What's preventing you from getting a Helix Stadium?

[Lysander]

One thing no-one else has though is the modifier system in Fractal land. I wish for something in Line6 land that enables those kinda soundscape possibilities in whatever form Line6 cooks up. That's one thing I do find lacking today in the Stadium.

I've been salivating over flux in the HX One ever since i heard about it. Really hope they bring it over Helix soon.

 

[PorcinePicker]

Subsequently, we have to get over the mistaken assumption that "old" models are outdated or no longer usable. 90 percent of the FAS Originals are from the AX8/II-era and they kick absolute ass even now in 2026. Lots of older Helix models still rock as well.

You're not wrong. Great music was recorded with the POD 2.0, and I'm not gonna stop listening to it because there are better amp sims now.

On to the topic at hand, it appears to be a difference in methodology. FAS improves the underlying engine, then tweaks various internal parameters, validating against the real hardware. It's a continuous process, with almost imperceptible changes that add up over time. To pick some random numbers, if you compare version 500 to 501.1, you won't hear much, but if you compare 490 to 501.1, it slaps you in the face.

Line 6 seems to work on individual new models using their current best practices, but there's not as much steady trickle down benefit to the ecosystem. Apparently sometimes there is, but they keep it under their hats.

Me, I prefer the iterative approach to the "latest thing" approach.

 

[king_wombat]

Much prefer the fractal effects to the line 6. Found I was always wanting to tweak,rather than set and forget which I can do with fractal.

Plus the fm9 Amps sound glorious, much preferred to og line 6, boss, hot one , and tonex pedals I have owned. If line 6 improved their effects quality to fractal, and the new amp models do end up being as good then would get one, as I do find the line 6 ui nicer to use.