In the Helix FAQs series, I answer some of the most frequently asked questions I see about the Line 6 Helix.
I’d say the most frequently asked question I see is this:
Should I sell all my gear and buy a Helix?
That’s a difficult question to answer, and it really comes down to how you like to interact with gear and what kind of flexibility you want on and off the stage. Watch the video above for more of my thoughts.
Your site has been such a blessing. Thank you guys so much…
About your Helix patches; with the release of the Helix LT will all of your patches work/function the same way. I had been strongly contemplating getting a Helix, but with the LT being $500 less I may go that route.
Hi Ruben – all the patches will work with the LT.
Only really found out about the Helix today.. had always ignored things that start with ‘Line 6’ and modeling. Really interested though. I have an AC15 and a basic pedalboard which is fine but my church has about 60 people so stage noise can be an issue and I do back off in my playing as a result of it. Sounds like the Helix could be perfect for running directly into our PA and it would also fill in the gaps I’m missing on my pedalboard effects-wise. I do occasionally play at larger events of around 500 people but I’m assuming the Helix would still be fine for that sort of size.
My main concerns are I’d have to sell all of my analog gear and I just know the Helix could eventually become redundant as technology moves on. And I’d be heavily reliant on one piece of kit rather than a combination of pedals and amp so if it was ever to break I’d be ruined rather than just swapping out one pedal on my board! And of course resale price would be an issue as my pedals are likely to retain their value better than a Helix would.
What do you think Brian? Could a Helix be a long-term solution or do you think they’ll release something loads better in a couple of years and the Helix will be shoved to the back?
Helix is the flagship modeling platform from L6, so it’s not getting replaced anytime soon.
The majority of churches I have served have had congregations of 5,000+ with out of this world sound systems. Even then, stage volume is an issue. So for a small church, a Helix is a great solution.
To be honest, most church guys are better suited for amp modeling if they desire consistent tone. You eliminate certain variables like mic placement that greatly affect your tone.
I have owned and played some of the best boutique amps and pedals in the world. I sold all of them for the Helix. Hope that helps! (The Matchless DC30 model paired with a RedWirez IR sounds absolutely incredible)
Thanks David! The longer I own the Helix, the more I love it. I haven’t played a tube amp in a long, long time (or pedals, for that matter).
Hey Sam – I do think the Helix will be the flagship product for L6 for a while moving forward. Eventually it will be replaced, though, but there’s nothing that would keep you from using it and getting the same great tone out of it when that does happen.
This may sound like an uniformed question, and it is. I’m a beginner with growing skills with big aspirations to play at Church. The only reason I started playing is because I wrote Christian lyrics for years and wanted learn how to write music for my lyrics. (Still working on that) Now I play for God. I’m basically a YouTube student. My modest set up is a vintage g-dec and a Fender Mustang II amp. So all I know is modeling amps. (just have a switch pedal.) None of them have provided the worship tones, capabilities or effects I want. I don’t know a whole lot after only 3 years of playing. So some of the videos are over my head. Is the Helix for me if I just want a push button solution to get the sounds I’m hearing mainly for practice and personal worship? Something that I could grow in to with writing and playing in church. Also what all do I need if I invest in the helix? What type of amp or PA do I need? Does a hallow-body guitar work ok with it? How much would a total estimated investment be? Thanks in advance!