Why I don't use the Line 6 Helix anymore...

[@escommentss]

I got dragged to the Helix kicking and screaming going from Marshall JCM. I don't think I'll ever go back. Love my Helix!

[@dsputt]

As soon as you said "Touring Preset", meaning you use one signal path for all your sounds, then of course the Helix is too much. For those of us in cover bands, we play a wide range of music. Makes much more sense for us. I probably touch at least 30 different amps in a 4 hour gig.

[@dinonuggies2276]

Thats what i thought too. Im always sceptical with these modeler videos cause some people seem to have no needs at all, wich is cool for them i guess but... do digi hardcore... like its mostly pitchshifting, a bunch of verb/delay/Chorus on/off and automation, diffrent sounds from clean to distorted to fuzz to synth all in one 1 minute song. Thats not gonna happen with a classic pedalboard, i tried. Id still probably take my whammyDT with midi for the pitch shifts and detune effect but theres no more "simple straightfoward" solution than something like the helix or quad cortex. And the hx stomp is pretty powerful too but i assume editing a preset without the desktop editor would be... _less than fun_ . Also like him i wanna run a mic sometimes too and the stomp doesnt even have the processing power for all that stuff

[@dsputt]

@@dinonuggies2276 On-line editing and snapshots are the killer features that I could not do without. I also dont spend much time setting up presets: I just buy them from a guy who spent hours tweaking them to perfection.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I played a cover band gig for years on helix as well. I still did it all in 1 preset and used snapshots/stomp mode. It truly is the best!

[@dsputt]

@@SteveSterlacci I'm addicted to finding just the right sound for a song. For example, I bought a Crazy Train patch from Ben Vesco which folks rave about. The signal path is insane. As a result, I know have a different patch for each song. No turning back for me🙂

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@dsputt ive done that as well and used to stress way more about it than I needed to. I learned that no one cares as much as I do about nailing the exact tone. If you play it right, mostly everyone will say you sound exact 😅🤣 just my experience over the last 7 years with a helix. It's easy to overcomplicate!

[@guitarhero2022]

“Main reason I don’t use the Helix any more is size”. // pulls out Helix-sized board Not sure your new board is any smaller than the Helix, and more components means more stuff to potentially go wrong, and harder to try things out, no?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Well, I am sure lol it's smaller, lighter and accomodates my wireless without needing the extra power supply and cabling. 1 power cable and I'm done

[@motomike71]

I was going to reply that his ad hoc board does wireless which the Helix doesn't do, and I'll bet that the pedal board certainly is lighter than the Helix, which is a tank. But then being a tank does have it's advantages when you check your baggage. Being all in one with no circuitry or cables to get messed up is also an advantage. Rhett Schull on his channel related a time when TSA tore up one of his pedal boards on inspection and he had to use the venue's back line instead of his board. That wouldn't happen with a Helix. I do see the advantages of paring down one's set-up. The Helix can be more than you need for a lot of situations. I use mine as an audio interface for doing my school projects and assignments. Sometimes I visit my partner who lives 2 hours away and stay over the weekend. I use some of that time to complete my assignments with my laptop into either Logic or by recording video in OBS. I would bring my Helix because it is portable, but I got tired of lugging it and didn't need all the power and in/outs for what I was doing. I wanted something I could just throw in a backpack with my laptop. So I got an HX Stomp and I think I'm going to be much happier with it. The only thing I'll miss is Variax control. I'll keep my Helix for my home studio and for when I do music theatre gigs.

[@emelle1283]

@@motomike71 do you think Helix still has a few years left as a studio device?

[@motomike71]

@@emelle1283 I don't have any special insight into the world of digital guitar gear. But my personal speculation is that it does. Line 6 is constantly producing updates to the firmware and adding amp models. It is a more flexible unit than it deserves to be with the number of in/outs it offers as well as software USB in/outs and the flexibility of its signal path idiom. Therein lies the problem for Steve in that it's more kit than he needs for the stage. Which is why he went with the HX Stomp XL which is still a Helix with a reduced feature set and less in/outs. The competition is catching up, but the only things they offer is a slightly more user friendly interface incorporating more skeuomorphism and touch. But I feel these are merely gimmicks. The Helix is incredibly easy to program with just a little bit of guidance and understanding of how to set up a signal path, and even easier if you use Hx Edit. To me, touch screens are an unnecessary gimmick. You still have to bend or kneel down to your device to edit anything. What would be impressive is bluetooth app integration so you could edit settings with touch on a phone or tablet. I suspect this is something Line 6 might incorporate in the next iteration of the Helix. My gut tells me that will probably happen in another year or so. Even so, I could see myself using the Helix as an interface for the next five or ten years.

