This is exactly what a review should look like.I enjoyed every second of the video...no biases,no souping up one product over the other and the fact you used every day guitar/pickups.You earned one new subscriber and you deserve a lot more!
@@danieltv123 He's more of an entertainer I think rather than a sellout, his vids just aren't all that informative, but are still fun to watch. Plus he's pretty straightforward with regards to pushing his stuff and making money and all that, which cannot be said about most "influencer" RUclipsrs.
Young man you have done a superb job articulating and demonstrating the differences between these units. Undoubtedly one of the best videos of this nature to-date I have ever seen. Making sound comparisons on RUclips is very difficult but your approach to this dilemma was both well thought out and executed. Thanks and keep up the great work.
This was amazingly well produced, thank you for the full disclosure and for maintaining a high degree of professionalism. You've earned yourself a sub!
Awesome comparison . No extra talking , very professional...subscribed! Please go on with the next one! Really interested in the SHIVA comparison Cheers!
Great job. It was well done, very informative, and gave me a great look at how these two units stack up to each other. There really wasn't anything more that you could have added to make this video better, I liked how you sometimes stopped and played through some of the amp models to compare them more closely to each other, and your comments were timely and really helped me understand how the models seemed to you there in person. I'm going to check out all the videos on these 2 that you made, especially the 2nd amp model video. Really well done!
Finally a great A/B demo! Solid work man. Good balance of audio and explanation. I'd really like to hear a demo of the AX8 OD pedals just by themselves, if you can. Again, much appreciated. Keep it up.
WELL DONE Mitch, Excellent comparison. I'm very impressed with your whole presentation! Obviously there are many more possible comparisons to go through, but this is a very good start.
Both sound pretty great. It seems like the Helix is kinda set to sound good at first glance. Bright, strong mids. The fractal is more focused on being realistic.
deadasfak apparently the Helix is very easy to use so that makes a huge difference to me. to use recording software in a DAW takes a lot of time and practice, let alone making songs and learning new things so something that doesn't take a lot of my time to learn or master is top of my list (considering they both sound great)
@@joeyvpoisonfree if you haven't gotten the Helix native yet, I think they have a free 2 week trial. Depending on your Covid19 situation, this may be an ideal time to give it a try.
Excellent video. I valued your honest opinions and your good playing. It would be good to investigate the fx in each unit and particularly the depth of editing available e.g. All these units offer tape echo but what about: multi head, wow and flutter, like the space echo and the binson Etc. I agree you should be getting more views than you are!
You are spot on. The Helix recto especially rang true, that’s one of my favorite amps. Helix just has this generic 2D sounding recto, and Fractal’s was *extremely* true to the real thing. I A/B’d the Fractal recto with my real Triple Recto and it was indistinguishable in all the right ways.
Great demo . . . informative and interesting without taking sides of either unit. Yes- GET A STRAT!!! you won't regret it. :) I was surprised by how the Helix held up to most of the AX8 amps. Good selection of amps to demo and by all means do a second vid with the list you mentioned at the beginning. Also I would be interested to hear the difference in effects between the units. I own neither unit ( I have a Kemper atm) but have considered both, also considering a Yamaha THR 100 HD, too. I have read that the AX8 can be a DSP eater with certain reverbs. I know that both units use the same dual DSP chips but that the AX8 uses 1 chip for amp model and the other for effects as opposed to the Helix which splits DSP duties between 2 signal outputs. It does appear that it is the IRs that can make or break either unit. Great work, I appreciate your efforts in doing this.
First of all, thanks for this great comparison! Since I play a real Bogner Shiva, I would really love to hear how those two units deal with its sound. Have a nice day and good luck growing your channel, you deserve it!
Great job man, you also seem like a really cool kid. I just bought the AX8 and love it, it does have the feel of a real tube amp, which to me, the Helix doesn't as much. One point to also include in the comparison, is you get an expression pedal with the Helix and $125 advantage.
Hello Mich, I enjoyed all of your comparison in all of your videos. I know and understand all the work that has gone into each and every one of your videos in this series. I'd like to acknowledge your objectivity and your honesty making it clear that the products are being compared for what they are and with no bias positive or negative to either product. Your testing protocol is very good, don't change a thing. It's obvious you are very passionate about music, technology, and your doing this series to help thoes looking to get educated so they can make an informed buying decision. Further it foster communication within the virtual amp/cab/mic/speaker, etc device manufacturers, their customers, and the part of the music community that use these products regardless of which product they prefer. There is room for both products. Some people like chocolate and some vanilla. You are providing a useful and needed service, and I thank you for that. Ricky from IBM.
