It never fails to amaze me, every Friday, no matter what topic you're covering, you are such a delightful breath of fresh air! It would be enough for most to just "oh my gosh" your stunning technique, with its sublime phrasing and subtlety, but it's your heart warming honesty that you convey to all your viewers that stands out so beautifully. Simply said, that you for sharing with all of us ت
Welcome to the Helix family. I still have my ace pedalboard and amp rig, but for quiet jamming, worship, or live shows I still get the same compliments from the crowd, it's crazy portable, and the sound guy is not staring at me angrily when I have to much stage volume. I'd recommend HX edit to really dig into the settings without constantly reaching down and flicking knobs and still jam out.
Straightforward and sincere - excellent review, Chris, and easily among the best I’ve seen on the Helix. I’m still undecided, but it was a compelling presentation, brother! I’m quite impressed with your style and your playing has a maturity that belies your years. I think there are quite a few of us who would love to have you visit us in the states, when you can manage it!
larry dickman don’t get rid of your amp and pedals. Try if possible to get a Kemper or Helix and keep what you have. There is a difference in feel and sound than the real thing. No matter what anyone says.
Hey man, you’re getting some great sounds! I would love to see you make another appearance on that pedal show but maybe approach it from the standpoint of you setting up your rig in helix and comparing it up to what you might take as a normal peddleboard for a gig. I’m in a kind of similar position to where I have one paddleboard set up for my amps and another paddleboard set up incorporating an HX stop. I would love to see him more along the format that pedal show type video exploring some of how you set up your sound.
Steve Howe uses Line 6 touring for all the reasons Chris states. I'll add something he said. Would he use it in the studio? No. He much prefers one of his gazillion guitars plugged into a Fender tube amp. Live though he said that just the differences between the front of house gear and the room are far far greater than any differences between his studio sound and the sound of the line 6 emulating it. Add the reliability and ease of set up and operate made it an easy decision for him.
I've now built two rigs with amp modelers (one is an HX Stomp) ... it really saves my aging back and knees, plus I have a backup system on site every time! However, if the models (with 3rd party IRs for cabs) didn't sound good, I'd go right back to my two amp rig. They sound great.
I bought my helix in June 2019 as a backup unit and for small venues without space for my self built 4x12 oversized cab. Never planned to use it as my main unit. Played it for a couple of minutes and knew I'll never be playing a gig with my analog rig again. Even at home I haven't used my analog rig more than like 2 or 3 times since then. Only thing I'll do someday is getting IRs of my 4x12 since I absolutely adore this cab and there isn't anything comparable. I even took it to our local music shop back then to do a shootout with several Mesa and orange cabs and everybody there was mind blown since they didn't stand a chance.
Beautiful intro solo Chris, kudos. The Helix is a great option for guitar players who need a sort of all in one type of solution. It is portable and flexible in terms of modelled effects, amps and cabinets. Its computer based editor is very helpful. Using good IRs in the effects chain also takes the tone to another level. An 'air' cab control can be found on the AxeFx3.
The new Fulletrton amp has an incredible feel, really seductive snap, I can't even put into words what I'm hearing, but it is a really inspiring sound, the first one that i don't tweak endlessly!! And that's saying a lot.
I bought a HX stomp (550 euros) and a cry baby wah (250 euros) and a 100w power amp/pedal from harley benton thunder 99 (80 euros), and i put them in a pedalboard. i bought a 2x12 v30 vintage from harley benton too (250 euros).that's my setup, easy to transport, easy to setup, easy to record with impulse responses, not much expensive, and the best sound i ever had in 17 years playing guitar.
The quality of gear like the Helix, and many newer amp sims like Helix Native, Positive Grid FX2/Amp2 and others are absolutely astounding these days. Based on experience several years ago with the Line 6 products that were not even close to pro / road worthy, varied in terms of quality control and had only fair sound, I was a bit reticent. However, after demoing a local unit I purchase one on Reverb in 2016 and it just keeps getting better, via firmware, amp sims and my own familiarity. I love having hook-ups and control to do everything from 2CM/4CM to pedal controllable Wet-dry-wet and more-- and with amazing tone and control
The Worship Leader at our church is asking if we would like to move toward a Helix/Quad Cortex instead of our current set up, which I love. Playing through my very capable pedal board and a 60w SuperSonic in an Iso-Cab that is mic'd and DI'd to the house. I hate menus which is why I haven't made the move. We have a silent stage, so I don't see the need other that having presets to individual songs.
Check out the IRs from Celestion, made all the difference in the world for me with the Helix. I usually split the signal running close mic on one side and room mic on the other, making it possible to blend to taste, works great! Cheers
@@dustinmccrindle343 Never used the Headrush but Celestion IRs come in different sample rates and two lengths i think so you should be able to find the right ones.
