Line 6 Helix

ToTal GuiTar summer 2017
100
Head to Head
Which unit leads the way
as music’s top model?
t
here’s more in common between
these units than there are dierences.
For live performance, both units boast
a ‘setlist’ feature, allowing you to
organise your patches into a scrollable
order. The scribble strips on the HeadRush
make this slightly more user-friendly. Both
have an assignable expression pedal and room
for an expansion, which can take control of a
parameter from an eect. This means you can
have fun with delay-time warping, for example.
When editing parameters, the Helix LT is a
clear winner: the six parameter knobs
underneath the main screen mean you have
more at your ngertips, which speeds up the
process of editing or creating sounds. Counter-
intuitively, the Helix user interface is easier to
work with, even without the touch screen of the
HeadRush. The great strength of the HeadRush
user interface is that it needs no description; it
is easy to navigate, but as a result it feels like
options are buried beneath a few presses where
on the Helix the equivalent menu is a dedicated
hardware button press away. It’s personal
preference, but the Helix feels quicker to
work with.
In terms of eects, it should come as no
surprise that the Helix has the edge, which
means it will integrate with a traditional amp
setup better if you choose to not use the
modelled amps on the unit. The delays and
modulations feel like updated versions of the
patches from now-classic units like the DL4
delay, and the looper is snappy and intuitive to
use. The stereo image of the eects is stellar,
and setting up two virtual amps is simple.
There’s even a couple of out there eects like
pitch-shifted delays or sweep delays to keep
the space cadets occupied. The HeadRush
eects feel a bit more prosaic, but there are
standouts like the tape delay that could give not
only the Helix, but other high-end eects like
Strymon’s, a good run for their money.
Easy navigation
with the HeadRush
interface
The six parameter knobs
speeds up editing and
creating sounds
In terms of effects,
It should come as
no surprIse that the
helIx has the edge...
the tg test
TGR296.gear_test.indd 100 20/07/2017 11:34