The Line 6 Helix Stadium introduces “entirely new modelling methodology” – is it coming for the Quad Cortex crown?
Line 6 has welcomed two new members of its Helix amp modeller line, and they’re the “most powerful and most flexible” yet.
The new launch includes the flagship Helix Stadium XL Floor and a streamlined version, the Helix Stadium Floor. They arrive just in time for the 10th anniversary of the original Helix, bringing a range of highly-anticipated upgrades with them including new modelling tech, cloning capabilities, and high-resolution touch screens.
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So, what exactly is this new modelling methodology? Details on exactly how it works are not too clear, but it’s called Agoura, and it replaces Helix’s HX modelling tech for improved authenticity when modelling physical amps, as well as offering increased accuracy when it comes to how amps respond to you.
There’s also a new engine for live shows called Showcase which can trigger MIDI changes, engage presets, and even automate lighting for your stage setup. They also have both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a new cloud-based cloning engine for making captures of your gear.
Further to this, the Stadium floorboards both have a ‘Hype’ control, which can essentially switch between “ultra-authentic” and “idealised” tone, so users can decide if they want that imperfect tube amp sound or something more clean and digital.
Though both models share a lot of the same features, there are of course some key differences which set the Helix Stadium Floor apart from its souped up XL counterpart. Let’s take a look at each:
What features does the Helix Stadium XL Floor have?
The XL is the most “comprehensive and integrated guitar processor ever created by Line 6”, according to the brand. It hosts a high-resolution 8” touch screen, 12 high-contrast OLED scribble strips, and a built-in expression pedal with toe switch. It also has supports up to four effects loops, four external expression pedals, four external amp control outs, and four drum trigger inputs. Prices start at $2199.99 USD.
What features does the Helix Stadium Floor have?
The Helix Stadium Floor also hosts an 8” touch screen and many of the same desired features. It is more streamlined without a fitted expression pedal and also scraps the OLED scribble strips, and halves the amount of effect loops, external expression pedals, external amp controls outs, and drum trigger inputs it can support, offering two of each. Ideal for those on a tighter budget, you get all the necessities in a neater package. Prices start at $1799.99 USD.
Eric Klein, Chief Product Design Architect, states: “Helix Stadium XL Floor and Helix Stadium Floor are in many ways a new type of product. In addition to featuring the best-sounding, most powerful, and most flexible processing Line 6 has ever offered, they can serve as performance workstations that aim to upend the way you approach playing – whether that’s writing and learning songs, jamming with friends, or controlling your band’s entire stage rig. And most of all, they’re fun to use.”
The Helix Stadiums certainly boast an impressive feature set, but will they dethrone the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, an amp modeller we rated 10/10, and called the “game-changing guitar product of the decade so far”?
You can reserve a Helix Stadium online and in stores from 25 June. The Helix Stadium XL Floor will be available from autumn 2025, with the streamlined version arriving in winter. Find out more over at Line 6.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