Great work! Extremely informative. I'd definitely look forward to your thoughts on other amp models. A brief feature comparison might be helpful for people who are on the fence, as well. Effects loops, mic in, class-compliant USB audio/MIDI etc. are what first drove me to Helix.
Sounds great man. I like the approach you took for the comparisons. This is further proof that both units sound great. Anyone should be able to get phenomenal tones with either unit.
Great demo of both pedals. I was torn on what to buy for my next tube amp and fx, gotta lean towards the AX8 due to past line 6 warranty issues. I know this is off the subject, but there is some kind of synth built in the AX8 and the Helix, any demos on them? Thx!
best review i've seen for years man! greetings from germany :) i would like to hear a comparison between the impulse response/cabinet models. that is what counts for me, especially in a live situation, where the signal path goes straight through some Fullrange speakers.
Great video Mitch. I had an idea for any future comparison, I'd like to hear how these things sound in a mix. Boss modelers typically sound terrible in these shootouts but I find they do sit well in a live band situation.
Great comparison I wonder is there any tone sucks when using 4 cable method in both ax8 and helix. and if it dose, which one is better. can u make a comparison about it in the next video?
what a fantastic vid, thank you, i own a vox AC30 1964 and let me tell you its bright as hell, i also own a twin and that's bright as hell too, out of everything you played for us the helix sounds more sharp more real, alot of my friends go for fractal but i honestly think the helix sounds way more realistic and less cotten mouth / wool driven ....perfect video thank you
dude, your videos are comprehensive, informative and have great production value; I can totally see this channel getting huge eventually. i am subbing for sure. Keep up the good work!
Sounds like the Fractal bass farts out whereas the Helix stays tighter in the bass frequencies at the same settings. Does dropping the bass on the fractal fix that?
I own the POD 2.0 and the original HD500 floor board. The difference between the two in sound quality is obvious. Still trying to figure out how much better sounding the Helix is compared to HD500 or HD500X or even the 500 compared to 500X?
Both sound absolutely insane! I would love for you to take certain amp models (AC30, Twin, Marshall, Mesa) with effects and IRs specific to each unit to make both units sound as best as possible! Best is obviously subjective but from watching your other videos, you could get some killer tones!
Great review Mitch, very in depth. I don't own either of these but if I get one it will probably be the ax8 base on your review and others. However talking further on the dual amp capability, I have Positivegrid Bias FX on my iPad mini2. When I use dual amps it takes away from the focus and punch. I wonder if it does this on the Helix. I've heard the AxeFx2 handles this the best.
Great video... What do you recommend for studio purposes and little gigs (bar, cafe)?? Greetings from Switzerland. Pst.: I'm considering your answer before buying !!
Great comparison. Much appreciated. In addition to the touch sensitivity, I've found the Helix to respond a bit more like the amps after which it is modeled than the AX8. Not sure if it's the approach to modeling at the component level that Line 6 takes versus the more holistic view that the Axe (and Kemper take), but what it yields for me is a bit greater flexibility and accuracy on the tweaking to get what I'm looking for. Again, not better, just different. To this end though, I think that the fewer base models in the Helix doesn't represent fewer options in terms of end state tones; just fewer starting points.
I don't care if Fractal has so many amps compared to the Helix. If you can't find a good amp in the Helix, you need a new guitar! The Helix shines for usability and UI, and its functionality for studio use is crazy good.
