ColonelForbin

Yeah, you guys make some good points! I had that moment questioning the sanity of the purchase when I saw the shipping weight as 74.6 lbs when they sent me a tracking #... :blink: Might end up being something like, one rig stays at the rehearsal spot for Friday jams, and the other at home for studio / jamming there. Get together with the guys on Friday nights, already have a full PA with monitors there, so the FH1500 a likely candidate for that space. The L2 have been sounding great at home; the L3 are slight overkill for home, much like a pan galactic gargle blaster... :rolleyes:

Yes indeed! That's awesome to hear, I was wondering about how much the Helix can do with L6link, as compared to M20d.. Here is my Ideascale post from November! http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Helix-Line6Link-Capability/794556-23508

Just thought of a cool idea.. Helix-> L6Link to pair of L2t,in stereo PA mode, but as stereo floor monitors. Then, XLR from each L2t to FH1500 XLR inputs. XLR to mixer from Helix with global EQ if needed.

Good catch! yeah, Sweetwater is usually spot on. Looks like they say 21"x13" internal, looks like Helix should be good to go!

Yeah, I came to a similar conundrum trying to think it through. Technically, if it was going to go that (l6link) route, it should have both Line6 output, similar to Helix, HD500, etc - and also have Line6 Link input, similar to DT25 and Stagesouce. I am guessing that concept was briefly discussed at Line6 for about two minutes, and that was it for it. IE, L6link from Helix to the FH1500, then L6Link from FH1500 to Stagesource, etc. Before Firehawk even came out, I was stuck making a similar choice using my L2t's. I can L6Link to them, but that doesn't include any global EQ, so I went back to either running XLR from Helix to each L2t, or running Helix XLR's to my mixer, then out to the L2/L3 speakers. I probably hit the G.A.S. a little too hard ordering a FH1500; but I saw the open box pop up, and had the MF credit option so... In any event, at least for dialing in live sounds, or at least sounds to use with full band, drums, etc, I prefer being able to use the global EQ, just to fine tune things. So I had already gone over to using XLR into the L2t's. This way, I will be going XLR's into FH1500, then XLR out from the FH1500 to the mixer, then out to the L2t;s, but on the floor in front of me. Also considered reversing that, and putting the FH1500 in front of me, tilted back, and the L2t behind vertical; but makes more sense the first way, since I am using the L2 and L3 speakers with the M20d (back to the L6 link again!) Of the bunch, the M20d offers the most routing anyway. If you used Helix's routing to send out different signal paths to the mixer, you could dial in a muli-speaker array, well beyond the stereo L/R that Helix is sending down the L6link. Rationalization, I know.. At some point, I will likely stack my L2t speakers on top of my L3m pair, and sit those to either side of the FH1500. Then maybe put my DT25 on top of the FH, and do the Marty McFly. My Helix patch shall be titled "1.21 GigaWatts!" :)

Will it fit? Helix size: 22.05 x 11.85 x 3.6 inches; That bag says interior dimensions 20.5" x 11" x 4.5".

Lol, for the record, I did three DT wet-dry-wet! Had two DT25 combos for the stereo wet, and a DT25 head+ cab for the center dry. Sounded great!:)

Yeah; I 'upgraded' to HD500x when the new model packs were coming out; eventually sold my HD500. Wish I had known about Helix before I bought the 500x, but that being said, kept it when I picked up Helix. Still using the 500x for a soundcard and to route the keyboards (analog) to the PC. Overall, Helix is pretty nice, definitely a sonic improvement over the 500/500x family. If you can afford it, go for it. Or just sign up for a Sweetwater credit card and split it into 36 months of payments. Coming from HD500, 500x won't offer you much of anything new. It's slightly more DSP, you might get an extra effect in here and there. The switches are better, and the platform has likely reached it's apex, so I would imagine you could find one lightly used and get a decent deal. The leap from HD500 to Helix will however, be noticeable. One thing to consider; what kind of amp / speakers are you using? That's going to also make a big difference. Get some sort of decent flat / full range option. Even good studio monitors will do a reasonable job presenting what it can do. Helix handles output different than HD500; there are no 'output modes' on Helix. I really like how Helix is designed, it's easy to use - I really never bonded with the deep editing on the 500/500x. They made some great moves on the Helix that make the experience of using it better; or at least, more control. The toggle between preset and stompbox is not global, you can toggle mid patch while playing. You have more control over the bank layouts; presets on top, fx under, or the opposite. With 500x, you only have a few options, not as much control. The HD500x, at the moment, has more FX and more overall amp models. For now.. I would imagine Helix will get more of both as time passes. If there are any specific fx or amps you used more than others on the HD500, double check if they made it to Helix.. Not a big deal for me, I was happy to start from scratch, I wasn't bonded with any presets on the Hd500 when I got Helix. for others, there are some missing that are a big deal and there isn't a quick workaround yet.

