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I think the scribble strips, and built in volume / expression pedal more than makes up for its size. I also love that the footswitches are a little more spread out. I never accidentally hit the switch above or below.
I tried them all and in the end I kept my MooerGE300. And that is because I had a year into it. Learned it inside and out. It competes and sounds just as good as any of those others. Work flow is number one, ease of use and editing. The mooer is easy, it sounds bad ass.
Its really great that we have stud musicians like Steve, John Cordy, Leon Todd, Pete Thorn, Rabea, etc to give us not just great gear reviews, but such centered advice. 👍
I'm a Variax guy, so the Helix is a no brainer. I always set up with my MacBook hooked up so that I don't have to bend over to edit things. No back pain, no plumber's crack and I can also provide (um, control!) the break music. Best setup ever!
You are 100% correct about the sound. It is almost if Helix is a dirty word in the amp modelling community but in honesty, I got a Tonex last year and it's really good, but I just sound slightly different, not really any better. No one apart from the player really cares... I personally think the Helix sounds great, it's just heavy and needs an update in regards to power (and would be nicer to be lighter...)
Good stuff SS. love my Helix LT. can't beat Helix/ HX units for ease of use and great helpful community and tons of free presets online and great customer service and constant updates to add new amps and effects not just bug fixes. I myself don't own any amps so no need to have capture abilities but I can see how that is helpful if the amp you love isn't in the units you own . Keep it up
Thanks Steve. I’ve had a Helix for a few years but haven’t really learned how to use it. But your statement that the Helix is a gigging machine ends my interest in the QC. Im so glad I switched from a pedal board and amp to the floor processor. 16 lbs vs 2 50 lbs pieces.
Watch the videos by Jason Sadites to learn how to get the best out of it especially his earlier videos on "dialing in..." For each or effect on the Helix he has a detailed video to help you learn what each slider does and how to maximize each one
@@Roger-il8iwthat’s a big part of the problem. I can’t find the time to learn and explore the helix I have. But the few I use I really like. My wife “mentions” often that I spend too much time playing guitar as it is.
Personally I purchased the sweet foot power supply for the quad cortex and have had zero problems with it compared to the cioks dc7. I’ve own the helix the stomp and the cortex. I like them all. My winner is the cortex. Captures are fun as hell to play with.
Similar to yourself I was a Helix floor user as I wanted everything on one preset and also I used to put my singer through the unit for some songs in our set. My singer no longer plays in our set and I wished to downsize to simplify the rig. HX Stomp XL is now my unit of choice and it’s perfect for my needs. Any time I need another effect just for 1 or 2 songs I just copy my basic preset and remove/add the effects I need for that song, soon as that songs finished I switch back to my number 1 preset that covers the majority of my set. Thank you for your lessons and advice over the years on this stuff. You’re the person who told me how to put a second guitar through the Helix floor some years ago in your comment section and your tips are hugely appreciated. Keep up the content, cheers.
Steve really well thought out points. What I like about you is you talk from a real gigging standpoint. That is very important. My HX Stomp with a few pedals has been a work horse. Minimal live tweeking ever needed with maybe an EQ change to fit FOH room characteristics.
My Helix has definitely been the ultimate gigging experience for the last 8 years. It's just now starting to show signs of wear. It need a switch replaced but other than that it hasn't failed me. I know the trend is going towards a smaller footprint but I still remember hauling an amp and a pedalboard around so I'm cool with carrying my fairly heavy backpack around. I have to mention that Helix backpack is great quality too.
Quad Cortex! I switched from the HELIX to the QC. Don’t get me wrong, I love the HELIX, but the QC is more up to date. If line6 comes with a helix2. I’m all in🤘🏼
@@jonw3462 I would say helix sounds good too, but I got a good tone real quick. Also the captures are awesome. The QC still has a bright future while the helix is at the end. I think line6 will release a helix2. If thats the case, sign me up
We sound like ourselves no matter what we play because tone is in our mind, and we reach for that tone through the tone production techniques, knowledge, and facilities we possess. Try as we might to sound like others, we still interpret their tone through the grid of our own tonal biases so that we will at best sound like ourselves trying to sound like someone else. Anyway, I'm convinced the hardware to get is the Helix, and then supplement that with NDSP plug-ins, which is exactly what I did. The NDSP plug-ins are more highly controllable anyway, even if their routing and chain ordering are limited and fixed.
Had em both, bounced back and forth.. sold my 3rd qc and went back to the helix and am very happy. The qc is more powerful, however it does not sound better and the board layout does not work for me.
You will not be disappointed. I have had all these units. Yes Helix is a tank lol but in that is the beauty . Soo easy to operate and fun mind you. Most excellent tones available quickly and easily.
Hey I bought mine on Saturday🤓. I wanted the QC but I missed the opportunity it got sold. I’m starting to actually love the functionality of the Helix.
ps. While the unit is indeed built like a tank the display is not. I would suggest considering a a full face screen guard by either CEBA (US) or TRM (UK) if you are going to use it publicly.
The Helix still has a lot of potential for updates, especially in architecture, IRs, number of setlist and more. I wouldn't want something smaller regarding footswitches. I need the space and 5 rows of snapshots. Also all the time invested in programming can be reused loading up a new unit. I hope that a future Helix 2 will be able to use all the presets from the old unit.
I'm really hoping one day Neural DSP will release a Rack version with more inputs/outputs. Thats all I want because of IEM System and also processing more than one instrument at once.