I just discovered Line6’s ToneCore Line, specifically the Verbzilla, which I LOVE. That’s got me reconsidering my whole take on the Helix and digital modeling in general. Maybe in another 10 years I’ll catch up to what’s going on now.
I can’t believe this ?!!!!!!!! I have one and when we spoke I was going to talk to you about my experience with the helix 🧬 I love it !!!! I thought you were a pedal guy
He is. He just got a new pedalboard setup on that Pedal Show. He states in the video why the Helix is worth having. I use a Fuzz Face a lot, and that is the main area that any modeling, not just the Helix, just doesn’t work for me. I’m a pedalhead too, but they are terrific units.
Pedalboards are fun to create and build but not practical for gigs , travel etc . There is always a good chance of aonething going wrong. I have a pedalboard of pedals .....it stays home . Multi effects units a ton of sense on the road. Back line anps are always a mystery f they even are present. These units eliminate any issues...the show goes on with a high standard.......love your playing dude awesone always!!
Really good balanced review and you hit the nail on the head Chris. I'm same. I've used a standard rig based around JCM800's since the late 80's and swore I'd never change them apart from the odd pedal here and there. But last March I got a Helix LT and it has simply blown me away. If you're a "one sound" type of player then stick to what you got/like but if you like to "tweak" then just get a Helix. Seriously... just get one! In minutes you can see what, say, a TubeScreamer through a Dual Rectifier sounds like and then switch straight to, say, an AC30 with a Phase 90 going in it then you can! You are the proverbial "kid in a candy store" and all you GAS sufferers can give your credit cards a breather as well. As I say I was contently stuck in my comfort zone thinking, nah, you'll not beat my valves when they're cooking. I was wrong. Times have changed. Don't be a snobby luddite simply cos you're missing out on the fun!
Good to know you like the helix 😃 as a touring musician let me give you this advice : don’t hesitate to get Different IR’s (my favorites are from Ownhammer) , it makes à big difference and gives more dynamic to your sound. I’ve been playing with the Helix for 4 years now and I totally agree with everything you said. Great demo, congrats for everything you do and share. Wish you lots of great thing 😃😃
Yep! I do exactly the same, and also dial up a bit of the early reflections on the stock cabs. If it still sounds too boxy, dialing up the mic distance helps too. Between those three things you can get a very nice spacious sound, even with the stock cabs.
@@400_billion_suns I actually found that using the dual cabs option helps kind of eliminate the body sound. I use the boogie v30 cab and the bogner v30 cab. 57 on one and the 421 on the other. Gets the perfect tone for my brand of metal.
Andrew Stonerock Indeed, that’s another thing I do too, and it works great! I like to do the Frusciante-ish dual-amp thing with a brighter and darker amp blended together and have gotten some really great sounds out of the Helix with that. Dual cabs is a great way to make any amp modeler sound fuller (Helix or otherwise) in my experience.
Sounds great Chris! I went to the HX Stomp 3 years ago. Very much a tube amp user up to that point. Once you learn how to dial in the amp models and some of the effects, it's been the best investment I've ever made on my pedal board. I like still using some pedals externally especially overdrives.
Strongly recommend the HX Stomp !!! It’s got that perfect mix where u can still use your pedals and play with amps or play direct when needed , SUPERRR CONVENIENT ! You also get a bit of a fatter sound lol
PauL TerL , the HX stomp brand new goes for around 650 , vs the helix which goes for around 1,700. The Hx stomp has all the same sounds , amps and effect from the helix in a smaller package and I think is a great solution for those who already have pedals they enjoy using and would simply like to add on to their existing pedalboard for more effects or a direct solution. Now if you want an all in one solution without worrying about other pedals- the helix is probably better for that, but they are both great ! There definitely is a learning curve if you are new to the world of modelers but it’s very fun
Bore da Chris... I love my Helix and I've been using it solidly for the last two years. Since the 2.80 update, I've completely ditched the third-party IR's I had installed, and I'm now using the stock cabs straight into the desk (with a bit of a tweak on mic-type and position) - it sounds amazing..! Diolch :-)
Although I know it was a bit tongue in cheek, I don’t see the Helix (or any modelers for that matter) as the “dark side”. Guitar amps didn’t really move forward for the last 40 years, but finally we are taking a step forward! Given the fact that some really good guitarists have a hard time disguising a modeler from a real amp in a blind test, it’s time to make our lives easier with tones that no audience would ever be able to differentiate. With all the options available (and the power of snapshots) I’d never go back to a real amp, but that’s just me... 😎😉🤘
Wish I was good enough to get free stuff. A very honest and balanced review. The more you play with it the more you will unlock. I still use an analogue treble booster and vox mv50ac as it’s the only way I can truly nail down Brian May !
Inspired playing and very informative. I'd picked up an HXFX as a possible grab and go alternative to my main board and as a guitar luddite had somewhat given up on it... you've inspired me to give it another whirl and really spend some time getting my head wrapped around it!
