If the Kemper and the Helix had a baby : it would be the perfect BABY ! Kemper engineers pay attention to this : Make your products more user friendly like the Helix…. Helix engineers pay attention to this: Work on you sound make it more raw or real Like the Kemper …. there is always room for improvement 0:50
Great video Chris! Thanks for it. I actually added a Mooer 012 and 005 in the FX Loop and now and I am totally happy with my Crunch and Heavy Tones. Now I have the best of both worlds: the best UI and excellent tones.
You did very well with kemper it sounds bright, enhanced, open unlike helix. I'm a happy "Headrush" gigboard owner and we compare GB and Line6 STOMP, so STOMP was much worse, noticeable smaller and dark sound like headrush is 32 bit audio and STOMP like 12 bit audio... or ok, 16... But the difference is dramatic.
I tend to agree. The Kemper is much easier to get good tones right away. However I just bought a Helix LT and plan to dial in some settings and A/B them with the Kemper.. Hard to beat the Amp tones of the Kemper..
That's the issue XD if only kemper had way improved the UI and some of the usability features it would've knocked the helix out of the park. I'm going to uni next year and before I go I'm gonna get a floor modeller. However harder the kemper is to set up for me the tone is the most important thing and I'd rather have spot on profiles of some of the best amps ever made than loads of some still very good, but not quite as good helix models. Down to preference I suppose, tho. I wouldn't need a lot of the extra features the helix offers
Nice playing bro!! As a prior Helix owner (2 of them in the past), I have to wholeheartedly agree that the Kemper is the Helix Killer in the amp modeling dept. The tones are more 'alive' and " cranked amp in the room" full and crisp. I just sold my second Helix and have been leaning more and more toward the Kemper these days. I have plenty of effects/pedals and 2 great amps, a custom Blackstar 40w combo and a Mesa JP2C. What I want is the old legendary Marshall tones from the 70's / 80's that encompassed my youth and led me to play a guitar. The only realistic versions I've heard, honestly, is the Kemper. Cheers buddy and keep ripping!!
Nothing is better than the sound and feel of a tube amp. So the question is not which sounds better but which unit can sound closest like this. The answer is so clear. One of the two is indistinguishable from a tube amp. The two units get closer if you use the same IRs. But still one sounds always closer to a tube amp. People complain about the UI of the Kemper. You don't need a UI. You plug in and play. It immediately sounds great.
The UI isn't even that hard. It took me a solid afternoon. It's the same thing as a real amp. Input> stomp(pedals)>Amp> Output Effects(loop section if you will). It's literally an amp chain.
@@karterestill totally agree. The simplicity is what keeps you playing the guitar and not fiddling with knobs.. I have the Helix LT and just starting to dive into it.. I think they both are great.
I completely disagree. my all time favorite amp (that I own) is the Roland Blues cube. Technology has come a long way where solid state and even digital modelers stand up to physical amps. The issue isn't really "Which sounds closer to the original," it's "what's the difference between these two units and what's more consistent in its quality"
Alright, so I sold my 212 Hesu Cab, my EVH 5153 50W, and my whole pedalboard. Got about 1700$ for the whole thing. I need something more quiet. Decided to go for a modeler, either a Kemper Rack (or the Floor - they announced it a couple of days after I sold my gear), AX8 or the Helix Floor to use with monitors during the day and a headset at evenings. I just can't justify spending that much money on a Kemper unit. For me, the biggest questions when I approach an amp are: How it does modern metal? How it handles low tunings? To be perfectly honest, I was going to get a Kemper... and then my buddy showed me the magic of IRs. HELIX is a tweakers dream machine, and is VERY reactive to impulse responses. We loaded ML Sound Lab Mesa oversized IRs and this thing blew my mind. I couldn't care less about the Kemper after hearing how the Helix rips when IR-loaded. I also can't justify spending that much more money... actually for what? A Helix LT with external IRs does it just as good. Also, not even mentioning the UI or going FOH. It's a gigging musician tool. Also, I think a lot of these comparisons are a loss for Helix mostly because it's a Line6 product. A company widely hated for the Spider amp series. People just sticked a "sucks ass" patch onto Line6 and they judge with their eyes. Dont believe me? Go to Nick Hills youtube channel and check the modern metal tone video. If this sounds bad for you than you're straight up fan-boying. Damn, even Ola Englund liked how this thing sounds. And we all know Ola fucking rips when it comes to guitar tone. Peace!
Chris ROSE you’ll be tweaking for sure. More than playing. I have a kemper and a Helix. Spend most of my time on my tube amps. They don’t feel and sound like a tube amp. Not for me they don’t. I’m wondering what Chris has them hooked up to. And no I’m not some old tube purist. It took a lifetime to get a tube amp and great dirt, OD and fuzz pedals.
Will Roberts took me like 20 minutes to actually find a tone I like. lol It took me a year to buy a Mesa Dual Rectifier at the age of 19. Damn this thing sounds mediocre. And was way too heavy for what it was.
The Profiler Stage is the better sounding unit but not so much to the point that it justifies my picking that over the Helix and living with the drawbacks of having a seriously limited MIDI implementation, amp and effects parameters that are not assignable to either MIDI CC or footswitches, less flexible routing, and USB that doesn't function as an audio/MIDI I/O by comparison to the Helix. So long as the Helix produces amp tones that to the great or sufficient degree that it does resemble those with which they're identified, I'd take the Helix's routing flexibility and better automation facilities over the better sound of other units at the expense of lesser functionality.