Trevor Westerdahl what do you mean? Everything he said is true. It's good for studio use, and it's very simple and has a very user friendly ui, something ax8 doesn't have. There are pros and cons for each modeler I don't really feel like explaining (I'll do it though if you want) but in short, helix is good for the casual audience and ax8 is better for the more serious players
I'm not saying Helix sucks or anything. I am saying its more expensive (AX8 is $1,299 new)... and I pondered... is it the best choice? I do agree that the on board menu system is much more user friendly on the Helix. Someone will get outstanding, pro-quality sounds from Helix. I make my comments because I spent $1,400+ on a H&K Grandmeister 40 plus accessories. Why? I played it. Loved it and got all of what I thought I was looking for... until someone showed me a Helix used well. Then I started digging. I decided to do a much better job of digging because I don't have deep pockets full of cash. I'm in Austin Texas and its very hard to find any guitar store with these to try out. Several stores do have the Helix (it was hearing a Helix in the store that got me started), but not other modelers. Long story short (all just my opinion and experience)... the AX8 is better because... 1) The defaults are better. Side-by-side, you will want to tweak the Helix defaults.... period. The Helix will get better when you do tweak it, but its annoying. 2) At first, I thought the Helix's ability to tweak on board was so much better that made it a winner. Then I used the app on the AX8 and I realized I don't need to tweak on board. prefer the app. I see why on board tweaking has its place, but it lost its value for me. 3) The effects are just noticeably better to me on the AX8. It also seems to have better input/output options (everything can feed into and out of everything). Then I found you can change the tubes (what?) Change the tubes on my fake modeled amp... yep. In fact its overwhelming what you can tweak. Those options seem ominous... until you find you want to make that adjustment. again, the defaults are so good, you can do fantastic without tweaking much. I needed to tweak the Helix. 4) The AX8 costs less. 5) I liked the cab options better and they make a huge difference in sound. 6) Then I watched video after video after video. I found a large percentage of the AX8 videos just sounded better to me. It couldn't be that it was guitarists that were simply better. It had to have something to do with the product. Then it was pointed out who uses what and it became obvious the pros majorly choose Fractal over others. Why? In summary, I am always chasing something better. I find myself buying something like the H&K (outstanding product too), but wanted more from it. The AX8 (IMO) is the best all-in-one box that can be had. If there is something else you want, you can likely make it do it and the result is so good pros cannot tell the difference in blind tests. Yes, I'm a fanboy.
you rule my friend!! that was so helpful! I really greatly appreciate the time you took to share that experience. Very valuable time saver for many. what do you think of the kemper? also, if money was not an issue, what would you get between fractal units and vs the kemper?
Awesome comparison! Thank you so much. I put in many many hours playing my 5150 first generation 2x12 combo. These both sounded really tinny on the 5150 models. Then i remembered I never used the lead channel much. The rhythm channel had so much more girth and all the gain I needed. I wish I could hear the rhythm channel models for the 5150. It's pretty close between the two. I'm glad you were able to tweak the settings as you played. Upping the Helix gain and upping the Fractal treble brings the two pieces of gear very very close.
Unfortunately neither of them have models of the rhythm channel of the standard 5150/6505 (which I agree, it's my favorite of them all) but Fractal has models of the rhythm channel of the 6505+/5150II, which is in the same sort of ballpark. Helix only has a model of the lead channel.
This is one of the best comparison videos to date, most others just dog out the Helix and praise the Fractal, here you've giving them both the same unbiased attention (even tho I can tell you love the ax8). Great video Mitch, I'd say screw the Strat and get a Musicman.
Very good comparison of the amp models. With the lower gain amps, the helix sounds more natural in the breakup, where the fractal sounds like the signal is being split, with a pure clean signal being mixed with an overdriven signal. As someone with a lot of experience with real Fender, Marshall and Vox amps (playing as well as repairing them), to me the low and mid gain amp models on the helix are spot on, where they seem a bit "off" with the fractal. I cannot comment on the high gain amps, so perhaps the fractal may be a bit better? I can't comment there. Where I believe the fractal would shine is the quality of effects is generally better, as are their cab simulations (but with the Helix now able to load impulses, that point would be a wash) In the end, I think whichever unit gives you the features you want, and can produce the tones that are in your head is the right unit for you. Both seem like really good units, so it really comes down to taste...I can't understand the negative attitudes toward those that prefer one over the other. Edit: the number of models available on the Fractal seems to be a superset of those available on the Helix, so I can see the appeal there. Also, thank you for taking the time to do this. Very well done.
Line 6 sounds "nasal" (e.g. right after 22:30) . Comparing clean sounds - is pointless. Line 6 issue lies in not being able to emulate hi-gain sounds well. As you've mentioned yourself: "meaty" or "beefy" - that's one of the key elements which Fractal has and Helix lacks. Either way, this is actually a very helpful video as the majority of other RUclips videos I saw recently tend to use "over-tweaked" settings when comparing sounds between Helix and Fractal, doesn't really give a "true" picture of what each device is capable of. P.S. Option paralysis - that's just what Helix users tend to use as an excuse for having Helix :) I think Helix is actually the one which causes option paralysis, simply because of the number of tweaks and experimentation required to get a decent sound out of Helix.
