Leaderboard

Yep. For the bending, you can test different string brands (they do make a difference on how the bends feel) and eventually some custom string gauges.

The DXR speakers are great. The issues you’re describing sound like you have a faulty speaker. My DXR10 has no noise when connected to my helix with any 1/4” or XLR connections. It’s also very well balanced across the frequency range with every source I’ve tried. The DXR12 I tried exhibited similar behavior. If you can still send it back to GC, I’d do so. Otherwise check with Yamaha on getting some warranty work. But first things first, try another speaker if you have access to one.

Consider investing in Fremen's new 2.6 collection. Yeah, its not free, but its a generous collection of rich presets + snapshots that obviously have many hours of development time behind them. I design my own presets and have poked around in the Customtones , but this collection demonstrates what the Helix is capable of, and is worthy of studying.

I picked up an old Line 6 Flextone II 2x12 (with Celestions) for $200 off Reverb. It has a stereo effects return so I can run the Helix in stereo. By running into the effect loop return I am bypassing the preamp and all effects/amp sim and only utilizing the power section of the amp and speakers. This is a great solution for anyone who wants a stereo rig with cab and speakers for the price of a power pedal.

I would go for flat wound strings.

Models/amp/cab sims...everything worked much better for me going direct/FRFR. You also need to learn and spend some time in Workbench HD to get the models to sound their best....took me a while with the 500X too. Rocks it now tho'. Anything acoustic just didn't cut the mustard for the reasons stated. Hope you get what you need....but a nice new GOOD acoustic/w/pick-ups at your disposal is never a bad thing ! You'll never have a problem that more new gear won't fix.........LOL ! "HONEY ! ................. I NEED a new Taylor 814 "........O.K. ? Shawn

The Helix also works well plugged into the effects return of a Roland JC-120. Stereo operation is achieved and the Helix makes the JC-120 a limitless tone monster!

Normally, I do all this through a Focusrite interface. I reconfigured to use the Helix, no problem. Here's pictures. Are you set up like this?

You would do better to ask your question in the HD500 section of this forum, but you should know that the FBV Mk1 is an old device (many years) and backwards compatibility (old to new) of ANY manufacturers' equipment is not guaranteed. Per this page: http://line6.com/legacy/fbvs The SHortboard Mk1 is not compatibile with the HD series.

Not all of the amps listed here would be considered flagships, for sure, but here's the comprehensive list of all Line 6 products over the last 20 years: http://line6.com/timeline/