Crowds don't care about your gear. They don't know or care if you're playing the greatest vintage tube amp and custom shop guitar. They want your songs to be good and for you to put on a show. You can do that with a katana and a squier. Or a helix. Or whatever. Guitar players are far too in love with tradition. At least metal players aren't afraid of innovation.
Metal players are equally as bad with that as any one else. I know plenty of blues guys that rock solid state or modeling. And the crowd might not care but I do. That being said though the helix is a great sounding piece of gear. And has tons of practical benefits. It doesn't have that same amp feel but it's close.
I did the same thing....sold my amps,bought a Helix....hated it....sold my Helix,bought my amps back...hated it...bought another Helix...now,I use them together....I love the Helix,but for me,it cannot replace my tube amps....I use the Helix as a brain for my rig...tube amp,load box,into Helix...best of both worlds...couldn’t imagine my life without the Helix....or without my amps...
Scott, man, you should really try a Helix through, or more accurately, in conjunction with a DT50. I really have no idea why line 6 doesn't make the DT series anymore, it was a brilliant idea!
Marvio Botticelli I like the Helix a lot with my Jubilee and 5150III....I still don’t care for the straight Helix amp models,but the routing and FX and switching capabilities make it a perfect brain for my rig....I never tried the Line6 DT-50....is it a tube or modeling amp??
@@scottpeters4401 Oh dude! You just have to try it! It is both! :) It's a through and through Tube amp, but the way they built it, both the pre-amp and the power amp sections re-configure themselves to more closely match what you are trying to "model", it can be used as a stand alone amp, and it has its own modeling, but put together with a Helix it's just magic. Check it out on youtube there are a bunch of demos, too bad i never heard one with really good sound, this thing is a monster! BTW: I have a 5150 myself, love that thing!
Marvio Botticelli I will check that out...that sounds pretty cool....yeah,the 5150III is a monster...love that amp...I love the Jubilee too,for when I want that Marshall crunch thing....nothing sounds quite like it..
Same! In some conditions it sounds even better than normal tube amps because of the volume control. And the flex ability of presets and changing "amps" within a couple of milliseconds.
I feel you! It was an agonizing decision for me too. I bought a Boss GT1000, a Headrush frfr-108 and have not looked back since. I get plenty of compliments on the sounds from other players until set up and tear down time. 😁
I sold off all my tube amps and most of my fx. I have a Helix floor mounted in a roadcase with an H9 max and wireless. I use it with a Friedman ASM12 FRFR, and when I need to push air, I use a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170 into a Marshall 1960BV. In either case I always split my signal and run direct to PA at the gig. It’s been 4 years and I don’t miss tubes at all.
Congratulations 2 yr HELIX LT owner and i got the HX stomp i play in 2 bands guitar in one and bass in another I've been verry happy 0 problems and i get compliments on my tone all the time.
I get your situation, I went years not owning many tube amps. I still prefer my rack gear. I used tube preamps, rack fx, stereo power amps. I own a Marshall 9005 that needs repair, now I have a Music Man HD150 and Mesa Nomad 100. The Mesa sounds similar to my current pedal setup. The Boss MS-3 gives me multi channel switching through my clean tube preamp, stereo speaker sim and MosValve power amp setup. I also use Orange Micro Terrors as well. I get the Helix rack, I considered it for a while. I really want to go the Synergy for rebuilding my rack setup. I am super happy with my tone now. I now have 2 pedal boards, not too crazy. One is a grab and go system. The other is my main rig.
I think the Helix sounds the best when you start using third-party impulse responses. The cabs that's already included isn't bad, but it could be better. If you don't have any third-party impulses, I suggest checking out Ownhammer impulses.
Agree 100%. Had multiple amps over the years...tube, solid state, and modelers, and the Helix sounds great and very versatile. Like you., I wasn't overly impressed with the IRs and presets that were preloaded. I ended up purchasing patches from Glenn DeLaune... he has tons of artist, amp, and instrument patches with youtube videos showcasing the presets. They sound awesome and are easily tweakable. Haven't tried Ownhammer but may give it a shot.
Your story is equal to mine. A tube amp for a specific application set up well will sound better if you are next to it, but once it’s gone through a mic to a pa that slight advantage is lost. I also use it for acoustic with 2 pickups AND a vocal mic for busking settings. Versatility is off the scale
Broooooo! Lol I feel the same way about it all and my buddy who was in the band Silence the Messenger out of San Antonio Tx told me that he switched to Helix too. I respect him as a musician and he used to use tubes as well now he's got a super sick helix rigg. I LOVE the 5150 patches I've heard from kemper too so yea man, the times are changing. Guess we are getting on board too lol love your channel man. Keep em coming
I done the same I had about 15 pedals 3 amps playing in a wedding and function band , so one day I just set up a boost, delay an chorus and a72 fender twin and I realised that’s all i needed, the sound was so crisp and clear and cut through the mix like a knife
Sold my Peavey Bandit 112 back in 2003 and bought a Line 6 GP, and never looked back. Been a Line 6 user ever since, and have owned and/or still own everything cept a Helix (only cause of money reasons). I'm old, but I've been a modeling guy for half the time I've been playing guitar? (32 years playing, modeling for 16 years?) Even back in the "amp days", I was always a solid state guy. I had a 5150 and loved it, but always preferred the reliability and sound of SS. Sold all my gear, and picked up a used Stereo Chorus 212. Then traded that in, for a Bandit 112. Then sold that to buy the GP. Seeing the product progress from the Bean, to the Helix, is awesome. I toyed with getting a Fractal, but decided I didn't want to sound like everyone else out there... plus, money. An AxeFX+controller is over $4000CN. A Helix Floor is $2000CN. No brainer. If whatever you play, inspires you to play, then play it. Don't worry what others like or think.
Get both... sometimes its nice to have a simple analogue setup. I use digital at my desktop for adding layers, but the main stuff in my living room is analogue. I mic and record to mobile phone, then open up the project in my computer and add drums and stuff there.
Line 6 changed my life with the helix. Glad they just added shelf eq. Need to get that installed and check it out. Ive been making do with splitting gain under the volume section and using y split and it cleans up and gives a better feel.
I got some gigs where I play solo guitar. A friend of mine lent me a Helix and a pair of powered speakers to try, as I'm using 2 BluG Amp1 amps for all the ambient wet-dry, or spacey hard panned effects, etc ... 1st I was able to dial nice tones in record time (not like the hours of dialing with my pedalboard for anything a little special), second I found myself carrying a tiny little "floor-box" (compared to my pedalboard), and 2 lightweight overpowered power loudspeakers ... what a relief. Thirdly, I could access any of my tones with a single push on a switch on that multy-effect unit. I wish Line 6 soon comes up with an upgraded version of the Helix including some preamp tubes for a little sag and natural tube warmth, or maybe the newly developed nutube technology (if it can do the job).
