Digital Pedalboard choice (headrush vs. line 6 helix, others?)

**Fat Fingers** · 06-01-2021, 04:37 PM

Ok another non-jazz question. I know you guys like real tube amps and analog pedals (if any) for the most part. However this forum is also full of the most educated and experienced people I've ever met when it comes to gear!

I have not refined my sound yet, I know it is a lifelong journey. With that in mind I thought it would be fun and useful to purchase something like a multi-effects pedalboard to play with different cabs and effects combinations. I am considering the Line 6 helix or the Headrush board mostly, although the Boss GT-1000 looks interesting too. The reason I am posting now is that there is a sale going where you get a free FRFR speaker if you buy the Headrush unit, and I'm deciding whether to pull the trigger, but I'd rather not settle and get truly the right one for my needs and wants.

Use:
I would use it at home, I'm not a gigging musician, I don't do anything but play for myself as a hobby.

Money:
I can afford any of them, but the Line 6 is about 1000$ MORE than the Headrush or the Boss (is it worth that much more?)

Setup:
Well, if get the free FRFR speaker I plan on using a XLR connection (thoughts?). I don't need any complicated computer setups or 4 cable stuff. Just a speaker that will give me the truest amp sim sound possible and my guitar. I could of course purchase any of the units and buy another (better?) speaker setup separately (not like I HAVE to take advantage of the sale).

Gear I already have:
The 12 inch Cannabis Rex Princeton Reverb (Sweetwater exclusive), a Fender Champ Custom, and a Ibanez tube screamer. I like them, although I wonder if I wouldn't have done better jazz wise getting the "regular" princeton or DR instead (see these kind of questions are why I think maybe a amp sim unit would let me try things out without having to buy 100 amps)

I'm sure this sale will happen again so there is no REAL hurry, but what do you all think of Multi-effects boards like this? I haven't had a chance to try one in real life, they look like fun, and maybe a little more full featured than say a GTX 50 or something,

Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well.

**medblues** · 06-01-2021, 06:53 PM

I recommend the Helix Stomp (the small one) plus an Alto TS310 powered speaker. For $800ish, you get a rig that is light (28 lb total), powerful (1000W) and extremely versatile. My rig also has an expression pedal in it.

If you want something that already has the expression pedal and a looper easily accessible, a Line 6 HD500X is down to $250 on Reverb.

**Steve Z** · 06-01-2021, 06:58 PM

This video shows a great solution.... Line 6 Hx Stomp with the Line 6 112+ Powercab. Total price is just a bit more than your $1,000 budget. Find the items used and its very doable.

That stated, you have a great amp with the Princeton Reverb (12")... add a delay and the drive flavor of your choice and you have a great rig.

**Fat Fingers** · 06-02-2021, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Z

This video shows a great solution.... Line 6 Hx Stomp with the Line 6 112+ Powercab. Total price is just a bit more than your $1,000 budget. Find the items used and its very doable.

That stated, you have a great amp with the Princeton Reverb (12")... add a delay and the drive flavor of your choice and you have a great rig.

very interesting I love 5-watt world, inspired me to get my champ. Thanks for the tip I need to research and try things out.

**jads57** · 06-02-2021, 12:22 PM

My approach is pretty old school, a couple of pedals od,chorus,and delay occasionally. So I find these digital devices way overkill for almost any situation I need to gig.

If I was touring in a modern day Pop Band, then I could see the need for it.
But too many choices can be overkill and going down the Rabbit Hole, at least for me.

**Alter** · 06-02-2021, 03:39 PM

A solid contender is the new Helix stomp Hx Xl, which is the older helix stomp with a bigger format and more switches. That's the perfect combination of quality, usability and value for money today I think..

**rpjazzguitar** · 06-02-2021, 04:04 PM

I use the Boss ME80 and I'm very happy with it.

It has preamp modeling. It does not have power amp or cab modeling, as far as I can tell. There may be one cab model that's engaged when you plug into the aux out.

But, it's got plenty of things it can do.

The advantage of this unit is that everything is controlled by a knob (noise gate is the exception) or a footswitch. No menus, no scrolling.

Sounds fine to me, although I'm confident that others will suggest units they believe sound better.