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Had a fun time comparing a buddy of mine's AX8 today to my Helix! We've each only had our respective units for a very short amount of time so there are things about each we're still learning. However I've been a LONG TIME Line 6 user and he's been an Axe FX user for several years. So not completely new territory. Spoiler alert: If you can't get a good tone out of either one of these units, it's your fault. Plain and simple. It's not that your ears are that discerning, you just don't know what you're doing. Sorry, maybe guitar playing isn't your calling. With that out of the way let me move on. The signal path was Crate Powerblock into Friedman 2x12 with one Vintage 30 and one Creamback. It produced about as much "amp in the room" sound as you could ask for. All tones done on each unit were amp only with no speaker modelling. As a side note, also in the room was a Friedman Dirty Shirley with matching 1x12 cabinet, so there was a high end tube amp there for reference. Admittedly I felt like bringing a Line 6 product into a room with a Fractal product for a comparission put me as the underdog. From everything I've read online the Helix has the competition beat on features, but what about pure amp tone? I'm here to say that the Helix held it's own and then some. At no point did I feel like the Helix was a step behind the AX8. Just dialed up an amp and it sounded amazing right out of the gate. Something Line 6 has MASSIVELY struggled with in the past. I've owned literally every incarnation of Line 6's product line and this is the first time they've produced a product that doesn't demand a ton of tweaking to find the magic sweet spot. This opinion was echoed by my friend who is a long time Fractal user. So not just my opinion in a vacuum. As a Helix user I feel compelled to point out the positives of it in this comparison, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. Not to take anything away from the AX8, but this is where I'm coming from. I'll leave room for AX8 users, or my friend with the AX8, to chime in here. Here are the pluses for Helix: The UI: on the Helix it is far and away more advanced than on the AX8. I'm speaking in terms of the on unit UI and not the PC editor. The Helix Editor isn't out yet so no way to compare that. But for using each unit stand alone the Helix UI is hands down the winner. Everything is faster, easier, and more intuative. Assigning pedals and controllers, using pedal edit mode, etc. Not a knock on the AX8, just showing how much design effort went into the Helix UI. Flexibility and routing: Again, this is another area that Helix shines. If you can dream it up, you can route it in Helix. And do so very easily thanks to a very intuative UI. Want a signal path with 4 drives, 6 delays, and 3 reverbs? No problem with Helix. Plus the 4 physical send/receives give you loads of flexibility to incorporating outboard gear. Need to route your dry guitar signal one place, your wet guitar signal another, and the looper another? No problem. Ease of creating tones: I was surprised that my vote for this would go to Helix. As a long time Line 6 user I'm used to spending hours dialing in the perfect tone. With Helix things just work. We found that amps, and especially effects, were very quick on the Helix. Everything was more or less in place and ready to go. You just had to add it to the signal chain and make adjustments to suit your taste. Ease of use: When using this as a live unit I have to give the nod to Helix here. The scribble strips, with customize-able text, were gold. I know exactly what function each pedal is performing. Something that was a challenge on the HD500(X). Along with the very large color screen showing exactly what's going on it's a breeze to use this thing live. The AX8 takes a more basic approach, and is very workable, but not on the same level as Helix. Built in expression pedal: Having a built in expression pedal, with a toe switch, is a big deal. At least to me. With an external pedal I'm left to choose one function of the expression pedal instead of two. Overall tone: I felt like this could go either way. On this day I think our Helix presets were pretty rockin', but either unit can be tailored to do EXACTLY what you want. They both sound awesome. I can say with all honesty though that the Helix didn't give up an inch tone wise. Which surprised the both of us. BTW, the Friedman Dirty Shirley model on the AX8 was spot on and we both felt like bringing the "real" dirty shirley into the equation was pointless. The AX8 simply sounded as good or better than the real deal. Sorry tube snobs, but facts are facts Pluses for the AX8: It did sound really good! There's no denying that, nor any reason to. It's an awesome unit. Amp models: In terms of sheer number of amp models there isn't a contest between these two units. The AX8 far outpaces the Helix by a mile. However the question is how many amp models do you need? Maybe I'm playing devil's advocate here, but I don't find that I have trouble covering all the ground I need with Helix's selection. Totally a matter of opinion though. Much respect for the sheer amount of work Cliff has put into modelling this number of amps. If the amount of amp models is most important to you then there is no comparison. Form factor: This could go either way. Overall I'll take the Helix because of the built in expression pedal and increased number of ins/outs. But I do like the compactness of the AX8. The Helix is big and heavy. I'm a Helix owner so obviously you can tell that I am going to lean towards the Helix. Having said that I can say with COMPLETE honesty that the Helix really shined today when comparing the two. All things being equal I take the Helix all day long and don't regret the purchase for a minute. My buddy was even joking about buying one once he sold off some of his other gear Most importantly though is that fact that there are two INCREDIBLE units on the market for, given what they do, not a lot of money. It is an amazing time to be a guitar player. I've been playing way long enough to remember when it wasn't so. I remember playing through a Crate solid state amp.....wow how times have changed!! So as a community let's be thankful for the tools at our disposal. We live in a great time to be a musician and let's truly appreciate these miracle boxes that can be had for less than the cost of a Marshall half stack "back in the day". Or this day for that matter. Cheers!

