Helix 3.7: The Freeman Update

[paisleywookiee]

100%

A great stock JCM800/JMP 2204/2204 is a excellent start, it's the benchmark of all modelers in my personal opinion, every company should have the best sounding 2203/2204 reference amp (or two) they can find then model it to the best of their abilities.
Then do the same with stock 1959, 1987x and Jubilee for a solid Marshall foundation in your modeler.
#34, Jose, et al will be very nice additions too.

Do the same with Mesa amps, model all the channels and switches of great sounding IIC+, IV and Rectifiers you can find and afford.
This is where Fractal stands out, they already have all the above, plus advanced tweakability one like me would want to fiddle with.

We finally have an official Fractal dealer where I live and I am very tempted to splurge.

I think all either one of them needs is a fine Mesa Badlander model. Then they're both all good!

 

[GTR37]

I think all either one of them needs is a fine Mesa Badlander model. Then they're both all good!

I would love to see a Badlander in the Fractal but I suspect there is likely no schematic floating around

 

[pablo retamal]

Dynamic dsp for parametric eq (add band option)

 

[Foxmeister]

Dynamic dsp for parametric eq (add band option)

I very much doubt that Line 6 will introduce a block that has dynamic DSP requirements in the current HX platform.

I could however imagine another PEQ block that allows you to add a number of additional bands, but the DSP allocation would be "fixed" at the maximum number of bands.

 

[Goontone]

Here to ask for an Ampeg vt40 (or22) and matching cab.

 

[dronerstone]

Here to ask for an Ampeg vt40 (or22) and matching cab.

V4 and V2 (head versions of VT-22 and VT-40), along with the right cabs, have been on my wishlist ever since. These are killer amps, and versatile AF.

 

[Tonefan76]

I wonder if the Nobels ODR-1 will make it to 3.70.

 

[Lysander]

Here's a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of what Helix 2.0 should look likohdear.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Here's a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of what Helix 2.0 should look likohdear.

View attachment 13273

 

[GTR37]

Here's a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of what Helix 2.0 should look likohdear.

View attachment 13273

I think this is infringement, all useless speculation videos are the sole property of HW and Tone Junkies

 

[Vic Winters]

Any next generation Helix needs someone dedicated to amps. Especially the things people ask for. Better quantity and quality. They can do it, they just choose not to for certain models.

Line 6: Here's a Grammatico Dumble clone with every mode and switch you could want.

Also Line 6:
-Here's one Recto model. What amp? What channel? What mode? No one knows.
-5150-III? Sure it's been "top of the list" for years, but here's an Invective that no one asked for. Oh by the way we haven't fixed the Crunch channel for over a year.
-A Marshall with a bright cap?

 

[mikah912]

Any next generation Helix needs someone dedicated to amps. Especially the things people ask for. Better quantity and quality. They can do it, they just choose not to for certain models.

Line 6: Here's a Grammatico Dumble clone with every mode and switch you could want.

Also Line 6:
-Here's one Recto model. What amp? What channel? What mode? No one knows.
-5150-III? Sure it's been "top of the list" for years, but here's an Invective that no one asked for. Oh by the way we haven't fixed the Crunch channel for over a year.
-A Marshall with a bright cap?

Some of this is warranted, most def. You can probably add a Mesa Mark IIC+ or JP2C+ with all switches since the Mark IV in Helix was modeled in a push/pull configuration that several vocal detractors out here in these forum streets didn't want.

But to be fair to them, they're trying to plug these "holes" with unique offerings that keep them from being a "me too" modeler. The Invective was a clever way to A)update the "just ok" 5150 model it launched with and B)Add a model no other platform had. The Dumble thing got them raked over the coals through the years, and they cleverly found a variant that no other platform had. They got the Revv modeled in full in there when no one else had it. The PRS Archon is the same story.

They should probably keep on that path. I'd love a Recto fully modeled with the Orange channel/Vintage mode intact, buuuut if they keep finding "improved Recto" modern amps like a KSR Orthos or Omega Obsidian, I'd be good with those. There are lots of unique amps that do a standard Plexi/JCM800, but also more - Bogner Helios or Friedman JEL100, for example. IMHO, that's how they get the most bang for the buck when buying amps to add to the Line 6 collection.

 

[dk_ace]

Some of this is warranted, most def. You can probably add a Mesa Mark IIC+ or JP2C+ with all switches since the Mark IV in Helix was modeled in a push/pull configuration that several vocal detractors out here in these forum streets didn't want.

But to be fair to them, they're trying to plug these "holes" with unique offerings that keep them from being a "me too" modeler. The Invective was a clever way to A)update the "just ok" 5150 model it launched with and B)Add a model no other platform had. The Dumble thing got them raked over the coals through the years, and they cleverly found a variant that no other platform had. They got the Revv modeled in full in there when no one else had it. The PRS Archon is the same story.

They should probably keep on that path. I'd love a Recto fully modeled with the Orange channel/Vintage mode intact, buuuut if they keep finding "improved Recto" modern amps like a KSR Orthos or Omega Obsidian, I'd be good with those. There are lots of unique amps that do a standard Plexi/JCM800, but also more - Bogner Helios or Friedman JEL100, for example. IMHO, that's how they get the most bang for the buck when buying amps to add to the Line 6 collection.

I agree with this. They’ve changed their strategy a bit in recent times with amps and have given us a more thorough modeling of a given amp where it makes sense. I like that, I’d like to see them extend it to some of the older amps too.

The recto model is clearly channel 3 modern mode, while I always preferred channel 2 modeling 3 modern was the obvious thing for them to do. Out of a long list of amp models, if you go to the recto there’s a strong chance 3 modern is what you’re looking for. I’d still love to see vintage and modern modes of channel 2 added. That said, it’s mostly for my own nostalgia. Would I really want to use 2 vintage or modern over the Friedman, revv, or 5150 models depending on what flavor I’m looking for? Probably not….

D

 

[dbagchee]

I think the amp thing is also an evolution of the modeling and DSP optimizations they have been able to do as the platform matured. Most of the amp models released in the last couple of years have most of the “switches” for a given channel if I recall correctly.

 

[Rocco Crocco]

 

[SillyOctpuss]

 

[James Freeman]

I mean, the pod go is cool and all, but why?

 

[Bob Zaod]

I mean, the pod go is cool and all, but why?

The new co-guitar guy in the main cover band I am in uses a POD GO and he makes it sound pretty good but I agree. It's pretty much a neutered HX product. I had a PG for about a week and sent it back cos it kept freezing on me. MX5 at 100 bucks less is the superior product honestly if comparing the 2 directly. Not only does it have a Poly drop thats good, ( decent latency and tone and doesnt affect the DSP room negatively) but it's also built much sturdier and takes up less real estate. It flat out blows away the Pod Go.

 

[James Freeman]

The joke was: Pod Go delaying the HX firmware release.

 

[ragingplatypi]

I mean, the pod go is cool and all, but why?

So if PodGo gets a new JCM800 first how bad is it going to hurt?