That's one I'll be interested in hearing. 

I've owned the Helix, AX8, Amplifire, HD500X, S-Gear, Amplitube 4, and Revalver 4.
I prefer S-Gear (and sometimes Amplitube) for modeling. I sold all hardware modelers and bought a
Roland Blues Cube Artist for live stuff.
Helix Native will be a big hit. It's up there with the top tier stuff and offers lots of amps and effects.
I only need a few things...S-Gear is as good as anything else at what it can do.
 

Just read that they said at NAMM the price would be around $300,
or $99 for existing Helix owners...

That will keep a lot of potential customers away...regardless of how good
it may be.  They haven't figured out that you are better off selling millions
of copies at $99 rather than thousands at $300...

That will also keep the vast majority away until it goes on sale...and Line 6
sales are few and far between...

Thanks for info. I have actually put a helix hardware unit on order just yesterday and assuming I will like/keep it, 99 USD for the native version would be ok - if it does not require the helix hardware connected as a dongle.

I did quite like the pod farm stuff how it put the same options onto your DAW which you knew from the hardware unit (and vice versa) but hated that it requires USB connection of the hardware unit ... why drag in the full rack and rig it up if you have the same options native ?

Will it have PACE "protection"?

Rob[atSound-Rehab]
Thanks for info. I have actually put a helix hardware unit on order just yesterday and assuming I will like/keep it, 99 USD for the native version would be ok - if it does not require the helix hardware connected as a dongle.

I did quite like the pod farm stuff how it put the same options onto your DAW which you knew from the hardware unit (and vice versa) but hated that it requires USB connection of the hardware unit ... why drag in the full rack and rig it up if you have the same options native ?

 
I get around this by having a Line6 TonePort DI as the audio interface for my multimedia speakers for Windows.  Also, stores the authorizations for my Line6 software.  Plus, it's nice having that nice big volume knob to hand for volume adjustments.
 

SF_Green
Yes, indeed.  I am still flabbergasted by the price of the Helix.

 
Helix was specifically designed to compete with higher-end guitar processors that had set new quality standards (Kemper and Axe-FX).
Kemper was the first "amp-sim" where I felt the tone/response was as good as a tube amp.
That lead me to checking out the Axe-FX II XL+... and ultimately settling on the Helix.
 
Never liked the POD-HD series.
Helix is in a whole different league... both sound/response and the UI.
 
Given the competition and how it stacks up, I think the cost is reasonable.
You can get the LT version for $1000 (same sound/models).  The "full" Helix is $1500.
 
Helix covers a LOT of ground (both live and recording).  
The form-factor and I/O are super flexible.
For me, it's easy to justify the cost... as it makes playing live and recording so much more convenient.
I used to take a 40-60 pound tube head... and a 60 pound 2x12 cab to gigs... (plus a keyboard and my vocal gear).
Now, it's just the Helix... and it sounds great for dirty, clean, and acoustic guitar.
We also fly-in small bits of audio.  Helix foot-switches can be programmed to send MIDI data (no need for extra triggers cluttering the stage).
 
Creating/tweaking sounds with Helix is super easy.  The touch-sensitive switches make navigation fast.
ie: Want to tweak the delay?  Touch the switch assigned to the delay... and all parameters are available to tweak.
The delay hasn't yet been assigned to a switch?  Highlight the delay block... and touch the desired switch for a couple of seconds.  You'll be asked if you want to assign the delay to that switch.  Press OK and it's assigned.
 
Need to make radical tonal/EFX changes for the solo section?
Using SnapShots, you can do this with the press of a single foot-switch.
No more tap-dancing to kick on the delay, boost, etc.
 
I've played many gigs with the Kemper, Axe-FX, and Helix.
All are capable of great sounding results.
The form-factor... and flexibility are why I continue to use Helix.
 
 
 

Thanks Jim.  It was interesting and informative to hear your perspective.  Most of my usage is for recording, so it makes less sense for me.  I'll consider the plugin though, but will definitely be waiting for a discount.
 
Cheers

Rob[atSound-Rehab]

LANEY
I think owners of the helix should get the software for free

That would be nice indeed and in line with previous line6 way of doing business

But what is strange is the long time it takes them to port it to a native version (helix has been in the market for about 2 years) ... that must have cost them quite some money...

It's certainly taken a while.  My guess is the development team is relatively small.
Line-6 had to redo the UI of the Helix editor... and made changes to the infrastructure so future updates are consistent across hardware and software versions.
 
As a Helix hardware owner, I'm not put off by the $99 cost.
If I wasn't a Helix owner, I'd have to think about $399.  $600 more and you can have the Helix LT.
 

Helix Native
Helix Native offers the authentic sounds of vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects—plus extensive signal routing functionality and an easy-to-use interface. Whether you’re a guitarist, producer, engineer, sound designer, film/TV/game composer, or electronic musician, the Helix Native plug-in is perfect for creating new and original sounds.

• Compatible with Mac^® and PC
• 64-bit performance on AAX, AU, and VST3 platforms
• 60+ amps, 30+ cabs, and 100+ effects
• Supports third-party Impulse Responses (IRs)

Helix Native is available at a reduced cost for registered customers of Helix hardware and existing POD Farm users.

Please log in to your account here to see if you qualify.

 
Helix Native
$399.99 ( est. €340.99 )

With registered Helix Floor/Rack
$99.99 ( est. €85.24 )

With registered Helix LT
$299.99 ( est. €255.74 )

Upgrade from POD Farm
$349.99 ( est. €298.37 )

Upgrade from POD Farm Platinum
$299.99 ( est. €255.74)
 

A 15 day free trial is great! 

And apparently the Website is AWOL