HELP URGENT!!! I just perform an update to my line 6 g30 transmiter and receiver using xd-v75 receiver borowed from local music store. It was a line 6 xd-v75 headset unit. Update to my g30 went fine. But after the update installed, i can't start xd-v75 receiver. When i plug the power supply and switch the power button on, the screen doesn't show anything but black. The rf and battery meter in the left panel blinking red. Everything works normal before i perform update. But when i use xd-v75 on loader enabled mode to computer, it works fine. Line 6 monkey can detect the xd-v75 receiver and show that their current firmware is 2.01. Before performing update to my g30 receiver and transmitter, i check if my g30 receiver and transmitter detected in line 6 monkey. So i plug my receiver first, select g30 receiver from the list, and line 6 monkey detect it. After that i don't perform update right away, i press quit so i can check if my g30 transmitter detected in line 6 monkey. When i press quit, instead of quiting line 6 monkey right away, i saw line 6 monkey start reconfiguring xd-v75 for no reason. i saw performing mcu and other stuff. I'm not connected to the internet yet that time. I wonder is this is what causing problem with the xd-v75 receiver. What happened to that xd-v75 receiver? Will a firmware update solve it or can i solve it without firmware update (the stock firmware is 2.01)? If i update the firmware only on the receiver (update to 2.04), will it still work without problem with the transmitter (tbp12) which have an older firmware (2.01)? Honestly i feel bad with the music store. I just don't want to touch another stuff (the transmitter) because they already think that i broke the receiver, so if i touch the transmitter then they'll think that i'm gonna ruin the transmitter too. Please help me. Tomorrow i'll be back to the music store to fix this. Sorry for bad english.

Hello. Sound card Line 6 UX1 - I can not open more than one program (guitar rig, amplitube 4, ravelver, etc.). I run these programs, select the ASIO sound source and everything - the program crashes. Pod Farm 2 works. The sound and computer itself is authorized through the license manager, the driver reinstalled, the Windows too. Here are the pictures of errors: BIAS: AMPLITUBE:

Hey everyone, I just got a awesome Spider MK 2 HD100, and iam really happy with it, but it has come with the older floorboard with no connection to pc so I have bought a midi to USB cable to connect from the head into my pc but everytime I begin the firmware update i get a few popup windows open saying everything is ok click "yes" to proceed and then tick the user agreement and then i get a error window with the code 8000000, any clues please? Windows 10 btw. Cheers. Shaun.

Hi Can someone tell me if this is true. Line 6 is now owned by Yamaha?

Received my helix under a week ago. And I LOVE the sounds so far. Lots of patches made and downloaded. Really love the ones I got from Glenn Delaune. I find myself constantly worried I'm going to break it or wear out one of the inputs or something. I see the occasional thread on people who have joysticks or exp pedals that have broken. Is this really that common?? I guess what I'm asking is this--how durable have you found your Helix to be? Am I being silly with treating it like a baby bird? I bought a case for it from BOSS that's pretty good. If that means anything. Thanks everyone!

Hola amigos, hace unos días conecté mi pedalera a la PC, le actualicé el Firmware a la última versión y todo eso con el Monkey. Primero me dio problemas, ya que cuando intentaba crear sonidos mediante el EDIT me salió un error que hizo que la pedalera se reiniciara y no iniciara más, ese problema lo solucioné. Tenía sonidos creados que tenían pedal de expresión funcionando en ensayos y demás, pero desde que me pasó ese error ahora cuando entro al sonido el pedal de expresión pareciera no funcionar. Intenté de todo, desde volver a la versión anterior de Flash Memory pero sigue sin funcionar. También pensé que podía ser que la configuración le determinara el EXP 2, pero lo configuré y sigue sin andar. El pedal al presionarlo marca como que si funciona, pero al momento de tratar de hacer que el volúmen baje, el wah wah funcione, no reacciona. Si alguien me soluciona la vida estaría muy agradecido ya que intenté de todo, y hace unas semanas tuve que abrir la pedalera para sacarle una ficha que se había quedado dentro de la Guitar In y eso seguro que hace que no me reciban la garantía :( Saludos desde Argentina.

