All amps and cabs have been built from scratch, and only a few popular HD effects models (like Elektrik, Doom, and Epic) have been converted and enhanced for the new platform. The majority of effects on Helix have been designed from the ground up for the new HX platform. The mission behind the HX modeling engine is to achieve a level of detail, tone, and feel that was previously unattainable. It is driven by a powerful dual-DSP processor powering what Line 6 calls the HX modeling engine.
Helix has some serious power under the hood. Connecting via USB with your DAW allows you to set up Helix for reamping previously recorded guitar tracks. You can store up to 128 1024 or 2048-point IRs, with the ability to run up to four at once (DSP permitting). Third-party impulse responses can also be imported and placed anywhere in the signal path. Helix comes loaded with 48 amps, 30 cabinets, 16 microphone models, and 91 effects, with the ability to run four discrete stereo signal paths and up to four amplifiers simultaneously. Using Helix as an audio recording interface is seamless with the USB jack on the back panel - it’s a full-on 8-in/8-out interface, complete with a good quality mic preamp! This covers a lot of bases here, so almost any imaginable configuration of Helix should be possible through the available I/O.
#Line 6 helix series#
The L6 Link provides an easy connection between Helix and the Line 6 StageSource monitors and DT series amplifiers. The Variax input provides power, digital audio, and instant recall between Helix and a Line 6 Variax guitar. The last bit of I/O includes a Variax input, MIDI In and Out/Thru ports, coaxial S/PDIF I/O, AES/EBU L6 Link, and USB to connect to a computer for use as a recording interface. These outputs are adjustable by the Volume and Phones pots on the front panel. Next on the back panel are the main stereo XLR outputs, as well as stereo 1/4″ outs (to feed your guitar amps, speakers, etc.) and 1/4″ headphone output. The returns can be used for connecting keyboards or drum machines if you need additional I/O, and you can use the Mic input for vocals processed with the internal effects, or to process a miked amp signal along with the direct Guitar input.
Next comes an XLR Mic input with switchable 48V phantom power, and four pairs of 1/4″ send/returns for mono or stereo FX loops. The guitar input provides a selectable input impedance, accessible on the front panel screen. The expression pedals can be assigned to any digital effects parameter, and the EXT amp out is intended for an amp channel or reverb on/off switching relay. On the left side, there are 1/4″ jacks for two additional expression pedals, EXT amp out, Control Voltage input, Guitar input, and Aux in. Helix’s rear panel is loaded with an impressive I/O complement. There’s also one for the heavy, smooth-feeling expression pedal. These display the effect names, which you can edit when adjusting assignments on your own saved preset files. There are backlit LCD “custom labels” above each of the 12 touch-sensitive footswitches. There’s minimal eyestrain if you have to tweak any settings on the fly. The centerpiece of the front panel has to be the 6.2″ high-rez color LCD display screen, which has plenty of color coded symbols and easy to read fonts. The front panel is sleek it’s laid out very intelligently without too much going on to clutter the settings. Helix is made of solid aluminum, so it’s clear that it was designed with weekend warriors and serious touring acts in mind. It can be used as a traditional stompbox/amp modeler as an all-in-one unit - it’s loaded with effects, amps, and impulse responses to simulate the sound of miked cabinets. Helix is very forward-thinking loaded with plentiful I/O and flexible internal routing, it suggests a lot of ways it can be used in your rig. Focused on authenticity, realism, and an intuitive interface, Helix has a lot to offer for the recording and touring guitarist. It acts as the nerve center for your entire guitar rig. The new Line 6 flagship guitar processor, Helix, takes the user experience to a whole new level. From 1996’s AxSys digital modeling guitar amplifier, Line 6 soon expanded into pedalboards and stomp boxes with the POD amp modelers, as well as wireless systems, the Variax modeling guitars, more powerful DSP amplifiers, and audio interfaces. Line 6 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
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