I bought a Helix for essentially the same reason. It made thousands of dollars worth of pedals totally obsolete. Now I've got those pedals for my keyboards and vocals. : )
I have either owned or played through all the major modelers and landed on Helix because overall it offers the most high quality everything. Not regretting it either. I didnt sell my tube amps cos I didnt have to but I dont need them.
My most recent jam session. The other guitarist brought a Marshall 1/2 stack that sounded awesome, but only had a couple of tones. After the session he comes over and asked, what's that your playing through? HELIX. All the sounds you'd ever want. If your a tube purist, that's great. If you want really great tone and versatility, the Helix is a good option.
Same journey but ended up with the Kemper and the HX Stomp in its loop. Journey ended. Helix is really great but Imho nothing beats the "pure" tube sound of a Kemper. But best thing about it: No more tweaking. Plug in a Kemper and play. F*** tweaking.
I went the Tube route for a bit and got a Fender Twin it took me forever to get a sound similar to what I was going for, and once I figured out how to get my sound, the caps blew. I went and got an HX Stomp and boom, it took minutes and it nailed the sound I like. Someday I'll upgrade to the proper Helix, but even though I had sworn off of digital modelling, it turned out to be the thing that was missing all along.
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack The thing that I love most about it is that you can create a truly unique setup as well. Like, you can try a dry Hiwatt with an 18 and a wet JC120 with a 412 using snapshots to ad varying levels of gain with the touch of a footswitch
Done the same. Well almost. I've run a rig mainly comprising 2 x JCM800's since late 80's and I've never found anything that would better the sound. Until I heard the Helix. I've got a Helix LT and the JCM800 are simply redundant. I've still got them but I doubt I will ever use them again. This is something I NEVER believed I would ever say. Stuff like POD came and went and I was, nah, my heads and cabs still rule. Not anymore.
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack It does! Gone are the days of being on tour in theback-breaking early 90's with 2 x heads, 2 x 4x12 cabs, a 12u rack unit and a pedalboard. It sounded great and (let's be honest) looked very cool. But after admittedly a fair bit of tweaking the Helix actually sounds better! The Helix's reverbs alone are the best out there if used with a bit of application and time investment.
With the new Helix 2.80-2.81 updates that upgraded the core engine of the HX processors that improved the tones across the board. I've noticed a significant improvement in my sound, I added Mikko Ir cab software that was exclusive to axe fx but now is available in WAV format for the Helix.thats the icing on the cake I was looking for, I was running Ownhammer ir's but the Mikko ir's are we're it's at your basically making your own ir's in the software than you can export to the Helix. You can use multiple mics in a virtual 3D space giving you tons of tone options that to me is a great improvement on a great modeler.
Well it's a pain in the ass compared to other updates I had some trouble but after much frustration I got it to load, I thought I bricked my Helix. But all is well and its better than when I bought it over a year ago! Still rocking in west Michigan.
It's been 2 years with my Helix. Although I still GAS for tube amps. Lol. But I do love my Helix running into 2 Seymour poweramps into 2 Mesa Cabs. A wet dry setup.
If you're constantly switching genres and versatility is a necessity, you should get a variax. It's a modeling guitar. You can change tunings instantly, you can model a banjo, an acoustic, a 12 string, sitar, dobro, and so on. There's a model to fit everybody; 2 different strat style bodies, a les paul style, a super strat in either a fixed bridge or a floyd style, and a strandberg looking body. All the internal variax guts are the same.
Most people will not recognize a Roland Blues Cube compared to tube amps. Blindfolded I mean. Kemper and Fractal have reached a tone level and variety that can't be beaten by tube amps in a gig or on stage. Many guitarists who play digital pedals into a tube amp still ignore these facts. I still own a Fender Reverb Deluxe and a Suhr Bella. Great amps, but only at optimum volume. For gigging and practice I absolutely prefer the Roland. Loud and great sound at every volume. Or the Kemper. You're happy with your tube amps? Enjoy! But don't break your backs.
Now that I have a proper FRFR to run my Helix into, I predict I will rarely use my amp and pedals. I'll be slow to sell them, as I've been burned by the digital stuff in the past, but so far it's looking like all Helix, all the time.
The helix took some getting used to for me but I now love it. Come up with presets for the guitars you use. I notice that for me what sounds good on one guitar may not sound good on another.
I bought a Line 6 when that amp modeling technology was starting out. Plugged into a real tube amp and that was the end of that. I don’t see ever going back. Pretty decent chance this guy also goes back to tubes in the future. I also don’t think a digital model will ever replicate a real fuzz pedal (or other analog oriented distortions or overdrives) with any accuracy...and yes, I’ve heard the A/B tests.
Don’t worry you’ll get over it. You’ll use the helix for a while then you’ll play through a tube amp again and you’ll end up with new tube amps. Been there done that.
Greetings from a MTU graduate. Nice to see some music being made up there at the "End of the Earth". It doesn't have to be Helix OR Tube amps. It can be any combination of both. Use what works where it works best. Amps still have a place, so does a Helix/Kemper/AxeFX. I believe the future is not Helix and it's not tube amps, it's in a mixture of both. That mixture is what each player must find for themselves.
I use my tube amps live, my other rig works great for recording and rehearsals. I have different rigs for different purposes. I use an old school analog stereo Adamicrocab II.
Can't do it. When I see comments of some people wishing they would add tubes to the Helix, it just reinforces why I won't make the switch. I don't play out anymore, so I'm just recording. I also don't play metal. Rock/Alt/Punk. Heavy, but not metal. For me, Ive found that my 50 watt head is more than enough for what I'm doing, and small 15-20 watt combo amps and pedals of course...are really the sweet spot for getting great tones that my main amp doesn't do. Yeah, tubes are a freeking pain to deal with. They really are. But until another generation or two of modeling gear has passed, I'll be sticking with those pain in the ass tubes.
Interesting..you mentioned metal and fuzz boxes etc.Necrolord just released a few albums available to listen to here on youtube and all the guitar and bass were recorded with a helix.Sounds quite stellar.Check em out sometime.
I personally just dialed in a REALLY nice stoner rock/metal patch. Absolutely blew me away! I've been sold on the Helix for awhile now but that did me in!
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack Me personally i've been using a rocktron chameleon since 93 and have gotten some amazing sounds.Rock,blues,death metal you name it.The sounds from the helix are very similar and if i was to get a modeling amp of today it would almost 100% be a helix.
Well I sold even AXE FX and all the othet expensive stuff. Emissary 2.0 with OwnHammer or Celestion impulses and some budget USB interface does a great job for home recording - not worst than AXE FX. Technology has made a huge leap forward with quality of sound even on budget level. And Emissary 2.0 is free :)
I have the same problem, i need a rig that can give me clean jazz to rnb to metal, at a moments notice I ended up with being very satisfied with a mesa boogie mark v 35 head, with helix running it with the 4 cable method I had to get a voodoo lab midi patch cause the mesa doesn't have midi Man, my rig is light and if i really wanted, i can always take a 1x12 cab
hi bro, you can switch your Mesa directly with the Helix. i switch my 3ch preamp with that . you can also switch the character of the switches between Momentary and latch. it woks fine but you loose 3 knobs because of the 3 chanals. +++rock on+++
@@Axman66 yes i can, the voodoo lab midi controller turns any non midi amp into one, i also use my vht ultra lead for the louder gigs, with the voodoo labs midi, its nice to control everything with 1 button
Helix into the front of my Mesa roadster is fantastic . Been looking for powered speaker options mainly for home studio use , instead of the Mesa 2X12. What would you recommend? Money isn’t an issue, especially if I sell the roadster and get a power box.
