its not crazy, its a badass unit, seems crazy to me, that one of a big reasons for me to switch to helix is the power cable.. touring a lot and the HD500 thin plug gets damaged rather easily even by soundguys not giving one fuck of stomping on cables and shit...
I own 2 HD PodPro X, and I’ve also owned and extensively gigged with the Helix. I actually never bonded with the helix. HD pod Pro delays mounted so beautifully into the tone, and I always felt like the helix delays sounded pasted on.
I owned a POD HD Pro X a few years ago and ran it into my DAW with an ir loader. I returned it after recording one album..I took a chance on the Helix this year and its night and day to me. I love it.
Pretty clear difference to me. More detail and clarity in the Helix, while the POD feels a little muffled and grainy in direct comparison, regardless of IRs. Although, once again, this video also manages to highlight the need to import some better cabs, as there are some pretty bad sounds coming from the stock portion of the video. Effects are kind of a wash for me, I think Line 6 always does a decent job with those. The differences I can hear there are still mostly rooted in the differences in the amp tones they're applied to.
HD500 is still a great piece of gear and I'm glad to hear it holding its own next to the Helix, but I don't regret upgrading. They both sound good but the feature set on the Helix is what makes it stand out and a must-have in my opinion. Great video!
I think this is a very good video, prepared with a lot of thought and a logical approach that gives genuinely helpful info. No question that the Helix is the superior unit with greater clarity, particularly on crunch & higher gain settings - the Pod HD sounded as if it had a blanket over it by comparison, although its clean Fender tones still sounded pretty good. However, I think part of the amp/distortion difference relates to inherent EQ settings and I'm wondering if the Pod HD might sound closer to the Helix with tweaked EQ. I say this because one of the 'techniques' used by manufacturers (and Line 6 are not alone here) is to alter the underlying base EQ settings to make the newer more expensive units sound better with equivalent settings, to over-emphasise the tonal difference. So that what you're hearing is a mixture of true amp/effect modelling improvement but also combined with a better EQ mix. It would be interesting to see how near the Pod HD could get to the Helix amp tones with some tweaking of its EQ, so that any differences you then heard could be more readily accredited to the improved modelling. I would expect the Helix to still sound superior, but the differences might not be quite as pronounced.
i have myself a pod500hdx and yeah the helix sounds a little bit more detailed but...it doesnt sound...that much better accordingly to the price gap between them good job man :D nice vid
But as I said, the 3x price difference can be justified by numerous other factors, including the I/O complement and the easy-to-use interface. Just depends on what you're looking for.
I have to agree. I also own a 500X and I haven't found that the differences in the Helix amp models that I like are worth the extra expense. In some amp models I do hear nice subtle differences in the Helix that do sound better than the 500X, but I don't use these amp models. If you already own a 500X and are thinking of buying a Helix, you should take your 500X into a shop and do a side by side with your favorite amp models and settings to do an accurate comparison. Only then will you be able to decide if the extra expense is worth it.
Not to mention that you couldn't reproduce the HD500X with the exact same parts today and still charge $499. A major differentiator between amps and digital modeling is this: With an amplifier, especially vintage tube amps, you could pickup two of the same exact model and each would sound different (character). With digital modeling, I could pickup two of the exact same modelers and know that the sound will be identical between the two (i.e. two Helicies, not across types of course). Cool review, Mitch! 🤘🏻
Both units sound good. I can definitely hear more detail in the Helix, especially in the highs and lows but an untrained ear would probably think that both give equally great results.
Great series of videos, very well produced and informative! I owned the Fractal Axe fx2, HD500, and BOSS GT100 all at the same time. I ended up selling the Fractal and HD500 and kept the GT100 because it was all that I needed. I now use the GT100 through my Marshall's effects return (the marshall is now a power amp) and the BOSS sounds awesome. Underated amp models IMO. (*note I do turn off the cab sims)
I use about the same, own MOOER ge300 - sound amazing but very bad with midi controlling. Interested by "downgrading" to hd500x cause of midi flexibility and ability to use only effects and preamp with send / return. Good to have one device instead of multiple) Hd500x now almost double cheaper than MOOER and give all I need from midi. Can I ask is there effects in gt100 better quality than hd500x?
I own a POD 2.0, a POD Xt, a GuitarPort, a POD HD500X, have had extensive experience with a Helix and am awaiting delivery of a POD Go. I do not, nor ever have worked for Line6! I also own other units (GT-8 & 10 and Johnson J-Station). I also own a number of amps these units are modeling, so I feel I can give a (somewhat) informed opinion here. The POD HD 500 and Helix are two different technologies, so they should sound a little different. It's really up to the user what works for them in what they want to do with it.The Helix has better processing power, so it can do more. Since we're talking tone here, judge for yourself what works in your particular style. Some may point out fizziness in one unit or another, but that's what EQ's are for! I'm getting the POD Go for ease of use, sounds great and has the Helix technology. I understand the limitations of the unit, but I'm OK with just having one amp available. I have loads of IR's, so that won't be an issue. What I want is a great jumping off point, because I also have external effects, if needed (I tend not to dump stuff for the new, shiny thing if possible). What I heard in this video is a good A/B comparison of the two units. Honestly, I could go with both and be happy. In fact, almost every recording I've made in the last 4 years has had both the POD Xt and POD HD500X on them. Can you tell the difference? Maybe, but even though they're digital, they still feel different to me. Comparing to the originals, you really can't and shouldn't. But comparing the POD HD 500 to the Helix, you get more amps in the Helix without buying Model Packs, more processing power means more effects can be run, more everything, basically! But when it comes down to tone vs. tone, I think they can both do the job! Thanks for indulging my observation! Well done video!
Mitch, I know this is an old video, but I'd like to thank you for an honest comparison and honest comments about the 2 units. I had a Firehawk and a POD, but the Helix was a game changer for me, not only in sound, but especially in ease of use.
POD HD500 is such a great value, picked up two for $400 Canadian, jamspace is completely digital now and can record I realtime, its amazing for less then a grand
Interesting overall - and pretty much supports what most conclude about the devices overall. Certainly hear substantial differences - even with YT audio. The "wet blanket" effect over the SLO and AC30 is one good example of that. Another is the thinner / digital sound of the RAT model. Of course the fuzzes are wildly different. The reverbs are incredibly similar - which makes sense. HELIX does "borrow" from the HD models. In some ways, this premise is like saying "Well, most streets have a 25 limit, so let's compare this Audi A8 and VW Passat at 25mph on a residential road and see what separates these cars"
You can achieve more clarity using an equalizer before amp and your POD HD gets the same well detailed tone. But of course you'll be missing the IR-Loader and that is the most lack by the HD units.
