Jumped back and forth between all 3. The only way to notice differences is by doing that. In and of themselves, they're pretty darn close - Nothing crazy different. I heard the extra "bite" you referred to only in the solo clips. In the mix, I love 'em all. Thanks for doing this!
For me, the lesson here is that using great cab IRs is a critical part of the recording chain. A second lesson is what incredible value you get from Thermionik! Thanks for this is great demo, I hope to hear more of these in the future.
All three are distinctly amazing sounding. In a live context, people would be extremely happy with any of the choices. Isn't awesome how you can achieve great tone with almost anything now!?
I’ve hear people say that even the Axe Fx 3 has more clarity than the Axe Fx 2. I have a Kemper and love it. But I might love the Axe Fx just as much. These amp substitute platforms are getting so close that it reminds me of when I buy a TV. I am so worried initially about which one is better that it takes me a while to choose. But the reality is, when I get home and watch tv, I just enjoy the shows and never really think about “the better deal” that the other TVs were. I sure wish I could do that with gear! Lol
Loved the vibe of the track. Agree with your description of the tones, they're all good. I prefer the Axe FX tone, but I'm bias, got my III a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for doing this.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these. Thermionik was a touch darker, which could perhaps be brightened up with EQ. The best thing is we’re at a point in time where there are very few bad options.
I think the bottom line with all the modern equipment - so good in any way - is: if music is good, doesn't matter what amp sim was used :) If music is crap, no any amp sim or real amp will save it. Reminds me of doing photography. Some have a long dispute about what camera or lens is better and then they focus on those micro details 98% of population don't see... "population see" if photo has something in it, is it interesting, does it drag attention to it, not if it covers 99% or 98% of visible light or if when magnified 300% still have great sharpness :)
I have a Helix, and have really been thinking about an Axe FXIII lately. This video both made be want an Axe FXIII and also made me realize that the Helix is probably so close it will be hard to tell the difference unless you constantly A/B them. It's probably my gear lust wanting everything more than just wanting a superior tone. AMPs and pedals are still king when it comes to response and feel, but since no one in the audience can tell what you're playing then why lug any more around than what you have to these days. I'll probably stick with the Helix given the ever so slight difference (especially when you can buy presents and IRs from guys who really tweek the crap out of these things) and given the extreme portability of the Helix with the back back too. If Line6 comes out with the Helix 2 though i'll probably jump all over that :)
When you see the prices start dropping on the Helix across their HX line, is when they got something in the works, but probably see a few more big firmware updates first. There's still room for improvements.
Something I would love for your videos, especially when listening in my car on mobile would be timestamps in the description so we can jump between sims
For the price, Thermionik is unbeatable, that seems pretty obvious, with unlimited budget the Axe FX would be my choice though, sounded the best to my ears.
I commented too fast, they all sounded awesome, liked the thermionik least, the axe took it for me in this one. just that little bit of extra crispiness. Prowlmer just popped up in my playlist btw :D
Thanks for the detailed comparison! Just wanted to ask you - is there a particular reason the IR for the Helix is loaded in a separate plugin (and not in Helix Native itself) while for the Axe you loaded it in the Axe Edit itself?
All 3 are good tones, the Axe is slightly better than the Helix and the Axe and Helix are a fair bit better than the other to my ears. I definitely heard the darkness of the 3rd tone every time too. Love the demo though.
Would love to compare these to the UAD Friedman BE-100 as well. If you don't have it and want to, I could send your clean guitar-signal through it and send it to you?
Axe FX sounds great, but I can't afford the Axe FX. Helix also sounds great, but for whatever reason, it eats up CPU for me. Thermionik could be better, but still sounds great in the mix.
the differences add up in the mix when you want to get that they were all recorded in the same studio sound not overprocessed fizz, so blending against drum loops or samples is easy if you can use the same room verbs across drums and guits ime anyway, the axe sounds more like the drums quality to me
Honestly, I thought the Helix sounded the best all around. The Axe seemed muddier to me, so I don't hear the extra bite you are talking about. Both were better than the Thermionik, but not by a major amount. All three sounded great, but I heard more clarity and definition in the Helix track, ever so slightly.
You sir have good ears the difference is so small that the untrained ear won't catch it, when they come around to the open notes there's a thicker punch to it on the Helix.
I sorta zoned out while watching and wondered why you replayed the same clip so many times. I guess that means the differences are pretty minor. If I have to "hear the difference with my eyes" it doesn't count.
Redo test with the Helix's 2.81 firmware HX core engine update, it's between the Axe fx and the Helix. Helix sounds better to my ears in this comparison.
@MrJHate If 50 is very little money invested, and best of all is that knowing how to use some tools that we have available we can achieve better results, and sound like Kemper or Ax Fx is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars.
you can post process anything to sound good on youtube. In the real world, Helix is so lifeless sold mine. bought the real deal axefx is king. how many big name pros use helix/kemper yeah that;s what i thought. check out who uses axefx yeah that's what I thought, there is a reason they use the axefx dont ya think?? Line 6 has the fizzy thing going on and you cant eq that out.