It was really hard for me too. I recommend at least trying it out. It took some getting used to (like any new piece of gear) Now I can't turn back. Best move I've made thus far!
Sooo need a little help here fellow rockers: I've got my eye on a helix rack with a floor controller for roughly $1500. And while I've had expensive amps/pedals before I just feel uneasy dropping that much dough single-handedly. And I was thinking of instead buying the Line 6 pod pro X rack instead as it's much cheaper although much older technology. I currently play through a Boss Katana Artist and it's a good amp for sure! Although I might just use it as a clean amp/pedal platform instead. But I'm afraid doing that might rob its potential as it does alot. So my question is this: should I just sell all my shit and just invest into the helix, or settle with the pod pro X, or am I a dumbass for thinking of selling the katana artist and should just stick with it? Much appreciated dudes!
Yoooo good question!!! I'm still on the Helix train, man. This is by far my most favorite piece of gear that i own! Normally I was getting an itch for a new amp every 6 months. Buying the Helix stopped that. I haven't wanted a new amp since. In hindsight, I would be ok with the Helix floor model. I didn't honestly need the rack (though it looks damn cool). But if you're getting a good deal on the rack WITH a controller? Go for it. You're not a dumbass for selling all of your stuff. As a tone chaser myself? This is the best decision I ever made. I've never been so happy with a set up, ever. Also if you buy one and don't like it, they hold their resale value!! To be fair, I haven't ever used the pod pro or whatever it's called. But i always remember one quote when it comes to all my gear purchasing decisions. "Buy it right, or buy it twice." I always spend the extra money on the Superior product. Old technology is already old. Leave it in the past.
Great question! Personally, I have never done that setup so I can't speak to how effective it is. I have seen a few people use that technique and it seems to work ok!
@Dustin Dyer I've been practicing using my interface as a preamp pedal, plunging the interface out to my (cheap, solid state) amp effects return. I fell that by bypassing the cheap amp preamp section and using nice software i get much better tones. But I didn't know if this was viable on live to the house PA, for instance.
I'm surprised that you didn't speak of the on board cabs. Many Helix users go to the IR's too quickly or just never attempt to work with the adjustments to be had inside the cabs. Anyone that is a so-called tube snob has done enough tweaking of their amps to be able to do the same with the speaker emulations. It isn't that tough with a little research.
I do like the on board cabs for cleans. I'm not gonna lie about that for a second. Super flexible and nice! But for higher gain stuff? I was never quite satisfied. I could usually get something I could "deal with". Not that it sounded bad, but I always felt as if there was something to be desired.
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack Kemper made me realize I dont need that many amps. I think I could be happy with Marshall esq, and high gain slo type then an Orange. Grab 15 watt versions with Boss Tube Expander and a 1x12 all bases covered.
Sold my kemper anfd bought a victory kraken. Super happy, even send loop out to pc + an IR and master volume zero sounds much better than any kemper rig.
Give it a decade or 2 and everyone under 30 will be playing digital amps. They just keep getting better and better and are far more versatile. Tube amps will always have a place but fact is the technology is almost 100 years old and everything that can be done with it has been done. Nothing wrong with embracing new technology.
Fen Gib there’s nothing wrong with the AA. The kemper is just ok. It’s an endless rabbit hole if u let it. I don’t think it’s that great. I prefer the easy and simple Yamaha 100hd. They are now together with line6 and I think it sounds better and feels better than any of the modelers. I’m not a newbie as I’ve mentioned somewhere else. I’m not a performer because I hate performing. I love playing guitar though. Which most of us are home guitarists anyway. On that note. If someone says oh u don’t know what sounds good. I’ve been playing since I was a child. I think I know what sounds good. You develop a special ear when u play guitar. You hear things others don’t. Now, I started off as a kid with cheap gear as I should. When I got better and saved up I worked my way up to better gear. Recently, I went a little overboard and bought a really great amp. Friedman smallbox limited. So I have good things to compare these modelers too. That’s my only point. It’s not like I’m comparing it to junk. Anyway, I had to stick a. Retain pedal in front of that kemper to get it to feel and found the way u want. It’s just not my favorite. I really prefer my amp and my pedals. Dirt, fuzz overdrive. That’s it though. No modulation pedals. I’d save up for a great amp instead of a kemper tbh.
I'm actually doing the opposite, not the Helix, but I'm selling my POD X3 Live to buy analog stomps. If need to be quiet at your place, I get it, but the Helix (or any amp modeler) will never produce the harmonics and frequencies that the amp does, and yes capt those through the mic is hard work, but worth it. Just keep in mind that Multi Fx's lose value fast. When I bought my POD it was twice expensive than the DL4 from Line 6. Now, it's twice cheaper. Let us now your experience with the Helix V.S real amps stomps. Cheers!
Whats funny is the drummer controls the volume ...find a way to turn down the drummer..... besides E. drums which nearly all drummers hate and you solved EVERY problem in a live show. You can then downsize every component. Do we realize how much money that would save? Please someone build a quieter drummer.
Christopher Walker that’s partially true. Another instrument may start the song and dictate the tempo and volume. Hopefully everyone involved is well-verses in dynamics. At the end of the day I was really just inserting a drummer joke 😊
Question.. Right now I own a cheap ass boss me-80 and don't get me wrong.. I love the boss me-80 but I wanna get the helix lt... Is it true that the thing freezes? And I just watched your stuff and I play different stuff.. Like one day I'll play metal.. One day I'll play pop punk.. One day I'll play backstreet boys.. So I have 2 blackstar tube heads and a orange cr120h.. So I wanna work with something more compact once I do shows in the future. So yeah my main concern if the helix would freeze
Personally? No, I've never had it "freeze". But I'm assuming that if you did have that happen, turn it off then turn it back on. If that doesn't work? Redownload the latest update.
Well. Hope you guys don't plan on playing any live shows. Tube amps destroy the modeler's in a live setting still. They sound okay through a PA, but they often get lost in a mix next to real drums/bass and they still lack that hairy dirty growl of a tube amp. At least in the heavy rock/metal scene. Every concert I've been to, the bands still using real amps just decimate the headlining bands using kemper/fractal/helix. And it's pretty obvious. However, with that said - In a studio, they're fantastic.
I went with the Kemper, it’s all good though, Kemper, Axe, whatever. But why the *#}#{ did you go for the Rokits? There are way better options out there nowaday in that price range...
