Thanks!
Yeah, once Line 6 finally released the Helix Native version, that really changed things. A lot of times, in the studio, I'll work a song using Native. The ability to change a tone "last minute" is great. However, I am also a traditionalist (believe it or not). I print effects. I have no problem committing to a tone. In that regard, I use the Helix as a traditional amp sometimes. If I am playing around with a "rig" and it inspires me, I just use whatever I made and throw the song down. That flexibility is SOOO worth it.
I am right with you. My last ALL tube studio rig was a Twin Reverb, an AC15 and a Rivera S120 connected/switched via a Voodoo Labs GCX/Ground Control system. Each amp was mic'd with a close mic that stayed with the rig. I'd often add a second mic to the rig as needed, per application.
About the modelers I mentioned being high-end pieces, yeah I agree with Axe and Kemper. If I could have swung the Fractal/Axe I would have been all over it. At the time, used, the Axe-FX II was still like $2200!!! The Kemper seemed more complicated, and once you add the cost of the floor controller - YIKES. Helix, while in the $1500 range at the time, was expensive - but still quite a bit cheaper than the alternatives. But, with the release of Helix LT at $1000, Line 6 was smart enough to offer a killer version of their flagship (same engine/sounds) with some of the "bonuses" removed (I/O, loops, etc.).
It's all good. I am just familiar with those products because I knew I was gonna buy higher end, so that's where I researched.