Helix 3.5 just dropped

[op1e]

I would like loops to not cost a block. You would think there would be a work around like the split path points. I got my Stomp right before the XL launched. I could get one of those too and still have a smaller footprint than an LT . Been thinking about moving some gear and getting the rack but that's some debt there and I think the platform is getting long in the tooth. How far out is the next thing?

 

[STRHelvete]

I would like loops to not cost a block. You would think there would be a work around like the split path points. I got my Stomp right before the XL launched. I could get one of those too and still have a smaller footprint than an LT . Been thinking about moving some gear and getting the rack but that's some debt there and I think the platform is getting long in the tooth. How far out is the next thing?

Why would you need the next big thing if what you have works? Would it really matter what a new model has if what you have suits your needs?

 

[Guitarjon]

Some things that I'd want in future updates would be:

- more IR slots
- newly done Rectifier (preferably with more than one mode/channel)
- more high-gain amps (yes, more!)
- capture tech

Time to get off the capturing hype train, it's one dimensional and the vast majority of captures sound like crap.

I personally don't agree. I love being able to capture my own amps. I've gotten some great results with both the Quad Cortex and Tonex myself. When you have a lot of amps (or even just one for that matter) it's just great to be able to put them inside your modeler and use them whenever/however you'd like in a signal chain. Imho, it's the future and I hope it keeps improving and that more brands jump on that train.

 

[GunpointMetal]

Some things that I'd want in future updates would be:

- more IR slots
- newly done Rectifier (preferably with more than one mode/channel)
- more high-gain amps (yes, more!)
- capture tech



I personally don't agree. I love being able to capture my own amps. I've gotten some great results with both the Quad Cortex and Tonex myself. When you have a lot of amps (or even just one for that matter) it's just great to be able to put them inside your modeler and use them whenever/however you'd like in a signal chain. Imho, it's the future and I hope it keeps improving and that more brands jump on that train.

I think capture/profiling stuff is great for people with amp collections or people who want exact artist tones, but it kind of seems like the end goal of captures would be capturing the full function of an amp instead of snapshot…which sounds almost like it would just be a roundabout way getting the same results as component modeling.

 

[Guitarjon]

I think capture/profiling stuff is great for people with amp collections or people who want exact artist tones, but it kind of seems like the end goal of captures would be capturing the full function of an amp instead of snapshot…which sounds almost like it would just be a roundabout way getting the same results as component modeling.

While I hear what you're saying, I don't mind it at all that you're just getting snapshots, most capture devices allow you to tweak the models after the fact but besides that, most of my amps have one setting (per channel) that sounds the best anyway. That's just what I've found. So to me that's not a big deal.

 

[op1e]

Why would you need the next big thing if what you have works? Would it really matter what a new model has if what you have suits your needs?

I just wanted the rack for more I/O and tired of the limited amount of blocks. I've gotten spoiled with Helix that I can do everything with one patch almost. My only consideration was if I drop $1600 on the rack this year is the new one around the corner and comes out after that I'd rather have the newer unit.

 

[STRHelvete]

So what's everyone's favorite amp in the Helix, and why is it the Placater?

 

[Xaeldaren]

So what's everyone's favorite amp in the Helix, and why is it the Placater?

I've actually spent so little time with it! I'm all about the Cali Texas/Litigator/Revv Purple. Any tips on the Placater?

 

[STRHelvete]

I've actually spent so little time with it! I'm all about the Cali Texas/Litigator/Revv Purple. Any tips on the Placater?

It's really just dial to taste. I have a patch as the crunch tone and one for my main tone. I'm obsessed with that modded Marshall tone. Throw the 4way chorus in there for a wider sound and it's just heaven. The real mojo, as always, is with whatever cab(s) you choose. The new mic system the Helix has now opens up a lot of possibilities.
I love the Placater so much I'd really love to try the real amp and hear what it sounds like in person.

 

[lurè]

I go back and forth between the Archon and the new Vitriol for chugging stuff, but I need to dig deeper with the Revv Purple and the Badonk especially after the recent cab update.

