Why I'm Using the Helix live in 2024

[@picksalot1]

An All-in-one Unit is so convenient: No finicky cabling between Pedals, better shielding from all kinds of noise, reliability, options, versatility, great sound, easy to navigate, and more. Helix Floor has it all. Bring an HX Stomp as a backup, and you're covered.

[@scottdenmark3577]

It’s so hard to beat the Helix. The difference in quality between real amps and pedals is so minimal in a band setting especially. Simply plugging in and having any amp or effect is a no brainer.

[@agustinfernandez5115]

its so freeing to know whatever sound its needed for a part is seconds away instead of going "uh, should of brought this or that to practice instead".

[@kannonprice3521]

Very true. With just one caveat being that with a traditional pedalboard it’s very unlikely for everything to break at once but if you rely on one helix if it stops working you’re kinda fucked unless u can afford/ bring a backup helix.

[@1970sman]

A Board + Amp Sim Pedal for me. Or even a Real Amp with the same board.

[@christopherjansen5135]

I have other pedalboard solutions, but it always comes back to Helix when I hit the stage. It’s just so powerful, sounds great and is easy to implement with FOH.

[@89ji76]

The only reason I ever opt for a pedalboard over a modeler is to limit myself intentionally.

[@1970sman]

A good player with a good board has no limitations.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

I’d say not getting a good modeler limited yourself unless you’re very wealthy and have purchased the hundreds of pieces of gear in helix. If you can afford all that gear, you easily can afford a helix, then I’d say you’re never limited. Helix gets new gear every year to boot, todays helix is totally different then when it came out.

[@0525ohhwell]

@@1970sman While that would look great on a motivational poster, it is not 100% accurate for a gigging guitarist.

[@jdestrada6281]

Seriously! I’m in my 30s so I came up with modelers. Always got told by everyone that analog was the way to go. Sold all my gear, got real pedals and a tube amp. And was very happy indeed. But the full control was missing. Got the helix and it brought back so much inspiration and freedom.

[@onenotesolo256]

I just got back from a bar gig. Rig was guitar > small board, all mono: Cali76 > clean drive (Nordvang Skyline) > higher gain drive (Vemuram Shanks ODS-1) > solo boost (Origin Effects DCX Boost) > delay (Strymon DIG) > verb/trem (Flint) > Morgan JS12 1x12 combo. The amp can be heard over the drums without a mic, and the DIG let me do the quarter into dotted 8th U2 delay without sounding muddy. But I dangled a Sennheiser e906 in front of the amp and into the PA mixer just to add a bit of width and colour through the two PA speakers. Sounded fantastic. I had the guitar case on my back and carried the combo and board (Schmidt SA 250) in either hand, so it was very manageable. It felt good to be standing next to a tube amp, and I got some good comments on the tone. Totally respect the Helix rig, but this set up, or my usual two heads and two 1x12s wet/dry, is just a lovely thing to play and listen to.

[@tiago2336]

Just the thought of carrying it around I’m out 😂 also I’m pretty sure I sound as good with my helix buddy.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

The fact that once or so a year line 6 adds amps and fx, that I’d probably never think of, definatly couldent afford all the gear represented by helix makes it the future for me. I’m almost 70 and never have had near the effects and amps in helix makes it a no brainer. I’ve owned every pod line 6 has made and the helix represents they finally got the bugs out. It’s wonderful. I just purchased mine a month ago so I’ve got a lot to learn. I’ve got the basics I’m just trying to watch videos for the tricks you pros have found. Thanks John

[@JosephCompton66]

I still love my pedal board. It is super easy for me to dial in the stuff I want

[@cannedmilk]

I recently started using a Pod Go from a regular amp and cab setup. It’s been so convenient for gigs. Setup and tear down is fast, sound is consistent, and I can almost recreate any sound with some tweaking. Now I want a helix, but they’re so pricey.

[@TheBotsra]

I do the same thing, go back and forth between the helix and the good old fashion way. I think it just human to get bored and flip flop around. However when transporting is involved, Helix (in my case) or what ever flavor one perfer, is the way to go.

