Helix Floor vs Rack Software FX IS Different?

[db9091]

Somebody invariably asks "what is the difference between the Helix Floor, LT and Rack units in terms of software" and the forum answer is always the same:  "NONE"

But I'm looking at the manual and seeing differences in the number of effects between the Rack and regular Floor unit.

 

For example:

Line 6 Helix Floor: 12 Distortion Models, no legacy

Line 6 Helix Rack:  15 Distortion Models, no legacy

 

That's 3 more in the Rack.  Why do people say "none"?!

 

Going further, trying to compare, there is confusion b/c they always lump in the advertisements  the models  WITH the effects

or just label the model/effects as "more than xxx".

 

So I check the manual and see that the HX model has:

Line 6 HX:  37 + 15 Legacy Distortion models.  That's triple the Helix models (or double w/o legacy) for a LOT less money.

 

I get why there $$ diff for hardware, but the software differences are confusing to me.

 

I record, don't play live, and want just a pedal fx unit (to add to Kemper and amps) so is the Line 6 HX Effects the better model to get vs the Helix Floor or Rack models?

 

Also, is there a chart to compare various models and effects, one by one?  Looked but haven't found one yet.

 

[phil_m]

There is no difference... They have the exact same amp and effects models. The fact that the Legacy distortions aren't showing up in the Helix manual you're looking at means you're looking at an outdated manual. The Legacy models are indeed available on all the Helix/HX SKUs.

 

The latest Helix manual is here: https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a4112b165fb6a3fe41663/application/pdf/Helix 3.0 Owner's Manual - Rev E - English .pdf

 

The latest Rack/Control manual is here: https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a3f63bf5fb6a4a7df95a/application/pdf/Helix Rack and Control 3.0 Owner's Manual - Rev D - English .pdf

[db9091]

Oh, I was looking at manuals here:

https://line6.com/support/manuals/

 

I was told by Sweetwater that perhaps their manual iterations just hadn't caught up with their added fx.

 

Ok, good to know.

 

So, on the other note, the IS a difference between the models of the HX series vs the Helix?

[silverhead]

As Phil_m said....there is no difference. Except, of course, the HX FX has no amp/cab models.

 

And you are looking on the right place for manuals. Phil_m provided you with the direct links to the identical manuals rather than going through the manuals section of the website. 

[db9091]

Perfect, thanks peeps!

 

Your efforts are much appreciated!

[phil_m]

21 minutes ago, db9091 said:

Oh, I was looking at manuals here:

https://line6.com/support/manuals/

 

I was told by Sweetwater that perhaps their manual iterations just hadn't caught up with their added fx.

 

Ok, good to know.

 

So, on the other note, the IS a difference between the models of the HX series vs the Helix?

 
That link you posted will take you to the latest versions of both manuals. Both were recently updated when the 3.0 firmware was released. So I’m not sure where you found the older manual. I think there may be links to older versions along with the newer revisions.

 

And all the Helix/HX models have the exact same models. The one difference is the HX Effects. It doesn’t have the amp and cab models. Everything is updated on the same schedule. That’s kind of the whole point. The Helix/HX stuff is a platform, so everything is built around the same core that’s updated as a whole.