Line 6 Helix Stadium Pre-Launch Discussion

[MirrorProfiles]

I’d love on amps like VH4 and Rectifier and Plexi’s that have had a ton of small circuit revisions over the years to have an option to toggle between them within the same model.

Presumably if the models are running something close to the real schematics in real time it should be somewhat achievable (often the tweaks retain the overall layout and it’s a couple of component values difference).

IMO it’s a good middle ground between exposing the user with too many complex parameters, and giving a bit of customisation that’s tried and tested. It also means everyone has their favourite version of an amp model.

I’m less fussed about (say) James Hetfields amp. All the dumbasses will play it, realise they sound nothing like him, and then blame the modelling rather than the actual amp not really having anything special about it.

 

[JiveTurkey]

I’d love on amps like VH4 and Rectifier and Plexi’s that have had a ton of small circuit revisions over the years to have an option to toggle between them within the same model.

Presumably if the models are running something close to the real schematics in real time it should be somewhat achievable (often the tweaks retain the overall layout and it’s a couple of component values difference).

IMO it’s a good middle ground between exposing the user with too many complex parameters, and giving a bit of customisation that’s tried and tested. It also means everyone has their favourite version of an amp model.

I’m less fussed about (say) James Hetfields amp. All the dumbasses will play it, realise they sound nothing like him, and then blame the modelling rather than the actual amp not really having anything special about it.

"My picking hand was left wanting"

 

[EOengineer]

I’d love on amps like VH4 and Rectifier and Plexi’s that have had a ton of small circuit revisions over the years to have an option to toggle between them within the same model.

This would be amazing but IMO you quickly start to encounter problematic edge cases. If I want to toggle through revision a-g rectifiers, probably not a huge issue. More significant changes, such as the move to 3 channel models, likely becomes its own model or something.

Not saying it can’t be done or isn’t valuable, as I think it would be an AMAZING feature, but may get hairy.

I’m less fussed about (say) James Hetfields amp. All the dumbasses will play it, realise they sound nothing like him, and then blame the modelling rather than the actual amp not really having anything special about it.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

"My picking hand was left wanting"

Maybe they can include some Hetfield and Gary Holt DI’s so they can at least hear how good it CAN sound

 

[mikah912]

please also include a VARIAC!

Fasho! You taking notes, @Digital Igloo? I'm telling you, if this is one of the first Agoura originals, people are gonna lose their minds.

 

[laxu]

This would be amazing but IMO you quickly start to encounter problematic edge cases. If I want to toggle through revision a-g rectifiers, probably not a huge issue. More significant changes, such as the move to 3 channel models, likely becomes its own model or something.

I think it mainly makes sense for amps that have those "some component changes over revisions" type stuff. Dual Rectifiers, Mark II, Mark III, various Friedman BE models, Orange Rockerverbs etc.

 

[ispunk]

@Digital Igloo I know a Stadium Stomp is at least a year to two out *if* one is in development. Just one request. Please PLEASE fight for at least one XLR out. There is no reason for a top tier modeler to not have at least one XLR out.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

This would be amazing but IMO you quickly start to encounter problematic edge cases. If I want to toggle through revision a-g rectifiers, probably not a huge issue. More significant changes, such as the move to 3 channel models, likely becomes its own model or something.

Not saying it can’t be done or isn’t valuable, as I think it would be an AMAZING feature, but may get hairy.

Oh for sure. I bet they could grey out parameters that don’t belong, or just split them accordingly (so 2 recto models rather than 20). Dual’s and Triples from C-G would be pretty rad.

A lot of multichannel amps are kind of trying to offer what modellers offer and I don’t think I’d care too much about some amps clean channels. Friedman BE, Uberschall, a lot of Peavey’s are just kind of functional basic circuits to fill a need rather than the core of what the amp is about. Not sure I’ve ever used the clean on an Uber, BE100, or Peavey XXX for more than about a minute. There’s definitely a couple of exceptions, but it’ll be interesting if L6 take a completionist route now.

 

[GTR37]

Fasho! You taking notes, @Digital Igloo? I'm telling you, if this is one of the first Agoura originals, people are gonna lose their minds.

Also am I crazy or did Di say 22 amp models
16 guitar 5 bass did another one get added or was I remembering wrong

 

[StarF666]

I'd really like to see a kind of playground amp. IMO it really doesn't need to be as complexed as the FAS stuff, but what I'd like is:
- Different pre- and poweramp topologies to choose from.
- Two EQs, one pre, one post. (something like the simple EQ would possibly be sufficient already, but adjustable Q for the mids would be welcomed). In fact, it could be two typical BMT tonestacks with the extra midband parameters hidden.
- Switchable boost/dirt (a handful of variations would be fine, bass and treble controls should be included at all times, think RC Booster). Could possibly as well be semi-hidden.

