FRACTAL VS. HELIX (Part 1) Eight Amp Models Compared

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Let the comparisons begin! Super excited to get going on this series, please let me know what you would like to see me cover in future parts :)
TIMESTAMPS:
Twin Reverb: 3:52
Deluxe Reverb: 6:55
AC30: 9:23
Plexi: 11:48
JCM800: 14:22
SLO-100: 18:08
Dual Rec: 20:32
5150: 24:09
The background song is a cover I made of Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack"
At the time of recording, the Helix was loaded with firmware 2.01, and the AX8 was loaded with Quantum firmware 4.00.
Gear list:
-Epiphone Vintage G-400 with Seymour Duncan Jazz/JB Pickups
-Line 6 Helix (1/4" out)
-Fractal Audio AX8 (1/4" out)
-Audio-Technica AT3035 (for voice)
-Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
-Cockos Reaper (as my DAW)
-keFIR (VST plugin used to load cabinet impulses)
-Open Broadcaster Software (for screen capture)
-Canon T3i
-Sigma 20mm f/1.8 lens
-Sony Movie Studio Platinum (for video editing)

Опубликовано:

7 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 522

@stevencorry5790 8 лет назад

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!

@cobradog1244 8 лет назад

Steven Corry agreed and subscribed!

@bjarnedahlberg5361 8 лет назад

Yes that video was not a fair comparison

@michaelconnor6240 4 года назад

I agree

@BentTom 4 года назад

I am also a new subscriber and appreciate your transparency.

@JiTiAr35 8 лет назад

dude, I think your AX8 vs Helix video is better than Ola one. Good job.

@danieltv123 4 года назад

Ola is sellout unfortunatly, even though I like him

@Stringprodigy 4 года назад

danieltv123 how so?

@animaegray 4 года назад

@@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" RU-vidrs.

@gergoretvari6373 4 года назад

@@animaegray you take that back

@Rikk_Klaww777 4 года назад

Ola will curse you...😈😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

@lolh4x 8 лет назад

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.

@ForTiorIJohnny 8 лет назад

wow, amazing comparison video. very professional, very informative, very good presentation and very good deduction of the differences.

@alexandresoaresdasilva1966 8 лет назад

Dude, you established a new standard for reviewing music equipment. Congrats!

@arislaf 8 лет назад

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.

@jaycorrao6648 7 лет назад

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 RU-vid is very difficult but your approach to this dilemma was both well thought out and executed. Thanks and keep up the great work.

@cmscss 7 лет назад

65 Twin reissue user here, mine is clean at 5 - loud but clean

@themarcoharder 7 лет назад

unbelievable. glossy production, detailed comparison. only thing I didn't like was too much apologizing --- you clearly did a great job here!

@justinTime077 3 года назад

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.

@jarednorris2592 7 лет назад

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!

@fathermurphy218 4 года назад

Had to go back almost 4 years to find a video that wasn't high gain only. Thanks for this.

@dougapolinario3743 5 лет назад

Finally, a review on RU-vid that was done properly.... Great head-to-head comparison!

@outofdinero 2 года назад

The tones were so similar but the Fractal sounds way more detailed and realistic. Great video.

@BarryJohns 8 лет назад

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.

@randyclere2330 7 лет назад

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!

@hafcat 7 лет назад

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.

@DaronMacke 8 лет назад

Great vid Dude! Excellent presentation, well spoken, thoughtful. Looking forward to #2.

@metalfiend124 7 лет назад

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!

@vincehall 7 лет назад

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

@deadasfak 8 лет назад

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.

@titmusspaultpaul5 8 лет назад

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 5 лет назад

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

@therapist6328 4 года назад

@@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.

@scenario27 8 лет назад

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!

@Swamphaus 8 лет назад

Get the strat!

@ludlow555 8 лет назад

Jason Lynn Hey Jason! Been a while... I think I last saw you at the Kings X show a million years ago.

@Swamphaus 8 лет назад

Blast from the past! How've you been man?

@ludlow555 8 лет назад

Jason Lynn Doin' good! Just moved back to the Midwest with the family. What have you been up to?

@therapist6328 4 года назад

Get the Tele!

@Son_Of_Kel 8 лет назад

I love every one of those albums you've got on your wall! Also really dig your reviews and band!

@brian1749 8 лет назад

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.

@grahamedwards2646 8 лет назад

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.

@tomhopkins6456 5 лет назад

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.

