Helix Rack Guitar Processor : Superb funcionality, great sounds, thoroughly professional bit of kit.

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!