In a pickle: Helix vs Pod but what do I really need?

[cacheek]

Before I get too far in this post let me say that I am not a professional musician. I recently sold most of my equipment for my first child. I've used every pod since 2.0 but not the x version.

 

So, I'm debating which of these to get. Pros for the Helix is that it sounds better, but how much? I don't know. Pod is cheaper but there's the sound quality issue. I'm only playing via headphones or powered monitors. I record but just for fun. I could get the Pod sooner than later but the Helix would take time to save for. The Helix presets I can use right out of the box, the Pod presets stink. I am a tweaker though. I don't know if I really need the Helix though it's supposedly light years beyond. Thoughts?

[arislaf]

https://soundcloud.com/aris-laf/pod-hd-vs-helix-1

 

Effect wise Helix is better. Easier routing, and better EQ.

 

The tones are there with pod. Needs tweaking.

 

But, helix gets updates and new stuff often, pod not.

[duncann]

You're the one who will know best if Helix is a worthwhile purchase for yourself. Others can give their opinions and experiences. Since you're a tweaker, you're likely already somewhat familiar with a lot of the technical aspects of both units. I'd be surprised if, after looking at both units on paper and hearing samples of both, you didn't come to the conclusion that Helix is a superior device to the HD. But again, only you can tell if it's worth it.

 

An interesting thing happened. I received my Helix sometime in October. Before that I used the HD500X. Since I started using Helix, my HD500X wasn't used at all during this time and the character of it's tonal quality (sound and feel) have sufficiently leaked from my memory. I turned the HD500X on the other day to play a little through it and go through some the patches I made for it. I was really shocked at just how much better Helix is in both sound and feel. It's one of those things that jars your attention when the actual realization hits you. Not saying the HD is bad or anything, just that Helix is better; not light years though.

 

Also, since you're a tweaker, don't even bother with the presets. Just make your own. It's more fun. All I've ever done with presets on either the HD or Helix is just quickly scroll through them because of a spout of boredom.

 

I also used the HD500X and use Helix for recording and always use headphones with either device.

[Rewolf48]

The other thing to consider is DSP and Block limitations - HD500x has 2 Amp + 8 Other positions and only a single split which I am finding too limiting to do really interesting patches. But until I sell some stuff that is all I can buy.  

 

Helix has 2.4x DSP available (relative to HD500x but more expensive models) and allows 32 of anything on 4 paths (8 each); you can do a lot more with the Helix including ReAmping which can only be done on HD500x with a separate Audio Interface

[joel_brown]

Hmmm, sold most of your equipment for your first child ?  Unless you now make more money, buy the PODHD.  Or better yet, if you haven't found a better job, go find one then buy the Helix.

 

They both sound great.  It comes down to what you can afford.  So re-read my above sentences...

[mcbeddall]

Maybe he just sold the stuff to make "room" for a child , just sayin

 

If you'd have said it's only for gigs I'd have said hd500 but seeing as it's recording only I'd say the helix because when recording you really scrutinise your tone and the helix is capable of more realistic models for sure

But if it's for hobby only then it's an expensive toy but a fun one

 

I went with a firehawk because I mostly gig (again as a hobby) and I doubt most people would notice a huge difference live , plus I have to factor in extra costs for amplification and flight cases etc

 

But when I record I wish somebody had a helix I could borrow lol

[JTSC777]

I spent some time downloading some custom tone HD patches yesterday for my HD500 for live direct use.

I was amazed at how good many users have become at sound creation.

 

If you have good well set up guitars and a good set of hands and ears an older HD unit will do a surprising amount.

 

My wife and I have raised two sons now 19 and 22 years old.Priorities can be tough to set.

 

I now have much more money for music gear purchases and still have not even considered a Helix as of yet.

 

Good Luck!

[BBD_123]

cacheek

 

Before I get too far in this post let me say that I am not a professional musician. I recently sold most of my equipment for my first child. I've used every pod since 2.0 but not the x version.

So, I'm debating which of these to get. Pros for the Helix is that it sounds better, but how much? I don't know. Pod is cheaper but there's the sound quality issue. I'm only playing via headphones or powered monitors. I record but just for fun. I could get the Pod sooner than later but the Helix would take time to save for. The Helix presets I can use right out of the box, the Pod presets stink. I am a tweaker though. I don't know if I really need the Helix though it's supposedly light years beyond. Thoughts?

 

It's got to come down to money. As it so often does.