Is it just me or did the pod HD sound better? Thanks brother. This was a really professional video. You only said what you had to say and it was great information and demonstration.
I like the Pod better... It has a warmer sound. The Helix sounds very distorted, grainy, dirty... The Pod will need a boost, Helix sounds a little louder.
Agree - BUT I will say that you play better when you get what you want out of your sound; if your tone isn't doing what you want, it hampers what you're doing. So yeah - audience couldn't care less if you're rocking a Spider or a Marshall JTM, but there's definitely an impact in your performance. And that doesn't mean "get the most bestest you can get money's no object" I mean consider the sound, sustain, clarity, feedback, stuff like that if you play off of that stuff live. Which I do.
Instrumentalists Jade sounds like you’re in a cover band. If you play in a band where you write original music and people know how you sound on the record you wanna emulate that as close as possible
I bought my POD500HD second hand about 9 or 10 years ago and I was very impressed with it. I actually sold off most of my old FX pedals to buy guitars (bit of a guitar collector). I have tried out the Helix years ago and it didn't seem to be that much better to me. Just come across this video after all this time, it confirms my thoughts on the two. All in all they are very close, and where they are not, a little tweeking will get you there. Funny thing is nowadays I tend to just go with an amp without any FX at all. So, my POD doesn't get anywhere as much use as it did. But this is a great video and well worth watching, so thanks :)
Thanks for providing a professional-level review. I really get tired of having to dig through dozens of trash videos before finding a good one like this. Well done.
Great test, very helpful! I think the difference is night and day, with the Helix being the clear winner. More detail, more "meat", and more "feel". However the modeling is not the only reason. The Helix has better quality AD conversion hardware, more processing power, better quality preamps, etc. It's also got capacitive footswitches and some other cool things. That is why it's so much more expensive. Plus, it's built like a tank (no plastic knobs, etc), and was really designed with pro touring players in mind. Excellent A/B test!
Glad you did this! Thanks! Yeah, if you have $$ you'll always get the newest 'bestest' just because of being bored. One thing for each I kept noticing -- HD PRO a lower emphasis (unless you played individual notes) and with the HELIX a 'grunge' that hopefully can be removed because I think of very few songs I'd use it in (in the lower mid-tone region).
Thanks for the video excellent comparison very well thought out, in reality for guys that really drive and seek after tone, if you just apply some EQ settings on the POD HD you will get the exact same sound as the helix, as far as I'm concerned you will be wasting your money spending it on the helix compared to the HD they're so close and comparable. Not to mention if you run these units into a DAW and use the effects and EQ settings in there you would never ever be able to tell the difference. Just my opinion.
Thanks for making this comparison! Many of the clean tones were identical between the two. When you got the high amps, I thought some of the HD500 amps sounded better (the Helix had more of that fizzy sound) with the exception of the ENGL, which I thought the Helix version was better. Again, great and fair comparison! IMO, the features and functionality do not justify a substantial price difference if the sounds aren’t substantially better…that’s what counts over everything else.
Now in 2023, I was thinking of upgrading my POD HD500 to a Helix LT which (at least in my country) costs triple and thanks to this video I realized that I was about to make an unnecessary investment. The PODHD500 is still a great value piece, with much better sonic response in some ways than the Helix. Thanks for this video. The work you have taken is really useful and admirable. Greetings from Argentina. (Sorry for the Google translate)
What I could make out is that Helix sounds more like real amps...like the real deal... POD HD on the other hand, I felt is more based out of the studio albums and stuff... This was more clearly evident on the ENGL comparison... Helix is much better at the amp simulation part.
As a POD HD owner, I was hoping to hear NO or very minor difference. But unfortunately for me, VOX, MESA and ENGL models sounded much better on HELIX. Especially MESA. How I will live now with this knowledge? I want to be happy with my HD! :)
Anything can be detailed if EQ's properly. I'm willing to be that all Line 6 did on the Helix was mess with the post stage EQ and saved it as the global preset which you could do with the HD500 as well.
@@elzippo I used to think the same way and spent years trying to get proper tone from POD by EQ. But it always was "close", but never on spot. With my real amp (Laney IRT Studio) and new generation of modelers I get the tone I need instantly. There was something in the structure of overdrive itself. And I hear it also on others people records made on PODs. Sounds ok, but... No, thanks, tehere are better solutions on the market. Even cheap Mooer Micro Preamp series sound really great! Significantly better than everything I ever heard from Pods.
great comparison video brother I checked out both those units I ended up with a Boss GT 100 and with the proper settings I found it blew the Helix out of the water
Paul Oesterle Oesterle no never, sorry, but i have tested a gt100 5 years ago and I bought a HD500. Sounds much more better especially crunch tones. GT 100 was very bad, only the effects are good!
I bought a PodHD500 in 2010. I worked with it a LOT at home trying to get usable sounds out of it. I'm still gigging with my 15 year old BOSS GT-8. I'm thinking of moving on to the GT-100 maybe even the GT-1000, but Line6? I think I've been disappointed with their offerings too many times. I'm wary of believing that the HELIX is going to deliver on the sketchy promises made too many times in the past. The only usable clean sounds I could create on the PODHD were ones that bypassed the amp model altogether, and used compressors, EQ to shape the sound. I've had MUCH better luck getting usable sounds from Digitech Rocktron and Roland products. Maybe it's a case of the Pod having TOO many variables? Finding just the right combination of model, cabinet and microphone settings may be like winning the lottery.
Great comparison .. thanks a lot. What I recon is that for the amp modelling part the biggest difference are in the high gain amps and even more importantly in the cab models. Up to the Plexi both seem on par with external IR. For high gain the Helix wins for me. Though the SLO100 model on PodHD remains ok with a good IR. Effect wise it is more complicated. I find that the drive pedals are anyway not totally convincing in both units so I pass...
