Greg Edwards69

Interesting point of issue. Erik Arko's video mentioned right at the end: "It will get Bluetooth eventually - they're stuff implementing stuff..." Does this mean the hardware is Bluetooth ready - the specs on the Darklass produce page don't mention Bluetooth at all.

It's a shame Sennheiser have discontinued the IE 400 Pro's. So grab them whilst you can. I'm not sure what they have succeeded them with either. I wanted to get a replacement right earpiece, as mine fell apart months ago when I changed the tips. I must have pulled it wrong, and the capsule came out of the shell. While I managed to glue it back together, I didn't align it quite right, and it's never felt the same. Individual replacements were available previously, but I finally got around to ordering one this week, but it seems you can't get them anymore.

That's good to hear. I find the default settings on many Helix blocks, even the bass-specific blocks, less than ideal for bass. I assume the default Anagram block settings are more useful "out of the box."

Nice to see it comes with a case!

This might help as far as what effect and amp blocks it has. I don't think it's a complete list, though. I hope in time the Anagram will be added as demo in the app so prospective owners can see what it can do before buying.

I don't know enough about Darkglass' products, especially their digital devices, to make an informed comment, but as a totally new platform, one would hope they will work on developing and supporting it well. That said, on paper, it appears to be capable of doing everything my Helix LT does (for me), but in a more compact form factor, which is very welcome. I have considered downsizing to an HX Stomp previously, but I would struggle with the limited block count for some specific situations.

IIRC, Line 6 said they planned for the Helix platform to last around 10 years before being succeeded by the next generation. Since then, they have been great with firmware updates and have added some fantastic features and models. I'm quite grateful for that sort of roadmap, as I don't want to have to replace my hardware every other year to get new features. Quite a brave move for a hardware company. And let's not forget, the prices of new units are the same as they were 10 years ago. That 10-year estimate expires this year, so I expect to see something new from them soon. I suspect they have not been sitting on their laurels and will have a few exciting things for Helix 2.0.

Im thinking along similar lines. I tend not to be an early adopter and wait for things to mature a bit more. That said, for a v1 device and firmware, this seems pretty mature as it is. I’m still enjoying my helix LT and will continue to for the time being, but it is a bigger device than I’d ideally like, however.

At The Cricketers in Westcliff on Easter Sunday. Our "long-awaited" debut at this venue. I've wanted to get in here for a while - it's one of the good ones on the local circuit. Someone who used to work at another local pub where we play approached us to play at this venue as "he knew what we can do" and convinced his boss to book us. It turns out we didn't disappoint! It was a little quieter than I had hoped for, but Easter Sunday evening is an odd one. But the people there were up for a proper party and stayed till the end. The chap who booked us told us his boss was very happy. He also said he's looking at putting on a cover band event at their music venue next door that they also run (locals will know this as the former "Club Riga" venue bar - which was quite a popular venue for originals and tribute bands. I even saw Michael Schenker and Blaze Bailey play in there several years ago). Anyway, he said they've just got it up and running again and want to put on a cover bands event with the best bands in the area and has invited us to join the roster... which is nice. A couple of other people involved in local bands told us they really enjoyed our set and performance, too. I was very happy with our performance considering we were a man down (guitarist on holiday), which meant the other guitarist wasn't able to double on keys, which restricted our set choice a little. We also had a dep drummer as our usual drummer was watching West End show with his family and wouldn't have made it back in time to set up. He actually showed up to watch halfway through the evening, so we dragged him up for a song. As such, me and the sole guitarist had to work a little harder and creatively. I got to use my "Eliminate the guitarist" Helix preset for a few songs, which blends in an octave-up driven guitar tone as well as power chords with my standard bass tone. Sounded great to my ears, and filled a hole during a couple of solos.

I really, really wish Line 6 would implement this on the Helix. It would be such a time saver.

