DarrellM5

I believe that more DT integration is in the works, and I'm looking forward to it, but I know that, in the digital/electronic world, lack of backward compatibility is very common. Often it's due to reaching the limits of an existing architecture and wanting to take advantage of new technology. This happens all the time with computers, video game consoles, software, etc... It's just the way it goes. I'm having a really enjoyable experience with my Helix and DT25. I used DT Edit to set up the DT the way I want, and it stays that way unless I want to go back in and change it, and now I don't even need to run the MIDI cable. Still, I think there's more compatibility coming from Line 6 in the not so distant future.

I'm not sure if Line 6 can implement this or not but it's worth a try. In the mean time, some people are running screen protectors. Maybe there are some that are tinted or the material might be available to make your own.

There are no hard rules but that's the way I'd go. Actually, I'd try it both ways and let my ears be the judge.

I just ordered a 2nd Alto TS110A to go with my rig. I really love the tones I'm getting and can't wait to set up a wet/dry/wet stereo rig with my DT25 and two Altos. I haven't completely ruled out a Firehawk 1500 but I'm really enjoying the Altos and I'm only in for $500 as of now. If I end up switching, I can always use the PA speakers for other duties.

Nice!! Glad it went well.

My number one trick for reducing pick noise is to use a Dunlop Gator Grip in .96 (the purple one). All I use these picks for are acoustic and semi-hollow body guitars but they help me a lot.

Yep, works great.

I thought about upgrading but it seems there's no price break for AT3 users (last time I checked). Honestly though, I haven't fired up AT3 since I got my Helix in October.

I've seen a bit of forum chatter hinting that it should be towards the end of this month. I'm getting ready to preorder from Sweetwater as well.

I think you'll be impressed. I have Amplitube 3 myself. Remember, you have the option of using both together thanks to the USB capabilities of Helix.

That factory kicks out some killer guitars. I have quite a few from there (JTV69, 2 Schecters and 2 PRS) and I'm really happy with the build quality on every one of them.

BTW, Frank Ritchotte from Line 6 posted this photo on the Facebook Line 6 Helix User Group today along with posting "Not Helix related but that's an awful lot of JTV 59's heading out the door!".

Too steep for me as well, but I'm not a gigging musician. If I did play gigs I'd definitely be willing to pay that amount.

There are some threads on this forum about people, including me, who replaced the stock tubes with other brands (JJ's in my case) and shortly thereafter ran into serious problems. I learned my lesson and will only use the recommended tubes.

Where can I find the cliff notes version? ;) Seriously though, nice review.

Check out this thread: http://line6.com/support/topic/16315-ir-sample-rate-question/

As a temporary workaround you can install the new update. That way you can still accomplish those tasks from your computer.

Using the 4-cable method you're able to: Run Helix effects straight into the front of your amp (just using Helix as an effects board) Run Helix effects into the front of your amp, come back from your amp's fx send, add some more Helix effects and go back into your amp's fx return (utilizing your amp's poweramp) Run Helix effects and preamp or amp models and send them into your amp's fx return (thereby only utilizing your amp's poweramp) And probably a few other options that aren't coming to mind right now. You can easily switch between all of these option within the same Helix patch.

I would have to have a lot more disposable income to even consider a US version. For me personally, it's not worth the extra money given that I'm completely happy with the build quality of my Korean JTV-69.

They're talking about this in the Helix thread on the TGP forum. It looks like you're one of three, according to Line 6, to have a joystick problem. Not too bad since they've sold thousands of units, unless of course you're one of the three. I hope they get you back up and running quickly.

That's definitely not cool. I'd recommend reflashing the firmware and, if that doesn't help, opening a support ticket immediately. Line 6 has been working really hard to resolve any Helix issues very quickly.

Haven't heard anything about a new Variax but DI did drop some hints today in the TGP forum that Variax owners will be pretty happy with an upcoming Helix update.

Helix sounds amazing with every option I've tried (DT25 via L6 Link, Peavey Bravo 112 Vetta II and Randall RH100 via 4-cable method, going straight into the front of the Peavey and Randall, XLR out to my Alto TS110A PA speaker). I use the PA speaker or DT25 most of the time though because they're so simple. Helix can model the preamp, full amp, full amp w/cab or standalone cabs. It doesn't have an actual power amp though so whatever external device you're going to needs to be powered.

Is it just the up/down action of the joystick? Does rotating it still work?

I highly recommend checking out the 4 cable method. It does everything you're currently doing and then some. I love building patches from scratch. I plan on building some templates soon and I'm sure they will go something like: guitar -> volume pedal -> wah -> compressor (for clean patches) -> distortion -> split to dual amps and cabs -> delay -> reverb -> LA2A compressor at the end of the chain.