The Line 6 Helix Stadium is a major leap forward in guitar processing. It features a new sound engine, live automation tools and is designed for both studio recording and live performance.
Line 6 has always been at the center of guitar innovation. But with the Helix Stadium, they’re not just updating a product. They’re rebuilding it from the inside out. The Helix Stadium is Line 6’s boldest step yet in guitar processing. It isn’t a minor upgrade or a slight refresh, but it’s a whole new platform designed to meet the demands of modern musicians. From its redesigned sound engine to deep live automation, it’s clear this is built with both stage and studio in mind.
The Agoura Engine: New Heart, New Sound
Hype Control: Your Sound, Your Call
A Screen That Speaks Your Language
Showcase Mode: The Hands-Off Player’s Dream
Connectivity: Plenty of Room to Grow
Proxy: Amp Cloning on the Horizon
Built for Real-World Use
Pricing and Models
Final Thoughts
The Agoura Engine: New Heart, New Sound
At the core of Line 6 Helix Stadium is the Agoura modeling engine. It’s not just better than before. It’s completely rebuilt to act more like real amp circuits.
Instead of stacking up sound layers, Agoura recreates how each part of a real amp works. That means better feel, more touch response, and tones that behave like the amps you know.
And yes, it’s already fooled some die-hard fans. Early feedback on models like the AC30 and JCM800 says this is as close as modeling has come.
Hype Control: Your Sound, Your Call
Tones straight from amps don’t always sit right in a mix. That’s where Hype Control steps in.
It’s a single knob that moves between raw amp tone and a refined studio-ready sound. You get to find the sweet spot without extra EQ or reverb work.
It’s one of the most practical features on the unit, especially for live players who want punch without mud.
A Screen That Speaks Your Language
The 8-inch touchscreen is clear, sharp, and fast. Combined with the Focus View feature, editing is simple and intuitive.
You can swipe, tap, and drag your way through your signal chain. There’s also a Preset Audition feature that plays audio clips and shows helpful metadata so you know what you’re loading before you even hear it.
For those tired of menu diving, this interface is a relief.
Showcase Mode: The Hands-Off Player’s Dream
Live players will love the Showcase Mode that Helix Stadium offers. It’s not just about changing presets. It can handle playback, footswitch cues, tempo sync, MIDI messages, and even DMX lighting triggers.
If your set is planned down to the second, Helix Stadium can handle it without missing a beat.
You can now automate your whole performance and keep your hands on the instrument.
Connectivity: Plenty of Room to Grow
The Helix Stadium Floor model offers everything you’d expect:
- Instrument input, mic input, and two loops
- Two pedal/amp control outs
- Two drum trigger ins
- USB-C and USB-A
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- 32GB microSD card slot
The XL version adds more: dual instrument inputs, four loops, four pedal ins, 12 scribble strips, and a built-in expression pedal.
And for those who need digital I/O, there’s the Expand D10. It adds Variax, AES/EBU, optical outs, and L6 Link, all over a single Nexus connection.
Proxy: Amp Cloning on the Horizon
While not live yet, Proxy is a cloud-based system that lets you clone your own amps, effects, or cabs. You can upload, tweak, and share your captures.
That means your favorite analog gear can live in your Helix with no mic setup required. It’s an optional direction, but one with a lot of potential once it rolls out.
Built for Real-World Use
Despite the new tech inside, Helix Stadium is smaller and lighter than the original. It’s 42% more compact, making it easier to travel with.
Inputs are high headroom. The dynamic range is excellent across both the instrument and mic inputs. The headphone output also got a boost in quality.
Plus, it works as a multi-channel USB audio interface, so it doubles up for your DAW needs.
Pricing and Models
Here’s what’s available:
- Helix Stadium Floor: $1,799.99
- Helix Stadium XL: $2,199.99
- Expand D10: $219.99
- EX2 Expression Pedal: $149.99
- Stadium Backpack: $249.99
The Floor version ships this winter. The XL drops in Fall 2025. Pre-orders are open now.
Final Thoughts
The Line 6 Helix Stadium isn’t just for tone chasers. It’s for working musicians who need their gear to sound right, feel right, and work every night.
With Agoura, Hype Control, and Showcase automation, it’s hard to think of another unit that checks this many boxes.
If you play live, record often, or want a rig that can do both without compromise, this might be the one worth waiting for.
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