My apologies if answers to my questions are contained within the forum already. I am new to the forum.
I play guitar in a cover band. We primarily play 70's and 80's songs (Led Zep, AC/DC, Rush, U2, SRV, Van Halen etc.). My rig is a PRS Custom 24 into a number of pedals (Line 6 DL4, MM4, Dude O/D, compression, wah etc.) into a Dr. Z Maz 38. I love the sound I get. The Dr. Z needs to be run fairly loud to optimize tone. Our typical venues are smaller bars. Vocals always go into some type of PA. More than half the time my amp is not mic'd, thus no guitar coming through the PA.
I am very interested in the Line 6 Helix. I would love to have access to unlimited amp and pedal sounds. It seems like I could have the optimum tones set up for each song that we are playing. Hit a button - move on to the next tones for the song. This could make all the tweaking of pedals and amp in-between songs obsolete. Also I love the idea of getting a great tone at all different volume levels. I am in a constant battle with bar owners/sound guy/lead singer over my volume level. I would like to be able to get a great tone at a lower volume level. This is impossible with my current analog rig.
Before buying I want to make sure Helix is the right fit for me.
I do not have a home studio. I do not record. I do not utilize any programs like Pro Tools etc. I would strictly be using the Helix for my primary gigging, rehearsal and home practice rig. I would like to think I am better than average with computers. I utilize desktop and laptop computers in my work and home lives. I have watched many YouTube videos showing how to operate and create tones with Helix. It seems fairly intuitive. But, it is also seems like you could get lost with the tremendous number of settings and tweaks you can make to an equally tremendous number of parameters.
Will I get lost in all this capability?
Is this overkill for my intended use?
How long will it take me for basic programming of the Helix for a full night of songs (40 "ish")?
As noted above, much of the time I will not be running direct into a PA. I will need to also buy a FRFR powered speaker. I have watched way too many YouTube videos on this. Some people say that these speakers work great for gigging. Others say they don't. If I go this route my instincts tell me that buying a Line 6 product makes the most sense since it should be fully compatible with the Helix. I like the idea of the Powercab 212. Having a stereo capability is appealing. I also like the idea that the same FRFR speaker can be used for rehearsal and home practice - at various volume levels
Will a quality FRFR powered speaker work well for my type of gigging?
Is a Powercab 212 a good option for my application?
Why does the Powercab have different IRs when the Helix also has IRs (maybe this question will expose my lack of understanding)?
Some of the YouTube videos say there is a fair amount of hiss that comes through a FRFR powered speaker - is this a problem?
Are there other quality FRFR speakers I should consider (I am a tone snob - I've seen some pretty consistent bad reviews on some of the cheaper products out there)?
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments!
