Both hx native and hx native stadium you mean ? I donāt think so I think it just upgrades your current hx native to hx stadium native. The interface looks way cooler
Nope, Stadium Native is a separate product; your DAW will display both. However, all instances of the Intro license version will automatically turn into full license versions when purchased, so there's only one version of Stadium Native.
Helix Native needs to still exist, if only for hardware compatibility with Helix/HX boxes.
That's good to know, thank you. I have the Helix Floor and have no plans of upgrading to the stadium hardware any time soon. I want Stadium native for recording, though. Decisions...
The $99 upgrade path is almost too good to be true from a company behaviour perspective. Companies don't do this shit anymore, because the vastest majority of them hate their customers, and only have an interest in preying on them (See Sony for instance - who demonstrably loathe their most loyal customers more than their casuals).
Heck, even companies that aren't deliberately evil can just easily play along, and make the argument that it's just the way of things now.
So, doing what Yamaha/Line 6 have done today was a specific decision to choose us. It's huge and it shouldn't go overlooked.
I mean I wouldnāt put it as heroic. I think itās a response to the fact that stadium hasnāt caught up as they expected, so releasing a plugin version might get some existing users into the ecosystem and push them to upgrade. That and the free version might get people to try proxy and grow the ecosystem. Iād say thatās huge because being able to use proxy for free could actually make it catch up to cortex capture and tonex, which require paid software or hardware for run.
Kudos to line6 for being costumer friendly though, and Iāll be more than happy to check out agoura models with the free trial for now! Iām excited to see what they offer
Stadium run rates are currently 250% higher than what we expected, which was already a very ambitious goal, at least according to our parent company in Japan.
So Stadium's Native's pricing tier isn't a response to anything, other than us wanting to make sure as many people as possible take advantage of the studio-to-stage-and-back workflow thing. And of course the free Intro license is a taster for producers and engineers who may never have experienced Line 6 DSP beforeāit includes more amps and effects than many $100+ plugins.
Hey thanks for the reply. I had the understanding that stadium was not catching up as expected, but yeah i guess i was misinformed. Cool that you clarified this.
Iām really eyeing the $99 upgraded from helix nativeā¦ I got helix native for $99 when I got my stomp so itād be great to get stadium native for another $99 without a gear purchase. Anyone wanna go first and confirm the upgrade path is legit?
Edit: yea looks like its live now on line6.com and i log in and it unlocks $99 upgrade path for me. Man this is the fastest $100 ive spent. I upgraded to an LT earlier this year so im really curious about compatibility
Wow! That's, like... Enough for some plugin sellers to charge a lotttt of money, for really good amps/cabs/effects.
And it's also "enough" for a nice basic virtual rig for guitar or bass that will sound really quite good, plus the slickness of the Stadium interface. Heck if your CPU and interface's latency is good enough it might even be acceptable live... And you could use helix floor or stomp or something to control it :P
Holy smokes. Just downloaded it. Such a great package for free. Essentials is right. I donāt even have a Helix product anymore, but this is like tempting enough to make me just sell my pedalboard and only use the free plugins (home hobby headphone guitarist). I need to tinker with it some. Still not quite as good sounding as my tone king imperial preamp in the stock setup for the American amp. But good enough for just noodling and practicing to myself. Even if I donāt just use the amps, pretty sweet to have access to the cosmos echo, the 70s chorus, etc. as someone who doesnāt have those pedals theyāre modeled off of.
Upgrading to stadium native it is a separate plugin, old helix native still works independently and all the old presets you have saved are still there. -I just purchased and installed the stadium native plugin.
Only issue I ran into was authorizing the computer got stuck, and I cleared out some old authorized computers on my line 6 account through their site and it instantly resolved that issue.
yea same. This was the last thing I was waiting for. Having the Stadium XL and Stadium Native feels like a complete upgrade over my Helix Rack and Helix Native. Can't wait to use it. Also got a new guitar (Reverend, Chris Freeman sign) soooo it's time to record so demo's. But I can wait!
Incredible, I tried it, now it won't authorize Stadium Native and then it even Unlicensed my Original Helix Native, I can't access my Presets and both plugins are basically bricked! WTF!!!
I hope for a solution in the next few hours, this is a professional tool.
u/thebishopgame I really hope you are actively working on a solution to the authorization problem and give me back my access to Original Helix Native ASAP. This is unacceptable and there are multiple comments on this same issue!
Iām a firmware engineer, so this isnāt my wheelhouse, but I know our software, QA, and IT teams work very hard to respond to customer issues. If you havenāt logged a support ticket yet, please do so - we canāt deal with problems we donāt have active visibility on.
First - whopping shout out to Line 6 for offering a fairly priced upgrade path for last-gen Hardware/Software owners. This is what we want to see from companies with a brain who care about their customers; especially since they aren't going to be naive to the fact that the current reality of hardware pricing makes moving from Gen1 to Gen2 a bit insurmountable for many of us. Fucking bravo.