Hey all, wondering if anyone else has had this problem in the past with their Relay G50/G90 transmitter: My guitarist made the error of using his with a set of "cheaper" Chinese-made rechargeable batteries. I'm not sure if it was a problem with overcharging, heat, etc., but they're now stuck in his transmitter. The battery door still closes, and the transmitter still functions, but these batteries can not be removed. Almost as if they've expanded in size to the point where they're stuck. Has anyone developed a trick for dislodging batteries that have gotten stuck in these transmitters? Hoping I don't have to send it off to Line 6 in order to get this issue solved. I also don't want to attempt to disassemble the unit myself in order to remove them, as I'm sure the company wouldn't recommend that. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

A pod 2.0 manual I downloaded has the brit hi gain listed as a 1986 Marshall JCM 800 in the manual, but as a 1990 Marshall JCM 800 on the reference sheet. Any idea which year is the correct one modeled? I'm no amp tech, so is there really much of a difference between those two year's models? Here is a link to the manual. You can find the discrepancies on pages 2 and 3. http://www.rudebadmood.com/badges/POD_2.0_User_Manual-English.pdf

I am simply trying to accomplish a very good patch on my line 6 mk11 hd100 amp for the Gary Moore solo on his tune "still got the blues". I would like very specific settings including the values on the tone knobs " they display for such a short time" when trying to create a patch. Would appreciate any help getting that sustain and compression, clarity and drive. thank you Bobby Babineaux

Hello, I am new to these forums so I apologize in advance for potential misunderstandings :D Yesterday I bought this new Line 6 Spider Classic 15 watt amplifier along with brand new Epiphone SG and a brand new cable. When I plugged the guitar to the amplifier, everything was tippy toppy great, but that's when the trouble started .. I messed a little with knobs and channels but I did not save anything (I did not press the channel button to take a ''snap'' of the tone) and now I don't have distortion and the volume is way down whatever I do. Clean channel is normal, although the volume is lowered.. Crunch channel has no distortion at all and as I move on to Metal and Insane channels, sound remains clean, only it gets muddier .. When I strum, sound is just muddy, no distortion present .. I implore you all for help, since I've waited for this moment for 5 bloody years :D and now I can't get the distortion even a little bit ..Rest of the effects are in working order, I've tested them, tuner doesn't register string plucking at all.. I've tried factory restarting (holding clean button while turning on .. I hold it, the lights above channels blink 3 times and that's it ...still the same) .. I've read the manuals but there's no mention of this problem.. Thank you in advance for any help..

Hey, everybody! My name is Robert Rosenbrook and I wanted to share a solo EP that I recorded using the Helix for all the guitars. I used only stock amps and effects for my patches which I'd be happy to share if there is enough interest! Let me know what you all think! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhJ4ODReEz8 - Here's a video of one of the songs https://robertrosenbrook.bandcamp.com/ - link to rest of the EP

Hi, I am about to buy a used UX2 from Amazon and I am not sure if the software is with it or not. Can this software that lists with it (or other software) be downloaded. I am especially interested in Ableton live or recording software that comes with it or might be useful (example drum software, etc)? Thank you!

I've been using line 6 since the company started. I was an endorsee for quite awhile until recently but still use line 6 and I currently use the Helix as my main live rig. I'm waiting on the Helix Native plugin anxiously so I can use it to record my newest songs with. I started using line 6 to record all my albums with back when I had the pod pro rack mount unit, then later continued using the podfarm VST. Anyway, If you like shred Instrumental guitar, you can now download my latest album for free https://marcpattison1.bandcamp.com/album/risen-from-the-ashes-2 Since it's been downloaded on torrent sites over a million times, I figured I may as well give it away now anyway. If you like it, I'll be releasing a new album in a couple months. You can either stream it or if you want a physical copy just click on buy and leave the dollar amount at 0. If you wish to pay as little as a $1, that's totally up to you I originally got endorsed/endorsed Line 6 back when Tim Goodwin was the rep over 10 years ago, but I was one of the first to buy their combo amps when they first came out when nobody knew who they were. I was recently told that there is no longer an artist program, but I still continue to use Line6(and unofficially endorse them) even though I no longer get a discount or artist privileges. That's how much I believe in their products! I've been one of their longest supporters and I'll still tell everyone I know how great I think their products are. At least one of us is loyal!! I officially endorse ESP guitars, Peavey Amps, DiMarzio Pickups, Steinberg/Yamaha software, Cool Picks, M-Audio Studio gear, Eventide, Line 6, (unofficially ) Morley Pedals, and Overloud software.

