Why I don't use the Line 6 Helix anymore...

Gigging Preset HX Stomp XL
Jessica's Preset
HX XL
Power
Wireless

Gear I Use (Amazon Affiliate)
Guitar Related

Camera and Lighting Related

[escommentss]

I got dragged to the Helix kicking and screaming going from Marshall JCM. I don't think I'll ever go back. Love my Helix!

[guitarhero]

“Main reason I don’t use the Helix any more is size”.

// pulls out Helix-sized board

Not sure your new board is any smaller than the Helix, and more components means more stuff to potentially go wrong, and harder to try things out, no?

[dsputt]

As soon as you said "Touring Preset", meaning you use one signal path for all your sounds, then of course the Helix is too much. For those of us in cover bands, we play a wide range of music. Makes much more sense for us. I probably touch at least 30 different amps in a 4 hour gig.

[clouds]

Expression pedal is vital. So many effects are more interesting to use with a curve instead of a on/off switch. I never used pedal for volume/wah, I always use it to gradually get more gain, or delay/reverb. With a tap tempo and delay mix on exp pedal you have full control over delay at all times.

Modern modelers can even have multiple effects in the same exp setting so what I do on my valeton gp200 is have gain(+maybe volume reduce if gain adds too much) on one side and reverb and/or delay mix on the other (you can switch 2 exp pedal settings with a switch).

[banditcosmo]

I've switched from a Helix Floor to Stomp XL with a Tonex pedal for my amps and cabs. Great combination.

[rocknroling]

Your content is good, you do not need the click bait titles that are getting overused all over YouTube. You are the go to person for all my HX/helix needs. I wouldn't mind seeing you do a more in depth review of the Shure wireless in an upcoming video.

[sonnyrocker]

That is not much smaller than the Helix. and it looks like it could be just as heavy or heavier than the Helix. I don't see how this is more simple either. You have more buttons on this board than the Helix. I am not convinced by your reasons.

[garrysimmons]

The new rig doesn't look much physically smaller than the Helix. Color me confused. I would think a Tonex Pedal (or other small amp in a box) into a multi-FX would be half that size.

[aaronarandac]

I just got hotone ampero 2 stage pedal and i'm pretty blown away. I had a quad cortex and a tonex pedal but sent them all back. This one feels like a good medium inbetween at a fair price. Takes after the quad cortex alot minus the capture ability. Could be worth checking out. Love the channel content! Cheers!

[gtrburn]

I built a simple fly rig around the HX Stomp and found I could do everything with that. I haven't gotten rid of my Helix, but I haven't taken it out of the closet in over a year either.

[ScottUhlMusic]

Hey Steve, I saw this video with all the uproar of the Thumbnail Commenters haha, I too have switched to the stomp/xl more than the Helix. But as far as the wireless, the QLXD is a fantastic option. The only one that is smaller than that is the new SLXD portable system that works extremely well. I reviewed it on my channel if you want to check it out, and I gig with it when I fly and don’t/can’t bring my SLXD rack version. It’s “one step lower” than the QLXD but still very high end and it never gives me problems. Hope that helps, cheers 🤘

[BrianVallotton]

I always enjoy your presentations Steve. God bless you and all you love. What a wonderful choice of musical tools we have today!

[zematynnad]

Helix Floor for me. Perfect all in one! So convenient. Much easier to maintain than a bunch of pedals cabled together.

[joejohnson]

Thank you for being so honest with us. You have been praising the Helix for so long and you were probably 50% of the reason why I bought mine years ago. But with time I used it less and less and I've also changed how I approach tones. I sold my Helix floor and kept my Stomp. Couldn't be happier.
Love to see the evolution and the transparency, Sir.

[Aaron_schaal]

I started with the Helix LT, but have since downsized to an HX Stomp paired with an HX Effects, which has been a great combo. Pretty much the only thing it can't match the Helix on is dual signal path, which isn't an issue for me. I'm always looking at the Helix debating if I should get one again but videos like this remind me that I'm plenty happy where I'm at.

[james-sc]

I now use only my Quad Cortex for gigs on bass and guitar, I sold all my amps and cabs. We only use IEMs so I haven't heard my amp on stage for years, and this sounds better than I could mic my cabs live. So now I have any amp I could dream of and I carry it in a backpack with everything I need. I can now go to a gig with a backpack and my guitar/bass. My previous rig for years was a Helix Floor 4CM into Mesa amps.

[corissimo]

I'm happy to hear someone else say this. I have had a little stomp on my board with analog pedals for years now.

[prettywiththelightsout]

I've also recently downsized from the Helix Floor to the HX Stomp XL. I had the road case for it and it is HEAVY! Along with bringing merch, guitars, and an occasional 2x12 and Orange Pedal Baby (can't always count on the PA being able to handle my Helix in small punk clubs!) it became too much. The Stomp XL fits in my D'addario back pack that has literally everything I need. One less thing to bring is good. The Floor will stay in my studio for just playing, and the Stomp will stay in the backpack.

[deconline]

I'm not sure I get it... The new rig looks bigger and heavier than the Helix. And adding pedals and cables increases the complexity and possible failure points IMO. Did you try to setup something only with the Stomp XL?

[mattbrillhart]

Your usage speaks to the toughness of both units, particularly the Helix.