It would be a dream if they could just release their modeling toolset so you could virtually create your own amps. Something like sticking together your own schematic. Real world modeling stuff is probably way to complicated and needs a lot more digital know how than your usual DIY throw some tube amp parts together and tweak until it sound good. But a virtual tube amp construcion kit, that would be fun for some people. On the other side... option paralysis, rabbit hole, less play time.

 

[laxu]

It would be a dream if they could just release their modeling toolset so you could virtually create your own amps. Something like sticking together your own schematic. Real world modeling stuff is probably way to complicated and needs a lot more digital know how than your usual DIY throw some tube amp parts together and tweak until it sound good. But a virtual tube amp construcion kit, that would be fun for some people. On the other side... option paralysis, rabbit hole, less play time.

That's the kind of stuff that 0.01% of users will actually use. Line6 released a programmable ToneCore pedal back in the day with a development kit and I don't think that got anywhere.

Even if a "build your own amp model" thing was a much more simplified thing...very few would be willing to cobble together models from schematics.

 

[mikah912]

Also am I crazy or did Di say 22 amp models
16 guitar 5 bass did another one get added or was I remembering wrong

No, same as always. 16 guitar and 6 bass amps. Some of those are multichannel, and the number of total channels is currently 39. The Ampeg 50th anniversary bass amp alone has 5 confirmed channels switchable within the model. So that goes from 22 to 26.

There are 13 more channels to be accounted for. Feels like we're trying to find the final five Cylons or something with this sleuthing.....

 

[EOengineer]

Best Metallica song imo

That riff is so hard to nail like he used to. Dudes right hand is going in the rnr hof.

"My picking hand was left wanting"

This is the real truth. I grew up playing so much Metallica that my friends would make fun of me because anything fast just sounded like Metallica (but shitty). I still have moments where I’m like - yeah…don’t gallop there.

 

[EOengineer]

I think it mainly makes sense for amps that have those "some component changes over revisions" type stuff. Dual Rectifiers, Mark II, Mark III, various Friedman BE models, Orange Rockerverbs etc.

Oh for sure. I bet they could grey out parameters that don’t belong, or just split them accordingly (so 2 recto models rather than 20). Dual’s and Triples from C-G would be pretty rad.

A lot of multichannel amps are kind of trying to offer what modellers offer and I don’t think I’d care too much about some amps clean channels. Friedman BE, Uberschall, a lot of Peavey’s are just kind of functional basic circuits to fill a need rather than the core of what the amp is about. Not sure I’ve ever used the clean on an Uber, BE100, or Peavey XXX for more than about a minute. There’s definitely a couple of exceptions, but it’ll be interesting if L6 take a completionist route now.

Yup, I think we’re in agreement.

Man this would be an amazing feature. Imagine being a teenager just starting to learn about gear and then being able to just load up the Mesa Mark III model to play through a red, purple, blue, or green stripe to determine whether you prefer one over the other vs hours and hours of internet research and YouTube clips.

Would be an absolute killer feature.

 

[Dez]

That riff is so hard to nail like he used to. Dudes right hand is going in the rnr hof.

I always cheat and alternate pick his riffs, or else it just sounds like shit lol

 

[Sascha Franck]

It would be a dream if they could just release their modeling toolset so you could virtually create your own amps.

I don't think that'll ever happen. If you want that much detail, FAS possibly is the better choice.
I also think it'd confuse some L6 customers as they're rather familiar with ease-of-use interfaces. Which I could perfectly understand.
I was only calling it "playground amp" because most of the things (minus separate pre- and power amps) are the thing's I'm using in many, many patches (I think it's similar for many other folks as well, at least when it comes to pre-dirt and post-EQ) - and I simply wish they were more accessible in one single amp block.

 

[Dez]

...and now I'm on a AJFA kick, can't be stopped now

 

[EOengineer]

I always cheat and alternate pick his riffs, or else it just sounds like shit lol

Yeah there are definitely riffs where I’m like “oh I’m nailing it!” and then you realize he’s downpicking the whole thing.

 

[timbuck3]

Preorders are officially live on SW

Same on gc

 

[Elf]

Rare modern amp model request for Agora - Fryette Aether. It's totally one of a kind and can really showcase the touch-sensitive/dynamics capabilities of Agora modeling (if Agora is up to the task of course!)

$5K USD!