HonestOpinion

Btw, don't know if anyone else encounters this issue when using an acoustic with the Helix but one of the main reasons I would like to see preamps/amps catered to acoustic is that I find the gain structure to be lacking when I don't use one. When I try to use the one existing tube mic pre or an amp like the Jazz Rivet it helps with the gain structure but also introduces frequencies I find less than pleasing that then have to be EQ'd out. Yes I can crank up the gain on the compressor, EQ, or output block but it would be nice to have some more gain and EQ flexibility via a preamp or amp specifically targeted to getting a great acoustic sound. The EQ on good acoustic amps tends to be catered to the needs of an acoustic guitar. The frequency bands, Q, cut/boost, etc. are not the same as the EQ on electric guitar preamps/amps. One additional note, an acoustic preamp/amp also allows you to have a 'Drive' parameter that is usually more gentle than the one found on an electric guitar amp and catered to give you a bit more grit or punch with your acoustic sound without making it sound thin and brittle.

Good tip and I am very familiar with parametric EQs and that method and have been using it for years; still has not helped me achieve tonal bliss for acoustic guitar on the Helix yet. For now, I am going to continue to essentially use the Helix as I have been to switch to my acoustic when required with a little EQ, compression, reverb, chorus (now and then), delay thrown in for extra flavor, and a footswitch boost for leads. Perfectly usable this way just think there might be room left yet for the Helix to cater a bit more to the acoustic. As I have stated in jest before as I doubt it will ever happen, just make a preset and add whatever is required to emulate what the Yamaha AG Stomp did as Line6 is now a Yamaha company. I may not know exactly what the Helix needs to perfect an acoustic sound but I know it when I hear it and the AG Stomp had that mojo.

True, between a para EQ and even the graphic EQ you do have quite a lot of EQ shaping power but there is an ease of use when an EQ is provided that is tailored to a specific instrument, for example the Mesa Boogie EQ provided for electric guitar. I agree with others that an EQ specifically tailored to acoustic guitar would be a great addition in addition to preamps/amps just for acoustic. In lieu of that you just need to find the correct EQ yourself, a more arduous process and one I must admit I rarely am as successful with as the sound that for example the AG Stomp is able to get quickly and easily with a minimum of adjustment. My acoustic guitar sound is the one thing I am still wrestling with after a year with the Helix, it is good but not great. It was exponentially simpler to dial in spectacular tones for my electric. I would be the first to admit that I seem to be missing some magic piece of the formula for how to perfect my acoustic sound through the Helix even though I have read amsdenj's excellent posts as well as others on the subject, purchased 3Sigma acoustic IRs, tried downloading presets from users (none of them worked for me even after tweeking), and spent many hours/days working on my acoustic tone. I can get a good acoustic sound through the Helix but not one yet that rocks my world. The Helix is more than flexible enough to get a fantastic tone for acoustic but it still appears that some preamps/amps and EQ targeted specifically for acoustic could make it at lot easier. To me this is more about ease of use and minimizing required tweeking than what the Helix is capable of, I am absolutely confident that in the right hands the Helix can already provide stellar acoustic sounds.

This would be ideal for plugin usage and make it totally portable, rather than trying to route connections back from a computer to the Helix, particularly for rehearsal and performance.

I have the same problem on one of my scribble strips.

The experience you describe trying to make laptop solutions work mirrors my own. I think there are laptop applications/plugins with footswtch/hardware options combined with better faster laptops that are starting to get there now. At the end of the day though I still prefer a dedicated device for guitar like the Helix. I like the idea of a Helix that could be augmented by plugins from an attached laptop. Seems like that would be the best of both worlds. For instance, the ability to use your Helix's I/O, switching, and effects/models processing abilities but also be able to use a plugin from an attached laptop to add a custom convolution reverb or IR that was many more bytes than the Helix hardware can accommodate; or for that matter any plugin effect you might have on your PC. In other words using the Helix plus your computer to create a hybrid signal path with vast capabilities only limited by your computers processing power and any latency issues introduced. Your computer at that point becomes a sort of daughterboard you could add to the Helix for extra processing power. And if things on the PC get wonky, you still have the Helix to fall back on.

