Opinions on a rack multi effects unit

[7 Stringer]

Ok, i have a Fractal FX8 that i really like, but i want something to put in a rack to have all my cabling nice and short and possibly build a little wdw setup for band practice.

Now i have a G system setup in the basement that i also really like but i need a little more flexibility with routing and the reverbs are not that great. A bit outdated unit but so well designed with the brain being detachable. Also very well built.

I was thinking this:

- Line 6 Helix Rack
- Fractal axe fx III
- TC G Force
- TC G Major II
- Fractal axe fx II

Woumd be using the effects only.

Anything else that might be interesting?

I really dont need the amp modelings, but it absolutely needs to be rack mountable.

If Fractal would come out with a rack module with just the effects, that would slay!!!!!!!

Thanks for any advice guys.

Chris

 

[Hamer95USA]

You have 2 of the best floor effects processors in the market. I'm assuming that you run either of those devices with 4 cable method with your guitar rig. Unfortunately, a rack mounted multi-effects processor with the audio specifications & features that would match the TC Electronics G-System or the Audio Fractal FX-8 effects floor processors has yet to be matched by Line 6, Boss, Zoom, etc. I have a Rocktron Replifex that I'm thinking of putting back in my rack rig, but I'm wanting the portability & programming firepower of the Fractal Audio FX-8. Not having to haul a MIDI controller mounted on a pedalboard and a small rack is kind of where I'm at.

ATM, I'm using a Zoom G9.2tt floor effects processor running 4 cable method with a pair of 1/4" TRS to 1/4" TS cables or the Zoom G9.2tt plugged into the amp's input with a Korg DL8000R rack delay plugged in the amp's effects loop.

Guitar George

 

[7 Stringer]

Yeah i really like the FX8 quality, but i want something rack mounted. Also the programming is hell without the editor. I am starting to get the hang of it but still.

That is why i was thinking Helix. Not sure about the effects quality, as good as the FX8?

I already have an RJM Mastermind so that is not an issue.

 

[Bishop5150]

G-Force is nice.

 

[phil b]

Eventide Eclipse or depending on what you want in fx, an older Intellifex sounds great. Gforce is good if your running in parallel as they "can" be tone suckers but so can the G Sytem so ya might not even notice. If your looking mainly at reverb units then ya cant go wrong with a used Lexicon piece.

 

[Red_Label]

There's no comparison between the FX quality of the G-System and Helix. The Helix destroys the TC. I loved the rugged, tour-capable design and programmable switching of the G-System. But ultimately the FX wore on me. Plus, with the Helix you get great modeling and user interface. Neither of which you got on the G-System.

 

[7 Stringer]

There's no comparison between the FX quality of the G-System and Helix. The Helix destroys the TC. I loved the rugged, tour-capable design and programmable switching of the G-System. But ultimately the FX wore on me. Plus, with the Helix you get great modeling and user interface. Neither of which you got on the G-System.

My thoughts exactly, i am really leaning towards a Helix rack. I am still kepping the G though, the effects are still very good for me, but compared to the FX8, they are a bit stale, so i am guessing the Helix will be as good as the Fractal. Especially when that new firmware hits with the reverbs and such.

Might switch rigs for the jams, use the G there and keep the nice Helix home for my personnal pleasure........

Thanks

 

[Purpleibby]

I'd go for quality....Eventide Eclipse(KEEPER).....hint: at a certain "guitar" store they sell them used when they pop up for $950

 

[meanstreet]

I’d go for the Axe Fx II based on what you’re looking for. If you like the FX8 for effects, the Axe II will give you the same effects and be rack mounted. I think the Axe III would be over kill for FX only and you can likely get a decent deal on the II with the announcement of the III.

 

[7 Stringer]

I’d go for the Axe Fx II based on what you’re looking for. If you like the FX8 for effects, the Axe II will give you the same effects and be rack mounted. I think the Axe III would be over kill for FX only and you can likely get a decent deal on the II with the announcement of the III.

Yeah i thought of that too, but the Helix's interface tempts me. Plus the added loops i could use my Zuul and Pog II. Also have an Epress paraeq.

Very cofusing times ...... Lol

 

[7 Stringer]

I'd go for quality....Eventide Eclipse(KEEPER).....hint: at a certain "guitar" store they sell them used when they pop up for $950

Is that a Reverb guitar shop.......

Reviews are very good on it, thinking, thinking here......

 

[Emg77]

I’d go for the Axe Fx II based on what you’re looking for. If you like the FX8 for effects, the Axe II will give you the same effects and be rack mounted. I think the Axe III would be over kill for FX only and you can likely get a decent deal on the II with the announcement of the III.

Yeah i thought of that too, but the Helix's interface tempts me. Plus the added loops i could use my Zuul and Pog II. Also have an Epress paraeq.

