar Digital stuff just doesn’t have what makes me want to play electric guitar. I think if I could never play through an amp again I’d just play acoustic, but I do want to have the tool to be able to perform in the modern era; cranky old man

[@stephenhancock9100]

Take the hx fx (size, how to edit on the buttons and scribble strips), make it so it can have amps/cabs and then allow all deep editing and patch library downloads to be done via Bluetooth app on phone/tablet. It’s would be the perfect size for gigs, the hx fx already has good design for making small changes with the buttons, scribble strips for visuals, then do the deep editing at home on a tablet/phone without messing around with usb cables/pc. By keeping it app based they could improve the interface for editing on the app with updates.

[@TLMuse]

I think it would be cool if one of these units offered an SDK (Software Development Kit) that enables 3rd parties the ability to create plug-ins for the platform. A marketplace would be cool (to support the devs), but even an open-source-only plug-in platform would be cool. Another admittedly more vague idea would be to have a more modular platform, where you could start with something like an HX Stomp and build it out. You can kind of do that with HX Effects, but a platform that made it stupid easy to just add another processor & processing "lane" (and footswitches/scribble strips) would make it easier to buy in, and provide a hardware upgrade path that could keep people buying in. -Tom

[@olzzonscorner]

The scenes are great, but I'd love to see scenes being able to swap e.g. a Room Reverb to a Cloud reverb in the same preset. (like fractal can) This way the consistency of your sound will be kept by using pretty much 1 preset, cause right not you need to remember to change e.g. the mic placement on the cab on all the presets your using. So you end up not fixing things in your setup.

[@charleyb24]

As someone who started electric guitar in 2022 and wants to get one of these, I’d say if Helix Floor needs an upgrade, then yeah, it does.👍

[@git606]

There’s still a lot of love for the Helix, more so than other brands

[@musicafteroldage]

I need a TrueFire course on how to actually use that preset hahaha

[@retromacman620]

I have been playing with the Boss Gx 10 ,which is great for pitch and shimmers, and has some nice ambient delays... but I'm still debating going back to a hx effects or stomp for some of the reverbs ❤

[@Widdy5150]

If it is only going to be 'touch screen and profiler', then I'll keep the GOAT!

[@IvanEinstein]

Definetly could be useful if capture was added. Ive been wanting tonex app to capture my helix tone without capture box or reamp box. Reason being i use max dsp presets and would love a stomp with a full rig capture block. Lastly to free up space on second dsp signal for gapless switching.

[@stevemorgan9626]

Still very happy with my Helix. The only thing I’d like to see is Line6 bringing their older amp/effect/cab models up to the quality of the newest models. I’d even pay for that. Functionality and ease of use wise, Helix still kills the others imho.

[@R3dbudd]

Would be cool for the last updates to separate the power amps sections like they did the preamps. Be cool to mix and match and be able to beef up a pedal preamp that may be in a loop.

[@jackprice7828]

Nothing at all wrong with those tones . The Helix is a pretty amazing piece of gear when you think of how long ago it was introduced. Not to mention that Line 6 has improved its value and capability with all the updates. If I were to guess it's possible Line 6 will get into the capture profiler world. To me for a gigging musician there's a limit on how small a unit can be and the space of the foot switches.

[@peterjessop1878]

I think a processor upgrade could be useful only because it gives the developers more scope to improve the amp simulations and effects, which are decent at present but not really studio quality compared to the best pedals or Fractal in my view. I think the hardware of Helix floor unit is pretty good and really only needs a few changes. Some may argue for a USB C port and maybe a touch screen, but I don't see the necessity for either. They may have to go with the flow and introduce profiles, but I think they would be better served improving the modelling honestly given this is where Line 6's skill set is. So all in all it still remains a competitive unit. Personally if Fractal didn't exist I would still buy one over Fender TMP and a Quad Cortex.

[@fives.]

Helix II begs an extra SHARC and it's been a minute since the current Helix line in various forms has had an update, but in terms of inherent product relevance, the Helix/HX line has aged absurdly well and I'd be hard-pressed not to use the ol' Helix Rack over a more-powerful, studio-optimised version in the case of live-touring

[@DanielCrouch]

The helix is amazing but I do sometimes find myself running out of DSP, as I like to run two signal chains with different amps in each

[@pepeowen]

Let’s be honest. They can do more DSP, new interface and maybe some quality of life improvements but can they add anything significantly radical that will be a new step forward?

[@Doomhamar]

Awesome video man! Can you do something at least similar with the Hotone Ampero stage?

[@expresidentfortune]

sounds lush mate

[@tonyro1805]

A musicians ear is always ever changing. Amp tone captures are cool but in the end it's just another digital capture of the real thing. The Helix has everything you need to get the same tone and feel as a capture.

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

if boss put basically full power in the gx10 surely line6 could put a full powered unit in a stomp format. having said that, i don't think the helix needs an upgrade. maybe if they just want to change the UI. but hopefully not touch screen. keep the knobs.