For what I'm doing? The Rokit 8s work great. I'm not mixing and mastering albums. They are good for listening to music and running my Helix through them.
From a recording hobbyist perspective.. Tube amps aren't practical anymore.. you can get a TH3/THU for the price of a cheap Amp and the tone possibilities are almost endless. Amp sims are the most cost effective viable solution... Plug it in, record and it is almost a guarantee that you will get good tones out of it.
I run my Helix Rack XLR out into my interface (Studiolive 24 series III) and run the guitar thru from the Helix also into a channel to which I'm using TH-u Slate edition software, yea it's probably overkill but I've got some great tones out of the combination of hardware and software wet/ dry or two similar amps with different ir's or effects/setting the options are infinite the tones I'm getting are beyond anything I was trying to achieve with amps and pedals alone, not to mention the cost of experimenting with different combinations about broke my ass. All is well now.
Whatever you get HeadRush, Helix, Gt1000. Much better than pedal amp setup which are so limited. The versatility and tone, effects are surpassed. The pedal guys just look bewildered with their floor gumbo...
@@joerobinson6199, Yes!! Keep on believing that. Lol.... I understand that. It's your opinion. We have opinions also. I play on big stages and crush other guitar players tone volume and presence on stage..... All players........#Facts#
zzzddd7 nope. Lol. You know you’re being drowned out if there’s a guitarist on the stage with an amp. Keep in believing though. It’s your opinion. I’m sorry. The processors are in my home. I prefer amps and pedals.
@@joerobinson6199 , I don't use powered amps on big stages. (We don't only have to use powered amps, and it's the quality and wattage of your power speakers that make a difference)..... Just HeadRush and two fender twins (Stereo)and kill everyone's sound. I'm always miked on stage like other guitar players. Their volume is at least 30% less than mine, including other Professionals with half stacks...so come again with another small pedal guy Falsehood.....
Hi ,nice video man,one thing I wonder the USB output ,is it good quality as presonus 2i2 or focusrite i2 , do I still need a audio interface for guitar recording ? Or its good enough for guitar recording.
The USB is fine if you have a computer that's fast enough to handle it. If you don't? Just run the 1/4 (or XLR) out to the focusrite and then the focusrite to the computer!
I'd love to switch to something like this, but I'm a dumbass when it comes to even the simplest technology, so amps for me at least for a while longer lol.
To be completely honest, The Helix is so easy to use. I'm in the same boat. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a super easy to use User Interface but also wants a shitload of great sounds. But if you also want to "deep dive" you totally can, but it's completely unnecessary.
What all these plugins/digital modelers try to do is to EMULATE the sound of a tube amp, almost all of them are not there. Digital is more comfortable for sure, but tube amp just sounds great by its own.
Crowds don't care about your gear. They don't know or care if you're playing the greatest vintage tube amp and custom shop guitar. They want your songs to be good and for you to put on a show. You can do that with a katana and a squier. Or a helix. Or whatever.
Guitar players are far too in love with tradition. At least metal players aren't afraid of innovation.
👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
Metal players are equally as bad with that as any one else. I know plenty of blues guys that rock solid state or modeling. And the crowd might not care but I do. That being said though the helix is a great sounding piece of gear. And has tons of practical benefits. It doesn't have that same amp feel but it's close.
I did the same thing....sold my amps,bought a Helix....hated it....sold my Helix,bought my amps back...hated it...bought another Helix...now,I use them together....I love the Helix,but for me,it cannot replace my tube amps....I use the Helix as a brain for my rig...tube amp,load box,into Helix...best of both worlds...couldn’t imagine my life without the Helix....or without my amps...
Scott, man, you should really try a Helix through, or more accurately, in conjunction with a DT50. I really have no idea why line 6 doesn't make the DT series anymore, it was a brilliant idea!
Marvio Botticelli I like the Helix a lot with my Jubilee and 5150III....I still don’t care for the straight Helix amp models,but the routing and FX and switching capabilities make it a perfect brain for my rig....I never tried the Line6 DT-50....is it a tube or modeling amp??
@@scottpeters4401
Oh dude! You just have to try it! It is both! :)
It's a through and through Tube amp, but the way they built it, both the pre-amp and the power amp sections re-configure themselves to more closely match what you are trying to "model", it can be used as a stand alone amp, and it has its own modeling, but put together with a Helix it's just magic. Check it out on youtube there are a bunch of demos, too bad i never heard one with really good sound, this thing is a monster!
BTW: I have a 5150 myself, love that thing!
Marvio Botticelli I will check that out...that sounds pretty cool....yeah,the 5150III is a monster...love that amp...I love the Jubilee too,for when I want that Marshall crunch thing....nothing sounds quite like it..
Scott Peters I’m using mine thru the Dt25 head for power and the cabinet. But no way I’m selling my amps for a processor.
Same! In some conditions it sounds even better than normal tube amps because of the volume control. And the flex ability of presets and changing "amps" within a couple of milliseconds.
Ive owned 25 different amps and now I use a Headrush pedalboard, Gigboard and Line 6 HX effects. Makes my life so much easier.
I feel you! It was an agonizing decision for me too. I bought a Boss GT1000, a Headrush frfr-108 and have not looked back since. I get plenty of compliments on the sounds from other players until set up and tear down time. 😁
I sold off all my tube amps and most of my fx. I have a Helix floor mounted in a roadcase with an H9 max and wireless. I use it with a Friedman ASM12 FRFR, and when I need to push air, I use a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170 into a Marshall 1960BV. In either case I always split my signal and run direct to PA at the gig. It’s been 4 years and I don’t miss tubes at all.
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
This guy gets it
Congratulations 2 yr HELIX LT owner and i got the HX stomp i play in 2 bands guitar in one and bass in another I've been verry happy 0 problems and i get compliments on my tone all the time.
I get your situation, I went years not owning many tube amps. I still prefer my rack gear. I used tube preamps, rack fx, stereo power amps. I own a Marshall 9005 that needs repair, now I have a Music Man HD150 and Mesa Nomad 100. The Mesa sounds similar to my current pedal setup. The Boss MS-3 gives me multi channel switching through my clean tube preamp, stereo speaker sim and MosValve power amp setup. I also use Orange Micro Terrors as well. I get the Helix rack, I considered it for a while. I really want to go the Synergy for rebuilding my rack setup. I am super happy with my tone now. I now have 2 pedal boards, not too crazy. One is a grab and go system. The other is my main rig.
I think the Helix sounds the best when you start using third-party impulse responses. The cabs that's already included isn't bad, but it could be better. If you don't have any third-party impulses, I suggest checking out Ownhammer impulses.
Local Houghton neck shredder here, love the video man, keep it up. Been a huge L6 fan ever since my first Spider III
Gotta rep the Keweenaw 😎
Woop woop for da yoop!