Hello dear users, Do one of you know a proper way to unplug the Line 6 Pod Studio (UX2) from a Mac ? Because sometimes it cause a crash, and restart the computer. Thank you in advance !

Hi all For the last few years my preferred alternative to an amp has been to play my guitar through my PC using a Line 6 FBV Express MK II pedal with a Line 6 UX1 (Pod Studio) with Pod Farm 2. It's even great but my FBV is now intermittently faulty. This kit has been around for quite a few years now. Can anyone suggest a new set up giving me the same flexibility in the same sort of price range please? I need to be able to have amp sims and effects through my PC with the ability to change effects with some sort of floorboard. I'm happy to look for another second hand FBV Express MK II but if anyone can suggest a newer improved set up that would be great. Also are there any other floorboards that can bu used with my UX1 (Pod Studio)? Thanks all!

Hello Does anyone try amplifi fx100 or firehawk to connect livid instruments guitar wing with wireless or bluetooth connection? is it possible? I use guitar wing with ipad app. thanks.

Hello Line 6 forum users, I was hoping you could help advise me with a dilemma that I'm having. I want to take advantage of Line 6's promotional deal for a Mission Engineering expression pedal when purchasing a helix rack and control this month so I went to Guitar Center (as I believe they are a licensed Line 6 dealer) yesterday to do so when they informed me that the earliest that a helix rack would be able to be shipped would be on the 27th of February as they didn't have one in store. I'm concerned that while I could get a receipt today, the 20th of February, showing I purchased a helix I wouldn't have the physical unit until perhaps March, when the promotion would have expired, and consequently if the serial number was needed to register the unit (as I assume it is) that I would miss the window of the promotion. Is it possible that there may be a way that even if my unit doesn't arrive during the promotional period that I could still receive a Mission Engineering expression pedal if I had proof of purchase during the promotional period? I have attempted to contact Line 6 through both repeated calls today and yesterday to the 1 (818) 575-3600 phone number they have listed as well as through a Facebook message but have yet to receive a reply. I understand that their customer service isn't listed as being open during the weekends and, while they are shown to be available on Mondays, that today is Presidents' Day in the United States so it's understandable that they may not be at work. Ideally I'd be purchasing the helix rack and control today from Guitar Center in order to take advantage of their Presidents' Day discounts but if possible I'd like to get confirmation on whether I would be able to receive the Mission Engineering expression pedal as well. Thanks for taking the time to read and any help you can offer!

Hello forum I am looking for help on issues with my DL4. I know this is for the JM4, but if someone can help or offer advice where to seek help it would be appreciated. I recently got my DL4. After experimenting with the loop sampler using my micro korg - i realized after recording a loop, the sampled loop will slowly fade out... eventually to no sound at all. This cant be normal for this device?/ What is there to do about this? Thanks- kk

So I have been using the FBV Express MKII with a Spider IV 30w amplifier for about 7 months without any issues I tried to connect it with my pc (without sucess for not having the right software installed I think) and nothing went wrong. The leds were lit when connected to the pc, but just as I tried it again on the amp nothing happened. I still get that 'click' whenever I plug it in but it seems to be dead. I've tried to restart my pc so it could recognize the unit, but it just doesn't happen anymore Are there any obvious solutions for this issue? I'll be needing the pedal for the next week so please, I need to get help as soon as possible Thank you

So I'm trying to find out if there's a way of using my old floorboard as a midi controller for my MAC (logic/mainstage). Obviously it sends some sort of signal over CAT5 which I could hook up to my MAC but is there any way to get the 2 talking? Anyone??

I have a line 6 spider 4 15 watt amp that i bought from a friend of myn. When i first got it worked perfectly. afer a few weeks i noticed that the sound was dull and it was not the volume becuase i turned it up. Out of frustration i hit the top of the amp and the sound got louder nd clearer for a few seconds. Thats when i was sure that something was wrong. I can not seem to find what is the problem and i am hoping that someone here can help me. Thanks.

Hey guys, Im having trouble with my XLR microphone that is hooked up to my UX1 interface. The green light is on indicating that the computer has detected the device (and yes I downloaded the drivers from this site) but it is still not picking up sound. I have tested this mic before and the interface but it doesnt seem to be working this time. PLEASE HELP THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Hi guys, I've got a problem with my PodFarm (I use it with UX2). When I've changed my GX to UX2 i was super happy beacause i had way more amps and effects there. After I've reinstalled my computer system (I'm working on Windows 8) I had some problems with installing PodFarm and with registration on Line 6. Now it's working but I have just two guitar and bass amps and few effects. What should I do to get more sounds? Please, help me.