Line 6 Helix Stadium Talk

[Elf]

A = Agoura
B = Fractal

Thanks for doing this very informative!

 

[Deadpan]

Don't know why you include the Jubilee. I frickin' love that amp model. Got nothing but great results from day one, and I've heard nothing but compliments on my tones with it both last weekend's gig and in the clip I shared here.

I like the model.

But, when i reamped my real amp at the same settings I had quite a different sound between the Stadium and the real amp.

I need to look at it more but I feel there is something in the master volume that doesn't match.

 

[AZG]

I've now had the Stadium for over a month and I am closing in fast on having to make a decision if the Stadium stays, gets returned, or I keep it a bit longer and deal with the risks of selling used? At the moment I gyrate between days I love it and want to keep it to days I like the FM3 more. Not the clear cut win I was hoping for. I usually try to stick with a one in one out policy for my main rig, but as of now I'm not sure... I'm guessing others are also nearing the end of their return window and I'm wondering what others are going to do?

Here are my current thoughts about the Stadium.

• Pros
  • UI: Unquestionably the best UI I have used on a modeler. I have owned Fractal, Helix, QC, and Headrush devices. No experience with the TMP. The screen is clear and touch response is nearly iPhone level.
  • OLED scribble strips are more readable than the backlit LCD scribble strips on Fractal, although I've not used the MK II devices with bigger scribble strips.
  • Amp Tones: There are a few models I actually like more on Stadium than my FM3 when doing a direct comparison using a ABY foot switch (Revv, Bogner and Vox), while others I have no strong preference and others I like less (Marshall and Mesa). I also really like having more of the channels and switches built into a single model (Revv Purple for example) vs being split apart into separate models like Fractal does. Unfortunately, Revv, 5153, etc. must still be separate models for blue/red and purple/red, etc.
  • Effects: Some of the effects are really great and as good or better than the equivalent found on Fractal.
• Neutral
  • Screen size: I feel like the unit is bigger than it needs to be due to screen size. I think a wide screen the same width as the current screen, but an inch or so less tall would have been nearly as usable while allowing for a smaller unit.
  • Focus View: For all intents and purposes it is 5 block presets with inbetween settings. I love the idea of blocks having presets built into the unit. But I would be just as happy with a list of 5+ block presets to get me started and give me ideas.
  • Hype knob: Sometimes I like a little, but most of the time I don't like what it does and don't use it.
  • Showcase: I haven't found a use for this yet, so no opinion.
• Cons
  • No channels in blocks: This missing feature really reduces the amount of DSP available the way I use snapshots/scenes. I commonly set up two snapshots for cleans, often something like a double reverb with matching cab. Two crunch snapshots with something like a 5153 blue or Mesa yellow with matching cab. Two plus lead snapshots with something like a 5153 red or Mesa red with matching cab. With Fractal this only requires one amp block and one cab block. With the Stadium it requires 3x3 to do the same thing. In my testing this can eat up nearly 75% of available DSP when using Stadiums new amps.
  • DSP limitations are more apparent than I would expect from a next generation modeler. But as previously mentioned, I chalk this up to not having block channels.
  • Foot switch flexibility: the foot switching is not nearly as flexible as Fractal.
  • Limited number or amp models. In the occurrences where I preferred a model on the Stadium, Vox AC30 for example, I can often find an alternative model I like even more in the Fractal. In this case I preferred the Morgan AC20 over the Stadium AC30, and I still have a Matchless on the Fractal to try.
  • Speaker Impedance Curve: SIC implementation is okay with just one amp or cab. Use more than one amp or an IR and it gets really wonky or just downright bad. Fractal handles SIC much better.
  • Computer Editor: I'm glad it exists as I use it a lot. But definitely prefer Axe Edit.
  • Effects: effects earn a place on the pros and cons list. While some sound great, others don't sound as good to me or are just missing compared to FM3.
  • Amps: another that earns a place on both the pros and cons lists. Some amp models I like less than those in the Fractal.
  • Bugs: Lock ups, loss of sound without reboot, etc. I'm sure they will get it sorted out, but there are more major bugs than expected.
  • Price: At twice the price of an FM3 and around 25% more than directly competing products, I guess I hoped for more.

I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting at the moment, but I think this is a pretty complete list. So what have other Stadium users decided?

Well, it's done. Return label printed and I will box and return in the next few days.

Stadium is really nice, but when I think of getting rid of the Stadium or FM3, the FM3 is the one I think I will miss more. It just has so many more tonal options, and sounding just as good and costing half is much sure doesn't hurt. Maybe I will revisit Stadium in the future if there are some really compelling updates. For the time being I will be content sitting on the sidelines enjoying my FM3 and watching what Line 6, Fractal, and others do to advance their products. Rock on

 

[HotRats]

But there's a distinct difference that jumps out in those clips @Karl Houseknecht

I don't own a Stadium and I can't speak for the Agoura models in general, meaning you might be right about the new line6 modelling on other amps or even this amp with different settings.

