Line 6 Helix LT

Line 6 Helix LT

Line 6 Helix LT

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Line 6 HX Effects Multi-Effects Processor

With the success of the phenomenally powerful Helix, it was only a matter of time before Line 6 put that same power to work in a unit focused on delivering top-tier modeled effects. Introducing the Line 6 HX Effects. Like Helix, HX Effects is able to take total control of your guitar rig, supplement your pedalboard, or anything in between. With over 100 HX-quality effects — many pulled from Line 6's already legendary stomps — you'll never run out of tones. And thanks to the HX audio engine, you're able to run up to nine effects simultaneously. Unbelievable processing power, realistic tone and feel, and comprehensive rig control; it's all in the Line 6 HX Effects.

Over 100 HX effects onboard

Line 6's effects models and multi-effects units can be found on professional pedalboards throughout the world. And now, those pedalboards can get even better. With over 100 effects onboard the HX Effects multi-effects units, you'll never be at a loss for tone. And best of all, each of these effects are processed through the company's HX audio engine, ensuring every single swell of a modulation effect, response of an overdrive, or decay of a delay sound feel exactly like the unit it's modeling. And if that weren't enough, you're able to stack up to nine effects to create your own sonic world.

Capacitive touch footswitches

Following Helix's lead, HX Effects boasts eight capacitive touch footswitches that make switching tones, making on-the-fly edits, and recalling settings easier than ever. Simply touch the switch you want to adjust, make the necessary changes, and save it. Couldn't be easier. And to keep track of your tones and changes, Line 6 outfitted each of the switches with a customizable color-coded LED and scribble strip. No matter how dark or bright the stage is, you'll always know what function each footswitch is controlling.

Extensive I/O

HX Effects is much more than a multi-effects pedalboard. While it can easily replace your current board into the front of your amplifier, it boasts enough I/O and control to take the lead in even the most complicated guitar rigs. Flip the HX Effects around and the first thing you'll find is dual outputs to control channel switching on your amplifier or to add an expression pedal. Dual effects loops allow you to include your favorite stomps anywhere in the chain. MIDI I/O integrates the unit into larger setups —it is even able to integrate with your band's MIDI-based performance. And the HX Effects' USB capability makes computer-based editing and firmware upgrades effortless.

Features

  • Multi-effects pedalboard with massive control capabilities
  • Over 100 effects models onboard
  • HX audio engine ensures pristine audio and realistic modeling
  • Dual effects loops integrate your favorite stompboxes
  • External amp and expression pedal control
  • True stereo performance from input to output
  • Full MIDI capability
  • USB allows computer-based editing and firmware upgrades
  • Built rugged to handle the rigors of the road
  • Pedal Type: Multi-FX
  • Number of Effects: 100+
  • Effects Types: Overdrive, Distortion, Fuzz, Tremolo, Flanger, Chorus, Vibrato, Rotary, Phaser, Delay, Reverb, Modulator, Filter/Wah, Harmonizer
  • Looper: 60 seconds (mono, full speed), 30 seconds (stereo, full speed)
  • Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/Mono, R), 2 x 1/4" (return)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/Mono, R), 2 x 1/4" (send)
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/4" (expression, ext amp)
  • Bypass Switching: True Analog Bypass (selectable DSP bypass)
  • Computer Connectivity: USB, MIDI
  • Compatibility: iOS, Windows, Mac OS
  • Power Source: 9V DC-3G power supply (included)
  • Height: 3"
  • Width: 10.8"
  • Depth: 7.9"
  • Weight: 4.9 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 99-040-3405

*Specifications subject to change without notice.

A Review By 2020 Review Master: Paul Saltmarsh

Here is a device that adequately replaces all that you own apart from a willingness to create music and your guitar. Perhaps even affords the opportunity to own MORE guitars!!! Yes, more. Retail price on these varies between $2K and $2.5K depending on the vendor and how wounded the Australian dollar is at the time. So renting is a perfect incentive to get to know the device and later purchase at a price that you won’t have to lie about when your significant other asks the inevitable “what the hell is that and how much did it cost?” (If you need tips on dealing with these awkward moments, I have 30+ years of experience.) because it looks, feels and in one context, is expensive. I don’t know a lot of musicians that wouldn’t have to think twice about purchasing the Line 6 Helix outright and upfront.

The unit that shipped from Musicorp Australia still had protective tape on the bank windows. It was that “near new” that I had to doubt it’s used status. Ships in original factory packaging with support USB containing manuals. You could conceivably do software updates from the same USB. No obvious marks and certainly no damage. And if you’ve not seen a Line 6 Helix in the flesh before, there is a definite “oh wow” moment when you crack that box open. It looks impressive and the build quality is what you’d expect of something you’re about to stomp on…enthusiastically I hope.

The purpose of the Helix is that your overall signal chain is from You (very important) > Guitar > Helix > Front of House/PA/DAW/Mixing Desk. Whatever device is fit for purpose at the time. What you don’t need is a 30kg amp and a shopping trolley full of effects. And if you were to “analogify” the abilities of the unit into physical devices, you would also need a road crew. So many amplifiers and cabinets. So many effects. And not just your run of the mill Fender and Marshall boxes (that of course should be in any amp/cab simulator) but some real boutique kit like Mesa Boogie, Divided by 13, ENGL etc. I probably should have said two shopping trollies worth of effects. There are a LOT of very cool pedals all organized into classification groups like Distortion/Overdrive, Modulation, Delay/Reverb and so on. The tree like menu structure makes for easy navigation in the very simple (but feature rich!) user interface. One nob is left/right and up/down and the other is “I want that one”.

This is a really impressive piece of technology that doesn’t feel mushy when playing. It’s responsive and dynamic. Unlike earlier ventures into this arena there is no noticeable lag or sag between your pick attack and what hits the ear and or Front of House/PA/DAW/Mixing Desk. Very impressive. Continued software updates add features and new effects and amps to ensure that the life expectancy justifies the expense. Oh, you can still plug your favorite stomp box into it and control it from the Helix. So my pedals and I are not yet made redundant. Not yet….

Salty

17/06/2020

 

See more from Paul here.