The best comparison video I've seen to date. I think you did a great job of being as impartial as you can. I do have a quick question though. what IR's were you using for the SLO and Rectifiers? They Sounded really good and I would love to try them with my Helix but I don't know where to buy them lol. Any help here would be great. Keep it up man the videos are great.
You are very well spoken. I agree with you wholeheartedly when you talk about the number of options and rate of delivery of amps and effects from Fractal to Helix. I like both units for different reasons but Line 6 really needs to step up their game and start releasing more amps and effects to narrow the gap between the two. I also agree that the tones sound similar on both units or can be made to do so with some simple tweaking. (This opinion garners a lot of salt) I look forward to future editions of this series and will stay tuned for them. P.S. I believe that an SSS configuration would be a nice edition to your arsenal.
while I agree that line 6 needs to pump out way more amps especially high gain ones they really did a fantastic job catching up to fractal since the pod (which I also owned before I bought helix) I'm sure they are going to release more amps though
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This is exactly what a review should look like.I enjoyed every second of the video...no biases,no souping up one product over the other and the fact you used every day guitar/pickups.You earned one new subscriber and you deserve a lot more!
Steven Corry agreed and subscribed!
Yes that video was not a fair comparison
I agree
I am also a new subscriber and appreciate your transparency.
wow, amazing comparison video. very professional, very informative, very good presentation and very good deduction of the differences.
dude, I think your AX8 vs Helix video is better than Ola one. Good job.
Ola is sellout unfortunatly, even though I like him
danieltv123 how so?
@@danieltv123 He's more of an entertainer I think rather than a sellout, his vids just aren't all that informative, but are still fun to watch. Plus he's pretty straightforward with regards to pushing his stuff and making money and all that, which cannot be said about most "influencer" RUclipsrs.
@@animaegray you take that back
Ola will curse you...😈😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Young man you have done a superb job articulating and demonstrating the differences between these units. Undoubtedly one of the best videos of this nature to-date I have ever seen. Making sound comparisons on RUclips is very difficult but your approach to this dilemma was both well thought out and executed. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Dude, you established a new standard for reviewing music equipment. Congrats!
Man, I'm a drummer, I have no idea what half the shit you're talking about even is, but I feel like you deserve more viewers.
Dang, this is SO well-organized. 🤘🤘
Thanks for the video! Awesome!
Twin is on Helix
Deluxe on Helix
Vox on helix
Plexi on both
800 on both
Slo on AX
Recto AX
5150 on AX
Its on its own.
unbelievable. glossy production, detailed comparison. only thing I didn't like was too much apologizing --- you clearly did a great job here!
65 Twin reissue user here, mine is clean at 5 - loud but clean
This was amazingly well produced, thank you for the full disclosure and for maintaining a high degree of professionalism. You've earned yourself a sub!
Great vid Dude! Excellent presentation, well spoken, thoughtful. Looking forward to #2.
Awesome comparison . No extra talking , very professional...subscribed!
Please go on with the next one! Really interested in the SHIVA comparison
Cheers!
You can see it at 21:22 of this video: ruclips.net/video/280y_QtLVlQ/видео.html
Great job. It was well done, very informative, and gave me a great look
at how these two units stack up to each other. There really wasn't
anything more that you could have added to make this video better, I
liked how you sometimes stopped and played through some of the amp
models to compare them more closely to each other, and your comments
were timely and really helped me understand how the models seemed to you
there in person. I'm going to check out all the videos on these 2 that
you made, especially the 2nd amp model video. Really well done!
I love every one of those albums you've got on your wall! Also really dig your reviews and band!
Great Job! I really like the way you go back and forth between the two units! Would love to see comparison of effects as well!
Wow, great job! And what a great delivery...you got a sharp thought process! Definitely do 2!
Finally a great A/B demo! Solid work man. Good balance of audio and explanation. I'd really like to hear a demo of the AX8 OD pedals just by themselves, if you can. Again, much appreciated. Keep it up.
WELL DONE Mitch, Excellent comparison. I'm very impressed with your whole presentation! Obviously there are many more possible comparisons to go through, but this is a very good start.
Yo I love your videos man. they're thorough and your no-bias attitude makes it great. Setup is clean, comparisons are fair. Good job.