The main difference I've heard - is ATTAC, and it's much sharper in Helix. I don't really care about plenty of effects in it - my main purpose is to have couple of tones to play on, but they should be as close to natural as possible, with saving on guitars ADSR. And looks like Helix climbed much higher in that. HD500 sound like a soapbox on a highgain presets and steals couple hundreds of dollars guitar tones on cleans. Thanks for review, really helpful!
damn, i disagree with most comments on here. i thought this would mainly be a matter of the IRs being better on the helix, but on the gainier settings the helix sounds like an amp and the pod sounds like something trying to be an amp. night and day difference even on the same IR. on the built in IRs it's even more of a slaughter, and when you then take into account that you can't load your own IRs into the pod it's basically trash if you don't have a computer along running an IR loader. at which point full software solutions will also kick its ass for less money... i went from wanting to buy a pod HD cause i found a cheap used one to HELL NO in a couple of minutes lol
I'm glad Line6 stepped it up to try and compete with the two top quality competitors. Unfortunately, even though the Helix seems better than the POD, IMO the difference is similarly defined when compared alongside the AxeFX and Kemper.
7thwave42 without any personal experience from the hd500 I cam honestly say that whilst not quite as comprehensive as the fractal, the helix is definitely a satisfying modeller if you're willing to fork out for it
I have the PODHD500X and put through an amp or on computer this does a great job I think a lot comes down to the interface differences though I would say the HDpro is still user friendly even if a little limited in area's compared to Helix. I think like anything else you stick a huge price tag on something & people automatically presume it must be radically better.
They certainly sound similar. And yes the HD is a lot less. But with the Helix I've never had so much fun programming my own presets and setting snapshots that just move swiftly from preset to preset without a miss.
The lack of adding external IRs within the unit itself is very frustrating. I own HD Pro for about 4 years and it was good in the beginning, but now I am sick of those crappy cab sims within the HD.. I know unfortunately Helix is more costy, but it's definitely worth it!
I own both. I like the POD. I LOVE the Helix. The Helix is a signficant leap above the POD. Listening to a RUclips video makes it difficult to hear nuances in tone. I've played both side by side through a PA.
I had the Pod Hd500x and it was always tinny. There was something about the models that just didn’t have the horsepower to deliver. Helix is in a different category. Mdels are accurate and way more configurable. HD500x has been sold. No regrets.
As a HD500x owner of 3 years and fine tuned my sounds for a rep of 100+ songs over that period, and tried a range of end to end approaches (various Line 6 DT amps and cab combos, JC120 in stereo, valve power amps into different boxes, straight into various amp cab combos, into FRFR) - I would have to say its not just the sound. The main difference is the feel. Yes the helix sounds like it has more headroom and just sounds generally better - but the feel is the real big difference. Whilst I played through the HD500x and it sounded good, the Helix makes me want to play and with dynamics and nuance. And finally I don't feel I have to spend ages fine tuning every patch to get it to sound feel better - they come together much easier. Is it worth the premium - well put it this way. I demo'd the helix in a store 6 months ago and was convinced enough to spend the time between selling gear and saving to get one. And I think it was worth it. End of the day, that's all that matters.
The differences where a lot more apparent once you switched to the stock cabs. The Helix stock cabs where IMOP a lot more detailed in frequencies especially once you went to the gain stuff. The Pod has decent sounds in it and can be dialed in to sound even better but the Helix just sounds more refined. Does that justify the price difference? Not sure but the flexibility and options available on the Helix no doubt make it an overall better unit. Plus the ability to load those IR's is huge. While for its time the Pod HD500 was a great unit and can still be used to dial in great tones to me the Helix was the clear winner. I highly recommend listening to this with good headphones as thats where the differences become more apparent.
If you can't hear the astronomical difference, please use audio monitors. I'm running this video throw my LSR308's and there's a HUGE difference in how they sound.
The biggest difference between the two that I’ve noticed is the dynamics. The amps and pedals responding to how loud I hit the strings, or what the volume knob on my guitar is. The Helix responds to those changes in a much more real or analog way. Probably not worth the money though. Maybe the stomp box is a good option. What Line 6 did for the Pod and Helix is pretty amazing. Even at the higher Helix price, if you consider you buy a bunch of amps, pedals, cabinets, mics you’re going way over $1600.
Great video. I definitely hear more clarity and presence with the Helix. In that context, it is more like a tube amp. That said, some of that difference could be compensated for through eq settings. Whether or not the difference would be audible in a band mix is very questionable.
Solid comparison - not sure how any updates to the software change the game, but for a 500X owner this is definitely enough to remind me that there’s other gear I could drop some serious cash on first. While I definitely prefer the darker and slightly richer tone from the Helix, the L6 Link into my DT50 gives me a level of live warm/fuzzies and integration I couldn’t justify replacing with a Helix. If I ever get back into more session work via email at least I know where to invest :-)
Great video Mitch. IMHO not sure the Helix is 2-3 the price better. I run my HD500 into a BBE Sonic Maximizer Stomp, then into my PA or powered monitor. Very happy with my tone, especially with The DR Z model. Some have said the BBE is like taking a blanket off the sound and opens it up. That has been my experience also. That may make up some of the difference in the two units. The cost of the two is still way cheaper than the Helix.
For me it isn't the sound that was the deal maker but that Line 6 has incorporated back into the Helix series the assignment of parameters to footswitches and MIDI CC that has been with Line 6 MIDI capable devices up through the X3 series that for some crazy reason they omitted from the HD series.
When I found out about the Helix I was in love. Then I read about the HD500X and saw how many people trashed it. So I ended up getting an HD500X in a trade and guess what? Its fucking great. You just need to spend time editing the patches. Thats it. The HD500X preset patches sound real cheesy because they are meant to entice newer players with how vast and different and wild you can make them sound. For some reason self proclaimed experienced players completely ignored this and immedietely cried when their shiny new toy didnt do exactly what they wanted the second they wanted it.
judging by this video, yes, it's worth 3 times the price, and I didn't expect that. That said, I'm sure that tweaking with the EQ on the POD you can get a better sound, but still the difference is more than I expected.
Almost all of the differences, like in many single pedal shootouts, can be compensated by tweeking, a little or alot. Using our ears is more than admiring one's sound, but more on zooming in to what is missing in any given context. Just my 2cents
Mesa Rectifier sounds over the top superior via Helix vs HD500...what I'm seeing here is that some tones can be sonically similar through both, others require higher processing power to achieve a more accurate sonic match to the real deal. I guess it all depends on what tones are required for the material you are playing. Thanks for the info.