[@saunds59]

👍 totally agree. The venue load-in and room available on stage is a factor, but sometimes I change just for a bit of inspiration

[@jeale778]

I love your style of music. Cheers from Chile

[@joemiller9856]

Good stuff. One of the reason I prefer an all in one modeler ..

[@DavidDAVID-di8dt]

Yes, Helix make my gigs set realy easy, and it sounds good enougth to satisfy audience.

[@michaelmurphy7987]

Love your playing and review’s on different products 🎸🔥

[@paulkontz]

The versatility of a multieffector can’t be beat, if… you’ve taken the time to learn the functions that make it efficient to use. It’s real easy to get caught in the weeds live if you’re not intimately familiar with the unit’s features. The simplest solution is generally best. You could do that gig with one gain, one mod (any mod really, no one in the wedding party can tell the difference between phase and flange) and a delay into a reverb amp and be fine. For me, it’s whatever gets me out of my head and into the music that works best. Somehow, though, I still manage to over complicate things. Love your channel, JC.

[@robinr.2233]

You said that right. for a lot of us.

[@sinfirma23]

I have never bought a pedal since I bought my Fractal Audio and I have a Marshall SV20H that sounds just like the Fractal version through the same cab. The only reason I keep my Marshall is because of that comforting psychological aspect of using completely analog equipment and having it in front of you.

[@duanetribune4441]

Recently had a gig that had backline amp that I usually have & that I use as amp in my HELIX. Since it was regionally I thought about taking my FR12 but opted to just setup my HELIX preset sans the amp & run it in front of the amp. I tweaked it using my Blues Cube Artist that I have at home. At the gig it freaking rocked. The mighty HELIX won out again in a live situation. Love it!

[@IamMusicNerd]

I’ve been migrating away from my old pedalboard as well, for something more portable and all on one. But I went with QC and an expression pedal, because the smaller size lets me use it with some real pedals in a hybrid setup. (and I prefer the interface). But you can’t go wrong with either.

[@ronpluijm]

Sounds great John, I have a Helix LT myself. Just don't tell uncle Larry . 🤣("Good sound is heavy and hard to carry", he said ones) Lately I bought a Revv D20 amp. Have you ever tried one? It's very light and good sounding. I live in a small apartment, so I can;t crank up my old line 6 Vetta in this "old folks" home (I'm 68) although most of my neighbours are deaf anyway. 😉

[@wilssantos2]

I've just played a gig with my trusty LT and it couldn't have gone better. I just carry my guitar in one hand, my small Headrush FRFR108 in the other and the Helix in my backpack, and that's the perfect stage solution basically everytime, because what I hear in my FRFR-108 monitor is what is going through xlr directly to FOH. Because the Helix - even the LT - has enough I/O for anything you throw at it, plus the processing power, plus the updates. I couldn't be happier with it, and going back to "real amps" or other modelers is not something in my foreseeable future hehe...

[@jackmears6411]

I keep trying to move away from Helix (not from dissatisfaction, just G.A.S. and looking for new sounds, etc), and it doesn't work. I still prefer my Helix for gigs. It just fits. I have an LT and keep a 2nd LT in my car for backup. I might build a Stomp Board, to reduce footprint, but by the time I add a couple external pedals and an expression pedal, it's as big as my LT anyway... plus, I MUCH prefer to have dual outputs (XLR and 1/4") to feed FOH and my monitor separately, and having the on-board expression is priceless. Helix is still my best go-to option.

[@briancassidy7510]

Helix , especially if you learn the controls and labels and settings favorites, is unbelievably awesome.

[@davidsalinas4872]

I've been digging with the helix for over 8 years now. Using effects only no modeling straight into a tubeamp. I used to take a maxon overdrive pedal, with an OCD pedal and forgot these two Pedals when I got to a gig. Dialed in the Timmy and the OCD from the Helix. And I actually thought I got a better tone with those. The only extra. pedal I take now is the Shure GLX-D16 Guitar Pedal System

[@michaelfolsom6654]

It's all about the correct tool for the job at hand.

