The Line 6 Helix Guitar Processor is a floor-based modeler that Guitar World's buying guide describes as "a complete rig for the guitarist, bass player, singer." Instead of a pedalboard of single effects, it puts amp models, cabinet simulations, microphones and effects in one unit, with the routing and connections to serve as the center of a setup. For a bass player, it covers amp and cabinet modeling alongside a large effects library, and it sits in the same family territory as Line 6's dedicated bass processors such as the Line 6 Bass POD xt Live, though the Helix is built for guitarists and bassists alike1.
What it does
The Helix models amps, cabinets, microphones and effects in one unit. Guitar World's guide counts up the current model set: "Today you get 50 guitar amp models, 12 bass amp models, 37 cab sims, 16 microphones and 104 effects."1 For a bass player, that means dedicated bass amp models alongside the guitar and effects content, all selectable from the floor unit rather than a rack or computer.
Because it covers amps, cabinets, effects and vocals in one box, it functions as a multi-effects unit and preamp platform at once, and its speaker simulation content means it can feed a PA or audio interface directly1.
Controls and connections
The unit is operated from the floor: 12 touch-sensitive footswitches handle preset and block switching, and a built-in expression pedal covers volume, wah and parameter control.1
Connection is where the Helix spreads out. Guitar World lists the socket set as USB, Digital Outs, MIDI I/O, Variax In, Headphone In, ¼" Audio In, ¼" Audio Out, XLR Audio Outs, 4 x Effects Loop, Mic In, Aux In, Guitar In, 3x Exp pedal In and CV.1 In practice that covers recording over USB, driving a MIDI rig, connecting a Variax guitar, running effects loops, miking up for vocal processing and interfacing with control-voltage gear.
| Connection | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Guitar In, ¼" Audio In/Out | Instrument and line-level audio |
| XLR Audio Outs, Digital Outs | Balanced and digital outputs to PA or interface |
| Mic In, Aux In, Headphone In | Vocal and auxiliary sources, silent practice |
| 4 x Effects Loop | Inserting external pedals into the signal chain |
| MIDI I/O, CV, 3x Exp pedal In | External control |
| Variax In | Line 6 Variax guitar integration |
| USB | Recording and editing |
What reviewers said
Guitar World's buying guide, credited to Connor Godfrey and Richard Blenkinsop, is positive on the routing: "Signal routing is another Helix strength."1 The same review flags the cost of entry:
"It's an undeniably amazing tool, but the first noise you'll hear when you clap your eyes on a Helix is a sharp intake of breath. Yes, the price."
Videos
Line 6
Scott Uhl
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Sources (1)
- Best bass effects pedals: best pedals for every style, Guitar World, 2021-12-20