@johnmarquez333 8 лет назад

Excellent review! Very well done. Articulate, smart, fair - even when you acknowledge your biases. I might just have to subscribe!

@davidbennie2577 8 лет назад

John Marquez ŵ

@micuronium 8 лет назад

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.

@k4vms 6 лет назад

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.

@bvesco 8 лет назад

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.

@ronnieparfait 8 лет назад

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.

@MitchBakerMusic 8 лет назад

My Music Man is at 3:25 in the back :)

@YMESYDT 7 лет назад

This was the best comparison video I've ever seen

@DrRussPhd 8 лет назад

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.

@stevecox9871 7 лет назад

Mitch, this is so useful. Thank you for your intelligent and erudite comparisons of two very capable units.

@stonelark 8 лет назад

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.

@espguitars2992 8 лет назад

I'm gonna use it to track my bands stuff lol *not as an interface though*

@trevorwesterdahl6245 7 лет назад

Yeah, so not true .Look at Fractal's artists page ,then the Helix. Fractal is every band you know. Helix is who?

@kappachino2569 7 лет назад

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

@trevorwesterdahl6245 7 лет назад

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.

@coppulor6500 6 лет назад

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?

@Kgwhite529 8 лет назад

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!

@chatolars 7 лет назад

Awesome comparison . No extra talking , very professional...subscribed! Please go on with the next one! Really interested in the SHIVA comparison Cheers!

@MitchBakerMusic 7 лет назад

You can see it at 21:22 of this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-280y_QtLVlQ.html

@rigorhead01 8 лет назад

As a Deluxe Reverb Reissue owner for around 10 years now, I'm surprised at how realistic both units sound to the real amp. Digital amps are getting amazing.

@rebelcat420 7 лет назад

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.

@bdhunter12 8 лет назад

Wow, great job! And what a great delivery...you got a sharp thought process! Definitely do 2!

@WesSlauson 8 лет назад

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.

@MitchBakerMusic 8 лет назад

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.

@wofesc 8 лет назад

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!

@jimcricket8128 7 лет назад

i like that you changed you're playing to suit each amp.

@5olas 8 лет назад

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.

@espguitars2992 8 лет назад

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

@lutherlessor4029 Год назад

Dang, this is SO well-organized. 🤘🤘

@miker20 3 года назад

I would like to see an exclusive metal video to see how it fairs with ALL the different genres of metal and dropped tunings and very high gain, I’ve seen enough videos played on standard with blues to educate myself across multiple lifetimes.

@pauldncn1 7 лет назад

thanks great video I'm looming at both and trying to choose .. so far either fractal or keeper

@andreaspassmark892 6 лет назад

Great comparison video Mitch!!:) As a bass player, I would LOVE a video like this, comparing the bass amps:D

@justinTime077 3 года назад

I used a Helix, liked it, but sold it to try an FM3. I overall struggle to settle with modeling. It’s a hard transition for someone just getting into it. EQing, your monitors… all of it can make or break the experience. I thought the FM3 was going to be “better” because big artists use their stuff. While it’s great, I miss the sense of value I had with the Helix. They had a Jack-of-all-trades thing going for them, and weren’t bad at it. If I understood the impact of IR’s I’d never have sold it… The FM3 sounds better out of the box, but my god they just did not need to put so many IR’s in there to choose from. It’s great, but it’s a curse if like me you can get lost trying them all. Before you know it you forget what the first one sounded like, and suddenly you’ve wasted all your time you could have been playing! It’s a bitch to choose one, and then get down to playing happily-when all you seem to be doing is searching for the perfect tone/IR/etc. I may end up selling my FM3 to go back. I find it far more confusing to learn.

@larsostbergh8510 8 лет назад

Thanks for a great review. I really liked it. One thing you left out (don't know why) that is really important, is how easy or tuff it is to work with these units. At least for me and many of my guitar friends that are not interested in the technical side of amps it is very, very important to be able to easy dial in a couple of good tones.

@MitchBakerMusic 8 лет назад

+Lars Östbergh just focusing on amp model quality here, not ease of use, that will be covered in the future

@marcbenigni 8 лет назад

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.

@titmusspaultpaul5 8 лет назад

great review, and if they are both the same quality, and they seem to be, they Helix wins for me. all reviews ive seen say Helix is the easiest to use and has better set up options (where you place thjngs in the chain etc...) . as for quantity, then 46 amp models is MORE than enough and lets face it, Line 6 will be bringing out many more as they are a lot newer to this. Helix all they way for me.....

@AlexChurchMusic 8 лет назад

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!