[@stratplayr6997]

My thought exactly. After all these years with the Helix, why change? He's got some real nice amp heads there.

[@clouds5]

Expression pedal is vital. So many effects are more interesting to use with a curve instead of a on/off switch. I never used pedal for volume/wah, I always use it to gradually get more gain, or delay/reverb. With a tap tempo and delay mix on exp pedal you have full control over delay at all times. Modern modelers can even have multiple effects in the same exp setting so what I do on my valeton gp200 is have gain(+maybe volume reduce if gain adds too much) on one side and reverb and/or delay mix on the other (you can switch 2 exp pedal settings with a switch).

[@rocknroling6869]

Your content is good, you do not need the click bait titles that are getting overused all over KZbin. You are the go to person for all my HX/helix needs. I wouldn't mind seeing you do a more in depth review of the Shure wireless in an upcoming video.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you for the kind words. Doing this is a lot harder than it seems to get youtube to actually show your content. I make a lighthearted twist on words and a small handful of people have lost their minds over it lol I appreciate your opinion and the way you are presenting it here. Thank you!

[@ElmanAuthement]

I actually thought it was an April Fools click bait lol. I was waiting to look at the date. You're right about the size though. Traveling world wide would be a bit of a hassle. But there's still so much in the HX platform that's offers us many options. And you found one.

[@valdon116]

Title was NOT clickbait

[@SteveSterlacci]

@valdon116 thank you!! I don't think anyone truly understands what the term means. It's insinuating I was misleading, which is just not true. I made a thumbnail saying I'm not using my helix anymore, I titled the video that I wasn't using my helix anymore, and the actual video is about, guess what?! Me not using my helix anymore lol people react on their knee jerk reaction and assume the worst ALWAYS

[@valdon116]

@@SteveSterlacci exactly 😂

[@garrysimmons111]

The new rig doesn't look much physically smaller than the Helix. Color me confused. I would think a Tonex Pedal (or other small amp in a box) into a multi-FX would be half that size.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Smaller, lighter and accomodates my wireless. H90 won out over tonex at being better than the HX at what each does

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

lol I was thinking the same… looks the same SIZE?…🤔I thought he might had switch to TONEX? and show us literally something smaller. Anything is smaller than a true Pedal board & its Head & Cab.

[@intenzityd3181]

@@SteveSterlacci I don't understand why you need a wireless that size with the tech that's available now. That's like what people dragged around in the 2000s. I played glastonbury woodsies stage this year with a small 5.8ghz wireless from amazon for £50, worked fantastic. I do agree the helix is too big though, If I could have one without the expression pedal and with maybe 2 fewer buttons I'd be happy.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@intenzityd3181 they won't work as well. We have 3 shure GLX on stage, digital mixers and monitor rigs that all use wifi. Even with the 3 we get interference quite often.

[@sonnyrocker]

That is not much smaller than the Helix. and it looks like it could be just as heavy or heavier than the Helix. I don't see how this is more simple either. You have more buttons on this board than the Helix. I am not convinced by your reasons.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hey Steve, I saw this video with all the uproar of the Thumbnail Commenters haha, I too have switched to the stomp/xl more than the Helix. But as far as the wireless, the QLXD is a fantastic option. The only one that is smaller than that is the new SLXD portable system that works extremely well. I reviewed it on my channel if you want to check it out, and I gig with it when I fly and don’t/can’t bring my SLXD rack version. It’s “one step lower” than the QLXD but still very high end and it never gives me problems. Hope that helps, cheers 🤘

[@SteveSterlacci]

Awesome!!! Thanks so much scott. Yeah, the reaction people have been having is really unfortunate. Been called a lot of awful things and accused of misleading and being dishonest. Title and thumbnail are that I'm not using my helix anymore, the content of the video is that I'm not using helix anymore lol I don't get how that's so poorly misinterpreted

[@aaronarandac4]

I just got hotone ampero 2 stage pedal and i'm pretty blown away. I had a quad cortex and a tonex pedal but sent them all back. This one feels like a good medium inbetween at a fair price. Takes after the quad cortex alot minus the capture ability. Could be worth checking out. Love the channel content! Cheers!

[@banditcosmo]

I've switched from a Helix Floor to Stomp XL with a Tonex pedal for my amps and cabs. Great combination.

