Line 6 Helix Stadium Talk

[banned]

Did a bunch of playing. Some of the models are incredible - you can clearly feel the depth of the modeling.

* US Tweedman - Phew - just wow. What an amp!
* WhoWatt 103 - Fantastic model. Sounds and feels spectacular.
* US Dripbass - Love this model
* Brit MegaBass - Just amazing!

In almost all cases (i.e. even outside of the above 4 models), when the presence and treble are cranked, I like the models fine. The Helix models lack some of the heft but there is more high-end/detail, on average, which I like.

 

[Mongillo19]

Did a bunch of playing. Some of the models are incredible - you can clearly feel the depth of the modeling.

* US Tweedman - Phew - just wow. What an amp!
* WhoWatt 103 - Fantastic model. Sounds and feels spectacular.
* US Dripbass - Love this model
* Brit MegaBass - Just amazing!

In almost all cases (i.e. even outside of the above 4 models), when the presence and treble are cranked, I like the models fine. The Helix models lack some of the heft but there is more high-end/detail, on average, which I like.

You are changing the mic from default, right? Alot start with a cond.

 

[EOengineer]

Did a bunch of playing. Some of the models are incredible - you can clearly feel the depth of the modeling.

* US Tweedman - Phew - just wow. What an amp!
* WhoWatt 103 - Fantastic model. Sounds and feels spectacular.
* US Dripbass - Love this model
* Brit MegaBass - Just amazing!

In almost all cases (i.e. even outside of the above 4 models), when the presence and treble are cranked, I like the models fine. The Helix models lack some of the heft but there is more high-end/detail, on average, which I like.

I suspect both of those bass amps are getting overlooked because they hang out in the bass section…but they are both phenomenal.

FWIW it’s not uncommon to have to crank the mids, treble, and presence to get the bite you might want out of a SuperBass.

 

[banned]

You are changing the mic from default, right? Alot start with a cond.

Am playing through guitar cabs. No cab model or mic.

 

[Mongillo19]

Am playing through guitar cabs. No cab model or mic.

Gotcha. But on all your clips there has to be a cab model/mic, right?

 

[ccc118]

Sorry, full of questions tonight: How do you rename a footswitch with multiple assignments? I'm not seeing that field anywhere in the Helix Stadium app.

In stomp mode, if you tap and hold the capacitive footswitch, it will bring up the menu to assign something to the switch. In the upper right corner there is an option to change the name/color. I just figured this out.

 

[banned]

Gotcha. But on all your clips there has to be a cab model/mic, right?

Ah yes - on the clips - I do have cabs and I usually have a 57/121 combo going. I kept the cab/mic the same between the Agoura and the Helix.

 

[marshall2553]

Did a bunch of playing. Some of the models are incredible - you can clearly feel the depth of the modeling.

* US Tweedman - Phew - just wow. What an amp!
* WhoWatt 103 - Fantastic model. Sounds and feels spectacular.
* US Dripbass - Love this model
* Brit MegaBass - Just amazing!

In almost all cases (i.e. even outside of the above 4 models), when the presence and treble are cranked, I like the models fine. The Helix models lack some of the heft but there is more high-end/detail, on average, which I like.

I had a chance to play a Stadium for a bit and that WhoWatt really impressed me. I can’t say I’ve particularly liked any Hiwatt model before, but this one was so fun to play.

 

[ejecta]

I read all of the complaints about helix reverbs and I always wonder if I’m missing out on better reverb sounds outside of helix. But then I listen to some of the examples posted of better reverbs that helix can’t do, and as pretty as they sound, they are honestly nothing I would ever use. Just give me a relatively short spring, plate, and room that sound natural and work in the context of a mix and I’m happy.

With the plate block at bigger settings and mixing in the shimmer block with high cuts on the top end of the shimmer… I was able to get really nice sounding washy reverbs for a PW gig this weekend.

