Line 6 may bear the brunt of Glenn Fricker’s wrath when it comes to their combo amps, but the Helix line is a serious contender for top of the line amp sim and effects processing. Their colorful and easy-to-use interface has become the new standard for processors everywhere to aspire to and the sounds were created from the ground up, not based on their old modeling methods and process.
Now Line 6 has released Helix Native, a plug-in version of the hardware modeler that you can try for free for 15 days. According to the site:
Helix® Native delivers the power and tonal authenticity of award-winning HX Modeling technology in a plug-in. Like the hardware members of the Helix family of guitar processors—Helix Floor, Helix Rack, and Helix LT—the Helix Native plug-in features accurate recreations of vintage and modern amplifiers, speaker cabinets, microphones, and effects, as well as extensive signal-routing capabilities and an intuitive user interface. Not just for guitarists, the Helix Native plug-in is also ideal for producers and engineers, sound designers, film/TV/game composers, electronic musicians, and anyone else seeking to craft new and exciting sounds and special effects. And preset compatibility across the entire Helix family allows Helix hardware users to bring studio-created sounds to the stage by simply transferring their plug-in presets to their Helix Floor, Helix Rack, or Helix LT processors.
The Helix® Native guitar and effects processing plug-in has arrived! It features the authentic sounds of vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects, as well as extensive signal-routing capabilities and an intuitive user interface. It also comes with a 15-day free trial so you can play before you purchase.
- HX Modeling provides outstanding authenticity and responsiveness
- More than 200 vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects
- Presets are compatible with Helix Floor, Helix LT, and Helix Rack hardware
- Also ideal for producers/engineers and electronic musicians
- AAX, AU, and VST3 platforms
Sounds like it could easily be worth the asking price of $399, considering the price of the physical Helix. It’s certainly worth trying the free version, if nothing else – what do you have to lose?