I recently got a new Helix Floor. I chose it over the Quad Cortex because I don't really like the look or the workflow of the Quad Cortex in general, the lack of physical controls and displays, lack of expression pedal, the cheap power cable. I also really don't like the cloud/wifi aspect of it. Helix isn't perfect but it's good enough for pretty much anything I need.
I am sold on the Helix universe. If they release a new floor model I will automatically buy it. I have a Floor and XL Stomp. I like working in HX Edit.
I prefer my gear to have a proper mains lead. I hate wall warts and cheap power supplies. I don't own a Boss Katana but they finally added a XLR out on the artist series to go directly into a PA or Recording console. It didn't seem very professional when it didn't have it. The Quad Cortex has a cheap power supply. The helix has a good and easily replaceable power cord (large pedal version), so does the Fractal FM3 and FM9 along with the new Fender Tone Master Pro. To each their own, quality matters to me right along with good tone. Some of these companies need to stop being cheap and put the proper quality and needed parts in their products, they charge way too much not too. This is just my opinion. It's your money do what you want with it, but make sure you get the quality expected at these price points.
I like the Helix when I play live. It’s a bigger unit but I think it looks really good on stage. Has a great user experience and a fantastic workflow with the pedal itself. The only thing I personally feel is that for me the Helix doesn’t feel and sound like the Fractal.
I personally think that if you're experienced in all of them, you can make all (Kemper, AxeFx, Helix, QC) SOUND very very close at the point that it's almost impossible to tell them apart; FEELwise, the device with less latency will probably be perceived as best under the fingers. Said that, we need a video where someone with a great experience in all of them does the sounds (possibly very close to each other and with the same amp model or IR, which is most of the time 70% of the sound) and somebody else (maybe blindfolded) will try them out and judge. I know there are a few videos like that but so far I've only seen videos where the guy making the sounds knew how to use well one or maybe two devices and nothing more...
I’m kind of a line6 fanboy (own DL4, hx stomp, hx effects, m5) and if you already have a big Helix you’ll do great but pulling the trigger for one of them in 2024 is different considering fm9, QC, kemper stage at the same price range.
HELIX is nice! Guitar processors can make a big difference in sound depending on the CAB IR you use. actually there are many IR products on the market, but I think DYNAX IR has the best sound. As stated in their product description, DYNAX IR is really fast. When using IRs, the pick attack is sometimes delayed, and it is difficult to add picking nuances, but their IR prevents all of that. It's revolutionary!
Haven't played the Quad yet. I have a Helix, Kemper rack, Kemper player, had the Fractal. Best one with most amp response for me is still the Kemper. Love the small footprint of the Kemper Player with a midi controller and all my amps from the Kemper port right over. Waiting to see if they will come out with a small footprint Quad, like the Player and give that a run.
Can totally relate to the comment about how these units can only sound as good as we make them sound. I've been a Helix user for a long time and even when going to other units (incl. QC and more recently adapting the Tone-X /w HX Stomp into my rig to follow your midi setup), I find that ultimately I end up dialing a sound that sounds pretty much the same across each unit.
Hey Steve.. with the headrush prime you can edit on the fly with your feet. In stomp mode, long press on foot switch opens up an editor view with foot switches mapped to major parameters. You then can adjust your settings with your feet and save changes. It’s a great feature. I have issues with the prime but they got this right.
I have a Helix. If I were in the market for a new device I’d definitely buy the QC I am going to put together a small (ish) board based around the Friedman IRX and a few effects and will run that through an FRFR. I prefer simple and that should suit my needs nicely
@@SteveSterlacci The plan is to do the IRX, the EVH SDE3000 delay, and a couple of small pedals. Still have to figure which FRFR to use with it but I think it’ll turn out great
@@SteveSterlacci Thanks so much for the suggestions. I’ve been a bit torn between an FRFR vs power amp and real cab. Not sure what real options there are besides the SD powerstage but I like my Soldano 1x12. Might just have to buy the Fender FRFR and SD power and see which I prefer. I imagine both will sound great
I just made the switch from Helix to QC few weeks ago. Size matters. Never liked Helix UI and felt it has to be connected to PC if i wanted to tweak. Everything is so much easier on QC and there is no need for desktop editor. Captures are one whole world to explore. Very happy i made the change.
I think it is 100% a workflow preference at this point. Even at pro levels, with enough prep time you can make anything work. 90% of people buying these units don't even scratch the surface of the capabilities of any of these units. They just follow what X or Y person said was a "limiting factor" while it being something completely unrelated to their playstyle or workflow lol
The only things I really miss from my Helix are the talk box (it's way better than QCs) and the kettle lead power supply, besides that the QC is just an easier workflow getting a usable sound is fairly achievable even on day 1 with QC. I felt like I was always watching how to videos with the Helix whereas QC is the exact opposite. I have heard plenty of people using the Helix and getting incredible results though, you can't fault the sounds... although I felt like the responsiveness of QC was more like a real amp.
I still think helix is easier and better gig experience, but fractal has performance pages which are super helpful and one of the best features on a Gig. They're both great though!
I have onve giant pedal board but only because I have a podgo, my wireless shure setup, and a m13 through the effects loop. I want a helix but right now the podgo is the baby version so it works out.