[@Aaron_schaal]

I started with the Helix LT, but have since downsized to an HX Stomp paired with an HX Effects, which has been a great combo. Pretty much the only thing it can't match the Helix on is dual signal path, which isn't an issue for me. I'm always looking at the Helix debating if I should get one again but videos like this remind me that I'm plenty happy where I'm at.

[@BrianVallotton]

I always enjoy your presentations Steve. God bless you and all you love. What a wonderful choice of musical tools we have today!

[@joejohnson8966]

Thank you for being so honest with us. You have been praising the Helix for so long and you were probably 50% of the reason why I bought mine years ago. But with time I used it less and less and I've also changed how I approach tones. I sold my Helix floor and kept my Stomp. Couldn't be happier. Love to see the evolution and the transparency, Sir.

[@gtrburn]

I built a simple fly rig around the HX Stomp and found I could do everything with that. I haven't gotten rid of my Helix, but I haven't taken it out of the closet in over a year either.

[@motomike71]

I can understand this. Sometimes the Helix is just more kit than you need for most live gigs. I picked up an HX Stomp to throw in my backpack so I can do recordings and practice when I'm out of town on trips.

[@zaporoshti3392]

it is basically a 8 blocks in the signal chain.

[@corissimo]

I'm happy to hear someone else say this. I have had a little stomp on my board with analog pedals for years now.

[@prettywiththelightsout]

I've also recently downsized from the Helix Floor to the HX Stomp XL. I had the road case for it and it is HEAVY! Along with bringing merch, guitars, and an occasional 2x12 and Orange Pedal Baby (can't always count on the PA being able to handle my Helix in small punk clubs!) it became too much. The Stomp XL fits in my D'addario back pack that has literally everything I need. One less thing to bring is good. The Floor will stay in my studio for just playing, and the Stomp will stay in the backpack.

[@deconline1320]

I'm not sure I get it... The new rig looks bigger and heavier than the Helix. And adding pedals and cables increases the complexity and possible failure points IMO. Did you try to setup something only with the Stomp XL?

[@zematynnad]

Helix Floor for me. Perfect all in one! So convenient. Much easier to maintain than a bunch of pedals cabled together.

[@mksounds6326]

Good info as usual. I bought a Catalyst 200 to keep up with a couple guys with half stacks (Boogie, Crate) and I never got my Evil Twin replaced. My plan was to run my Pod Go into it but Ive been using it without the Pod. Even though digital, I had forgotten what using just 2 channels, clean/dirty, felt like after many years of Midiverb III's, Quadraverbs, Digitechs, Pods, A.R.T.'s.

[@james1939-s1c]

I now use only my Quad Cortex for gigs on bass and guitar, I sold all my amps and cabs. We only use IEMs so I haven't heard my amp on stage for years, and this sounds better than I could mic my cabs live. So now I have any amp I could dream of and I carry it in a backpack with everything I need. I can now go to a gig with a backpack and my guitar/bass. My previous rig for years was a Helix Floor 4CM into Mesa amps.

[@mattbrillhart2922]

Your usage speaks to the toughness of both units, particularly the Helix.

[@boyd1998]

All a matter of preference, The discussion of modelers have been going on for ages, and for me, Line 6 with their FREE updates etcetera are a charm. Lots of space, especially if you use the entire board.

[@michaelm0524]

I'm finally getting around to seeing this after seeing you post it in the Helix group. Completely understand wanting to get more into the same footprint. Watching your videos had a lot of influence for me to get my LT. Now, since learning more about MIDI, it has become a great device to use for home recording. For what it's worth, thanks for providing that influence.

[@gwgwgwgw1854]

For my whole career I have oscillated between simple rig and complex rig. In the early 80s it was guitar-cable-amp. Then I began to experiment with FX, both rack-mount and pedals. My rig would grow over time and then I would begin to crave simplicity again. For gigging I can get by without many FX but in the studio I like to have options that don't require lots of setup time. The Helix is very interesting...

[@wildebtw]

I feel you on the keep it simple. In reality I mostly use a single pathway with one amp and cab a drive and reverb. Maybe a compressor and occasionally an eq. Being able to change amp and pedal parameters on snapshots really eliminates my need for an eq most of the time. I've toyed with selling my floor to get an hx stomp many times. Size matters as does weight. Great topic Steve! Keep em coming.

[@mars-tronic]

I’ve gone from lots of pedals and complicated sounds to just plugging into an amp. On my HX stomp my rigs are very simple now too. Simpler is better. Good video Steve. Looking forward to hearing the podcast.