Agree 100%. Had multiple amps over the years...tube, solid state, and modelers, and the Helix sounds great and very versatile. Like you., I wasn't overly impressed with the IRs and presets that were preloaded. I ended up purchasing patches from Glenn DeLaune... he has tons of artist, amp, and instrument patches with youtube videos showcasing the presets. They sound awesome and are easily tweakable. Haven't tried Ownhammer but may give it a shot.
Your story is equal to mine. A tube amp for a specific application set up well will sound better if you are next to it, but once it’s gone through a mic to a pa that slight advantage is lost. I also use it for acoustic with 2 pickups AND a vocal mic for busking settings. Versatility is off the scale
yea thats true
Sold all my shit in 2017 for a Helix and I haven't looked back. Welcome to the community!
I did the exact same thing and never looked back..love it
I keep my MkV head and I use a 4CM, Helix change channels. I’m satisfied with it.
Broooooo! Lol I feel the same way about it all and my buddy who was in the band Silence the Messenger out of San Antonio Tx told me that he switched to Helix too. I respect him as a musician and he used to use tubes as well now he's got a super sick helix rigg. I LOVE the 5150 patches I've heard from kemper too so yea man, the times are changing. Guess we are getting on board too lol love your channel man. Keep em coming
😎🤘
I opened for silence the messenger when they opened for Chimaira's last tour!
I done the same I had about 15 pedals 3 amps playing in a wedding and function band , so one day I just set up a boost, delay an chorus and a72 fender twin and I realised that’s all i needed, the sound was so crisp and clear and cut through the mix like a knife
Sold my Peavey Bandit 112 back in 2003 and bought a Line 6 GP, and never looked back. Been a Line 6 user ever since, and have owned and/or still own everything cept a Helix (only cause of money reasons). I'm old, but I've been a modeling guy for half the time I've been playing guitar? (32 years playing, modeling for 16 years?) Even back in the "amp days", I was always a solid state guy. I had a 5150 and loved it, but always preferred the reliability and sound of SS. Sold all my gear, and picked up a used Stereo Chorus 212. Then traded that in, for a Bandit 112. Then sold that to buy the GP. Seeing the product progress from the Bean, to the Helix, is awesome. I toyed with getting a Fractal, but decided I didn't want to sound like everyone else out there... plus, money. An AxeFX+controller is over $4000CN. A Helix Floor is $2000CN. No brainer.
If whatever you play, inspires you to play, then play it. Don't worry what others like or think.
Get both... sometimes its nice to have a simple analogue setup. I use digital at my desktop for adding layers, but the main stuff in my living room is analogue. I mic and record to mobile phone, then open up the project in my computer and add drums and stuff there.
The helix LT was the best investment I ever made. I’m moments away from pulling the trigger on a powered frfr speaker. Complete portability and tone.
I use a Headrush with an Atomic Reactor 50-watt FRFR and it sounds glorious.
Line 6 changed my life with the helix. Glad they just added shelf eq. Need to get that installed and check it out. Ive been making do with splitting gain under the volume section and using y split and it cleans up and gives a better feel.
I got some gigs where I play solo guitar. A friend of mine lent me a Helix and a pair of powered speakers to try, as I'm using 2 BluG Amp1 amps for all the ambient wet-dry, or spacey hard panned effects, etc ...
1st I was able to dial nice tones in record time (not like the hours of dialing with my pedalboard for anything a little special), second I found myself carrying a tiny little "floor-box" (compared to my pedalboard), and 2 lightweight overpowered power loudspeakers ... what a relief. Thirdly, I could access any of my tones with a single push on a switch on that multy-effect unit.
I wish Line 6 soon comes up with an upgraded version of the Helix including some preamp tubes for a little sag and natural tube warmth, or maybe the newly developed nutube technology (if it can do the job).
I’m rooting with you to get to 1,000 you deserve it man
Thanks man! I appreciate it!!
Your welcome @sloppy joe I would love to see you review a avid rack
I bought a Helix for essentially the same reason. It made thousands of dollars worth of pedals totally obsolete. Now I've got those pedals for my keyboards and vocals. : )
I have either owned or played through all the major modelers and landed on Helix because overall it offers the most high quality everything. Not regretting it either. I didnt sell my tube amps cos I didnt have to but I dont need them.
Space and monetary savings are huge aspects of switching to digital gear. If you’re amateur or semi-pro, it just makes sense.
My most recent jam session. The other guitarist brought a Marshall 1/2 stack that sounded awesome, but only had a couple of tones. After the session he comes over and asked, what's that your playing through? HELIX. All the sounds you'd ever want. If your a tube purist, that's great. If you want really great tone and versatility, the Helix is a good option.
The flexibility is what got me.
Same journey but ended up with the Kemper and the HX Stomp in its loop. Journey ended. Helix is really great but Imho nothing beats the "pure" tube sound of a Kemper. But best thing about it: No more tweaking. Plug in a Kemper and play. F*** tweaking.
I went the Tube route for a bit and got a Fender Twin it took me forever to get a sound similar to what I was going for, and once I figured out how to get my sound, the caps blew. I went and got an HX Stomp and boom, it took minutes and it nailed the sound I like. Someday I'll upgrade to the proper Helix, but even though I had sworn off of digital modelling, it turned out to be the thing that was missing all along.
These are the comments that I LOVE!
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack The thing that I love most about it is that you can create a truly unique setup as well. Like, you can try a dry Hiwatt with an 18 and a wet JC120 with a 412 using snapshots to ad varying levels of gain with the touch of a footswitch
Done the same. Well almost. I've run a rig mainly comprising 2 x JCM800's since late 80's and I've never found anything that would better the sound. Until I heard the Helix. I've got a Helix LT and the JCM800 are simply redundant. I've still got them but I doubt I will ever use them again. This is something I NEVER believed I would ever say. Stuff like POD came and went and I was, nah, my heads and cabs still rule. Not anymore.
Frig yeah bud! I love reading stuff like this.
It's not like tube amps are obsolete, but having a smaller rig is way more practical sometimes!
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack It does! Gone are the days of being on tour in theback-breaking early 90's with 2 x heads, 2 x 4x12 cabs, a 12u rack unit and a pedalboard. It sounded great and (let's be honest) looked very cool. But after admittedly a fair bit of tweaking the Helix actually sounds better! The Helix's reverbs alone are the best out there if used with a bit of application and time investment.
With the new Helix 2.80-2.81 updates that upgraded the core engine of the HX processors that improved the tones across the board. I've noticed a significant improvement in my sound, I added Mikko Ir cab software that was exclusive to axe fx but now is available in WAV format for the Helix.thats the icing on the cake I was looking for, I was running Ownhammer ir's but the Mikko ir's are we're it's at your basically making your own ir's in the software than you can export to the Helix. You can use multiple mics in a virtual 3D space giving you tons of tone options that to me is a great improvement on a great modeler.
I'm outing myself here:
I still haven't updated 😐😐😐
Well it's a pain in the ass compared to other updates I had some trouble but after much frustration I got it to load, I thought I bricked my Helix. But all is well and its better than when I bought it over a year ago! Still rocking in west Michigan.