Yep. The form factor was the selling point of the QC for me, coming from a Helix LT and GT 1000. That said, although I can live with/work around the known "down sides" of the unit, the psu is just inexcusable. Good thing it can be powered through a phone powerbank lol
I know just as many people who cling to their amps and then it’s split between people fighting over Fractal, Helix, Quad and AxFx. I love a real amp but when it comes down to it, NOBODY is going to be able to tell in a mix. If sounds are dialed in for the songs, NOBODY will notice one way what’s what. I’ve watched one of my good friends on stage with his real amp rolling into a Torpedo Capture Live and various friends using one of the top modelers & in the mix there was absolutely no difference other than personal playing styles. They all sounded pretty good. It just really comes down to preference and of course that whole stage volume thing. I’m moving into the digital world but am utilizing what I know with my real amps analog amps.
I see more and more Quads on You Tube. I noticed when Mateus Asato was on the Martin Miller Channel (which was phenomenal) both of them along with the bass player all used Quad Cortex. Martin always used a Fractal before. Seems he’s switched. There has to be a reason for this. However like you said, every amp/modeler sounds different to everyone. Pick the one you like.
As a fellas who has a lot of these much like yourself, there are advantages and disadvantages with each. That being said Helix still has the most flexible interface
NEITHER !!!! Buy an AXEFX2xl+ for 500 bucks and a midi pedal for 100 bucks and have tonal bliss for months.!! thats what I did and i'm having a blast. Sold my QC/FM3/9.STAGE/LT. Steve rules!
I wonder how you feel about the Headrush Prime - Seems like it'd have a lot that you like about it, plus it has amp and pedal capture too. I spent a lot of time with a Helix and couldn't get a tone that didn't sound digital. Went to the headrush and got what felt like more natural tone, but ultimately upgraded to the QC. The stock amps sound great, but the captures are damn near perfect.
The Headrush stuff is nice at its price point but I swore off all HR stuff since they failed to truly support the original platform and after just a couple years they essentially killed the whole lineup with the prime units. Nothing shows signs that they won’t do the same. QC and helix get amazing sounds and manufactures are both very clear about support for their equipment and sticking things out for the long run. To pay 1000 dollars for a HR pedalboard and them to dump the prime stuff and cause all units resale to plummet to 400$ at best is a perfect example of what in music is all about $$$ that’s it
@@Techco1 yeah, my prime went back after 4 months to get the QC. Their support is garbage, but at least Amazon have a generous refund policy. I find it fascinating to hear Helix in the same conversation as QC / Kemper / AXFX so frequently. I've heard many units live and they sound weak and boxy by comparison to other moddlers and even in comparison videos, they're by far the most digital sounding tool comparatively.
@@javeduddin I love the small form factor. I can have it on my desk and carry it to my Worship gigs with no sweat. I also love the interface. It's very intuitive and I don't feel restricted with the controls. I also prefer the amp models and effects on the QC. I've heard a Pod Go from another Worship guitar player, who said he downloaded Worship Tutorials presets for it, and I wasn't a fan. Maybe it was his playing, but it sounded very digitized. QC feels natural to me.
I prefer helix, just cuz it has more and includes expression pedal. QC is a little more complicated and probably sounds 5% better. Most people will never notice a difference (as far as audience) If you’re looking for a cheap but good option, the pod hd 500x is consistently under $200 on reverb, and does pretty much everything a helix does. It’s a solid unit that was used by NUMEROUS PRO MUSICIANS on tour. POD hd500x is closer to a helix than you might think.
I have been outta the scene for quite a long time now.The last floorboard i owned was a Boss GT-10. I am strictly into Metal and some 80s Rock.Could anyone suggest which out of these 2 shall i go in for.Which one would be better for Melodic metal and easy to use?
Both will do the job equally as well. I think helix is a better gigging experience, qc is still young and has maturing to do. But line 6 could announce a new unit within 6 months also! Tough choice
Watched through in its entirety and this seems like a good, honest, yet subjective review. I liked that you mentioned that all of these pieces of gear are nothing more than tools, and they will only sound as good as you can make them sound. I don’t believe that anyone new and getting into guitar would be looking to dump the money required to purchase either of these units, but don’t expect that these will make you sound like (insert your hero here) after playing guitar for twenty years if you never took the time to master the skills required to sound like them. Simply put, if you suck, you suck no matter what you are using, it takes practice, loads of practice, and I would say maybe a touch of gifted talent to become great. I agree completely with the review and believe that it was done with honesty, because you started out saying that it was a subjective comparison, mentioned that it’s not going to fix your playing, and lastly you said it really comes down to user interface and what works best for you personally. Thanks for the comparison my friend, keep it up!
Hello Steve, I always find your videos very interesting and very useful for guitarists. But people always talk about Helix, QC, Fractal, Kemper, ToneX etc. ... I think Headrush Prime/Core is somehow ignored (forgotten?)...why? what you thing ? Best regards
I paused at the start and I’m going to assume you’re still in the Line 6 camp. Might be wrong though, let’s see :) I think I was wrong. I too wished they’d used IEC for the power but there wasn’t room internally. Also wished the blocks were photorealistic instead of using the exact same icon for every single overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedal.
@stevesterlacci I currently have a Helix. I love the flexibility, but hate tweaking. I hate having to watch endless hours of youtube videos to accomplish what I want, I just need easy straight out of the box. Will the QC be more my speed?
Neither now that Fractal has gapless preset switching (just my opinion of course) If I were looking for a deal, it'd be a used helix since they are rock solid and you can get a better deal than QC.
