10 REASONS the HELIX is BETTER than the KEMPER

[@picksalot1]

... And #11, frequency of Firmware Updates, upgrades, improvements, added features, Amps, Effects, etc. Firmware Update 3.50 just dropped today, and it's awesome!

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Exactly! Helix's firmware updates are insane!

[@venemataylor]

helix is super underrated as an audio interface, especially the core unit that has a mic input! great video Zach

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Thanks buddy!

[@davidjoel111]

I’ve owned the kemper for years, I bought an HX stomp with the intention of complementing kemper’s efects, tone wise I think both are toe to toe, they sound different and most of the time if I was using the kemper for a while I would get use to the tone of the kemper and hated the stomp, and the same would happen after playing the stomp for a while, I would get used to it and hated the kemper when going back to it. At the end of the day I sold the kemper and kept the stomp, it just works better for me and my current situation, but I have no negative thoughts towards the kemper.

[@frama7844]

I like the UI of the Kemper better thant the HX. Even though the amp/eq-section sounds best, when not touched at all. You´ll have to get the right profiles right from the start. I have both Helix and KPA. I like both, but when it comes to pure amp tones with the right feeling of "compression" and picking responsiveness, nothing can compare with the KPA (with the perfect profiles!). Even the FM9, i´ve had lacked that last bit of feeling (and had some wiered, recognizable highend sizzle in every OD preset). To me, Fractal is overhyped and Helix is on par in my opinion but for a way better price. I sold my FM9, but will keep both Helix and Kemper. I love them both: Kemper for basic effects with stunning Amp-tone/feel and Helix for FX with awesome effects, great rounting options and good amp tones.

[@AmishMutantPower]

Kemper is a profiler and Helix is a modeler ( both are great tools). The purpose of each one is the same ( have a digital resource to obtain multiples guitar and bass amps), but in terms of: Tweaking, the range in case of the Helix in more flexible because this unit is a guitar modeler

[@jasonrickett561]

I think I agree with your comment about using HX edit, to do a bulk of your tweaking……However, I think it is important to be proficient in both HX edit and on the helix when editing either at home or on the gig.

[@iansimmons735]

When I had a Helix, I really appreciated the UI, the effects, and the firmware updates. What I didn't appreciate was the fact that when playing live, no matter how hard I tried (after a couple of years and many firmware updates), I simply couldn't use it as a substitute for the valve (tube) amp that I was using at the time. It just felt and sounded 'not right'. I bought professional patches, tried all sorts. The latency between patches was unacceptable, too. I had to set up complex signal chains with 'snapshots' to turn amps on and off to get low latency. The thing is, I'm a guitar-and-amp guy. I love guitars and I love playing them through 'real' amps. Effects are useful but secondary to me (I do use them a lot, having said that). Once I'd found the right profiles, the Kemper just did it for me, immediately. It actually sounds and acts like an amp. I ended up selling my Helix and buying a Stage as a backup to the Head. So here's my take, based on my last experience with Helix, which was about a year ago, so may be out of date: Helix: Pros - superb user interface and editing software (HX Edit). Lovely hardware. Built-in expression pedal. Everything well thought out. Excellent effects. Decent amp models. Has its own audio interface, though I didn't need that. Excellent firmware update process and backup options. Cons: - latency on patch changes. Does not sound or feel like a 'real' amp (at least, not to me). Requires a lot of work to get usable live sounds (i never did, alas), though I managed to get reasonable recordable tones. Kemper: Pros - sounds and feels like a top-flight amplifier and speaker rig, once you have the right profiles. Access to tens of thousands of amplifiers/rigs, many decent ones free (a lot of rubbish, too!). Ability to audition any rig instantly without it being on the unit. Unusual options for tweaking tones. Pretty much plug-and-play with the right profiles. Big and helpful user base. Excellent support. Option of a power amp to a passive cab. Option of using speaker imprints (though that only works with Kemper Kabs or Kones). Improving effects (the ambient tones are great. Drives and fuzzes recently improved). Some other unique features (e.g. Morphing, Performance Mode). Ability to profile your favourite amp so you don't need to gig it anymore. Regular updates to hardware that is 10 years old and works on brand new hardware, too. The Stage has a Wifi module that allows control by an Apple (iOS) app. Takes real pedals well before the input or in the effects loop. Cons - old-fashioned UI on the units. Slow to boot up (except the Stage, which is much quicker and more Helix-like). Slightly buggy editing software (Rig Manager), which isn't as pretty as Line6's offering. Requires separate expression pedals (though it has the facility to add several). You can argue about the effects, but I find them excellent. No audio interface. Limited signal chain - 4 effects before amp/cab, 4 after, on any given rig (however 5 rigs are available on a 'Performance' and you can have up to 128 'Performances', one per song, if you wanted, so it's not a problem). Only one amp/cab at a time. As Zach says, it's really about what's best for what you do. I am willing to accept that I maybe didn't take the right approach with the Helix, but I won't leave the Kemper anytime soon. I'd be tempted to check out Fractals and Quad Cortex, out of curiosity, though!