[@johnnytwo-shoes9798]

On the size of the helix, the other comparative units don't have an integrated expression pedal. Without that it would be a comparable size to the QC (I'd imagine don't have one). I always use an expression for something even with my hx stomp. Size in transit does make it seem bigger but on the floor in use just having to plug in 1 thing plus maybe a second expression. With my hx stomp which fits in large soft lunchbox, at a minimum I have it and an mc6 midi MK2. I usually also plug in a Dunlop mini x exp pedal . Sometimes an ehx pitchfork nano. 3 pedals that need power, patch leads, midi cord and trs for the exp. Sometimes a boss looper which adds a 4th pedal needing power. All need isolated power because digital pedals are noisy and don't play well with daisy chains. With the helix, I plug 1 thing in, the extra exp pedal if needed and a boss looper if needed - 2 patch cables at most 2 power supplies at most if I bring the looper (rarely do). Usually it's just the helix and that's it. Love that about the helix - it's an all in one of you need an exp pedal.

[@davidkerslake267]

Had the Helix since day one and the options it gives you are more than enough for a cover band player, even for acoustic gigs too, I’ve tried other units but the Helix having more switches always wins for me 😀

[@vizun]

People talk about the size of the Helix, but it's a full pedal board with amps direct out and volume pedal...

[@steveandrushko75]

The size is so no big deal for me I just got my Helix a few weeks ago and absolutely love it I relly want that preset can you tell me what you used so I can duplicate it please?

[@wilfriedcwik3475]

I bought a new Helix a few days ago for a good price (1315€) and in conjunction with my BigSky and my ToneX you have to stretch yourself in every possible way to get a better tone. I had Helixe Native for a while and decided now it's time to get the hardware. Outdated? No, it was way ahead...now the others are coming closer ;)

[@Terrible_Peril]

Utility is apparent. That’s how you know a great product design like the Helix family. And now using that winning formula to inform the intentionally lower tiered Pod products just makes them infinitely better as well, giving more players a chance to use it which will improve feedback and designs in the future.

[@AhmedAzhar]

i also tour with only gt1000 for years now, it makes life easier

[@jamlsn]

After being a tube amp, big pedalboard player for so many years, I bought the Helix LT 3 years ago. I would never go back to all those expensive pedals, cables, power supplies, amp…such a PITA! And I’ve gotten incredible tones out of the Helix. I also bought John’s patches which are awesome! I’m all about simplicity after playing for 40+ years. I’d much rather spend time on practicing and playing, although messing with the Helix is fun too!

[@ideadriver1504]

Mate, you trumped Sam there, definitely going to your gig, amazing stuff, love the HELIX and Native

[@aviator_bryan]

Helix beat by big pedalboard years ago, with the G2 switcher and Strymons, H9, drives etc. and now my Fractals beat my helix. It’s an ongoing quest.

[@BigDancin]

That's the key benefit live - as you said, it either works or it doesn't. When a pedal board is not outputting sound, there are probably about 20 things that may possibly have gone wrong. It is frantic sweat time if you have to troubleshoot that in front of a crowd. I believe in using a multifx board, with or without a real amp, and then having a pedalboard at the gig as a backup. If you power up in soundcheck, you can feel pretty good that you won't be running for that pedalboard and you're good.

[@seanfreimond]

The other day I forgot my helix at church and had to roll with a pedalboard and a valve amp for a live worship thing - I am completely healed of the need to ever do that again, the bulk just isnt worth the trouble, and the Helix is way more versatile and actually sounds better because the room we were in didn't sound great! Helix forever, and valve amp for glorious at home in the room tones ❤. When you're playing with in ears even more so.