[@synonyx]

I moved from a helix to HX Stomp board. Use an external Drive pedal and a reverb/delay pedal with it. Also run a Jet MIDI programmable foot switch with it. Running it all on a temple audio board with a clocks dc7 power supply. Compact, all in one and modular unit. I run all connections in/out and power from the side. Fits in a backpack.

[@MarcSiegel-sl8bit]

I recall that you and Jessica used the one Helix. What is she going through now?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Shes on a regular sized stomp now with her on wireless on a board

[@kendutchess]

I use my Helix Floor on a daily basis in conjunction with a Powercab. Love my Helix. Thank you for the heads up. My back is starting to rebel against the weight of my Floor.

[@ForrestWest]

Those half a dozen petals on that board look about as big as a helix setup. You said simplify but you're using half a dozen petals instead of just one with a lot of cables and connection between them. It may be more enjoyable and you may prefer it but it doesn't look much smaller or simpler to me.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It's smaller, lighter, less cables and accomodates my wireless. I just plug it into the outlet and I'm done

[@Peace-bx5dh]

I’ve been trying to get away from Helix floor for years, trying other options, and I’m still coming back to Helix floor.

[@scottyknows]

I was trying to figure out how to power my HX stomp since it needs 3A. Good to know that iSpot can power it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Works great and I'm not even doing the current doubler trick

[@synonyx]

Use a Ciocks Dc7 with the correct adapter.

[@mark_heath]

Interesting timing - I've just gone in the opposite direction. I was using a pod go live even though I also had a HX stomp, as I like the extra footswitches and having an expression pedal and I love how compact it is and I can mostly make do with the limited number of FX. I'd resisted going up to a Helix LT as it is huge, but have just done anyway it as I kept getting into situations where 4 snapshots or 4 effects are not quite enough for what I want to do. It was a close call between that and the HX Stomp XL, but the extra footswitches and built in expression pedal just swayed it for me

[@matthewrobinson5511]

5 months later, is it as good as you expected?

[@mark_heath]

@@matthewrobinson5511 Yeah, pleased I got it as I've been playing live a lot more. I use all 8 snapshots most times I play, and even then sometimes find myself wishing for a bit more (although you can use the volume toe switch as a sneaky extra!). The extra processing power is also nice - the Go forced some tough choices, but I can have a tremolo and a chorus or vibrato available, and still have a couple of delay and reverb options. The one downside of the LT is how chunky it is - I liked the compactness of the Go for when I'm at home. Having said that I often use ToneX as a plugin for recording and other VSTs for effects.

[@matthewrobinson5511]

@@mark_heath Nice one. Do you rate the sound quality?

[@ryanmalone844]

How much you want for it since you're not using it anymore?

[@ParanormalResponse]

I have never been more frustrated, mad and confused as when I owned the Fractal FM3. I spent two solid days and still didnt have a useable base tone. I plugged back in my Mooer GE300 and said screw them all. I have awesome tone.We have to learn to stop chasing what we don't need and enjoy what we already have.

[@SteveSterlacci]

At the end of the day, whatever keeps you inspired to play!

[@christianboddum8783]

The Helix is super awesome when dialed in and working, BUT, when it malfunctions it can take forever to get running again. ALWAYS have a backup solution!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thankfully, mines never failed. and its been through a LOT

[@marksh24]

I also experienced dropouts with the line 6 G10S, but have had very good luck with the G70. Granted, this is not as high-end as your shure system but the receiver is more compact, pedal sized and very rugged.

[@MrMvidz]

I've gone back and forth between my Boss pedals and modeler, now I'll start using a Helix Floor but my BCB-60 and Engl Fireball is a comfort to have as a backup ;)

[@HearGear]

Yeah I get it but on the Helix and many other similar multi effects you can get one or several really good IR and just connect it to the PA and your are all set to go, no need to carry an amp of cab at all, also add an active monitor so you can hear your self if you don't use in ear system. Also that pedalboard you are using now is not very much smaller compared to the Helix actually. I want to get away from carry heavy amps and cabs and I think even cheaper Headrush and Line 6 Pod Go and Moore GE300 and such are very powerful these days thanks to built amps and cabs and capable of uploading IRs and stuff like that.. but anyway.. great video. Thanks.

[@caleshtcincredibles]

I had a Mooer GE300 that served me well for about 4 years , I am now using a NUX Trident and its awesome and very light . It fits in my gig bag ! At my age lighter is better . I tested a Helix and liked it but was way too big and heavy for me .