[@heartpath1]

Kemper Stage would be a better comparison. For me, the organic amp / cabinet sound is better on KS. The iOS editor has been a game changer for me. However, since everyone seems to be talking about this firmware update I’m definitely going check out the Helix. Bottom line: this is an amazing time for guitar gear and you can get great pro tones out of any of these units.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

I actually JUST got a Stage yesterday. Really enjoying it so far but I mostly got it for the portability piece. I've tried using the mobile app but have had issues connecting but hopefully can get it figured out soon as that was a big excitement for me!

[@heartpath1]

@@ZachBrobstMusic I had some connection issues also. I waited for the app to recognize the unit then went to edit mode. I’ve definitely had to reboot the app once in awhile as well.

[@genemoore1]

Really great job Zach. I've been using the Boss GX-100 and been considering the Helix or Kemper Stage. You really made some big points here.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

I don't think you'll be disappointed either way!

[@d.d.6232]

The decisive disadvantage of the Helix and the Kemper Stage is that quick changes to sounds or effects during a gig or in the rehearsal room can only be made in a squatting or kneeling position. That's why I use the Kemper Head together with the remote control. The sounds are great and for live use, the Kemper Head with the remote control and a Bogner Cabinet or another cabinet, even the Kemper Cabinet, is definitely the better solution. And as for the 5 presets for one of over 100 performances, that's enough for one song.

[@surfdigby]

You can edit patches in the Helix with your feet, "dialling" in the value with the expression pedal.

[@jasonstallworth]

Looking to try both, soon. I’ve had the LOD XT Live, HD500, and currently use the POD Go for live solo shows. The issue I’ve had with the POD, in general, is the lacking high gain sounds (perhaps the Helix is that much better?). I’m also not a fan of the layout view of the POD Go (which appears to be the same as the Helix)…I wish the layout was more like most amp sims with virtual knobs. I’ll be using a Kemper soon so we’ll see how that is. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Hope you love the Kemper man. They're all incredible by this point in the modeling world but you have to find that one that makes sense for you

[@jamiew.lacroix7055]

I couldn't agree more, this new 3.50 Firmware update as always it parfor the coerce to get a tone that beee fussed over for 12 years now the other thing that makes his an awesome tone monster,Lie 6 went back to the drawing board and spent almost 4 years in RD to to give the the Mighty HELIX. I rang the there one more towards 2k Greatest of luck with your new channel. If anyone was wonderings' running 2 Helix Rack with Helix FLfloo and 3 Expression pedals, this all get's powered by 4 H&H 500 Watt Stereo Power AMPS, THEN TO 4 lINE 6 fLEXTONE 4x12 Cabs ALL CABS ARE OG (Original Gear) WITH THE Emminence CUSTOM LINE 6 Tubetone 12" speakers

[@3xcho]

I was looking at all of these multi effects processors and have been for over a year. I think each one of them has their strong suits as example I think Kemper is amazing if you want a permanent in studio device that identically models multiple amps. I think if I was playing live I would definitely go do the fractal audio stuff as it seems to be a little bit more robust. But truthfully I’ve been a huge line 6 guy and I own all of their multi effects dump boxes like the delay the filter Distortion and the modulation pedal. The fact that each one of those affects I cannot only duplicate but I can have all of them in one box is the whole reason why I am sticking with line 6

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Love that man. Plus you can buy a decent FRFR cabinet and get a solid on stage sound with the Helix too!

