Lack of Variax Support in Helix Stadium XL

[narramor]

I rely heavily on the Variax + Helix Floor integration for alternate tunings and pitch changes during rehearsals. The VDI connection allows me to instantly switch tunings per preset, which is essential for playing in different keys than the original recordings.

Because the Helix Stadium XL does not include a Variax input or support for preset‑based control, I’ve decided not to upgrade. Without Variax integration, the Stadium XL cannot replace the Helix Floor in my workflow.

Please consider adding Variax support (VDI input and preset‑based control) in future Stadium products or updates. Many players like me depend on this feature, and its absence is a barrier to adoption.

[silverhead]

It will be available but will require additional hardware, the Expand D-10 device.

 

 

[Nos402]

On 11/21/2025 at 10:08 AM, narramor said:

 

I rely heavily on the Variax + Helix Floor integration for alternate tunings and pitch changes during rehearsals. The VDI connection allows me to instantly switch tunings per preset, which is essential for playing in different keys than the original recordings.

Because the Helix Stadium XL does not include a Variax input or support for preset‑based control, I’ve decided not to upgrade. Without Variax integration, the Stadium XL cannot replace the Helix Floor in my workflow.

Please consider adding Variax support (VDI input and preset‑based control) in future Stadium products or updates. Many players like me depend on this feature, and its absence is a barrier to adoption.

 

This was a serious concern for me too. I went ahead and made the leap as with Variax discontinued (another HUGE disappointment for me as I’ve used them since the first one came out and they are my main guitars) I’ve been using my other guitars more. 
 

I don’t want to have to buy and set up another piece of gear to get Variax compatibility. I almost cancelled my preorder for a stadium several times but in the end I think I’m glad I didn’t. 

[silverhead]

On 11/21/2025 at 11:52 AM, Nos402 said:

…
 

I don’t want to have to buy and set up another piece of gear to get Variax compatibility…

That’s up to you, of course. But the vast majority of Stadium buyers will appreciate the lower price.

[jpdennis]

On 11/21/2025 at 8:47 AM, silverhead said:

It will be available but will require additional hardware, the Expand D-10 device.

 

 

 

From the reading the Expand D-10 does a lot more.  For those using the Variax it may be that the low price points are well worth the purchase.  However, as silverhead points out, it is a personal choice.

 

Just my humble thoughts.

[Nos402]

I'm such a sucker. Just pre-ordered a D10. I just enjoy and use my Variax control too much and have it built in to most of my presets.

[silverhead]

Not a sucker at all. Just a consumer who chooses to purchase a product because it offers value to them. I too will get a D-10.
 

Perhaps not a good analogy, but what about ‘all inclusive’ vacations? Alcohol drinkers love the fact that abstainers subsidize their drinking. Abstainers often avoid these packages for that reason. Maybe some day the packages will exclude alcohol (still available ant additional cost) and the price for the package will drop. Drinkers will still pay to drink. (I’m not calling us alcoholics!).

[narramor]

The EXPAND D10 only allows input from Variax to Stadium.  It does not provide VDI input for Variax guitars that would allow control of Variax tunings and models like the Helix Floor .

[Nos402]

On 11/23/2025 at 2:30 PM, narramor said:

The EXPAND D10 only allows input from Variax to Stadium.  It does not provide VDI input for Variax guitars that would allow control of Variax tunings and models like the Helix Floor .

If that is true it is useless to me, but I'd be surprised if that was the case. That seems like a fairly useless use case. That's the whole use of VDI. I can just use my variax already with a battery and a cable.

[silverhead]

On 11/23/2025 at 3:30 PM, narramor said:

The EXPAND D10 only allows input from Variax to Stadium.  It does not provide VDI input for Variax guitars that would allow control of Variax tunings and models like the Helix Floor .

I think that’s simply not true. I understand that there will be full Variax control from Stadium presets as there is with Helix. 
 

What is the source of your information?

[Nos402]

On 11/23/2025 at 3:28 PM, silverhead said:

I think that’s simply not true. I understand that there will be full Variax control from Stadium presets as there is with Helix. 
 

What is the source of your information?

 

Yeah I feel like the videos I saw from Eric basically said that the D10 would give you the control like you were used to in the old Helix. It's just outboard now so that the folks who don't need it don't have it baked in to the price.

[jpdennis]

From the specs, the Expand D10 boasts an 8-channel optical out to increase connectivity with audio interfaces, multi-connector breakout boxes, and digital mixers (I will leave out the and more since I do not know what that means at this time).

 

As we were told, the Stadium has been released knowing more features are coming via the F/W updates.  There was the day one update and Eric shared one should be here by the holidays (I'm thinking he meant Christmas).  Then one more early 2026.  From my experience beginning early 2016 the updates will keep coming.

 

This Stadium has been designed as quite the workhorse.  It will be able to provide playback capability as well as improved recording capability, stage control on several levels, and there will be some "we shall see" moments come true.  I am not a fanboy however I do know that with the way Line 6 support the M class foot pedals, the HD series, and my Helix Floor I am relatively confident we will not be disappointed as the Stadium grows over time.  Plus, Eric and several of the vloggers on YouTube have been very transparent by sharing the "in the future features" that will become common place once the alpha, beta, and RC tests are done to release the updates over time.

 

Now, I am just thinking ... with the nexus connection, "Could Line 6 Stadium think-tank engineers be holding back more that could be coming our way to include future hardware with extreme features we haven't thought of using this nexus connection?"  The Expand D-10 may very be just the tip of the iceberg. 

 

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." a shout out to John Lennon

 

jpd