[@stratplayr6997]

Good point on the in ears. I'm looking to make that move myself and a Helix would work well in that capacity

[@monahantp3767]

THAT's why I've invested in the Helix; an all-in-one solution that's easily programable without a computer-- and it sounds great. Love pedals and real amps, but the Helix is a multi-tool to get a specific job done. Also, most people in the audience don't have a clue about what you're using anyway-- that's not why they're there ;)

[@dougbooth3161]

I love not plugging a bunch of pedals into each other, into an amp, hoping everything works and doesn't make too much noise. Haven't used a pedal for 7-8 years now. Don't miss it at all. My Helix was the best music gear purchase I have ever made.

[@charliek2557]

This dude can play.

[@lightningstrikes7314]

I do both live-best of both worlds.

[@1970sman]

I made a lid for my home made board. It's so good, you can load full PA gear on top of it (and do). I can even stand on it, no problem. OK...c'mon. let's have the M.P. sketch reference's now.

[@nezzak9378]

Great melodic playing man! 🤙

[@charlesli5521]

Love these Sam Fender inspired jams!

[@grahamcoxon]

Nice- great to see this as it’s pretty much the same as my own thinking as I approach these shows next month with helix and powercab +212 ..

[@svenderiknielsen5767]

I have both the Helix and the QC. I can see the advantage in terms of the Helix have build in power supply other than that the QC might also be a good choice for the gig. All the best Svend from Denmark

[@john808welk]

Dude, that intro was soooo good!

[@MariJu1ce]

Go do yourself a favour and listen to Sam fender - seventeen going under

[@zachallard7010]

Loving the 80s bon iver vibe

[@handyc77]

If I was still playing live, I would have an LT or Floor. But now iI'm using a Stomp XL as an audio source and Native into my DAW

[@lanceholland]

looks like one of our band's set lists....we do many of the same songs.

[@keithmulcahy3417]

Hard to beat the helix imo , it does it all really well and it’s so reliable

[@bryantwalley]

You already know what I did. Get the Helix Floor, Learn it, Sell everything else and watch the bank account get fat.

[@jakeerbst4073]

That’s new guitar money…

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

I'm done with cables and power supplies and risky boards. The fx in the Helix are very good and more than enough for every situation.

[@citizenphaid1880]

Question. Why use the phone out rather than dedicated out from the helix to the frfr?

[@bmac8810]

That snare is on like a 750:1 ratio lol! Great vid Jon :)

[@4602experience]

Simulations are great! But nothing beats reality 😉

[@vriendelijkegroet]

The Blackstar amped1 has an XLR but also a poweramp it can go into ANY cab available.

[@sjsphotog]

Good stuff JNC. glad to see you use Sony full frame mirrorlesss cameras. Sony rocks. Love my Helix LT

[@Hyperspeed1000]

the helix is amazing. No tap dancing needed. You can create tones that would be really hard to replicate in real life and in all the time I never had a bug or a freeze despite being it technically a computer.

[@FloBorge]

Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai's band) tours the world with his Helix. I think that does it. :)

[@carlosflores68]

Som extraordinário. Gostei muito. Parabéns.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

When you think of differences between helix and the hardware amp, I say buy 2 of the same amps and you’ll find differences. But the flexibility of setting up each block to your liking is more possible than buying the hardware.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Love the Helix.

[@StratsRUs]

I love my Helix now. Never used to but over time and updates it is phenomenal.

[@jnixo9900]

I went and saw a band last night for the first time in years (yes im old lol). It was loud (in a good way). My Point? If they were using modellers or amps I dont think I could have told the difference. The mix was great and you could pick everything out but the guitarist could have been using anything and ultimately it sounded like a guitar in a mix. Side note. I forgot how awesome live drums and bass feels!!

[@FabrizioPeretti]

As previously said, this types of functional gigs just work better with the floor Helix to me.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Very nice big fan 😊

[@sandesh.sange.moktan]

It only has to do is make it screen touch

[@livelypelts3325]

Why not the FM9?

[@Arifguitar]

I was wondering why you didn’t get two smaller FR10 for stereo gigs? Can you talk about the stereo vs mono fr speaker is that big difference?

[@AmericanNationalist852]

I second this. I'm debating on whether or not its worth it to buy another EV PXM-12mp for my FM9

[@r0bophonic]

If you’re going stereo to FoH from the Helix, do you really need stereo amps?