 

[Mooselake]

My continued dive into Stadium last night included having a look at the LuxBlack model. In OG Helix I was never able to really bond with any of the Fender models. I know a lot of people like them, and I liked a lot of what I heard from other guys playing them, but my attempts just felt uninspired. But I hit it off almost immediately with the LuxBlack. I can't say what it is that's different--just sort of felt more lively in an organic way (how's that for precise technical jargon?).

 

[crispsandwich]

I am loving mine. Even the old HX models sound better. The Agoura models are incredibly responsive, moreso than anything digital I have played up to this point (pretty much everything).

My only frustration, and it is a BIG frustration, is that the PC editor doesn't currently work via USB. That seems utterly ridiculous, and I hope the next update addresses that. Using the app is the only way to load IRs, as far as I can tell, and so I don't have a reliable way to do this at present. @Digital Igloo - please pass this on to the team.

Otherwise, what an incredible bit of kit.

 

[Mooselake]

... My only frustration, and it is a BIG frustration, is that the PC editor doesn't currently work via USB. That seems utterly ridiculous, and I hope the next update addresses that. Using the app is the only way to load IRs, as far as I can tell, and so I don't have a reliable way to do this at present. @Digital Igloo - please pass this on to the team.

I have the same hope regarding USB. I spend 4 months each year in a remote location with only sketchy/occasional wifi, which for now would preclude me from considering any Stadium family device from my hideout-in-the-woods rig.

And even here in civilization the app/unit have trouble staying connected. That problem seems unique to me, and it's really just an annoyance, but one of the reasons I was happy to stay with my OG LT for 8+ years was lack of annoyances and generally rock solid performance/functionality.

I want to think I remember that editor over USB is something mentioned as being on the roadmap in the not-at-launch folder but I'm not 100% positive. I remember some talk about bluetooth too but again the specifics evade me. I'm sure we'll get more clarity in time.

 

[Gary_W]

So after a few days ownership, my thoughts so far:-

I can only compare it to my Mk1 Kemper as that’s been my digital solution for 12-13 years - I’ve never tried a Fractal product, I don’t own any of the amps that the Stadium XL ships with and my only experience of Helix until now was a two week trial licence of Native.

Compared to my toaster (which I always enjoyed) I love it - IMO it’s better in the majority of ways for my use (I haven’t gigged in a few years so I’m using through studio monitors at home currently but never say never). My concern pre purchase was my ability to program it vs downloading a ready made profile - I’m actually finding dialing in on here quicker than scrolling through captures - focus is really useful for me. Having the ability to make a template with my (current) favourite fx set up as I like them and just scroll through amps is a massive timesaver vs what I used to do - the interface and workflow is, for the way my brain works, light years ahead of what I was used to. There’s absolutely some fantastic profiles out there (they’ve kept me happy for years so I’m not dissing them) but this just sounds and reacts better to me on the amp front and is easier to get what you want quickly when you’re wanting something other than a well loved preset (where both boxes do just fine of course).

I find that the reverbs on Kemper are better - when that product first launched, the legacy verb wasn’t great imo. They re-did them a few years ago and there’s some really nice sounds from this side of things. I need to spend more time dialing them but so far, they’re a step down. I’m not a shimmer lover - I just want decent room and (when I feel like it) a decent spring reverb. I’ll keep trying on here - they’re not bad at all but I think they’re behind the amps and a few other things in the unit. This isn’t a concern to me - it’s more than ok and I know that there’s a chance these will improve over time. I’m happy with the stadium delays but some folks might prefer those on the Kemper where again they did a great job in updating what they had at first - they use their usual ethos of not modelling (say) a Memory Man then doing a tape echo - there’s an overall algorithm which lets you do anything. A very different way of thinking vs here. I’m not a massive delay junkie and besides, I haven’t had long enough with this thing to find my go-to things with it.

I’m finding the fuzz pedals better on Stadium but please note my Kemper did not have the variable input impedance that Stadium has - they did have this feature on the Stage and I always wanted to try it so I can’t say if that makes a significant difference to theirs or not - it will certainly make them react better. I’ve got a couple of home made fuzz pedals I need to dig out and try with Stadium as they may still be better but keeping it simple with the included ones is making me smile so I’m not in a hurry. For dirt pedals, the King of Tone / Prince of Tone are fantastic - I’ve never heard a real one but I did make a clone….. these sound better than my clone pedal.