I personally love that the QC is powered the way that it is. Many of us put the QC on a board alongside other gear requiring power, an advantage of the QC's superb form factor. I like to use a robust and lockable side mounted Powercon connector into my board. I then get to power everything I need using a single quality power supply mounted underneath the board which provides isolated appropriate voltages and amps to each item. I would not like to have to contend with a board that requires multiple IEC power connectors out of necessity.
@@SteveSterlacci it is a pitch shifter and whammy bar effect. Sometimes I have to play tunes in different keys bc of different singers and transposing is not always convenient bc I m an amateur. Worth to check it out, really interesting but a bit bulky
It’s funny to me how some of these videos compare some of these units I ordered the HX and the Kemper to a/b these units aren’t even in the ballpark…yea both are modelers and can both sound amazing but once you put a capture device against a modeler it’s becomes pretty obvious how much more realistic a profile is.but also how the helix has so much functionality and effects.just different units.
@@SteveSterlacci yes! I’m learning that now, I was a tube amp guy for most of my life …probably why I like the profiles. Like I said tho the helix is still incredible and unparalleled in i/o and function… all the company’s are gifting an uphill battle because hx stomp got it right so early on. Btw I love the channel man.
what about the sound,cause i really cant get a great heavy tone withhelix or tone master pro,so what about the sound of the qc is this better than helix or tmp
I can't confidently give an answer here. I sound best on Helix. That may differ for others 🤷♂️. I'd spend some time on helix working with the cabinet section. I have videos showing how I do it and what works best for me. It applies to any amp and works hreat
Been a happy helix user for many years. I sold it last week. I can’t help but feel that the next gen Line 6 flagship is around the corner. So I’ve cashed out. If a well priced used QC comes along I may jump on that. But I think the Fractal Audio FM9 would be the dream unit for me, with a Tonex one pedal on hand should I want to dip a toe into the world of captures.
Join my HX Stomp XL Giveaway at my Sweetwater landing page where you'll find all the gear used in my studio
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anybody else hearing loud whoomps after about 9:35?
I have 0 idea what that is. Weird. I'll check the original file. Thanks for letting me know
I hear it
Im Jamming to it.
an alien is there
I checked the description and comments just to make sure it wasn't on my side. 😅
The upside of the Helix floor it is build like a tank, the downside of the Helix floor it is build like a tank.
Well said
The quad cortex is great but digital scribble strips should be standard on all these units with color leds too
I think the scribble strips, and built in volume / expression pedal more than makes up for its size. I also love that the footswitches are a little more spread out. I never accidentally hit the switch above or below.
I tried them all and in the end I kept my MooerGE300. And that is because I had a year into it. Learned it inside and out. It competes and sounds just as good as any of those others. Work flow is number one, ease of use and editing. The mooer is easy, it sounds bad ass.
I hope other gear snobs see this. By the way, I've got an awful crush on the fm9😢
Its really great that we have stud musicians like Steve, John Cordy, Leon Todd, Pete Thorn, Rabea, etc to give us not just great gear reviews, but such centered advice. 👍
i love how you held the helix on your shoulder like a boombox.
(Great video!)
I'm a Variax guy, so the Helix is a no brainer. I always set up with my MacBook hooked up so that I don't have to bend over to edit things. No back pain, no plumber's crack and I can also provide (um, control!) the break music. Best setup ever!
5:19 you nailed it! So true....
Helix all day for me.
You are 100% correct about the sound. It is almost if Helix is a dirty word in the amp modelling community but in honesty, I got a Tonex last year and it's really good, but I just sound slightly different, not really any better. No one apart from the player really cares... I personally think the Helix sounds great, it's just heavy and needs an update in regards to power (and would be nicer to be lighter...)
Helix floor power in a HX Stomp XL enclosure would be perfect
maybe a little bit bigger, 2 more footswitches and bigger screen
Yeah or even HxEffects size with full Helix power and screen
Good stuff SS. love my Helix LT. can't beat Helix/ HX units for ease of use and great helpful community and tons of free presets online and great customer service and constant updates to add new amps and effects not just bug fixes. I myself don't own any amps so no need to have capture abilities but I can see how that is helpful if the amp you love isn't in the units you own . Keep it up
FYI - Really bad pulsating in the audio starting at 9:36.
The pulsating stops by 13:16 but the voice audio gets boomy until about 13:39
Thank you for letting me know. I'll have to check the original file. I have no idea what that is...
@@SteveSterlacci Its from the Helix :)))
@@cristianrachitan6039 to be fair, it's given me the least grief of any piece of gear ive ever owned
Thanks Steve. I’ve had a Helix for a few years but haven’t really learned how to use it. But your statement that the Helix is a gigging machine ends my interest in the QC. Im so glad I switched from a pedal board and amp to the floor processor. 16 lbs vs 2 50 lbs pieces.
Watch the videos by Jason Sadites to learn how to get the best out of it especially his earlier videos on "dialing in..." For each or effect on the Helix he has a detailed video to help you learn what each slider does and how to maximize each one
QC is definitely more complicated than a helix lol. You gotta dive in to all of these units to learn it though.
@@Roger-il8iwthat’s a big part of the problem. I can’t find the time to learn and explore the helix I have. But the few I use I really like. My wife “mentions” often that I spend too much time playing guitar as it is.
Personally I purchased the sweet foot power supply for the quad cortex and have had zero problems with it compared to the cioks dc7. I’ve own the helix the stomp and the cortex. I like them all. My winner is the cortex. Captures are fun as hell to play with.