Great vid. That Tiesco tone. Wow. I have a Helix LT and have barely scratched the surface of what it can do. Looking at adding the power cab too. Nice 04 Highway One. I have an 07. Great guitars for the money.
You have come on board at the perfect time. You MUST try out the new Fullerton (Fender 1958 Deluxe amp), that, with the KOT (Heir apparent) is a Godly combination!! Btw. be sure to learn how to work the input impedance, before doing a lot of eq'ing. It is the first point in the signal line and it affects how much highend gets poured down the line!! That, and get some Celestion IR's, they are very affordable and sound great.
Line 6 is Yamaha? I guess it shows how much I use Line 6 gear, I had no idea. I have to say that the Revstars were nowhere in my sights. I was aware they existed, but I had no intention of trying them, but I've watched so many of these videos, and REALLY loved what I heard coming out of them. I've been demoing them, and fully intend on picking one up, I just don't know which. P90s? Filtertrons? Stop tail or Bigsby? So many choices. They're affordable enough that getting a couple isn't out of the realm of possibility. Also, I actually like the flat tops. Carved tops have always felt weird to me. It's probably from playing Strats for so long. I've owned PRS', but most of them not for very long. They longest is a CE22, and the top on those are much shallower. I really like the S2s, and they beveled top suits me much better because the part of the top my hand goes to is essentially flat. Even Les Pauls; I remember for some reason I decided to take the pickguard off before I went to a gig. The entire time I played it I was constantly thinking "why the F#@K, did I take that off, and why did I leave it at home?!" They just feel like I'm playing a 2X4 the way my pinky is searching for the flat pickguard when it's not there.
It sounds good-partly because you are such a great player. However an A/B test needs to be done with a Fender valve combo. I think the Helixs shortcomings would be heard/felt then.
Very timely this Chris, as I’m currently battling with the dilemma of getting a Helix as I’m juggling with various boards for the three bands im playing in. Bit ‘gear’ fatigued too and thinking this would get me ( eventually)focused on my playing again. I’ve got a great set up and feel kinda guilty for wanting to move to a more simple set up, but the truth is, for me at least, some gigs just aren’t worth the hassle of taking the Crown Jewels out for a show.
Hi Chris. Presumably you wouldn't need to even carry your Helix to the gig if you can simply grab a USB stick, store some patches and then just download to the onsite rig?
Just watched Rhett Schull's video where he traveled from Atlanta to London for a show and TSA broke his peddle board so he had to play the whole set with no effects. If nothing else, The helix seems like a fantastic option as a back up.
Alex Davis he was given a Helix. He was given a Strymon iridium which he has on one of his boards now. He was given a Revival Drive and now he’s trying out an axe fx 3. Should be interesting. His favorite is the amp and pedalboard.
Had a similar situation recently. I got the blues junior iv and spent the rest of pedals and other parts of my rig. Best money I’ve ever spent and very glad I made the choice I did. Depends on what you’re planning on using it all for as well of course. Buying the deluxe reverb on.a $1500 budget doesn’t leave much room for good quality pedals
Quincy Navarre FYI you’ll still want real pedals for the Helix. Strymon iridium is out now. Extra money for pedals etc. personally, tube amp and pedals.
Jeez dude you can play. I'd like to hear it for live use cranked up. Thing about a valve amp is they come alive when cranked especially when they get hot. Does this device get that feel and sound? I'd like to test it
Amazing interface and very well made kit but I bought an HX effects and hated the sound, hated the constant tweaking and missed real pedals. I suspect in a gig situation, 99.9% of people would never tell the difference and i also think a really skilled player (which I am not) can get more out of any rig. I could see me getting a full Helix in the future for easy portability but it would take a lot for me to give up a V40D and proper pedals. Fortunately there is a place for both.
Chris, can you tell me if your preset pack is set for live scenario? Fletcher Munson curve etc? In other words, are the presets set to what you normally run it when playing live? I'm looking forward to ordering your presets! love your channel
Yeah, sure, it's a great system if you are into cleaner milder sounds that you are demonstrating. But what about sounds that incorporate more gain? The thing that I'm seeing is that the Helix seems to have the same base tone and tries to build upon that and it just doesn't seem to cut the mustard. Even a Helix guy was saying that if he could get the Kemper to sound good at gigs (mind you he didn't show any evidence of his sound at gigs or why he couldn't get a good sound) he would use the Kemper instead of his Helix where the tones were just ho-hum. The Kemper really, really sounded like a real rig - it was his video about 2 weeks ago that really turned me onto the Kemper as a contender.
Sounds great. Have you tried moving your cab block to the end of your chain, and using a double cab w/either different mics or cabs to widen the sound?