I did the same thing and I love the Helix! Get a Variax and watch the endless options and possibilities take you to a newer level!
After weeks of research I finally decided to sell my Hughes & Kettner Switchblade and go for a helix. Can't wait to finally get it.
It's everything that I've ever needed. FANTASTIC piece of gear!
Very informative video dude. Thanks for the info. I've been looking at the helix myself. This video was very helpful.
Happy I could help man!
It's been 2 years with my Helix. Although I still GAS for tube amps. Lol. But I do love my Helix running into 2 Seymour poweramps into 2 Mesa Cabs. A wet dry setup.
That's what I'm talking about
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack I can say I am happy.
I’m a tube nerd, but line6 and mooer have been putting out some pretty good inexpensive stuff.
I did the same and now have a channel of all Helix tips ... Now I have a stomp too!
I really want to get a stomp!
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack so worth it !
Did the same thing! Best invest in musical gear EVER for me \m/
Inconceivable! You remind me a little of that guy...well a lot actually.
Congratulations on the switch! I use the PV 6505 for about five years before I switched to a line 6 and then eventually an axe fx
Sold! I have a Boss me-80 which I like but Helix is on bucket list
It's a straight up 10/10 rating from me!
Love this thing!
I did the same exact thing but bought a helix LT, guitar wireless and case for the helix.
If you're constantly switching genres and versatility is a necessity, you should get a variax. It's a modeling guitar. You can change tunings instantly, you can model a banjo, an acoustic, a 12 string, sitar, dobro, and so on. There's a model to fit everybody; 2 different strat style bodies, a les paul style, a super strat in either a fixed bridge or a floyd style, and a strandberg looking body. All the internal variax guts are the same.
I'm definitely considering it my dude 😎
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack you can also program the helix to control the variax, which is the cherry on top
Most people will not recognize a Roland Blues Cube compared to tube amps. Blindfolded I mean. Kemper and Fractal have reached a tone level and variety that can't be beaten by tube amps in a gig or on stage. Many guitarists who play digital pedals into a tube amp still ignore these facts. I still own a Fender Reverb Deluxe and a Suhr Bella. Great amps, but only at optimum volume. For gigging and practice I absolutely prefer the Roland. Loud and great sound at every volume. Or the Kemper. You're happy with your tube amps? Enjoy! But don't break your backs.
great video! I subbed. keep up the good content
Thanks my dude 😎😎😎
Now that I have a proper FRFR to run my Helix into, I predict I will rarely use my amp and pedals. I'll be slow to sell them, as I've been burned by the digital stuff in the past, but so far it's looking like all Helix, all the time.
Agreed. Was going threw a Bose S1 Pro but something was missing. Added the Headrush FRFR-112 to my rig and voila, happiness.
@@starbuck-mz4ts Yep, I got the Headrush 108. It's great!
The helix took some getting used to for me but I now love it. Come up with presets for the guitars you use. I notice that for me what sounds good on one guitar may not sound good on another.
100 watts is overkill, but nothing beats a tube amp, Blues Jr with a Vox AC25 wet/dry. 😎
Totally agree about tube amps David...but what is a AC25 ?
I bought a Line 6 when that amp modeling technology was starting out. Plugged into a real tube amp and that was the end of that. I don’t see ever going back. Pretty decent chance this guy also goes back to tubes in the future. I also don’t think a digital model will ever replicate a real fuzz pedal (or other analog oriented distortions or overdrives) with any accuracy...and yes, I’ve heard the A/B tests.
Haven't gone back yet, I'll keep you updated. Lmao
The only thing I haven't given up is a traditional guitar cabinet. I'm not sure if I can go FRFR
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack do you plug your helix into a amp when you play in a gig or do you plug into a PA?
Don’t worry you’ll get over it. You’ll use the helix for a while then you’ll play through a tube amp again and you’ll end up with new tube amps. Been there done that.
I love my EVH its sick but I'm leaning towards the helix and I hate hooking things up
Greetings from a MTU graduate. Nice to see some music being made up there at the "End of the Earth". It doesn't have to be Helix OR Tube amps. It can be any combination of both. Use what works where it works best. Amps still have a place, so does a Helix/Kemper/AxeFX. I believe the future is not Helix and it's not tube amps, it's in a mixture of both. That mixture is what each player must find for themselves.
This winter was a particularly brutal one. The end of the Earth became the north pole.
LOL! I know how it is. I was there for some very cold winters back in the early to mid 80's (probably before you were born).
I use my tube amps live, my other rig works great for recording and rehearsals. I have different rigs for different purposes. I use an old school analog stereo Adamicrocab II.
Can't do it.
When I see comments of some people wishing they would add tubes to the Helix, it just reinforces why I won't make the switch.
I don't play out anymore, so I'm just recording. I also don't play metal. Rock/Alt/Punk. Heavy, but not metal.
For me, Ive found that my 50 watt head is more than enough for what I'm doing, and small 15-20 watt combo amps and pedals of course...are really the sweet spot for getting great tones that my main amp doesn't do.
Yeah, tubes are a freeking pain to deal with. They really are. But until another generation or two of modeling gear has passed, I'll be sticking with those pain in the ass tubes.
I'm hoping that there are going to be some revolutions in the NuTube thing. Super interesting stuff.
Interesting..you mentioned metal and fuzz boxes etc.Necrolord just released a few albums available to listen to here on youtube and all the guitar and bass were recorded with a helix.Sounds quite stellar.Check em out sometime.
I personally just dialed in a REALLY nice stoner rock/metal patch. Absolutely blew me away!
I've been sold on the Helix for awhile now but that did me in!
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack Me personally i've been using a rocktron chameleon since 93 and have gotten some amazing sounds.Rock,blues,death metal you name it.The sounds from the helix are very similar and if i was to get a modeling amp of today it would almost 100% be a helix.
The AXE FX 3 is the holy grail.
I would really like to try one
Well I sold even AXE FX and all the othet expensive stuff. Emissary 2.0 with OwnHammer or Celestion impulses and some budget USB interface does a great job for home recording - not worst than AXE FX. Technology has made a huge leap forward with quality of sound even on budget level. And Emissary 2.0 is free :)
Noooooooooo !!! I cant believe you did it Joe!!!😩 LOL JK ! Love your channel ! If your happy then I'm good with it !! Keep up the good work !!😊👍
Thanks my dude!
We've all swayed away from the right path, Give it time you'll come back.
Thank you, sensei
I have the same problem, i need a rig that can give me clean jazz to rnb to metal, at a moments notice
I ended up with being very satisfied with a mesa boogie mark v 35 head, with helix running it with the 4 cable method
I had to get a voodoo lab midi patch cause the mesa doesn't have midi
Man, my rig is light and if i really wanted, i can always take a 1x12 cab
hi bro, you can switch your Mesa directly with the Helix. i switch my 3ch preamp with that . you can also switch the character of the switches between Momentary and latch. it woks fine but you loose 3 knobs because of the 3 chanals. +++rock on+++
@@Axman66 yes i can, the voodoo lab midi controller turns any non midi amp into one, i also use my vht ultra lead for the louder gigs, with the voodoo labs midi, its nice to control everything with 1 button
Helix into the front of my Mesa roadster is fantastic . Been looking for powered speaker options mainly for home studio use , instead of the Mesa 2X12. What would you recommend? Money isn’t an issue, especially if I sell the roadster and get a power box.