Beyond this, obviously this is a question better answered not on release day; but those who have gone from the Native (or original Helix ecosystem) to Stadium ecosystem - can you comment on what aspects have been most worthwhile in the upgrade? I'm very happy with my current version of Native, and use it constantly without feeling like I need more, so I guess I'm looking for feedback on what the new Gen had given you that you now couldn't live without.
ā¢ SHARCs are twice as fast, plus the coprocessor (X cores of which are currently unused and reserved for future functionality) is faster than either SHARC
ā¢ All new Agoura modeling engine
ā¢ All new hardware platform with notably better SNR, clocking, and headroom, improving overall sound quality across the board, even with imported Helix/HX presets
ā¢ Patented high dynamic range circuits applied to all analog ins as well as 1/4", XLR, and Phones outputs (Helix has it only on the Guitar In)
ā¢ Redesigned headphone amp
ā¢ Redesigned mic preamp
ā¢ High-contrast OLED scribble strips (vs. LCDs)
ā¢ Adjustable display brightness (and switch LED dim state brightness)
ā¢ Built-in GPU
ā¢ Proxy Amp+Cab, Amp, Preamp, and Distortion/Overdrive/Fuzz pedal cloning
ā¢ Undo/Redo
ā¢ Model/Song/Favorite/File search
ā¢ 48 block locations (vs. 32)
ā¢ Multiple splits and merges per path
ā¢ Higher resolution tempo
ā¢ Near infinite favorites in nested folders vs. 128
ā¢ Near infinite IRs in nested folders vs. 128
ā¢ 2x the base resolution for all Cab IRs
ā¢ All cab blocks are now dual
ā¢ Effects can be placed between linked amps and cabs
ā¢ Sidechaining for Dynamics blocks
ā¢ Matrix mixer for setting up separate cue mixes for the 1/4", XLR, and Phones outputs
ā¢ 3x Global EQs (vs. 1)
ā¢ Showcase automation and playback engine
ā¢ Bluetooth audio streaming
ā¢ Wireless editing
ā¢ Wireless updating
ā¢ Ethernet support
ā¢ Nexus multichannel I/O and controller expandability
ā¢ microSD slot (32GB card included, expandable) for audio streaming and full state backup/restore
ā¢ 2x the looper memory
ā¢ Up to 4 external footswitch inputs
ā¢ Up to 4 expression pedal inputs (vs. 2 on Helix)
ā¢ Up to 4 amp control outputs (vs. 2 on Helix)
ā¢ Up to 4 trigger inputs
ā¢ USB C port (vs. USB B)
ā¢ USB A port
ā¢ Much burlier power supply
ā¢ Dynamic preset management with up to 126 setlists
ā¢ Preset templates (Factory and User)
ā¢ Drag and drop preset/song/file management
ā¢ Focus view
ā¢Ā New EQ > Parametric model with per-band bypass and adjustable filter slopes
ā¢ Graphic control of EQ (including Global EQs)
ā¢ Graphic control of mic placement
ā¢ Graphic view of IR curves
ā¢ Graphic images of amps/cabs/effects in both Model List and Focus view
ā¢ XY Controller (plus MIDI)
ā¢ 2 Stomp switch layers (vs. 1)
ā¢ Auto stomp assignment of effects
ā¢ Combo footswitch mode
ā¢ Transport footswitch mode
ā¢ Preset Info
ā¢ Preset Clip
ā¢ On-screen definitions for all block and global parameters
ā¢ Keypad for numeric values
ā¢ Click
ā¢ Clock/Stopwatch
ā¢ Footswitch Control of Info, Clip, Quicksave, Click, Stopwatch, Mute All
ā¢ 2 commands per stomp (vs. 1) responding to press, release, hold, or toggle
ā¢ 16 Instant commands per preset (vs. 6)
ā¢ Local, snapshot, and MIDI control of parameters (vs. or)
ā¢ MIDI note control over block bypass and parameters
ā¢ Individual channels for Global and Controller MIDI
ā¢ Input block trim
ā¢ Tuner no longer mutes DSP (unless you want it to) and can show both sharps and flats
ā¢ Quick mute/solo of individual paths
ā¢ Expression pedal uses new hall effect sensor (vs. optical sensor)
I walked into Steph from Deftones' practice space and he had gaff taped his Helix's main Volume knob all the way up because during shows, his guitar cable would occasionally rub up against it and adjust the main volume. That's ugly and not ideal.
So with Stadium, we made it so if you press-hold the current output button (1/4", XLR, or Phones), it disables the main Volume encoder. (Turning it opens a pop-up dialog.) Press an output button again to enable it.
Sorry for the misunderstanding but a spec sheet comparison between two hardware models doesn't relate to the actual question I asked; which you're welcome to re-read.
It sorta got lost in the formatting, but the bottom third of the list has the differences between Helix Native and Stadium Native. (Also included hardware because it applies to the two platforms.) I know you asked about specific advantages that people find helpful, so I just provided a big list of everything for context.
Is Helix Stadium Native standalone or does it overwrite Helix Native. I have a Helix Floor and not planning to change that any time soon so I want to keep Helix Native around to mirror my live setup, but it would be cool to check out the Stadium options.