Hey brother have you tried your pedalboard into the helix, think it would make it more alive sounding, the way it was with guitar rig...anyways rock on legend
Something else to consider is that the process of manufacturing vacuum tubes isn't great for the environment. I feel it's an industry that will become regulated out of existence sooner rather than later. I've been pondering a Helix/Powercab setup for a while now, because I think a valve setup is either going to become economically crippling/impossible to maintain in the not too distant future... ...and portability is a massive factor. Great video.
somebodyelseuk Tube amps are here to stay. There’s room for both. I can think of tons of other horrible things for our environment other than tubes from amps.
Great video... You say you prefer your full rig, which is understandable... as do I... BUT... do you try to get as close to the Victory experience when dialing in or do you stray in other directions because you can. I’m thinking for use in a live situation. Oh... and when do we get a review on the UA OX and when would you record something together with Tora Dahle Asgård? You would truly compliment each other... My wish as you are two of the most influential guitar players to me at the moment...
Awesome to hear you got on the Helix train! I've been a Firehawk FX user ever since it came out and I love it. Will upgrade to a Helix one of these days. I'm not the caliber player you are, but I think if you spend some time tweaking it, you will begin to love it for its wide range of useable tones and convenience of use along with an FRFR powered cab. The fact that it accurately translated all the nuances of your soulful artistry made me even more impressed. God bless and rock on 🎸👍😎
Great video, Chris! BTW, have you tried the HX Effects? If so, what are your thoughts? The regular Helix is too much for me, I'm looking for something with just effects to go with my amp and a few treasured drive pedals. Thanks!
They HX FX is great but I'd suggest spending the extra dime for a hx Stomp so you can make some basic patches with amp sims and always have a backup unit with you.
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![🎤 ไปกันต่อออ! จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.2] (1/2) เพลงของใครจึ้งสุดน้าา 💓🎤 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mLI_K0sAS4o/mqdefault.jpg)
I forgot to say...let me know if anyone’s interested in getting hold of my Presets and I’ll see what I can do 🙂
Buck And Evans would be very interested! Beautiful tone!
Definitely interested ! The simplest way would be to put them on Line 6's custometone. Thanks in advance :)
Join the helix community party fb for free stuff IRS etc
Very interested in any presets you are willing to share
Please share with the world! 🙌
It never fails to amaze me, every Friday, no matter what topic you're covering, you are such a delightful breath of fresh air! It would be enough for most to just "oh my gosh" your stunning technique, with its sublime phrasing and subtlety, but it's your heart warming honesty that you convey to all your viewers that stands out so beautifully. Simply said, that you for sharing with all of us ت
Welcome to the Helix family. I still have my ace pedalboard and amp rig, but for quiet jamming, worship, or live shows I still get the same compliments from the crowd, it's crazy portable, and the sound guy is not staring at me angrily when I have to much stage volume. I'd recommend HX edit to really dig into the settings without constantly reaching down and flicking knobs and still jam out.
40 year guitar player. You got the feel...heart in your playing. Best ive heard in a while.....thank you. Love the phrasing..
That snippet of your playing at 6:20 is amazing. I could listen to it for hours.
Just assuming all 8 slots are varieties of blues breaker type pedals
Your career just seems to go from strength to strength and it's completely deserved. You could make a strangled cat sound soulful.
Firmware 2.8 with those KOT bluebreaker emulations for you, Chris!
This kinda changed my appreciation for my HX Effects. I wasn't totally sold on my drive options, but with the KOT addition I'm really happy.
Straightforward and sincere - excellent review, Chris, and easily among the best I’ve seen on the Helix. I’m still undecided, but it was a compelling presentation, brother! I’m quite impressed with your style and your playing has a maturity that belies your years. I think there are quite a few of us who would love to have you visit us in the states, when you can manage it!
Same here....im torn between the helix or a kemper...its a big investment...not sure im ready to ditch my amp and pedals yet!!!
larry dickman
Bingo, Larry! 🙂
larry dickman don’t get rid of your amp and pedals. Try if possible to get a Kemper or Helix and keep what you have. There is a difference in feel and sound than the real thing. No matter what anyone says.
Robert Wellington true. I need to add an overdrive, fuzz or distortion pedal to help either of the processors out.
Hey man, you’re getting some great sounds! I would love to see you make another appearance on that pedal show but maybe approach it from the standpoint of you setting up your rig in helix and comparing it up to what you might take as a normal peddleboard for a gig. I’m in a kind of similar position to where I have one paddleboard set up for my amps and another paddleboard set up incorporating an HX stop. I would love to see him more along the format that pedal show type video exploring some of how you set up your sound.
Helix Native would be a good addition to Guitar Rig. My wife bought me an HX Stomp for my birthday. It sounds amazing and is super portable.
You are the first person who has ever CONVINCED me that tone is in the fingers. You, sir, have tone in your fingers. Amazing playing!
Steve Howe uses Line 6 touring for all the reasons Chris states. I'll add something he said. Would he use it in the studio? No. He much prefers one of his gazillion guitars plugged into a Fender tube amp. Live though he said that just the differences between the front of house gear and the room are far far greater than any differences between his studio sound and the sound of the line 6 emulating it. Add the reliability and ease of set up and operate made it an easy decision for him.