The problem with helix is that you always have those harsh high frequencies wich are totally random because they are aliasing artifacts. Not a big problem if you chose to cut highs at 5-7k but it’s not an acceptable solution...
Great comparison, thanks! I have sold Helix for a Kemper Stage, still waiting for delivery. For time being i will jam and going to record material in studio, so the sound quality is first priority, hope Kemper will deliver. As for Helix yeah, super reliable gigwise, but i never really liked the sounds too much.Ok sounds but not inspiring. my 2 cents
Good review- I take Kemper because sounds way better and can profile amps that the Helix cannot do. I do wish that Kemper would update their legacy UI with a color LCD screen and better interface like what Line 6 and Fractal have done.
Helix can profile the amp you want if you know what you're doing. You can do the same with a free plugin, pod farm or whatever. Remember that it is not the tool but you and how much skill you have that determines a professional tone, or a mediocre.
I’ve got total FOMO about the kemper, been using a Helix for a few years and I love it, sometimes the low end doesn’t feel snappy enough, even with significant low cut. That’s about the only complaint I could come up with, it’s been amazing. But I’m afraid I’m missing something amazing in the kemper.
CT...thanks so much for the honest review....its so hard to filter thru all the BS on the intraweb...everybody's pimping something in perfect studio conditions...not real world situations where we all work and play....theres so much crap that i dont do anything...just keep on working my amp and pedals...cuz they work for me, every time....rock on my brother!!!
Your playing is great. Would love to hear your favorite crunch tone on Helix vs. favorite on the Kemper, your favorite breakup tone on Helix v. favorite breakup tone on Kemper, etc.
Ive had the axe8 i have the kemper stage ive been a tube amp guy for over 40yrs you have to be deaf to think the helix sounds better and i also understand cutting your teeth on crate solid state (so many do). The kemper is an incredible alternative tube having every amp known to man. Ive played it live its killer and killer in every environment. Its built like a tank
I have owned every version of line 6 floor unit owned helix for two years spent hours and hours tweaking some nights thought it sounded good other night totally disappointing. Got a Kemper grabed some sounds tweaked in practice now night after walk away going that sounded great. Line 6 has more bells and whistles but in every situation the kemper kills it for a more authentic tone. I also now have people asking how I get that sound. Years of suffering under line6 I finally feel like I am free. Never going back
Knowledge makes you free bro. If you from the beginning had focused more on learning about production and mixing, improving your skills, you would not have wasted 2 years modifying patches in the helix. There is the difference between a shitty tone and a professional one, when you learn that, you get the sound you want, even with free plugins.
Could you mention what profiles you used in the Kemper, sounded great. Your points about live tones cutting through are very valid. Playing solo and listening is far different than in a mix and live.
Chris. I’m a Helix owner…When I heard that Kemper tone you played on this video…. I instantly bought one. However, I can’t find that sound you had. Are you willing to share? I tried scrolling through the comments but couldn’t find where anyone had asked and received it. Thanks brother! Nice videos
Kemper sounds noticeably more dry and stiff, whereas Helix transforms the guitar and sounds like a great recorded sound - lively and juicy. I'll take Helix every time, and twice on Sunday. :) I had a Kemper for 2 years, couldn't find a really good fat solo sound, so i sold it in the end. For half of that money i bought the Helix LT, and i dialed in a great solo sound right on the first evening (some Plexi, i don't remember) - i'm using refined versions of this for over a year now with my 7-string and a CrunchLab/LiquiFire set, never been happier.
Yeah man, the finished sound of the Helix is what I prefer. The Kemper is cool though especially if you had a nice amp collection so you could profile your own amps.
One thing I like about the Helix are the drives. I've heard Kempers are far inferior... If the drives in the kemper were equal, I'd go for it instantly. Great video, thank you
I'm not huge on any of the Kemper effects. They are better than nothing...., but Helix definitely has way better effects. Kemper definitely has the "Chuggy Chuggy" sound....
Well the thing with the Kemper is you are using the actual amp in a sense. You aren't "recreating it" digitally like the helix. So building a clean profile and using a boost or a drive on the kemper isn't going to have the same effect as the Helix would
@@karterestill What have you been smoking? The Kemper is digitally recreating amps, it's a modelling them like the Line 6 is digitally, they just call it "profiling" as a marketing term. No, you aren't "using the actual amp in a sense", it's a digital modeling board.
@@fivefingerfullprice3403 no you're incorrect in modeler in a profile or completely different. the process of how they work are completely different. Kempers take a "snapshot of sound" Modeler's take the blue Prince of and amp and digitally recreate it
@@karterestill Lol, a "snapshot of sound". You're in way over your head brainlet. You don't know what digital means and you don't understand what marketing is either. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
The Helix has a broader sound 🌟🌟🌟🌟, although I heard a close to Randy Rhoads tone from The Kemper Stage ( very nice sound) fat Saturated Distortion; but smooth!! The Helix Just reaches out and grabs!!
How can the Helix have a broader sound? Kemper Profiles sound and feel exactly like the amps Profiled, and hundreds of amps have been Profiled that the Helix will never have. You'll understand once you make your first Profile of an amp you've playing for years.