Similar to yourself I was a Helix floor user as I wanted everything on one preset and also I used to put my singer through the unit for some songs in our set. My singer no longer plays in our set and I wished to downsize to simplify the rig. HX Stomp XL is now my unit of choice and it’s perfect for my needs.
Any time I need another effect just for 1 or 2 songs I just copy my basic preset and remove/add the effects I need for that song, soon as that songs finished I switch back to my number 1 preset that covers the majority of my set.
Thank you for your lessons and advice over the years on this stuff. You’re the person who told me how to put a second guitar through the Helix floor some years ago in your comment section and your tips are hugely appreciated.
Keep up the content, cheers.
I have an LT and do the same thing. I play 45/50 songs in a gig and use 3 maybe 4 presets
Steve really well thought out points. What I like about you is you talk from a real gigging standpoint. That is very important. My HX Stomp with a few pedals has been a work horse. Minimal live tweeking ever needed with maybe an EQ change to fit FOH room characteristics.
My Helix has definitely been the ultimate gigging experience for the last 8 years. It's just now starting to show signs of wear. It need a switch replaced but other than that it hasn't failed me. I know the trend is going towards a smaller footprint but I still remember hauling an amp and a pedalboard around so I'm cool with carrying my fairly heavy backpack around. I have to mention that Helix backpack is great quality too.
Agreed about the backpack. I lug my Helix in the backpack every weekend. Frickin heavy, but the backpack is awesome.
Quad Cortex! I switched from the HELIX to the QC. Don’t get me wrong, I love the HELIX, but the QC is more up to date. If line6 comes with a helix2. I’m all in🤘🏼
I can't make up my mind between the two. I need it for gigging. What are some things you like better about the Quad Cortex over the Helix?
@@javeduddin The sound of the QC is much better than the Helix. I had the Helix and never liked it. QC is a complete different world.
More up to date as in sounds better, more fx or better ui?
@@jonw3462 I would say helix sounds good too, but I got a good tone real quick. Also the captures are awesome. The QC still has a bright future while the helix is at the end. I think line6 will release a helix2. If thats the case, sign me up
We sound like ourselves no matter what we play because tone is in our mind, and we reach for that tone through the tone production techniques, knowledge, and facilities we possess. Try as we might to sound like others, we still interpret their tone through the grid of our own tonal biases so that we will at best sound like ourselves trying to sound like someone else.
Anyway, I'm convinced the hardware to get is the Helix, and then supplement that with NDSP plug-ins, which is exactly what I did. The NDSP plug-ins are more highly controllable anyway, even if their routing and chain ordering are limited and fixed.
Had em both, bounced back and forth.. sold my 3rd qc and went back to the helix and am very happy.
The qc is more powerful, however it does not sound better and the board layout does not work for me.
I just bought a Helix this AM. DON’T LET ME DOWN, STEVE!
It's still a great purchase.
You will not be disappointed. I have had all these units. Yes Helix is a tank lol but in that is the beauty . Soo easy to operate and fun mind you. Most excellent tones available quickly and easily.
Hey I bought mine on Saturday🤓. I wanted the QC but I missed the opportunity it got sold. I’m starting to actually love the functionality of the Helix.
ps. While the unit is indeed built like a tank the display is not. I would suggest considering a a full face screen guard by either CEBA (US) or TRM (UK) if you are going to use it publicly.
You can use and love your Helix until it dies and be very happy! Expect to busy for over a decade lol
The Helix still has a lot of potential for updates, especially in architecture, IRs, number of setlist and more. I wouldn't want something smaller regarding footswitches. I need the space and 5 rows of snapshots. Also all the time invested in programming can be reused loading up a new unit. I hope that a future Helix 2 will be able to use all the presets from the old unit.
No way that it wouldn't be backwards compatible I hope but of course v 3.5 presets are alot different than those before v3.5 so who knows
I bought the helix in 2020 had it for about a year then went analog I do miss the helix days 😊
I'm really hoping one day Neural DSP will release a Rack version with more inputs/outputs. Thats all I want because of IEM System and also processing more than one instrument at once.
I recently got a new Helix Floor. I chose it over the Quad Cortex because I don't really like the look or the workflow of the Quad Cortex in general, the lack of physical controls and displays, lack of expression pedal, the cheap power cable. I also really don't like the cloud/wifi aspect of it. Helix isn't perfect but it's good enough for pretty much anything I need.
I am sold on the Helix universe. If they release a new floor model I will automatically buy it. I have a Floor and XL Stomp. I like working in HX Edit.
I have the Fractal FM3 - the ONLY complaint is process limits….. ordered the QC to see how they differ - unlimited DSP will be a huge benefit.
Great video Steve.
I have been a helix user since 2018, having uograded to a helix LT from a boss GT10.
It really is a gigging machine.
LT best bang for your buck sweet spot in the lineup. Not too shabby other than no mic input.
@@sjsphotog yep, if only there was a way to unlock the 2 left footswitches in stomp mode like the full phat helix.
Why is there a thud noise in your video? Very good video! It’s very tempting to make the switch over to a QC
I prefer my gear to have a proper mains lead. I hate wall warts and cheap power supplies. I don't own a Boss Katana but they finally added a XLR out on the artist series to go directly into a PA or Recording console. It didn't seem very professional when it didn't have it. The Quad Cortex has a cheap power supply. The helix has a good and easily replaceable power cord (large pedal version), so does the Fractal FM3 and FM9 along with the new Fender Tone Master Pro. To each their own, quality matters to me right along with good tone. Some of these companies need to stop being cheap and put the proper quality and needed parts in their products, they charge way too much not too. This is just my opinion. It's your money do what you want with it, but make sure you get the quality expected at these price points.
