Streamlined HX Guitar Processor

The streamlined Helix® LT boasts the same dual-SHARC® processing and professional-quality HXTM Modeling found in the flagship Helix Floor and Helix Rack amp and effects processors—outperforming all other products in its class. Features include a player-friendly interface with a large color LCD, capacitive-touch footswitches for easy editing, an onboard expression pedal, analog and digital I/O, and a USB audio interface.

HELIX LT

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    • Exp Pedal 2/Ext Amp

      An additional expression pedal can be connected to Helix LT and assigned to adjust a wide variety of parameters. Alternatively, this jack can be connected to your traditional guitar amp to switch its channels or turn its reverb on and off. Use a TRS cable for dual operation (1=tip, 2=ring).

    • Guitar In

      Connect your primary guitar or bass guitar here. This jack provides 123dB of dynamic range, a digitally-controlled impedance circuit, and switchable pad.

    • Sends/Returns 1-2

      These 1/4” ins and outs can be used as FX loops for inserting external stompboxes into your tone or as additional inputs and outputs for connecting keyboards, drum machines, mixers, and other gear. Helix LT can process multiple instruments simultaneously, in stereo, with discrete inputs and outputs.

    • Ground Lift Switch

      If you are experiencing hums and buzzes, press this button in to eliminate ground loops between your equipment.

    • XLR Outs

      Use balanced XLR cables to connect to your studio gear or the house mixer, PA or FRFR speaker(s) when playing live. When using a mono playback system, connect only the LEFT/MONO XLR jack.

    • 1/4" Outs

      Use unbalanced 1/4" TS cables to connect to your guitar amp, FRFR speaker(s), studio monitors, or other playback system. When using a single amp or speaker, connect only the LEFT/MONO 1/4” jack.

    • Phones Out

      Connect stereo headphones here; turn the top panel VOLUME knob to adjust the level.

    • Variax Input

      This input provides power, digital audio, effects control, and instant recall between Helix LT and a Line 6 Variax guitar. Imagine pressing a single switch to jump between a hollow body guitar set to DADGAD and a solid body guitar (or banjo!) set to drop C#. Now imagine turning your guitar’s tone knob to control multiple amp and effects parameters. The integration between Variax and Helix LT is unprecedented.

    • AES/EBU, L6 Link

      L6 LINK provides easy digital audio connectivity between Helix LT and Line 6 StageSource monitors and/or DT-Series amplifiers. Alternatively, digitally connect Helix LT to your studio equipment via an AES/EBU (110-ohm XLR) cable.

    • MIDI In, Out/Thru

      Connect Helix LT to your MIDI gear for sending and receiving program changes, continuous controllers, and other MIDI messages.

    • USB

      Helix LT also functions as a high quality, multi-in/out, 24-bit/96kHz audio interface for Mac® and Windows® computers, with DI, Re-amping and MIDI functionality built right in. Helix LT can also record to an Apple iPad (with optional Apple Camera Connection Kit).

    • AC In

      Connect Helix LT to a grounded AC power outlet.

    • Power Switch

      I double dare you.

    • Exp Pedal 2/Ext Amp
    • Guitar In
    • Sends/Returns 1-2
    • Ground Lift Switch
    • XLR Outs
    • 1/4" Outs
    • Phones Out
    • Variax Input
    • AES/EBU, L6 Link
    • MIDI In, Out/Thru
    • USB
    • AC In
    • Power Switch
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    • Save

      Press this button to rename or save changes made to the preset. Press twice to quick save.

    • Menu

      Press this button to dive a bit deeper into Helix LT, and you'll find Command Center, Global EQ, Global Settings, and other menus.

    • Preset

      Turn to select presets. Press to open the Setlist view, where you can access up to 1,024 preset locations.

    • Home/View

      If you ever get lost, press this button to return to the main Home screen. Press HOME again to toggle between traditional Signal Flow view (shown) and Performance view.

    • Amp

      Press this button to quickly jump to the tonestack parameters (Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, etc.) of any Amp+Cab, Amp, and Preamp models in the current preset. If your preset has more than one of these types of block, press multiple times to cycle through all tonestacks.

    • Main Display

      This large color LCD is your window into the power of Helix LT. Most functions can be accomplished without any menu diving.

    • Bypass

      Press this button to turn the selected block on and off.

    • Action

      Press this button to open the action panel for the selected block or screen. From the Home > Signal Flow screen, the action panel lets you move, copy, paste, and clear blocks. Other screens may have unique action panels; for example, the Global Settings action panel lets you reset all global settings at once.