CrazyDiamond1968, that’s opinionated, in my view as well as experience with Preamp, Multi Effects, Simulated( Emulated) Amps; I’m doing fine with my Dinosaur Equipment. I don’t owe allegiance to Brand Names; never did, never will. When I said broader, that Helix was more surround/ Stereophonic, to my ears. Kemper is where they should be; In my opinion “last place”; they were Pioneering with The Profiler, but this unit, is no comparison to Line6 ( in which I don’t own). There’s no need to promote Kemper; You love it; but it 😝👅’s to The Opt; to me. I don’t belong to New 🍭’s Club. You can get nice sounds, from any gear, but don’t look to Greats, they use “way over the top “Bells & Whistles””, they don’t share, because of Signature and Contracts, with their Slavemasters. I can only use what sounds right for me; you just do what’s right for you. ✌🏿☮️!!
the reason the two sound different is the way they model amps, kemper is basically a sample of a real amp that is known to sound good already, while helix models the circuitry of a amplifier for a schematical perspective. so imagine lets say its modeling a plexi, well it would be like a brand new plexi right out of the box and not broken in, out of 10 brand new plexi's it would sound like the average of them, not the one that sounds best. thats why you have to tweak the power/sag and eq effects of the amp in order to properly compare it with a kemper, because the kemper is a sample of a broken in and warmed up amp run at the correct voltage (110/220 etc), and most likely the best amp out of say 10 off the line.... Theres downsides to both. For the Helix it means you have to tweak it. The downside for the kemper is, when you want to tweak it or change the eq, its like manipulating a wav file on a track, so when i add bass or take away treble, it will react like using the eq on a mixer, where as the helix models the circuitry and potentiometers of the original amp and you will get a different sound effect. to better explain that imagine this, if i have a real plexi in the room and i turn up or down the bass knob, you should know that it sounds completely different then if i leave the bass knob in place and just alter the bass with a parametric eq pedal. Also the kemper will have a hard time mimicing the amp when different input gains are applied(ex: turning your guitar volume down to 6 or 7 on a cranked plexi gives you an awesome clean tone). To sum it up, the kemper models an amp at its peak performance at the point in time where it was captured (where the knobs were set) but a helix can model the organicness of an amp
That's very true. The sad thing is that 90% of guitarists ignore that fact. We are the musicians, the ones who worry about bullshit, which at the end of the day is not really important, as if it is to improve our technique, compose better songs, learn more about production and mixing, to record our albums with better quality ETC .
I'm biased because I have a Kemper (powered rack) and I have played the helix a lot. I never was impressed with it. I get the whole FOH thing. Honestly even with a powered rack that's the way to go but I like using my V30 loaded cab. The Helix still sounds digital to me. It feels too digital too. I don't know how else to describe that but on a real tube amp it will pick up your attack and dynamics and I just never felt that with the Helix. The UI is awesome. I'll give it that but people make the KPA UI harder than it really is. It is literally an amp chain. Input>Stomp(front pedal signal)> Amp>Cab>Out effects(looped like delay)> Output. It's nothing too complicated in my opinion.
Oh crap, that Kemper is killer! The Helix sounds all have a similar flavour, its like you've used the same base tone and just modified them, whereas the Kemper is just suplexing the Helix all over the place. I don't use either unit, in fact, I have never listened to a Kemper till I saw your two vids, but, I just realised that if I save just a little bit of money over the next month I might, might, be able to buy an new modeller, and the Kemper is sure sounding good.
The Kemper sounds far better in the amp department. The Helix effects are also uninspiring as fuck, while the new Kemper reverbs and delays are awesome. The only thing that is better on the Helix is that is cheaper, but it's a worse product so that has to be expected.
Jonathan M honestly and respectfully as someone who has tryied both for weeks , I don’t know what you are talking about The sounds are pretty much head to head . The helix is ready to go and record in the studio as well as the kemper
@@lawyerlawyer1215 Simple bro Those are common opinions, from people who know absolutely nothing about audio and are just looking for a product that does the hard work for them. But the truth is that although Kemper seems magical, it does not have much science behind it, and it is not offering you anything as a gift, you are paying for your ignorance 2,500 USD. But if you learn some basic production and mixing, improve your skills, achieve the tone you want, with a free plugin on your pc, pod farm, Etc. and you can sound better than many amateurs with Axe FX III or Kemper. At the end of the day it's not the gear you wear, or how much it costs, but the skills you have that really differentiates a shitty tone from a professional one.
Excellent demo.not to mention the playing good job.what was the Problem you have with the kamper was it the size of venue made your patches sound deffrent ?
You can sound like a real amp, when you know what you're doing. It is not the fault of the gear you wear but of your lack of skills, which makes you have a shitty tone, or a professional one.
Excellent and very fair question. I've been tweaking my Helix presets for almost 3 years. I've probably got 40-50 hours on the Kemper at the time of this video. More since. Wish I was joking.
I hear your complaints about the "heavy" tone that your Helix lacks compared to the Kemper, and I can hear that in the comparisons too. Not sure what you are using for cabs in the Helix, but if you are using the stock cabs, that's your problem. I found the same thing for VH, White Lion, Dokken, Lynchmob that you were riffing to. If you want to seriously improve your tone on the Helix and nail those 80's hair metal icons, get the Ownhammer 412 MRBW GNR M25 IR pack... That's Slash's actual cab used on the Chinese Democracy album. These IR's (especially the '57 miced ones) made a huge difference and let me very easily tone-match most of those artists/albums in a way that the stock cabs never could. Way more ballsy and rich.
@@christaggart2084 What about the other end of the spectrum: clean tones? Can you get either/both to have a solid clean tone (no break up... spanky funk). To my ear, the crunch is nearly indistinguishable. And yes the high gain seems to favor the Kemper. But I'd like your two cents on the cleans.
I have a completely different story. I got the helix and the Ax8. I just got a Kemper and I really love the amp sounds in it . Not all but the Marshall and Soldano amps are better than the helix . My own opinion
That’s fan boy talking. It definitely doesn’t “kill” the Helix. I’ve had to work at it very hard just to get it to sound “as good” as the Helix. And I still haven’t had a successful gig with it.
