So I have a Helix. It is extremely clever and capable (frankly much more than I am, most days) but I'm finding myself missing "real" pedals rather more than expected. (
@Kebabkid predicted this happening...) Specifically I'm missing good pitch shifting and better reverbs and really fancy Strymon Deco and a Small Stone phaser, which are really the only missing things from the Helix, but as hard as I try I can't get close to those sounds with the Line 6. What it's really brought home is that actually I don't want to experiment and I know what I like (my own Rat, a couple of home built boosters, and recently the Anarchy Gold Class I picked up in Oz), so all those other options are going unused.
The good news is I got a stonking deal on the Helix (under 1k shipped from to the UAE including import costs) and should be able to sell it here for more than I paid, since noone sells them here.
I still have all my favourite dirts and drives, and the sale of the Helix would free up funds for a Deco, a Digitech Ricochet, a used Small Stone (or a @Juansolo special, more likely) and a reverb (have they discontinued the Digitech Supernatural? SCANDAL!) . All I'd need to work out is what delay I fancy and I'd have an awesome fun pedal board and honestly not miss the Helix. And I actually really like designing and building pedalboards, so I'll actually enjoy that process over the course of a few months.
Am I mad?
Are we all mad?
Does anyone have any opinions on delay pedals (other than screeching "TIMELINE!" at me)?
Does anyone want to sell me a Deco for £15.99 and a multipack of curly wurlies?
Comments
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
For delays, I've previously been a bit whelmed with Strymon stuff. I've had a Timefactor 3 times and they're getting silly cheap (for certain values of "cheap"!) these days so that's the default.
I had a Timeline for a bit and it was very competent but just a little meh. Given I'm set on a Deco which can cover slapback I just fancy seeing what else is about. Part of me wonders if a Pigtronix would be good, but I recall @monquixote (I think) had no end of trouble with his, which is not ideal when you're 1000+ miles from a dealer. Boss DD500, maybe? I really want flexible stereo/parallel delays, but not mega fussy on other details as they're all the same these days, aren't they?
Maybe another Timefactor would be good... :rolleyes: But they're a pain to power...
I like pedals for their tangibility, their Velcro-y stickiness, and that point about knowing what I like.
So...
sounds like you want an echo of some sophistication. Or if you're pragmatic, a DD-7, cos it covers all practical bases.
My favourite delays are all basically one-trick ponies.
Boss RE-20
Catlinbread Echorec
Catlinbread Belle Epoch
They do what they do really well. And... I know what I like.
I'm in the opposite boat - really wondering if I should flog all my other pedals!
If I was gigging I'm pretty sure I'd be all-in with the Helix for ease of use and sheer capability, or just 2 dirts and a delay, depending on the band! But for home use I've realised I really am a tinkerer and I'm ok with that. I like the "thing-ness" of real pedals.
Just playing at home with volume and not wanting to experiment I think I'd stick with pedsls and amp.
Not trying to change your mind but it might be worth waiting for the next firmware update, no idea what the 7 new effects are but they could include exactly what you are after.