AX8 vs Helix Any one try both?

[craftm1]

Looking at replacing my GSP1101 and floor board for writing and practicing. I'm leaning toward the Fractal AX8 but there seems to be a lot of buzz about the Helix from Line 6. Any one tried both and willing to offer any thoughts?

Thanks in advance, I can try a Helix but not sure I'll be able to find and AX8 to try.

Mark

 

[marshall2553]

I have an AX8 and my buddy dropped by with his Helix the other day. Honestly, they're both great. It just depends on what you need. Line 6 has definitely improved their amp modeling, it sounds much better than the HD line. I think I prefer the AX8 amp models and there are WAY more to choose from. AX8 also allows deeper editing of parameters (tube type, bias, supply sag, etc etc etc). The Helix wins on routing flexibility, UI ease of use and built in expression pedal. Effects on both sound great, though we didn't really dive into those. I'm pretty happy with my AX8, think of selling my Friedmans as this is just more practical.

BTW, you can always order an AX8 and return it. They have a 15 day, no questions asked return period.

 

[marshall2553]

I say you could order an AX8, but at this point you'd be waiting a long time as they work through the wait list. They'll probably start popping up used soon though.

 

[craftm1]

Yep I will probably order one and wait, the amp models is what I wanted to hear. I thought as much my self! Thanks for the input, much appreciated!

Mark

 

[jdyce]

Hi

I own both. My conclusions:

1) AX8 sounds slightly better to my ears, but harder to program. You need the editor to make this work (which is available and free).
It would be hard to program this thing in a live situation just from the board. Ax8 has far more effects, amps and cabs relative to
the Helix. Programming on the AX8 is deep meaning you change a vast amount of variables for amp sounds. This is not everyone's
cup of tea, but I tend to like it.

2) Helix sounds great and is easy to program without a computer. In a live situation you can edit programs quickly. The available
effects, amps and cabs are sufficient for really any sound you would like to obtain.

Why two units? Goal is run both live because they operate and can do different things.

My two cents, hope it helps. JD

 

[mudf00t]

I have both now and have had the AX8 about a week. Maybe it's my ear, I prefer the stock amp models in the AX8 but I like the Helix better overall for a bunch of reasons including the ease of editing. A huge reason for me is the ability to set the impedance of the input. It has a pretty big impact on tone overall. I think they each have their own strengths and weaknesses but overall I am just way more impressed with how well the Helix works. While the stock amp models in the Helix aren't quite as good as the AX8, you can tweak almost everything... so no big deal. Another HUGE difference is for recording direct. You can get audio over USB with the Helix, but not the AX8. The Helix is a very functional audio interface.

Helix includes an impedance circuit on its Guitar Input that affects tone and feel by loading your guitar's pickups as they would by an
effect pedal or amplifier. A lower value will typically result in some high frequency attenuation, lower gain, and an overall "softer" feel. A
higher value provides full frequency response, higher gain, and overall "tighter" feel. When set to "Auto", the Guitar Input's impedance is
dynamically set to match the first amp or FX model on Path 1A.

 

[ejecta]

I've owned both and kept the Helix because to me the tones were better direct, it played so much better with other analog gear and real amps, and the user interface is a much better design. That said I am not saying the AX8 sounds bad... it does not at all but there are aspects of the tones it produces that are not my thing but it is a fine pro piece of gear. It's just like all amps or guitars etc..... people like certain aspects of certain pieces of gear and what they bring to the table. Boogie doesn't do Marshall... Gibson doesn't do Fender etc... it's all personal preference so my advice,is to get both and try them side by side. That's the only way for you to know. You really should be able to use either to make music which is what it's all about... it's not pissing matches arguing over which brand is the best. All that stuff is just fanboy brand loyalism and it's utter bullshit.

 

[cardinal]

These guys need iOS editors. I've owned an AFXII in the past and trying to tinker with it drove me nuts. I just use Bias now on my phone because it's so easy. It sounds pretty good, though I wouldn't mind something fancier. I just can't stomach paying a lot for a piece of hardware that's annoying to edit.

 

[Bishop5150]

The Ax8 was designed to be a stripped down Axe-Fx on the floor and be used for gigging. Not for recording hence no recording via USB like the Axe. If you need all the bells and whistles then you should get the Axe-Fx XL+. I haven't played the Helix yet but it seems like a great unit. Probably can't go wrong with either.