help me out....hx/catalyst...

[horax]

Hey everybody,

Been playing tubes since the beginning of my guitar journey, but I recently bought a Catalyst 200 as I was very shocked with the tones and feel of this amp.

Price was good, too.

 

I liked the fact taht it was a simple amp...didnt' have 1,000,000 options like the Spider line or other modellers I've played with.

 

However, I have come to hate it's limitations...namely the inability to change boost pedals (only get the one per amp that they hardwired) and the inability to have more than 1 effect and 1 reverb at any given time.

 

This has led me down teh rabbit hole of considering adding/changing my setup.

I've considered the Fender Mustang GTX100, but also have been thinking about the Helix offerings available that I could use WITH my Catalyst.  I really like the idea of more amp models and a few more options for effects if needed.

 

I'm not too up to date on the helix offerings, but I don't want to spend 1500.00 either.  As such, I've been thinking about the Helix Stomp. Would adding this to my rig allow me to run more amp types and more effects, or are the limitations similar?

 

The one thing I like about the Mustang is the ability to have about 33 different amp types and run multiple effects at once. However, I THINK the Catalyst has the better tone.  Is Helix the answer here, or should I go back to tube amps?

[patgiff]

You sound like the perfect candidate for a Helix.  All the amps in the Catalyst are now in the Helix too, with none of the limitations you have mentioned.  If you love the sound of the Catalyst you can always run your Helix through an amp and cab- after 8 years I have finally found my Helix Dream Sound by running without cab block into my tube power amp and cab (for monitor) and with cab block (and a few voodoo tricks) to FOH.  I would personally not advise using a Catalyst AND a Helix because you already have everything and more inside the Helix.  (you could always just use the FX Return on the Catalyst and that makes it your power amp).  Yes, the Helix is way more expensive but after an 18 month detour into the Kemperverse (loved the sound, hated the UI and limitations) I bought my way back into a Floor AND a Rack - for a total cost of €2000 (used).   Good luck!