    • Joystick

      Move the joystick left, right, up, or down to navigate the main display. From the Home > Signal Flow screen, move the joystick to select a block. Press ACTION and move the joystick to move the selected block. Turn the joystick to change the selected block’s model. Press the joystick to open the model list. Yeah, the joystick does a lot.

    • Page

      If the selected block or item has more than one page of parameters, dots appear to the right of the item’s name. Press < PAGE or PAGE > to view more parameters.

    • Volume

      Turn this knob to control the main output and headphones volume.

    • Knobs 1-6

      Turn one of the six knobs below the main display to adjust the parameter's value above; press the knob to reset the parameter's value. If a rectangular button appears above a knob, press the knob to engage its function. Press and hold a parameter’s knob to quickly jump to the Controller Assign page for that parameter.

    • Up/Down Switches

      Step on FS1/FS7 to select the next/previous bank of presets. Press both FS1 and FS7 to enter Snapshot footswitch mode. Hold both FS1 and FS7 to cycle through Bank, Preset, and Snapshot Up and Down.

    • Preset Switches

      While in Preset footswitch mode, step on a footswitch to select a preset.

    • Stomp Switches

      While in Stomp footswitch mode, step on a footswitch to toggle its block(s) on and off. Touch a footswitch to select its assigned block or item. Touch repeatedly to cycle through multiple assigned items. Touch and hold to assign that footswitch to the selected block. Touch and hold two switches to swap all assignments. Footswitches do a lot too.

    • Mode Switch

      Step on FS6 to toggle between Preset and Stomp footswitch modes. Hold for Pedal Edit mode (edit blocks with your feet, even while playing!).

    • Tap/Tuner Switch

      Repeatedly step on FS12 to set tempo. Hold to open the Tuner. Touch briefly to open the tempo panel.

    • Expression Pedal 1 (and 2)

      Move the expression pedal to control volume, wah, or a combination of amp and/or effects parameters. Activate the hidden toe switch to toggle between EXP 1 and EXP 2. (The LEDs above tell you which one is active.)

    • Save
    • Menu
    • Preset
    • Home/View
    • Amp
    • Main Display
    • Bypass
    • Action
    • Joystick
    • Page
    • Volume
    • Knobs 1-6
    • Up/Down Switches
    • Preset Switches
    • Stomp Switches
    • Mode Switch
    • Tap/Tuner Switch
    • Expression Pedal 1 (and 2)

Explore Features

  • Real Tone
  • HX Cabs
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  • Component Modeling
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  • Behavioral Modeling
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  • Easy Interaction
  • Capacitive Footswitches
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  • Snapshots
  • Four Signal Paths
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  • Hands Free
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  • Helix Edit
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  • I/O and Routing
  • MIDI Control
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  • Variax Control
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Helix LT Buy Now

  • Powerful Dual-DSP HX Modeling
  • Large 6.2”, 800x480-Pixel LCD Screen
  • 62 Amps, 37 Cabs, 16 Microphones, and 104 Effects
  • Capacitive Footswitches. Touch to Edit, Hold to Assign, Press to Engage
  • Up to 2 Expression Pedals, External Amp Switching, and Deep MIDI Control

Helix Floor Buy Now

  • Powerful Dual-DSP HX Modeling
  • Large 6.2”, 800x480-Pixel LCD Screen
  • 62 Amps, 37 Cabs, 16 Microphones, and 104 Effects
  • Capacitive Footswitches and Customizable Scribble Strips. Touch to Edit, Hold to Assign, Press to Engage
  • Up to 3 Expression Pedals, CV/Expression Output, External Amp Switching, and Deep MIDI Control

AUTHENTIC TONE

Authentic analog sound and feel.

Helix guitar processors represent a giant leap forward in modeling technology. Dual-DSPs provide massive power to accurately recreate the sonic characteristics and full dynamic response of classic and modern amplifiers and effects.

HX HYBRID CABS

A new approach to speaker cabinet modeling.

The Helix HX Hybrid cabs featured in the Helix LT processor represent a new approach to the speaker cabinet capture process. They provide the same resolution and low-end accuracy as a 2048-point or higher Impulse Response, while only using roughly the same amount of DSP power as a 1024-point IR. A choice of 16 different microphones and 23 recording distances provides additional sonic flexibility and real-time dynamic control. The Helix LT processor also lets you load custom impulse responses, allowing you to personalize your rig even further.

