I have both....Had the Helix for a couple of years....in my opinion,and that’s all it is,my opinion,the FM3 is on another level...it sounds and feels like a real amp....and FX are stellar....the Helix doesn’t come close...not in a mix,sitting in the room with both,the Fractal has something extra that the Helix does not....I don’t see the FM3 as a direct competitor to the Stomp,because of the size,price,and power....6 blocks vs the 10 or 12 on the Fractal....more a competitor to the Full Helix.....$1600 ,I got the FM3,FC6,and an expression pedal,so price wise,it’s in line with the Big Helix.....and the Fractal is worth every dime....again,my opinion and my experience.....not saying the Helix is bad....but it ain’t a Fractal....
The FM3 can sound like a 'real amp' as long as you have a playback system to mimic a real amp. Many play thru real amps on a fairly clean setting with the cab IR turned off or is not added in the preset. Modeling by itself does not replicate an guitar amp in the room. The playback system whatever it is plays a huge factor in the final outcome. That is the sticking point of all modelers.
I'm a Helix user and alot of helix players find that there's a brightness to their products that warrant a hi cut around the 6-9khz mark that would kinda match the fractal sound as far as that eq is concerned
Very straight answers ,love how you tell it I got the email to say there's a FM3 with the headphone socket with my name on it but after watching your videos I declined as I just haven't got the time or no how to get the best out of it,BIG thanks for what you do to help others,
It’s hard to tell the sound difference just listening to a comparison over RU-vid. Most people won’t be able to notice many differences. But when you play one yourself you can’t definitely feel the difference. Like most people won’t be able to tell the sound difference between a squier strat and a high end Suhr on RU-vid. But you as a player will and the different “feel” will definitely make you play differently. I’ve never had as many compliments on my sound as when I switched to the FM3 from pedals and tube amp. It’s effortless to get a record like professional sounding tone. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that all that is coming from this little box that costs slightly over 2 or 3 boutique pedals. And as far as having too many options don’t let that scare you. Find 3 sounds you like and stick to them until you get familiar with the unit. that’s what I did, plenty of amazing presets out of the box
Your videos are very watchable John. Aside from the great playing and tones, I find all the preamble immensely entertaining. Just watch out for the demons over you left shoulder. Obviously. Great work again 👍
At least from the perspective of gainy, effect-saturated sounds both sound more or less the same tbh. For a compact setup i'd prefer the stomp any time. The FM3 is a sexy beast though.
Snapshots in the Helix = Scenes in the FM3. So you have the scenes plus the channels. Also, not only can you have different settings for each block per scene (say, drive or mix or whatever), but you can also dial a completely different model of amp or speaker, or type of drive for each of the channels, etc. In a nutshell, one preset can have 8 scenes, and each of the blocks in each scene can have four different channels with different settings or different sims in each of them... almost endless flexibility. Awesome playing! Thanks for the video.
Is there latency when you switch Channels, Raul? I'm happy with my Stomp but am currently on the waiting list for the FM9 and Quad Cortex. I imagine the FM9 is similar to the FM3 in terms of Channel and Scene shifting.
I agree with some of the other comments that the FM3 seems to have more body. Maybe more naturally in the 200-500 range than the helix? It looks like you play more naturally on the FM3 than the helix, as you described a bit of sag can allow for a bit of an eb and flow of the phrases.
Demo at the beginning of the video I liked both equally. Demo at the end of the video definitely FM3 I liked more. I have already sold my HX Stomp, waiting for FM3. Next week I will have the NUX MG300, only $129 plus tax on Amazon. I really liked the sound in the videos on youtube. But I am coming back to my tube amp and analog pedals, for the sound and feeling...
Also, FM3 has like 4 times the amp models, and cabs that sounds good (and like 5-6 times more of em). Another pro to the fractal side of things is they take amp channels into consideration. Hate Line 6's Dual Rec because its just the modern channel, fractal gives me that channel 2, orange mode on vintage. Change out tubes, the 3 footswitches can have multi function with holding them down, you can add 6 to 12 footswitches as well. FM3 has the better value considering all of that. Beyond that, its just a matter of which sound one prefers. Granted, a lot of that comes with fractal being out and about much longer than the helix tech.