[@HearGear]

@@caleshtcincredibles Yeah, I hear people saying that the GE300 and GE300 lite is a great pedal, tone capture and all that things that makes it possible to make your own IR basically. I am thinking about getting the GE300 Lite. I don't think I am a huge fan of the NUX Trident but hey, what ever works for you that's awesome. I am having plans to get an active FRFR monitor as well to go the GE300 Lite, maybe a Headrush or something similar to have in my rehearsal space and maybe small gigs too.. I hear they gives about 2000 watts, would be enough for rehearsal and small gigs.. thanks

[@ssiowi]

Thx; totally understand. All in with the Helix Floor since 2017. For the use case of exploring sound with gear forever in the home studio; Helix Floor remains a winner. For the rare gathering with pickup bands; class D amp and perhaps two pedals. Eagerly awaiting--hurry up Yamaha--a new Helix and expecting a feature set as you and others have described. Hoping for small size, eight footswitches, four cores, Bluetooth, I/O for external pedals. Lose the S/PDIF, AES/EBU. Keep the Variax--praying Yamaha does a Revstar with Variax. Hope springs eternal. Thanks again Steve.

[@yikelu]

Pretty much agree with everything. I have an LT at home for my creative tinkering needs, but my gig rig is HX Stomp, Source Audio Collider, Morningstar MC6, and an expression pedal. Very light, very compact. I actually downsized from an HX Stomp XL based board. There are a few things I miss from the XL, but overall I'm quite happy. There's a good chance I'll recycle the XL with a board that incorporates an H90 for solo material. Actually pretty excited about that prospect.

[@justinanthony7641]

The whole time I was just thinking, “why not use a fractal audio device” then you bust out the fm9. Solid device. I think the fm3 turbo would be a better live solution, but hey, what you have is working too so that’s cool! 👍

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Great video man! Keep it up dude!

[@MrHitthespot]

I agree about the expression / volume pedal. I played in a cover band for years. Never once needed this type of pedal with my modeler. I guess that’s why I love the Quad Cortex. The shure GLXD 14 is a very good wireless. Never let me down. Expensive but small and worth it.

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

You need the Line 6 feather duster. The best part of the G10S is it doesn’t POP when removing it from the guitar when switching.

[@the_hippykiller22]

Nope wouldn't work for him. That thing would not work on bigger stages and festivals just as the rest of the WIFI based cheap systems or even the rest of the non WIFI cheap ones. He did the right move and I might have to eventually as well. For now I just ask nicely when playing on bigger stages for renting or loaning their RF systems. What we all need in an ideal world is an upper end Shure system with the Shure Workbench on our computers and doing an actual frequency scan like I do working in AV as a sound tech. Not gonna happen anytime soon for obvious cost reasons. When you really dig into it RF frequencies are amazingly complicated as is the rest of live sound as a whole.

[@mikefatz2514]

Im using a couple Tonex one pedals through both fx loops on the Helix, one distortion one clean tone, and switch via footpedal. Full forward is distortion and full back is clean. Much easier to switch than a footswitch.

[@solitro]

Super helpful, thanks. I bought a used helix a couple of months ago and I love it, but I still have a pedal board just in case.

[@billschriever]

So much Wisdom here! TY Steve! Liking the Pod Casts!

[@CarlGtSmith]

HELIX is nice! Guitar processors can make a big difference in sound depending on the CAB IR you use. actually there are many IR products on the market, but I think DYNAX IR has the best sound. As stated in their product description, DYNAX IR is really fast. When using IRs, the pick attack is sometimes delayed, and it is difficult to add picking nuances, but their IR prevents all of that. It's revolutionary!

[@richandterimyers8982]

Great stuff...thanks so much! Maybe you've already been asked this question or done it...have you tried running a Friedman IR-X through a loop in the stomp XL (in place of an amp block)? That's been my go to for the past couple months. I go back to the Helix Floor and FM9 at times to see if I'm missing anything lol. They're still really great and handy but the Friedman sounds so good to me. I typically use the Friedman supplied Black Back 57 160 IR and some midi switching through to Stomp. It works best for CCM and most anything, in my opinion

[@amremorse]

I’ve watched three of your videos and on each one of them you’ve gone out of your way to tell us about your world travels and how serious of a musician you are. I counted four times on one video alone.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Okay. Thanks?

[@timwithano4920]

Hi Steve. What do you use as backup when touring?

