Helix, Axe 8, or Kemper?

[marshallmel]

Tired of lugging big shit around and was wondering which would be the most recommended unit. I'd like to have a cab or FRFR monitor for stage volume and go XLR to FOH. I dig the clips that Victim5150 posts and I'm leaning towards the Axe 8 because of said clips. What say ye?

 

[ejecta]

For live use I'd choose the Helix or AX8. Both can sound pretty good so it would be just a matter of which one you like using the most. To be perfectly honest I've found that the amount of gear lugging really didn't drop that much when I had to use a digital based rig.

 

[marshallmel]

For live use I'd choose the Helix or AX8. Both can sound pretty good so it would be just a matter of which one you like using the most. To be perfectly honest I've found that the amount of gear lugging really didn't drop that much when I had to use a digital based rig.

I'm trying to get away from 4x12" cabinets. My band used to own a trailer and everyone would just keep cabs in there. The trailer is now gone and I'm not the least bit interested in hauling gear to and fro, not to mention getting it out of the house and loading it. A small powered monitor and a modeler is more realistic for an old turd with bad knees

 

[gibson5413]

I think any of the three options will work. Just depends on form factor (the tone part is purely subjective). The Helix and AxeFX offer floor models which might be preferable for ease of use. I have been using my Kemper, Remote floorboard and Atomic CLR for over three years for live and I haven't looked back. I can carry the monitor in one hand and my Kemper and Remote fit in the Kemper carrying bag. I carry 2 guitars in one case and can literally carry the whole rig at once. I setup in a matter of 10 mins and every soundguy loves the clean signal and sound for mixing out front. Don't get me wrong...I love a tube rig as much as anyone (still have one with a killer pedalboard). I leave my tube rig at the practice space and my Kemper rig is for about 95% of my gigs.

 

[marshallmel]

I think any of the three options will work. Just depends on form factor (the tone part is purely subjective). The Helix and AxeFX offer floor models which might be preferable for ease of use. I have been using my Kemper, Remote floorboard and Atomic CLR for over three years for live and I haven't looked back. I can carry the monitor in one hand and my Kemper and Remote fit in the Kemper carrying bag. I carry 2 guitars in one case and can literally carry the whole rig at once. I setup in a matter of 10 mins and every soundguy loves the clean signal and sound for mixing out front. Don't get me wrong...I love a tube rig as much as anyone (still have one with a killer pedalboard). I leave my tube rig at the practice space and my Kemper rig is for about 95% of my gigs.

I am leaning towards the floor based stuff and my main issue is which one will be more user friendly and easiest for tweaking parameters.

 

[The Hoff]

I own and play an AX8. That would be my choice, personally. I just really like the sounds/effects. However, you specifically mentioned user friendly and easiest tweaking. In that case-Helix would be the obvious choice. It is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. Know that with the helix, third party IRs are arguably a must.

 

[JerEvil]

Tired of lugging big shit around and was wondering which would be the most recommended unit. I'd like to have a cab or FRFR monitor for stage volume and go XLR to FOH. I dig the clips that Victim5150 posts and I'm leaning towards the Axe 8 because of said clips. What say ye?

I have owned all three. Currently own a Helix LT and Helix Floor... and Helix Native. I have posted some clips lately that have been pretty well received. The AX8 is great. Sounds killer. I hated having to use the editor to really program it. Got the Helix LT as it was cheaper than the Floor and expected to return it because we all know Line 6 amp models suck... I am STILL eating crow on it and now have the 2 other formats. I have yet to find a need for IR's and am perfectly happy with the stock cabs but I know some guys swear by IR's. YMMV. Try the Helix and if you don;t dig it, you can always send back. They DID just drop the price $100 on the AX8.

Can't go wrong with either but my UE is much more satisfied with the Helix.

 

[Mattfig]

I love my Kemper and floor board....It is very tweak able and amp like....It looks ridiculous, but once you're past that, it's an awesome tool!

 

[gibson5413]

Tired of lugging big shit around and was wondering which would be the most recommended unit. I'd like to have a cab or FRFR monitor for stage volume and go XLR to FOH. I dig the clips that Victim5150 posts and I'm leaning towards the Axe 8 because of said clips. What say ye?

I have owned all three. Currently own a Helix LT and Helix Floor... and Helix Native. I have posted some clips lately that have been pretty well received. The AX8 is great. Sounds killer. I hated having to use the editor to really program it. Got the Helix LT as it was cheaper than the Floor and expected to return it because we all know Line 6 amp models suck... I am STILL eating crow on it and now have the 2 other formats. I have yet to find a need for IR's and am perfectly happy with the stock cabs but I know some guys swear by IR's. YMMV. Try the Helix and if you don;t dig it, you can always send back. They DID just drop the price $100 on the AX8.

Can't go wrong with either but my UE is much more satisfied with the Helix.