@Guitar Age Kemper definitely kills line 6, when you know absolutely nothing about audio, and you just need to buy something that will do the job for you. But it is not free and it costs you a lot, I would say. On the other hand if you know what you do, you can achieve professional tones even with free plugins on your pc.
Actually I'm wrong. I had HX Stomp, AXE AX8 and Boss GP-10. And after lots of back to back comparison and experenents i decided to stay with Boss GP-10 + two pedals: Boss DS-1, DV Mark Tube Maker. No internal drives, because of plastic sound. But a couple exteral drives plus boss effects into line/mixer i found the best sounding cost effective combination. And i found HX Stomp (with third party IRs) much better sounding guitar fx processor then AXE AX8. I compared every device back to back, having real tube fender, vox, marshall amps, and came to the mentioned above point of view.
I don't even know why I'm watching this, even playing with digital modelers at home just pisses me off... lol. I'll stick with my evh and marshall for amps and use the digital stuff for effects only.
Man.. I can't commit to the Kemper yet. I'm a huge Helix guy and I've had it now for 3 years. My Helix tone is the best tone I've ever had, but I think if you give me a couple years with the Kemper I might say the same thing.
I have every IR you can get for the Helix and at this point I think I have almost everything MBritt offers for the Kemper. Still using the Helix at gigs.
From this video you get "Kemper all the way"? As I play them, I love the Kemper heavy tones, but I like the Helix cleans and light distortions way better.
Chris I think the mistake you did is telling people which unit was which before you played them. Some people would say a guitar plugged into a potato sounded the best if you said it was a Kemper. If you look through the various blind sound comparisons on RUclips, Helix wins at least as often as it loses vs Kemper if people don't know what they are playing and are just listening
That last Kemper tone is so raw! Never heard a better high gain tone out of a modeler.
Kemper definitely has a raw tone.
If the Kemper and the Helix had a baby : it would be the perfect BABY !
Kemper engineers pay attention to this : Make your products more user friendly like the Helix….
Helix engineers pay attention to this: Work on you sound make it more raw or real Like the Kemper ….
there is always room for improvement 0:50
Great video Chris! Thanks for it. I actually added a Mooer 012 and 005 in the FX Loop and now and I am totally happy with my Crunch and Heavy Tones. Now I have the best of both worlds: the best UI and excellent tones.
You did very well with kemper it sounds bright, enhanced, open unlike helix. I'm a happy "Headrush" gigboard owner and we compare GB and Line6 STOMP, so STOMP was much worse, noticeable smaller and dark sound like headrush is 32 bit audio and STOMP like 12 bit audio... or ok, 16... But the difference is dramatic.
Great comparison and great playing 🙌🙌
For amp tones, I'd go Kemper every time. But I can't deny that the Helix has a far superior UI.
I tend to agree. The Kemper is much easier to get good tones right away. However I just bought a Helix LT and plan to dial in some settings and A/B them with the Kemper.. Hard to beat the Amp tones of the Kemper..
That's the issue XD if only kemper had way improved the UI and some of the usability features it would've knocked the helix out of the park. I'm going to uni next year and before I go I'm gonna get a floor modeller. However harder the kemper is to set up for me the tone is the most important thing and I'd rather have spot on profiles of some of the best amps ever made than loads of some still very good, but not quite as good helix models. Down to preference I suppose, tho. I wouldn't need a lot of the extra features the helix offers
@@RGMDG what else is there? Lol. Without amp tones it is a digital mess
Instablaster
Nice playing bro!! As a prior Helix owner (2 of them in the past), I have to wholeheartedly agree that the Kemper is the Helix Killer in the amp modeling dept. The tones are more 'alive' and " cranked amp in the room" full and crisp. I just sold my second Helix and have been leaning more and more toward the Kemper these days. I have plenty of effects/pedals and 2 great amps, a custom Blackstar 40w combo and a Mesa JP2C. What I want is the old legendary Marshall tones from the 70's / 80's that encompassed my youth and led me to play a guitar. The only realistic versions I've heard, honestly, is the Kemper. Cheers buddy and keep ripping!!
There is just a dynamic complexity I hear in Kemper stuff that I don't really hear elsewhere. It's hard to describe, and subtle, but it's there.
Nothing is better than the sound and feel of a tube amp. So the question is not which sounds better but which unit can sound closest like this. The answer is so clear. One of the two is indistinguishable from a tube amp. The two units get closer if you use the same IRs. But still one sounds always closer to a tube amp. People complain about the UI of the Kemper. You don't need a UI. You plug in and play. It immediately sounds great.
The UI isn't even that hard. It took me a solid afternoon. It's the same thing as a real amp. Input> stomp(pedals)>Amp> Output Effects(loop section if you will). It's literally an amp chain.
@@karterestill totally agree. The simplicity is what keeps you playing the guitar and not fiddling with knobs.. I have the Helix LT and just starting to dive into it.. I think they both are great.
most of cannot play tube amps in apartments so this fits the need for quiet apartment practice.
I completely disagree. my all time favorite amp (that I own) is the Roland Blues cube. Technology has come a long way where solid state and even digital modelers stand up to physical amps. The issue isn't really "Which sounds closer to the original," it's "what's the difference between these two units and what's more consistent in its quality"
Thank you so much. I think that variables such as string and note separation make the Kemper a more universally applicable device.