I would imagine it sounds stellar! I have their DT25 and some of their Stagesource speakers, and both are excellent - very different, but quite good. They took the cool look of the DT25/50 and built the FRFR type speaker system inside it - comparable to the Amplifi in terms of configuration, Bluetooth, tone matching, Android app - and merged it with the higher power and expanded routing options of the Stagesource gear, just without the Line6link. I would imagine with all that they have done previously, this new piece will merge well and play nice with PA systems and such. It occured to me that with the FH1500 connected up in stereo to a PA, it's the easiest way to stream music into the PA! Just bluetooth from your phone to the FH1500 and crank that up in the main mix?

Yeah buddy, before ya send it back try what Radatats said... The Bogner part of the DT25 + Helix is worth jumping through a couple hoops. One midi cable, and Radatats already did all the work setting up patches!!!

Yeah, all I could find to reference the DT25 protection circuit is this: "Speaker jack-sensing provides relay driven output transformer protection circuit"

Are the other two coax speakers only used in wet/dry/wet mode, or are all four coax part of the regualar 'monitor in stereo'? Not sure it matters, but it it's only two coax in 'monitor stereo' (IE, plugging in my Helix..) is the upper left and right? Pysched to give this a go! I scored an open box from MF today; should be here next week some time. :)

Well, G.A.S. strikes again.. I just noticed an open box FH1500 pop up on MF for $120 off the price ($879), so I jumped on it. Thanks! to whomever decided to return it! I had randomly decided to get their credit card, so it's even 6 months no interest to pay it down, which isn't too bad. Not sure if this is the case everywhere, but MF doesn't charge tax to ship to Illinois, so bonus. For some reason I thought they did, I guess that's just GC? Will report back when I have it and have time to Helix it up! Will give the HD500x some love too. I will also test using the XLR through to the M20d, and crank that up through some L3m's. For that matter, might have to try running the XLR outs from the FH1500 to my L2t speakers.. Extra stereo? As for the Helix-FH1500-M20d XLR path, I want to be sure adding the FH1500 to the chain doesn't induce or introduce any unwanted hiss, hum or noise. Pysched to get an open box deal, I scored an open box Mono case from MF a few weeks back, and really was in mint condition! Decent savings from Musicians Friend, twice in a row. :)

Yeah, +1 to how it plays with sending the modeler signal on to the PA! I am guessing it's line level? Not sure, can it be toggled between line and mic level for the XLR output? Hopeful that is a good to go connection so as to not muck about with using 1/4" from something like Helix, HD500x, etc, vs using XLR from Helix to Fh1500, and XLR from Fh1500 to FOH, mixer, recording, etc.

Sweet! very tempting.. I am loving my Helix, looking closely at the fh1500 as a companion to it.

28.95 kg (63.14 lbs)

Yeah, I have been looking at the 1500 too; Would definitely dig hearing this with Helix and HD500x and Eleven Rack! Going to those XLR inputs, wondering how the stereo field is carried into the 'monitor' inputs? Guessing it's able to do stereo in that sense, since the inputs and outputs are both stereo. Can it stream Bluetooth audio from a phone using Spotify and such?