Ok. I used to own the POD HD 300. I sold that to buy a 75 watt Line 6 Spider Jam amp, big mistake. I'm now an owner of a Line 6 POD XT Live pedal board (waiting for it to be delivered) I've been wanting the Helix since it 1st came out. I'm not 100 percent sure about that now. After watching this video there are tones I liked better in the Helix but at the same time the POD HD sounded just as good or even better.
I owned the Helix Rack & Control. I traded it for a mint Axe Fx II XL+ on CL, and it has a tier better modeling (when using the same IRs). I bought a Pod HD500 for $200 on CL as a beater/practice rig, and with the cab modeling off and through a power amp and Mesa 2x12, it sounds killer. The Helix doesn't really make sense to me given your options. Noone will notice a difference live btwn HD500 and Helix and for $200 I don't lose peace of mind of it getting fucked up compared to if I were using a Helix.
IF your just getting into moddeling I think the Helix is a no brainer. However, If you already own a PODHD like myself. I've found that no matter what I play it just sounds like me. Not a ton of point in spending 2 grand on the same sound I already own.
I am probably pretty biased. I have owned both and feel that the Helix is night and day better. Subtle differences but the 500 sounds thinner and fizzier than the Helix. You can get amazingly good tones from the 500 and 500X, but the Helix simply sounds more natural to me. Good tone is in the ear of the beholder. Folks compare the Helix, Kemper, Fractal, and Headrush. Everyone has a different opinion. I use my Helix in worship setting direct to FOH which works great for me. Thanks for the video. Nice job!
The improvement is around 20% or so but that's enough to warrant the extra I think. I have a HD500x rack and have been thinking to change to a Helix Rack but wasn't completely certain if it is worth it but now hearing this I think it certainly is. That's just how it is at the top end. You pay a lot more for small improvements but on the overall finish of what your working on those small improvements summed make all the difference. The HD is a decent unit but the Helix is better.
The gain on the helix seems more dynamic and lively. In comparison the PODHD feels more linear and uninspiring. Reminds me of the early VST amp modellers compared to the next gen stuff from Neural DSP, Mercurial and Ignite Amplification.
Cool and informative video.What is better and what not .....blah,blah Point is,I know some people are making beautiful and professional sounding music with great guitar tones using old POD XT and POD 2.0.I also know some sounding like crap with Axes and Kempers in their hands.
i think they sound nearly identical, the Helix perhaps has more definition, a bit more high end frequencies. but i think with an eq you can get the same identical sound out of them
Helix sounds better because it has a color screen...!
haha
I can hear the difference
😂
It seems crazy but I really like the HD500 better. Now I’m thinking of getting one.
its not crazy, its a badass unit, seems crazy to me, that one of a big reasons for me to switch to helix is the power cable.. touring a lot and the HD500 thin plug gets damaged rather easily even by soundguys not giving one fuck of stomping on cables and shit...
But it has snapshots. And command center. Sounds are close. But convenience that the helix has is ridiculous n
I own 2 HD PodPro X, and I’ve also owned and extensively gigged with the Helix. I actually never bonded with the helix. HD pod Pro delays mounted so beautifully into the tone, and I always felt like the helix delays sounded pasted on.
I owned a POD HD Pro X a few years ago and ran it into my DAW with an ir loader. I returned it after recording one album..I took a chance on the Helix this year and its night and day to me. I love it.
Thank you. This video has been so informative. It definitely makes me feel more content with my HD 500 X
Wow, you just saved me 1000 $ on upgrades from Pod to Helix. Thanks!
it' so nice when a video comparison gets right into it, no throat-clearing and wasted time. This is one of those.
Pretty clear difference to me. More detail and clarity in the Helix, while the POD feels a little muffled and grainy in direct comparison, regardless of IRs. Although, once again, this video also manages to highlight the need to import some better cabs, as there are some pretty bad sounds coming from the stock portion of the video. Effects are kind of a wash for me, I think Line 6 always does a decent job with those. The differences I can hear there are still mostly rooted in the differences in the amp tones they're applied to.
nothing you can't solve with eq
HD500 is still a great piece of gear and I'm glad to hear it holding its own next to the Helix, but I don't regret upgrading. They both sound good but the feature set on the Helix is what makes it stand out and a must-have in my opinion. Great video!
What is the upgraded feature set? I’m in the market and looking between these two
And that goes to my point. Pod HD with decent cabs is awesome. Thanks Mitch.
Excellent job man, thank you for taking the time to do it and for approaching it the way you did.
I think this is a very good video, prepared with a lot of thought and a logical approach that gives genuinely helpful info. No question that the Helix is the superior unit with greater clarity, particularly on crunch & higher gain settings - the Pod HD sounded as if it had a blanket over it by comparison, although its clean Fender tones still sounded pretty good. However, I think part of the amp/distortion difference relates to inherent EQ settings and I'm wondering if the Pod HD might sound closer to the Helix with tweaked EQ.
I say this because one of the 'techniques' used by manufacturers (and Line 6 are not alone here) is to alter the underlying base EQ settings to make the newer more expensive units sound better with equivalent settings, to over-emphasise the tonal difference. So that what you're hearing is a mixture of true amp/effect modelling improvement but also combined with a better EQ mix. It would be interesting to see how near the Pod HD could get to the Helix amp tones with some tweaking of its EQ, so that any differences you then heard could be more readily accredited to the improved modelling. I would expect the Helix to still sound superior, but the differences might not be quite as pronounced.
Well said!
Considering the difference in sound is very small and the difference in price is very big....I'd go with the hd500. I like both though, great stuff.
I'm a little surprised that the hd500x actually held its own against the Helix.... even sounded better in some ways
500
i have myself a pod500hdx
and yeah the helix sounds a little bit more detailed but...it doesnt sound...that much better accordingly to the price gap between them
good job man :D nice vid
But as I said, the 3x price difference can be justified by numerous other factors, including the I/O complement and the easy-to-use interface. Just depends on what you're looking for.
I have to agree. I also own a 500X and I haven't found that the differences in the Helix amp models that I like are worth the extra expense. In some amp models I do hear nice subtle differences in the Helix that do sound better than the 500X, but I don't use these amp models. If you already own a 500X and are thinking of buying a Helix, you should take your 500X into a shop and do a side by side with your favorite amp models and settings to do an accurate comparison. Only then will you be able to decide if the extra expense is worth it.
