Looks like they are entering the higher end of the guitar effects market:

http://line6.com/helix

I assume they will continue to support dual effects channels (a reason why the HD series works so well with Stick), looks very interesting...

If they have not improved the I/O relative to Stick use with this model, then I doubt they ever will. It is going to take a lot more than amp modeling to make this a viable alternative to the Fractal Audio FX8.

Are you referring generally to the quality of I/O components (which I know Fractal Audio is known for)? In my case, I'm mostly interested in higher quality and more than 8 effects, as well as the multiple effects loops - amp modeling is nice for some sounds but I don't use it a lot. The FX8 doesn't offer any amp modeling and doesn't really seem designed for a dual pickup setup (although I suppose you could plug a second input into the Post Input with an external preamp).

One thing that has always bugged me about the Fractal gear is the inability to use the threshold detector (for envelope following, ADSRs, etc) on two independent channels for things like auto volume and filter swells - that detection apparently is done in hardware rather than an effect block and I believe you can still only do it on one channel (same with the FX8 - one input or the other). So to do something like an auto volume swell on one channel and a slow filter effect on the other didn't seem feasible, but it's very easy on the Line6 gear.

I was referring to impedance matching, input routing, and output connection types. Also, I am right there with you about the threshold detector. Personally, I am getting frustrated with various multi-effects platforms iterating time after time without addressing old weaknesses.

Looks like a possible middle ground between HD500 and AxeFX.
Both of which I've held back on buying because one offered too little and the other was too expensive.

Hope the aux in is usable as a second input of stereo.

Being able to edit your patches with your feet without having to crouch down is a nice thing.

I recently bought a new multi-effects pedal and have been crouching down for long periods and my back is hurting...

I wonder if you can run three inputs (Guitar, Aux, Mic) at the same time. As a singing Stickist it would be the mother of all multi effects...

The info is a bit sketchy, but they have FAQ thread going on the Line 6 forums which has more detail than the web page and video (http://line6.com/support/topic/14264-helix-faq/).

The routing is supposed to be more flexible than the HD500/500x and it certainly has more options - 4 FX loops, SPDF in AND out, MIDI over USB and standard MIDI in addition to the Guitar, Aux, and Mic inputs. The Mic input now has phantom power which is not available on HD500x (although is on the POD HD).

I have found the HD500x to be extremely useful for my rig which includes Stick and keyboards.I am testing running a Godin MultiOud into the Mic input through a DI box. I have asked about the iPad interface feature because I have been playing around with Flux:FX through the HD500x FX loop and if I upgrade to the Helix would like to know if it can route audio and MIDI back and forth to the iPad through audiobus or inter app audio.

Definitely something to keep an eye on as more info is released.

Thanks.

Jeremy

Yes, I have an AxeFx2 and can confirm that the envelop detection is global and reading the input on the front panel (with a Stick you typically plug in the other channel at the back and set the unit to "stereo" and then separate the Left and Right channel inside the box for two parallel effect chains.) That sucks. I talked to the devs about it and learned that it may not be easy to change the global function to two separate. But anyway, I'm finding the global envelop detection highly useful for certain patches.

On the Fractal Audio AxeFx2 a third input can be set up by using the external effect loop return input. I have made a few patches that way for Stick and flute mic, but it is really hard because with three inputs that needs processing I'm running into CPU power losses too early (guess their FX8 is intended to fill that need...). You have to let all three channels share effects like reverb and delay stay outside the red zone.

...

And I thought my Digitech RP1000 was pretty awesome....I....I......must....have....that.