Through my headphones I thought the helix sounded better, but I have tried a Kemper, and I think in the room, the Kemper sounds and feels better.
Love the White Lion licks! Great comparison.
Thanks!
Alright, so I sold my 212 Hesu Cab, my EVH 5153 50W, and my whole pedalboard. Got about 1700$ for the whole thing. I need something more quiet. Decided to go for a modeler, either a Kemper Rack (or the Floor - they announced it a couple of days after I sold my gear), AX8 or the Helix Floor to use with monitors during the day and a headset at evenings. I just can't justify spending that much money on a Kemper unit. For me, the biggest questions when I approach an amp are: How it does modern metal? How it handles low tunings? To be perfectly honest, I was going to get a Kemper... and then my buddy showed me the magic of IRs. HELIX is a tweakers dream machine, and is VERY reactive to impulse responses. We loaded ML Sound Lab Mesa oversized IRs and this thing blew my mind. I couldn't care less about the Kemper after hearing how the Helix rips when IR-loaded. I also can't justify spending that much more money... actually for what? A Helix LT with external IRs does it just as good. Also, not even mentioning the UI or going FOH. It's a gigging musician tool.
Also, I think a lot of these comparisons are a loss for Helix mostly because it's a Line6 product. A company widely hated for the Spider amp series. People just sticked a "sucks ass" patch onto Line6 and they judge with their eyes.
Dont believe me? Go to Nick Hills youtube channel and check the modern metal tone video. If this sounds bad for you than you're straight up fan-boying. Damn, even Ola Englund liked how this thing sounds. And we all know Ola fucking rips when it comes to guitar tone. Peace!
Chris ROSE you’ll be tweaking for sure. More than playing. I have a kemper and a Helix. Spend most of my time on my tube amps. They don’t feel and sound like a tube amp. Not for me they don’t. I’m wondering what Chris has them hooked up to. And no I’m not some old tube purist. It took a lifetime to get a tube amp and great dirt, OD and fuzz pedals.
Will Roberts took me like 20 minutes to actually find a tone I like. lol
It took me a year to buy a Mesa Dual Rectifier at the age of 19. Damn this thing sounds mediocre. And was way too heavy for what it was.
Kemper hands down.
The Profiler Stage is the better sounding unit but not so much to the point that it justifies my picking that over the Helix and living with the drawbacks of having a seriously limited MIDI implementation, amp and effects parameters that are not assignable to either MIDI CC or footswitches, less flexible routing, and USB that doesn't function as an audio/MIDI I/O by comparison to the Helix. So long as the Helix produces amp tones that to the great or sufficient degree that it does resemble those with which they're identified, I'd take the Helix's routing flexibility and better automation facilities over the better sound of other units at the expense of lesser functionality.
Bingo! I just purchased a Helix LT and loving it!
I heard that 'In my dreams' solo lick...you tried to sneak it in...I see you Chris....I see you! Great stuff.
The problem with helix is that you always have those harsh high frequencies wich are totally random because they are aliasing artifacts. Not a big problem if you chose to cut highs at 5-7k but it’s not an acceptable solution...
I think they are both quite cool and GREAT. What Kemper profiles are you using?🤔
Welcome Back Chris. Used to follow you a while back before the Ban.. Glad to see you are back.. Cheers
Thanks man. Gibson is still a bunch of D-bags, but I'm back!
Great demo and nice playing, thanks!
Great comparison, thanks! I have sold Helix for a Kemper Stage, still waiting for delivery. For time being i will jam and going to record material in studio, so the sound quality is first priority, hope Kemper will deliver. As for Helix yeah, super reliable gigwise, but i never really liked the sounds too much.Ok sounds but not inspiring. my 2 cents
Yeah, that's kinda where I'm at with the Kemper. Doesn't really excite me, and that was really what I was hoping for was insti-fun. :)
I was expecting the kemper to sound better, but I think I actually much preferred the sound of the helix!
Good review- I take Kemper because sounds way better and can profile amps that the Helix cannot do. I do wish that Kemper would update their legacy UI with a color LCD screen and better interface like what Line 6 and Fractal have done.
Helix can profile the amp you want if you know what you're doing.
You can do the same with a free plugin, pod farm or whatever.
Remember that it is not the tool but you and how much skill you have that determines a professional tone, or a mediocre.
Hello Chris, which pedal more versatile, kemper or helix floor? I will buy one soon… thanks ❤️
I have Kemper rack running into helix rack …running 4 cable ..it’s the best of both worlds …millions of amps and helix …is perfect system
Did you upload that Helix sound that is broken where you cut the volume? Nice John Mayer sound.
Your ‘broken’ tone’s killer. 👍
Cheers for the review man! What profiles did you use on the kemper?
I’ve got total FOMO about the kemper, been using a Helix for a few years and I love it, sometimes the low end doesn’t feel snappy enough, even with significant low cut. That’s about the only complaint I could come up with, it’s been amazing. But I’m afraid I’m missing something amazing in the kemper.
Same
@@zwip778 glad to know im not the only one, i would love to have helix effects and UI with the kempers amp profiles...
@@zwip778 me three... argh
Kemper and Fractal would be great to have the best of both worlds.
CT...thanks so much for the honest review....its so hard to filter thru all the BS on the intraweb...everybody's pimping something in perfect studio conditions...not real world situations where we all work and play....theres so much crap that i dont do anything...just keep on working my amp and pedals...cuz they work for me, every time....rock on my brother!!!
Organised disorder apart ...the Kemper is far better ...on the other hand I’m owner of a toaster since 2013 and I still love it.