Not to mention that you couldn't reproduce the HD500X with the exact same parts today and still charge $499. A major differentiator between amps and digital modeling is this: With an amplifier, especially vintage tube amps, you could pickup two of the same exact model and each would sound different (character). With digital modeling, I could pickup two of the exact same modelers and know that the sound will be identical between the two (i.e. two Helicies, not across types of course). Cool review, Mitch! 🤘🏻
Both units sound good. I can definitely hear more detail in the Helix, especially in the highs and lows but an untrained ear would probably think that both give equally great results.
Greetings Steve, How about elaborating.
despite the RUclips compression and everything!
I also think that an eq would fix anything that needs fine tuning. I've done sessions with my Pod HD500 & nobody knew the difference
Aural snobs are worse than wine knobs. Untrained ear! Howwww vverryyy dare youuuu
Great series of videos, very well produced and informative! I owned the Fractal Axe fx2, HD500, and BOSS GT100 all at the same time. I ended up selling the Fractal and HD500 and kept the GT100 because it was all that I needed. I now use the GT100 through my Marshall's effects return (the marshall is now a power amp) and the BOSS sounds awesome. Underated amp models IMO. (*note I do turn off the cab sims)
I use about the same, own MOOER ge300 - sound amazing but very bad with midi controlling. Interested by "downgrading" to hd500x cause of midi flexibility and ability to use only effects and preamp with send / return. Good to have one device instead of multiple)
Hd500x now almost double cheaper than MOOER and give all I need from midi.
Can I ask is there effects in gt100 better quality than hd500x?
I own a POD 2.0, a POD Xt, a GuitarPort, a POD HD500X, have had extensive experience with a Helix and am awaiting delivery of a POD Go. I do not, nor ever have worked for Line6! I also own other units (GT-8 & 10 and Johnson J-Station). I also own a number of amps these units are modeling, so I feel I can give a (somewhat) informed opinion here.
The POD HD 500 and Helix are two different technologies, so they should sound a little different. It's really up to the user what works for them in what they want to do with it.The Helix has better processing power, so it can do more. Since we're talking tone here, judge for yourself what works in your particular style. Some may point out fizziness in one unit or another, but that's what EQ's are for! I'm getting the POD Go for ease of use, sounds great and has the Helix technology. I understand the limitations of the unit, but I'm OK with just having one amp available. I have loads of IR's, so that won't be an issue. What I want is a great jumping off point, because I also have external effects, if needed (I tend not to dump stuff for the new, shiny thing if possible).
What I heard in this video is a good A/B comparison of the two units. Honestly, I could go with both and be happy. In fact, almost every recording I've made in the last 4 years has had both the POD Xt and POD HD500X on them. Can you tell the difference? Maybe, but even though they're digital, they still feel different to me.
Comparing to the originals, you really can't and shouldn't. But comparing the POD HD 500 to the Helix, you get more amps in the Helix without buying Model Packs, more processing power means more effects can be run, more everything, basically! But when it comes down to tone vs. tone, I think they can both do the job! Thanks for indulging my observation!
Well done video!
In my opinion: Pod HD 500!
Nice comparison. I like the way you let the delay and reverb decays ring out rather than just playing over top of them.
I love that you threw some sithu aye in there, i like the pod 500 tones more for most overdriven tones
Mitch, I know this is an old video, but I'd like to thank you for an honest comparison and honest comments about the 2 units. I had a Firehawk and a POD, but the Helix was a game changer for me, not only in sound, but especially in ease of use.
POD HD500 is such a great value, picked up two for $400 Canadian, jamspace is completely digital now and can record I realtime, its amazing for less then a grand
I love your videos and how you go about it. You attempt to be as fair and objective and rational as possible. Great job
Very similar in sound, but this does not justify the three times more higher price of the Helix IMO.
Great review and demo of these pedal boards.👍
Interesting overall - and pretty much supports what most conclude about the devices overall.
Certainly hear substantial differences - even with YT audio. The "wet blanket" effect over the SLO and AC30 is one good example of that. Another is the thinner / digital sound of the RAT model. Of course the fuzzes are wildly different. The reverbs are incredibly similar - which makes sense. HELIX does "borrow" from the HD models.
In some ways, this premise is like saying "Well, most streets have a 25 limit, so let's compare this Audi A8 and VW Passat at 25mph on a residential road and see what separates these cars"
My pod XT is the best ever..I like my veggies(beans) organic.
You can achieve more clarity using an equalizer before amp and your POD HD gets the same well detailed tone. But of course you'll be missing the IR-Loader and that is the most lack by the HD units.
Is it just me or did the pod HD sound better? Thanks brother. This was a really professional video. You only said what you had to say and it was great information and demonstration.
That was a great review for exactly what you said it would be. Stock tones and effects. You presented it very well. Nice job.
Thx for review!
Seems, that I'll stay with my POD HD PRO Rack for some more years :)
This is a great video- I wish more youtube product demo/comparisons were this articulate and well thought out. Thanks dude.
I found the MESA and ENGL in round 1 the biggest difference. The bottom end was very apparent for my ears. Good work!
TIMESTAMPS
COMMON CAB IMPULSE
2:30 Fender Twin Reverb
3:02 Fender Deluxe Reverb
3:24 Vox AC30
3:54 Marshall Plexi
4:21 Hiwatt DR-103
4:46 Soldano SLO-100
5:20 Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
5:45 ENGL Fireball
STOCK CABS
6:48 Twin w/ Twin 2x12 R121
7:19 Deluxe w/ Deluxe 1x12 R121
7:41 AC30 w/ AC30 Silver Bell 2x12 U87
8:11 Plexi w/ 25W Greenback 4x12 MD409
8:40 DR-103 w/ Hiwatt Fane 4x12 U87
9:04 SLO w/ Marshall 1960 T75 4x12 SM57
9:39 Dual Rec w/ Mesa V30 4x12 SM57
10:03 Fireball w/ ENGL V30 4x12 SM57
EFFECTS
10:48 Hot Rod Deluxe clean tone
11:04 Ibanez Tube Screamer
11:32 ProCo Rat
11:56 Arbiter Fuzz Face
12:18 EHX Big Muff Pi
12:53 BK Butler Tube Driver
13:23 MXR Phase 90
13:53 Uni-Vibe
14:16 Boss CE-1
15:11 Hot Rod Deluxe clean tone (again)
15:27 Hall
16:14 Room
16:59 Chamber
17:46 Spring
18:36 Plate
19:31 Echoplex
20:18 2290
Mitch Baker would you mind sharing the presets you used on the pod?