[@deadshot4245]

the helix new update made it even better with cabs

[@franknguitars7671]

Agreed - since I got Helix stuff, my Kemper is collecting dust. I only use it sometimes for recording to have easy access to my actual amps through their profiles. For a band context the Helix is easier to use, more intuitive, far better playing feel due to lower latency, better effects, better tweakability, better editor software, integrates better with actual hardware like pedals etc etc etc. Now with firmware 3.5, it does not need 3rd party IRs anymore and it is damn close to perfect.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

I think the improvement that Helix has had since its origination with software updates is absolutely insane. I don't think the Kemper has come near that far with software. The hardware is amazing and the profiling tech was super amazing 12 years ago but definitely time for an update

[@pauljosse]

I heard a Kemper today, it sounded so darn good I struggle to believe my helix can sound that good but maybe it can

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

I own them all and love them for different reasons: Kemper FM9, Helix and Amp1. They all are great. But the realy BEST amp tone and feel IMHO is clearly wirh the Amp1 because it just is and analog amp. The next evolutionary step will be Thomas Blug's analog modelling with his upcoming Amp X. That's the way and I can't wait to test it as soon as possible (release by the end of this year in Germany, first). If I had to keep only one of the above at this point of time, I would clearly choose the FM9.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

I would love to get my hands on a Fractal to do some testing! Even just a simple FM3 rig would be great

[@TheBbtlegit]

I totally agree the Helix is way better.

[@FrankyFeedler]

He literally says he thinks the opposite, right at the intro of the video. He only points out 10 things that are better on the Helix.

[@msi1985]

I want to switch from a Mesa tc-50 head and half stack due to better portability & much less maintenance while being more versatile... I'm just stuck on whether the line 6 power cab is the best choice to pair with it for playing ▶️ 🤷

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Nice! The Line 6 is definitely more portable than a huge half stack. I've not used the Power Cab before but I bet they're amazing.

[@ccbayless556]

I'm still weighing the options between the Kemper and Helix. I play country, rock, and worship too. I can go anywhere from Merle Haggard and chicken pickin' to Van Halen with some shred...but, I need to be able to dial in that worship tone also. I'm really looking for an all-in-one kind of setup now. What's your opinion???

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

I think the Helix is a truer "all in one" unit! Both are incredible but I think the Helix is more all inclusive than the Kemper

[@ccbayless556]

With that being said, what's your take on the LT or the Floor?@@ZachBrobstMusic

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Unless you want/need the more robust footpedal for swells/wah, etc. OR want the scribble strips save the money and go the LT route! @@ccbayless556

[@timhintz]

That's why I use my Helix rack 4CM with my Kemper Rack. The only thing used in the Kemper is the amps, everything else is Helix. They Helix Control is also way better. I do think the Kemper amps sound better though.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

That sounds like the best of both worlds! I've wanted to use my Kemper for amps and then my Helix for effects as well!

[@mutantboy8888]

Kemper was the only game in towne for about 3 years, so they got lazy regarding customer service. I hope they saved their money. As Kemper was neglecting their customers, other companies were frantically reverse engineering the Kemper Software... And now, Kemper is regarded as yesterdays news, and the Helix is now the most popular...

[@0megalul309]

take the age of the unit into account, the kemper set a bar many many years ago and if they do a kemper mark 2 it will set the bar again. I don't use any digital modelling, have about 5 big tube amps, but the kemper and axefx have a feel to the tone that the helix dosen't.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

There is only about a 3 year difference from the Kemper and Helix being released, however, the feel component of the Kemper is much better than the Helix. Plus, the modeling technology of the Kemper (I think) paved the way for future modelers and has really helped improve the modeling world

[@0megalul309]

@@ZachBrobstMusic true but it took the helix a lot of updates to get close, and eclipse the kemper (subjective opinion)

[@FrankyFeedler]

@@ZachBrobstMusic Kemper is a profiler actually. It doesn't model any amps, or speakers, only the effects.

[@richardbrewer6533]

Which one of kemper or helix is better for bassists tho?

