Ax8 or Helix?

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Marshallman

Marshallman

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So I have been contemplating getting into modulation for a little while. I just came across a great deal on a Friedman ASM 12 and am seriously tempted to pull the trigger. The problem is that I've never played with anything in the modulator world and have no idea what is best. I did hear the Helix live last month where it was being used through a BE-100 for effects (and as a back-up should the amp start causing issues) and thought it sounded great. But I have friends that say I should go with the Axe Fx stuff hands down. What are your thoughts? Is it even worth the investment? Thanks in advance.
 
As far as amp tones, Fractal has it figured out. The Helix has more bells and whistles,flashy user interface,built in usb interface,expression pedal. I don't think it sounds as good though. I love the way the AX8 sounds and feels.
 
Helix is pretty good with FX but amps don't sound like amps...Have you considered a Kemper?
 
How will you be using it? That is a question that will help you narrow down your options. I would also add a third - Amplifire 12

If you need to use the unit direct for recording (like an interface) or the myriad of other connectivity options the Helix has over the AX8, then I would say go with the Helix.

Another advantage that the Helix has over the AX8 is ease of use. The editing on the unit is just way easier than trying to edit on the AX8. However, they both come with software editors.

Many people will tell you that the AX8 just sounds better. This is true out of the box. This isn't necessarily 100% true with tweaking and maybe the addition of some third party IR's (Virtual Cabinet). The AX8 has WAY more amp models! Personally, I think the effects sound a little better. I think the models sound better.

Does that mean you need to spend $1200+ for one of these units?

Let's circle back. What are you trying to accomplish?

Currently, I have a Kemper, Helix, AX8 and an Amplifire 12. Yes, I am retarded for buying them ALL. That said, at the end of the day, I have fun messing with them all. The Amplifire is the best bang for the buck, hands down. The models sound good, you can load third party IRs and presets. Does it sound as good as the AX8 or Kemper? Marginally, no. Does it sound freaking great and is it way more simple to use than the Helix or AX8? Yes. It's also only $800 new.
 
I don't own any of those but have tried both. The AX8 is in another league imho
 
AX8. More amp and cab sims, effects sound as good IMHO as individual pedals.
 
Had the AX8. Dug it. Had its flaws for MY purposes. Sold it. Have a helix LT. I do not miss the AX8 in the least.
 
I have had several Kemper units in the past and would probably not go that route again. I am interested in the Helix at some point myself, especially when they release the plugin for it as well. I tested one out and liked the GUI and what I heard. It was not hard at all to get some great tones from it.

At this point though, I have no real need for a hardware unit as I have a great sounding pair of amps that I run with my Torpedo studio and that gets the job done nicely for me.
 
I don't think one is "best", they are both pretty damn good. I prefer the Axe because I'm used to it and have had them for many years. I don't think you can go wrong with either one or a Kemper.
 
had Helix and have the ax8...for real amp tones, the ax8 is hard to beat. prefer it by far
 
The Fractal units sound and feel more authentic to me, particularly with the right impulses. But that said, you pretty much need to use a laptop to get any editing done. The Helix is no slouch in the tone department though, and the interface is by far the best I've tried, so if you need the ability to edit on the fly it's probably worth the trade off.
 
I have a Helix LT. Not my primary gear though, still learning it slowly as I'm working on other things and have limited time (and laziness).

I've been interested in the Helix since it was announced. The Floor / Rack versions have more things I don't need and my current main modeling rig is working fine for me. The LT has everything I want in a Helix, and less of what I don't want/need, for much less $. I have no plans to buy Helix Native, if I did then a Helix Floor would make more sense for me.

I owned a FAS Axe-FX Ultra when it was still their flagship product. I think the sounds of the top tier modelers / profilers are close enough to each other and good enough that any would be fine; so it came down to workflow and features, Helix wins on both for me. Then the price for the LT (I got a good deal, and ordered it a soon as it was announced from a retailer that had it in stock. I have the Helix backpack too.)
 
FWIW, a lot of folks characterize the Fractal interface as some huge liability, but it is hardly a big deal in terms of basic adjustments (at least on the II, never used the 8). Like say, BMT, volumes, EQ values, FX settings/mix values, etc.

In fact in that context, it is fast and intuitive, IMHO, and I would not weight it as signifcant when considering a purchase.

New, from the ground up presets? Yeah, I use a laptop or the FracPad iPad editor and would not recommend using the front panel for a full complicated chain from scratch... But if you are not dialing full presets in real time at a performance it is a non-factor compared to over all capability and sound.

It's just not beautiful, like the Helix.
 
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