Helix - Floor or Rack?

robinbowes

So, I've pretty much decided I'm going to get a Helix.

I'm currently weighing up the pros and cons of the Floor unit compared to the Rack ++ separate Control.

Thoughts?

Teetonetal

How will you be using it?

stickyfiddle

The rack version makes sense if you already have other rack gear, or if you're gigging regualrly and extremely worried about it getting beer-soaked.

Otherwise floor all the way for me.

Strat_a_tat_tat

Bear in mind that the rack controller does not include an expression pedal... so that'll be an added cost

robinbowes

Teetonetal said:

How will you be using it?

I'm getting one to simplify/lighten my load when playing live.

stickyfiddle said:

The rack version makes sense if you already have other rack gear, or if you're gigging regualrly and extremely worried about it getting beer-soaked.

Otherwise floor all the way for me.

I like the idea of having a v.small footprint at the front of the stage (the rack can be tucked out of the way wherever).

I like the idea that I can tweak without bending down (assuming the rack is mounted at a suitable height).

I don't have any other rack gear, but I would replace my G70 with a rack-mount unit, and might possibly add a wireless IEM solution.

Other than having two cases to carry around instead of one, I can't see any other downside.

I reserve the right to change my mind, several times, before or after purchase.

R.

simonk

I'd get the floor board and the Helix bag.
Has anyone else got the bag? The bag is amazing! Love the bag!

John_A

I went for the floor unit, mainly for gigging and had the opportunity to trade for a rack which was very tempting.  Decided against it for the main reason tweaking on the fly would have meant a trip to wherever the rack was set up if it was tucked out of the way.  I've also heard rumours of a 'live mode' for the Helix display which you would miss out on it being right in front of you.  Also less cables to run wit the floorboard.

Do like the idea of the smaller footprint board which is negated if you add an expression pedal, and if it gets trampled by punters its cheaper to replace.

robinbowes

simonk said:

I'd get the floor board and the Helix bag.
Has anyone else got the bag? The bag is amazing! Love the bag!

I'll be getting a hard flight case for which ever one I go for.

R.

robinbowes

John_A said:

 Also less cables to run wit the floorboard.

Less? Surely the Control only needs one cable, vs. several for the Floor?

R.

Strat_a_tat_tat

So.... if you bought a floor version... and it got trampled... say damaging the screen and a few knobs - but the processing stuff still worked... could you buy a L6 controller board and run the electronic bits in the busted one from that (so you'd sort of be using the busted floor version as a rack/off-floor, with a L6 controller at your feet)? That could make the bustedness a bit less painful.

Jonathanthomas83

So many people jumping on board with the Helix, strange to see the shift over the past few months. Says a lot about how much many of us value convenience, as well as other factors.

professorben

I'm very close to trying to sell my current gear and going Helix. 

I should prob try one first tho lol


anyone in the Cambs/South Lincs area got one??

we have a Line6 dealer in Peterborough but I've burned my bridges there a while back. 

John_A

robinbowes said:

John_A said:

 Also less cables to run wit the floorboard.

Less? Surely the Control only needs one cable, vs. several for the Floor?

R.

As I use it:

Floor board

1 cable to PA

(wireless already wired in on board)

With a rack

1 cable to PA

1 cable from controller - Helix

Jonathanthomas83

@professorben defo try before you sell up. I spent a lot of time researching and testing gear before going all in on digital. It's a big step!

stickyfiddle

Jonathanthomas83 said:

So many people jumping on board with the Helix, strange to see the shift over the past few months. Says a lot about how much many of us value convenience, as well as other factors.

For me it's the combination of simplicity with the "do-all-ness" of it. I can have a single box that I use as pedalboard, headphone amp, and recording interface for electric, bass and acoustic (all at once if you don't use too much DSP). With Helix (and presumably the others) they've finally got to the point where all that can be done with very high quality sounds and almost no compromise.

That's a fantastically powerful thing. 

John_A

Jonathanthomas83 said:

So many people jumping on board with the Helix, strange to see the shift over the past few months. Says a lot about how much many of us value convenience, as well as other factors.

Convenience was a consideration but it was well down the priorities list.  I don't think I've compromised in any area going to a Helix, quite the opposite in fact

Teetonetal

For live, I'd get the floorboard.
Exp built in
Edit on the fly
1 item to carry.
No issues with length of controller cable on big stages... (is that a thing?)

Jonathanthomas83

@John_A I agree, mate.

fretmeister

I've got the rack. I don't like too much bending.

Works for me!

Cabicular

For live I'd get he floor unit too
The editing is easier I.e you touch and hold a footswitch and you don't have to run back to the rack to tell it ok
Less cables (if you add a wah or a couple of pedals you like to have at your feet)
Easy to take round to a mates (assuming you have some) or to a rehearsal (assuming you do them)
The rack unit would be useful if you rack your PA already and you can leave it patched in

Strat_a_tat_tat

fretmeister said:

I've got the rack. I don't like too much bending.

Works for me!

I've got short legs. :-(

Bending isn't an issue. :-)