Justbuy Bitcoin why aren’t u plugging it into the return input in the back of the amp? It sounds better. Does your amp have a return input?
Massive step to take , still personally unsure . Great video .
It was really hard for me too. I recommend at least trying it out. It took some getting used to (like any new piece of gear)
Now I can't turn back. Best move I've made thus far!
Sooo need a little help here fellow rockers:
I've got my eye on a helix rack with a floor controller for roughly $1500. And while I've had expensive amps/pedals before I just feel uneasy dropping that much dough single-handedly. And I was thinking of instead buying the Line 6 pod pro X rack instead as it's much cheaper although much older technology.
I currently play through a Boss Katana Artist and it's a good amp for sure! Although I might just use it as a clean amp/pedal platform instead. But I'm afraid doing that might rob its potential as it does alot.
So my question is this: should I just sell all my shit and just invest into the helix, or settle with the pod pro X, or am I a dumbass for thinking of selling the katana artist and should just stick with it?
Much appreciated dudes!
Yoooo good question!!!
I'm still on the Helix train, man. This is by far my most favorite piece of gear that i own! Normally I was getting an itch for a new amp every 6 months. Buying the Helix stopped that. I haven't wanted a new amp since.
In hindsight, I would be ok with the Helix floor model. I didn't honestly need the rack (though it looks damn cool). But if you're getting a good deal on the rack WITH a controller? Go for it.
You're not a dumbass for selling all of your stuff. As a tone chaser myself? This is the best decision I ever made. I've never been so happy with a set up, ever.
Also if you buy one and don't like it, they hold their resale value!!
To be fair, I haven't ever used the pod pro or whatever it's called. But i always remember one quote when it comes to all my gear purchasing decisions. "Buy it right, or buy it twice."
I always spend the extra money on the Superior product. Old technology is already old. Leave it in the past.
I use whatever I feel like on a given day but yes I "could" sell all my amps and go with my Helix and wouldn't miss the amps.
That deserves a subscription
What do you think of Laptop + audio interface + modling software for live?
Thanks!
Great question! Personally, I have never done that setup so I can't speak to how effective it is.
I have seen a few people use that technique and it seems to work ok!
@Dustin Dyer I've been practicing using my interface as a preamp pedal, plunging the interface out to my (cheap, solid state) amp effects return. I fell that by bypassing the cheap amp preamp section and using nice software i get much better tones. But I didn't know if this was viable on live to the house PA, for instance.
Did you have to change any settings such as Global EQ to get a usable sound through the Crown amp and cab?
I am a pretty raw player. I couldn't honestly tell you how the global EQ works. So in short? No
Thank you very much for this dude
I'm surprised that you didn't speak of the on board cabs. Many Helix users go to the IR's too quickly or just never attempt to work with the adjustments to be had inside the cabs. Anyone that is a so-called tube snob has done enough tweaking of their amps to be able to do the same with the speaker emulations. It isn't that tough with a little research.
I do like the on board cabs for cleans. I'm not gonna lie about that for a second. Super flexible and nice!
But for higher gain stuff? I was never quite satisfied. I could usually get something I could "deal with". Not that it sounded bad, but I always felt as if there was something to be desired.
I sold my amps, bought a Kemper, sold my Kemper and bought some amps. I think you should always keep one or two Tube heads if you go to digital.
I wouldn't mind dropping a few bones on some quilter stuff.
I just hate... I REPEAT... HATE hauling gear lol
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack Kemper made me realize I dont need that many amps. I think I could be happy with Marshall esq, and high gain slo type then an Orange. Grab 15 watt versions with Boss Tube Expander and a 1x12 all bases covered.
My custom tube amps into a Two Notes Torpedo Studio. Ultimate setup 🤣🍷🍷🍷
I actually considered getting a two notes! Those things are real dang cool.
check the uad ox i think is better!
Sold my kemper anfd bought a victory kraken. Super happy, even send loop out to pc + an IR and master volume zero sounds much better than any kemper rig.
I think you're confusing the Line 6 modeled cabs with IRs? They're different. They're not IRs.
You're not wrong.
Semantics though. I think the broad generalization doesn't take away from the point that's being made.
Axe fx lll was my choice... Helix is pretty sweet too...!
Give it a decade or 2 and everyone under 30 will be playing digital amps. They just keep getting better and better and are far more versatile. Tube amps will always have a place but fact is the technology is almost 100 years old and everything that can be done with it has been done. Nothing wrong with embracing new technology.
Maybe, but I thought tube amps were about dead 15 years ago. Nope!
One year using Helix. Good decision.👍
i have tried the helix and was disappointed in the lack of FEEL under my fingers; it caused me to play differently and in a somewhat sterile manner
Bummer, my dude
Nice video, but you didn’t mention the Atomic Amplifire, I chose an AA12 over the HX Stomp, it sounds awesome, no regrets.
Fen Gib had it. It is easy to use and sounds good but typically sold it and moved on.
Joe Robinson Maybe until I can afford a Kemper, that's the closest thing to my AA, IMO.
Fen Gib there’s nothing wrong with the AA. The kemper is just ok. It’s an endless rabbit hole if u let it. I don’t think it’s that great. I prefer the easy and simple Yamaha 100hd. They are now together with line6 and I think it sounds better and feels better than any of the modelers. I’m not a newbie as I’ve mentioned somewhere else. I’m not a performer because I hate performing. I love playing guitar though. Which most of us are home guitarists anyway. On that note. If someone says oh u don’t know what sounds good. I’ve been playing since I was a child. I think I know what sounds good. You develop a special ear when u play guitar. You hear things others don’t. Now, I started off as a kid with cheap gear as I should. When I got better and saved up I worked my way up to better gear. Recently, I went a little overboard and bought a really great amp. Friedman smallbox limited. So I have good things to compare these modelers too. That’s my only point. It’s not like I’m comparing it to junk. Anyway, I had to stick a. Retain pedal in front of that kemper to get it to feel and found the way u want. It’s just not my favorite. I really prefer my amp and my pedals. Dirt, fuzz overdrive. That’s it though. No modulation pedals. I’d save up for a great amp instead of a kemper tbh.
I'm actually doing the opposite, not the Helix, but I'm selling my POD X3 Live to buy analog stomps. If need to be quiet at your place, I get it, but the Helix (or any amp modeler) will never produce the harmonics and frequencies that the amp does, and yes capt those through the mic is hard work, but worth it. Just keep in mind that Multi Fx's lose value fast. When I bought my POD it was twice expensive than the DL4 from Line 6. Now, it's twice cheaper. Let us now your experience with the Helix V.S real amps stomps. Cheers!