I've now built two rigs with amp modelers (one is an HX Stomp) ... it really saves my aging back and knees, plus I have a backup system on site every time! However, if the models (with 3rd party IRs for cabs) didn't sound good, I'd go right back to my two amp rig. They sound great.
I bought my helix in June 2019 as a backup unit and for small venues without space for my self built 4x12 oversized cab. Never planned to use it as my main unit. Played it for a couple of minutes and knew I'll never be playing a gig with my analog rig again. Even at home I haven't used my analog rig more than like 2 or 3 times since then. Only thing I'll do someday is getting IRs of my 4x12 since I absolutely adore this cab and there isn't anything comparable. I even took it to our local music shop back then to do a shootout with several Mesa and orange cabs and everybody there was mind blown since they didn't stand a chance.
It’s the first time I see a video of yours. I came for the Helix and I ended up captivated by your beautiful way of playing.
yeah, however the sound is thin and dull.
UnknownHumanoid get better speakers then ;)
UnknownHumanoid it needs a real dirt pedal in the loop.
Can you do a lesson on how you make that slide sound with bends? Those voicings are so tasty!
I really love how you get some of that Derek Trucks slide sound without slide. Honestly never hear someone play like that. Phenomenal playing.
I’m stealing that lick at 4:33, great playing man
Beautiful intro solo Chris, kudos. The Helix is a great option for guitar players who need a sort of all in one type of solution. It is portable and flexible in terms of modelled effects, amps and cabinets. Its computer based editor is very helpful. Using good IRs in the effects chain also takes the tone to another level. An 'air' cab control can be found on the AxeFx3.
WOW you are such a great player. That is my mission to play the way you play. So beautifull
But the most important question is......how does it feel?
They all sound great. That feeling under the fingers is what makes the difference.
Solonas Deimezis so true
The new Fulletrton amp has an incredible feel, really seductive snap, I can't even put into words what I'm hearing, but it is a really inspiring sound, the first one that i don't tweak endlessly!! And that's saying a lot.
From what I’ve read, using the power cab has that amp in the room feel.
I bought a HX stomp (550 euros) and a cry baby wah (250 euros) and a 100w power amp/pedal from harley benton thunder 99 (80 euros), and i put them in a pedalboard. i bought a 2x12 v30 vintage from harley benton too (250 euros).that's my setup, easy to transport, easy to setup, easy to record with impulse responses, not much expensive, and the best sound i ever had in 17 years playing guitar.
The quality of gear like the Helix, and many newer amp sims like Helix Native, Positive Grid FX2/Amp2 and others are absolutely astounding these days. Based on experience several years ago with the Line 6 products that were not even close to pro / road worthy, varied in terms of quality control and had only fair sound, I was a bit reticent. However, after demoing a local unit I purchase one on Reverb in 2016 and it just keeps getting better, via firmware, amp sims and my own familiarity. I love having hook-ups and control to do everything from 2CM/4CM to pedal controllable Wet-dry-wet and more-- and with amazing tone and control
Would love to see your take on the new kemper unit
The Worship Leader at our church is asking if we would like to move toward a Helix/Quad Cortex instead of our current set up, which I love. Playing through my very capable pedal board and a 60w SuperSonic in an Iso-Cab that is mic'd and DI'd to the house. I hate menus which is why I haven't made the move. We have a silent stage, so I don't see the need other that having presets to individual songs.
Check out the IRs from Celestion, made all the difference in the world for me with the Helix. I usually split the signal running close mic on one side and room mic on the other, making it possible to blend to taste, works great! Cheers
Might be a silly question, but do you know if the Celestion IRs for the Headrush will also work in the Helix?
@@dustinmccrindle343 Never used the Headrush but Celestion IRs come in different sample rates and two lengths i think so you should be able to find the right ones.
I just discovered Line6’s ToneCore Line, specifically the Verbzilla, which I LOVE. That’s got me reconsidering my whole take on the Helix and digital modeling in general. Maybe in another 10 years I’ll catch up to what’s going on now.
I can’t believe this ?!!!!!!!!
I have one and when we spoke I was going to talk to you about my experience with the helix 🧬
I love it !!!!
I thought you were a pedal guy
He is. He just got a new pedalboard setup on that Pedal Show. He states in the video why the Helix is worth having.
I use a Fuzz Face a lot, and that is the main area that any modeling, not just the Helix, just doesn’t work for me. I’m a pedalhead too, but they are terrific units.
CorbCorbin yea fuzz head here. Pedals are the best.
Pedalboards are fun to create and build but not practical for gigs , travel etc . There is always a good chance of aonething going wrong. I have a pedalboard of pedals .....it stays home . Multi effects units a ton of sense on the road. Back line anps are always a mystery f they even are present. These units eliminate any issues...the show goes on with a high standard.......love your playing dude awesone always!!