Your playing is great. Would love to hear your favorite crunch tone on Helix vs. favorite on the Kemper, your favorite breakup tone on Helix v. favorite breakup tone on Kemper, etc.
I'll do it then! Hit the subscribe button and you'll see it.
proud owner of an $80 POD X3 Live 😁
I used to LOVE my X3!!!
Great job and tones out of booth. Nice playing too.
A pretty face should never win a tone contest. I'd play through a cow terd if it gave me the best tone.
Heheh
Ive had the axe8 i have the kemper stage ive been a tube amp guy for over 40yrs you have to be deaf to think the helix sounds better and i also understand cutting your teeth on crate solid state (so many do). The kemper is an incredible alternative tube having every amp known to man. Ive played it live its killer and killer in every environment. Its built like a tank
I have owned every version of line 6 floor unit owned helix for two years spent hours and hours tweaking some nights thought it sounded good other night totally disappointing. Got a Kemper grabed some sounds tweaked in practice now night after walk away going that sounded great. Line 6 has more bells and whistles but in every situation the kemper kills it for a more authentic tone. I also now have people asking how I get that sound. Years of suffering under line6 I finally feel like I am free. Never going back
Knowledge makes you free bro.
If you from the beginning had focused more on learning about production and mixing, improving your skills, you would not have wasted 2 years modifying patches in the helix.
There is the difference between a shitty tone and a professional one, when you learn that, you get the sound you want, even with free plugins.
Could you mention what profiles you used in the Kemper, sounded great. Your points about live tones cutting through are very valid. Playing solo and listening is far different than in a mix and live.
Hey Chris you can’t shred some Vito right by us 80s kids without us noticing.🤘
He's easily in my top 5.
I think you can get great tones from each unit.
What amp were u using on kemper for zak wylde tone?
1 your are great guitarplayer
2 very good and helpfull video . thanks
Chris. I’m a Helix owner…When I heard that Kemper tone you played on this video…. I instantly bought one. However, I can’t find that sound you had. Are you willing to share? I tried scrolling through the comments but couldn’t find where anyone had asked and received it. Thanks brother! Nice videos
Kemper sounds noticeably more dry and stiff, whereas Helix transforms the guitar and sounds like a great recorded sound - lively and juicy. I'll take Helix every time, and twice on Sunday. :)
I had a Kemper for 2 years, couldn't find a really good fat solo sound, so i sold it in the end. For half of that money i bought the Helix LT, and i dialed in a great solo sound right on the first evening (some Plexi, i don't remember) - i'm using refined versions of this for over a year now with my 7-string and a CrunchLab/LiquiFire set, never been happier.
Great video. I really enjoyed your "comparison" of the two units. I hope that you will check out Tonewar's upcoming "blind test" between the two.
I might rabbit... I might.. :)
Can u get close Zakk wylde tones out of helix?
An honest opinion, at last! I'm so fed up with reviews that are only demos....
Great video, would you share the Helix patch please? ✌😁
Yeah man, the finished sound of the Helix is what I prefer. The Kemper is cool though especially if you had a nice amp collection so you could profile your own amps.
if you have lots of tube amps, Kemper wins. Otherwise the Helix has better package.
Hey Chris, could you tell us the names of the Kemper profiles you used? Especially the heavier ones, they sounded amazing!!
One thing I like about the Helix are the drives. I've heard Kempers are far inferior... If the drives in the kemper were equal, I'd go for it instantly. Great video, thank you
I'm not huge on any of the Kemper effects. They are better than nothing...., but Helix definitely has way better effects. Kemper definitely has the "Chuggy Chuggy" sound....
Well the thing with the Kemper is you are using the actual amp in a sense. You aren't "recreating it" digitally like the helix. So building a clean profile and using a boost or a drive on the kemper isn't going to have the same effect as the Helix would
@@karterestill What have you been smoking? The Kemper is digitally recreating amps, it's a modelling them like the Line 6 is digitally, they just call it "profiling" as a marketing term. No, you aren't "using the actual amp in a sense", it's a digital modeling board.
@@fivefingerfullprice3403 no you're incorrect in modeler in a profile or completely different. the process of how they work are completely different. Kempers take a "snapshot of sound" Modeler's take the blue Prince of and amp and digitally recreate it
@@karterestill Lol, a "snapshot of sound". You're in way over your head brainlet. You don't know what digital means and you don't understand what marketing is either. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
There seems to be a real clarity in that Kemper and doesn’t seem to be as harshly bright... hmmm?!
The Kemper is extremely heavy bottom ended. I feel like the Helix is more treble heavy. Totally opposite creatures.
Is the mod to the look of your Helix something you can buy or did you do it?
I made it.
The Helix has a broader sound 🌟🌟🌟🌟, although I heard a close to Randy Rhoads tone from The Kemper Stage ( very nice sound) fat Saturated Distortion; but smooth!! The Helix Just reaches out and grabs!!
How can the Helix have a broader sound? Kemper Profiles sound and feel exactly like the amps Profiled, and hundreds of amps have been Profiled that the Helix will never have. You'll understand once you make your first Profile of an amp you've playing for years.
