Atomic Amplifire?? AX8?? Here's what I want to do...

[napalmdeath]

Here's what I'm wanting to do... I want a great practice unit that's headphone compatible, sounds great in the process, but I also want to be able to run in stereo with a power amp and stereo 4x12, (since I already have a stereo cab). I've done this in the past with an RP1000, with great results, but I want better models/IRs.

The AA seems like the logical choice, since it's dummied down. I don't intend to record, or do anything fancy. The AX8, however, seems to be the best choice for amps/IRs from a quality perspective, but much higher price and way overkill.

Line6 - forget it. I hate their units. What else is out there? I'd like to stay under $800 new/used.

 

[slyym]

The new line6 helix stuff isn't like the old pod stuff.

 

[napalmdeath]

The new line6 helix stuff isn't like the old pod stuff.

I beg to differ. High gain amp models still suck!

 

[slyym]

In Ola's video there all pretty much the same when using the same IR. https://youtu.be/IDF1oFyBI6U
If that link doesn't work just search on youtube for "THE BIG 4 - Kemper vs. Helix vs. AX8 vs. Bias Head"

 

[Spaceboy]

The new line6 helix stuff isn't like the old pod stuff.

I beg to differ. High gain amp models still suck!

How much time have you spent with Helix?

The AX8 sounds great but has severe DSP limitations. I haven’t owned the AmpliFire stuff yet, but haven’t been terribly impressed by clips.

 

[errrrrl]

Just got done spending a few hours with the Helix Native plugin (see video below)... better with Ownhammer IR's still missing that thick palm muted chunky sound that I love but still fun to mess with.

 

[napalmdeath]

The new line6 helix stuff isn't like the old pod stuff.

I beg to differ. High gain amp models still suck!

How much time have you spent with Helix?

The AX8 sounds great but has severe DSP limitations. I haven’t owned the AmpliFire stuff yet, but haven’t been terribly impressed by clips.

The price-tag, and fizzier amp sims is enough for me to not want to spend any time with the Helix. It has it's great features, and is loaded with great effects, but it lacks in great high gain models. I'll do more researching... The LT is in the price ballpark...

 

[Chris6870]

Ax8 has no headphone jack and is more than $800. I have not had any DSP limitations problems with it. Only time I hit DSP limit is running reverbs in Hi Def, which you don't need for live use. Unless your the Edge, and running 5 or 6 fx at once you'll be fine with DSP

 

[napalmdeath]

Ax8 has no headphone jack and is more than $800. I have not had any DSP limitations problems with it. Only time I hit DSP limit is running reverbs in Hi Def, which you don't need for live use. Unless your the Edge, and running 5 or 6 fx at once you'll be fine with DSP

They're a bit cheaper used, and yeah, I'm aware of the no headphone... The AA6 when it comes out may be what I go for. They may start shipping in the next week or 2 for sure.

I'm all ears for suggestions. The AA's amp models sound damn good, and $400-ish used to $599 new is right there.

 

[Racerxrated]

Ax8 has no headphone jack and is more than $800. I have not had any DSP limitations problems with it. Only time I hit DSP limit is running reverbs in Hi Def, which you don't need for live use. Unless your the Edge, and running 5 or 6 fx at once you'll be fine with DSP

They're a bit cheaper used, and yeah, I'm aware of the no headphone... The AA6 when it comes out may be what I go for. They may start shipping in the next week or 2 for sure.

I'm all ears for suggestions. The AA's amp models sound damn good, and $400-ish used to $599 new is right there.

I've been considering an AX8 for the same reasons as you, and did see a pair of Presonus powered monitors that have a headphone out, 99 for the pair. Everyone I've talked to ranks the AX8 as the best sounding in the 1K or less range. My old bass player has a Helix, he really digs it but after playing it I thought it was just OK tonewise.