Fundamentally I do agree with your point regarding a preamp versus an amp and little need for an acoustic cab but... This issue has come up before. I do like the idea of not just a preamp for acoustic guitar but also a full blown amp or two including cab just to have some alternate sounds for the acoustic. I have actually found the "Jazz Rivet 120" amp to be more useful than the "Tube Pre" preamp for amping acoustic guitar. Not sure why, just got better results that way. My thinking is there are a plethora of acoustic amps on the market why not provide a couple of models of them. However, I have to agree that the acoustic usually sounds best direct to the PA with a little processing and effects so a good preamp or amp with its EQ targeted towards acoustic guitar would suffice in many/most situations. A very clean cab or two targeted towards acoustic use, similar to the acoustic IRs out there such as the ones 3Sigma produces, might be useful occasionally for a little extra flavor, particularly for being able to quickly switch EQ curves by assigning a different mic.

After seeing all the successive posts and clarifications I see how good a question this was. It never occurred to me that the new Helix Native app was going to be offered strictly as a plugin, at least initially. Glad you got this straightened out. Would be great to see it offered as both a plugin and a standalone but I can see DI's point about where to focus resources.

It is time already, bring on a couple preamps, amps, and cabs dedicated to acoustic.

You can also copy snapshots across presets, or if you want to go for the whole kit and caboodle, just copy your entire preset over to a new one as a template and modify as needed.

Not sure who first posted the link elsewhere (thank you) to the new Celestion IRs but here is a free one to try: https://www.celestionplus.com/free-download/

If you are asking if there will be a version that does not require the purchase of a Helix to run, the answer is 'yes'. The version of those without a valid Helix registered is currently planned to list for $400. Registered Helix owners can purchase it for $100.

Just in case CBTL does not check this for a while. His Brian May preset can be found here: http://line6.com/customtone/tone/2813554/ He also has some Pink Floyd presets here: http://line6.com/customtone/search/?submitted=1&family=helix&search_term=CBTL

I had to post one more video of Steve Vai and Frank Zappa absolutely tearing it up with dueling and complementary solos. Other than Steve Vai's shall we say "unfortunate" choice of stage attire, a rather appalling fashion fail given that Disco was already dead, this is a great video.

:D

Interesting, even though you can't put any more IRs on a single path after placing one 2048 IR, you can place two more Helix cabs on. You can also put two 1024 IRs and two cabs on the same path. There seems to be rule that forces a max limit of two Helix cabs and two 1024 IRs on a path; or alternatively, one 2048 IR and two cabs. The rule not allowing two 2048 IRs may be imposed due to DSP limits but it seems to be a Helix internal rule rather than a DSP limit that does not allow for instance three cabs or three 1024 IRs on the same path. Current max combinations of IRs/Cabs allowed on a single path (1) 2048 IR [You cannot add any more IRs to a path with 2048 IR] Update: I don't know whether this has changed since I first tested this in a prior firmware version or if I probably just got it wrong but initially I reported that a 1024 IR could be added to the path if it already has a 2048 IR. You cannot add an additional IR to a path using a 2048 IR in the current firmware and probably couldn't in whatever firmware version I tested this in either. I have no intention of rolling back to test this, so I am going to assume I was incorrect. You can add (1) Helix Dual cab or (2) Helix single cabs to a path with (1) 2048 IR. (2) 1024 IRs [a third 1024 IR is not allowed] (2) Helix cabs [a third Helix cab is not allowed] (1) 2048 IR + (2) Helix cabs (2) 1024 IRs + (2) Helix cabs One Helix Dual cab [a second Helix Dual cab is not allowed] (1) Helix Dual cab + (1) 2048 IR or (2)1024 IRs

I know I will be keeping an eye out for a cheap previous generation Surface tablet. I still like having a tablet on my music stand or a mic stand tablet holder connected to the Helix for eye level adjustments during practice or performance. The advent of Helix Native makes it an even more attractive option.