Really good balanced review and you hit the nail on the head Chris. I'm same. I've used a standard rig based around JCM800's since the late 80's and swore I'd never change them apart from the odd pedal here and there. But last March I got a Helix LT and it has simply blown me away. If you're a "one sound" type of player then stick to what you got/like but if you like to "tweak" then just get a Helix. Seriously... just get one! In minutes you can see what, say, a TubeScreamer through a Dual Rectifier sounds like and then switch straight to, say, an AC30 with a Phase 90 going in it then you can! You are the proverbial "kid in a candy store" and all you GAS sufferers can give your credit cards a breather as well.
As I say I was contently stuck in my comfort zone thinking, nah, you'll not beat my valves when they're cooking. I was wrong. Times have changed. Don't be a snobby luddite simply cos you're missing out on the fun!
Good to know you like the helix 😃 as a touring musician let me give you this advice : don’t hesitate to get Different IR’s (my favorites are from Ownhammer) , it makes à big difference and gives more dynamic to your sound. I’ve been playing with the Helix for 4 years now and I totally agree with everything you said. Great demo, congrats for everything you do and share. Wish you lots of great thing 😃😃
What are those frigging IR???
Really informative and a very honest overview Chris. Thanks again.
That intro jam is so sick
I use a reverb at the end of the chain and set it as a room. Dial it in how you want and pull the mix back so you just hear it when your notes decay.
Yep! I do exactly the same, and also dial up a bit of the early reflections on the stock cabs. If it still sounds too boxy, dialing up the mic distance helps too. Between those three things you can get a very nice spacious sound, even with the stock cabs.
@@400_billion_suns I actually found that using the dual cabs option helps kind of eliminate the body sound. I use the boogie v30 cab and the bogner v30 cab. 57 on one and the 421 on the other. Gets the perfect tone for my brand of metal.
Andrew Stonerock Indeed, that’s another thing I do too, and it works great! I like to do the Frusciante-ish dual-amp thing with a brighter and darker amp blended together and have gotten some really great sounds out of the Helix with that. Dual cabs is a great way to make any amp modeler sound fuller (Helix or otherwise) in my experience.
@@400_billion_suns for sure.
Sounds great Chris! I went to the HX Stomp 3 years ago. Very much a tube amp user up to that point. Once you learn how to dial in the amp models and some of the effects, it's been the best investment I've ever made on my pedal board. I like still using some pedals externally especially overdrives.
A very informative and balanced review, Chris - sounds great on all three guitars too, and the intro on the Revstar was sublime.
Video title should have been “You'll never sound this good using a Line 6 Helix”!
Give your buddy Pete Thorn a call. He has that stuff down.
Strongly recommend the HX Stomp !!! It’s got that perfect mix where u can still use your pedals and play with amps or play direct when needed , SUPERRR CONVENIENT ! You also get a bit of a fatter sound lol
Cheaper?
PauL TerL , the HX stomp brand new goes for around 650 , vs the helix which goes for around 1,700. The Hx stomp has all the same sounds , amps and effect from the helix in a smaller package and I think is a great solution for those who already have pedals they enjoy using and would simply like to add on to their existing pedalboard for more effects or a direct solution. Now if you want an all in one solution without worrying about other pedals- the helix is probably better for that, but they are both great ! There definitely is a learning curve if you are new to the world of modelers but it’s very fun
Bore da Chris... I love my Helix and I've been using it solidly for the last two years.
Since the 2.80 update, I've completely ditched the third-party IR's I had installed, and I'm now using the stock cabs straight into the desk (with a bit of a tweak on mic-type and position) - it sounds amazing..! Diolch :-)
Cris Gibbons stock cabs are fine imo too.
I am a tube amp addict and giging guitar player...and I think I will give the Helix a try..would make things so much easier
It opened up so much for me, I never miss playing through tube amps...
Absolutely Beautiful Playing!
Really balanced video mate. Those modellers are really useful, so convenient and can sound great with the right IR's.
Although I know it was a bit tongue in cheek, I don’t see the Helix (or any modelers for that matter) as the “dark side”. Guitar amps didn’t really move forward for the last 40 years, but finally we are taking a step forward! Given the fact that some really good guitarists have a hard time disguising a modeler from a real amp in a blind test, it’s time to make our lives easier with tones that no audience would ever be able to differentiate. With all the options available (and the power of snapshots) I’d never go back to a real amp, but that’s just me... 😎😉🤘
I´v been a Helix user for three years and I´m using Celestion IRs on 90% of my patches and and the unit whit the IRs sounds amazing. :-)
Agreed, celestions are excellent. I've tried a few different brands. Finally settled on celestions.
Wish I was good enough to get free stuff. A very honest and balanced review. The more you play with it the more you will unlock. I still use an analogue treble booster and vox mv50ac as it’s the only way I can truly nail down Brian May !
