First impressions on the Helix two days in...

[WickedFinger]

Now that I am absorbing the method on how this puppy works, I am finding it is way beyond what I expected, and the tones forever and a day shut up modeler haters. The ability to run dual lines of different amps and cabs is just mind boggling fun. I had heard the reverbs and delays were not all that great, but really being able to combine them and tweak out stuff is just making the most amazing reverbs and delays I have ever gotten. Does some of the coolest reverb things I have ever used.

If there is better than this, I cannot imagine what or how. I am learning to farm out my overdrives to my better hand select pedals which I think is a better way to go, as I am not all that excited about the internals, a few are usable in my pallet. One effect that was bending my brain is the Vibe, wow, I have been a lover of photo cell vibes for ages and I have never heard them throw such a pulse throb on the low end and just sound like real lamps with bias adjust no less. This is a digital mimic?? Bloody amazing, no wonder the amp models are so realistic and responsive. The Wah models are outstanding as well. Pretty much all the effects I find very good, learning the art of arranging and using so many params is really a tweaker's fantasy.

All in all extremely impressed by the Helix, I was afraid it was going to be rather PODish but I was delighted in its range of really, really great model sounds and well worth the bucks, as it is indeed 3-4 times better than anything I have had. Seems like it will take a century to really load up some great sounding patches as I just cannot stop experimenting. What a cool unit. Helix is the deal. So glad I decided to get it. Looking forward to an infinite range of tone ideas as I get better and better at the programming.

Thanks L6 you guys really engineered a wonderful machine.

Any ideas how to make my Explorer 11 run the install file? I think I will try it on Chrome to get around the file opening problem.

[alpag]

Cool review. Glad you're up a running with it so quickly.

 

It took me about a month to get into it, and had some days where I thought about returning it.

I'm glad I didn't though, because now I know how to get the tones I love out of it.

I now use it for Bass, acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Like a mini studio. A fantastic tool for recording with.

Al

[klangmaler]

[...]

Any ideas how to make my Explorer 11 run the install file? I think I will try it on Chrome to get around the file opening problem.

 

You have to download these files first, after that you have to  install them:

 

http://line6.com/support/topic/18284-latest-helix-firmware-201/

[glideman]

Chrome is much better!

[WickedFinger]

That is the problem getting the 2.01 files on Explorer 11 it does not install them you get a huge page of machine language. Some sort of issue with something called "Edge" in Microsoft they put on Explorer 11. I did get the files updated on my Helix using my crashed Windows 8 machine so I have the new updates and editor on my old PC I had to retart so I can at least just use it for the Helix. But I would like to get the new Inspiron 24 to do it as well. Trying again with Chrome. I was using it before my crash but the new PC had Explorer 11 in the package. Seems to be a lot of issues with it. 

Seems like everyone has that, "Do I sent it back?" period before we really get into what it can do. Judging it on factory stuff is a big mistake, personally there is only a couple I can make use of after severe editing. I like to really route up some cool stuff been making these dual amp stereo chains into path B and loading that with all sorts of amazing reverb and delay blocks. What a marvelous unit they have designed here. Even the front end drives are OK but outside the Klon and Timmy mimic they run a outside my needs. Working on integrating my outboard pedals with my new patches to see how that goes. 

Some of the user stuff is really dreadful or does not take into account the full use of the design. I guess having my prior guitar synth taught me to really get into that programming. So many ideas in this I know I am just scratching the surface so far but already into split paths and stereo runs into Path B, since I run stereo power amps I have a lot of ability to pan and separate sides. Very cool, well worth the bucks. Those pondering it  and not liking the POD so much, all I can say is I went through my POD stage and took that as far as it could go and the Helix is way beyond that platform, just pick it up big heavy metal chassis no plastic, this is heavy duty higher end by far. Loving it, the amp model experimenting continues. Hey just a hint out there, do not not forget the preamp models, you can put these in front of an amp model like a drive if the pedals are not doing the deal and you are not using off board stuff. Those seeking massive "djent" gains and whatnot should look into using preamps as well. 

