Line 6 Helix Guitar Processor

Dual DSP Power

The Line 6 Helix has not one but two extremely powerful DSP's which allows for more processing power than ever before. The HX Floor and Rack can accurately replicate the tonal characteristics and nuances which both modern and vintage value amps are known for creating. This is a huge leap forward in guitar modelling technology and allows for more in depth control over your sound than ever before. What makes the helix stand out from its competitors is the amp component modelling. Rather than trying to re-create the sound using the traditional methods the helix replicates these amps at component level, this goes as far as replicating power supply ripple, individual tube sag, and control over B+ voltages.

HX Hybrid Cabinets

Line's HX Cab technology is new take on speaker cabinet emulation! These models give the same resolution and low end accuracy you get from a 2048-point or higher Impulse Response whilst only using up the DSP power that would be used with a 1024-point IR. This allows the extra power to be used in other areas such as your amp or effect modelling. The cabinets comes with a choice of 16 different microphones and 23 various recording distances to further customise your sound as if you are mic'ing your own cab up in the studio or on stage! The Helix also allows you to load your own impulse responses as well for additional customisation.

Behavioural effect modelling

As with the amplifier modelling the Helix uses its same component level modelling technology with each of its effects. Vintage pedals which were extremely difficult to accurately replicate such as Fuzz, distortion, and even the classic 1960's Uni-Vibe. The Throbber is a "virtual lightbulb" that mimics the decidedly nonlinear behaviour of the small incandescent bulb and four photocells inside the original 1960's Uni-Vibe pedals that are essential to their unique sound and vibe. This ability of individual component modelling allows you access to a huge selection of both classic and modern effects pedals which are accurately replicated, nuances and all. All of this packed into one simple unit.

Snapshots

The Helix uses snapshots which allow you to save upto 8 variations within each patch. These snapshots are variations of your setting which allow you to change multiple parameters, and switch things on or off in your chain. This can then be re-called instantly without any audio dropouts or cutting off delay or reverb tails. You can switch snapshots by simply pressing one switch making the Helix the perfect gigging tool.

Easy to use interface

With more power, options and versatility usually comes a huge learning process with deep menu systems and a complicated setup. The helix has done away with this! The large 6.2 LCD screen easily displays your whole effects chain right in front of you, paired with parameter dials, dual function touch switches you can easily add, delete, move or edit anything in your effects chain with ease! Paired with this you have fully customisable scribble strips which can display whatever you choose and colour coded LED rings around the foot switches, this allows you to see clearly what is going on and what you need to switch on or off in any situation.

Connect it anyway you like

The Helix is designed to work in any and every situation and has a huge amount of ways you can connect it up. Do you already have a guitar amp you love and simply want to add some high quality effects to your live rig you can plug straight into your amp or connect up using the four cable method, the helix can even be connected up to control and switch channels on your amp within presets. The helix can also be your whole rig! you can simply turn up and plug straight into the PA or an active speaker without the need for a guitar amp. You can even connect it up to your computer and record straight into your favourite DAW using all of the helix's powerful features. With 4 mono/2 stereo effects loops on the helix you can connect any of your existing pedals to switch in and out, assign them to process multiple instruments, or even split them up to use as assignable inputs and outputs.

Helix Edit

As if creating your own patches wasnt easy enough already you can now use the Helix edit software to simply drag and drop your amps and effects whee you want them in your chain. Edit with ease on your computer or laptop, with every parameter and option available on the helix now changeable right on your computer and when you are done simply save it into your helix and you are good to go.

MIDI Master Controller

When you need to incorporate external devices via MIDI, Helix Floor and Helix Rack processors offer huge flexibility. In addition to powerful real time MIDI control, they can send up to six separate commands at preset recall, enabling you for example, to change a preset on a synth, start a sequencer, and turn up a fader on an external digital mixer with a single press of a foot switch. With their two expression pedal inputs, CV/Expression out, and external amp switching, Helix Floor and Helix Rack processors can serve as the command centre for any size rig.

Variax Link

Helix Floor and Helix Rack processors feature Variax guitar control enhancements that enable you to toggle between two guitar models with a footswitch, control Helix amp and effects parameters from the volume and tone knobs on your Variax guitar, set each string's tuning per preset or snapshot, and much more.