[@gabrieladdenbrooke1964]

How come you chose this over fm9?

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Pick out a boutique amp and it could be 3k to 5K alone. Just one amp. The contents of helix if you were ti buy all the hardware could be hundreds of thousands.

[@stratplayr6997]

I play in a steady gigging cover/party band. My current rig is a vintage Deluxe Reverb + a pedalboard. My issue is that my setup & teardown time takes forever, with all the cables and things that need to be powered. The Helix seems to make so much sense, in that it would certainly streamline my rig. However I have nowhere to try one out and don't know anyone personally who has one. So for me to make the move to Helix (or other digital unit) is that it's a very expensive leap of faith. Plus I don't have much experience in programming things like this. Is this thing really as good as the hype?

[@MrElectricN8]

If there would be a next version of Helix floor, it should have an analog boost with mini controls on top of the board. I cant use it without a boost or a centura and I cant explain why.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

John, again I ask do you still have a line 6 DT 50? I have w. Connection is a L6 digital cable to my DT 50 212 combo, then a short L6 digital cable out of the combo to my DT 50 head. The helix control is so much more intuitive than the HD500X in the output section I started with the 7 cable method, but actually not using 7 cables all the signals audio and digital go theough the L6 cables. The templates are almost identical except the top line is panned 100 percent right and the bottom 100 percent left. From there ( and I just bought my helix) I think I can have full stereo with minimum cables. A lot fir me to learn as far as effects in patches, but the sound is awesome, also in outputs it gives you the choice of using the DT 50 presets in channel A and helix in channel b. And you don’t have to make both amps the same. It also switches the amp channels in the presets, also you know the DT 50s only have 4 amps, but you can use the midi setup in the helix to control all 16 of the dts amps. If you like you can also use a seperate midi controller, like the line 6 FBV 3 for just the DT amps. Lots of options. They’re very expensive but if you purchased 3 of line 6 FRFR you can have your wet dry wet setup. I hope someday you’ll do a video on the DT 50s with helix. I’m hooked.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Interesting that you are using the headphone out into the FR12...are you using a TRS cable for that?.

[@BattousaiMLT]

Amps sound and feel great theres no denying that , no modeller user is denying that, the convenience , portability ease of use, reliability, less to worry about, is what makes working musicians go to modellers time and time again. And now with all modellers sound basically the same ( 99% of the audience cant tell the difference ). Amps are becoming more and more of a luxury or a studio recording tool (for when you want a real amp) than a gigging option.

[@MrJingles021]

The rhythm tone was so good. What amp sim were you singing?

[@davidgreer5150]

Every time I see a band where the guitar player is attempting to replace analog pedals with a Helix, the tone just suffers. The Helix (and other modelers) are fine for recording work and seem to sound fine on KZbin's like this one but when you hear them live, you just know... not the same as analog pedals and a pure rig. But to be fair, the gig pays the same with or without real gear so there ya go...

[@peterdadswell7998]

You have come full circle young grasshopper, lol. Helix all the way, with or without an amp.

[@jeanclark7296]

I was nearly with ya until you did stuff on the fly.. stuff like that helps if you can see..!! ( I prefer the FX8 in scenes if you’re going down that route ) but to have to bend down and press stuff is a no no mid gig..

[@steveandrushko75]

i love your solo soind what amp are you on? I want to duplicate that tone

[@jamieharris3520]

Is there anyway to make the helix sound like it doesn’t have a blanket over the sound or like you’re listening to it through a jar? I play professionally but have always used amps, need to downsize but every one I know that uses helix all sound the same. Just doesn’t poke through in the mix and in general to me doesn’t sound that great. Just doing some research. So yeah, any insight on to make it sound not like it’s being compressed under everything?

[@PlayinOcean]

I am subscribed to the Google Drive, but I cannot find this preset there. How do I get access to it? Sounds great!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Why do u have to use the headphone out to the fender frfr? Is there no xlr outs for powered cabs?