Which actually makes a solid case for the L6 fireHawk1500!.. weighs exactly the same as the Mission Gemini 2 (63lbs), is also stereo, and costs $500 less.. ($700 less if you do the Mission bluetooth model).. They both take the same big box approach to the design; something cool and retro about the L6 that I like. Knowing I can bypass the Firehawk stuff to use Helix doesn't bother me as much anymore. It's actually a cool bonus, knowing the price point of a comparable (Mission Gemini 2) product is higher. The Gemini is a soundcard; so I can see why they went the direction they did on the fireHawk1500, which also offers "Low-latency DSP and USB recording"... I am with the O.P. on the L2 though! I have two L2t and they are awesome. Sound good vertical, work great as monitors, the two angles of kickback are quite nice. I suppose, the Firehawk1500 not having L6Link input is a different direction it could take; combine the Firehawk1500 form with the Stagesource functionality, ability to take better advantage of the available digital connections on the Helix. Helix -> L6Link -> L2 pair in stereo -> XLR outs to Firehawk1500 XLR inputs -> XLR outputs to FOH / recording / mix, etc. That being said, the Firehawk1500 does have stereo XLR 'through' which is how alot of folks might be using it anyhow, to engage global EQ.. Hmm. Line6 link aside, very interesting comparison! would love to hear these two together, and compare them using a Helix..

That Firehawk looks killer... As in, lower back killer! 63.14 pounds??? Seriously? Ouch. Looks incredible, so of course I want one :) Line 6 Firehawk 1500 = 63.14lbs Mission Gemini 2 Live = 63lbs Line 6 L3t = 57.5lbs Friedman ASM12 = 52lbs Atomic CLR = 45lbs Line 6 L2t = 39.1lbs JBL EON 615 = 39lbs Alto TS112A = 35lbs JBL EON 612 = 33lbs QSC K10 = 32lbs JBL EON 610 = 26lbs

Sweeeeet! :) That's awesome!!

From what I understand, you can update Helix to the current firmware using the old version of the updater 1.04. Don't quote me on this, but something to the effect that the folder structure changed in the new installer version 1.07, and it mucks up the links when you try to update rather than clean install. Try this- uninstall the existing L6 Intaller software from your computer entirely. Then, reinstall the L6installer software, and try from there. If that doesn't work, uninstall the l6 installer again, then install the older version (1.04), and try to update your Helix using that.. I you go to the L6 software page, and get to the L6installer, then scroll down and access the downloads for previous versions; 1.04 was posted on 7/23/15. This link should get you the 1.04 updater: http://line6.com/getrelease?rid=6454&uid=1188905

^ This!!!!! Stock #39 (vote for it on IdeaScale here:) http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Helix-model-of-S-I-R-Marshall-Stock-39-modded-by-Tim-Caswell/797165-23508

https://www.long-mcquade.com/instore_stock/444800/9/ Says they have one in stock... Mississauga 900 Rathburn Rd W Mississauga, Ontario L5C 4L3 Phone: (905) 273-3939 Fax: (905) 273-5749 Email: mississauga@long-mcquade.c

Also keep in mind HD500 XLR outs are mic level. Helix can be set to mic level, but defaults to line level.. Which could be a culprit?

Here's how I always thought of it; the 'no mic cab' that is sent to the DT (or used onboard) is basically an EQ filter of some sort, more of a voicing than an actual IR. And it does alter the sound! So, in essence if you used, say a Bogner 4x12 amp+cab, into a DT25 combo. The 4x12 voicing alters the tone coming through the physical speaker. But, if you load up DtEdit, you will notice there is a global mic setting that only impacts the DT XLR output, which is by default, SM57 off axis. You can make it whatever you want, and that setting has nothing to do with anything you can set on the HD500, or control with L6Link. you can control it with MIDI, hence many of the recent Helix-DT workarounds.. Basically, the DT XLR out "cabinet emulation" is specific to the sound of the 1x12 combo that is the DT25, rather than the cab model used prior to that last mic model thing. I haven't tried this yet, but I want to experiment with sending Helix preamp model to DT25, disable all the DT cab and mic models, etc, then send the XLR back to Helix and run it through an IR and/or Helix cab only (is that an option?) and then run that to FRFR / recording, see what happens. The primary benefit to doing this is processing Helix amp model through DT Bogner actual power amp topology, and figure out if that impacts the signal in a positive way.