Mitch Baker your 1st demo sounded like cemetery gates
Sounds about the same
I like the Pod better... It has a warmer sound. The Helix sounds very distorted, grainy, dirty...
The Pod will need a boost, Helix sounds a little louder.
super useful, tnx
Thanks, you saved me from pining for Pod HD300/500! I am sticking with Bias Amp 2 and Bias Fx 2.
Best video multy effects comparison I've ever seen on youtube
Once you play on stage, you cant really tell the difference. Specially people are drunk, they dont care much
Agree - BUT I will say that you play better when you get what you want out of your sound; if your tone isn't doing what you want, it hampers what you're doing. So yeah - audience couldn't care less if you're rocking a Spider or a Marshall JTM, but there's definitely an impact in your performance. And that doesn't mean "get the most bestest you can get money's no object" I mean consider the sound, sustain, clarity, feedback, stuff like that if you play off of that stuff live. Which I do.
Very true
Instrumentalists Jade sounds like you’re in a cover band. If you play in a band where you write original music and people know how you sound on the record you wanna emulate that as close as possible
I'd like to see how drunk people vs crackheads vs methheads vs potheads vs crazy as loons people vs lsd trippers rate the two!😆
Do you play for drunkers or for self?
I bought my POD500HD second hand about 9 or 10 years ago and I was very impressed with it. I actually sold off most of my old FX pedals to buy guitars (bit of a guitar collector). I have tried out the Helix years ago and it didn't seem to be that much better to me. Just come across this video after all this time, it confirms my thoughts on the two. All in all they are very close, and where they are not, a little tweeking will get you there. Funny thing is nowadays I tend to just go with an amp without any FX at all. So, my POD doesn't get anywhere as much use as it did. But this is a great video and well worth watching, so thanks :)
Thanks for providing a professional-level review. I really get tired of having to dig through dozens of trash videos before finding a good one like this. Well done.
Great test, very helpful! I think the difference is night and day, with the Helix being the clear winner. More detail, more "meat", and more "feel". However the modeling is not the only reason. The Helix has better quality AD conversion hardware, more processing power, better quality preamps, etc. It's also got capacitive footswitches and some other cool things. That is why it's so much more expensive. Plus, it's built like a tank (no plastic knobs, etc), and was really designed with pro touring players in mind. Excellent A/B test!
I suspect the Helix main offering is not so much better sound, but ease of use...programming and performane ques.
Amazing video, one of the best on RUclips about guitar rig & styff. Congratz, VERY helpful!
Glad you did this! Thanks! Yeah, if you have $$ you'll always get the newest 'bestest' just because of being bored. One thing for each I kept noticing -- HD PRO a lower emphasis (unless you played individual notes) and with the HELIX a 'grunge' that hopefully can be removed because I think of very few songs I'd use it in (in the lower mid-tone region).
Thanks for the video excellent comparison very well thought out, in reality for guys that really drive and seek after tone, if you just apply some EQ settings on the POD HD you will get the exact same sound as the helix, as far as I'm concerned you will be wasting your money spending it on the helix compared to the HD they're so close and comparable. Not to mention if you run these units into a DAW and use the effects and EQ settings in there you would never ever be able to tell the difference. Just my opinion.
Thanks for making this comparison!
Many of the clean tones were identical between the two.
When you got the high amps, I thought some of the HD500 amps sounded better (the Helix had more of that fizzy sound) with the exception of the ENGL, which I thought the Helix version was better.
Again, great and fair comparison!
IMO, the features and functionality do not justify a substantial price difference if the sounds aren’t substantially better…that’s what counts over everything else.
Now in 2023, I was thinking of upgrading my POD HD500 to a Helix LT which (at least in my country) costs triple and thanks to this video I realized that I was about to make an unnecessary investment. The PODHD500 is still a great value piece, with much better sonic response in some ways than the Helix.
Thanks for this video. The work you have taken is really useful and admirable.
Greetings from Argentina.
(Sorry for the Google translate)
What I could make out is that Helix sounds more like real amps...like the real deal...
POD HD on the other hand, I felt is more based out of the studio albums and stuff...
This was more clearly evident on the ENGL comparison...
Helix is much better at the amp simulation part.
agreed. can't believe the comments on here saying that you could make them sound the same with an eq, the whole response is completely different.
As a POD HD owner, I was hoping to hear NO or very minor difference. But unfortunately for me, VOX, MESA and ENGL models sounded much better on HELIX. Especially MESA. How I will live now with this knowledge? I want to be happy with my HD! :)
Same here
I don't care! This little different you can correct with adjusting frequencies! Because the modelling is just a good work of operators!
Mad the Axe Fx is better than both. There is always something better, enjoy what you have.
Anything can be detailed if EQ's properly. I'm willing to be that all Line 6 did on the Helix was mess with the post stage EQ and saved it as the global preset which you could do with the HD500 as well.
@@elzippo I used to think the same way and spent years trying to get proper tone from POD by EQ. But it always was "close", but never on spot. With my real amp (Laney IRT Studio) and new generation of modelers I get the tone I need instantly. There was something in the structure of overdrive itself. And I hear it also on others people records made on PODs. Sounds ok, but... No, thanks, tehere are better solutions on the market. Even cheap Mooer Micro Preamp series sound really great! Significantly better than everything I ever heard from Pods.
great comparison video brother I checked out both those units I ended up with a Boss GT 100 and with the proper settings I found it blew the Helix out of the water
Paul Oesterle Oesterle no never, sorry, but i have tested a gt100 5 years ago and I bought a HD500. Sounds much more better especially crunch tones. GT 100 was very bad, only the effects are good!
I bought a PodHD500 in 2010. I worked with it a LOT at home trying to get usable sounds out of it. I'm still gigging with my 15 year old BOSS GT-8. I'm thinking of moving on to the GT-100 maybe even the GT-1000, but Line6? I think I've been disappointed with their offerings too many times. I'm wary of believing that the HELIX is going to deliver on the sketchy promises made too many times in the past. The only usable clean sounds I could create on the PODHD were ones that bypassed the amp model altogether, and used compressors, EQ to shape the sound. I've had MUCH better luck getting usable sounds from Digitech Rocktron and Roland products. Maybe it's a case of the Pod having TOO many variables? Finding just the right combination of model, cabinet and microphone settings may be like winning the lottery.