To play devil's advocate... There are plenty of people toting traditional stomp box pedal boards that are of similar value to a higher-end multi-fx. Heck, just a Cali 76 compressor is £299. One could easily assemble a small board of 5 pedals worth £1k. Pedal boards can fail, too. And potentially harder to diagnose during a gig - is it a power connector, PSU outlet, dodgy patch cable, or malfunctioning pedal? If you daisy chain pedals and/or power from something like a 1-spot, a bad connection can be incredibly frustrating. A switcher and multi-out PSU can help in case of failure, but it adds expense. Heck, my brother's GigRig G3 switcher cost more than my Helix. Regardless of whether you use a multi-FX or analogue pedal board, you would do well to have a backup solution so the audience doesn't have to wait for you to diagnose the problem. But I totally understand apathy to menu diving and multi-purpose physical user interfaces. It's not for everyone. One of my guitarists doesn't know how to edit presets on his Helix without a computer attached - and he's a mainframe IT engineer! But that said, once it's dialled in, you shouldn't have to tweak it at gigs.

I wonder if the return can be used for another input like you can on the HX Stomp (and bigger Helix devices), say for two instruments, or basses with two outputs such as "Rick-o-Sound" or my Yamaha Attitude?

Damn you. I don’t need one, I don’t need one, I don’t need one …

We had a good night at the Cow & Telescope in Southend on Friday evening. It was a bit of a rush getting home from work, scoffing a quick dinner and out again, but we had more time than we realised to set up at a relaxed pace and soundcheck. As usual in this venue, it seemed a bit too quiet on there when we setting up, but by the time we kick off at 9.30 we had a decent crowd of regulars and a steady stream of arrivals whilst we played. I made a couple of mistakes - including completely blanking halfway through the "Time is running out" riff. I put it down to not feeling 100% due to an iffy stomach I've had for a few days. I managed to blag my way through it and remembered it by the second or third time round. I noticed a couple of guys pointing and watching me intently during "Runaway Baby". I'm unsure if they were impressed or spotted errors in my playing! 😄. Another patron came up to me when we had finished and said it was so refreshing to see a band actually move around and put on a show, rather than just standing stock still and looking at our guitars and feet. A couple of our usual mob (including my wife and brother, who are not afraid to offer constructive criticism) said the set list was great too, with a few songs we hadn't played in years thrown in. We try to avoid too much repetition - for ourselves as much as anything! But it all seemed to flow nicely and kept people up dancing until the obligatory encores were finished with. So yes, all in all a good night. The next one is The Cricketers in nearby Westcliff on Easter Sunday. Out first time at this venue, and one we've wanted to get into for a while. We'll be a couple of members down (one of the guitarists, and using a dep drummer), but I'm sure it'll be fine.

I think I'm just generally unfit. It doesn't help having a desk job (although I do use a standing desk when I feel like it). I tend to wear a back support belt when loading in/out and setting up/breaking down, which does help. I noticed when we were busier on the run up to Christmas, I felt much better physically by the last one - my body had obviously gotten used to it. It's always tougher when we haven't gigged for a little while.

None of out gear is particularly heavy. The heaviest items are the Yamaha DXR12 tops, which are around 20kg, and the drummer's hardware 'coffin' that weighs the same as a small planet - but at least it has wheels. It's more the bending over, unpacking, and running/coiling cables that does me in. Despite pushing numerous times, a couple of the others really need to lend a hand more and know how to set up their own equipment and plug in their own cables!

Helping to load in/out, set up and breakdown both PA and drumkit doesn't help.

Redonizm were back at the Sarah Moore in Leigh-on-Sea on Saturday night. We really didn't think we'd be back here again as it was supposed to close permanently in the new year for redevelopment, but the building owner had a change of heart and let the landlord lease it for one year, with a view to a 10-year lease. A benefit of this is they are now independent and have associated themselves with local brewers and suppliers, so they have some lovely beer on tap! This was our first gig of the year after a busy Christmas period, so whilst it felt great to be out gigging again, certain muscles were out of shape, both physically and mentally! It took me a few songs to get my head into gear and stop making silly mistakes, but I was fine once I got into it. And boy did I ache the next day! A bigger turnout would have been great - quite a few of our usual followers were unable to come - but those who came and stayed, and seemed to enjoy themselves, and we had a decent crowd dancing in the latter half. Next stop, Cow & Telescope on Friday. One of our favourite music venues in Southend

Thanks Stub. I have a couple of my dad's watches and his old Pal 35mm camera, which is all I wanted of his. My parents live in Spain, and we're planning to move back to the UK this year - that plan is still on. But my dad was quite the hoarder, so it's left my mum with the unenviable task of decluttering their substantial-sized villa. My brother and I are going over for a week in April to help the best we can, so I'm sure there'll be plenty of bittersweet moments as we find things.