Still absolutely loving it. Haven't had a want for a tube amp since I've made the switch! (Yet, lmao)
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack That's awesome. In terms of sound quality would you say it's close?
The future is now. It seems that the biggest problem for bands (besides drummers) is volume.
Whats funny is the drummer controls the volume ...find a way to turn down the drummer..... besides E. drums which nearly all drummers hate and you solved EVERY problem in a live show. You can then downsize every component. Do we realize how much money that would save? Please someone build a quieter drummer.
Christopher Walker that’s partially true. Another instrument may start the song and dictate the tempo and volume. Hopefully everyone involved is well-verses in dynamics. At the end of the day I was really just inserting a drummer joke 😊
How many drummers does it take to screw in a light bulb? All of em,they'll drink your beer till the world spins around
Question.. Right now I own a cheap ass boss me-80 and don't get me wrong.. I love the boss me-80 but I wanna get the helix lt... Is it true that the thing freezes? And I just watched your stuff and I play different stuff.. Like one day I'll play metal.. One day I'll play pop punk.. One day I'll play backstreet boys.. So I have 2 blackstar tube heads and a orange cr120h.. So I wanna work with something more compact once I do shows in the future. So yeah my main concern if the helix would freeze
Personally? No, I've never had it "freeze".
But I'm assuming that if you did have that happen, turn it off then turn it back on.
If that doesn't work? Redownload the latest update.
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack sweet. I'll let you know in a couple of months once I get the helix.
Well. Hope you guys don't plan on playing any live shows.
Tube amps destroy the modeler's in a live setting still. They sound okay through a PA, but they often get lost in a mix next to real drums/bass and they still lack that hairy dirty growl of a tube amp.
At least in the heavy rock/metal scene.
Every concert I've been to, the bands still using real amps just decimate the headlining bands using kemper/fractal/helix. And it's pretty obvious.
However, with that said - In a studio, they're fantastic.
Tell that to Metallica or Meshugah, seen both live and both sounded amazing
I went with the Kemper, it’s all good though, Kemper, Axe, whatever. But why the *#}#{ did you go for the Rokits? There are way better options out there nowaday in that price range...
For what I'm doing? The Rokit 8s work great. I'm not mixing and mastering albums. They are good for listening to music and running my Helix through them.
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack All good man. I just grew to hate those things. I don't even know why. Still I think you should check out the Kali LP8's...
I definitely will! Thanks for the heads up! 😎
From a recording hobbyist perspective.. Tube amps aren't practical anymore.. you can get a TH3/THU for the price of a cheap Amp and the tone possibilities are almost endless. Amp sims are the most cost effective viable solution... Plug it in, record and it is almost a guarantee that you will get good tones out of it.
I run my Helix Rack XLR out into my interface (Studiolive 24 series III) and run the guitar thru from the Helix also into a channel to which I'm using TH-u Slate edition software, yea it's probably overkill but I've got some great tones out of the combination of hardware and software wet/ dry or two similar amps with different ir's or effects/setting the options are infinite the tones I'm getting are beyond anything I was trying to achieve with amps and pedals alone, not to mention the cost of experimenting with different combinations about broke my ass. All is well now.
Whatever you get HeadRush, Helix, Gt1000. Much better than pedal amp setup which are so limited. The versatility and tone, effects are surpassed. The pedal guys just look bewildered with their floor gumbo...
zzzddd7 nope
@@joerobinson6199, Yes!! Keep on believing that. Lol.... I understand that. It's your opinion. We have opinions also. I play on big stages and crush other guitar players tone volume and presence on stage..... All players........#Facts#
zzzddd7 nope. Lol. You know you’re being drowned out if there’s a guitarist on the stage with an amp. Keep in believing though. It’s your opinion. I’m sorry. The processors are in my home. I prefer amps and pedals.
@@joerobinson6199 , I don't use powered amps on big stages. (We don't only have to use powered amps, and it's the quality and wattage of your power speakers that make a difference)..... Just HeadRush and two fender twins (Stereo)and kill everyone's sound. I'm always miked on stage like other guitar players. Their volume is at least 30% less than mine, including other Professionals with half stacks...so come again with another small pedal guy Falsehood.....
Hi ,nice video man,one thing I wonder the USB output ,is it good quality as presonus 2i2 or focusrite i2 , do I still need a audio interface for guitar recording ? Or its good enough for guitar recording.
The USB is fine if you have a computer that's fast enough to handle it.
If you don't? Just run the 1/4 (or XLR) out to the focusrite and then the focusrite to the computer!
Man u didn't not get it ,what I mean is the sample rate and frequency of helix direct recording ,is it equivalent as those interfaces ?
@@yaqubaxamee9146 yes you can get the same sample rates
same i sold all of mine but instead bought a kemper .
Why did you choose the Helix over the Axe FXIII?
I own the Helix, but if I could afford it I would go to the Fractal camp all day every day.
Great question,
The Axe FXiii was not available when i purchased my Helix.
I haven't tried the Axe FXIII, yet. But I'm sure I will in due time.
I'd love to switch to something like this, but I'm a dumbass when it comes to even the simplest technology, so amps for me at least for a while longer lol.
To be completely honest,
The Helix is so easy to use. I'm in the same boat.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a super easy to use User Interface but also wants a shitload of great sounds.
But if you also want to "deep dive" you totally can, but it's completely unnecessary.
Pod xt live or pod x3 live especially for teh broots
I still contend to this day there is no better high gain patch in existence than the Treadplate on the XT-Live
Which line 6 do you have ???
Helix Rack.
Still love it. It's been a game changer for me
How many lines did you snort before filming this ?
Fun fact: I don't do drugs.
But to entertain your comment? 5 eightballs in 2.4 seconds.
Brand and model of powered monitor speakers???
From the video , they look like KRK brand. Not sure of the model though.
Yeha you're gonna miss your tube amps.
I read this as "yeehaw" you're gonna miss your tube amps 😂
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack cool I hope you get what you're looking for.
Sloppy Joe, do you use an IR (Ownhammer etc.) in the signal chain when you are playing live through the Crown power amp and actual guitar cab?
No I don't. I turn the IR off
Tube amps and pedals for home, Helix and FRFR for gigs - nobody would notice or care
I used to live in Houghton. Damn
Apparently, you're not a glutton for punishment. Lol.
Summer will be here soon so at least the weather will be nice for two months!
Are you in Michigan?? I live in Flint MI.
Heck yeah bud!
where are you at??
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack
Somewhere high up in the Keweenaw Penninsula 🕴️
Find me on Facebook I have a goldtop les paul as my profile pic
@@SloppyJoes_ShredShack
What all these plugins/digital modelers try to do is to EMULATE the sound of a tube amp, almost all of them are not there. Digital is more comfortable for sure, but tube amp just sounds great by its own.
Yeeaaaah. Did the same, ended up selling the helix. Trust me, after a while it's sound wears you down.