New Helix Floor User – Tonex Cab vs. Line 6 Powercab for FRFR?

[hoyobih105]

Hey everyone! I’m pretty new to the Line 6 ecosystem and recently got my hands on a Helix Floor. Loving it so far, but now I'm looking into FRFR options to complete my setup.      DogTranslator

I've been eyeing the IK Multimedia Tonex Cab and was wondering if anyone here has experience running a Helix into one? How does it compare to the Line 6 Powercab in terms of tone, feel, and versatility?

I'm mainly looking for something that sounds great both at home and in live situations. Would love to hear any thoughts, pros/cons, or even alternatives you’d recommend.

[rd2rk]

To maximize your investment and obtain the most functionality, get a Powercab+ and an AES/EBU cable.

This allows you to set your PC+ configuration from the presets on your Helix and provides single cable connectivity.

Each preset can have a different configuration instantly!

 

How does it sound? It sounds great.

 

Does it sound better than the IK, Fender and other alternatives?

 

We all have different ears. Only you can decide, and only by trying them side-by-side in YOUR environment - NOT Guitar Center!

 

I have a PC212+. 

Stereo or mono and set to full width it sounds great.

Mostly I use it with the NATURAL speaker emulation with no cabs/IRs - that's the raw Eminence 12" speakers with no eq AITR!

Some people prefer the LF RAW setting which is supposed to be the same but sounds different.

Some days I feel like using it with the speaker emulations, some days I use it FRFR with cabs/IRs.

Speaking of IRs, you can store 128 of them ON the Powercab, and select them from the presets on the Helix.

Saves DSP and you can use different emulations on each speaker.

You can also use analog cables from your audio interface concurrently with the AES/EBU cable and route your amp sims through it, using Helix to control the DAW and amp sims via MIDI.

 

There's lots of PC112+ available used because the Powercabs are complicated to use to full advantage (vs plug-n-play for the others) and, IMO, being expensive new, many players suffer buyer's remorse when they don't just sound great out of the box. I originally had the PC112+ and traded up for the stereo possibilities of the PC212+, but in retrospect I often consider picking up a used PC112+ simply because I'm old and carrying the PC212+ down/up 2 flights and across the parking lot is a PITA - 48lbs vs 32lbs and much smaller. I haven't because I don't play out enough anymore to make it worthwhile. But if I have extra money in the bank and one pops up on CL for a good price...