I like the Helix when I play live. It’s a bigger unit but I think it looks really good on stage. Has a great user experience and a fantastic workflow with the pedal itself. The only thing I personally feel is that for me the Helix doesn’t feel and sound like the Fractal.
I personally think that if you're experienced in all of them, you can make all (Kemper, AxeFx, Helix, QC) SOUND very very close at the point that it's almost impossible to tell them apart; FEELwise, the device with less latency will probably be perceived as best under the fingers.
Said that, we need a video where someone with a great experience in all of them does the sounds (possibly very close to each other and with the same amp model or IR, which is most of the time 70% of the sound) and somebody else (maybe blindfolded) will try them out and judge.
I know there are a few videos like that but so far I've only seen videos where the guy making the sounds knew how to use well one or maybe two devices and nothing more...
I’m kind of a line6 fanboy (own DL4, hx stomp, hx effects, m5) and if you already have a big Helix you’ll do great but pulling the trigger for one of them in 2024 is different considering fm9, QC, kemper stage at the same price range.
HELIX is nice! Guitar processors can make a big difference in sound depending on the CAB IR you use.
actually there are many IR products on the market, but I think DYNAX IR has the best sound. As stated in their product description, DYNAX IR is really fast. When using IRs, the pick attack is sometimes delayed, and it is difficult to add picking nuances, but their IR prevents all of that. It's revolutionary!
I did the Helix thing for a few years.. fell into a Headrush and just loved the ease of use. Went to the Prime. I'll stick with my Headrush Prime
Haven't played the Quad yet. I have a Helix, Kemper rack, Kemper player, had the Fractal. Best one with most amp response for me is still the Kemper. Love the small footprint of the Kemper Player with a midi controller and all my amps from the Kemper port right over. Waiting to see if they will come out with a small footprint Quad, like the Player and give that a run.
At least four inputs. Four discrete signal paths. Mic input and all the glorious midi and control options. It’s not even a contest for me
Good work man! Keep it up!
Can totally relate to the comment about how these units can only sound as good as we make them sound. I've been a Helix user for a long time and even when going to other units (incl. QC and more recently adapting the Tone-X /w HX Stomp into my rig to follow your midi setup), I find that ultimately I end up dialing a sound that sounds pretty much the same across each unit.
Hey Steve.. with the headrush prime you can edit on the fly with your feet. In stomp mode, long press on foot switch opens up an editor view with foot switches mapped to major parameters. You then can adjust your settings with your feet and save changes. It’s a great feature. I have issues with the prime but they got this right.
Helix can also do this 🫠
I have a Helix. If I were in the market for a new device I’d definitely buy the QC
I am going to put together a small (ish) board based around the Friedman IRX and a few effects and will run that through an FRFR. I prefer simple and that should suit my needs nicely
That will be a sweet rig! I just demo'd the irx and really liked it
@@SteveSterlacci The plan is to do the IRX, the EVH SDE3000 delay, and a couple of small pedals. Still have to figure which FRFR to use with it but I think it’ll turn out great
The fender one is real good! There's a ton of good options. If you're gonna use a cab every time, I'd look into poweramp/real cab
@@SteveSterlacci Thanks so much for the suggestions. I’ve been a bit torn between an FRFR vs power amp and real cab. Not sure what real options there are besides the SD powerstage but I like my Soldano 1x12. Might just have to buy the Fender FRFR and SD power and see which I prefer. I imagine both will sound great
@@nobodyimportant76467 quilter toneblock is great as well as blackstar amped 1
With the Quad Cortex could you program in yourself something like a Chase Bliss Generation Loss pedal?
I just made the switch from Helix to QC few weeks ago. Size matters. Never liked Helix UI and felt it has to be connected to PC if i wanted to tweak. Everything is so much easier on QC and there is no need for desktop editor. Captures are one whole world to explore. Very happy i made the change.
Helix still the one for me. Since 2017, it’s getting hard because I don’t have the same shoulders from back then, but still the one.
5:42 that’s the problem I have. No matter what I do, I sound like myself. I’d like to sound like a guitar player one day.
I think it is 100% a workflow preference at this point. Even at pro levels, with enough prep time you can make anything work. 90% of people buying these units don't even scratch the surface of the capabilities of any of these units. They just follow what X or Y person said was a "limiting factor" while it being something completely unrelated to their playstyle or workflow lol
Well said!
11:08 deal killer. Done watching… I don't need a toy, I need a piece of gear that will hold up to my schedule.
It is really bad IMO that it relies on that supply. I use a 3rd party now
The only things I really miss from my Helix are the talk box (it's way better than QCs) and the kettle lead power supply, besides that the QC is just an easier workflow getting a usable sound is fairly achievable even on day 1 with QC. I felt like I was always watching how to videos with the Helix whereas QC is the exact opposite.
I have heard plenty of people using the Helix and getting incredible results though, you can't fault the sounds... although I felt like the responsiveness of QC was more like a real amp.
Trying to decide between the two for live gigging. If given the choice now would you still get a Quad Cortex over the Helix?
For the gigging experience, what about the Fractal FM9?
I still think helix is easier and better gig experience, but fractal has performance pages which are super helpful and one of the best features on a Gig. They're both great though!
good work man! keep it up!
I have onve giant pedal board but only because I have a podgo, my wireless shure setup, and a m13 through the effects loop. I want a helix but right now the podgo is the baby version so it works out.
