Why My Helix is Collecting Dust in 2024 - I'm Using Helix Native Instead

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[@bestboy897]

the intro and the song around it is so cute

[@tomtrack16038]

Love the way you incorporated your daughter in the opening jam. A real nice "musical dad" moment.

[@jakestewartmusic]

Helix Native is one of the most under-appreciated selling points of the Helix ecosystem. Having the ability to simultaneously record both a processed audio signal and a dry direct signal for later tweaking in the plugin is a godsend for recording, especially if you're composing/demoing in your DAW. Native has even replaced most 3rd party plugins for me - I can use all of the effects algorithms that I'm already familiar with in the Helix for mixing. It's crazy to me that nobody else has a full plugin of their modeler yet. Neural can't even port all of their plugins to the QC yet, who knows how long it'll be before they can get the entire QC onto a plugin (if they even plan to)

[@markmorton2519]

it's pretty crazy, I did a covers project recently built my practice sessions in the DAW and tweaked my tones as I went, dumped them off to the hardware for the show and it was just an amazing seamless experience and workflow

[@Annunaki_0517]

And Neural charges big $ for all of their products, while Line 6 keeps giving us more for free with each update

[@jakestewartmusic]

@@markmorton2519 totally! that workflow is what makes Helix a no-brainer for me. the fact that you can get the same tones in so many different products that adapt to so many situations actually capitalizes on the advantages that modeling tech gives us in the first place. imo no other company has really taken that idea as far as L6 yet.

[@jakestewartmusic]

@@Annunaki_0517 oh yeah, I don't even want to calculate what buying the QC and all of the plugins to port onto it would cost. in fairness, Neural does update the QC from time to time, but Helix and Native both get fantastic regular updates that blow it out of the water imo. I got Native for $50 on sale as an HX Stomp owner. Got the Stomp on sale for like $450. All in around $500 for any tone I could possibly need on stage or in my computer, with new tones in regular updates. Insane value

[@bartlettpsj]

IK has for Tonex. Device comes with Amplitube too. The amp sounds are really great on Tonex/Amplitube, but the effects are few, limited and the interface is wierd. Native is definitely the best. Maybe combine Tonex and Native's effects worth trying.

[@Becktastical]

Beware: I was using Helix Native in my DAW until it started recently killing my projects. All audio would randomly stop on any project where I had Helix Native on a track. It would not just affect the guitar tracks, but the audio on the whole project would go silent. Removing the Helix Native plugin from all tracks was the only resolution. Line 6 confirmed this can be a problem. They informed me about 3 days ago that they are investigating a known issue with Helix Native patches that contain pitch blocks causing audio output problems. I'm sharing this tip in the hopes it saves you (and your viewers) frustration. It was very hard to isolate.

[@Annunaki_0517]

Hopefully they will fix this problem soon.

[@mmckmusic]

Thanks for the heads up - was this resolved in the end?

[@Becktastical]

@@mmckmusic they advised me to remove that block. So no

[@Rav3nghast]

It happened to me as well! So that's what it was.

[@BrianVallotton]

Love the voice of your baby girl in the loop John! Great playing as always. God bless.

[@RicCrouch]

I actually STARTED with Native. I had a hardware/software problem with an older piece of Line6 gear that customer service couldn’t figure out, so they offered me a copy of Native as an alternative. Had it for a year with no idea what to do with it until I started watching Jason Sadites’ videos, and then I was hooked. I now have an LT and a Stomp which I only use live. For practice or recording, it’s always Native. It just more convenient for me for those use cases.

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

Helix Native is a BLESSING! I used to route the POd HD500x into my soundcard for sound design / production stuff. So having Helix Native With the Legacy FX and if your in Producer Mode - Turn off Compatibility Mode and depending on your CPU you Literally have a 64 Core Helix It's Insane - but Compatibility Mode it terrific for working on tones and there is NO discreprancy from Native to HX Stomp or Helix Floor... I'm surprised more people aren't raving about it! Thanks for making this video John \m/

[@ChrisPanagopulos]

Love the creative loop in the intro! I also primarily use Helix native, it's been seamless for recording, more flexible for adjusting tones post tracking, and I don't need to hook up my stomp every time I need to track something.

[@garyshepherd9226]

I went Native years ago....bought some of your presets and will try today. The big change has been turning the channel gain down to zero on the audio interface - things sound so much better!

[@JBStreeter]

This has to be the most fire intro of all time

[@kay5676]

I think if you’re recording quite often then the idea of using plugins for your guitar process is pretty intuitive and helps with the workflow. But for someone that might just be jamming to themselves in their room then nothing is simpler than just plugging in into their pedal board and improving to a piece no one else may ever hear but themselves.