Very professional review!! one of the best. I have play the Chapman Stick, and run both bass and melody sides through the Helix.... Love it!
Great comparison video Mitch!!:)
As a bass player, I would LOVE a video like this, comparing the bass amps:D
Had to go back almost 4 years to find a video that wasn't high gain only. Thanks for this.
Both sound pretty great. It seems like the Helix is kinda set to sound good at first glance. Bright, strong mids. The fractal is more focused on being realistic.
deadasfak apparently the Helix is very easy to use so that makes a huge difference to me. to use recording software in a DAW takes a lot of time and practice, let alone making songs and learning new things so something that doesn't take a lot of my time to learn or master is top of my list (considering they both sound great)
This is very very true. I have the AX8 and I am really looking into getting helix native because it will probably save me a lot of time
@@joeyvpoisonfree if you haven't gotten the Helix native yet, I think they have a free 2 week trial. Depending on your Covid19 situation, this may be an ideal time to give it a try.
Finally, a review on RUclips that was done properly.... Great head-to-head comparison!
Excellent video. I valued your honest opinions and your good playing. It would be good to investigate the fx in each unit and particularly the depth of editing available e.g. All these units offer tape echo but what about: multi head, wow and flutter, like the space echo and the binson Etc. I agree you should be getting more views than you are!
Great comparison video. I've been waiting for something like this for almost a year. Would like to see FX and cabs comparisons too.
Great great videos... waiting for the Headrush comparison as soon as you can
Excellent job, man!!! You are good yo reviews!!
You are spot on. The Helix recto especially rang true, that’s one of my favorite amps. Helix just has this generic 2D sounding recto, and Fractal’s was *extremely* true to the real thing. I A/B’d the Fractal recto with my real Triple Recto and it was indistinguishable in all the right ways.
Excellent review! Very well done. Articulate, smart, fair - even when you acknowledge your biases. I might just have to subscribe!
John Marquez ŵ
Great demo . . . informative and interesting without taking sides of either unit. Yes- GET A STRAT!!! you won't regret it. :)
I was surprised by how the Helix held up to most of the AX8 amps. Good selection of amps to demo and by all means do a second vid with the list you mentioned at the beginning. Also I would be interested to hear the difference in effects between the units. I own neither unit ( I have a Kemper atm) but have considered both, also considering a Yamaha THR 100 HD, too. I have read that the AX8 can be a DSP eater with certain reverbs. I know that both units use the same dual DSP chips but that the AX8 uses 1 chip for amp model and the other for effects as opposed to the Helix which splits DSP duties between 2 signal outputs. It does appear that it is the IRs that can make or break either unit.
Great work, I appreciate your efforts in doing this.
I love the way you explain the stuff, thumbs up for you. Waiting for the next vid!
i love ur videos :) happy u got new video :) i am surprised u didn't do the supercut style u normal do, this one has more of live feel
First of all, thanks for this great comparison!
Since I play a real Bogner Shiva, I would really love to hear how those two units deal with its sound.
Have a nice day and good luck growing your channel, you deserve it!
Great job man, you also seem like a really cool kid. I just bought the AX8 and love it, it does have the feel of a real tube amp, which to me, the Helix doesn't as much. One point to also include in the comparison, is you get an expression pedal with the Helix and $125 advantage.
Great job working so hard to be impartial. I enjoy all your posts.
Hello Mich, I enjoyed all of your comparison in all of your videos.
I know and understand all the work that has gone into each and every one of your videos in this series.
I'd like to acknowledge your objectivity and your honesty making it clear that the products are being compared for what they are and with
no bias positive or negative to either product.
Your testing protocol is very good, don't change a thing.
It's obvious you are very passionate about music, technology, and your doing this series to help thoes looking to
get educated so they can make an informed buying decision.
Further it foster communication within the virtual amp/cab/mic/speaker, etc device manufacturers, their customers, and the part of the music community
that use these products regardless of which product they prefer. There is room for both products.
Some people like chocolate and some vanilla. You are providing a useful and needed service, and I thank you for that.
Ricky from IBM.
stellar video! Your presentation is on point! Thanks very much for putting all the time and effort into this. :)
One of the best comparison videos I have ever seen. Thank you.
I would like to hear a Fender '59 Bassman comparison. You did a great job with this video!
Great vids, please more comparisons. And, yes, get a strat and or tele. Maybe a semi hollow too!