Great comparison .. thanks a lot. What I recon is that for the amp modelling part the biggest difference are in the high gain amps and even more importantly in the cab models. Up to the Plexi both seem on par with external IR. For high gain the Helix wins for me. Though the SLO100 model on PodHD remains ok with a good IR.
Effect wise it is more complicated. I find that the drive pedals are anyway not totally convincing in both units so I pass...
The main difference I've heard - is ATTAC, and it's much sharper in Helix.
I don't really care about plenty of effects in it - my main purpose is to have couple of tones to play on, but they should be as close to natural as possible, with saving on guitars ADSR. And looks like Helix climbed much higher in that. HD500 sound like a soapbox on a highgain presets and steals couple hundreds of dollars guitar tones on cleans.
Thanks for review, really helpful!
To be fair, the pod sounds great, the Helix just sounded a bit brighter.
good demo and nice playing.
They sound very similar I might just pick up a 500x for now and hopefully the price will come down even more
Would LOVE a BiasFX/Ax8 battle....!!! :)
You make such smart reviews...!
No contest at all. Pretty much everything beats BIAS. Check out my video where I compare bias and lepou's free lecto plugin.
ProGuitarNoob i will
damn, i disagree with most comments on here. i thought this would mainly be a matter of the IRs being better on the helix, but on the gainier settings the helix sounds like an amp and the pod sounds like something trying to be an amp. night and day difference even on the same IR. on the built in IRs it's even more of a slaughter, and when you then take into account that you can't load your own IRs into the pod it's basically trash if you don't have a computer along running an IR loader. at which point full software solutions will also kick its ass for less money... i went from wanting to buy a pod HD cause i found a cheap used one to HELL NO in a couple of minutes lol
I'm glad Line6 stepped it up to try and compete with the two top quality competitors. Unfortunately, even though the Helix seems better than the POD, IMO the difference is similarly defined when compared alongside the AxeFX and Kemper.
Nice job mate. I have an HD500 and have been considering the Helix so I found this video pretty useful. Cheers from across the pond in Scotland.
7thwave42 without any personal experience from the hd500 I cam honestly say that whilst not quite as comprehensive as the fractal, the helix is definitely a satisfying modeller if you're willing to fork out for it
I have the PODHD500X and put through an amp or on computer this does a great job I think a lot comes down to the interface differences though I would say the HDpro is still user friendly even if a little limited in area's compared to Helix. I think like anything else you stick a huge price tag on something & people automatically presume it must be radically better.
They certainly sound similar. And yes the HD is a lot less. But with the Helix I've never had so much fun programming my own presets and setting snapshots that just move swiftly from preset to preset without a miss.
Thank you. Very helpful. All I wanted was to know if my POD HD500 was still competitive vs the mighty helix.
Ha! It is!
the sounds could be the same if you manipulate the EQ...for the costs I would choose the HD.. that's the only major difference.
The lack of adding external IRs within the unit itself is very frustrating. I own HD Pro for about 4 years and it was good in the beginning, but now I am sick of those crappy cab sims within the HD.. I know unfortunately Helix is more costy, but it's definitely worth it!
You can add an amt Pangaea to the unit (Pod HD) and have external IRs without delay. The POD sounds stellar with custom impulses
procletnic enlighten me, what is an IR. Im new to this moddling party :/
I'm guessing it's the impulse that's referenced in each example in the video. Not sure what the R stands for. Recording maybe?
I actually prefer the HD sounds better overall. I can see where the Helix is better, mainly DSP increase but not worth 3xs the price
Nick Koehler I totally agree with you on your statement.
Nick Koehler a
I own both. I like the POD. I LOVE the Helix. The Helix is a signficant leap above the POD.
Listening to a RUclips video makes it difficult to hear nuances in tone. I've played both side by side through a PA.
pod is okay untill you try to do highgain stuff
I had the Pod Hd500x and it was always tinny. There was something about the models that just didn’t have the horsepower to deliver. Helix is in a different category. Mdels are accurate and way more configurable. HD500x has been sold. No regrets.
As a HD500x owner of 3 years and fine tuned my sounds for a rep of 100+ songs over that period, and tried a range of end to end approaches (various Line 6 DT amps and cab combos, JC120 in stereo, valve power amps into different boxes, straight into various amp cab combos, into FRFR) - I would have to say its not just the sound. The main difference is the feel. Yes the helix sounds like it has more headroom and just sounds generally better - but the feel is the real big difference. Whilst I played through the HD500x and it sounded good, the Helix makes me want to play and with dynamics and nuance. And finally I don't feel I have to spend ages fine tuning every patch to get it to sound feel better - they come together much easier.
Is it worth the premium - well put it this way. I demo'd the helix in a store 6 months ago and was convinced enough to spend the time between selling gear and saving to get one. And I think it was worth it. End of the day, that's all that matters.
Thanks for this awesome video! Now i can stop gasing for new gear and start working on my finger.
The differences where a lot more apparent once you switched to the stock cabs. The Helix stock cabs where IMOP a lot more detailed in frequencies especially once you went to the gain stuff. The Pod has decent sounds in it and can be dialed in to sound even better but the Helix just sounds more refined. Does that justify the price difference? Not sure but the flexibility and options available on the Helix no doubt make it an overall better unit. Plus the ability to load those IR's is huge. While for its time the Pod HD500 was a great unit and can still be used to dial in great tones to me the Helix was the clear winner. I highly recommend listening to this with good headphones as thats where the differences become more apparent.
This is the greatest way to differentiate bro
If you can't hear the astronomical difference, please use audio monitors.
I'm running this video throw my LSR308's and there's a HUGE difference in how they sound.
The biggest difference between the two that I’ve noticed is the dynamics. The amps and pedals responding to how loud I hit the strings, or what the volume knob on my guitar is. The Helix responds to those changes in a much more real or analog way. Probably not worth the money though. Maybe the stomp box is a good option. What Line 6 did for the Pod and Helix is pretty amazing. Even at the higher Helix price, if you consider you buy a bunch of amps, pedals, cabinets, mics you’re going way over $1600.