3Sigma acoustic IRs: http://www.3sigmaaudio.com/acoustic-impulses/

It sounds like you need to download and install the latest 'Helix' application. Once you have installed it you can start the Updater and install the latest firmware. After you install the latest firmware you can use the Editor to modify and backup presets. Download this file, the 'Helix' 2.11 app, http://line6.com/software/readeula.html?rid=7278. You can upgrade to the latest firmware file '2.12' using the Updater after this is downloaded and installed if you wish.

You should just be able to cut and paste the link. If that doesn't work try an alternate browser from the one you are currently using: e.g. Chrome, Firefox, IE.

A few of Frank Zappa's Youtube videos. There is too much there to begin to provide a comprehensive list but here are a few from the albums I listed as well as a complete version of 'Joe's Garage', some Flo & Eddie (The Turtles), and a general sampler of FZ's material. (The Best Of Frank Zappa: compilation, nice! Not a bad place to start listening to Zappa) (Zombie Woof) (Excentrifugal Forz) (Zoot Allures: live version) (I'm The Slime) (Black Napkins) (Moving To Montana) (Camarillo Brillo) (Zoot Allures) (Yellow Snow & St. Alphonso's Breakfast: Studio) (Yellow Snow & St. Alphonso's Breakfast: Frank Zappa live) (Yellow Snow & St. Alphonso's Breakfast: live version with Dweezil instead of Frank) (Cosmik Debris) (Cosmik Debris: live version) (Wind Up Working In A Gas Station) (Disco Boy) (Joe's Garage: entire album) (Live at the Fillmore West with Flo & Eddie and interviews; adult supervision required)

All great suggestions! If you want to start with rock tunes that although unique have a more familiar FM friendly format I have to agree with PeterHamm that 'Joe's Garage' is definitely one to start with as a point of entry. I would add 'Apostrophe' and 'Overnight Sensation' to that list as well as I think they are great places to start to wet your ears with Frank Zappa. It depends to some extent on which part of his repertoire you prefer to start with, his music ranged from from funky Doo-whop to bawdy, deranged, filthy, and outrageously funny lyrics and high jinks during the Flo & Eddie years (formerly of the Turtles), rock tunes that were mildly radio friendly and many great rockers that never appeared on radio but should have, jazz fusion, classical, and everything in between. One of my favorite albums is also 'Zoot Allures' which is again I think one of his more accessible entry points. This is a deep mine with many dark corners to explore and diamonds to be found. If you really like more eclectic music start with bradlake's suggestions although they reflect a more refined and experienced Zappa fan's preferences but also provide a nice chronological journey; they may not be the ideal place to start for many primarily rock listeners but tastes vary.

Thanks! :D

Interviewing Zappa and a friendship with his talented son is a fascinating and lucky chapter to have in one's life. I still have my original copy of the 7" record that Moon Unit and Dweezil put out which may have been Dweezil's first single, 'Valley Girl' with 'Crunchy Water' on the B-side. Frank was a freakin' musical genius, a much overused term but wholly applicable in his case. Only someone with a deep appreciation and understanding of a multitude of genres could have parodied them so effectively; not to mention his satirical, cynical, irreverent, and always unique, entertaining, insightful, and most of all humorous facility with lyrics . I also got turned on to his music as a young teenager, 'Freak Out' first and then later 'Apostrophe' and 'Overnight Sensation', two of his most accessible works. Those prompted me to seek out the rest of his catalog. He was an authentic and original talent and we will not see his like again. My home is a "Zappa appreciation area" (unofficially designated). :)

Ah yes, I see that now. Thank you for your patience with those of us who are skimming when we should be reading. ;)