But come on, there is no distinct difference that jumps out in those clips. That's an hyperbole.

There is a difference, a small one, that in the context of those clips, the only one we can judge, is really irrelevant.

 

[HotRats]

I've owned two different Quick Rod's and two different Street Rods. They are kinda one trick ponies, but they do an amazing trick. In many ways I like them better than the BE.

Had a Nitro years ago. I really liked that beast for the heavy tones I was looking for at the time.
Unfortunately the amp (bought used) had issues and had to let it go.

My Nitro had few biblical references written inside the amp, something that's apparently common in Splawn amps.

Always wanted to try a quick rod but never had a chance. They are not very popular here.

 

[sashimi]

I don't own a Stadium and I can't speak for the Agoura models in general, meaning you might be right about the new line6 modelling on other amps or even this amp with different settings.

But come on, there is no distinct difference that jumps out in those clips. That's an hyperbole.

There is a difference, a small one, that in the context of those clips, the only one we can judge, is really irrelevant.

I have to agree. I don’t hear a distinct difference that jumps out, I hear possibly a very minor and inconsequential difference that I would probably never be able to distinguish in a blind test.

I am glad I don’t have golden ears, because some of the minuscule shit people nitpick is just ridiculous.

 

[Orvillain]

My hearing is pretty decent. Way better than it has any right to be at my age. And I’m listening through good monitors in a treated room with corrective EQ. I don’t hear any “distinct” differences that give one up over the other. There probably are minor differences for sure. I wasn’t trying to match them. I just set them on the same settings and let it rip.

The most distinct difference is probably my playing. I didn’t reamp this. I played the phrases for each.

The Fractal clearly has more high frequency energy, fizz, and raw aggression coming from that region. The Stadium sounds too polite.

I don't own a Stadium and I can't speak for the Agoura models in general, meaning you might be right about the new line6 modelling on other amps or even this amp with different settings.

But come on, there is no distinct difference that jumps out in those clips. That's an hyperbole.

There is a difference, a small one, that in the context of those clips, the only one we can judge, is really irrelevant.

Then you simply do not have critical listening skills. Even through Soundcloud compression it was obvious.

I come from a very different place to you guys on this stuff. I have a 20 year career in using my ears to make decisions about sounds. Having "golden ears" has literally fed me for two decades. I'm not going to apologize or accept any shaming language for being able to hear things.

Whether I actually care about the differences. Now THAT is a totally different topic. But even so, if you guys want to shit all over people who care about this kind of stuff, go for it. I won't lose sleep.

 

[Sascha Franck]

I can handle discussion that’s repetitive, but when it’s the same myopic bullshit over and over, with a condescending douche tone, it gets old.

Take a look into a mirror.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

The Fractal clearly has more high frequency energy, fizz, and raw aggression coming from that region. The Stadium sounds too polite.

This is basically where I stand. There is a difference, particularly in the top end. The part that I’m finding interesting is it seems to be across several amps, and is there when you compare against real amps or Helix Legacy or Fractal (or anything else). Does it always matter? probably not. I can totally understand if it’s not a problem, or a preference for some but even if it’s slight, it doesn’t seem correct to me and I’ll stand by that.

it’s another example of Agoura being darker/less aggressive, just as it is with the 2203 and Jubilee, and likely others.

Anyone can complain all they want about hair splitting but amp modelling is in a very good place in 2025. We’re well past the days of drastic differences, and given the levels Helix set with their last generation we should have high standards now.

I also can’t stand the phrase “golden ears”. I’ve never used it myself and the whole notion of it makes me cringe. I just care about sounds and like things to sound good. I don’t expect everyone to care but I’m also not going to suddenly just be less passionate about things I enjoy.

 

[mikah912]

The Fractal clearly has more high frequency energy, fizz, and raw aggression coming from that region. The Stadium sounds too polite.


Then you simply do not have critical listening skills. Even through Soundcloud compression it was obvious.

I come from a very different place to you guys on this stuff. I have a 20 year career in using my ears to make decisions about sounds. Having "golden ears" has literally fed me for two decades. I'm not going to apologize or accept any shaming language for being able to hear things.

Whether I actually care about the differences. Now THAT is a totally different topic. But even so, if you guys want to shit all over people who care about this kind of stuff, go for it. I won't lose sleep.

Cilantro ears. Neither good nor bad.

 

[ch4920]

So, I went Friday to Sweetwater and played a Helix Stadium for a bit, dialed in a preset. Wasn't super jazzed with it, tbh. Even told the Turkey about it, and was just going to do an AM4.

