I think owners of the helix should get the software for free and the price should be $99 for all!

I've never had a problem with the price of the Helix or the AX8.
But I do think S-Gear sounds just as good if a basic set of amps and effects is all you need.
 

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...

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.
 

NOW AVAILABLE

15-Day Free Trial

Try Helix Native for 15 days absolutely free—
and discover what it can do for you.

 
http://line6.com/helix/helixnative.html

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)
 

Looking forward to the convenience...
I can leave Helix (hardware) in rehearsal area... and use the plugin for learning parts.

A 15 day free trial is great! 

Helix is HERE!


HELIX NATIVE
IS NOW AVAILABLE
 Experience the Tone-Creation Power
of Helix in Your DAW
 The Helix® Native guitar and effects processing plug-in has arrived! It features the authentic sounds of vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects, as well as extensive signal-routing capabilities and an intuitive user interface. It also comes with a 15-day free trial so you can play before you purchase.

• HX Modeling provides outstanding authenticity and responsiveness
  
• More than 200 vintage and modern amps, cabs, mics, and effects
  
• Presets are compatible with Helix Floor, Helix LT, and Helix Rack hardware
  
• Also ideal for producers/engineers and electronic musicians
  
• AAX, AU, and VST3 platforms
  

Download Helix Native today
and experience the power of Helix Native for yourself.
START YOUR 15-DAY FREE TRIAL

And apparently the Website is AWOL