Congratulations Line 6 Helix Team!
It looks like you have a winner. The tones sound great from here despite my computer speakers and what not. From what I can discern, you have developed a product that will compete well with other modelers and will most likely outperform my current rig. I have tweaked my Vox Valvetronix AD60vtx to give me every bit of tone that it can deliver, and it has served me well, but it is now time to upgrade
Last month, when I was about to commit to purchasing a Axe-FX II, I came across Mitch Gallagher’s review from sweetwater. I was very impressed with the product features and decided to place my purchasing decision on hold. After reading several forums and viewing these last few videos and listening to the 6 sound clips released today, I am now certain I have made the right decision. Though I still want an Axe-FX II, (mainly for its sound quality and tone matching capabilities), the excellent layout and ease of use of the Helix will ultimately be the features that will earn my purchase. Also, I have a gut feeling that it will sound great against the Axe-FX II and I’m eager to be proven right. What I don’t know is, will I run into DSP limits? I hope not because I plan to use much of its processing power as a creative means to producing new sonic tones and music. Time will tell...
The next thing to do will be to determine which FRFR amp and speakers to use. Or, I may just forgo that idea and run it straight to the house and use in-ear-monitors for myself. Since I own, haul and setup the FOH equipment, my band really doesn’t have a say on how I use it. And for that matter, I believe Helix has made my future gigs much more enjoyable by saving my back, my hands and allowing time for a beer or two before rocking out!
Again, Congratulations and thank you for such a great product!