What will I get out of it if...

[MayPRS]

I sell my HX Effects and go for the Helix LT. Besides the obvious amp+cabs added value, is it "worth" the upgrade? I really like the HX form factor and I suspect I will gain zero value in effects, but I will have more snapshots (really important to me) and a expression pedal, all integrated. The LT is bigger and heavier though.

 

To give you some context: I play in a Queen and also a Pink Floyd tribute band. I use same pedalboard for both but, for Queen, I have a dedicated "Vox AC30 + Treble Booster" pedal (a V-Stack BHM) which is a truly wonderful pedal - it allows me for that Vox tone at full with a TB, crucial for BM Tone.

 

I also have:

 

- A Wha Wha pedal

- a Guitar Switcher

 

For Pink Floyd I usually use the HX integrated od/ds (Rat, Coloursound, Big Muff...) and it works nicely.

 

My idea, if going for the LT, is to just use the LT meaning ditching the V-Stack, the Wha pedal and the Guitar Switcher (can I plug two electric guitars on the LT? Main and backup, played only one at the time, I only change to backup if something happens to main guitar).

 

Is it a nice move? I mean - If I buy the LT and still have to keep the V-Stack + Guitar Switcher maybe it's not worth it. I also couldn't find any video on the new 3.50 update regarding "Brian May tone".

 

Many thanks in advance!

[codamedia]

On 2/17/2023 at 4:10 AM, MayPRS said:

I sell my HX Effects and go for the Helix LT. Besides the obvious amp+cabs added value, is it "worth" the upgrade?

 

The short answer.... it's TWO HX Effects in one box & more....

From there you can use your imagination. If you can't think of a way to use it then it's not for you. 

 

FWIW, I made the switch from an HX Effects to an LT and never questioned my decision once. It was worth every penny! But that's me, you are you! 

 

On 2/17/2023 at 4:10 AM, MayPRS said:

I also couldn't find any video on the new 3.50 update regarding "Brian May tone".

 

His tone is not a mystery. The Helix has the amps, cabs and effects needed.... the HX Effects has the effects needed. 

 

[toddkc]

I don't think anyone but you can answer if it's worth it or not.  Would you use the extra features?  Then yes, it's worth it!  I started with a Pod Go and loved the tone, but quickly found myself wanting more dsp, blocks, and snapshots.  I upgraded to a floor and it was absolutely worth it, can't imagine life without it now :)

[MayPRS]

Quick question: can I plug two electric guitars on the LT? Main and backup, played only one at the time, I only change to backup if something happens to main guitar.

[datacommando]

On 2/17/2023 at 3:43 PM, MayPRS said:

Quick question: can I plug two electric guitars on the LT? Main and backup, played only one at the time, I only change to backup if something happens to main guitar.

 

Hi,

 

Technically, yes, although there is only one dedicated guitar input with a switchable impedance pad. To add a second guitar you could use one of the Send/Return jack sockets.

 

Best solution for using a second guitar so you can still use the FX Loops (Send/Returns) is to use an cheapo A/B Y switch as in this example:

 

https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Belcat-ABS-520-Dual-Input-A-B-Box-True-Bypass/FY4?_gl=1*1sux4q3*_ga*OTE0MjUxMTAzLjE2NzY2NDk4Nzc.*_up*MQ..

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

It may be worth having a read through this:

https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a3f18374611d5dffd3a45/application/pdf/Helix LT 3.0 Owner's Manual - Rev D - English .pdf

 

[codamedia]

On 2/17/2023 at 9:43 AM, MayPRS said:

Quick question: can I plug two electric guitars on the LT? Main and backup, played only one at the time, I only change to backup if something happens to main guitar.

 

Well... I'm old school. When I need my backup guitar (or to simply switch guitars) I simply unplug one and plug in the next. The EXP on my LT is always a Volume/Wah... so muting is extremely simple when it's time to switch - just heel down the exp pedal. 

 

That said - I do use one of my returns as an input for my Pedal Steel which is always connected. 

[theElevators]

IMO, the whole point of an LT or Floor is to eliminate the need to have a bunch of pedals, switches, amps--use the Helix to replace your entire signal chain.  There are some purists that swear by their specific wah/distortion/delay.  I'm not one of them.  Helix has all the sounds, or a very very close approximation of all the sounds you may ever need.  So if you want to simplify your setup, go with the Helix.  If you must use your specific pedals, then don't. 

 

So right now my stage setup is done in around 2 minutes:

• Place the Helix Floor on the floor
• Connect Left/Right XLR
• Connect 1/4" cable to the Mooer Baby Bomb that connects to a 12" speaker
• Connect my wireless system, power everything on

Done! All the settings are as I saved them, everything works.  Do a quick sound check to make sure left/right are coming through as I expect them to.  It's fantastic.  I had to do it for 2 weeks every single day abroad in Europe and I was always the first one that was ready to play, before everybody else in my band. 

 

Plus, there are all these things that you need to maintain if you have individual pedals--they need to have fresh batteries, or a power source that works.... cables go bad, etc. 

 

So IMO a self-contained unit that has everything is a lot more reliable.  However, if the entire Helix decides to die one day, then you have absolutely nothing working, and will have to resort to playing the spoons.... That's why with the Helix I always take a backup processor.  I have a Pod Go that has all my sounds in 4 presets, that I can use to limp through the show in case my Helix dies.  Or if I'm doing a series of shows and have room, I simply take a backup Helix with me.  I did that in Europe: took the Floor and the LT with me. 

[MayPRS]

So I did it!!! I bought a Helix LT and can't wait for it to arrive.

 

A question: if I backup my HX Effects, can I load the backup in HX Edit connected to the LT so I can recover the patches? It will save some time for making them from scratch again :)

[silverhead]

On 2/23/2023 at 4:23 AM, MayPRS said:

…..

 

A question: if I backup my HX Effects, can I load the backup in HX Edit connected to the LT so I can recover the patches? It will save some time for making them from scratch again :)

The best way to do this is probably with Helix Native. If you don’t already have it you can use the free trail period.

 

Helix Native uses a Hardware Compatibility (HC) mode to translate presets into the various formats used by the different Helix devices. You would use HX Edit to export your HX Effects presets. Then use Helix Native in the Helix LT HC mode to import the presets and convert them into LT format. Then, still in Helix Native, Save the presets to Disk. Then, in HX Edit with the LT connected, import the presets. They will then be stored in your Helix LT.

 

The manuals for both Helix Native and HX Edit provide full details.

[MayPRS]

On 2/23/2023 at 12:12 PM, silverhead said:

The best way to do this is probably with Helix Native. If you don’t already have it you can use the free trail period.

 

Helix Native uses a Hardware Compatibility (HC) mode to translate presets into the various formats used by the different Helix devices. You would use HX Edit to export your HX Effects presets. Then use Helix Native in the Helix LT HC mode to import the presets and convert them into LT format. Then, still in Helix Native, Save the presets to Disk. Then, in HX Edit with the LT connected, import the presets. They will then be stored in your Helix LT.

 

The manuals for both Helix Native and HX Edit provide full details.

 

I actually was offered a license of Native by Line6, they have this offer: https://line6.com/total-guitar-recording-bundle/

 

Thanks for the advice :)

[ddgx300]

I had an HX effects I loved it.  I play out a lot.  My back hurts.  No lie I got an LT for the modelers.  I can do everything my Effects could do and more.  I don't have to carry an amp if I don't want and I get very good sound and tone.  At least for what I do.  In my opinion it is absolutely worth it.  Not to mention for digital recording at home you can use the LT as your audio interface.  Do it.  You won't regret it.