Line6 Helix Floor

Line6 Helix - Authentic Sounds!

In terms of authenticity and response, the Helix represents a quantum leap in guitar technology. Its dual-DSP engine delivers plenty of processing power for an astonishingly dynamic simulation of tube amplifiers — the convincing tones are just the beginning.

HX Cabinets

The new HX hybrid cabinet models were analyzed and recreated using an entirely new process. In addition to a high-resolution impulse response (2048 samples) with a relatively modest DSP load, they deliver a far more authentic bass response than any previous modeling method. The proximity effect of the microphone was even measured at 12 different distances. By the way, the Helix lets you load additional impulse responses so you can craft a highly recognizable sound.

Modeling of All Components

For the sounds, every part of the modeled amplifiers was measured and repeatedly compared with the originals. Our mission was to capture the response of those amps in every respect. We even examined aspects like power-supply ripple, the sag of individual tubes, and the influence on the 'B+' voltage. Only by doing so could we faithfully simulate the bloom and thick compression of certain tube amps as well as the powerful punch of other originals.

Intuitive Operation

High-performance devices often come with a steep learning curve. The Helix solves this much more elegantly. The touch-sensitive footswitches can be used to select the effect block or parameter you want to edit by briefly touching them. The 6.2" LC display (800x480 pixels) makes a complex menu structure unnecessary and offers almost the same control as editor software. Color-coded LED rings and programmable label fields ensure you always know what's going on.

Editing With Pedals

The Helix enables an intuitive interaction with its powerful technology so you find the sounds you want faster. That also means you don't have to take your hands off the guitar to change settings: all amp and effect parameters can be edited with your feet. Select the block you want to modify to assign its parameters to the available footswitches. Then choose a parameter and change its value with the expression pedal.

Footswitches That Think Ahead

Everything moves much faster on the Helix. For example, you can touch a footswitch to quickly optimize a parameter value or change footswitch and MIDI assignments. Touching a footswitch calls up its associated block. This workflow is so fast that you can change a footswitch assignment in just 3 seconds.

Four Stereo Signal Paths

With its FOUR stereo signal paths, the Helix offers many possibilities for complex signal routings. What previously required an elaborate cabling setup to achieve a convincing 'wet/dry' system can now be implemented much faster and varied at will. If desired, you can combine the internal effect blocks with 4 freely positionable effects loops, going far beyond simple integration of external pedals.

The Control Hub of Your Rig

The Helix is not only the most advanced guitar processor in history, it also serves as the heart of your entire studio and live rig. Your familiar stompboxes can be integrated just as easily as your amplifiers and other gear. You can rightly call it the perfect hybrid rig, combining the advantages of both software and hardware approaches.

Flexible Signal Routing

The Helix offers more routing options than any guitar processor before it. With the four effects loops you can include external pedals and floor units that can be used independently and routed to separate outputs if needed. Given the 4 stereo signal paths, this processor can easily be used for separate processing of multiple signal sources. Of course you can also output the processed and unprocessed guitar signals simultaneously via separate outputs — either analog or digital.

Powerful MIDI Controller

The Helix is also miles ahead of other guitar processors when it comes to MIDI. It sends and receives MIDI commands in real time. Additionally, up to 6 MIDI messages can be assigned to each preset and sent once when that preset is recalled.

This lets you start a sequencer, open a fader on a digital mixer, recall a synthesizer patch, and more. There are also connections for two additional expression pedals, a CV/expression output, and jacks for channel switching your external amplifiers. The Helix doesn't do things by halves...

Your Sound - Wherever You Are!