EXCLUSIVE! The NEW Line 6 Helix STADIUM!
Published on 12 June 2025
Have you heard the news yet? If not, you’ve come to the right place!
Yes, fellow guitarists, Line 6 have finally announced details of the BRAND NEW Helix models - yes, plural! - and wow, were they worth waiting for!
Learn everything you need to know right here…
Contents
Proxy Cloud Based Cloning Engine
Helix Stadium
In a grand announcement made only hours ago, Line 6 have unveiled not one but two successors to their mighty Helix Floor unit. The new name is Helix Stadium, and it’ll be available in two models: the Helix Stadium Floor XL and the Helix Stadium Floor. This is along the lines of the current/previous Helix Floor and Helix LT.
You’ll get an idea of the physical differences by checking out the photos, and I’ll go into more details soon, but first of all, here are the main things you need to know…
Helix Stadium Highlights
- Agoura modeling: entirely new modeling engine, next level quality
- Showcase: automation & playback feature for controlling audio tracks and lighting!
- Huge 8” Hi-res touchscreen
- Hype Control - instant morphing of tones
- Cloud-based cloning engine for capturing sounds
- Compatibility with your current Helix presets
- Expandable hardware via optional EXPAND10 unit
The list goes on, but let’s check out what we know about these things in slightly more detail.
Agoura Modelling
The real measure of any unit like this is in the sound and Line 6 have developed an entirely new engine and process for their sounds. Called Agoura, the modelling onboard the Helix Stadium Floor promises to be the most advanced ever. I know, manufacturers say this literally every time they release a new product, and the existing Helix sounds are fantastic already, but even a tentative listen to the slivers of sound we’ve heard so far have really impressed.
Agoura is an entirely new methodology in terms of capturing elements that make up a guitar sound: tube behaviour, amp power stages, sag and bias of pedals…factors that may not even directly affect a sound are taken on. It seems to be more about dynamics and nuance now, since the stock tones themselves are already well handled. Could this be the moment when those few remaining digital naysayers are finally silenced?
Showcase
Showcase is where the Helix Stadium really steps out of the footprint of a ‘mere’ FX unit. Showcase allows you to control and manage all sorts of data and media in real time, from tracks of audio (I’m thinking of backing tracks here) to even lighting cues! This unit can be the nerve centre for your entire live performance, as the unit can actually automate and change your guitar sound mid-song, as specified points in the backing track. You can split the song into stems and remix elements (lose the guitar on your favourite jam tracks, for example) to your own preference. The Helix will save all this, and remember your amp and FX settings too!
Hype Control
The Hype control looks to be a real time way of adjusting several parameters on the fly. The focus appears to be on changing the character and response of a sound (from ‘ultra realistic’ to ‘idealized’ according to Line 6) because, as Line 6 say, real amps are by their nature imperfect. You may be used to those imperfections and want them to remain here, or you may want a slightly more ‘produced’ version of that sound.
I mean, if it's a choice between real and idealised, give me idealised every time!
Proxy Cloud Based Cloning Engine
Proxy is a feature that will be ready early next year. This is where Line 6 are squaring up to the likes of Neural DSP and offering a system that will directly model equipment. Amps, cabs and effects are all spoken of as being a part of this vision, and is of course a necessary part of modern FX devices. This one is a big talking point, and if Line 6 get it right, it’ll provide significant force to the claims that these new Helix Stadium units are the most powerful ever.
The Two Models
So, you can see the Helix Stadium Floor XL and the Stadium Floor in the pics. The Floor XL is seeing release first (this autumn, no date as of yet) and the Floor will follow that a few months later.
Both units are built using aluminium and folded steel, so their roadworthiness is taken for granted. Both have the same 8” touchscreen for ergonomic, intuitive editing and sound management.
The Floor XL model features 12 high contrast scribble strips for immediate patch detail and more. It also has an expression pedal (which has a toe switch) and there are more I/O options on the back. If you thought the Helix Floor was comprehensive, then check out the pic above! This thing has:
- 2 variable impedance instrument inputs
- XLR mic input
- SP/DIF
- Support for FOUR FX loops!
- Support for four expression pedals
- Support for four amp outs
- Support for…wait for it…FOUR DRUM PADS!
- NEXUS port for EXPAND10 unit (a device for increasing flexibility further via digital outs etc)
- USB C, USB A
- Removable 32Gb microSD storage
There’s a bunch more in there too, but that’s an incredible level of power to have at any musician’s feet! You’ll be a one-person wrecking crew with this!
Now, the Stadium Floor loses some of this outstanding functionality, but I have to say, it doesn’t lose much! It’s still packed with those I/O features, just halved in amount, so you get a single variable impedance input and support for two FX loops, two expression pedals etc. Also, there’s no scribble strips and no expression pedal, but as we saw with the Helix Floor and Helix LT, this actually suited lots of players. Line 6 have catered to their user base particularly well here: you can have it all, or you can have everything you need, it’s your choice.
The Helix Stadium Floor XL is released this autumn, with the Stadium Floor arriving a few months later. Pre-Order begin on 25th June! It's a whole new chapter in guitar sound: be there first!
View the Line 6 Helix Stadium Floor XL and Stadium Floor