Very cofusing times ...... Lol

I just picked up a Helix LT. This is my second time. First time was the the full Helix. I can say this, I went into it with a different mindset this time. I was only going to use it in 4 cm for effects only. Ive set it up with the Rhoads Colossus via midi. I couldn't be happier. I think the effects are very good. The versatility of the unit is amazing. Once I got away from the modeling aspect of the unit it was a set and forget . I spent too much time tweaking around with modeling the the first time I stopped playing . I assume the rack would be great for what you need. Just my 2 cents.

 

[7 Stringer]

I’d go for the Axe Fx II based on what you’re looking for. If you like the FX8 for effects, the Axe II will give you the same effects and be rack mounted. I think the Axe III would be over kill for FX only and you can likely get a decent deal on the II with the announcement of the III.

Yeah i thought of that too, but the Helix's interface tempts me. Plus the added loops i could use my Zuul and Pog II. Also have an Epress paraeq.

Very cofusing times ...... Lol

I just picked up a Helix LT. This is my second time. First time was the the full Helix. I can say this, I went into it with a different mindset this time. I was only going to use it in 4 cm for effects only. Ive set it up with the Rhoads Colossus via midi. I couldn't be happier. I think the effects are very good. The versatility of the unit is amazing. Once I got away from the modeling aspect of the unit it was a set and forget . I spent too much time tweaking around with modeling the the first time I stopped playing . I assume the rack would be great for what you need. Just my 2 cents.

My thoughts exactly also, i want it just for effects. But..... If ever i want to use some preamps in 4cm, i will be able too. As soon as my Invective sells, i am getting a REVV 100P, witch is midi and has a great clean channel also.

The rack format is a must, i hate long cable runs too and from my amps.

There is one for sale not too far from me, might go and get it.....

 

[Purpleibby]

I'd go for quality....Eventide Eclipse(KEEPER).....hint: at a certain "guitar" store they sell them used when they pop up for $950

Is that a Reverb guitar shop.......

Reviews are very good on it, thinking, thinking here......

Guitar Center. I bought my first Eclipse new in the early 2000's, fairly recently picked up a 2nd one used for my synth rig at GC for $950! I saw a few go out that price there, so that seems the be the rate they charge for used ones. Get one, load it with V4 and you've got a keeper!

 

[7 Stringer]

Just pulled the trigger on the Helix rack. Should have it today!!!!!!

 

[JerEvil]

There's no comparison between the FX quality of the G-System and Helix. The Helix destroys the TC. I loved the rugged, tour-capable design and programmable switching of the G-System. But ultimately the FX wore on me. Plus, with the Helix you get great modeling and user interface. Neither of which you got on the G-System.

My thoughts exactly, i am really leaning towards a Helix rack. I am still kepping the G though, the effects are still very good for me, but compared to the FX8, they are a bit stale, so i am guessing the Helix will be as good as the Fractal. Especially when that new firmware hits with the reverbs and such.

Might switch rigs for the jams, use the G there and keep the nice Helix home for my personnal pleasure........

Thanks

Man I had the AX8 and now have multiple Helix's... Helices... whatever! LOL!

Anyway, I have sold off all my pedals as I am that pleased with the L6 effects quality. Again, as mentioned above, you also get the the amp modeling AND it's a more than capable recording interface. I think the rack is brilliant and have one in my studio rack. I use the floor version for gigging.

Just pulled the trigger on the Helix rack. Should have it today!!!!!!

and of COURSE I saw this right after I replied! LOL!

Good call man. I think you're going to love it.

 

[7 Stringer]

There's no comparison between the FX quality of the G-System and Helix. The Helix destroys the TC. I loved the rugged, tour-capable design and programmable switching of the G-System. But ultimately the FX wore on me. Plus, with the Helix you get great modeling and user interface. Neither of which you got on the G-System.

My thoughts exactly, i am really leaning towards a Helix rack. I am still kepping the G though, the effects are still very good for me, but compared to the FX8, they are a bit stale, so i am guessing the Helix will be as good as the Fractal. Especially when that new firmware hits with the reverbs and such.

Might switch rigs for the jams, use the G there and keep the nice Helix home for my personnal pleasure........

Thanks

Man I had the AX8 and now have multiple Helix's... Helices... whatever! LOL!

Anyway, I have sold off all my pedals as I am that pleased with the L6 effects quality. Again, as mentioned above, you also get the the amp modeling AND it's a more than capable recording interface. I think the rack is brilliant and have one in my studio rack. I use the floor version for gigging.

Just pulled the trigger on the Helix rack. Should have it today!!!!!!

and of COURSE I saw this right after I replied! LOL!

Good call man. I think you're going to love it.

Just updated it with the latest firmware and checking out ghe newer reverbs, i like what i am hearing!!!!!!

I need to find some time to install it in my rack and make some sounds!!!! I will be using it as an effects generating machine only..... For now.

 

[guitarbilly74]

I'd just put the FX8 in a rack tray and get a footcontroller for it.

 

[Hamer95USA]

I'd just put the FX8 in a rack tray and get a footcontroller for it.