I would get a combination of 3 or 4 old school pedals with the Blackstar Amped 2. I can go direct with in ears or straight into a cabinet.
Yep. The form factor was the selling point of the QC for me, coming from a Helix LT and GT 1000. That said, although I can live with/work around the known "down sides" of the unit, the psu is just inexcusable. Good thing it can be powered through a phone powerbank lol
I know just as many people who cling to their amps and then it’s split between people fighting over Fractal, Helix, Quad and AxFx. I love a real amp but when it comes down to it, NOBODY is going to be able to tell in a mix. If sounds are dialed in for the songs, NOBODY will notice one way what’s what.
I’ve watched one of my good friends on stage with his real amp rolling into a Torpedo Capture Live and various friends using one of the top modelers & in the mix there was absolutely no difference other than personal playing styles. They all sounded pretty good. It just really comes down to preference and of course that whole stage volume thing.
I’m moving into the digital world but am utilizing what I know with my real amps analog amps.
Fractal makes AxeFx, just fyi.
Great video Steve.. I love having them all.. Helix still rocks, but I'm getting another QC in about two weeks..
I'm trying to decide between the two. What made you go with the Quad Cortex? And why a second one?
Thanks
I use a Boss GT1000, IR-200 and Line6 HX Stomp Xl....they all sound different...I'd like to add a Helix
I see more and more Quads on You Tube. I noticed when Mateus Asato was on the Martin Miller Channel (which was phenomenal) both of them along with the bass player all used Quad Cortex. Martin always used a Fractal before. Seems he’s switched. There has to be a reason for this. However like you said, every amp/modeler sounds different to everyone. Pick the one you like.
After axefx3mk2 I landed with helix floor: cannot be more happy.
Have a real amp but hx is so much more.
Boss GT core1000 is great for gigging if you dont use loads of effects. The only modeller I have tried that feels great under the fingers. Try it.
As a fellas who has a lot of these much like yourself, there are advantages and disadvantages with each. That being said Helix still has the most flexible interface
Last few months saw a band. His QC cable just pull out after crowd moshing near his gear. And i just look at him waiting the qc to reboot. 🤣
NEITHER !!!! Buy an AXEFX2xl+ for 500 bucks and a midi pedal for 100 bucks and have tonal bliss for months.!! thats what I did and i'm having a blast. Sold my QC/FM3/9.STAGE/LT.
Steve rules!
I wonder how you feel about the Headrush Prime - Seems like it'd have a lot that you like about it, plus it has amp and pedal capture too. I spent a lot of time with a Helix and couldn't get a tone that didn't sound digital. Went to the headrush and got what felt like more natural tone, but ultimately upgraded to the QC. The stock amps sound great, but the captures are damn near perfect.
I've got a couple of HRP videos! It's cool I just always find a home in Helix for our set up
The Headrush stuff is nice at its price point but I swore off all HR stuff since they failed to truly support the original platform and after just a couple years they essentially killed the whole lineup with the prime units. Nothing shows signs that they won’t do the same. QC and helix get amazing sounds and manufactures are both very clear about support for their equipment and sticking things out for the long run. To pay 1000 dollars for a HR pedalboard and them to dump the prime stuff and cause all units resale to plummet to 400$ at best is a perfect example of what in music is all about $$$ that’s it
@@Techco1 yeah, my prime went back after 4 months to get the QC. Their support is garbage, but at least Amazon have a generous refund policy. I find it fascinating to hear Helix in the same conversation as QC / Kemper / AXFX so frequently. I've heard many units live and they sound weak and boxy by comparison to other moddlers and even in comparison videos, they're by far the most digital sounding tool comparatively.
Buy the Ampero Stomp 2, sounds just as good and saves you money.. then play more 🎉🎉🎉
It's a bit limited for live use!
Great video Steve! Very factual view of both. I also have a lot of experience with both and agree with your assessment!
QC! Never looking back.
What do you like most about the Quad Cortex over the helix? I can't make up my mind. I need it one of these for live gigging
@@javeduddin I love the small form factor. I can have it on my desk and carry it to my Worship gigs with no sweat. I also love the interface. It's very intuitive and I don't feel restricted with the controls. I also prefer the amp models and effects on the QC. I've heard a Pod Go from another Worship guitar player, who said he downloaded Worship Tutorials presets for it, and I wasn't a fan. Maybe it was his playing, but it sounded very digitized. QC feels natural to me.
@@danielgallardo7249 that's cool man. Thanks for the feedback
@@danielgallardo7249 awesome, thanks for sharing
I prefer helix, just cuz it has more and includes expression pedal. QC is a little more complicated and probably sounds 5% better. Most people will never notice a difference (as far as audience)
If you’re looking for a cheap but good option, the pod hd 500x is consistently under $200 on reverb, and does pretty much everything a helix does. It’s a solid unit that was used by NUMEROUS PRO MUSICIANS on tour. POD hd500x is closer to a helix than you might think.
I liked and subscribed. RUclips algorithm got me again.
I am glad it brought ya here! Welcome
Watching you moving the helix around is enough for me to know what I don’t want.
If you don't need 15 sounds during 1 song HX Stomp is the way to go yeeehaw!
For my Quad Córtex. Great review
thanks for adding variax and
midi. AES/EBU ?
Can you give us a link to purchase that power cable to the helix?
Why not have both!!
Just saying, you can buy Taco Kits with both Soft and Hard shells and I like both..