Jer...back away from that wormhole!!! I think that is the one and only reason I have not given Fractal and Line 6 a serious shot. I don't want to get stuck in IR hell. Wondering if "does this IR sound better...what about that one..." type of thing. That being said I am glad you love the Helix so much. The fact you can tweak so easily has got to be a dream. I am still loving the Kemper that I don't have GAS. Well, at least no GAS for another digital tool. If I did the Helix sounds awesome! Amps and guitars....

 

[mooncobra]

kemper

 

[spliffsperlunk]

Axe 8 is on sale this month...

http://shop.fractalaudio.com/

 

[JerEvil]

Tired of lugging big shit around and was wondering which would be the most recommended unit. I'd like to have a cab or FRFR monitor for stage volume and go XLR to FOH. I dig the clips that Victim5150 posts and I'm leaning towards the Axe 8 because of said clips. What say ye?

I have owned all three. Currently own a Helix LT and Helix Floor... and Helix Native. I have posted some clips lately that have been pretty well received. The AX8 is great. Sounds killer. I hated having to use the editor to really program it. Got the Helix LT as it was cheaper than the Floor and expected to return it because we all know Line 6 amp models suck... I am STILL eating crow on it and now have the 2 other formats. I have yet to find a need for IR's and am perfectly happy with the stock cabs but I know some guys swear by IR's. YMMV. Try the Helix and if you don;t dig it, you can always send back. They DID just drop the price $100 on the AX8.

Can't go wrong with either but my UE is much more satisfied with the Helix.

Jer...back away from that wormhole!!! I think that is the one and only reason I have not given Fractal and Line 6 a serious shot. I don't want to get stuck in IR hell. Wondering if "does this IR sound better...what about that one..." type of thing. That being said I am glad you love the Helix so much. The fact you can tweak so easily has got to be a dream. I am still loving the Kemper that I don't have GAS. Well, at least no GAS for another digital tool. If I did the Helix sounds awesome! Amps and guitars....

Man I went through the wormhole when I got the Torpedo Studio... I thought, "Oh I HAVE to get all the OwnHammer and RedWirez..." yada yada yada. $200 later I realized I preferred the Two Notes Cabs 98.6% of the time! LOL! I REFUDE (at this time) to load any into the Helix! LOL!

I still look at Kempers and will likely own another as I have said. It's awesome. They all are. I don't know why people get into such big pissing matches.

 

[PBGas]

Tired of lugging big shit around and was wondering which would be the most recommended unit. I'd like to have a cab or FRFR monitor for stage volume and go XLR to FOH. I dig the clips that Victim5150 posts and I'm leaning towards the Axe 8 because of said clips. What say ye?

I have owned all three. Currently own a Helix LT and Helix Floor... and Helix Native. I have posted some clips lately that have been pretty well received. The AX8 is great. Sounds killer. I hated having to use the editor to really program it. Got the Helix LT as it was cheaper than the Floor and expected to return it because we all know Line 6 amp models suck... I am STILL eating crow on it and now have the 2 other formats. I have yet to find a need for IR's and am perfectly happy with the stock cabs but I know some guys swear by IR's. YMMV. Try the Helix and if you don;t dig it, you can always send back. They DID just drop the price $100 on the AX8.

Can't go wrong with either but my UE is much more satisfied with the Helix.

Jer...back away from that wormhole!!! I think that is the one and only reason I have not given Fractal and Line 6 a serious shot. I don't want to get stuck in IR hell. Wondering if "does this IR sound better...what about that one..." type of thing. That being said I am glad you love the Helix so much. The fact you can tweak so easily has got to be a dream. I am still loving the Kemper that I don't have GAS. Well, at least no GAS for another digital tool. If I did the Helix sounds awesome! Amps and guitars....

Man I went through the wormhole when I got the Torpedo Studio... I thought, "Oh I HAVE to get all the OwnHammer and RedWirez..." yada yada yada. $200 later I realized I preferred the Two Notes Cabs 98.6% of the time! LOL! I REFUDE (at this time) to load any into the Helix! LOL!

I still look at Kempers and will likely own another as I have said. It's awesome. They all are. I don't know why people get into such big pissing matches.

YUP on both accounts! Have just kept the Two-Notes optional cabs with my T-Studio and use the stock cabs on the Helix. Owned a few Kemper units since they first were for sale and while nice, I wasn’t that fond of it. Helix has remained. I use it via 4CM with my amp and it is a great backup to run FOH if anything goes wrong on my amp. I do use it as my main setup for FOH for one gig and it sounds stellar! The ease of use on this thing is fantastic!

 

[Elric]

FWIW, I have access to both and Factal and Helix side by side much prefer the Fractal in terms of the amp modeling... and actually the FX, too. For user interface and I/O Helix gets the nod but if only one, it is the Fractal for da Toanz.