Line 6 Helix Native VST: A Brief Review

Line 6 has been at the forefront of guitar amp and effects modeling technology for many years. While the concept of an all-in-one pedalboard with effects and amp/speaker emulation may not be for everyone, its flexibility and mobility have led to them becoming the practical equipment of choice for many gigging guitarists.

Line 6 Helix Native is a guitar effect VST plugin directly inspired form the Line 6 Helix multi-effects processor. Helix Native is a 64-bit plug-in for both Mac and Windows that may be utilized in AAX, AU, or VST3 formats; there is currently no standalone version. As a result, it is compatible with the majority of popular DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton, Reaper, and GarageBand.

There are also no disadvantages in the studio, utilizing their ability to dial-up sounds emulating the mic’d speakers of a wide range of iconic amps – all plugged cleanly and conveniently into your desktop computer and audio interface of choice with no physical microphone in sight and no concerns about the acoustics of your recording space.

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Is Helix Native The Same As Helix?

Chances are that if you googled the Line 6 Helix Native you have come across its origin the Line 6 Helix. These two products are the child of the same mother and serve a similar purpose in different situations and environments

Helix Native is Line 6’s most recent software-only product. As the name implies, this is a software-based version of the Helix hardware for Mac OS and Windows, and while not cheap, it is far less expensive than the hardware despite allegedly delivering the same modeling technology.

Target Audiences For Helix Native VST

Helix Native can be used by anyone who has a basic understanding of guitar effects and amps. It will of course depend on the type of guitar and his needs but all in all it can be used by anyone.

Helix Native is great for tech-savvy musicians and producers who want to include guitars in their projects or utilize amps to dirty up their rhythms. Of course, it’s an excellent addition as a design interface for the Helix hardware line. Helix can compete with any amp modeler, with the typical caveats… You’ll need a high-quality audio interface and monitors, as well as the time to fine-tune the presets to your specific needs.

What Are The Features Of Helix Native?

Helix Native comes with many great features every guitarist will love. One of the key components is the 62 types of amplifiers and 37 cabinets. Combining that with 104 different effects and 16 types of microphones, there is hardly any sound that you cannot end up with when it comes to this product.

Helix, its current hardware lineup, offers fully equipped LE pedalboards, as well as a rack unit with an optional foot controller. Helix Native, the company’s plug-in version, does not merely take the family name from the hardware; it retains complete compatibility. Presets made on one Helix product can be used on the Helix Native and vice versa.

Helix has a cleaner look than typical modeling software, with accessible current visuals that aren’t particularly concerned with displaying representations of the original hardware. When you double-click a preset name in the left column, the associated signal chain appears in the center display, with more comprehensive controls below that where you can switch out individual parts and alter amp-and-effect parameters.

Is It Difficult To Use Helix Native?

The Helix Native is fairly simple to use for anyone who has even the slightest experience with amp modelers. The user interface, which is very similar to the Helix hardware editor, is simple to use, with a preset list and IR manager to the left and a flow diagram illustrating the signal route with all the components of your tone selected from menus right below.

Interacting with software via an audio interface is not as straightforward as plugging into the Helix hardware’s guitar input, and the gain structure must be carefully calibrated. However, Helix Native includes explicit metering that allows you to establish a critical ideal input level for a nuanced response from the amp models.

In conclusion, if you somehow manage to buy yourself Helix, trying out the Helix Native is one of the best decisions you can make. It is a great platform to learn and develop your tone as well as the knowledge of different types of amps and effects and everything that comes in the signal chain.

Do You Need A DAW For Helix Native?

Helix Native is fully functional without any hardware, however, it will require a DAW or plug-in host of some type, as there is no standalone mode. Helix Native is available as an Audio Unit, VST, or AAX plug-in, and includes a 15-day fully working trial.

In case you do not want to buy or install DAW, there are always alternative options to make this work. One of the best bets is to use the VSTHost or SAVIHost which will act as your DAW and will only run the plugins of your choice.

Conclusion

The Helix Native plugin is a complete guitar and bass processor that will be adored by many, but especially by Helix hardware users. Producers will like having access to vintage Line 6 effects algorithms in their DAW and being able to experiment with those effects on other source materials such as drums, vocals, strings, synthesizers, and so on.

It does not matter if you agree with the cost or not since Line 6 is giving a free 15-day trial of the whole program so you know precisely what you’re getting for your money.