Helix Stadium Desktop and AxeFx IV Desktop

[AZG]

After using the Helix XL the last few weeks I have come to realize what I really want from a next generation modeler, besides everything, is a unit without footswitches ideal for desktop, stand, amp top or two space slide out rack shelf that's integrated with a separate footswitch like Fractal's FC6 and FC12. I've barely touched the on unit UI because I like my footswitches on the floor so I can use my feet. So 95% of the time I'm using the computer editor and the fancy new UI goes untouched.

I find traditional rack mount units like the AxeFx III to big and bulky, limited on screen size without taking up like 6 rack spaces, and clunky on the desktop. I propose a compact desktop unit like the standard Stadium without the footswitches would be a more ideal form factor. Works well on the desktop, stand, on top an amp or mounted to a slide out rack shelf.

Anyone else want a Stadium or Fractal desktop unit somewhat like below?

 

[EOengineer]

So…rack?

 

[jellodog]

At the point you've got almost no footswitches or hardware, you're on the desktop and you want a bigger screen...

then you may as well just use a nicely specced laptop + interface.

 

[JiveTurkey]

FM0
HX0

 

[T Gobbs]

Whatever it is, just put a drum machine in it.

 

[Orvillain]

Harddddd pass.

 

[LP59]

Rack version with a good editor app and a good foot controller is the right form factor for studio use.

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

Make it native, FFS.

 

[OrganicZed]

Why not just get a console desk with an angled rack mount like Cooper Carter has?

 

[paisleywookiee]

Yeah, I’m with the others. Helix Stadium Native, FAS IV Native. I’d be surprised if the former doesn’t happen, given the success of Helix Native. It’s absolutely the best workflow in any modeler ecosystem, IMO. You’ve got the full-fat Helix Floor/LT, the Stomp for your purse, and Native for “reamping/editing” whilst sitting on the train.

 

[AZG]

FM0
HX0

This^^

I feel like anyone who is regularly putting a Stadium, FM9, or TMP on a desk to easily edit without a computer would find this idea interesting. I guess I just don’t get the attraction of foot switches on the desk or a fancy UI on the floor. But I also don’t want another bulky and comparably heavy rack setup. A compact desk unit like the smaller Stadium without foot switches and a compact foot switch like the Fractal FC6 seems like a decent compromise. Many of the advantages of a rack unit without the bulky rack if you don’t want one

 

[Desertdweller]

I don’t care about screen size. I want 1U rack units to return.

 

[AZG]

I don’t care about screen size. I want 1U rack units to return.

The form factor I’m suggesting would give you the best of both worlds. 1-2 rack spaces mounted on a slide out shelf, but a big touchscreen on top for when you need it.

 

[dbagchee]

You’re basically suggesting an approach similar to synth modules, which I can see the benefit of, but my guess is the number of customers that would buy that form factor is even smaller than the rack users.

 

[molul]

I would certainly go for Native and some dedicated midi controller. Way cheaper than a desktop or rack device. The only con would be that you didn't have a powerful machine to move Native.

 

[Digital Igloo]

...but my guess is the number of customers that would buy that form factor is even smaller than the rack users.

Correct. That's why POD HD was the last tabletop modeler we've made (14 years ago!). We didn't even bother with an X version when POD HD500X and POD ProX dropped years later.

 

[deepskyone]

I'll take Helix Stadium Native running on Mac/PC with an iPad as the control surface.

 

[Dez]

This^^

I feel like anyone who is regularly putting a Stadium, FM9, or TMP on a desk to easily edit without a computer would find this idea interesting. I guess I just don’t get the attraction of foot switches on the desk or a fancy UI on the floor. But I also don’t want another bulky and comparably heavy rack setup. A compact desk unit like the smaller Stadium without foot switches and a compact foot switch like the Fractal FC6 seems like a decent compromise. Many of the advantages of a rack unit without the bulky rack if you don’t want one

The QC’s foot switches are perfect for a desk, they’re all encoders to edit device parameters

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

FM0
HX0

(But small, not “I need a side car desktop for my desktop modeler”

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Why not just get a console desk with an angled rack mount like Cooper Carter has?

View attachment 56186View attachment 56185

Might work for grabbing a compressor knob or something, but the reach is too far for working with a modeler UI, IME. By the time you get a desk proportioned to actually use outboard gear…it’s not really a desk anymore, just a bunch of angle racks with an undermount keyboard tray.