Line 6 Helix is celebrated for its versatility and powerful modeling capabilities, making it a favorite among guitarists. If you’re curious whether this extends to handling both an electric guitar and a bass guitar at the same time, you’re in the right place. Many players wonder if they can plug in two instruments, especially in home practice or live performance scenarios where quick instrument switches are needed. Let’s dive into the capabilities of the Helix and explore how it manages multiple instruments.
Yes, Helix Supports a Dual Instrument Setup
The good news is, yes, the Line 6 Helix is designed to accommodate two instruments simultaneously, including an electric guitar and a bass guitar. This functionality stems from Helix’s flexible routing and input options, allowing you to create distinct signal paths for each instrument. Whether you’re looking to experiment with unique sonic textures by blending guitar and bass, or simply want the convenience of having both instruments ready to go without constant unplugging, Helix has you covered.
How to Connect Electric Guitar and Bass to Your Helix
Setting up a dual instrument configuration on the Helix is straightforward. You’ll primarily utilize the main guitar input along with another input option available on the device.
Utilizing the Main Guitar Input and Aux Input
For a standard electric guitar and bass guitar setup, the most common approach involves using the primary Guitar Input for one instrument (typically your main guitar) and the Aux Input for the second instrument (perhaps your bass or a second guitar). You might have encountered discussions online questioning if the Aux input is truly designed for guitars. Rest assured, the Aux input on the Helix is perfectly capable of handling instrument-level signals. It’s designed to be a versatile input, suitable for various sources including guitars, basses, keyboards, and more. There’s no need to worry about diminished signal quality or incompatibility when using the Aux input for a second guitar or bass.
Input Quality and Capabilities: Are There Differences?
In terms of audio quality and processing capabilities, the Helix ensures both the main Guitar Input and the Aux Input are high-fidelity. For typical guitar and bass applications, you won’t notice a significant difference in quality between these inputs. The Helix’s internal processing power is more than sufficient to handle simultaneous signals from both inputs without compromising tone or introducing latency. Each input feeds into Helix’s powerful DSP, allowing for independent amp and effects modeling chains.
Independent Presets and Footswitch Control for Each Instrument
One of the most powerful aspects of using two instruments with Helix is the ability to assign presets independently. You are not restricted to a single preset for both inputs. Instead, you can configure your Helix so that Input 1 (Guitar Input) can be assigned to Preset 1A (perhaps a clean Fender amp simulation), while Input 2 (Aux Input) is simultaneously set to Preset 3B (maybe a roaring Mesa Boogie for your bass). This level of flexibility means you can create and switch between completely independent tones and effects setups for your electric guitar and bass guitar.
Furthermore, Helix’s customizable footswitches can be configured to control parameters for either instrument independently. You can set up footswitches to toggle effects, change presets, or control volume for your guitar while simultaneously having a separate set of footswitches controlling the same or different parameters for your bass. This level of control makes the Helix exceptionally versatile for players who switch between instruments or require distinct tones for different parts of a performance.
Alternative Scenario: Two Instruments Plugged In, One Active at a Time
Even if you don’t need to use both an electric guitar and bass guitar at the same time, the Helix offers convenience in scenarios where you simply want to switch instruments quickly. You can have both your guitar and bass plugged into different inputs on the Helix and simply switch between them by selecting different input paths within your preset or through input selection controls. This eliminates the need for constant cable swapping, which is particularly useful in live performance situations where you might switch between a guitar and a bass for different songs. Having both instruments readily connected streamlines your setup and allows for seamless transitions.
Conclusion
The Line 6 Helix is indeed capable of handling both electric guitar and bass guitar simultaneously, offering a flexible and high-quality solution for players looking to expand their sonic possibilities or simplify their setup. Whether you’re experimenting with dual-instrument soundscapes, practicing at home with a friend, or streamlining your live rig for quick instrument changes, the Helix provides the tools and flexibility to manage multiple instruments with ease and sonic excellence. Its intuitive design and powerful processing make it an ideal hub for integrating both your electric guitar and bass guitar into a single, powerful unit.
