Line 6 Helix Stadium XL - FTW!

I’m here checking out the Quad Cortex amp and effects floor pedal, which seems to be the go-to for professionals these days… Then, I discover a major announcement from Line 6 that dropped just a week ago: the brand-new Line 6 Helix Stadium XL!

This bad-boy has it all: Hardware:

8-inch High-Resolution Touchscreen: For intuitive control and navigation.

12 High-Contrast OLED Scribble Strips: For clear labeling and feedback.

Built-in Expression Pedal with Toe Switch: For expressive control.

Capacitive Touch Foot-switches: For easy preset selection and editing.

External Amp Switching and Drum Trigger Inputs: For comprehensive rig integration.

Extensive I/O: Including multiple effects loops, expression pedal inputs, and MIDI integration.

Software & Modeling:

"Agoura" Modeling Engine: A new engine for next-level modeling quality.

"Showcase" Feature: Automation and playback for audio tracks and lighting control.

Cloud-based Cloning Engine: For capturing and sharing sounds.

Compatibility with Existing Helix Presets: Seamless transition for users.

Support for 3rd-party Impulse Responses (IRs): For expanded tonal possibilities.

Other Notable Features:

"Hype Control": For instant morphing of tones.

Expandability: Optional EXPAND10 unit for increased I/O.

High Dynamic Range: On instrument inputs and XLR mic preamp.

Two Guitar Inputs, instead of just one (one less thing to unplug and plug in).

What really stands out to me is the Showcase feature. With this, I can import up to eight pre-recorded instrument tracks - like drums, bass, and keyboards - and even add my own track to the mix. The best part? The pedal automatically switches patches for me as I play along with the backing tracks, so I don’t have to be a “stomp-box-king” anymore. It even handles click tracks and can control stage lighting! Imagine the pedal seamlessly changing my tone from clean to crunch, to lead, and back again - totally hands-free. How awesome is that?

I’ve got plenty of time to think it over, since it won’t be available until January, but man, it sounds incredible!

Way back in the early 2000s (2000–2004), I used a Line 6 AX2 amplifier and absolutely loved it. That amp delivered killer tones for live performances and nailed everything I needed - even the synth parts for Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” Steve Stevens pulled off those sounds with a ton of pedals, but the AX2 got me just as close. Eventually, I donated it to a local guitar school so another aspiring player could enjoy it.