Line 6 Helix Stadium Talk

[dean701]

Stadium builds its Cab IR database the first boot after loading new IRs. If you've added thousands, it'll take a while to build that database, but 10 minutes seems excessive.

Nested folders are definitely the main issue. multiple hangs and crashes with folders. With 2000 irs in a flat structure, no crashes

 

[Melodioso]

I know what you mean - I'm kind of in the same boat.

Lots of niggles with usability and the effects are quite a bit more limited compared to the AFX3 (and the routing is nowhere near as advanced, as you say). I would say that the 'feel' of the amps on the whole is better for me in Agoura vs. Fractal, but there's definitely something missing in the top end as I know you've mentioned before.

I really want to love it, as it would make gigs a lot easier to setup and pack down - will be interesting to see if Line 6 can fix the issues with darkness etc.

I once did a comparison of the pure DI tone between Helix, Fractal, RND Shelford Channel and a RME UFX III. Nothing else in the chain, just guitar (full volume) - cable - device - DAW.

All are supposed to have 1M Ohms impendence but there were clearly audible differences between all units (kind of a surprise as I was exiting them to behave/sound similarly tbh). The Helix was the darker sounding one of them all. Not sure if this is where this "veil/darkness" is coming from. It would be interesting if other people could perform the same test (just strumming the same chords at the same dynamic and tempo).

 

[EOengineer]

I once did a comparison of the pure DI tone between Helix, Fractal, RND Shelford Channel and a RME UFX III. Nothing else in the chain, just guitar (full volume) - cable - device - DAW.

All are supposed to have 1M Ohms impendence but there were clearly audible differences between all units (kind of a surprise as I was exiting them to behave/sound similarly tbh). The Helix was the darker sounding one of them all. Not sure if this is where this "veil/darkness" is coming from. It would be interesting if other people could perform the same test (just strumming the same chords at the same dynamic and tempo).

It would not surprise me to find that each platform has its own special sauce as far as how input signal is treated. Likely very minor differences.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

It would be interesting if other people could perform the same test (just strumming the same chords at the same dynamic and tempo).

I did this test too. I’d done it previously as well, but once I properly accounted for level differences, they sounded much more similar. Still some subtle differences for sure but most were quite close:

 

[Foxmeister]

just my 2 cent opinion. I think you should wait a few weeks for Proxy and then continue as needed. I think you will punch yourself for not waiting to try it if it turns out well.

I concur - Proxy should be out by the end of the month, and it may give you some additional data points to consider - given you're looking at selling rather than returning, unless you need the money it probably makes sense to wait a while longer.

 

[GTR37]

I wish I knew or had his IR. I'd like to dial this in on the Stadium.

I think you should be able to get pretty close as it’s an IR recording not an amp in a room , if you get the Marshall V30 , you should be able to get 90% there
Now I don’t know how much if any post production is in his recordings you would have to ask him

 

[MirrorProfiles]

I think you should be able to get pretty close as it’s an IR recording not an amp in a room , if you get the Marshall V30 , you should be able to get 90% there
Now I don’t know how much if any post production is in his recordings you would have to ask him

Blake sounds like Blake because he has excellent playing technique. There’s no magic in his IR or recording methods, unfortunately.

 

[Orvillain]

I thought there was acknowledgment here from DI that some tweaks were coming where they did find a very slight (1-2 db) attenuation in the top end that was being worked on, but honestly I forget if it was limited to the 5153 or more broad.

Given how much roadmap there is in front of this product I couldn’t imagine bailing on it this early, but I understand everyone’s risk tolerance varies.

I can always come back at a later date, if new features in the future just blow my socks off.

Part of me is thinking.... the £1600 I could sell it for.... and the £1600 I just got for a freelance job recently..... that's a fair chunk of change, and almost puts me in FM9+QC territory.... or Bogner Uber Uber territory.... or Badcat territory... or a swish custom guitar from Feline guitars or something like that.

 

[EOengineer]

I can always come back at a later date, if new features in the future just blow my socks off.

Part of me is thinking.... the £1600 I could sell it for.... and the £1600 I just got for a freelance job recently..... that's a fair chunk of change, and almost puts me in FM9+QC territory.... or Bogner Uber Uber territory.... or Badcat territory... or a swish custom guitar from Feline guitars or something like that.

FWIW I struggle with several thousand dollar digital gear too unless I’m using it for paid production work that it helps streamline.

In 20 years Stadium will be a paperweight but a 2203 or IIC+ will still kick a whole lot of ass. Totally get it.

 

[dean701]

I think you should be able to get pretty close as it’s an IR recording not an amp in a room , if you get the Marshall V30 , you should be able to get 90% there
Now I don’t know how much if any post production is in his recordings you would have to ask him

oh I can get things close. It would just be cool to start with the exact same IR so I could hear the amp differences. I am an Impulse Wh*re.

edit
I can't believe they sensor Wh*re (hore goddammit)

 

[SillyOctpuss]

a swish custom guitar from Feline guitars or something like that.

That's a bucket list item for me for sure. I've played loads of Jonathan's guitars when I've dropped stuff off to get work done and they're fantastic. A purple feline lion FTW.

 

[laxu]

I can always come back at a later date, if new features in the future just blow my socks off.

Part of me is thinking.... the £1600 I could sell it for.... and the £1600 I just got for a freelance job recently..... that's a fair chunk of change, and almost puts me in FM9+QC territory.... or Bogner Uber Uber territory.... or Badcat territory... or a swish custom guitar from Feline guitars or something like that.

What about sensible investments in index funds or ETFs?!

 

[EOengineer]

What about sensible investments in index funds or ETFs?!

At this point maybe just shove the cash in a mattress.