I’ve had a few sync issues with SPDIF if I’m letting the stadium be the master. Fingers crossed, that’s gone away if I let my Focusrite be the master clock…. A bit odd but there we have it - I’m still experimenting as I need more time to see if it’s gone or just ‘better’.

I can’t wait for the song playback stuff and stem separation. That is sounding like it’ll be great fun.

 

[Dimiguitar]

So after a few days ownership, my thoughts so far:-

I can only compare it to my Mk1 Kemper as that’s been my digital solution for 12-13 years - I’ve never tried a Fractal product, I don’t own any of the amps that the Stadium XL ships with and my only experience of Helix until now was a two week trial licence of Native.

Compared to my toaster (which I always enjoyed) I love it - IMO it’s better in the majority of ways for my use (I haven’t gigged in a few years so I’m using through studio monitors at home currently but never say never). My concern pre purchase was my ability to program it vs downloading a ready made profile - I’m actually finding dialing in on here quicker than scrolling through captures - focus is really useful for me. Having the ability to make a template with my (current) favourite fx set up as I like them and just scroll through amps is a massive timesaver vs what I used to do - the interface and workflow is, for the way my brain works, light years ahead of what I was used to. There’s absolutely some fantastic profiles out there (they’ve kept me happy for years so I’m not dissing them) but this just sounds and reacts better to me on the amp front and is easier to get what you want quickly when you’re wanting something other than a well loved preset (where both boxes do just fine of course).

I find that the reverbs on Kemper are better - when that product first launched, the legacy verb wasn’t great imo. They re-did them a few years ago and there’s some really nice sounds from this side of things. I need to spend more time dialing them but so far, they’re a step down. I’m not a shimmer lover - I just want decent room and (when I feel like it) a decent spring reverb. I’ll keep trying on here - they’re not bad at all but I think they’re behind the amps and a few other things in the unit. This isn’t a concern to me - it’s more than ok and I know that there’s a chance these will improve over time. I’m happy with the stadium delays but some folks might prefer those on the Kemper where again they did a great job in updating what they had at first - they use their usual ethos of not modelling (say) a Memory Man then doing a tape echo - there’s an overall algorithm which lets you do anything. A very different way of thinking vs here. I’m not a massive delay junkie and besides, I haven’t had long enough with this thing to find my go-to things with it.

I’m finding the fuzz pedals better on Stadium but please note my Kemper did not have the variable input impedance that Stadium has - they did have this feature on the Stage and I always wanted to try it so I can’t say if that makes a significant difference to theirs or not - it will certainly make them react better. I’ve got a couple of home made fuzz pedals I need to dig out and try with Stadium as they may still be better but keeping it simple with the included ones is making me smile so I’m not in a hurry. For dirt pedals, the King of Tone / Prince of Tone are fantastic - I’ve never heard a real one but I did make a clone….. these sound better than my clone pedal.

I’ve had a few sync issues with SPDIF if I’m letting the stadium be the master. Fingers crossed, that’s gone away if I let my Focusrite be the master clock…. A bit odd but there we have it - I’m still experimenting as I need more time to see if it’s gone or just ‘better’.

I can’t wait for the song playback stuff and stem separation. That is sounding like it’ll be great fun.

Plus if you keep your Kemper for a while (if), you can just make proxy captures of them when that function releases, if you like them a lot.

 

[JiveTurkey]

So after a few days ownership, my thoughts so far:-

I can only compare it to my Mk1 Kemper as that’s been my digital solution for 12-13 years - I’ve never tried a Fractal product, I don’t own any of the amps that the Stadium XL ships with and my only experience of Helix until now was a two week trial licence of Native.

