Line6 Helix Rack Guitar Processor

I owned the Axe FX II, which I sold due to the complex front panel user interface ( I don't want to go via a PC editor ) and bought the Kemper Rack, just before the Helix was available.. The Kemper wasn't quite what I was looking for, notably because of a lack of parallel routing, and certain other options.
I was hesitant to buy the Helix, as I'd previously owned the Line 6 Pod Pro HD X, and was not pleased with it, due to the quality of the amp/cab sims, although I thought the effects themselves were excellent.. You can read my review of the POD Pro X, Kemper, and Boss GT-001, on the Thomann site..
After having looked at some reviews, the manual, & listening to some sounds on Internet, I decided to sell the Kemper & go for the Helix.. After all, you can return a product to Thomann, if not happy..
Well, there was nothing to worry about, it's very very good.. It's solidly made, the user interface, and beautiful colour screen, are easy to understand, there's parallel routing, Mic input with phantom power, the possibility to install IR's, plenty of connection possibilities, including the Helix control pedalboard, and it sounds fantastic..
This is just what I've been looking for, and I would have gone for it straight away, in preference to the Axe FX II & Kemper, if it had been available at the time.
I have no intention of changing this, I can't really find anything to criticise.. It does eveything that I want, and it does it well..
I should mention, that this & the others I have mentioned, have been evaluated from studio use, not from live work..
In summary, a really great product. I can definitely recommend it, if you're looking for a high quality, versatile
preamp / effects unit for studio use.

I've used many different amp and effect setups over a playing career of several decades, Although I've used other modelling gear extensively such as a Vetta II and a few Pods, etc. but never been 100% happy with them.

First and foremost, the Helix sounds great! The wide range of amps, cabs and effect models not only sound good in their own right, but are generally very accurate to their inspirations. Also, playing response is much improved over things like the Pod series. and when monitored appropriately response and "feel" are nigh on perfect. Updates and continued development are good too - When I first started considering getting the Helix there were a few things missing from my personal shopping list of models and effects, but by the time I decided to go for it, updates had filled almost all the gaps on my wishlist.

The Helix Rack is very easy and intuitive to use, especially when one considers the huge capabilities it has. For studio use there is a wide range of output and routing options available, all very quick to set up. Graphics and performance controls are well thought through and clearly laid out. I use the Helix Rack along with the "control" floor unit and the integration is seamless, as one would expect. However, it's still ridiculously easy to use the rack unit just from the front panel should one wish to. Preset management and other housekeeping tasks are also very straightforward.

In a studio environment, extras like the (free) Helix Editor and (discounted) Helix Native plugin make this a very powerful system indeed. The simple Preset and Setlist management, along with the output and routing flexibility mean that it's easy to take these sounds out into a wide range of performance environments. Also, it's extremely well built, certainly robust enough to put up with life on the road.

Pros - Sounds, ease of use, features, comprehensive routing. Very well built, regular updates and new features.

Cons - Everyone else wants to use it!

I was looking for a guitar processor to use for my band live setup, this was the best option for me and here is why:
Even with Dual DSP I'm able to run 2 guitars and bass through it with enough effects to satisfy all of our tone preferences, when using minimal effects I was able to run even vocalist through it for some cool modulation effects. Line6 also offers an additional plugin, which lets me asjust the tones, presets and everything without needing to have the processor next to me. I can just save the presets to my laptop and later upload them to Helix. The way that user interface is designed makes it easy to use and find the right tone in minutes.
Software updates are pretty regular and always include a bunch of new effects, amps and cabs so it doesn't get boring even after you've had it for a while.
Another huge factor why I went with Helix compared to some newer stuff in same price range was the ability to rack mount it. I can leave it in our rack without having to worry if all the cables get connected correctly every time we play somewhere.
If you need a guitar/fx processor for a stable setup with the ability to work on presets at home then this is probably the best option in this price range as of 2023.

I've never liked modeling amps in the past. They were always lacking, in my opinion. A tube amp and a floor full of (expensive) pedals was practically a requirement to get a good drive tone with effects that didn't make your guitar sound like a cat being run over.

This processor has changed that opinion.

For the same cost as a good valve amplifier and a selection of effects, you can have a single box that does it all. Yes, you'll have to tweak the settings that are more for screaming "Look what I can do!" on the showroom floor.

Yes, you'll probably have to take at least a cursory glance through the manual. As a reward, you'll get a 3U rackmount unit that provides excellent models of many well-known and expensive amps and cabs, a range of effects that are of great quality, and every digital and analogue input and output you could possibly want. The excellent screen also shows the path and every essential piece of information with clarity and detail.

I got this with Thomann's excellent kit with the floor controller and case. No more rat's nest of patch cables and boxes. No more searching for batteries or having to lug a head full of expensive and fragile glass tubes.

Two words: Get one!