The first round of tests were pretty close. Goes to show how important cab modeling is. If only the HD500 could load third party IRs!!!
the key is to go into the cab settings and mess with those
Kley De Jong q Torpedo Cab maybe?
Torpedo cab effectively would double the price of your setup though
Just run your POD into a program like logic and run a 3rd party IR. Comes out pretty well.
Late to the party but: Mooer Radar. Great to extend the HD500 with IRs!
Great video. I definitely hear more clarity and presence with the Helix. In that context, it is more like a tube amp. That said, some of that difference could be compensated for through eq settings. Whether or not the difference would be audible in a band mix is very questionable.
Solid comparison - not sure how any updates to the software change the game, but for a 500X owner this is definitely enough to remind me that there’s other gear I could drop some serious cash on first.
While I definitely prefer the darker and slightly richer tone from the Helix, the L6 Link into my DT50 gives me a level of live warm/fuzzies and integration I couldn’t justify replacing with a Helix. If I ever get back into more session work via email at least I know where to invest :-)
great video. Thanks for the effects only test.
Great video Mitch. IMHO not sure the Helix is 2-3 the price better. I run my HD500 into a BBE Sonic Maximizer Stomp, then into my PA or powered monitor. Very happy with my tone, especially with The DR Z model. Some have said the BBE is like taking a blanket off the sound and opens it up. That has been my experience also. That may make up some of the difference in the two units. The cost of the two is still way cheaper than the Helix.
I see you with that Double Helix intro riff. :v
Great demo though!
For me it isn't the sound that was the deal maker but that Line 6 has incorporated back into the Helix series the assignment of parameters to footswitches and MIDI CC that has been with Line 6 MIDI capable devices up through the X3 series
that for some crazy reason they omitted from the HD series.
Awesome! Very thorough comparison.
I bet this was fun :). Thanks for the info, very useful.
I think I'm going to try using the pod's amp sims and then cab IRs in my daw. OwnHammer cab sims are amazing
When I found out about the Helix I was in love. Then I read about the HD500X and saw how many people trashed it. So I ended up getting an HD500X in a trade and guess what? Its fucking great. You just need to spend time editing the patches. Thats it. The HD500X preset patches sound real cheesy because they are meant to entice newer players with how vast and different and wild you can make them sound. For some reason self proclaimed experienced players completely ignored this and immedietely cried when their shiny new toy didnt do exactly what they wanted the second they wanted it.
judging by this video, yes, it's worth 3 times the price, and I didn't expect that. That said, I'm sure that tweaking with the EQ on the POD you can get a better sound, but still the difference is more than I expected.
Cool BTBAM Christmas sweater, I have the same one 😁
Oh and both units sound awesome
Almost all of the differences, like in many single pedal shootouts, can be compensated by tweeking, a little or alot.
Using our ears is more than admiring one's sound, but more on zooming in to what is missing in any given context. Just my 2cents
sick video, as always.
would like to see a bias fx vs helix vs ax8 comparison in the future, if u could :)
Mesa Rectifier sounds over the top superior via Helix vs HD500...what I'm seeing here is that some tones can be sonically similar through both, others require higher processing power to achieve a more accurate sonic match to the real deal. I guess it all depends on what tones are required for the material you are playing. Thanks for the info.
Ok. I used to own the POD HD 300. I sold that to buy a 75 watt Line 6 Spider Jam amp, big mistake. I'm now an owner of a Line 6 POD XT Live pedal board (waiting for it to be delivered) I've been wanting the Helix since it 1st came out. I'm not 100 percent sure about that now. After watching this video there are tones I liked better in the Helix but at the same time the POD HD sounded just as good or even better.
excellent video to showing differences
I owned the Helix Rack & Control. I traded it for a mint Axe Fx II XL+ on CL, and it has a tier better modeling (when using the same IRs). I bought a Pod HD500 for $200 on CL as a beater/practice rig, and with the cab modeling off and through a power amp and Mesa 2x12, it sounds killer. The Helix doesn't really make sense to me given your options. Noone will notice a difference live btwn HD500 and Helix and for $200 I don't lose peace of mind of it getting fucked up compared to if I were using a Helix.
I like the line of thinking here! It gives a clear picture of the differences. Great work!
Very helpful, thank you for making this video
IF your just getting into moddeling I think the Helix is a no brainer. However, If you already own a PODHD like myself. I've found that no matter what I play it just sounds like me. Not a ton of point in spending 2 grand on the same sound I already own.
I am probably pretty biased. I have owned both and feel that the Helix is night and day better. Subtle differences but the 500 sounds thinner and fizzier than the Helix. You can get amazingly good tones from the 500 and 500X, but the Helix simply sounds more natural to me. Good tone is in the ear of the beholder. Folks compare the Helix, Kemper, Fractal, and Headrush. Everyone has a different opinion. I use my Helix in worship setting direct to FOH which works great for me. Thanks for the video. Nice job!
The improvement is around 20% or so but that's enough to warrant the extra I think. I have a HD500x rack and have been thinking to change to a Helix Rack but wasn't completely certain if it is worth it but now hearing this I think it certainly is. That's just how it is at the top end. You pay a lot more for small improvements but on the overall finish of what your working on those small improvements summed make all the difference. The HD is a decent unit but the Helix is better.
good video. sharing very valuable info. Thanks! Not bad playing either!
The gain on the helix seems more dynamic and lively. In comparison the PODHD feels more linear and uninspiring. Reminds me of the early VST amp modellers compared to the next gen stuff from Neural DSP, Mercurial and Ignite Amplification.
Interesting. The HD actually sounded less sterile than the Helix in several patches.
I had the POD HD desktop unit and can tell you it's a good little unit but the helix still wins over it in feel, dynamic and tones etc..
Sweet Mothership vinyl in the back.
Right, good to know I can save 1000 then
Cool and informative video.What is better and what not .....blah,blah
Point is,I know some people are making beautiful and professional sounding music with
great guitar tones using old POD XT and POD 2.0.I also know some sounding like crap
with Axes and Kempers in their hands.
Srdjan Bošnjak yes, thats the truth, love my pod HD500 and I get wonderful sounds with a real tube amp.
i think they sound nearly identical, the Helix perhaps has more definition, a bit more high end frequencies. but i think with an eq you can get the same identical sound out of them