Same principle applies here 😂
I def live by that rule lol
I have been outta the scene for quite a long time now.The last floorboard i owned was a Boss GT-10. I am strictly into Metal and some 80s Rock.Could anyone suggest which out of these 2 shall i go in for.Which one would be better for Melodic metal and easy to use?
Both will do the job equally as well. I think helix is a better gigging experience, qc is still young and has maturing to do. But line 6 could announce a new unit within 6 months also! Tough choice
Watched through in its entirety and this seems like a good, honest, yet subjective review. I liked that you mentioned that all of these pieces of gear are nothing more than tools, and they will only sound as good as you can make them sound. I don’t believe that anyone new and getting into guitar would be looking to dump the money required to purchase either of these units, but don’t expect that these will make you sound like (insert your hero here) after playing guitar for twenty years if you never took the time to master the skills required to sound like them. Simply put, if you suck, you suck no matter what you are using, it takes practice, loads of practice, and I would say maybe a touch of gifted talent to become great. I agree completely with the review and believe that it was done with honesty, because you started out saying that it was a subjective comparison, mentioned that it’s not going to fix your playing, and lastly you said it really comes down to user interface and what works best for you personally. Thanks for the comparison my friend, keep it up!
Hello Steve, I always find your videos very interesting and very useful for guitarists. But people always talk about Helix, QC, Fractal, Kemper, ToneX etc. ... I think Headrush Prime/Core is somehow ignored (forgotten?)...why? what you thing ?
Best regards
I can’t wait to see what L6 finally unveils as their next flagship floor modeler. I hope they keep the expression pedal, personally.
I paused at the start and I’m going to assume you’re still in the Line 6 camp. Might be wrong though, let’s see :) I think I was wrong. I too wished they’d used IEC for the power but there wasn’t room internally. Also wished the blocks were photorealistic instead of using the exact same icon for every single overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedal.
@stevesterlacci I currently have a Helix. I love the flexibility, but hate tweaking. I hate having to watch endless hours of youtube videos to accomplish what I want, I just need easy straight out of the box. Will the QC be more my speed?
I too would like to know about this.
Your Rocking That Superman Shirt Brother. I have the Hulk Shirt....
Watching this at 3am and the audio made me feel like I was tripping lol
I blew it. Still dk what happened lol
Neither now that Fractal has gapless preset switching (just my opinion of course)
If I were looking for a deal, it'd be a used helix since they are rock solid and you can get a better deal than QC.
Can you share presets and captures with the QC?
Yes they have a cloud. You can only use their cloud though, no external file management
It’s the player. They are all good
I personally love that the QC is powered the way that it is. Many of us put the QC on a board alongside other gear requiring power, an advantage of the QC's superb form factor. I like to use a robust and lockable side mounted Powercon connector into my board. I then get to power everything I need using a single quality power supply mounted underneath the board which provides isolated appropriate voltages and amps to each item. I would not like to have to contend with a board that requires multiple IEC power connectors out of necessity.
Buy the Tone Master Pro. I’ve had all 3, and the TMP is the best!
I am thinking of returning my Helix LT for the TMP and I have the FR12 coming in a few days. What is better about TMO over Helix LT?
It's my least fav of the 3 at the moment 😅
@@davidraymond8994everything! The user interface is far superior to any other effects unit on the market.
Will your podcast be on Spotify? I noticed there’s already a podcast called the silent stage
RUclips only?
has the quad cortex got as good pitch/trem effect as the virtual jeff?
I don't know what the virtual Jeff is sorry man.
@@SteveSterlacci it is a pitch shifter and whammy bar effect. Sometimes I have to play tunes in different keys bc of different singers and transposing is not always convenient bc I m an amateur. Worth to check it out, really interesting but a bit bulky
Yah, i use my QC to drop down 1semi tone a 1 tone for different songs
It’s funny to me how some of these videos compare some of these units I ordered the HX and the Kemper to a/b these units aren’t even in the ballpark…yea both are modelers and can both sound amazing but once you put a capture device against a modeler it’s becomes pretty obvious how much more realistic a profile is.but also how the helix has so much functionality and effects.just different units.
Modelers you need to know how to make sound good. Captures and profiles are easier for sure
@@SteveSterlacci yes! I’m learning that now, I was a tube amp guy for most of my life …probably why I like the profiles. Like I said tho the helix is still incredible and unparalleled in i/o and function… all the company’s are gifting an uphill battle because hx stomp got it right so early on. Btw I love the channel man.
Yes, use what you have and write a good song.
what about the sound,cause i really cant get a great heavy tone withhelix or tone master pro,so what about the sound of the qc is this better than helix or tmp
I can't confidently give an answer here. I sound best on Helix. That may differ for others 🤷♂️. I'd spend some time on helix working with the cabinet section. I have videos showing how I do it and what works best for me. It applies to any amp and works hreat
@@SteveSterlacci thanks pal for your info,i'm going to watch your videos to get the rigth tone🤘🙂
HELIX Rack! FTW!
Hybrid mode is available in Helix LT - funny, isn't it? ;)
Ampero Stage.
Been a happy helix user for many years. I sold it last week. I can’t help but feel that the next gen Line 6 flagship is around the corner. So I’ve cashed out. If a well priced used QC comes along I may jump on that. But I think the Fractal Audio FM9 would be the dream unit for me, with a Tonex one pedal on hand should I want to dip a toe into the world of captures.
I'd buy a Kemper Stage.