Tradition Revisited

Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more

- Trevor Curwen

You may have seen the Line 6 Catalyst amp range before, which features combos with modelled sounds derived from the company's Helix (HX) range. The company has now introduced three new models: the 200-watt Catalyst CX 200 2x12, the 100-watt Catalyst CX 100 1x12, and the baby of the bunch that we're taking a look at here, the 60-watt Catalyst CX 60 1x12. Whereas the older models featured six Helix amp voicings, these new models double that to 12 and also have the ability to load any of the 24 onboard effects into either of the two dedicated effects slots.

(Incidentally, a firmware update for the older models will bring them up to this specification.) The CX 60 is a solidly built combo amp that's reasonably easy to carry, the bulk of its weight most likely coming from the 12-inch Line 6 HC60 speaker. There's a single guitar input on the top panel next to the controls, but round the back you get more socketry for various functions.

This includes: a footswitch socket; an XLR direct output to route the signal to a PA, mixer or audio interface; a headphone socket for silent practice; and an auxiliary input for playing music (unprocessed) through the amp’s speaker. There’s also an effects loop for connecting external effects that comes with a switch to determine whether it’s used as a standard effects loop or whether the return signal is routed straight to the power amp so you can use the combo as a power amp/speaker, perhaps for a floorboard amp modeller.