New Helix dat! Still relevant in 2025??

[mrrstrat]

Bought a NIB Helix Floor from Sam Ash and it arrived today! Unused and opened for the first time (really new). The last such device I bought was in 2006 with the TC Electronic G-System.

 

Looks great and far beyond what I expected. I got 3.80 installed from the 3.11 version it had on it (why so old?)

 

Any advice on using it live would be most helpful - like using a powered speaker vs through the front of the house in the PA. Mostly wanting to use it for live and studio since it seems to be so uniquely setup for serious studio work.

 

 

[silverhead]

I would start here….

https://line6.com/support/helix-minutes/

 

[VGK17]

Youtube is the place to go. So many good Helix tutorials there. If you get stuck the best place for quick and really  really good help is the Helix group on FB. It's one of the reasons I still use FB.

[DunedinDragon]

You're exactly right.  You've stepped up into the current generation of modeling in a BIG way with the Helix.  I've had mine since they first came out in 2015 and haven't needed anything more than that for both the studio and live performances.

 

Of course it's still relevant in 2025 mainly due to a great design but also due to the firmware updates that keep it current and expanding it's abilities.  The way you intend to use it live is exactly how I use mine.  In the studio it's just a simple USB connection to the computer and you're off to the races on pretty much any DAW you can imagine.

 

The biggest challenge you'll encounter is how to configure the Helix and your presets in such a way that they're consistent from song to song.  Not everyone does it that way, but I've found it the easiest way to do things and never run short on DSP memory because I've tried to overload a single preset to make it useful on several songs.  But that choice is up to you.

 

In my case I have a separate rehearsal space setup in my house with a decent mixing board (QSC TM30) and powered speakers the same as what I'll be using on stage (Yamaha DXR 12).  That allows me to gain stage every preset so it will always be consistent for a live mixing board.  It also allows me to setup my amps and effects, EQ and compression so there's really nothing that has to be done at a live setup on the mixing board other than to plug my Helix into the appropriate channel and double check my gain level on the mixer and I'm good for the whole performance.

 

There are a vast amount of capabilities you can also take advantage of on the Helix with it's MIDI capabilities if you want to pursue it.  You can use the Helix to automate other devices and/or have the Helix automated by an external MIDI controller (which is how I use it in conjunction with backing tracks I record in my studio).  The possibilities are extraordinary, but it takes some time and effort to learn about them and how you want to use them.

 

So good luck with your new unit.  Now the fun begins!!!!