[MouldyHelix]

I agree with you as I have just picked one up as well atfer mulling it over for a long time.  But very pleased I did.  With very little experience, last night I managed to crate one patch wet/dry patch  and another to use 4cm through my HnK Tubemeister.  it is VERY intuitive though there are a few trcick to learn. Like how to make the params selectable by snapshot which needs you to PUSH and turn!! That took a few goes and a search lol.

 

But the more you look, the more power and tweakability you find.

 

Can sound rough but can sound FANTASTIC!!  Its up to you  ;-)

[jpdennis]

 

Any ideas how to make my Explorer 11 run the install file? I think I will try it on Chrome to get around the file opening problem.

 

I turned to Firefox and have not turned back.

 

And yes the Helix is quite amazing for the bang for buck as well.

 

Dennis

[WickedFinger]

Gotten into dual split paths on A and B and it is just wild. There is a nice template for dual lines in the preset list that gives you a good start and makes you realize you have too get off that Path A and use the other half of the DSP power on B. 

[eenymason]

People out there still using Explorer? Seriously gobsmacked here.... :rolleyes:

[WickedFinger]

People out there still using Explorer? Seriously gobsmacked here.... :rolleyes:

I had been using Chrome for ages and my PC died, the new one started up on Explorer 11 and they have all this stuff integrated into it. I finally restored my Chrome and so much happier. Ex is the most user unfriendly thing. I hate when they try and dumb things down trying to make things moron proof, I like to fly the plane. 

[Rewolf48]

So are you annoyed about the Backspace "fix" in Chrome?

[phil_m]

So are you annoyed about the Backspace "fix" in Chrome?

 

I wish Firefox would implement this fix... I don't know how many times I've accidentally gone back after typing something in a form, hitting backspace to delete something and then going back to the page only to have everything I've written be gone forever. Dumbest shortcut ever.

[Rewolf48]

It annoys me... but the other way around: I really don't need to use two hands to go back to the previous page when browsing a Forum: my fingers just can't stretch to cover Alt and Left Arrow on a modern windows keyboard with one hand, so I have to move right hand from the mouse to a specific key and then back again. Really not an efficient choice at all.

 

Just as well that there are extensions such as "Back to Backspace" 

[HonestOpinion]

I wish Firefox would implement this fix... I don't know how many times I've accidentally gone back after typing something in a form, hitting backspace to delete something and then going back to the page only to have everything I've written be gone forever. Dumbest shortcut ever.

 

Couldn't agree more!

[laxtlo]

All the wah´s are exported from pod series to helix and they still sounds pretty amazing. Think about it then they model it just for helix ! :)

[WickedFinger]

I look forward to that.

I seem to prefer the Weeper myself but I guess all have their certain uses depending on the amp structure. I wish there was maybe a modeled optioned wah you could adjust params more so than just another model.

Sometimes I get annoyed with the copy mimic of things and prefer a more optimized high end model over a name.

I had been using a GSP 1101 recently with the last available software C63 which has IR capability. My fav GSP1101 models for cleans were the "2101 Tube Clean" and the "Digitech Clean Tube" which were just optimized killer glass cleans I used quite a bit. I care more how things sound that what they are supposed to sound like. Makes me glad I did not spend a fortune on numerous amps I would have not liked. Still trying to narrow down my favs and go to amps in the Helix. I finally got into the Shiva model which has that mid ground of not clean and not all out gain which where modelers have their hardest territory to meet. Digging the Helix, wondering just how far they can take the update thing with its internal hardware config. I would prefer more tweaking options on pedals than just mimic models. I mean tubescreamer yeah that was novel 30 years out and yes 95% of all drives these days are "based" on that circuit, BUT, would you believe they are trying to improve it and make it better not just copy it?