[@JohnMcGFrance]

I got Helix Native on a deal when I bought my Stomp and use it a lot for recording. HX Stomp is still used for practice but I ont see much point it hooking it up for recording. I use Tone X plugin as well. As you say, it allows you to easily tweak settings after recording without re-amping etc.

[@jasonkucharski7411]

The samples in that loop are wonderful!

[@mike_benn]

Love the flexibility to be able to tweak tones to fit a track in Helix Native. Big tip that has vastly improved my tone consistency: Use HX stomp as your audio interface (with no effect blocks on), connected via USB instead of going through a Scarlett interface etc. HX Stomp as an audio interface gives me a much more consistent input level into Helix Native and no gain staging headaches.

[@KipCount]

The Stomp XL hardware is actually much easier for me to see then the little sliders in Native (or HX Edit for that matter). The Native resolution is at a weird point that I need to be on top of the monitor with my reading glasses, and if I sit back far enough that I don't need glasses, the elements are too small to read.

[@boabmatic]

I use 2 x M-Vave chocolate midi footswitches to control Ableton Live / Neural DSP plugins to get round the switching of software presets , also can be used for controlling the Ableton transport controls and the build in Looper effect so you dont need to mouse click the functions. Also have them set-up for controlling Neural DSP Plugins in Mainstage for standalone playing when not using a DAW.

[@TLMuse]

Since it's been a long time since I've been regularly gigging, I like playing in-the-box. I invested in an HX Effects and HX Stomp (which gets you a discount on Helix Native) so that I have a path for gigging with the same tones I get in-the-box, on those occasions when I'm away from the computer. Line 6 supports this nicely! -Tom

[@mutantboy8888]

Yes, I have never used the Stomp onboard buttons, Ive always used Native...

[@klapaucius4564]

Issue is... if you go with more complex productions, you're hitting the limits of your PC and interface hardware... With pedals, you don't have that. Especially if (like me) you start with drums (which can take up a lot of dsp)

[@jetset9561]

Mine is too since I picked up the FM9

[@KozmykJ]

Helix Native is my current favourite, but I've also been having fun with the Nembrini virtual amp/cab plugins. I'm finding them a bit livelier. BUT I still love the openness of real valves. Fender BassBreaker 15, Laney IRT Studio 15 and a Blackstar HT-1 serve me well for those duties. Although my main DAW is Studio One, Reaper starts up much faster so it has become my gaoto for capturing ideas. Reaper and Helix Native are ready in seconds.

[@ac8704]

After learning to set the gain to 0 has really made a difference. I didn't use Native much before because the tones didn't transfer over that well. (And with a +12db boost that makes sense :)

[@ksharpe10]

I wonder what Age Elodie will be when she takes up one of Dad's Guitars?? So Cute!!!

[@jessenicholson1777]

Intro reminds me a bit of Ya-Yo Gakk by Steve Vai

[@shygrammer]

I'm setting up a travel rig with a mac mini, midi controller and a small screen

[@lifeisShort66]

You don't disappoint !!

[@tonepilot]

A minor, one of my fav scales. Was fun to play along.

[@ehmmmjay9907]

Ok, that intro was sweet! Although I was sure you were gonna go into "Old McDonald" lol.

[@daveconnor6174]

Helix Native, to me, is rad. Last year I was demoing different amp modelling plugins for PC - after trying as many as I could get demos of, I fell in love with Helix Native (despite the interface) - I just thought it sounded the best. As for the hardware units, I've never played with one and I probably never will cuz I don't have that kind of money!

[@DarthV506]

The only drawback to Native is the undiscounted price. It's $550CAD. Guess you can wait for sales! Line 6 was kind of enough to offer me an educational 50% discount via my work email.

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

When I bought an HX Stomp 6 months ago, Native and Metallurgy were thrown in free

[@DarthV506]

@@Arthur_My_Dear HX Stomp is over $1000 in my country, not sure I'd buy the stomp just to get Native. For hardware owners, it's an awesome deal for sure!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

@@DarthV506 No, of course not. 😊

[@rokket2005]

Cordy giving us his best David Maxim Micic impression.

[@89digits59]

Please make a video on how to use Helix Native and record with it by playing backing track directly from KZbin, I have Helix Native, I have Audacity and a USB interface too - but still not able to do this, I have a Yamaha MG10X Mixer well, but still not able to figure out how to use all of these - all I want to do is play a backing track from KZbin play guitar on top and record, sounds simple - still not able to do it.