[@dimitrisbizos4068]

So if you build a pedal-board around stomp with 1 or 2 Xpression pedals and an additional footswitch, you end up with a heavier and larger system-board with extra short cables and power supplies. Think about it...🧐

[@SteveSterlacci]

I don't use exp pedals. This comes out smaller and lighter and it fits my wireless on board

[@muddyfoxable]

I am using a similar setup for live shows with the HX Stomp XL as „headquarter“. One question regarding the DI box: don‘t the HX stomp Outputs give you a symmetric signal already? So why do you need still a DI Box?

[@SteveSterlacci]

It does give a balanced out, but it's 1/4". I dont want to rely on a festival or clubs DI box to get to FOH

[@muddyfoxable]

@@SteveSterlacci Ah, thanks. I understand. I simply use a short 1/4 to XLR cable, but I am playing smaller shows for sure.

[@davidyelland908]

But isn’t your new touring board the same size as the Helix? The overall logic is sensible though.

[@Terrible_Peril]

I started with the Stomp and I’ve stayed with the Stomp. I’m a bassist first and I consider bass as requiring the superior signal path overall (no offense to guitar, it just sits in a range that’s easier to put into peeps ears, whereas with bass I need to reach their bones. It’s a brilliant little center to my rig, especially when using other controllers via midi I think it’s actually superior to the XL, although sometimes I’m jealous of the XL having all the IO on the back as opposed to all over. Even though I constantly consider a Floor or Rack, I will not be without the Stomp. It’s easily everything for a guitar rig and can suffice as a great bass rig.

[@IshredGuitar]

I don't blame you wanting smaller so does the HX Stomp XL just have the 1 - single SHARC DSP? Line 6 should come out with a HX Stomp II with a TigerSHARCH DSP, I would pay the extra cost for the unit.

[@LincolnCountyBand-st8yn]

Hey bro if the size was the problem it seems weird to me you didnt simply get a Line6 HX Stomp Xl.... much smaller than even the new board your using and it allows you to stick with the awesome Line6 gear!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Did you see the new board? Lol it is an HX XL

[@LincolnCountyBand-st8yn]

@@SteveSterlacci Sorry Bro, good shit!... Stupid me....

[@SteveSterlacci]

@LincolnCountyBand-st8yn all good bro! Wait til you see the latest version lol

[@LincolnCountyBand-st8yn]

@@SteveSterlacci Cool, like your vids man!

[@adamalper804]

Great channel, Steve, I'm now a new subscriber! I'm getting ready to make my first jump into the multi-effect/midi world. I have a recently acquired RJM PBC/6X for loop switching and midi control. Also a Friedman IR-X pedal functioning as my amp, along with a fuzz and couple of dirt pedals. Everything else will come from a multi. Down to HX Stomp XL, HX Effects, Boss GT1000 Core and TC Electronic Plethora 5X. I don't necessarily need the amp modeling of the Stomp XL and Core, but don't mind having that as a backup. Any thoughts on these, in terms of ease of use and midi programming? I'm not by nature a tweaker type...just want to get through the setup process to make my gigging easier in the long run.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Adam and welcome aboard. The HX XL is a no brainer. Its great fx, backup rig, and solid midi capable. It can be your whole rig, or easily integrate into an existing set up

[@adamalper804]

@@SteveSterlacci Thanks, that makes sense. I'm really digging your channel and look forward to the podcast!

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@adamalper804 awesome! I've got 4 episodes out there already. Hope you enjoy!

[@zakklee2556]

Headrush core? sticken with the helix lt as it has Variax input.

[@3mstudiospalmdesert]

Sold my Helix. I have an HX stomp in the studio that I don't use. I do use Helix Native on nearly every recording.

[@patrickaskey1965]

I just picked up an HX Stomp XL. I have a lot to learn. I got it to go with my Tonex pedal so I can control the Tonex pedal from the HX Stomp XL through midi. I haven't done anything with the HX yet but trying to read the manual.

[@andrewcorneles5710]

I really hope the next generation has a stomp xl with the processing of *at least* the full helix (preferably more!). Agree that the helix format is just a bit much.

[@hughrocko6791]

Only using my headrush now i sold the helix

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Which Headrush?

[@davidsalinas4872]

I've been using wireless since the 80s. Started out with nady Tried almost every brand. the Shure GLXD16+ Digital Wireless By far is my favorite. it's the size of an overdrive pedal.

[@adamwilcox6405]

I've recently downsized to the stomp xl and a 10 inch speaker and love the convenience.

[@shellsjoint]

Fractal is so high level... You will get the best result for recording.. Line6 will come out with the next one... Great video.. Smaller is better these days..