Then my pal David brought his into the shop today, and we spent a few hours with it, but still all stock cabs. Wow. Seriously. Playing it through a single QSC K8, it's really, really good. For one thing, getting tones out of my stand-bys like the SLO100 and JCM800 was an absolute cinch. But I literally dialed in the new IIC+ with my eyes, and switched cabs (WTF Line 6; a 1960 with T75's is the matched cab?!) and bam. Perfect, right off the bat.

The IIC+ is going to end up being my main tone, for sure. I'm really, really digging it, and glad I didn't Timbuck my pre-order.

What cab did you pair it with?

 

[paisleywookiee]

What cab did you pair it with?

You mean what IR/virtual cab? Or what did I amplify the Stadium with? Latter question was the QSC K8. The speaker emulation was the Cali V30 4x12.

 

[GTR37]

I should have saved the reveal for the new year because now that you know which is which, the posts that confirm your bias toward one platform or another will come out.

This should teach me never to do this again.

Edit: I just went back and listened to be sure I wasn't nuts. Guys (or gals)... I can't tell the difference. So I plugged in again and randomly switched between units via A/B switcher, making sure I didn't look. Again, could not hear OR feel a difference. I got it wrong more than half the time when I guessed. And I'm the one playing it. Maybe my hearing really is shot.


It's not.

You should have totally just done Stadium only one clip with the treble / presence slightly up
Next time

 

[HotRats]

Then you simply do not have critical listening skills. Even through Soundcloud compression it was obvious.

I come from a very different place to you guys on this stuff. I have a 20 year career in using my ears to make decisions about sounds. Having "golden ears" has literally fed me for two decades. I'm not going to apologize or accept any shaming language for being able to hear things.

Whether I actually care about the differences. Now THAT is a totally different topic. But even so, if you guys want to shit all over people who care about this kind of stuff, go for it. I won't lose sleep.

Well , I'm a sound engineer, I mix stuff all day, every day of the year, you know is my work and is based on critical listening. I guess we are even here.

Anyway, I don't have to prove anything.

You are hyperbolic in your way to communicate things, that's your style, I guess you like it.

You've been hyperbolic in this answers too, writing "if you guys want to shit all over people who care about this"

Shit all over? Really?

 

[ch4920]

You mean what IR/virtual cab? Or what did I amplify the Stadium with? Latter question was the QSC K8. The speaker emulation was the Cali V30 4x12.

the ir/cab. Thank you

 

[Orvillain]

Cilantro

Isn't that an 80's car made by Ford?

 

[Orvillain]

Well , I'm a sound engineer, I mix stuff all day, every day of the year, you know is my work and is based on critical listening. I guess we are even here.

Anyway, I don't to prove anything.

You are hyperbolic in your way to communicate things, that's your style, I guess you like it.

You've been hyperbolic in this answers too, writing "if you guys want to shit all over people who care about this"

Shit all over? Really?

Oh, and people using the term "golden ears" isn't hyperbolic? Actually, no. It isn't. It's just straight up cunty.

I'm not asking you to prove anything. Asserting that I even implied that is ....

hype...
hyper....
hyper Japan?
Hyper schlongdriac?
HyPhEr69y2k.5!

oh shit, I just pasted in my Redtube password. Oh well.

 

[Orvillain]

No, you're thinking of the Siesta.

No no no. That's a Spanish word for "le sigh, time to do some work."

 

[HotRats]

This is basically where I stand. There is a difference, particularly in the top end. The part that I’m finding interesting is it seems to be across several amps, and is there when you compare against real amps or Helix Legacy or Fractal (or anything else). Does it always matter? probably not. I can totally understand if it’s not a problem, or a preference for some but even if it’s slight, it doesn’t seem correct to me and I’ll stand by that.

it’s another example of Agoura being darker/less aggressive, just as it is with the 2203 and Jubilee, and likely others.

Anyone can complain all they want about hair splitting but amp modelling is in a very good place in 2025. We’re well past the days of drastic differences, and given the levels Helix set with their last generation we should have high standards now.

I also can’t stand the phrase “golden ears”. I’ve never used it myself and the whole notion of it makes me cringe. I just care about sounds and like things to sound good. I don’t expect everyone to care but I’m also not going to suddenly just be less passionate about things I enjoy.

Every body here recognized that the clips sound slightly different.

You said you can't tell which is which and that should tell you something about it.

Different and taking about jumping out, golden ears, critical listening skills and other bullshits well those are different things.

 

[HotRats]

Oh, and people using the term "golden ears" isn't hyperbolic? Actually, no. It isn't. It's just straight up cunty.

I'm not asking you to prove anything. Asserting that I even implied that is ....

hype...
hyper....
hyper Japan?
Hyper schlongdriac?
HyPhEr69y2k.5!

oh shit, I just pasted in my Redtube password. Oh well.

Whatever man.