Another great video buddy. I would love to see a second video comparison.
Fantastic job on this comparison. Great video!
Nice! And yes, please do the Part 2 you mentioned. 😊
Great job!!!!!
Part 2 with Mark IV comparison please.....
Thank You for the videos! Really hepful and exciting to watch.
Keep up :)
The tones were so similar but the Fractal sounds way more detailed and realistic. Great video.
Great work! Extremely informative. I'd definitely look forward to your thoughts on other amp models. A brief feature comparison might be helpful for people who are on the fence, as well. Effects loops, mic in, class-compliant USB audio/MIDI etc. are what first drove me to Helix.
Mitch, this is so useful. Thank you for your intelligent and erudite comparisons of two very capable units.
Sounds great man. I like the approach you took for the comparisons. This is further proof that both units sound great. Anyone should be able to get phenomenal tones with either unit.
I'd like to see a comparison of the effects. I'm happy with my amp and cab, but would love to see amps bypassed and see these as just effects pedals.
Great comparison video! Hollow crown and headspace vinyls on the wall...? so rad
kale galbraith i think it is lf lt but great spot tho
Brilliant video, although I still haven't decided on which one to purchase! Thanks again!
Unbelievable job bro! keep the videos coming!!
Great demo of both pedals. I was torn on what to buy for my next tube amp and fx, gotta lean towards the AX8 due to past line 6 warranty issues. I know this is off the subject, but there is some kind of synth built in the AX8 and the Helix, any demos on them? Thx!
This was the best comparison video I've ever seen
Excellent review
Nick can you recommend a good place to buy impulse’s from particular the Marshall 4x-12 and any others you recommend
Thanks
would love another vid! great job man
best review i've seen for years man! greetings from germany :)
i would like to hear a comparison between the impulse response/cabinet models. that is what counts for me, especially in a live situation, where the signal path goes straight through some Fullrange speakers.
Super-dooper comparison clip. I'll stay tuned.
@MitchBaker But what about the expression pedal? How can I compensate that? I would have to buy one and would it control volumen, Wah and whammy?
Your playing is awesome man, good video.
Great job, man! Very thorough. I watched a Ted talk on the the problem of choice (option paralysis I think you said) and this helps a lot.
I'm not an expert, but to me the AX8 sounds very often like the sound is in a closed off box, as if the Treble is severely lacking.
I'd agree, I think the Axe FX/AX8 has a little more low/mid bias, it would sound fine with a little eq tweaking, like you often have to on a real amp.
Great video Mitch. I had an idea for any future comparison, I'd like to hear how these things sound in a mix. Boss modelers typically sound terrible in these shootouts but I find they do sit well in a live band situation.
I wonder how it works with tube poweramp+cabinet. How it compares then to real tube amp.
Excellent vid. I like both for different reasons. In general the AxeFx is more to my liking.
Peace
Great comparison
I wonder is there any tone sucks when using 4 cable method in both ax8 and helix. and if it dose, which one is better. can u make a comparison about it in the next video?
what a fantastic vid, thank you, i own a vox AC30 1964 and let me tell you its bright as hell, i also own a twin and that's bright as hell too, out of everything you played for us the helix sounds more sharp more real, alot of my friends go for fractal but i honestly think the helix sounds way more realistic and less cotten mouth / wool driven ....perfect video thank you
Awesome, I'd love it if you did do another video with those other amp models you said!
dude, your videos are comprehensive, informative and have great production value; I can totally see this channel getting huge eventually. i am subbing for sure. Keep up the good work!
Get the strat!
Jason Lynn Hey Jason! Been a while... I think I last saw you at the Kings X show a million years ago.
Blast from the past! How've you been man?
Jason Lynn Doin' good! Just moved back to the Midwest with the family. What have you been up to?
Get the Tele!
Sounds like the Fractal bass farts out whereas the Helix stays tighter in the bass frequencies at the same settings. Does dropping the bass on the fractal fix that?
I own the POD 2.0 and the original HD500 floor board. The difference between the two in sound quality is obvious. Still trying to figure out how much better sounding the Helix is compared to HD500 or HD500X or even the 500 compared to 500X?
Thank you for the excellent review and comparison 👌🤘
great job on the comparison. love it.
