Helix Stadium AES/EBU (not sure why I'm obsessed with this)

[markolguitar1]

The new Helix Stadium doesn't use AES/EBU. Is there is a reason for this decision? I understand you can get a Line 6 Expand D10 for a few hundred dollars but the new Powercab CL's also don't have AES/EBU connectors. I guess we are moving to XLR only? I've been out of the loop for a while and only recently got back. I'm think I might be missing something here. 

[rwandering]

They have been fairly open that the AES/EBU connection -- and specifically, the support for the original PC and Variax -- are a cost they didn't want to add to every Stadium for the small fraction of users who want it.

 

[talwilkins]

I think it's also a space thing. They are going to create more extensions through the new port. Things we maybe haven't thought of yet. The Line 6 Link needed to go to make space in the unit. Logically, the first extension is the Line 6 Link for DT amp, Powercab and Variax. What comes after that? I am excited to find out!

[rwandering]

I agree; form factor clearly matters here too.  

[jfroines]

I don't mind paying a little extra for the D10 box to add AES/EBU and L6-Link (and Variax input), because I get that the need for this sort of I/O may not be mainstream enough to justify adding AES/EBU / L6-Link / Variax-In connection hardware to every Stadium unit. Buuuuuut, the D10 box was announced at the same time as the stadium series, and here we are, May 2026, and it's still not actually been released. So, we continue to wait...