[@KingSimRacing]

Hi John great video once again. I also use the Helix and Fender FR-12 Cab. Could you explain a little what you mean about using the headphone out into the fender and what this achieves? Thanks!

[@shawntracy4444]

JC, noticed your Helix volume is dimed. I keep mine at 12, do you find full on better for gain staging to fr12?

[@ryanmaroney4793]

Dig the Sam Fender cover

[@ericajohnson7535]

I've checked other processors, and the workflow of the Helix is simply so much easier... Too bad the hardware is of low quality.

[@luiseg277]

Hi Cody, I recently saw your video on how you were using another board, than the helix, and you mentioned the size, but when I saw both, they were basically the same to me, size comparison between boards is not valid in this case 😅. Have you thought of the pod go instead?

[@kannonprice3521]

Helix is so great but has just one big problem for me. With a traditional pedalboard it’s very unlikely for everything to break at once but if you rely on one helix if it stops working you’re kinda fucked unless u can afford/ bring a backup helix.

[@joeltunnah]

You could always plug straight into the amp, turn it to 11, and go old school.

[@Glensully]

I thought you weren’t using the helix anymore…. I like to use my amp these days and the helix. At home helix only

[@JRandallS]

Unfortunately I have followed the same path. Unfortunately as I've wasted $ on nice pedals and amps that are no longer necessary.

[@MuckingAboutWithMyHeadrush]

"If not on a Helix then what?" erm.. a Headrush would be just as easy to make those changes on.. I have an FM9 too, and yes, not so easy :)

[@christopherjbutler]

Does the Headrush have capacitive touch foot switches as well? I haven't taken a serious look at one yet.

[@MuckingAboutWithMyHeadrush]

@@christopherjbutler No, to do what John did you would just drag one button over the other on the screen and they would swap. Don't get me wrong I love the Helix too, despite their ages I think they are still the best 2 interfaces out there and I'd be happy with either of them.

[@r0bophonic]

I’ve got a flight gig coming up. If you were in that situation, what would you bring?

[@xlilxillx]

the helix is goated

[@andersoncamargo5864]

Hélix está no mesmo nível de kemper e Quad e fm9 ?

[@Slamzilla11]

I really like the Helix but given the age of the product, I have purchase paralysis. I feel the second I buy one, they will come out with a new model.

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

buy a second hand one that you can try out 1st - it is worth it

[@chenwen-hao5023]

Hi John, i noticed you turn the global volume knob to full on your helix. What would you suggest to control the volume in presets? I know that volume/level control in amp block, cab block and especially master volume will affect the tone quite a bit

[@richo144]

global volume have to be at full to reach UNITY GAIN, then you control the volumen in every preset

[@b_m3998]

What is the object on the side of your hat? I’m not sure if that’s been addressed before, but, I can’t figure it out

[@christopherjbutler]

NUX remote wireless mic, I believe. He used to clip it to his collar but it would vary the intelligibility a lot when he would turn his head to change a setting on his amp or the like. Where it is now he ha consistent speech audio level and frequency response. Very practical, very John lol. They make a lavalier remote mini clip mic for that unit too, but that would be more crap to deal with and still would have the same variable sound quality for someone who moves his head around a lot when demoing gear.

[@nikodimson]

Add an H90 and no processor of existing now can beat your pedalboard) (Even Neural or Fractal)

[@michaelmurphy7987]

Can you do a review on the Boss me-80?

[@matthewperry2767]

Is the fractal fm9 a better board than the helix?

[@StefanStrodthoff]

Both are great. I play a FM3 and I'm happy with it. The point is: changing a preset on stage is not that easy, with the fractal devices you edit your presets at home.

[@john808welk]

@@StefanStrodthoff That might be the most level headed response I have seen to this type of question! I agree that the ease of editing is the biggest factor. Loved the tones I was getting from my fm9, but I hate computer editors so I couldn't get along with it.

[@cohnjordy]

I have an FM3, I hate doing any adjustments outside of the desktop editor. QC and Helix is much better with this, QC hands down with the touch screen, but you can't go wrong with a Helix.