[@Mark-vb7zg]

Hi Johnathan. I just purchased 4 items from you about half an hour ago, and was only able to download one of them. When I wanted to download the other 3 they were gone from my screen i.e. not available. As of the time of this email I have not yet received the invoice to add to this mail for your reference Please advise where I can get access to them to complete the download asap. Thank you

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

The drawbacks of more power and blocks is more time wasted fiddling with settings.

[@FabrizioPeretti]

I got a bit tired in the last year with the lack of dynamics and the fact that I can year it process distortion in, like, "eq sections" (hard to explain in another language). Still like the way native sounds on recorded tracks but for playing live I'm a bit unpleased. Still too poor to switch.

[@deut3168]

Maybe we're beyond the point of comparing modelers feature by feature. We don't compare the merits of AC30 to Fender Twin to Mesa, do we? They are all good amps for different tastes. Maybe we should treat modelers like amps. Some folks like Quad, some Helix, others Fractal, etc. They all have a different approach and different sound for various tastes and use cases.

[@Cadet44642]

If I could get the power of a Helix in a HX Stomp tbh at would be amazing!!! Add my MC6 and Dunlop Volume pedal and call it a day. I would be in hog heaven!!!

[@dividedbytimestudios]

I always say they just need to make a Helix Max, or a Helix Quad DSP

[@Mark-vb7zg]

How does one contact John? Still waiting on a response from him about presets I purchased and was unable to download (only 1 of 4 downloaded?)...and the email adress bounces back too....??

[@CarbonTom666]

Is it possible to get an ambient reverb, freeze type patch with the HX? Or is there not enough DSP? Looove this sound

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh, if you search HX Stomp John Cordy Infinite Freeze or something there's TONS of that sort of thing!

[@timothy5974]

Interesting video John, I have been watching videos on the Boss unit and the AIRD. How does each unit feel when playing? The latency is suppose to be really low and this makes it feel different over the helix. Do you find this to be true ? Thank you.

[@Mr_A_Mia]

I think an HX stomp XL with full helix DSP is missing now😂

[@jnixo9900]

In terms of sound? No. The helix is right up there still. In terms of newer features? Touchscreens etc etc...maybe. Your talking about maxing out processors but lets be honest.....the majority of us are building basic rock presets with a few bells and whistles.

[@themaninthesuitcase]

This line of thought it what’s stopping me buying the HX stomp. It’s 8 or so years old. Is it enough for me? sure. Do I need more? no. Will I feel bad if the next Namm has a HX 2? very much so.

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

My only complaint about line 6 tonally is the higher gain stuff still has that weird muddiness thats been there since the first pod, its not quite as prominent with the new cabs, but its still there. For me atleast... Ive heard clips of other people where its not. But they never share their secret

[@AVeelcheck]

The secret called IRs?

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

@AVeelcheck perhaps, but cab sims are basically ir's, so considering they just redid all their cabs yet its still a problem

[@AVeelcheck]

@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender nah, there's still a night and day difference between stock cabs and good IR's and always you get rid off useless hi-end in studio/live mix

[@philiprayfield]

Guitar Guitar have discounted these to 749. That’s a lot of pedal for the money. Does the discount mean a new model is on the way?

[@creditslut2726]

Helix floor is $1499 and LT is $999 at guitar center

[@jackcrow80]

Hi, how can i have this Preset ? It's Amazing, i had search on your site but i don't know which is the same

[@TheBbtlegit]

I they come out with a new one at NAMM

[@Rich-NH]

They’re either working on something brilliant or have given up entirely.

[@clydroid]

They say helix lacks of "feel" than the other brands

[@clydroid]

@AdamFontenet-g3f so i need to put 2 compressor block?

[@clydroid]

@AdamFontenet-g3f thanks!..gonna try this 🙂

[@ShimiHalperin]

Oh yes please. I always thought buying presets for Helix was bullshit, but I have no fucking idea how you put that together.

[@ShimiHalperin]

Wait, just went to gumroad, which pack is it in?

[@ShimiHalperin]

nm RTFM found it

[@Herfinnur]

Mark Wingfield of Heron Island Studio talked about how most guitar gear modellers don’t get the higher frequency content right, especially for saturated tones. What he said was that everyone ends up low passing their presets when this isn’t done right, wich leads to something missing but when the software is done right the high frequency content will sound smooth so no one reaches for the high pass. It would be interesting to know if those higher frequencies in the Helix would become better with better hardware (c’mon, we all low passing the more aggressive pressets), or if the Line6 developers haven’t been able to address that on the software side

[@tj10777]

I won’t buy one because I refuse to buy an almost 10 year old electronic product. It’s just the principle of it.

[@ehutch79]

Profiling and modeling are two seperate technologies. After a capture, you can't adjust amp gain or eq. It's tradeoffs, but they are not the same. Helix also has smaller models. The big floor unit is not the only one. It's like you didn't even google it, or research at all.

[@eukariootti1]

2*DSP Helix Floor/Rack/LT (Full DSP Power) 1*DSP HX Stomp/Stomp XL (Half the DSP Power) "0*DSP" HX ONE (single effect)