Excellent. It does a job and does it well.
WELCOME TO THE DRK SIDE OF THE FORCE
MUHAHAHA
lol
I Can't Let go of my pedals yet. Nor can I believe can you! Ha ha!
Pedals can’t Snapshot..
Is that by any chance Steinhart Ocean One Legacy Limited Edition on your hand? I love that watch
Inspired playing and very informative. I'd picked up an HXFX as a possible grab and go alternative to my main board and as a guitar luddite had somewhat given up on it... you've inspired me to give it another whirl and really spend some time getting my head wrapped around it!
I use a mix of both digital and analog. Some gigs I take a Kemper. Some others, I’ll use amp and pedals. It all depends really.
Great vid. That Tiesco tone. Wow. I have a Helix LT and have barely scratched the surface of what it can do. Looking at adding the power cab too. Nice 04 Highway One. I have an 07. Great guitars for the money.
What’s the song you’re jamming with at about 4 minutes? It’s great and sounds like Goran Edman on vocals.
That lick at 6:45!!! Yes!
Mikko IR's for the win. Would be interested to see a review of, and what you can get out of, the Lepou free plugins - The LE456 is my go to.
You have come on board at the perfect time. You MUST try out the new Fullerton (Fender 1958 Deluxe amp), that, with the KOT (Heir apparent) is a Godly combination!! Btw. be sure to learn how to work the input impedance, before doing a lot of eq'ing. It is the first point in the signal line and it affects how much highend gets poured down the line!! That, and get some Celestion IR's, they are very affordable and sound great.
I need the ‘this makes you play as good as Chris Buck’ preset.....(ok half as good will also do)
😊
Kemper profiler stage!
I'm your 30'000th subscriber! Congrats!
Line 6 is Yamaha? I guess it shows how much I use Line 6 gear, I had no idea. I have to say that the Revstars were nowhere in my sights. I was aware they existed, but I had no intention of trying them, but I've watched so many of these videos, and REALLY loved what I heard coming out of them. I've been demoing them, and fully intend on picking one up, I just don't know which. P90s? Filtertrons? Stop tail or Bigsby? So many choices. They're affordable enough that getting a couple isn't out of the realm of possibility. Also, I actually like the flat tops. Carved tops have always felt weird to me. It's probably from playing Strats for so long. I've owned PRS', but most of them not for very long. They longest is a CE22, and the top on those are much shallower. I really like the S2s, and they beveled top suits me much better because the part of the top my hand goes to is essentially flat. Even Les Pauls; I remember for some reason I decided to take the pickguard off before I went to a gig. The entire time I played it I was constantly thinking "why the F#@K, did I take that off, and why did I leave it at home?!" They just feel like I'm playing a 2X4 the way my pinky is searching for the flat pickguard when it's not there.
It sounds good-partly because you are such a great player. However an A/B test needs to be done with a Fender valve combo. I think the Helixs shortcomings would be heard/felt then.
Very timely this Chris, as I’m currently battling with the dilemma of getting a Helix as I’m juggling with various boards for the three bands im playing in. Bit ‘gear’ fatigued too and thinking this would get me ( eventually)focused on my playing again. I’ve got a great set up and feel kinda guilty for wanting to move to a more simple set up, but the truth is, for me at least, some gigs just aren’t worth the hassle of taking the Crown Jewels out for a show.
Frank Mchale if it’s not too late what about the Strymon iridium? That would be your amp and you know the rest by now. It sounds pretty good.
Welcome my dude. I have a pod hd500 but it's all the same. ( it's not)
Hi Chris. Presumably you wouldn't need to even carry your Helix to the gig if you can simply grab a USB stick, store some patches and then just download to the onsite rig?
Great review! And your playing is really tasteful !
Exceptional playing man. Well done. Loved it.
If you ever get to play around with the BluGuitar Amp1, would be interesting to hear your thoughts about it.
Just watched Rhett Schull's video where he traveled from Atlanta to London for a show and TSA broke his peddle board so he had to play the whole set with no effects. If nothing else, The helix seems like a fantastic option as a back up.
Robert Prophet - yea, and Rhett actually owns a Helix... ?
Yeah was wondering why he switched to a regular pedalboard for the London gig, perhaps it was more compact for the flight?
Alex Davis he was given a Helix. He was given a Strymon iridium which he has on one of his boards now. He was given a Revival Drive and now he’s trying out an axe fx 3. Should be interesting. His favorite is the amp and pedalboard.
Yes please
Nice use of the volume pot.
You like Jeff Beck?
Impressive as always
So if you were an intermediate player with $1500 would you get a fender ‘68 deluxe reverb and then have some money for pedals or get the line 6 helix?
Had a similar situation recently. I got the blues junior iv and spent the rest of pedals and other parts of my rig. Best money I’ve ever spent and very glad I made the choice I did. Depends on what you’re planning on using it all for as well of course.