[@jorgemartinez42069]

Bruh, this info is very really available with a few minutes of googling. Get a different DAW, Audacity is no good for this stuff. Reaper is free. Look up ASIO drivers for Windows if youre on that. And get an audio interface. Boom, you're done.

[@timothy5974]

I would love to see a future video talking about pedal controllers for software sims. I know you can use the Helix

[@AC-hz4xq]

please check out the line 6 pod express

[@MrJimDG]

only reason I use my HX stomp, is to off load processing from the laptop, but I still control it from the laptop. Have plenty of projects with many Native tracks on, but frozen them (in reaper) when not working on the to keep the load down on the laptop.

[@tonyhao9344]

I've had a Helix Floor since 2016, use it every day as its my audio interface. I've had Native since mid 2017, only used it a few times. I hardly use my DAW, so that's my excuse. I should start using Native more. I tend to use TH-U more as far as plugins go, having Helix floor and using Helix Native seems redundant.

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

Good intro hope it gets a release.

[@miccullen]

I only take my Floor out of the bag when playing out, or updating the presets for playing out. The rest of the time it's ALWAYS Native. For years.

[@aarongrimwood6594]

Like just for the sweet intro!

[@stanjankowski9705]

Huge fan,I am a professional musician and learn all aspects of improvement from John's knowledge and performance.Question: I John a should musician, or self taught. All the best to all guitarists!

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

I haven't used my HX stomp in probably over 6 months. Been using helix native a tonne though.

[@jshearer94]

That intro was hauntingly cute!

[@jakeah1175]

What’s your round trip latency out of interest?

[@noahm]

Masterful intro song

[@martoneill]

I don’t gig so use plug-ins all the time. I have a Katana for the odd time I want a change from monitors or I’m jamming with mates somewhere.

[@isaacwilliams153]

THE INTRO!!!

[@None-lh5mx]

I've been using Amplitube for > 12 years. Funny seeing it come full circle. I will tell you though: Computers cannot replicate gain pedals as well. Use a real OD pedal and use the computer for modulation, delays, reverb, etc.

[@MH-tz5xf]

Sweet!!!!

[@GuitarCraze123]

I’m curious to know after all the revelations of the gain staging with plugins how that works when you stick a drive pedal in front. I have been using native with drive pedals to some success but I do find there’s something that feels off. Id be interested to hear your thoughts and to your point about not changing sounds on the fly, sticking some pedals in front might help you get some options although granted you are then committed to the recording.

[@smartmammal9926]

Brilliant

[@martoneill]

Lovely loop ❤️

[@rossdonald5026]

Hi John, Thanks......an especially interesting presentation for me, as I'm at that difficult stage of wanting to make the leap into Native, but never been totally happy with the 'live' sound from my Genelecs/Senheiser h/phones as I'm recording. I've been used to a lifetime of interacting with an amp/cabinet behind me. I use an Apollo X4 which appears to tick all the boxes, so shouldn't really have any issues........maybe I just have to stick with it and persevere. What interface do you plug your guitar into?

[@KnoVic0617]

"hehe" is spinning around my head lol

[@TLMuse]

"Melody with Elodie"? -Tom

[@mixodorians12]

Been using aBehringer fcb1010 with Helix Native for a while. Can use the expression pedals, change snapshots, bypass effects...but I cannot change presets with it, as helix native does not allow changing presets via midi, with a foot controller...basically to prevent you using helix native in a live envirionment instead of a Helix..Only downside really.

[@TLMuse]

You might be able to get around this by using a live plug-in host. If you do a search on "Helix Native and MIDI control gig performer" you'll find a discussion of doing this with the Gig Performer plug-in host. Also check out Jason Sadites's video on using Helix Native in Cubase with a MIDI controller: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2S5iolviMeBeck. But I don't think he has a workaround for switching presets. -Tom

[@andywoodmusic]

Best intro ever

[@vladaspetrauskas2800]

Nice playing!

[@johnosborn1793]

Can you use Helix Native by itself, without a Recording software. Thanks

[@lanceholland]

Have you considered something like GigPerformer and a midi controller so that you can use these plugins and control them like a pedalboard?

[@PolypusherStudios]

this is amazing.... i'm going to look at Helix Native (as i'm a Stomp user). Many thanks! How do you find the DSP usage etc... is it purely based on your PC/Mac processor; so you can push it a lot more than the stomp hardware?