The actual tech of the newer axe fx 3 and fm3 is different to prior axe fx. So in reality, helix tech has been out about 3 years before the axe fx 3. Helix was around 2015, axe fx was 2018. If you want to actually do a real comparison prior to that, the comparison wouldve been an axe fx ultra/standard vs the POD HD Pro.
@@LeeGee no, because IR's wont make the difference between an entire pre amp/power amp section being modeled. There is no IR that will make the Line 6 Dual Rec react like It's Green channel 1 on RAW, or anything like that. Now, I LOVE line 6 doing the better option on their new amp models coming out. For example, the Lone star has a couple channels, Misha's Peavey amp is the same way and lots of the newer models having each channel as an option. Plus, their new cab's are also awesome! If I were to get an all in 1 modeler today, it would be between the Headrush Prime and just a full on Helix. I had an fm9 turbo and I just don't like Fractal's workflow or how there is a noticeable gap in audio unless you work around it the whole time. Any other unit does what the Fractal stuff does without having to be worked around. Currently loving my ToneX/rjm mastermind pbc6x board I've been rocking. My small "I dont wanna carry anything around" rig is an hx stomp with a 2 button switch and mini volume. Such a cool time to be alive as a musician and have so many great options out there
I have owned both...but I play more ambient guitar, and I actually enjoyed programming the HX Stomp more...but the FM3 sounds more realistic and organic...but im not typically into using amps. The HX has some cool reverbs..especially "particle reverb." I think I will go back to the HX Stomp-the price is a lot better too!
this video is proof that those small subtleties that makes us pay twice as much money for tone are in our heads.....but...they are there, so fractal all the way. I Haven't play the line 6, but I'm quite happy with my fractal Axe FX3
I think it would be fair to consider the price difference between both. HX stomp is waaay cheaper than the fractal FM and sounds pretty amazing for the money and to be honest the sonic difference is not that big from what I can hear in this demonstration. Sweet tones on both units..
Mateo Bakija I’ve had a Stomp, and have the Helix Floor currently, had a Floor when they first released, and an AX8. The Stomp has some good tones, but it’s out gunned by the FM3, which has deeper editing and a more powerful hardware, at a higher price. In either company’s case, the units are basically computers and, as their firmware (“OS”) is upgraded, they sound better and better. Today’s Helix Floor sounds SO much better than when it was released, even though the hardware has stayed the same. The same was true with the AX8. The Stomp will improve as its firmware updates as will the FM3. I look at the various devices as steppingstones with increasing quality and depth of editing as the price goes up, but the sound quality doesn’t increase linearly, only incrementally. The difference in sound between modelers gets closer and closer with each release, so how they differentiate will be the interesting thing to watch. Probably Fractal will continue to offer deeper editing and Line6 will go for ease of use.
“Twice as good” is obviously subjective, but for me, was moving from the hx stomp to the fm3 worth the extra $? Absolutley and I’ve never thought twice. I gigged with the stomp and never had too many complaints, however that took me a lot of time to really dial in. Even then I was like “eh ok this sounds good enough”. The fm3 is on another level. I’d rather have it then any hx product. No shade towards line 6, bc it’s def a great line of products, but it was over once I loaded up my first fractal amp model.
Been using the Helix for 6 years using the 4CM. Last 3 months I’ve been using it direct and like you, no matter what tricks, IR’s, EQ cuts, the sound is not that good, is just OK. Is hard to dial in something good. I mean, it sounds OK but not superb like the FM3. I’m buying the FM3 but I’ll keep my Helix for now. Hopefully the FM3 will be better sound wise like I hear in the videos.
The FM3 blended with the style of track. The Stomp let your solo stand alone, which it probably what guitar players want..if they are not meant to be the main instrument, Soloist at that time.i would guess a little night roll off on the Stomp and maybe more compression, could have made it more blended? For heavy rock, or country, I would have f]grabbed your Stomp patch.