Buying the deluxe reverb on.a $1500 budget doesn’t leave much room for good quality pedals
Quincy Navarre FYI you’ll still want real pedals for the Helix. Strymon iridium is out now. Extra money for pedals etc. personally, tube amp and pedals.
Very tasty licks Chris!! Sounds amazing
I was waiting for the slow train echorec solo with harmonic tremolo on top.
Jeez dude you can play. I'd like to hear it for live use cranked up. Thing about a valve amp is they come alive when cranked especially when they get hot. Does this device get that feel and sound? I'd like to test it
You should check hx stomp. A mix of pedals and helix would fit for you
what are the chords in that wonderful phrasing at the 1:18 mark?
Amazing interface and very well made kit but I bought an HX effects and hated the sound, hated the constant tweaking and missed real pedals. I suspect in a gig situation, 99.9% of people would never tell the difference and i also think a really skilled player (which I am not) can get more out of any rig. I could see me getting a full Helix in the future for easy portability but it would take a lot for me to give up a V40D and proper pedals. Fortunately there is a place for both.
Man your licks are amazing!
Chris, can you tell me if your preset pack is set for live scenario? Fletcher Munson curve etc? In other words, are the presets set to what you normally run it when playing live? I'm looking forward to ordering your presets! love your channel
I had no doubt it would sound incomparable because of the player. What we need to hear though is you playing a cardboard box strung with rubber bands.
Will your 2022 Helix preset also work on the Helix LT model??
Yeah, sure, it's a great system if you are into cleaner milder sounds that you are demonstrating. But what about sounds that incorporate more gain? The thing that I'm seeing is that the Helix seems to have the same base tone and tries to build upon that and it just doesn't seem to cut the mustard. Even a Helix guy was saying that if he could get the Kemper to sound good at gigs (mind you he didn't show any evidence of his sound at gigs or why he couldn't get a good sound) he would use the Kemper instead of his Helix where the tones were just ho-hum. The Kemper really, really sounded like a real rig - it was his video about 2 weeks ago that really turned me onto the Kemper as a contender.
Awesome sound coming from an awesome player
ostensibly, ubiquitous and omnipresent all within seconds of each other. Vocab Level 10.
Sounds great. Have you tried moving your cab block to the end of your chain, and using a double cab w/either different mics or cabs to widen the sound?
Nice comment.
Will you guys use the Helix on the bass too ?
Hey brother have you tried your pedalboard into the helix, think it would make it more alive sounding, the way it was with guitar rig...anyways rock on legend
Josh Muz yea definitely needs real pedals to help it along with feel and sound.
Strangely badass player....ofcourse the helix sounds great...if you can tinker...
Something else to consider is that the process of manufacturing vacuum tubes isn't great for the environment. I feel it's an industry that will become regulated out of existence sooner rather than later.
I've been pondering a Helix/Powercab setup for a while now, because I think a valve setup is either going to become economically crippling/impossible to maintain in the not too distant future...
...and portability is a massive factor.
Great video.
somebodyelseuk Tube amps are here to stay. There’s room for both. I can think of tons of other horrible things for our environment other than tubes from amps.
Super playing!
AMAZING chops!!
Great video... You say you prefer your full rig, which is understandable... as do I...
BUT... do you try to get as close to the Victory experience when dialing in or do you stray in other directions because you can. I’m thinking for use in a live situation.
Oh... and when do we get a review on the UA OX and when would you record something together with Tora Dahle Asgård? You would truly compliment each other... My wish as you are two of the most influential guitar players to me at the moment...
great content. the revstar is gorgeous and reminds me of my 1980 SBG2000!
Awesome to hear you got on the Helix train! I've been a Firehawk FX user ever since it came out and I love it. Will upgrade to a Helix one of these days. I'm not the caliber player you are, but I think if you spend some time tweaking it, you will begin to love it for its wide range of useable tones and convenience of use along with an FRFR powered cab. The fact that it accurately translated all the nuances of your soulful artistry made me even more impressed. God bless and rock on 🎸👍😎
jcoulter43 I made the switch over a year ago and I’m so happy I did. The options really open up for creativity than what I thought the FHFX could do.
Very well done video. A good mix of good sounds, good analysis and awesome playing. Now you need to get Helix Native to replace Guitar Rig.:-)
Wonderful player .FEEL
You have a fantastic feel for playing and using analogue equipment (as opposed to digital sampled), do you think it's better to start this way?
Digital samples?
Great video, Chris! BTW, have you tried the HX Effects? If so, what are your thoughts? The regular Helix is too much for me, I'm looking for something with just effects to go with my amp and a few treasured drive pedals. Thanks!
They HX FX is great but I'd suggest spending the extra dime for a hx Stomp so you can make some basic patches with amp sims and always have a backup unit with you.