 

Stuff we know:

 

- Helix is better than POD, but...

 

- POD is bloody good

 

- Helix is much more expensive than POD

 

Lots of disposable income? Helix. Not so much? POD. It's a very good second best.

[DunedinDragon]

Since you're a brand new father I'll give you the real scoop about what that means as far as being a musician and a father.

 

What the kid wants, the kid gets....what you want gets to wait, because the kid comes first.

 

The days when you could indulge yourself are pretty much over for a while.  Eventually they'll return as the kid gets older.  But that's just as well because you're not going to have much time for your interest in music for the next 16 or so years.  So ultimately it doesn't really matter if you choose this as your last big blowout thing for yourself and get the Helix, or you just take the moderate approach with the HD.  You're really not going to have the time and opportunity to really exploit either of them to their full potential since you'll be busy with soccer teams, music lessons, parent teacher conferences, sleepovers, etc., etc., etc....

 

Given that situation you're not going to be losing as much with the HD as you will the Helix.  It's likely they'll go unused more than they'll be used for the next few years so you might as well save a bit on what your not going to be using....  :lol:

[joel_brown]

We need to see your tax returns for the past 3 years and a listing of all your debts.

[jpdennis]

As a father and now a grandfather who is also a musician, it all comes down to economics, discipline, patience, and sometime a little begging for understanding.  OK, maybe not so much the latter; refer to the next second sentence.

 

I have been very fortunate to have little if any regrets in my life.  That is not to say I've always made great choices; I have made some really poor choices.  But in learning from those poor choices I have been making a larger amount of better choices over time.  So I have come to the decision that if there is something I want that places my families needs behind my want or even last then that is a very bad choice.  If I can place my families needs first, keep the prudent reserve in place, and setup a "wish list" fund for musical purchases then I take the time to watch that fund grow and live with what I use for my talent and/or hobbies.  When the fund reaches a 90% of purchase amount I sit down with my spouse, go over the family funds and bills, see if the "wish list" fund needs to fuel the prudent reserve, and only then do my spouse and I come to a decision about the value of a decision to purchase what I have been saving for.  Sometimes I wait longer and sometimes I make the purchase.  It may seem like forever but since I don't smoke it seems $5.00 every week or two can add up quickly along with maybe a reduction in eating out at work or other unnecessary spending.  And sometimes I have been able to get a second summer job before I started making decent money playing the clubs.

 

If you have something that works now then try the "wish list" fund and let your spouse know about this so there are no surprises later.  Wait and see what happens.  I have been saving for an HD500 for some time since I purchase my M13 back in 2010.  By the time I was close the HD500X came out.  After moving money from my "wish list" fund to our family fund in times of emergencies and needs for the family's benefit I was able to have more then I needed to purchase an HD500X 13 days ago.  However, due to a problem with the unit and poor advise from a sales person concerning the headphones I took them both back 4 days ago.  I did express my concern both to the company I purchased them from and to Line 6.  In a blink of an eye an offer was made that my wife and I can both live with to purchase the Helix.

 

I lived with the M13 for 6 years which worked well for me even though I was lugging around about 250lb of over all equipment to gigs with my multiple guitars and sometimes two amps I use not to mention the various pedal with my M13 on my pedaltrain board; no lie.  In that time something was improved upon (the HD500 to HD500X) and then at the moment of making the purchase the rare occurrence of purchasing something that was flawed offered me the opportunity to purchase the latest model in Line 6's multi-effects/modeler devices.

 

So, my story is that by keeping to my plan I have been very blessed with a current release item.  Had I purchased the HD500 then at what cost would my family had to sacrifice in an already tight economic world?  Maybe you can afford the HD500X or even the Helix now and it will have no impact upon your family.  But if you cannot then maybe waiting will provide you with the next gen or even the next two gen Line 6 item.

 

Only you can decide what your best choice truly is.

 

Hope this helps and doesn't confuse or frustrate the situation.

 

Respectfully,

 

Dennis

[jeremybnz]

If you can afford the helix, I'd get it, unfortunately here in New Zealand it's $2000 more LOL so I'm sticking with the HD500X for a fair while longer :)

[pianoguyy]

 

Before I get too far in this post let me say that I am not a professional musician.

Then Wal-Mart gear is fine. 

 

I recently sold most of my equipment for my first child.

So there is no reason to buy more gear - EVER. Your life is now about your child. Your happiness doesn't exist through anything but your child from this day forward. 

 

I've used every pod since 2.0 but not the x version.

