Amp/Cab models for HX Effects?

[feelyat]

Apologies if this has been discussed to death. Couldn't find older threads on the topic.

 

Been wondering why the HX Effects doesn't support amp & cab modeling like every other Helix product in the line? I understand that the Effects is conceptually meant to be the stomp box emulation, but it seems crazy to me that the software doesn't allow for/include the amp & cab models, at least as an option. I was caught flat-footed once where my amp didn't make it to the gig and needed to go direct. Wound up building a second, smaller board with the HX Stomp to be a backup for cases like those.

 

Particularly given that even the HX One allows the amp & cab models, the omission on this one product sticks out. Anyone else had this as a concern?

[silverhead]

Don’t know where you got the idea that the HX One includes amp/cab models. It does not.

 

The HX FX is designed specifically for those users who do not want to pay for amp/cab modelling because they never plan to use it. They want to use their physical amp with a wide variety of FX packaged conveniently in a reasonably small portable and flexible device in a traditional pedal board setup. It isn’t an oversight or omission; it’s the main design of the device: no amp/cab models, supporting the traditional pedal board approach.

[feelyat]

Fair correction. Never owned an HX One. That said, Line 6's website is a little misleading then: 

 

https://line6.com/comparison/processors/

 

The One is explicitly listed as an "Amp & Effects Processor," whereas the Effects is the only Helix product in the "Effects Only" section.

 

And again, I understand that this is the underlying design intent of the HX Effects. The question I'm trying to ask is whether or not this is an arbitrary limitation of the software. As an HX Effects owner, it would be hugely helpful to have those additional models as a value-add/back pocket gig insurance. It's still strange that the HX Stomp is, from a DSP perspective at least, the more flexible option.

[somebodyelse]

The clue is in the name.

 

If you wanted amps/cabs, there are other options in the range.

 

IIRC, when HXFX was released your options were Helix Rack, Helix Floor, Helix LT. All about a grand and above. The HX FX came along for people who didn't want/need amp modelling, but wanted the same quality in effects modelling.

You have to remember, the market wasn't flooded with the level of modellers then, that it is today. Up until only 2 or 3 years ago, the 'which is best' argument was 'Helix vs Axe FX vs Kemper'.

The other stuff hasn't been around as long as it seems.

[waymda]

On 10/24/2024 at 8:17 AM, feelyat said:

The question I'm trying to ask is whether or not this is an arbitrary limitation of the software.

Highly likely, deliberate. It's product differentiation and allows marketing to a specific audience, with the intent of cross product sales should said market suddenly realise they would like/require something different. Pretty much business 101, and done by all the vendors. Your crazy is their strategy.

[theElevators]

Search the forum.  Lots of people are using ToneX One and are happy with it.  Lots of choices for an amp-only modeller, including analog pedals.  I owned Joyo American Sound, which used to cost 30 USD--it does amp in a box very well. 

 

Some people love Line 6, so they use HX Stomp with their HX Effects.  You can just as easily use Pod Go, it has the same exact amp sounds as the Helix.