Parallel Effects in SONAR's FX Rack

I really like parallel effects. TH2/TH3 has two parallel paths, but the FX Rack itself can't handle parallel effects. The go-to for most people is Blue Cat's PatchWork, which for $99 is a great solution.
 
However I'm a big fan of the Line 6 Helix, so I was really happy when they came out with a native version - especially because it has four parallel paths, so now I can get four parallel effects in a SONAR track. Although you're of course limited to using the Line 6 effects, there's a wide array to choose from that are good for more than just guitar...and some of them have no equivalent from other manufacturers.
 
The downside is it's $400, so you have to weigh whether an open-ended parallel system like PatchWork is more cost-effective. And of course if you don't want to spend anything, you can always set up multiple buses or use Aux tracks with folders. But I'm finding that "multibanding" the Helix amps gives me the best amp simulations yet, and I also use the non-guitar FX on vocals. If this sounds interesting, you can download a 15-day trial version of Helix Native and check it out.

I've been kind of interested, I can get it for $349 since I own Pod Farm (not a super-generous discount). I've mostly been using Guitar Rig 5, which I think sounds better than Pod Farm. I also own some of the Line 6 Model Packs though, which add some more esoteric amps and fx, whereas Guitar Rig is more like all the usual suspects.
 
How do you think Helix sounds in comparison to Pod Farm? I've tried the Positive Grid demos too, and thought they sounded really good, but their offerings are a bit confusing, and the website is a little unclear and lacks some details.

Amplitube 3 allows for two parrallel paths...

I've used it a number of times for various effects/situations...

...and the free statup price makes it easy to get started, then add additional amps/fx/etc whenever you chose.

I believe Amplitube 4 allows this as well, but I'm not certain...

Keni
Amplitube 3 allows for two parrallel paths...

I believe Amplitube 4 allows this as well, but I'm not certain...

Yes, Amplitube allows for two parallel paths. The CA-X Biamp Power Chord amp uses TH3's parallel paths. However for multiband processing with amps, two bands doesn't really cut it because you can do only lows and highs. Four bands allows for a lot more definition. Cubase comes with a virtualization of the Quadrafuzz, the four-band multiband distortion I designed back in the early 80s, and iZotope Trash allows for multiband distortion as well. But what appeals to me about the Helix is that it allows multiband processing that's not only distortion.
 
 

I thought I knew what "parallel effects" was but, having read the above I'm not so sure.

Can't you just put each effect on a buss an use sends?

Anderton

Keni
Amplitube 3 allows for two parrallel paths...

I believe Amplitube 4 allows this as well, but I'm not certain...

Yes, Amplitube allows for two parallel paths. The CA-X Biamp Power Chord amp uses TH3's parallel paths. However for multiband processing with amps, two bands doesn't really cut it because you can do only lows and highs. Four bands allows for a lot more definition. Cubase comes with a virtualization of the Quadrafuzz, the four-band multiband distortion I designed back in the early 80s, and iZotope Trash allows for multiband distortion as well. But what appeals to me about the Helix is that it allows multiband processing that's not only distortion.
 
 

Interesting...

I got the helux native a cople of weeks ago and it was ok but I wasn't particularly impressed. A friend bought the helix lt and while learning/teaching it to him i was very uncomfortable with the gui/logic for programming it...

pwalpwal
another option is ddmf's metaplugin https://ddmf.eu/metaplugin-chainer-vst-au-rtas-aax-wrapper/

That looks really cool...only $49, and it comes with a four band crossover. I'm not sure I'll be a fan of having four amp sims open instead of just one, but it looks great for all the other stuff I do.

rmfegley
Question, what is it you like about multiband distortion on guitar?

It makes amp sims sound delicious, but I've been doing this since the 80s, when I came up with the Quadrafuzz. I stopped using guitar amps in 1968 so I've always wanted to get "my sound" before hitting the input jack of a flat response amp. So far multiband distortion is the best option for getting the sound I want.
 
I'll be doing a demo at some point of the difference between single-band and multiband amps. I sent a quick demo to Line 6 in the spirit of "Hey, do you guys know Helix can do this?" and they were pretty impressed.
 
You can think of multiband distortion as cleaner than conventional distortion, but dirtier than hex distortion where each string distorts individually.

Have you tried NF MAGMA? It can do up to 4 parallel paths and it hosts 3d party plugins too.

It's also very easy to do the ADT trick with MAGMA. PM me for the ADT preset.