Compared to my toaster (which I always enjoyed) I love it - IMO it’s better in the majority of ways for my use (I haven’t gigged in a few years so I’m using through studio monitors at home currently but never say never). My concern pre purchase was my ability to program it vs downloading a ready made profile - I’m actually finding dialing in on here quicker than scrolling through captures - focus is really useful for me. Having the ability to make a template with my (current) favourite fx set up as I like them and just scroll through amps is a massive timesaver vs what I used to do - the interface and workflow is, for the way my brain works, light years ahead of what I was used to. There’s absolutely some fantastic profiles out there (they’ve kept me happy for years so I’m not dissing them) but this just sounds and reacts better to me on the amp front and is easier to get what you want quickly when you’re wanting something other than a well loved preset (where both boxes do just fine of course).

I find that the reverbs on Kemper are better - when that product first launched, the legacy verb wasn’t great imo. They re-did them a few years ago and there’s some really nice sounds from this side of things. I need to spend more time dialing them but so far, they’re a step down. I’m not a shimmer lover - I just want decent room and (when I feel like it) a decent spring reverb. I’ll keep trying on here - they’re not bad at all but I think they’re behind the amps and a few other things in the unit. This isn’t a concern to me - it’s more than ok and I know that there’s a chance these will improve over time. I’m happy with the stadium delays but some folks might prefer those on the Kemper where again they did a great job in updating what they had at first - they use their usual ethos of not modelling (say) a Memory Man then doing a tape echo - there’s an overall algorithm which lets you do anything. A very different way of thinking vs here. I’m not a massive delay junkie and besides, I haven’t had long enough with this thing to find my go-to things with it.

I’m finding the fuzz pedals better on Stadium but please note my Kemper did not have the variable input impedance that Stadium has - they did have this feature on the Stage and I always wanted to try it so I can’t say if that makes a significant difference to theirs or not - it will certainly make them react better. I’ve got a couple of home made fuzz pedals I need to dig out and try with Stadium as they may still be better but keeping it simple with the included ones is making me smile so I’m not in a hurry. For dirt pedals, the King of Tone / Prince of Tone are fantastic - I’ve never heard a real one but I did make a clone….. these sound better than my clone pedal.

I’ve had a few sync issues with SPDIF if I’m letting the stadium be the master. Fingers crossed, that’s gone away if I let my Focusrite be the master clock…. A bit odd but there we have it - I’m still experimenting as I need more time to see if it’s gone or just ‘better’.

I can’t wait for the song playback stuff and stem separation. That is sounding like it’ll be great fun.

Certain Kemper FX should really get more love.

 

[HotRats]

I have the same hope regarding USB. I spend 4 months each year in a remote location with only sketchy/occasional wifi, which for now would preclude me from considering any Stadium family device from my hideout-in-the-woods rig.

And even here in civilization the app/unit have trouble staying connected. That problem seems unique to me, and it's really just an annoyance, but one of the reasons I was happy to stay with my OG LT for 8+ years was lack of annoyances and generally rock solid performance/functionality.

I want to think I remember that editor over USB is something mentioned as being on the roadmap in the not-at-launch folder but I'm not 100% positive. I remember some talk about bluetooth too but again the specifics evade me. I'm sure we'll get more clarity in time.

You know more about your situation than I do but can't you simply use your phone as an hotspot when you're in the woods?

 

[Gary_W]

Plus if you keep your Kemper for a while (if), you can just make proxy captures of them when that function releases, if you like them a lot.

Thanks for the idea - I could do but tbh I’m not feeling I’m missing out anything from my Kemper in terms of amp sounds…. There’s plenty in here to keep me going. I still have the Kemper right now but I think it’s probably best if it finds a new home soon - it’s still a good unit but I won’t use it so it makes sense jf it goes to make someone else happy :)

Certain Kemper FX should really get more love.