CrazyDiamond1968, that’s opinionated, in my view as well as experience with Preamp, Multi Effects, Simulated( Emulated) Amps; I’m doing fine with my Dinosaur Equipment. I don’t owe allegiance to Brand Names; never did, never will. When I said broader, that Helix was more surround/ Stereophonic, to my ears. Kemper is where they should be; In my opinion “last place”; they were Pioneering with The Profiler, but this unit, is no comparison to Line6 ( in which I don’t own). There’s no need to promote Kemper; You love it; but it 😝👅’s to The Opt; to me. I don’t belong to New 🍭’s Club. You can get nice sounds, from any gear, but don’t look to Greats, they use “way over the top “Bells & Whistles””, they don’t share, because of Signature and Contracts, with their Slavemasters. I can only use what sounds right for me; you just do what’s right for you. ✌🏿☮️!!
the reason the two sound different is the way they model amps, kemper is basically a sample of a real amp that is known to sound good already, while helix models the circuitry of a amplifier for a schematical perspective. so imagine lets say its modeling a plexi, well it would be like a brand new plexi right out of the box and not broken in, out of 10 brand new plexi's it would sound like the average of them, not the one that sounds best. thats why you have to tweak the power/sag and eq effects of the amp in order to properly compare it with a kemper, because the kemper is a sample of a broken in and warmed up amp run at the correct voltage (110/220 etc), and most likely the best amp out of say 10 off the line.... Theres downsides to both. For the Helix it means you have to tweak it. The downside for the kemper is, when you want to tweak it or change the eq, its like manipulating a wav file on a track, so when i add bass or take away treble, it will react like using the eq on a mixer, where as the helix models the circuitry and potentiometers of the original amp and you will get a different sound effect. to better explain that imagine this, if i have a real plexi in the room and i turn up or down the bass knob, you should know that it sounds completely different then if i leave the bass knob in place and just alter the bass with a parametric eq pedal. Also the kemper will have a hard time mimicing the amp when different input gains are applied(ex: turning your guitar volume down to 6 or 7 on a cranked plexi gives you an awesome clean tone). To sum it up, the kemper models an amp at its peak performance at the point in time where it was captured (where the knobs were set) but a helix can model the organicness of an amp
I applaud you! Finally someone in the comment section who understands the sonic excellence of the Helix! 👌🏽
Couldn’t agree more. Very well put!
The crowd will not know the difference between a nicely set up pod 2.0 , or a Kemper.
That's very true.
The sad thing is that 90% of guitarists ignore that fact.
We are the musicians, the ones who worry about bullshit, which at the end of the day is not really important, as if it is to improve our technique, compose better songs, learn more about production and mixing, to record our albums with better quality ETC .
I'm biased because I have a Kemper (powered rack) and I have played the helix a lot. I never was impressed with it. I get the whole FOH thing. Honestly even with a powered rack that's the way to go but I like using my V30 loaded cab. The Helix still sounds digital to me. It feels too digital too. I don't know how else to describe that but on a real tube amp it will pick up your attack and dynamics and I just never felt that with the Helix. The UI is awesome. I'll give it that but people make the KPA UI harder than it really is. It is literally an amp chain. Input>Stomp(front pedal signal)> Amp>Cab>Out effects(looped like delay)> Output. It's nothing too complicated in my opinion.
Oh crap, that Kemper is killer! The Helix sounds all have a similar flavour, its like you've used the same base tone and just modified them, whereas the Kemper is just suplexing the Helix all over the place. I don't use either unit, in fact, I have never listened to a Kemper till I saw your two vids, but, I just realised that if I save just a little bit of money over the next month I might, might, be able to buy an new modeller, and the Kemper is sure sounding good.
New Fractal coming too. FM3, and you can daisy chain the pedal boards to it
What is the name of that killer Kemper profile? Wow!
Great video and thank you
Thanks and youre welcome!
The Kemper sounds far better in the amp department. The Helix effects are also uninspiring as fuck, while the new Kemper reverbs and delays are awesome.
The only thing that is better on the Helix is that is cheaper, but it's a worse product so that has to be expected.
Jonathan M honestly and respectfully as someone who has tryied both for weeks , I don’t know what you are talking about
The sounds are pretty much head to head . The helix is ready to go and record in the studio as well as the kemper
@@lawyerlawyer1215
Simple bro
Those are common opinions, from people who know absolutely nothing about audio and are just looking for a product that does the hard work for them.
But the truth is that although Kemper seems magical, it does not have much science behind it, and it is not offering you anything as a gift, you are paying for your ignorance 2,500 USD.
But if you learn some basic production and mixing, improve your skills, achieve the tone you want, with a free plugin on your pc, pod farm, Etc.
and you can sound better than many amateurs with Axe FX III or Kemper.
At the end of the day it's not the gear you wear, or how much it costs, but the skills you have that really differentiates a shitty tone from a professional one.
I have both...the Kemper delivers a much bigger sound.
Hell with the tones... where’d you get that EVH skin?! That’s awesome
I made it. Message me on Facebook.
It seems like you have to have both Lol! its like having both Mac and PC, these days you have to know both..
Excellent demo.not to mention the playing good job.what was the Problem you have with the kamper was it the size of venue made your patches sound deffrent ?
If I knew the reason, I would make it sound better. It's just a pain in the butt. :)
What power amp did you use with kemper stage? Great video
you can't beat the kemper for tone!it sounds like real amp!
You can sound like a real amp, when you know what you're doing.
It is not the fault of the gear you wear but of your lack of skills, which makes you have a shitty tone, or a professional one.
You've had the Kemper for a few hours....how long have you had the Helix for? :)
Excellent and very fair question. I've been tweaking my Helix presets for almost 3 years. I've probably got 40-50 hours on the Kemper at the time of this video. More since. Wish I was joking.
@@christaggart2084
And in that time you've nailed a Van Halen tone and Zakk Wlyde.
Do you sell these presets for the Helix. It sounds so good! What is your other gear for the Helix sound?
