Best Rackmount Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
Line 6 Helix Rack
Line 6 has released multiple versions of the Helix including a Rack version, which is easily the most thorough and powerful rackmount multi effects processor available on the market. While a lot of other rackmount effects processors have been discontinued, we expect the Helix Rack to be around for a long time.
Line 6 made the Helix to be capable of replacing an entire guitar rig, or playing nice with existing gear. They also made multiple versions of the Helix, including the Helix LT (a kind of lite version of the full Helix) and the Helix Rack, which is the subject of this article.
It's the best rackmount guitar multi effects processor we know to recommend.
With over 300 amp and effects models, easy-to-learn interface, and floor control compatibility with every i/o you could think of, you truly won't need anything else.
In a world where a lot of rack-mounted effects processors have disappeared from production, the Helix is at the top of the pile without a lot of competition.
Read more: How to set up a guitar rack system
More guitar multi effects processors
We've listed a few comparable rackmount multi effects processors below. Again, outside of Line 6, there isn't a ton to pick from. But if you look around at different retailers, and certainly on used platforms, you can find good processors from DigiTech, Avid, and several other companies.
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Unit | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 6 Helix Rack | n/a | |
 | Line 6 POD HD Pro X | n/a | |
 | Gamechanger Audio Plasma | n/a | |
 | Avid Eleven Rack | n/a |
The Line 6 Helix Rack is easily the king of the hill in this particular category.
Our Methodology for Making Recommendations
To make recommendations, we stick to brands and products that we have a lot of familiarity with. For example, Line 6 is a trusted, well-known brand and we've used a lot of their pedals and amps. If we were not familiar with them, we would not recommend their products.
We also try to highlight and recommend gear that we've actually played or tested. While we did not buy the Helix, we did test it out extensively and spend a lot of time researching it.
This helps us establish context for a buyer and shows you what situation would make the most sense for you to make a purchase.
If it doesn't make sense in your situation, don't buy it.
Sometimes a recommendation can point you in the right direction, even if it doesn't show you exactly what you should get. Remember, despite the fact that we want you to trust us, we also want you to take the time to do your own research and think about your situation.
If you have questions about our methodology or review/recommendation process, please feel free to get in touch.
Price Guide for the Helix Rack
This table shows you pricing for the Helix Rack from multiple popular vendors that carry it. For the most part, pricing will be appreciably similar, if not the exact same amount across retailers. Still, you can check price history and sign up for price alerts below.
Comparison Table
Price Alert Sign Up
Price History Chart
Price History for Used Line 6 Helix Multi-Effects Guitar Rack 194744854514
Statistics
| Current Price | $1,199.99 | December 6, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $1,199.99 | February 22, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $1,199.99 | February 22, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $1,199.99 | February 22, 2023 |
Just a quick note: The price alert and price history chart track with the lowest price among all the vendors listed.
Features we like
The features of the Helix family are well-documented, known for a wide range of new effect algorithms (called the Helix Family of effects) alongside the Legacy effects from Line 6 modelers of the past. But we'll mention a few additional perks we think are uniquely helpful for a rack setup.
Pros
- 3D mic placement
- Use up to nine effects at the same time
- In, out/thru MIDI control
- The i/o is comprehensive, to put it mildly
- Hundreds of effects, amp models, IRs. All that stuff.
Cons
- Takes up three rack spaces
- The Helix processors are a lot of things. Cheap is not one of them.
Multi-effects processors, preamps, or power amps?
The Helix Rack is pretty obviously an effects processor, but if you look for other options, you might also see rackmount preamps and power amps, depending on where you look. There are also rackmount tuners, distortion modelers, power conditions, and EQs.
Just keep in mind that these are all different than multi-effects processors.
That said, processors like the Helix can handle amp and effects roles simultaneously.
Rack preamps and power amps are better for if you want to separate those elements out and give yourself more control.
Conclusion
If you don't want to go with the Helix Rack in favor of something cheaper, we'd recommend checking out the used markets like Reverb and eBay. DigiTech, Behringer, and TC Electronic all had really good rackmount multi-effects units back in the day. You can still find them pretty easily.
But if you want to stick with something that has not been discontinued (and likely won't be), Line 6 processors are your best options.
If you have questions about the Helix Rack, or other rackmount multi-effects options, leave them in the comments section below.
We'll help out as much as possible.
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