@itsjohnnymillion 7 лет назад

Great job working so hard to be impartial. I enjoy all your posts.

@gregknight5141 5 лет назад

That was a really good video, that 30 mins flew by. There really isnt much in it sound wise. I do think that Helix has a bit less low end overall which is why it seems brighter, but this makes me think that it was by design so it allowed guitars to sit in a mix better when recording, whereas Fractal is probably going all out to be full on realistic of what an amp through a miked up cabinet sounds like?

@Kla_arpeggio 8 лет назад

Great job!!!!! Part 2 with Mark IV comparison please.....

@gabrielfrison 8 лет назад

I love the way you explain the stuff, thumbs up for you. Waiting for the next vid!

@tremoverb1 7 лет назад

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.

@MitchBakerMusic 7 лет назад

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.

@illusoryfactory 3 года назад

One of the best comparison videos I have ever seen. Thank you.

@palamud 8 лет назад

Great comparison video. I've been waiting for something like this for almost a year. Would like to see FX and cabs comparisons too.

@RBrown-cs6ks 6 лет назад

I think what you have proved here is that both sound very good and that if you want one to sound like the other, for the most part, EQ changes will accomplish the needed effect. The Helix typically sounded brighter, so darken it if you want the sound of an AX8, and in reverse, brighten the AX8. Nice comparison.

@justusdorfer771 8 лет назад

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.

@SLAMSTERDAMN 7 лет назад

Oh man, this is gonna take awhile....... respect to you, Mitch! 👍

@chrisnaishguitar 8 лет назад

Nice! And yes, please do the Part 2 you mentioned. 😊

@adamrau1785 8 лет назад

Dude...absolutely fantastic job on the demo. I own a Helix and have demo'd an AX8. Both units are fantastic.

@catch33000 8 лет назад

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!

@lushkordz6643 3 года назад

Yeah I tol' agree with you on the point where you're saying that running multiple amps in // is not that much of a big deal that it may appears at first on the paper .....having good choice of cabinet is more important as you've said .....it's really true !!!! actually you can benefit from the FX loop to insert some real gears such as rack preamps (they tend to become really cheap on the 2nd hand market) in order to be able to blend in // with a internal simulation of a drive or an amp from the unit itself .......i found on my Gt100 that this trick is more effective than blending 2 mere simulations coz you bring some real feel in your signal chain ^^^

@Dwilsonmusic145 8 лет назад

I can say that It definitely depends on the exact twin you're modeling. Twins are super clean and mine didn't even break up until at least at 65 to 70 volume.

@AntiStressKit 5 лет назад

Thank you for the excellent review and comparison 👌🤘

@larryseyer 8 лет назад

I would like to hear a Fender '59 Bassman comparison. You did a great job with this video!

@doublebguitarplayer9434 4 года назад

Wow thanks for the video. I was debating which one to get. I’m a metal head so thanks to your video it’s the fractal for me. I’m off to get the ax8. Thank you sir for your honesty. Best of luck to u.

@demidevil666 7 лет назад

stellar video! Your presentation is on point! Thanks very much for putting all the time and effort into this. :)

@UglyTheDuckling 8 лет назад

I for one would like the comparison of the second list. I think comparing those "rarer" amps will help give us a better idea on the differences between the two.

@jason_baker_mixing 8 лет назад

As a long time 5150 user, i can definitely say that the Fractal model is way more accurate. Both units sound good IMO, I'm a big AXE-FX II guy, though. Sold my 5150 when i got my Axe. Sick video, dude!!

@sonnyducks 7 лет назад

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.

@juanebasurto2777 3 года назад

Excellent job, man!!! You are good yo reviews!!

@embreesmith7613 7 лет назад

fantastic review !! that said, I an sticking with my AC30, and volume pot its all I need .. :)

@TheLepesmeZ 7 лет назад

Thank You for the videos! Really hepful and exciting to watch. Keep up :)