Both sound absolutely insane! I would love for you to take certain amp models (AC30, Twin, Marshall, Mesa) with effects and IRs specific to each unit to make both units sound as best as possible! Best is obviously subjective but from watching your other videos, you could get some killer tones!
i like that you changed you're playing to suit each amp.
Dude....great work.
What pup set? And is the scale length the most common in use? I ask because I’d like to identify the best standard setup for comparison.
What was the riff you were playing when you compared the SLOs??
Great review Mitch, very in depth. I don't own either of these but if I get one it will probably be the ax8 base on your review and others. However talking further on the dual amp capability, I have Positivegrid Bias FX on my iPad mini2. When I use dual amps it takes away from the focus and punch. I wonder if it does this on the Helix. I've heard the AxeFx2 handles this the best.
Great video...
What do you recommend for studio purposes and little gigs (bar, cafe)??
Greetings from Switzerland.
Pst.: I'm considering your answer before buying !!
Great comparison. Much appreciated. In addition to the touch sensitivity, I've found the Helix to respond a bit more like the amps after which it is modeled than the AX8. Not sure if it's the approach to modeling at the component level that Line 6 takes versus the more holistic view that the Axe (and Kemper take), but what it yields for me is a bit greater flexibility and accuracy on the tweaking to get what I'm looking for. Again, not better, just different. To this end though, I think that the fewer base models in the Helix doesn't represent fewer options in terms of end state tones; just fewer starting points.
I don't care if Fractal has so many amps compared to the Helix. If you can't find a good amp in the Helix, you need a new guitar! The Helix shines for usability and UI, and its functionality for studio use is crazy good.
I'm gonna use it to track my bands stuff lol *not as an interface though*
Yeah, so not true .Look at Fractal's artists page ,then the Helix. Fractal is every band you know. Helix is who?
Trevor Westerdahl what do you mean? Everything he said is true. It's good for studio use, and it's very simple and has a very user friendly ui, something ax8 doesn't have. There are pros and cons for each modeler I don't really feel like explaining (I'll do it though if you want) but in short, helix is good for the casual audience and ax8 is better for the more serious players
I'm not saying Helix sucks or anything. I am saying its more expensive (AX8 is $1,299 new)... and I pondered... is it the best choice? I do agree that the on board menu system is much more user friendly on the Helix. Someone will get outstanding, pro-quality sounds from Helix. I make my comments because I spent $1,400+ on a H&K Grandmeister 40 plus accessories.
Why? I played it. Loved it and got all of what I thought I was looking for... until someone showed me a Helix used well.
Then I started digging. I decided to do a much better job of digging because I don't have deep pockets full of cash. I'm in Austin Texas and its very hard to find any guitar store with these to try out. Several stores do have the Helix (it was hearing a Helix in the store that got me started), but not other modelers.
Long story short (all just my opinion and experience)... the AX8 is better because...
1) The defaults are better. Side-by-side, you will want to tweak the Helix defaults.... period. The Helix will get better when you do tweak it, but its annoying.
2) At first, I thought the Helix's ability to tweak on board was so much better that made it a winner. Then I used the app on the AX8 and I realized I don't need to tweak on board. prefer the app. I see why on board tweaking has its place, but it lost its value for me.
3) The effects are just noticeably better to me on the AX8. It also seems to have better input/output options (everything can feed into and out of everything). Then I found you can change the tubes (what?) Change the tubes on my fake modeled amp... yep. In fact its overwhelming what you can tweak. Those options seem ominous... until you find you want to make that adjustment. again, the defaults are so good, you can do fantastic without tweaking much. I needed to tweak the Helix.
4) The AX8 costs less.
5) I liked the cab options better and they make a huge difference in sound.
6) Then I watched video after video after video. I found a large percentage of the AX8 videos just sounded better to me. It couldn't be that it was guitarists that were simply better. It had to have something to do with the product. Then it was pointed out who uses what and it became obvious the pros majorly choose Fractal over others. Why?
In summary, I am always chasing something better. I find myself buying something like the H&K (outstanding product too), but wanted more from it. The AX8 (IMO) is the best all-in-one box that can be had. If there is something else you want, you can likely make it do it and the result is so good pros cannot tell the difference in blind tests. Yes, I'm a fanboy.
you rule my friend!! that was so helpful! I really greatly appreciate the time you took to share that experience. Very valuable time saver for many. what do you think of the kemper? also, if money was not an issue, what would you get between fractal units and vs the kemper?