[@TeddyKumpel]

Hey Steve, Thanks for the rig rundown. Very helpful. I'm also a touring guitarist. Wondering what are those colored nuts on the back of your pedals? That makes it so easy to see what's what.

[@AwayWithWordsMusic]

I do use expression so if I could afford it, I think I would enjoy the Helix. However, since I own the XL, I've discovered there isn't enough DSP for a good amp sound plus rich delays and reverbs so I'm using my Source Audio Collider for that. Interesting change for you! All the best!

[@caseykittel]

I have the same issue with not quite enough processing power in the xl. I think the floor has 2x the power. I am ready to buy the floor, but it’s been out over 10 years - aren’t they going to release a new version any time now? It would really stink finally scrape the money together and buy the outdated one. Especially because the price will immediately drop on the original too.

[@mjtejero]

yea size is definitely smaller, not sure why everybody say that it looks the same size? :) btw, with the wireless setup, why it won't work with the fm9?

[@Rockland32]

If it works for you, then that is awesome! I love the Helix, use wah and expression all the time, and suck up all the DSP with a variety of effects. As a lead singer and lead player, I can't let go of snapshots for simplicity lol!

[@robertm9273]

We all have preferences some are important to the individual and not others. However, is it the size the weight? I just gotten two used of what you have and looking for the excitement of something different. I believe that if something is working stick with it when you start going over the fence there might be something there to bite you and you’ll have more complaints.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Well sticking with the HX family moving to the Stomp XL I am very used to it. This works better for travel since the wireless is on board so when I show up to gigs, I plug once into the wall and I'm ready to go since the wireless is already on the board. No extra cabling necessary and I'm the first one done and ready for Line checks. I'm also responsible for 2 guitar rigs on tour so it needs to be fast

[@leehanson1416]

I guess I feel a little less feeble complaining about the weight of the Floor after watching you struggle to move it around. Personally, I've gone to Pod Go for smaller stages, and I carry a spare power supply and a couple of TRS to mic adapter cables.

[@mainstreetmusic4665]

I agree with you 100%.......I switched from a Helix LT to a Stomp XL and haven't looked back. It's funny I posted this issue of size and weight of the Helix in the Line 6 back pack a year or so ago, and got full on attacked by a bunch of comments how it's so light.........I weighed it and replied with the true weight and still they lied......... hahaha

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah a lot of those people came to this comment section too lol glad the XL is getting it done!

[@Eric-dd8bk]

Been rocking with the LT for the last 8 years or so but I really want to switch over to the Stomp XL for it's size alone.

[@melbindas3819]

Great video Steve! Question, is the linked HX Stomp XL preset the same one you offered last year or is this a newer one for 2024? Thanks

[@lineuandra]

Have you looked into the Lectrosonics wireless? They have solid connection and sound fantastic.

[@stepato]

Was looking at a similar set up…. HX stomp with H90 but also thinking of adding an FM3 to get the best of all (modelled) worlds…

[@hardstones17]

me who still has his Tonex + HX Stomp setup, but just bought the floor cause I wanted to have the easier time building presets on a dedicated platform instead of having to mess with presets, MIDI, and HX command center, and external pedal settings all the time just to get my desired tones. The floor I can get what I am after significantly faster. Plus the floor is honestly not that heavy, I would rather have the floor then haul tube heads and cabs all the time thats for sure.

[@banditcosmo]

I have both too, I just like the amps better on the Tonex pedal than the Helix. Check out the Tonex captures by amalgam audio. They are incredible.

[@scottakam]

Line 6 should put out an update to the HX Effects that includes amps. It would be a great form factor for many situations. All these things should be the size of a smart phone if not for the foot switches. That Helix you held up looks the same as holding up a cellular phone in 1987!

[@MattCrill]

An HX Effects with amps= Helix floor 😂. And I'm not sure what phone you had in 1987 but I'm sure it didn't have as much DSP as the Helix

[@scottakam]

@@MattCrill Except that the HX is 1/3 the size and cost. When I was a kid, computers were the size of rooms. You don't get a prize for making a computer the size of a car in 2024!

[@MattCrill]

@@scottakam have you seen a Helix floor? Ironically, it's not much bigger than a standard pedal board

[@brianlonjak9424]

Been Using the Nu-x B8 Wireless. Love it! Cant vouch for it though in the scenarios you would use it in.

[@juddrizzo]

I really like my Line 6 Shuriken Guitar. One day I will buy a Line 6 board that will be able to switch the sounds in the guitar and the board. Currently, I think the only board they offer that will switch the sounds in the Guitar is the full size Helix.