@neuk01642 7 лет назад

So Mitch. I'm currently the proud owner of a Marshall JVM205 which I'm running through a load box. Not doing any gigging, just recording. The amp has just crapped out on me and is in for repair. This has just opened up something I've been thinking of for a while. I've been thinking about two amp set ups and looking for some different sound options and also a good 'clean' tones which the JVM doesn't really do. As I don't have endless revenue, modelling/profiling was where I was looking. Originally it was all about Kemper. However I do like the routing and signal chain flexibility offered by both the Fractal and Helix options however I want this to sound... well... proper! Having come from a full fat tube tone I don't want to invest and be disappointed. I've always seen the Helix as the poor cousin to both the Fractal and Kemper offerings and a lot of videos have supported this with fizzy obviously digital high-gain sounds and un natural sounding crunch tones. However I've recently watched a couple of reviews of the Helix where that hideous fizz has all but gone and the Helix is starting to sound like an option again. I accept, these are never going to beat real amps but for what I need they'll probably be more than enough. So my question is, can the Helix compete? And I am asking for an opinion here and I understand I'll have to make up my own mind. It's so attractive price and functionality wise, but the draw of the authenticity of the Kemper or the high gain reputation of the Fractal stuff keeps pulling me one way or the other. Good to hear your thoughts.

@coppulor6500 6 лет назад

so where are you now? did you buy anything?

@crummockiphail9720 8 лет назад

I appreciate the disclaimer and intro you tried to put together to cover your ass, but I guarantee it'll still go over lots of people's heads and you'll still get plenty of stupid comments accusing you of not doing it the way they would have, lol. Either way, thanks for making this video. I'm not particularly interested in moving on from my AX8, but this is still intriguing RU-vid content to watch. Both devices are pretty cool in my book, there is no clear "winner", since they each have their own separate pros and cons that will weigh differently depending on the individual. Also bruh, you gotta get that Mark IV and Shiva in there. Two of my favorite amps on the AX8.

@christopherlandress5820 7 лет назад

AX8 seems to have a mid/low range problem on all its amp models. But they're both VERY good. Nice comparison.

@brazilianmegaman258 7 лет назад

Brilliant video, although I still haven't decided on which one to purchase! Thanks again!

@frankritchotte5411 8 лет назад

Dude....great work.

@RyanMcQuen 6 лет назад

Owned a 70s Twin for a while. They are clean at 5. And yes, insanely loud. The Helix sounds closer to a real Twin to me (although I usually prefer the Fractal in other demos I have heard).

@pixel4u 7 лет назад

You take the online review videos to a new direction. very smart

@AJbassist 8 лет назад

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

@canadianshadowrider 6 лет назад

Great job Mitch ... Here's one thing I found about ALL these modellers (amps too) ... I found the REAL difference comes when you play with a band in a "live" situation... I'm not saying or slamming this video in any way shape or form as this is a much needed video as well and I really enjoy watching it.... For my needs, I play in a band and I found once going into that situation, its a completely different ball game.... I have used Line 6 and Fractal.... I'm enjoying my Fractal for live with a band stuff...... cheers Mitch and thanks

@alexguimaraes5445 8 лет назад

very nice review. You are very thorough and articulate in comparing the two units. I'll be looking forward to the next review. Keep it up. To my ears the Helix sounds better except for the rectos which sound better on the Fractal, but that is just personal preference

@alex_the.mallett 7 лет назад

Just my opinion, but I'm loving the helix more. The fractal is just too dark. Even if the fractal is more realistic, I prefer the helix. If I wanted it to be exact spot on to the actual amp, I'd just buy the amp if I wanted it that badly

@robcarter6599 5 лет назад

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.

@joergschroeder 8 лет назад

Super-dooper comparison clip. I'll stay tuned.

@duppykitoon 7 лет назад

Great review, great playing as well. I thought I would Like the Fractal better, having owned or used Line 6 products in the past (POD, MM4, Spyder amp) and not being very satisfied with the results. I've heard great things abut the Fractal and liked the sound on the other videos I've watched and listened to. However, I find myself liking the Helix more on most of the comparisons you did here. Oh, and say hi to your dad Jim Carrey for me!

@luisangelsmusic 7 лет назад

I play a Vox AC30, HW2X, at church. When you started rocking the AC30 patch, it definitely reminded me of the sound of an AC30 cooking up the spank.

@adambickford8720 8 лет назад

Great video. I'd agree that the cab makes a bigger difference than the amp, which is why the 200+ in the AX8 doesn't impress me much. Since both units have user IR's you can really get almost any tone you'd like from either unit.

@AkiraSpectrum 8 лет назад

fantastic video! definitely prefer the Fractal, more natural, warm, and pleasant to the ear.

@U2byUV 8 лет назад

Well presented my friend. In your series, please cover how the CPU limits are affected by different chains with drives, delays, multi delays, and reverbs. I have the AX8 and I love it, but wondering how the Helix handles similar loads. The AX8 leaves me shorthanded often. Thanks for your work, seriously impressive!