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

@@richardbrewer6533 I personally see more people use the Helix for bass than the Kemper

[@richardbrewer6533]

Does this mean the helix has more or as much bass options ie amps and modelling options as the guitar options tho? I guess the updates give more options all the time tho?

[@LCRLive687]

The Kemper is not a modeler. I don't know why people keep calling it an amp modeler. That's not what it is at all.

[@biggingergit]

Owned both, still got the Kemper. Easier to tweak imo, and the Kemper sounds way better, Helix was dull and digital amp wise for me.

[@slickcross]

With all these pros that the helix brings....it still lacks on the main point of all this....TONE and FEEL! The Kemper beats the helix on tone and feel all day and thats the whole point of a guitar rig.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Absolutely agree with this. The Kemper is significantly closer to real amp tone / feel than the Helix. However, their new firmware update really helped improve some of the high end and feel of the Helix

[@matthewfreeman33]

I bet you anything you couldn't tell the difference between all these fake amps in a room if you didn't see what amp was on. But I bet if turned on a Mesa Rectifier or 6505 you'd all of a sudden notice it sounds strangely real.

[@juliandelrio]

Totally agree. Kemper Is a studio machine made for replicating real amp sound.

[@abheceshabemuskk3531]

kemper feels better but fake in another way..i sold it very dissaponted after 2 years

[@gripphillips]

Yep. The Kemper editor is garbage .. it's very frustrating to constantly recycle the window just to save the patches . Helix is flawless compared to Kemper but the Kemper does have some of the most amazing sounding amps and cabs that's the only thing

[@FrankyFeedler]

I'd argue that "only thing" is by far the most important property of any amp solution.

[@XxSypherxX91]

Thanks for making this video. Makes me not regret buying an HX Stomp instead of a kemper.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

Glad you made the right choice!

[@sebs2157]

After processing they basically sound the same in a mix aye

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

They definitely do. I've never been able to differentiate a real amp vs. a modeler in a recorded/mastered mix

[@grahamjohnston8489]

Helix plays nice with others. Real pedals & amps are much easier to integrate with the Helix. The Kemper doesn’t like it in my experience.

[@wilberramirez8051]

It’s very very simple. Helix will only ever have the amp models line6 will let you have. This is a finite predetermined value. With a kemper you can literally have infinite number of real amps forever and ever. No need for anything from the kemper programming guys, no need for updates or firmware. And a editor already exists, so stop with that nonsensical argument right there.

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

That's honestly a solid point! I think you are dependent on good profiles for the Kemper, though. Also I always have issues with the desktop editor for the Kemper. Literally just tried using it yesterday and had to force close it 3 times because it kept freezing up

[@livepulse_original]

@@ZachBrobstMusic that is a problem on your side, not against Kemper. I use the software without any troubles at all. If it doesn’t work for you there must be a different reason. Not really a valid point imo.

[@imandan1966]

Disagree 100%. I've gigged extensively with Helix and Kemper Stage and I'll take the Kemper. Better sound and feel for me.

[@ericajohnson7535]

Helix is not rugged enough. That's the main complaint I have. For example... those tiny microswitches... WWHHHHYYYYY

[@benburnett8109]

There are thousands of artists who tour with the Helix. They've reported no problems. But I am SURE you are the final authority.......rotflmao This is the kind of comment that dumb Fractal users make. What an idiot.

[@bobstoner415]

Thoes switches sre bulletproof. They are fine in size.

[@ericajohnson7535]

@@bobstoner415 underneath the button is a micro switch. I know what I’m talking about. It fails after extensive use on the road for many months.

[@bobstoner415]

@@ericajohnson7535 Never had an issue, quit puttin your cigs out on it and stomping them out

[@greenabba767]

Wow no wonder I haven’t seen any pro musicians use Helix ever but kemper and axe fx. I was a helix user ugghhhh would rather use boss

[@PIERRESILEX]

Boss is the worst thing I ever ear !

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

This video became obsolete a few hours after it dropped

[@ZachBrobstMusic]

In what way? The firmware update only helped enhance the Helix even further

[@wheresallthezombies]

@@ZachBrobstMusic probably thought you hadn’t updated the helix yet.