Well done! Awesome video!
Awesome, can you download other amps like Suhr or cameron sounds to either unit?
Awesome comparison! Thank you so much. I put in many many hours playing my 5150 first generation 2x12 combo. These both sounded really tinny on the 5150 models. Then i remembered I never used the lead channel much. The rhythm channel had so much more girth and all the gain I needed. I wish I could hear the rhythm channel models for the 5150. It's pretty close between the two. I'm glad you were able to tweak the settings as you played. Upping the Helix gain and upping the Fractal treble brings the two pieces of gear very very close.
Unfortunately neither of them have models of the rhythm channel of the standard 5150/6505 (which I agree, it's my favorite of them all) but Fractal has models of the rhythm channel of the 6505+/5150II, which is in the same sort of ballpark. Helix only has a model of the lead channel.
This is one of the best comparison videos to date, most others just dog out the Helix and praise the Fractal, here you've giving them both the same unbiased attention (even tho I can tell you love the ax8). Great video Mitch, I'd say screw the Strat and get a Musicman.
My Music Man is at 3:25 in the back :)
hey buddy please tell me...can i use whammy through expression pedal in fractal ax8?
Very good comparison of the amp models.
With the lower gain amps, the helix sounds more natural in the breakup, where the fractal sounds like the signal is being split, with a pure clean signal being mixed with an overdriven signal.
As someone with a lot of experience with real Fender, Marshall and Vox amps (playing as well as repairing them), to me the low and mid gain amp models on the helix are spot on, where they seem a bit "off" with the fractal.
I cannot comment on the high gain amps, so perhaps the fractal may be a bit better? I can't comment there.
Where I believe the fractal would shine is the quality of effects is generally better, as are their cab simulations (but with the Helix now able to load impulses, that point would be a wash)
In the end, I think whichever unit gives you the features you want, and can produce the tones that are in your head is the right unit for you. Both seem like really good units, so it really comes down to taste...I can't understand the negative attitudes toward those that prefer one over the other.
Edit: the number of models available on the Fractal seems to be a superset of those available on the Helix, so I can see the appeal there.
Also, thank you for taking the time to do this. Very well done.
Dude...absolutely fantastic job on the demo. I own a Helix and have demo'd an AX8. Both units are fantastic.
Awesome work buddy, keep it up!
Line 6 sounds "nasal" (e.g. right after 22:30) . Comparing clean sounds - is pointless. Line 6 issue lies in not being able to emulate hi-gain sounds well. As you've mentioned yourself: "meaty" or "beefy" - that's one of the key elements which Fractal has and Helix lacks.
Either way, this is actually a very helpful video as the majority of other RUclips videos I saw recently tend to use "over-tweaked" settings when comparing sounds between Helix and Fractal, doesn't really give a "true" picture of what each device is capable of. P.S. Option paralysis - that's just what Helix users tend to use as an excuse for having Helix :) I think Helix is actually the one which causes option paralysis, simply because of the number of tweaks and experimentation required to get a decent sound out of Helix.
I'm trying to decide between a line 6 helix and analog pedals and a clean amp. Could you comment or make a comparison?
The best comparison video I've seen to date. I think you did a great job of being as impartial as you can.
I do have a quick question though. what IR's were you using for the SLO and Rectifiers? They Sounded really good and I would love to try them with my Helix but I don't know where to buy them lol. Any help here would be great. Keep it up man the videos are great.
SLO was through the Basketweave TV Mix that I took from the Fractal, Rectifiers were through an impulse I took myself of a friend's Mesa 2x12.
Oh man, this is gonna take awhile....... respect to you,
Mitch! 👍
I want to buy helix lt or boss gt 1000 pl let me know which one is best .
You are very well spoken. I agree with you wholeheartedly when you talk about the number of options and rate of delivery of amps and effects from Fractal to Helix. I like both units for different reasons but Line 6 really needs to step up their game and start releasing more amps and effects to narrow the gap between the two. I also agree that the tones sound similar on both units or can be made to do so with some simple tweaking. (This opinion garners a lot of salt) I look forward to future editions of this series and will stay tuned for them. P.S. I believe that an SSS configuration would be a nice edition to your arsenal.
while I agree that line 6 needs to pump out way more amps especially high gain ones they really did a fantastic job catching up to fractal since the pod (which I also owned before I bought helix) I'm sure they are going to release more amps though