Another Help Me Decide Thread

[htimst]

I will try and keep this explanation short.

 

I am looking to add a Helix (of some flavor) to my setup.  This will likely be in replacement of some aging gear in my rack that currently holds and 11R, AxeFX Ultra and a PodHDx Pro.  I have a bad habit of adding things to my rack and not taking stuff away.  

 

I am not a gigging musician.  I work entirely out of a home studio and will likely never take my show on the road.

 

The helix rack looks tantalizing to me with the helix controller...but then I started thinking that the helix would give me that same functionality as I typically spend most of my tweak time in AxeEdit or HD Edit on my Mac.  Other than reaching for the tuner button, I don't really interact with the hardware much.  I do like to have a floor controller though and use a Shortboard for my PODHDx.

 

My conundrum is the upcoming Helix Native.

 

My current thinking is Helix Rack with Helix Control and add Helix native for when I am actually recording.  The question is, will I be better suited with the floor Helix and then Helix native?  Will the floor Helix provide control of Helix Native?  I'm not on a budget, but I also don't want be wasteful.

 

Help?

[MusicLaw]

There are plenty of examples on YouTube of HELIX Floor being used on a Desk, resting atop an Amp, or on a repurposed Amp Stand, etc. I have a buddy who uses his on a heavy duty music stand, and got the Mission Expression Pedal, he even loosened the treadle's pivot bolt to be able to use it with his hand if desired.

 

Using the HELIX floor within arms reach (elevated) also affords quick access and use of the multiple capactive touch fsw buttons! And, should you want to use it on the floor, the treadle is built in. The HELIX Controller for the HELIX Rack also has the capacitance touch fsw buttons.

 

As it won't be exposed to club crowds or spills the HELIX Floor may also be worth considering and it is a few dollars cheaper than the HELXI Rack & HELIX Controller.

 

The updated HELIX Editor and to be introduced HELIX Native will be fully interactive with either the HELIX Floor or HELIX Rack.

 

The HELIX Rack also offers more I/Os, but you'd need to get around the back to access them.

[soundog]

I bought a Helix floor unit entirely for studio use. My logic was that I didn't want to buy the additional controller (for Rack), and I was also thinking the resale market would be bigger than the Rack unit if I ever wanted to sell it. 

 

I have the unit set up on a low table so I don't have to bend over to jack stuff in or out, or to do some editing. Most editing, though, I do from the software editor. It works out great and I love it.

 

I think if I was new to the market, I would wait and buy the native plug-in (if the user reviews are positive, and I expect them to be) You can always try a demo to be sure its for you. But, if you think you might ever want to play some guitar at a gig or jam session, get the hardware + plug-in.

[DunedinDragon]

One thing that may have a bearing on using Helix Native, at least as far as my consideration of it, is the possibility of latency.  It all depends on how you record.  For myself I have an HD ProX which I intend to replace with a Helix rack shortly.  The HD ProX is also used as my audio interface and when I typically record I listen to the source guitar along with the playback of the unarmed tracks.  That way I never have any issues with latency.

 

Were I to only use Helix Native my workflow and signal flow would have to change.  Obviously I'd need a separate audio interface, and I'd only be able to hear the processed guitar by monitoring the recorded signal potentially introducing latency.  Additionally, because my studio monitors are connected at this point to my HDProX, I can work in a completely standalone fashion on the HDProX while I work on presets or compose and work out parts.  That wouldn't be the case if I were to be dependent on the Helix Native which would need to be loaded as a plug in.

 

Whether or not I'd actually have latency with the Helix Native is an unknown at this point.  I may opt to install the Helix Native in my current setup and simply pass along an unprocessed signal through my HDProX to determine how things work before making a final decision on whether to upgrade my HDProX to the Helix Rack.  In any case it's an easy decision to have the Helix Native as it's only $100 for me since I already own a Helix floor unit which is what I use on stage.  I'd still gain the benefit of being able to develop patches for original songs and such which could be used live on the Helix floor unit...so that's really a no-brainer.

[soundog]

Latency is a concern, for sure. I don't like recording with anything more than 8-10 ms, especially when fingerpicking or playing fast leads. I, too, will be using a floor unit along (since I already own one) with the plug-in. For @htimst, it might be best to try a demo of the native plug in and see how it works out in his DAW setup, and see how the latency is, subjectively. If its all good, why not just buy the plug-in and save some bucks? If not, I'd get the floor unit + plug-in.

[HonestOpinion]

As you have stated that you have no intention of taking your show on the road I agree with those who are suggesting the Helix Native alternative and using the 15 day trial period might be a great way to determine if it is for you. I am wondering how and if the Helix controller half of the Helix rack will work with Helix Native. If so, if you have to have the ease of functionality of the proprietary Helix controller, the scribble strips (they are great), colored footswitch rings, etc., perhaps the Helix controller will be a good choice.  The other option is I am assuming Native will probably be able to use any programmable MIDI capable pedal which you may already own. If not something like the Behringer FCB1010 can be had for peanuts and would probably work just fine with Helix Native. Now if they start offering Helix Native for a discount, e.g. $200 with just the purchase of the floor pedal controller of the Helix Rack I would absolutely purchase the floor controller (assuming it will work with Native). That offer does not exist right now, don't want to start any rumors.

[spikey]

The helix rack looks tantalizing to me with the helix controller...but then I started thinking that the helix would give me that same functionality as I typically spend most of my tweak time in AxeEdit or HD Edit on my Mac. 

 

I was at the same place you are at now with my Axe FX II XL+. It was supposed to the best out there in every way. But, I watched the videos and liked what I heard, so I took the chance that Helix would sound better out of the box and without spending hours upon hours tweaking on it (like I was doing with the Axe). FWIW, I no longer have a Fractal product (I still think It's I think a great product & many swear by it).  Im very happy with what I have now (Helix Rack and Controller) function and tone wise. To me, there is a world of difference in functionality. I am no longer tweaking for hours. Hope this helps.

[htimst]

Thanks for all the replies folks.  Honestly, I felt a little dumb about the conundrum I was in, but after reading the replies, the suggestions and solutions allowed me to see that I'm not actually out in left field with my wants and desires.  The beauty of the hardware to me, was always the ability to monitor it directly and control latency.  The trouble I have with the helix on a desk is desk space is at a premium in my setup.  I do thank everyone for their replies and I think I'm leaning towards the helix rack. 

 

Cheers