Moving to Helix LT - first thoughts coming from HX Effects

[MayPRS]

I can start this topic by saying - if anyone is in doubt of going Helix (LT or Floor) coming from HX Effects - don't think about it. DO IT!

 

I was having the same doubts a couple of weeks ago - I pulled the trigger on a LT and couldn't be happier so far. First thoughts:

 

• I started by upgrading both units to 3.5 - flawless upgrade, factory restore as recommended;
• The LT is a completely different device - not even in the same league as the HX. I now feel I have a totally "professional" unit, the HX Effects has its merits but the feel it's not the same;
• I A/B them with the same amp, same signal path and the sound is much cleaner and with more headroom on the LT;
• The LT input gate works very well and better than the "Noise Gate" block I had to put on the HX;
• I connected a second guitar on the Return 1 (to avoid having a guitar switcher) and don't notice any difference in sound comparing to the guitar input;
• The programming on the unit itself its soooooooo easy: for the first time I didn't even have to use the HX Edit - on the HX Effects its much more cluttered and difficult to program.

 

I could go on in other stuff... the fact we don't need a bulky AC adapter, etc etc. The points above - when I bough the LT I thought "well, I'm getting an oversized HX Effects with the amp+cab blocks but not much more than that". I was totally wrong: the LT is a totally different unit and totally worth the upgrade. If, like me, you're in the same boat (debating HX Effects vs LT) and have the money, just do it.

 

Even the form factor: with the HX Effects I have a couple more pedals on a pedalboard (guitar switcher, amp emulator, wha pedal) and it's roughly the same size as the LT and almost as heavy. Now I don't need any of the above pedals, so I don't even can put the form factor as an advantage to keep the HX Effects. Of course if you just use the HX Effects itself - the LT is considerably larger and heavier.

 

Just my two cents (quick note - this is not a "HX Effects" bashing topic. As I said it haves it merits and the sound is good for what it is. I just posted this to help other that might have been struggling with the "upgrade or not" decision. But, for what it is, the HX Effects is an excellent unit).

 

 

[codamedia]

Glad you are enjoying the "upgrade".  They are indeed different units with different target markets - but I felt pretty much the same when I made the switch from the HX Effects to the Helix. I struggled with the HX Effects, I have never struggled with the LT. Placebo or not... I do think the LT sounds better, and I enjoy using it more. 

[MayPRS]

On 2/28/2023 at 12:25 PM, codamedia said:

Glad you are enjoying the "upgrade".  They are indeed different units with different target markets - but I felt pretty much the same when I made the switch from the HX Effects to the Helix. I struggled with the HX Effects, I have never struggled with the LT. Placebo or not... I do think the LT sounds better, and I enjoy using it more. 

 

I have the exact same feeling and I A/B them both extensively with the same blocks. The LT has more clarity and headroom, there's no doubt based on my personal experience. The LT sounds wonderful, even the pitch shift I always struggled on the HX Effects.