amsdenj Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 iPad and computer based guitar effects and amplification systems have come a long way since POD 2.0 was released. Now we have Helix. But this is a somewhat closed environment - it does get updates and extensions, and does allow installation of user IRs, and that's a big change. But a PC with S-Gear or BIAS FX Pro, or an iPad with BIAS FX is quite incredible sounding, flexible, open, extensible, can be used directly in DAWs and customizable performance applications like MainStage. Helix has the advantage of being an integrated hardware unit, but that's also a disadvantage in terms of flexibility and end-user upgrades. Ultimately its down to the usability and tone. Helix easily wins on usability, as does the HD500X. But what about the tones? Has anyone had an opportunity to compare Helix with similar S-Gear or BIAS FX tones? The HD500X doesn't stand up to either. I'm hoping Helix will. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ofp2079 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Interesting post. I doubt many have had the opportunity to compare Helix and Bias FX for instance, since there are only a few Helix units around as current time. I've had many many digital modelers so far, and Bias has to be quite amazing (not even mentioning the ridiculous pricing), but for live use I do not want to depend on an ipad or any computer involved solution ! So I'm interested in the Helix, and the upcoming Fractal AX8 of course. I really want to check the Helix now, since it will be available in Europe late october and obviously before the Fractal unit. BUT I have to say I'm slightly disappointed not to see some of my favorite amps and effects in the list. Some Mesa Boogie, Matchless amps for instance, an Echo Tape Delay, more boosters and compressor choices... and funny stuff like a sitar pedal for instance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsdenj Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 I tend to agree with you regarding using a computer with USB or FireWire cables, or relying on Wifi or Bluetooth communication between iPad and MainStage/Logic using Logic Remote or similar setups. My S-Gear (www.scuffhamamps.com) sounds and feels so good that I'm tempted. BIAS FX on an iPad doesn't compare in terms of tones, I don't think it can compete with an HD500X yet. It sounds better to me on the desktop, and is quite flexible with the effects and utilization of BIAS to design your own amps. However BIAS desktop is pricy and not ready for prime time - it doesn't have a standalone app, has no MIDI control, and doesn't expose any parameters to your DAW for automation. I'm sure that's all coming. And it still doesn't match S-Gear. I've preordered Helix mostly because 1) I've been loyal to Line6 for many years, not stopping now, 2) this unit looks like its been really well designed inside and out, 3) I'm committed to my Variax 700 Acoustic. But I'll have it configured to use as an audio/MIDI interface to MainStage with S-Gear and BIAS for additional options, using Helix for some front of the amp effects. S-Gear mod, delay and reverb are the best I've ever heard. Most live gigs though will use Helix only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBGas Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Having run Bias Amps pro on the desktop and IOS and Bias FX on the IOS setup, I can honestly say it surpasses the previous Line 6 PodHD Pro stuff from what I hear. You have to know how to setup the dual amps and run through with an effect in front of the second amp. This gives it a spacial effect similar to the headphone space in the Kemper. It really sounds fabulous. I'm hoping my Helix rack sounds great and looking forward to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsdenj Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 I see your point. HD500X could do this with dual amps too. But possibly the speaker impulse responses are better in BIAS FX, and the effects are very nice. The problem I felt wasn't so much the sound as the feel. BIAS FX doesn't seem to have the dynamic range and feel of the HD500X even though the tones are great. Could be an interface issue, I'm using an Apogee Jam HD. Could also be a bit too much amp sag. But the difference between BIAS and S-Gear is even greater. S-Gear just makes the guitar come alive. I'm hoping Helix is similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBGas Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I keep hearing S-Gear is really nice. Haven't tried it yet. My have to have a listen to it. It seems to be very well received. Bias FX really shines when you turn off the cab emulations and run a plugin like Two-Notes Wos-III. The sound is amazing at that point! For the time being since I have sold my interface, I run the Apogee Jam 96K. It's a decent interface for this and works just fine. Like you, I'm hoping the Helix does it all for me, tone wise. Hopefully we will get some new clips up as folks receive them. I have a Rack and Control on order and can't wait for them to arrive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eenymason Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I tend to agree with you regarding using a computer with USB or FireWire cables, or relying on Wifi or Bluetooth communication between iPad and MainStage/Logic using Logic Remote or similar setups. My S-Gear (www.scuffhamamps.com) sounds and feels so good that I'm tempted. BIAS FX on an iPad doesn't compare in terms of tones, I don't think it can compete with an HD500X yet. It sounds better to me on the desktop, and is quite flexible with the effects and utilization of BIAS to design your own amps. However BIAS desktop is pricy and not ready for prime time - it doesn't have a standalone app, has no MIDI control, and doesn't expose any parameters to your DAW for automation. I'm sure that's all coming. And it still doesn't match S-Gear. I've preordered Helix mostly because 1) I've been loyal to Line6 for many years, not stopping now, 2) this unit looks like its been really well designed inside and out, 3) I'm committed to my Variax 700 Acoustic. But I'll have it configured to use as an audio/MIDI interface to MainStage with S-Gear and BIAS for additional options, using Helix for some front of the amp effects. S-Gear mod, delay and reverb are the best I've ever heard. Most live gigs though will use Helix only. You may not be aware of this yet? http://www.positivegrid.com/bias-head/ I love Bias, but for me the patch changing interaction between Variax (for me 300 and 600 tranplants), and HD500 has been too good to replace the HD500 with something without that interaction. Now if Line 6 were to make Helix interact with the older variaxes, I'd be looking for stuff to sell so I could upgrade. Sadly I don't know if they ever will - I doubt it in fact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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