[@ianguitar7532]

Wow! I don't think I could go back from Helix, now. But then I mainly play in a covers band where we change the set-list every gig. It has everything, and I use the expression pedal constantly, wah and volume settings. If I had to fly to do a gig I think I'd use my old Nova System. I've really enjoyed your Helix tips up to now : )

[@Roger-il8iw]

I still use an hd500x and when I do blind tests with my friends they prefer the hd500x or can’t tell a difference 75% of the time.

[@djfree5435]

Would it be possible to connect your new board to a fender champion 50 xl (wired via the instrument input) or only to speakers?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Of course! Just lose the di box or use the dry thru

[@nigeldaddyo]

i use my Helix LT as a glorified effects-only pedal board to control my Suhr PT15, and like you, an H90 in the LT's effects loop. I'd love to go smaller but being in a Rush tribute band precludes it. Exp pedal is a must have, and i also use one w/the H90. Killer, killer tones from this rig. If you told me 5 yeas ago i'd abandon my stomboxes for a multi-effect unit, i would have laughed. 3 years w/this rig, still on the honeymoon. It's cool how Helix can be so many different things to different people, based on their needs.

[@Robowx]

First off you knew Ron Z! Amazing and what an amazing player and person he was along with his brother. Second I get you with having what they call now "Old School" pedals! I'm an analog man in a digital world myself. I grew up on pedals. I dove into the digital world with the Pod 2.0 "Kidney bean" and now I have a Helix and still trying to navigate it. I got because now I essentially just play at Church and the Helix fits the bill. I do use the pedal for swells and such. Third it looks like your new bird is as big as the Helix. Well, you have to do what's best for you.

[@jeffburgess-td3ig]

What power supply do you use to run the Helix XL?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Cioks DC7 or truetone cs6

[@jeffburgess-td3ig]

Thank you!

[@Tomtoms-tomtoms]

Yeah man, I had the same happen. I LOVED my Helix BUT started kinda missing my individual pedals. Ive gone back to a small enough basic pedal setup with a Strymon Iridium and I’m just happier…. Not to shit on Helix, it’s brilliant, but huge and kinda ‘soulless’ if you like pedals. 😊

[@Fnnggjji]

Tone master pro footprint is definitely more ideal. Still get the scribble scripts but portable enough.

[@Matthew_Scan]

I have a Eventide H9 I agree I love the spring reverb and Harminizor

[@donfully]

recently I tied the expression pedal to low/high cut, gain control, etc. and got alot of use out of it

[@3mstudiospalmdesert]

All those amazing amps! Wouldn't it be cool to travel with them without the size, weight, and upkeep? Quad Cortex. Also, size and power. No-brainer for me. I can take my 'Sampson-era; HC30. Worth it!

[@SteveSterlacci]

It's unfortunately just the wrong size to get my wireless on board with it. Having the wireless on the board is main priority. I'm still seeking new solutions though!

[@hisdudeness6523]

I couldn't agree more that the expression pedal takes up a lot of space that isn't needed. I like to have a wah and occasionally would use it in other ways, but I do not like the feel of the pedal compared to a Cry baby or other premium pedals.

[@DustinRadtke]

You didn't really downsize in overall size, but I guess if you put in the wireless unit you kinda did. :) I'm waiting for them to release a FM7! FM3 is too small and my FM9 is huge. I thought Quad Cortex was the answer, but I like the Fractal models better. I have the Shure GLX and it was amazing for 2 years, now it is garbage. I can't go very far away without it cutting out. No more solos on people's tables for me. :(

[@SteveSterlacci]

It's smaller, lighter and accomodates the wireless with no issue. Yeah it's hard to get a travel friendly wireless! Fm7 or 6 would be great

[@Slayer821]

The HX Stomp XL is still a Helix. That is what the HX stands for.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Well one I call my helix, one I call my hx xl. If I'm not using my helix, I'm going to say I'm no longer using my helix. Does this clear it up?

[@randomxaos]

so what is the reason?

[@wakenwaken3618]

New rig seem have the similar mass/weight as helix.. ?

[@chinnarciso]

Have you tried the Nu-x wireless system? Heard its good :)

[@aviator_bryan]

Helix is too big... (pulls out a bigger, heavier, more complicated board) LOL. Just messing with ya. It's a good time to be a guitarist. So many great options!

[@SteveSterlacci]

I'm gonna have to make a debunking video on this lol. It's smaller lighter and has my wireless on board instead of needing an extra power cable and 1/4 inch