The next Helix

[Music Wolf]

For those who missed it, there was a livestream by Line 6 last night to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Helix, and to show us what is to follow later this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjAJM4hSYVQ

The interesting stuff starts at the 40 minute mark.

New products include the aspirational 'Helix Stadium' (no indication as to if / when the 'Helix Pub' will be launched).

[Wonks]

They won't be cheap. Currently pricing is $1799 .99 and $2199.99 for the Stadium and Stadium XL, though that may change according to the state of the tariff situation.

A lot of good improvements, though some of the additions are probably more than the average punter will want, but will still be paying for them. There may yet be a more cut down version.

[Aled Hughes]

Am I the one one surprised at the lack of Dante?

A high-end FX unit that transmits on Dante (or similar), and also receives a Dante monitor mix to feed the headphone out for IEMs seems like an inevitability for big touring acts.

Perhaps with wireless guitar Tx and IEM Rx built in!

Perhaps those RJ45 ports could be repurposed in the future.

[The Elf]

I heard no mention of Helix Native, which concerns me slightly. The hardware is all well and good, but it is the hardware/software combo that has kept me hooked.

[BigRedX]

Am I the one one surprised at the lack of Dante?

A high-end FX unit that transmits on Dante (or similar), and also receives a Dante monitor mix to feed the headphone out for IEMs seems like an inevitability for big touring acts.

Perhaps with wireless guitar Tx and IEM Rx built in!

Perhaps those RJ45 ports could be repurposed in the future.

Reading between the lines from the very scant information available so far from Line6 it appears they may have their own version of Dante using the separate expansion box. However I'm still not convinced that it's possible to make a RJ45 cable robust enough for regular gigging use.

The idea that you can use it as a playback device and then synchronise Preset and Snapshot changes (and hopefully external MIDI commands) looks interesting as it would allow me to use a Stadium as the main part of my band's live set up. Thise will be the bit I'll be following with interest.

On the other hand pretty pictures of the devices it's supposed to be emulating just looks like a waste of memory and processing power, and as many touch screens simply don't work for me, I'm hoping that any touch screen functionality is replicated from the front panel controls.

[Arpangel]

(no indication as to if / when the 'Helix Pub' will be launched).

That will be the one with the "Working Mens" chorus and delays included, reverbs include "Snug" "Public" and "Saloon"

[Wonks]

Not forgetting the really cut-down "Playing Outside Under a Gazebo In the Rain" version.

[Sam Spoons]

Will that have a built in umbrella? Actually all the Pub versions should have one or better still be totally waterproof in the face of flying beer.

[arkieboy]

I heard no mention of Helix Native, which concerns me slightly. The hardware is all well and good, but it is the hardware/software combo that has kept me hooked.

They’re continuing to sell the current Helix line, but they’ve reduced the RRP/SRP. The Helix LT is looking like a bit of a bargain - if you wanted to buy a gig ready USB audio interface with those ins and outs (and no wall wart) plus a midi controller board with those footswitches and pedal you’d have spent most of its cost already. The modelling is almost free!

Do you use the amp and cabinet sims much, Elf? The stomp boxes and studio effects are more than good enough for live already …

[BigRedX]

IMO the "scribble strips" on the full version of the Helix Floor are worth the extra cost over the LT.

[arkieboy]

IMO the "scribble strips" on the full version of the Helix Floor are worth the extra cost over the LT.

Unless they’re too small for your eyesight!

[BigRedX]

I need reading/computer glasses, but I can read the Scribble Strips fine without them when I'm gigging.

[The Elf]

I heard no mention of Helix Native, which concerns me slightly. The hardware is all well and good, but it is the hardware/software combo that has kept me hooked.

Do you use the amp and cabinet sims much, Elf?

I use them with other artists I work with/for, but not for myself as I don't play guitar. I'm just happy with Helix as an FX/control board for my keys rigs.