So I actually bought both and here’s what I found: helix can sound good for clean and low/mid gain, but there’s no question: it is awful at high gain metal. I tried every IR I have, used outboard Maxon OD808, EQs, you name it. It never sounded right to me. The fractal? 5 min and I have awesome tone. No screwing around needed
I honestly forgot this video is about comparison between the two unit, your playing is awesome! I like clean tone (really clean no break up at all) Do both unit deliver nice Fender and Vox clean tones John? Thanks RJ
I haven’t used an FM3 but I sold my fender Princeton when I got an HX Stomp. I bought my stomp jus to see what the hype was, fully expecting to return it. Then I tried the fender deluxe reverb model and my mind was blown. The fender cleans are amazing.
It sounds to me like the guitar is somehow interacting with the digital amp while you play. Is that how you find it to behave? On That Pedal Show, the guitar not interacting with modeling is one of their issues with these types of systems, so I would consider it a big plus if you found that to not be the case.
For my ears, the FM3 seemed to have a bit more low end, but that may be just EQ. It's difficult to make two devices sound exactly the same, but both sound awesome. Maybe it's the fingers and heart?
Great video, John. A question, out of curiosity. How would you see running, say, the POD GO w/ the Strymon Iridium for dual amp setup? It's still less than the HELIX Floor, and some of us already have the Iridium (or the POD GO)... Just a thought for a video, maybe? Thank you.
@@johnnathancordy Yeah, to give some flavour to the tonal palette, similarly what you could accomplish with the dual amps/cabs with the HELIX Floor (since the GO does not offer this functionality). Personally, I am quite tempted by the UI in the POD GO (looks far more robust than the standard HELIX UI), and I feel that the full Floor would be an overkill for me; plus I'm expecting my Iridium to arrive shortly. Just an idea as to how that would blend in, for a nice & quite powerful rig. Just a thought! Thank you, John!
Richard C You would be correct, especially if we were talking about purchasing both simultaneously. However, for some folks who already have the Iridium the GO offers great benefits. For one, it’s maybe $100-150 than a solid expression pedal, and offers unparalleled programmability. Then there’s also an option for running dual amps along with the Iridium. Then, there are some folks who already have the Line 6 Powercabs and having both devices running through them is quite some tonal gravy, so to speak. You are right, though, when buying right now the price of both units gets you somewhere near the (used) LT or FM3 territory. Cheers!
I keep hearing that the USB is not stable on the FM3. I’ve also been on the waiting list for quite a while. They’re probably needing a new firmware update to fix the USB issues. I think I’ll get the NUX MG-300 while I wait for the fractal list to reach me.
Surely we should be focusing on the engine of both? Not the number/quality of factory preset IRs, not the tuners (who needs a tuner?), not the cables/PSUs
Не соглашусь с лестными отзывами о великолепном звучании FM 3. Я послушал непредвзято данный ролик в хороших наушниках и скажу , что HX звучит более ярко, более близко к настоящему усилителю , слышны атака и хруст лампы. FM 3 звучит более тускло , замыленно и закомпресованно . Конечно , навернок есть возможность подкоректировать темб на FM3, но в данном ролике он проигрывает по звучанию HX .Советую тем кто хвалит здесь FM 3 послушать этот ролик на студийных мониторах , или на студийных наушниках для правильной оценки звука.
Hes just playing his own style very rythymic subdividing the beat 8th notes triplets,16th notes lots of feel and bends. I would suggest learning your interval shapes ascending and descending just knowing what your intervals are in relation to your route note like knowing what a 2nd sounds like a 3rd a flat 3rd etc. Then you'll be able to make your own paths on the neck and be able to build chords be the easiest way to start playing over changes like he is it just comes over time you gotta be a big nerd haha
Yes and for only ~$300 more, picking up an FM3 is a no brainer. A closer comparison IMO would be the FM3 vs. the Helix. I would "still" chose the FM3. That FM3 tone is just hard to beat...as is your incredible playing. As you said, the delays and reverbs in the Fractal are known to be epic. The FM3 offers you nearly most of the technology that is in the AxeFxIII less some DSP power, but the relative price point is affordable. Point of clarification- the Stomp is NOT half the price. At least here in the US, today, I saw it for $599 vs $999 (Fractal.) Ideally Fractal will someday release a slightly more powerful floor unit with 2-3 more switches and better UI. The Helix has some nice UI features so hopefully Fractal is paying attention. Tone is #1 but so is the user experience.