Your response is lifeless! Obvious you couldn't figure it out this video and others like it show the difference is so finite that you could hardly tell difference and that was before 2.81 update. If I had all cash I wanted to spend on gear I'd buy a real amp or an ass fx, but I'm not a lazy ass and with alil work I get great sounds outta mine and with the cash left over I bought a yacht!
So i guess you feel the same about IK Multimedia:s Mesa/Fender/Orange/Carvin/THD/Ampeg/Marshall AFD Slash models (But no other Marshalls hmm? A famous guitarist need more cash? :) ) Jet City / HI AMP / DR Z Oh and Engl which appear both on the Uad platform aswell as native on Plugin Alliance. IK also have lots of pedals like Fulltone/ T-Rex/ Nu-Tron/ Wampler/ Z.Vex/ Morley etc Not to mention they can use Jimi Hendrix name which is very hard for many even his own SON cant use it. TH3 can use Brunetti/Randall Lunchbox/DV Mark/ I say it is only about this $$$$$$$ nothing about official version
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
First off, this song is bad ass! Secondly, each one of these sound tight yet saturated. Jon, you never disappoint
Jumped back and forth between all 3. The only way to notice differences is by doing that. In and of themselves, they're pretty darn close - Nothing crazy different. I heard the extra "bite" you referred to only in the solo clips. In the mix, I love 'em all. Thanks for doing this!
For me, the lesson here is that using great cab IRs is a critical part of the recording chain. A second lesson is what incredible value you get from Thermionik! Thanks for this is great demo, I hope to hear more of these in the future.
So blown away by the helix. When you run the guitar only mixes it shines so much nicer. It sounds and responds more natural to me. I'm sold.
HelixNative 2:30
AxeFX3 4:01
Thermionik 5:36
Solo:
HelixNative 6:59
AxeFX3 7:13
Thermionik 7:26
#GoDigital
I own and love my Axe-Fx III but I like the Helix best in these clips
All three are distinctly amazing sounding. In a live context, people would be extremely happy with any of the choices. Isn't awesome how you can achieve great tone with almost anything now!?
I’ve hear people say that even the Axe Fx 3 has more clarity than the Axe Fx 2. I have a Kemper and love it. But I might love the Axe Fx just as much. These amp substitute platforms are getting so close that it reminds me of when I buy a TV. I am so worried initially about which one is better that it takes me a while to choose. But the reality is, when I get home and watch tv, I just enjoy the shows and never really think about “the better deal” that the other TVs were. I sure wish I could do that with gear! Lol
Woodmeister that’s a great comment, just so worried about the best modeller atm and then plug in my pod hd500x and enjoy
Loved the vibe of the track. Agree with your description of the tones, they're all good. I prefer the Axe FX tone, but I'm bias, got my III a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for doing this.
They all sound great IMO, including the final part with the Axe and Helix together. And nice track all around. 8)
Helix super!!!
helix won)
That’s what i was looking for!) Thanks 🙏
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these. Thermionik was a touch darker, which could perhaps be brightened up with EQ. The best thing is we’re at a point in time where there are very few bad options.
I think the bottom line with all the modern equipment - so good in any way - is: if music is good, doesn't matter what amp sim was used :) If music is crap, no any amp sim or real amp will save it. Reminds me of doing photography. Some have a long dispute about what camera or lens is better and then they focus on those micro details 98% of population don't see... "population see" if photo has something in it, is it interesting, does it drag attention to it, not if it covers 99% or 98% of visible light or if when magnified 300% still have great sharpness :)
I agree with you. The best guitar, amp, cab is the one that you have. It's the same as, "the best camera is the one you have with you".
I like the thermionik the best precisely because its a little flabby. LOVE YOUR CHORDS MAN!
I have a Helix, and have really been thinking about an Axe FXIII lately. This video both made be want an Axe FXIII and also made me realize that the Helix is probably so close it will be hard to tell the difference unless you constantly A/B them. It's probably my gear lust wanting everything more than just wanting a superior tone. AMPs and pedals are still king when it comes to response and feel, but since no one in the audience can tell what you're playing then why lug any more around than what you have to these days. I'll probably stick with the Helix given the ever so slight difference (especially when you can buy presents and IRs from guys who really tweek the crap out of these things) and given the extreme portability of the Helix with the back back too. If Line6 comes out with the Helix 2 though i'll probably jump all over that :)
When you see the prices start dropping on the Helix across their HX line, is when they got something in the works, but probably see a few more big firmware updates first. There's still room for improvements.
All 3 sounds amazing. I prefer the helix. Nice track too can I have the tabs please? Just for exercise
I preferred the Helix. For me, it sounded clearer, more defined.
Let peace have a chance. That's cool :)
Yes, all are great in its own way. Great video. Great philosophy behind it.
Have joy and be sound
Could you do a little tutorial on setting input trim on thermionik?
Awesome song Jon
Something I would love for your videos, especially when listening in my car on mobile would be timestamps in the description so we can jump between sims
Great tones Jon! Love the track too!
For the price, Thermionik is unbeatable, that seems pretty obvious, with unlimited budget the Axe FX would be my choice though, sounded the best to my ears.
Amazing stuff Jon!