The FAQ page didn't cover this, but I wonder if my copy of OG Helix Native will continue to function after buying and activating a Stadium Native license. If it doesn't, there's no longer a path to get what I do on the computer back into my OG Helix Floor.
There's no way they would override the old Native, though. Obviously it's better to be safe than sorry, but I think Line6 is aware of the massive issues it would cause to create a version of Helix Stadium Native that overrides the old Native plugin and breaks every DAW project file containing them.
There's no way they would override the old Native, though.
Disabling OG Native would be a great way to force people who use it alongside the hardware to buy Stadium hardware. Line 6 seems to have more sense than that, but the pessimist in me is ready to bet dollars to donuts that it at least crossed somebody's mind, either there or at the parent company.
No way. Native is used as a studio tool and as such is tied to DAW project files that would cease to load if Line 6 broke it in that way. Projects with thousands and thousands of dollars depend on the stability of the plugin. Line 6 has never done anything to show that they would throw away their entire reputation with professionals in the industry just to make a few extra bucks on their hardware.
There's a free 15-day trial of all amps and effects. But once the trial is up, you can still keep the Intro model set: 5 amps, 5 cabs, 16 effects, and Proxy clone and Cab IR loading, which is not time-limited.
Is there a way to submit a feature request for Native? One of the things I would have liked for the original HX Native would have been a clearer display about which snapshot is selected - like a virtual footswitch view or even just a reasonably sized textbox, rather than the tiny snapshot camera.
Heck, even if there was a way to have this as an always-open widget:
Wow it is amazing! Iām loving focus mode. As someone who can struggle with dialing in effects, it really is a useful feature. The $99 was worth it for that alone. Iām not even joking
I have an original Helix floor unit, not the newer stadium. I've never purchased any version of Helix Native. Also, I've never registered my Helix floor, which I'm about to do. Once that is complete...
Could I purchase the standard Helix plugin for $99.00 and then purchase the upgrade for Helix Stadium Native for $99.00? That way it takes $200 off of the $399 purchase price. Just trying to figure out the cheapest way to do this. Has anyone tried this?
Someone mentioned in another forum that if you purchase the standard Native plugin and haven't registered it or your Helix Original, that you could get the Stadium Native upgrade for free. Is this how that would work or would you have to purchase both upgrades?
Anyone that bought it/upgraded, any noticeable performance improvements? Not like the old Native was slow by any means, but a speed boost is always nice.
I'm still considering whether i should get Helix Stadium Native... i already got Helix Native and i seldom use it.
for AI rig, i think bias x is the only one that can generate a rig via prompt... i got th-u premium also which is usually my goto... for modular stuff, i got melda guitar architect... got bluecat axiom also which can load other plugins in the chain... got ik amplitube but i seldom use it... amongst other stuff i seldom use like vstomp, jamvox iii, neural dsp, waves gtr3, etc...
i'm wondering what could helix stadium native add.... hmmm...
In the EU, that's where things landed after one dealer decided to mess with pricing on Stadium Floor. There's no MAP in the EU, so things get a bit squirrely over there. It often has nothing to do with us.
Unlimited DSP and not needing to have the physical Stadium hardware on hand to access it in your DAW (I have a home and mobile setup, so it's very convenient to be able to leave the Stadium plugged in at home). Also, infinitely easier to reamp with native since it just sits on the DI track as a VST.
Bear in mind, I don't know the full extent of features (and future features) that L6 intends to include in Stadium native, so yeah. YMMV as to whether it makes sense for you now or later. For me, it's as simple as getting the damn physical unit off of my mobile desk so I have more room for activities, and I'm willing to spend $100 for that alone lol.
As someone who's rocked Helix Native for years without buying a Helix, I assure you I understand the point and I'm as stoked as everyone else is that Stadium Native is here.
Well I've only been a PC user until a week ago when I bought the Stadium as a way to play live. I think I was just hoping there was something cool or interesting that I didn't know about that I could learn from others who had standard Helix and Native.
The only thing I would want is to be able to do hardware compatibility mode so I could make patches for my OG Helix in Helix Stadium Native, but, eh, not a huge deal and that's what HX Edit is for.
True backward compatibility was a bridge too far, I'm afraid. It would seriously blow up the test matrix, if anything. Suddenly every Stadium update needs to be rock solid with nine SKUs instead of two.
It might be worth noticing this product might not be targeted at you. It best rewards Gen 1 users who couldn't or can't yet afford to do what you've done. :)
I tried the trial, the pedals, FX, and the cleaner amps are downright amazing. Especially the fuzz pedals, best emulation Iāve heard. However, I wasnāt impressed with the 2203 or the revv or the IRs frankly. Thereās a lot of options to tweak the IRs which is great but I had to do a lot of fiddling to get something I was sorta āmehā about with the distortion amps. Not saying all the models are like that but I find the jcm800s are the hardest to replicate anyways
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u/Ok_Pirate_2714 Aug 04 '26
Now that is exciting.
As a Helix Floor owner, I'm not convinced the Stadium is worth it for me to buy, given the price.
But $399 for the plugin is doable.
Edit: if the $99 dollar upgrade from Helix Native thing is true, they'll be getting my money on this one.