Line 6 Helix Guitar Processor
The Line 6 Helix has taken the digital amplification world by storm. Line 6 are widely credited as pioneers of amp modelling and digital effects, leading the charge with classic products like the Pod - with the Helix, they have truly raised the bar, offering jaw-dropping tonal authenticity, unprecedented tweakability and a wealth of stunning effects. It truly has to be played to be believed!
Using Line 6's dual DSP HX modelling engine, you really can attain that sound that's been floating around in your head. Got a function set that goes from '50s rock and roll to '90s Brit Pop? Or have you always fancied a Mesa Triple Rec for blistering crunch and a Fender Deluxe for your cleans, but had nightmares about the cost and practicality? With 45 amps, 30 cabs, 16 mics and 70 different effects built into the Helix, you truly have every imaginable studio-quality sound at your disposal. It doesn't get much better than this!
Overview:
The Helix allows you to run up to four amplifiers simultaneously with up to 32 effects all running on four discrete stereo signal paths for ultimate clarity. This means you can take full advantage of the enormous number of options at your disposal to craft your perfect tone! This includes adjusting mic types and positioning, total control over signal chain, panning, studio-quality compression, multi-band EQ tweaking and much, much more.
There's a chance you already own a rig that you've poured your heart and soul into. Line 6 have taken this on board, so they know that you aren't just going to ditch your boutique effects and amplifiers. They've kindly included extra connectivity options so you can use incorporate your own gear whilst making the most of the Helix's massive potential.
You'll have the ability run four loops of your own external effects pedals, as well as change channels on your amplifier either via MIDI or 1/4" jack - it won't be long before the Helix becomes the true centrepoint of your entire rig!
Reinvented Interface
We've all struggled with fiddly interfaces and overwhelming lists of menus, switches and parameters - this can make it difficult to change settings in real-time and adapt to your musical surroundings. Line 6 went above and beyond to make sure that wasn't the case with the Helix.
The massive 6.2" LCD display shows your guitars signal path, and can be easily navigated using the 6 smart edit knobs and master control knob - you'll be setup and editing within 5 minutes of opening up the box!
But that isn't easy to control while you are on stage. That is why Line 6 fitted a set of 12 touch-sensitive footswitches that let you adjust pretty much any parameter on the fly. Got too much reverb? Want to remove or bypass an effect? No problem - just touch or tap away! It really is that responsive!
We've all tried sticking electrical or masking tape onto our pedalboards so that we can dance our way around on a dark stage! Luckily, the Helix's footswitches are backlit and colour co-ordinated, so you'll have no problem differentiating your different presets. The colours and arrangement are also fully adjustable, so you can tweak and stomp in vivid fashion with ease
The Helix is built with the busy, touring musician in mind. Its solid aluminium construction and rugged switches can withstand even the biggest, heaviest steel toe caps night after night. This thing is designed to not only be feature packed, but to be able to handle anything you throw at it!
The Helix was very quickly lauded as a ground-breaking bit of gear that changed the way guitarists approached their rigs. It now sits comfortably on the boards of countless players such as Dustin Kensrue (Thrice), Pete Thorn (Alicia Keys, Chris Cornell, Don Henley), Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry) & Isaiah Sharkey (John Mayer, D'Angelo, Jennifer Hudson), and many, many more - this roster speaks for itself!
With the free Helix 3.0 firmware update, Line 6 have added a variety of new amps, cabs, effects, and performance enhancements. Get the sound of a Princeton Reverb amp or a Diezel VH4, as well as 1x10 and 1x12 Princeton cabs. A load of new effects have been added including five polyphonic effects, 12-string emulation, and a shuffling looper. Enhancements include a Favourites model list for amp and effect edits (as well as footswitch assignments), the ability to save default settings for every amp, cab, or effect block, and your custom settings appear every time you load the block.
Specifications:
- Dual DSP-powered HX modeling engine
- 45 amps, 30 cabs, 16 mics and 70 effects
- 6.2" LCD display
- 12 touch-sensitive footswitches for editing
- 10 inputs, 12 outputs (including 4 effects loops)
- 8-in/8-out USB audio interface
- 3 expression pedal outs
- Mic-level XLR input
- S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and L6 Link digital outputs
- Capacitive touch-sensitive switches for parameter recall
- Assignable RGB LED color rings
- Customizable LCD scribble strips
- Preset or stompbox modes
- Integrated looper
- Solid-aluminum construction
- Tour-grade footswitches