Which means you spend money wastefully.  

 

So, I'm debating which of these to get.

Repeat all previous answers. 

 

Pros for the Helix is that it sounds better, but how much?

Not 3x better, which is how much more it costs over a new HD500X. And that assumes that you can dial in decent tones. If you can't dial on a decent tone, it doesn't matter what gear you have. 

 

I don't know.

That is why you are here. 

 

Pod is cheaper but there's the sound quality issue.

I am a professional and don't have a problem with the sound quality of the Pod -- WHY SHOULD YOU. 

 

I'm only playing via headphones or powered monitors.

If you are using headphones, how are you going to hear the baby cry. Speakers will interfere with the babies life. Basically, you're screwed. 

 

I record but just for fun.

Which is just a waste of time after reading that you aren't a professional. 

 

I could get the Pod sooner than later but the Helix would take time to save for.

If you are capable of buying one now but needing to save for another, then in reality, you can't afford either. You have a child. Not only should silly little hobbies like music be over, but you need to make sure your family has a "nest egg" in case something were to happen to you. Plus, college is expensive. You need to save now. 

 

The Helix presets I can use right out of the box, the Pod presets stink.

If you aren't a professional, you can use the Pod presets. 

 

I am a tweaker though.

I never would have guessed.  :rolleyes:

 

I don't know if I really need the Helix

I think you just answered your own damn question. 

 

though it's supposedly light years beyond.

Humans can't actually imagine what a light year is. 

 

Thoughts?

See all of the above. 

[pratikb]

 

Before I get too far in this post let me say that I am not a professional musician.

Then Wal-Mart gear is fine. 

 

I recently sold most of my equipment for my first child.

So there is no reason to buy more gear - EVER. Your life is now about your child. Your happiness doesn't exist through anything but your child from this day forward. 

 

I've used every pod since 2.0 but not the x version.

Which means you spend money wastefully.  

 

So, I'm debating which of these to get.

Repeat all previous answers. 

 

Pros for the Helix is that it sounds better, but how much?

Not 3x better, which is how much more it costs over a new HD500X. And that assumes that you can dial in decent tones. If you can't dial on a decent tone, it doesn't matter what gear you have. 

 

I don't know.

That is why you are here. 

 

Pod is cheaper but there's the sound quality issue.

I am a professional and don't have a problem with the sound quality of the Pod -- WHY SHOULD YOU. 

 

I'm only playing via headphones or powered monitors.

If you are using headphones, how are you going to hear the baby cry. Speakers will interfere with the babies life. Basically, you're screwed. 

 

I record but just for fun.

Which is just a waste of time after reading that you aren't a professional. 

 

I could get the Pod sooner than later but the Helix would take time to save for.

If you are capable of buying one now but needing to save for another, then in reality, you can't afford either. You have a child. Not only should silly little hobbies like music be over, but you need to make sure your family has a "nest egg" in case something were to happen to you. Plus, college is expensive. You need to save now. 

 

The Helix presets I can use right out of the box, the Pod presets stink.

If you aren't a professional, you can use the Pod presets. 

 

I am a tweaker though.

I never would have guessed.  :rolleyes:

 

I don't know if I really need the Helix

I think you just answered your own damn question. 

 

though it's supposedly light years beyond.

Humans can't actually imagine what a light year is. 

 

Thoughts?

See all of the above. 

 

[pratikb]

pianoguyy, you nailed it

[BillBee]

If I remember right its some left over html code from a cut and paste job. ;)

[Rewolf48]

<geek mode on>

 

  is the code for a non-breaking space, and is very useful when you don't want a space between words to be used as a line break. The example on Wikipedia is between say 100 km where the km on the following line would look wrong. Also used in Dates or Names

 

In MS Word you press Ctrl+Shift+Space together to insert one. 

 

<geek mode off>

[CipherHost]

I don't make a living as a musician, but I like nice toys. They inspire me!  :)

 

Unfortunately, I am limited in what I can spend.  :mellow:

[Smashcraaft]

what the hell is it " " ? :o

 

http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/n/nbsp.htm

  Is sometimes the only thing you are able to enter, if you want to enter nothing visible between to paragraph tags.

What that means for the answer of praktikb... I'm unsure :/

[joel_brown]

Here's a thought, get a better job and buy some condoms.  Until then find a used HD500 on eBay and take care of your kid.

[pianoguyy]

Condoms? 

Nah. If she doesn't want to swallow it, make her wear it.