@@MOAB-UT that's strange actually? Normally in europe we get rinsed for everything, how come the HX Stomp is relatively more expensive over there vs over here?
@@johnnathancordy No idea- maybe a supply and demand thing. Don't worry- I'm sure the prices around here will go up soon. Cheers- and really great playing! If I could buy a pedal board that made me sound like you, I would buy it...even if it said Stomp on it!
Personnellement je préfère le Fm3. Les réglages sont infinis et l'utilisation des scènes est super pratique. Du coup la maîtrise absolue du son est un pré-requis pour profiter pleinement Je ne regrette pas mon investissement. Seul problème G66 ne passe pas par des revendeurs locaux pour vendre. C'est pas top pour la planète 🌏
Idk I have both too and they are great. But by looking at the inprov at the beginning, looks to me like FM3 gave you that extra mojo. You know the ol head turning in high note bends etc. That thing... Also, gigs... When I had them 💔 😔
Another great feature of the HX Stomp are the LEDs that buzz and hum uncontrollably. +1 for the FM3 overall, but the Stomp is no slouch. I play in a punk rock band and just changed back to the stomp from my Quad Cortex because my sound is in both and the HXS is just simpler / smaller. YMMV.
Hey man, I know it's been a while since your comment, but I'm curious about your opinion on QC vs FM3 vs HX Stomp, as I own both QC and HX just like you. To me the greatest weakness of HX is built in cabs and a lack of power amp section block, plus some amps, like plexi and peavey, sound much better in QC. After a/b comparissons I think you can find your tone in both. However despite having these two I can't stop thinking about FM3, 'what if it was the best option for me?' is what I think. Have you tried FM3? If yes then what is your opinion on it? I considered FM3 the last option to buy of these 3 as it's the heaviset of them all.
@@rosthariton7930 I'm all QC for gigs. I sold the stomp and built a "backup" board for fun, using an Atomic AmplifireBox. The QC has the flexibility and workflow to work anywhere. Once I discovered the Sonic Stomp factory capture, placed between my amp and cab, there's no looking back. Any rig I build gets this to "take the blanket" off of my tone. Try it out and see if that doesn't clinch it for you. I've tried the FM3. It sounds good, but not good enough to go back to a workflow where I have to always plan ahead and edit from my home laptop.
They both sound like digitally generated highly processed guitar sounds... which, I really like, so that's not a complaint, but you have to want that tone to really get along with any of these modelling units. I generally use my Eleven Rack for anything along these lines, I dont understand why we don't see more production with the Eleven Rack.
Cabs of eleven are outstanding.. They have attack and release on sound that an impulse doesn't has. But you know.. Eleven or headrush aren' t fashion and blazons
Have you tried the Headrush? It's not in rack form, but is basically updated 11 rack hardware - I think it sounds great and is so easy to use (though I also like the FM3).
@@pclindholm i have headrush. Check my channel for few sounds, i think that CABs modelling of HR are so far superior to only IR based pedalboards. I'ii post a super reverb too in these days.. i'm working on CABs, abandoning IRs..
You play with more feel with the FM3. I also like the patch for the FM3 a bit more. They are close but I’d save for the FM3 over the HX Stomp. I have been trying to decide between these and it seems this helped a bit.
I find THE ONLY decent amp sim in helix is the matchstick one. The other sim is just meh beyond comprehension, they don't feel right to me, the stock ir is also a garbage. I know nothing about fractal tho
Get off the bloody fence ! Tell people what they want to know let us have your real opinion ! No point in saying what you think everyone wants to hear ! One must be better than the other .! The other thing that is very surprising is that you don’t use the editor ! Johnathan plug the editor in and see the real power of FM I’ve just got rid of the HX after my FM arrived I could list the differences but it’s your channel 😎❤️
Did you try experimenting with custom IRs? I'm thinking of either the pod go or the fm3 and wondering whether the sounds difference justifies the price difference.