Absolutely - the Kemper seems to get a fair bit of bashing here and, in terms of having fallen behind and being less than helpful on their forum? Well, they maybe don’t help with the slings and arrows thrown at them. One thing they were good at was vastly improving the effects but it wasn’t an apples with apples comparison with what we have at launch with Stadium. The initial Kemper effects were super-basic. Took them twelve years to improve the tremolo but going back over the period I owned it, they massively improved the drives, fuzz, delays and reverbs to the point where all were really very good indeed. With Stadium, my perception is that we’re starting with a bunch of stuff in there that is already very good / tons of variety compared with where my original Kemper was at (think I was version 2 when I got it, it finished on 13 I think). We’re starting in a good place and that will improve. I think when proxy starts being able to do dirt pedals the flood gates will open on that side too, besides possible Agoura versions of fuzz (yes please) etc

It’s good to know that Line 6 have a great track record of upgrades; living in my bubble over on the Kemper forum, I believed that only Kemper actually did that. I realise that’s probably a strange notion for most people here but it’s a belief over there that they’re unique in that regard. They’ve absolutely given excellent value over the lifespan of the Mk1 but unique they are not. Having statements by people who work for line 6 on here telling me ‘there will be two updates in the next 2-3 months with cool stuff’ is pushing my buttons in a good way - the concept of investing in a platform that has the ooomph in it to grow and company that is committed to do that is fantastic. Zero regrets so far.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Thanks for the idea - I could do but tbh I’m not feeling I’m missing out anything from my Kemper in terms of amp sounds…. There’s plenty in here to keep me going. I still have the Kemper right now but I think it’s probably best if it finds a new home soon - it’s still a good unit but I won’t use it so it makes sense jf it goes to make someone else happy :)



Absolutely - the Kemper seems to get a fair bit of bashing here and, in terms of having fallen behind and being less than helpful on their forum? Well, they maybe don’t help with the slings and arrows thrown at them. One thing they were good at was vastly improving the effects but it wasn’t an apples with apples comparison with what we have at launch with Stadium. The initial Kemper effects were super-basic. Took them twelve years to improve the tremolo but going back over the period I owned it, they massively improved the drives, fuzz, delays and reverbs to the point where all were really very good indeed. With Stadium, my perception is that we’re starting with a bunch of stuff in there that is already very good / tons of variety compared with where my original Kemper was at (think I was version 2 when I got it, it finished on 13 I think). We’re starting in a good place and that will improve. I think when proxy starts being able to do dirt pedals the flood gates will open on that side too, besides possible Agoura versions of fuzz (yes please) etc

It’s good to know that Line 6 have a great track record of upgrades; living in my bubble over on the Kemper forum, I believed that only Kemper actually did that. I realise that’s probably a strange notion for most people here but it’s a belief over there that they’re unique in that regard. They’ve absolutely given excellent value over the lifespan of the Mk1 but unique they are not. Having statements by people who work for line 6 on here telling me ‘there will be two updates in the next 2-3 months with cool stuff’ is pushing my buttons in a good way - the concept of investing in a platform that has the ooomph in it to grow and company that is committed to do that is fantastic. Zero regrets so far.

Kemper delays and reverbs are beautiful!

 

[Gary_W]

You know more about your situation than I do but can't you simply use your phone as an hotspot when you're in the woods?

‘Any chance of an upgrade using carrier pigeon?’

 

[fr8_trane]

Did a bunch of playing. Some of the models are incredible - you can clearly feel the depth of the modeling.

* US Tweedman - Phew - just wow. What an amp!
* WhoWatt 103 - Fantastic model. Sounds and feels spectacular.
* US Dripbass - Love this model
* Brit MegaBass - Just amazing!

In almost all cases (i.e. even outside of the above 4 models), when the presence and treble are cranked, I like the models fine. The Helix models lack some of the heft but there is more high-end/detail, on average, which I like.

Interesting because I am not a fan of the OG models of the Tweed bassman, Hiwatt of SF bassman. The Hiwatt in particular is... bad on the OG helix. And on the tweed and drip edge bassmen I dont like the distortion at all. I owned a '68 drip edge bassman and man... that model (which was released recently) was a major let down. IMO the Super reverb model released at the same time is by far the best fender on the OG helix.