Thanks, but already tried that - it's even worse!

Thank you. We weren't prepared for it at all. Without going into details, it was a short illness that we believed could have been treated, or at least give him several more months. Hurts like hell knowing I'll never see him again. Here's a photo of mine. Clearly offset by a good inch. It doesn't impede carry it, but it does set off my mild OCD. I might drop Bassdirect and/or GR Bass a line. FWIW, bass direct doesn't specify whether there's one made specifically for the active cab, I just chose the one listed for the passive cab, that I assumed was the same specs.

Thank you so much. I miss him immensely already even though I still don't quite believe it. Love to you and yours.

I forgot to add I ordered the "official" cover to go with it. It seems to be padded enough for my liking, certainly moreso than the Alto cover I got for the headrush. The only thing is the handle opening doesn't quite line up with the handle - it's a good inch out of line front to back (I can try and add a photo later). I wonder if this is because the cover is designed for the passive version of the cab that possibly has the handle mounted in a different position to balance properly.

Being fed up with carting my Headrush 112 around, I treated myself to a new lightweight cab a couple of weeks ago as a birthday present to myself. After a couple of weeks of hell (I went away for my birthday the day after getting it, which was fine, but then lost my dad a couple of days later), I finally got the chance to test it out at a band rehearsal yesterday. Suffice it to say I'm very happy with it. My bandmates were astonished at the weight (or lack thereof) of this cab. I was slightly apprehensive about whether I made the right choice going for the cheaper 350w version, but I needn't have worried. I had calculated that it should be enough for my needs and was relieved when it blasted out a room-filling tone without even pushing it. I had pre-centered the bass and treble trim pots and was pleased to hear a smooth, full-range tone come out of this, with real depth but without the boominess that the headrush sometimes produced. Indeed, I was able to bypass the global EQ in my helix that I had dialled in for the headrush, and it sounded great. Is it actually FRFR? I can't say, but it certainly reproduces the tones I had dialled in with accuracy and sounds like the tone that comes out of the PA. I don't actually gig with backline in my band anymore, but the headrush is just too heavy a lump for lugging to band rehearsals. I had considered getting a smaller powered PA speaker such as a Yamaha DXR10, but I still wanted something that could handle a gig if I needed it to. I think this fits the bill just fine and will hopefully be the last speaker I'll ever need.

I'll be blunt, my opinion of Jon Willis has plummeted over the years. I've known of him for a number of years since the Facebook Yamaha attitude owners group before the helix came along. He's somewhat crowned himself as the helix bass guru without credentials and most of his presets are variations of the same thing, mid-rangey, Sheehan-esque p bass type stuff. All dialled in with an RTA and headphones. Fine for Sheehan style rock stuff, but not a lot else. I tried his synth pack and didn't find it useful at all tbh. I've been using the helix for at least 6 years and like you, I'm loathed to pay money for presets. I've dialled in my own and was generally happy, although synths are my Achilles heel. But over the last year I've been enamoured with Ian Alison's tones so I bit the bullet and bought his vintage synth pack. Oh my! These are the real deal - they sound extraordinary. Genuinely useful, especially the mini moon preset. I enjoyed it so much I bought his signature pack too to see if I could learn anything and he improve my own. Needless to say a modified version of his signature amp preset forms the basis of my core tones. Organic, gritty, gooey goodness and very versatile. A while ago Jon and Ian had a rather public spat of social media where Jon "bought Ian's presets to review so you don't have to" and heavily criticised them for having round numbers in the settings. As if that's proof they haven't been dialled in and finessed over hundreds of gigs. He accused Ian of being nothing more than a used care salesman and then proceeded to tweak Ian's presets by 0.1 in each block and give them away for free. the community did not approve. I lost all respect for him at that point. honestly, IMA's presets appear costly, but they are the real deal and sound great, and dead easy to tweak if you need to shape to your taste and requirements.