[@mgie22]

Badass percussion 😂

[@emelle1283]

My Helix Rack is half dead (sometimes powers on sometimes doesnt, sometime sound is there sometimes it isnt, or it goes out after an hour, or less). Im really disappointed as i bought it just 2 years ago 2nd hand and it wasnt cheap (2/3 new cost). Also cos it was 2nd hand i didnt get free Native. Really dont want to buy a new Helix now as they are a 2016 design and could be a massive new product released any month. Would it be a good idea to buy Native and use that until the new hardware comes out? The Rack has a foot controller which is still functional - could i still use that with Native?

[@christopheranderson2158]

Couldn’t you use a simple MIDI footswitch to change scenes in Native? Most DAWS/plugins have MIDI control ability. Just a thought........

[@alien4422]

Oftentimes? The Americanisation or should I say the Americanization of John Cordy has commenced. 😂

[@nickcelej7201]

Have you ever tried controlling native with the helix floor?

[@klapaucius4564]

Whay are you running this on? Mac?

[@andrearossi8647]

Hi John, I use Helix on daw with good results. What i can't get right is fuzz. Have you any advice on how to make fuzz sound good in Helix Native (without impedence control of pedal unit)?

[@gerrydaly5409]

Did you adjust any settings on your audio interface / Helix native input gain to make the tones identical to your HX Stomp?

[@charlesstratton5335]

John Nathan Cordy...YOU ARE NUTS

[@picksalot1]

Helix Native is awesome. Unfortunately, my computer is not, so I get pops and dropouts, particularly on distorted tones. 😢

[@TLMuse]

If you're using it in a DAW, the problem may be in part due to how well your DAW handles plug-ins. If you have another DAW, it might be worth testing Helix Native there. Or consider using a plug-in host designed for live playing, which might be more optimized than the DAW you are using (I use Gig Performer). That won't help you with recording, but at least it may make jamming and tone tweaking more pleasant. -Tom

[@picksalot1]

@@TLMuse Yes, I have been using it in a DAW, Cakewalk by Bandlab. I hadn't considered running it the way you suggested. Maybe that will work better. Thanks 👍

[@davidsartorius6631]

so helix native gives exactly the sounds and editing possibilites as the hardware? do i need helix hardware to be able to use helix native or is it a plugin like ndsp stuff?

[@aarongrimwood6594]

Same sound and functions, don’t need any helix hardware for it

[@davidsartorius6631]

thanks! @@aarongrimwood6594

[@shawnmcginnis2508]

Line6 does give helix owners a large discount on the software. I believe I paid $50 USD for Native. Idk it's been a few years.

[@klapaucius4564]

Your pc can get clogged with plugins tho.

[@cybersixx]

So helix native is what is neural dsp plugin towards the quad cortex?

[@jakestewartmusic]

Native is even better imo, it's everything in the Helix in a plugin. Neural DSP doesn't have a plugin that has the entire QC on it - the QC, with all of its amps and effects, is separate from the plugins. The plugins are based on certain specific amps or players, and many of the amps and effects in those plugins aren't actually on the QC yet. They've been promising the ability to port the plugins onto the QC for years, but they've been extremely slow to deliver - they've only just recently been accomplishing this one plugin at a time, basically. You also have to own each plugin to port it onto the QC. I'm not aware if they've ever announced the intention to go the other direction tho, putting the entire QC onto a plugin - I wouldn't hold my breath on that happening anytime soon tbh.

[@DarthV506]

Well, it's the entire Helix ecosystem in a plugin, not individual ones like NDSP. Probably has more amps & effects than the entire NDSP plugin lineup combined!

[@cybersixx]

Ok thanks guys

[@DVDFRMN]

Is that the latest 'gangster' fashion is it? wearing your electronic tag on your baseball cap to show you are on house arrest..... #BadManStyle

[@AutisticCuriosity]

Now ya guess you can check emails while you’re playing? Omg if you get AI on your computer it definitely will play for you. You get that you don’t actually need a guitar for computer music? There are programmes that simulate a guitar too. In fact there are video tools that actually replace your tube guitarists altogether. Think you may just have forgotten why we use pedals. And what musicians are for. Walk into an open mic folk night and plug in ya phone play that. This may seem like a hostile comment that’s not my intention I just want to make a point about the Soul of music.

[@tappistrt]

First

[@jimlansa7098]

love your playing and phrasing

[@rigelloar7474]

The modelers and plugins are versatile and convenient, but the very best tones I've heard from your videos, have all been with real amplifiers.

[@mixodorians12]

I gotta call bs on this. Digital has won. No one cares about Amps anymore.

[@rigelloar7474]

@@mixodorians12 The muses are not moved by simulations. . . . .

[@miccullen]

🤣🤣🤣