If you can message me, I'll just send it to you. Believe it or not, it's one patch! I use one patch with 8 snapshots all night.
@@christaggart2084 I´ve sent you a message on Facebook Messenger! THanks!
I just hear that digital sound in the helix. I don’t define it as defined but more linear... the Kemper just sounds natural and professional.
I hear your complaints about the "heavy" tone that your Helix lacks compared to the Kemper, and I can hear that in the comparisons too. Not sure what you are using for cabs in the Helix, but if you are using the stock cabs, that's your problem. I found the same thing for VH, White Lion, Dokken, Lynchmob that you were riffing to. If you want to seriously improve your tone on the Helix and nail those 80's hair metal icons, get the Ownhammer 412 MRBW GNR M25 IR pack... That's Slash's actual cab used on the Chinese Democracy album. These IR's (especially the '57 miced ones) made a huge difference and let me very easily tone-match most of those artists/albums in a way that the stock cabs never could. Way more ballsy and rich.
I have literally ever IR made. I couldn’t even tell you which one I’m using, but I don’t use stock cabs either. Those are junk.
@@christaggart2084 What about the other end of the spectrum: clean tones? Can you get either/both to have a solid clean tone (no break up... spanky funk). To my ear, the crunch is nearly indistinguishable. And yes the high gain seems to favor the Kemper. But I'd like your two cents on the cleans.
Nice overlay protector on the Helix. Where you get it? :)
I made it.
I cannot seem to find these presets on Line 6, what would they be under?
OMG KEMPER
The Kemper isn't made in China, German Engineering and manufacturing. Yeah....itz a bit more $$$
Nice video. Is the helix patch available? 👍
Sure. Message me and I'll send it to you.
@@christaggart2084 cool, what's you email? Cheers 👍
What cabs/IR’s are you using for the Helix tones?
Send me a message on Facebook and I’ll send you my preset and IR.
bro the kemper sounds better
It's not really close, is it?
I have a completely different story. I got the helix and the Ax8. I just got a Kemper and I really love the amp sounds in it . Not all but the Marshall and Soldano amps are better than the helix . My own opinion
Definitely kemper wins
I know it isn't your primary focus, but do you think one is better than the other for blues?
I think they are both great for blues. They are very similar right up to the High Gain stuff.
Chris Taggart thanks!!
May I please have the Helix patch ?
Hey Chris What are you running the Helix through? FRFR? Amp? Sound Great
Alto TS312
and the patches for the Helix are????? they sound good!
Send me a message on Facebook and I will send you the patch.
Use irs with the helix , the inbuilt cab's are not that great
inbuilt cabs are IR
@@sherbuel yes they are compressed to save processing power. but either way external irs give me the tone im looking for. helix is great.
What speakers are you playing out of?
Kemper kills line6.
That’s fan boy talking. It definitely doesn’t “kill” the Helix. I’ve had to work at it very hard just to get it to sound “as good” as the Helix. And I still haven’t had a successful gig with it.
@Guitar Age
Kemper definitely kills line 6, when you know absolutely nothing about audio, and you just need to buy something that will do the job for you.
But it is not free and it costs you a lot, I would say.
On the other hand if you know what you do, you can achieve professional tones even with free plugins on your pc.
Actually I'm wrong. I had HX Stomp, AXE AX8 and Boss GP-10. And after lots of back to back comparison and experenents i decided to stay with Boss GP-10 + two pedals: Boss DS-1, DV Mark Tube Maker. No internal drives, because of plastic sound. But a couple exteral drives plus boss effects into line/mixer i found the best sounding cost effective combination. And i found HX Stomp (with third party IRs) much better sounding guitar fx processor then AXE AX8. I compared every device back to back, having real tube fender, vox, marshall amps, and came to the mentioned above point of view.
I don't even know why I'm watching this, even playing with digital modelers at home just pisses me off... lol. I'll stick with my evh and marshall for amps and use the digital stuff for effects only.
Great video and great playing BUUUT the Helix is very brittle sounding and the Kemper is not.
Kemper is sick
For someone that will buy one or another...what you recommend?
Man.. I can't commit to the Kemper yet. I'm a huge Helix guy and I've had it now for 3 years. My Helix tone is the best tone I've ever had, but I think if you give me a couple years with the Kemper I might say the same thing.
I think you will be able to make same lead tones even with 50 dollars amp
Pricewise, Helix is superior, at least for me... upgrade each unit with Fremen or Michael Britt patches and IRs, and let us know what you think
I have every IR you can get for the Helix and at this point I think I have almost everything MBritt offers for the Kemper. Still using the Helix at gigs.
They are all good.. spend some time with it , then you r ready to take it out on the road...
Chris, what is your email to get a copy of those Helix patches?
Find me on Facebook. I’ll message it to you.
kemper all the way
From this video you get "Kemper all the way"? As I play them, I love the Kemper heavy tones, but I like the Helix cleans and light distortions way better.
Chris I think the mistake you did is telling people which unit was which before you played them. Some people would say a guitar plugged into a potato sounded the best if you said it was a Kemper. If you look through the various blind sound comparisons on RUclips, Helix wins at least as often as it loses vs Kemper if people don't know what they are playing and are just listening
Well the Kemper sounds much better but its your money do what you want with it
Do you share your presets for us to maybe try on the Helix??
Sure. Send me a message on Facebook. I’m happy to send it to you.
@@christaggart2084 I don't have Facebook, so I could give you my email if you would like
Clifford Cline
Sure. I can email it.
I thing you can blow house with this sound :)
Kemper more batter
I liked the Helix until he put the Kemper on.