Think you can ever re-do this, and possibly add in some others like the recently released BE-OD Deluxe?
What kind of guitar and mics did you use? Hellowa riff! :D
This is a fantastic video, so informative. Thank you!
That friedman patch on the Helix sounds fantastic
Underbelli Studios I agree!
I commented too fast, they all sounded awesome, liked the thermionik least, the axe took it for me in this one. just that little bit of extra crispiness.
Prowlmer just popped up in my playlist btw :D
I like Helix and Fractal axe fx III so Please answer which to chose??? I have a big dilema between these two :) !!!!
Hey Jon. Helix says make sure you hit the amp sim at around -18db or so. How do you make sure you hit thermionik at the right signal strength?
Thanks for the detailed comparison! Just wanted to ask you - is there a particular reason the IR for the Helix is loaded in a separate plugin (and not in Helix Native itself) while for the Axe you loaded it in the Axe Edit itself?
All 3 are good tones, the Axe is slightly better than the Helix and the Axe and Helix are a fair bit better than the other to my ears. I definitely heard the darkness of the 3rd tone every time too. Love the demo though.
Insta like for great riff composing!
Would love to compare these to the UAD Friedman BE-100 as well. If you don't have it and want to, I could send your clean guitar-signal through it and send it to you?
This will be Awesome!!!!
I love axe fx.
Axe FX sounds great, but I can't afford the Axe FX. Helix also sounds great, but for whatever reason, it eats up CPU for me. Thermionik could be better, but still sounds great in the mix.
Honestly at this point, if you can't get a good tone out of all the options the market have to offer, you'll have homework to do.
great video btw
the differences add up in the mix when you want to get that they were all recorded in the same studio sound not overprocessed fizz, so blending against drum loops or samples is easy if you can use the same room verbs across drums and guits ime anyway, the axe sounds more like the drums quality to me
awesome track!!
they all sound great imo.
I like that demo it sounds like John mayer joined Iron Maiden Im not being an ass I really like it.
thanks man ! ur the best
Honestly, I thought the Helix sounded the best all around. The Axe seemed muddier to me, so I don't hear the extra bite you are talking about. Both were better than the Thermionik, but not by a major amount. All three sounded great, but I heard more clarity and definition in the Helix track, ever so slightly.
You sir have good ears the difference is so small that the untrained ear won't catch it, when they come around to the open notes there's a thicker punch to it on the Helix.
Listen again. Axe FX takes the win on this one.
Sounds great! You’re inspired by Tremonti aren’t you? Axe wins in my book.
I dig Axe fx III, so clear, refined and enjoyable to listen ... as well as playing through it I guess!
Helix sounded the best by far.
You sound dutch!
I sorta zoned out while watching and wondered why you replayed the same clip so many times. I guess that means the differences are pretty minor. If I have to "hear the difference with my eyes" it doesn't count.
Is Your voice going through any IR ? 😁😁 LoL!!
I think we should give war a chance and you should put these babies to battle and shut the heck up!
Lol
Redo test with the Helix's 2.81 firmware HX core engine update, it's between the Axe fx and the Helix. Helix sounds better to my ears in this comparison.
best friedman neural e vststomp hotone
You've made the Armenian flag with guitar tracks))
For $50 I’ll take thermionic any day lol
@MrJHate
If 50 is very little money invested, and best of all is that knowing how to use some tools that we have available we can achieve better results, and sound like Kemper or Ax Fx is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars.
you can post process anything to sound good on youtube. In the real world, Helix is so lifeless sold mine. bought the real deal axefx is king. how many big name pros use helix/kemper yeah that;s what i thought. check out who uses axefx yeah that's what I thought, there is a reason they use the axefx dont ya think?? Line 6 has the fizzy thing going on and you cant eq that out.
Your response is lifeless! Obvious you couldn't figure it out this video and others like it show the difference is so finite that you could hardly tell difference and that was before 2.81 update. If I had all cash I wanted to spend on gear I'd buy a real amp or an ass fx, but I'm not a lazy ass and with alil work I get great sounds outta mine and with the cash left over I bought a yacht!
@@fabianvasquezjr8852 Your just another fucking troll dude lmao
Axe-Fx has a slight edge. Sounds clearer.
axefx sound better
All of them are non-licensed rip-offs.
UAD BE-100 is the official version. Just saying.
So i guess you feel the same about IK Multimedia:s Mesa/Fender/Orange/Carvin/THD/Ampeg/Marshall AFD Slash models (But no other Marshalls hmm? A famous guitarist need more cash? :) ) Jet City / HI AMP / DR Z Oh and Engl which appear both on the Uad platform aswell as native on Plugin Alliance.
IK also have lots of pedals like Fulltone/ T-Rex/ Nu-Tron/ Wampler/ Z.Vex/ Morley etc
Not to mention they can use Jimi Hendrix name which is very hard for many even his own SON cant use it.
TH3 can use Brunetti/Randall Lunchbox/DV Mark/
I say it is only about this $$$$$$$ nothing about official version
They have Jet City models? Weird. TIL
Yeah i guess they asked Reinhold Bogner if he needed some $$$ so they could use the real name instead of a phoney name