For cleans I always come back to the Jazz Rivet

 

[ErockRPh]

I've had my LT for a few months now, and I've generally been picking an amp at a time and building a preset around it. I still have a lot of amps to really sit down with. So far my favorites are a Triangle fuzz into the Mandarin 80 for stoner/doom stuff, the Solo Lead OD for 80's metal, and the ANGL Meteor for more modern chug/crunch. My current work-in-progress is the Mandarin Rocker, which is closest to the tone I get from my Tiny Terror.

How does everyone set up a new preset when trying out an amp? My first slots in the chain are an OD or two and either a fuzz or distortion. I'll usually leave a few slots open for possibly adding something like a phaser/flanger/chorus later on. Then it's amp > dual cab > reverb. For most metal tones, the dual cab is generally a 4x12 plus a bass cab like the Brute or SVT.

 

[STRHelvete]

I go back and forth between the Archon and the new Vitriol for chugging stuff, but I need to dig deeper with the Revv Purple and the Badonk especially after the recent cab update.

For cleans I always come back to the Jazz Rivet

For cleans, oddly enough, use just the zeroamp bass di as an amp, an eq, no cab chorus, reverb, and delay

 

[thebeesknees22]

I'm a big fan of the new Moon O))) amps lately for a base sound. They're just so versatile and grungy sounding

For full on metal though it just depends on the day. I haven't really found one where I felt like "that's it!" For a while I was using the Rockerverb. Then I moved to the Diezel lead. But I sometimes use the Solo Lead or Archon or placator or mesa models even though I don't always get along with the dual rec model etc...

For dirty crunchy things I really like the Stone Age 185 or whatever it's called. I use that thing all the time.

cleans - i've been using the princess lately but that changes all the time too.

I almost always use the orange ppc2x12 cab though since 3.5 dropped.

 

[STRHelvete]

I'm currently enjoying the acoustic sim. I've had the Helix for about 2 years now and I've still barely scratched the surface of what it can do. I completely forgot the thing even had an acoustic sim so I tried it for the first time last night and fell in love

 

[ErockRPh]

I'm currently enjoying the acoustic sim. I've had the Helix for about 2 years now and I've still barely scratched the surface of what it can do. I completely forgot the thing even had an acoustic sim so I tried it for the first time last night and fell in love

I'm having fun with that, too. It was decent with my bridge pickup, but when I flipped to my neck pickup it really came alive.

I'm thinking of getting a few acoustic IR's (and a cello) to try in conjunction with it.

 

[STRHelvete]

I'm having fun with that, too. It was decent with my bridge pickup, but when I flipped to my neck pickup it really came alive.

I'm thinking of getting a few acoustic IR's (and a cello) to try in conjunction with it.

Hm.,..acoustic IRs might be great. Never thought of that.
With my triple shot in the bridge I've got series, parallel, and two single coil options for one humbucker. It REALLY changes the sound on the acoustic sim

 

[sell2792]

I'm currently enjoying the acoustic sim. I've had the Helix for about 2 years now and I've still barely scratched the surface of what it can do. I completely forgot the thing even had an acoustic sim so I tried it for the first time last night and fell in love

I’m running my piezo equipped guitars through it and it sounds great. The only issue I have is some clipping when I strum chords hard.

 

[astokes1994]

My HX Stomp showed up from Sweetwater yesterday. It came with Firmware 3.15, so I spent about an hour last night playing to get a baseline. Upgraded to 3.5 on my lunch break today and only jammed for like 30 minutes on some of the presets, but the difference is insane. It absolutely blows my PodGo out of the water. I'm really excited to dive in deep and play with parallel routing and stereo effects.

 

[sleewell]

So what's everyone's favorite amp in the Helix, and why is it the Placater?

sunn for cleans and invective for dirt

 

[STRHelvete]

Placater is the only thing I'll ever need. I'm its bitch and it's my daddy

Fixed.