CAPTURING EACH AMP COMPONENT

Models that respond like the real thing.

With the Helix LT processor, each amp component has been captured, measured, and matched to the real thing. This level of dynamic circuit detail extends into areas such as power supply ripple, individual tube sag, and control over B+ voltages. With uncompromised Helix sound quality and 123 dB of dynamic range, the Helix LT processor ensures an authentic and responsive playing experience.

INTELLIGENT INTERFACE

Fast and intuitive tone creation.

The Helix LT processor features a clear and intuitive interface that enables fast tone creation and easy interaction—all with a minimal learning curve and the elimination of complex menu diving. A large color LCD lays out the entire signal chain and provides instant access to amp and effects parameters, as well as displaying footswitch assignments and status while in Performance mode.

CAPTURING SPECIFIC EFFECTS COMPONENTS

Effects models with unprecedented authenticity.

HX Modeling accurately recreates the behavior of even the most idiosyncratic vintage effects by modeling their individual components. The Transtronic process emulates the behavior of virtually any germanium or silicon transistor diode, making it possible to authentically recreate fuzz, distortion, and other pedals once considered too persnickety to convincingly model. The Throbber is a "virtual lightbulb" that mimics the decidedly nonlinear behavior of the small incandescent bulb and four photocells inside the original 1960's Uni-Vibe pedals that are essential to their unique sound and vibe. And the Bucketier chip and Panda circuit are virtual recreations of the Bucket Brigade (BBD) chips and compander (compression/expansion) circuitry found in many old-school analog delay pedals. Accurately modeling the inherent quirkiness of vintage analog delay pedals at the component level endows HX analog delay effects with all of their lo-fi majesty.

helix-lt-smart-interaction-copy

CAPACITIVE TOUCH FOOTSWITCHES

Instantaneous editing.

Simply touch a footswitch to instantly jump to any block and quickly adjust a parameter or assign controllers. The process is so fast you can comfortably assign any item to a switch in three seconds.

SNAPSHOTS

Seamlessly transition between tones.

The Snapshots feature enables you to create up to eight variations within a single preset and seamlessly transition between them without experiencing the audio dropouts and disruption of delay and reverb trails that normally occur when switching between DSP-intensive presets. Enable and bypass effects blocks, change amp and effects settings, and much more—all within the same preset.

FOUR STEREO SIGNAL PATHS

Complex routing made easy.

With four stereo signal paths per preset, the Helix LT processor enables you to create complex routing scenarios involving numerous effects and other blocks, connected in countless ways. Routing schemes such as wet/dry/wet and 4-Cable Method are also easily configured.

PEDAL EDIT MODE

Keep playing while you edit.

Pedal Edit mode enables you to edit any amp or effect parameter with your foot, so you don’t have to stop playing while making changes on the fly. Simply select the block you want to edit and its parameters spill across the footswitches. Then select a parameter and adjust its value using the expression pedal.

HELIX EDIT APPLICATION

As easy to use as Helix.

Helix Edit software features the same intuitive user interface found on Helix hardware processors, so there’s no learning curve. Drag and drop amps, cabs, and effects to build complex signal chains with ease; adjust settings and parameters using dedicated sliders and knobs; customize footswitch labels quickly and efficiently, and much more—all on your computer’s large screen.

ROBUST I/O AND ROUTING

The most extensive I/O and signal-routing capabilities in its class.

The Helix LT processor provides best-in-class analog and digital I/O and signal-routing capabilities for studio and stage applications—including two assignable effects loops—making it easy to integrate into any live performance rig or studio setup.

POWERFUL MASTER CONTROLLER

Complete MIDI integration.

When you need to incorporate external devices via MIDI, the Helix LT processor offers maximum flexibility. In addition to powerful real time MIDI control, it can send up to six separate commands at preset recall, enabling you to, for example, change a preset on a synth, start a sequencer, and turn up a fader on an external digital mixer with a single press of a footswitch. And with its external amp-switching capabilities and two expression pedal inputs it can serve as the command center for any rig.

SEAMLESS VARIAX CONTROL

Open up new performance possibilities.

Helix LT features Variax® guitar control enhancements that enable you to toggle between two guitar models with a footswitch, control Helix amp and effects parameters from the volume and tone knobs on your Variax guitar, set each string’s tuning per preset or snapshot, and much more.

Processor Comparison Chart

SHARC is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.
Mac, Apple, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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