Does the ToneMaster Pro sound better than the Helix?

Check us out at: tonejunkiestore.com
How does the Tone Master Pro stack up to the Helix? Let's shootout a few of the ToneMaster Models vs the Helix Models and see how they compare. We matched the models cabs, mics and mic placement as represented in each to see how they each sound without a ton of tweaking. Which do you think sound better?

[@scottwhitlow8468]

Definitely liking the TMP more and more each day I work with it. Would love to see a comparison between the TMP and the QC. One suggestion: Shorter clips going back and forth between the two modelers. It’s easier to hear the differences when they switch back and forth a little quicker. Great video! 👍🏻

[@thesoozeTJ]

Good idea on the shorter clips, definitely will be giving that a try. Thanks!

[@ToneJunkieTV]

Noted!

[@400_billion_suns]

The difference I hear is in the transient response. I mean transient in the engineering sense, i.e. what the signal does over time. The TMP has a more natural bloom/evolution to its notes after the initial attack, whereas the Helix is a bit more static (fixed) after the attack. This is where that difference in low-end girth comes from in the ToneMaster, IMO.

[@EzraMF]

For a product that came out 8 years ago, the Helix sounds pretty damn good.

[@mikebennz]

The real winner is the middle pickup position on that Suhr through a deluxe reverb. That's a record ready tone.. and great playing.

[@StudioGangster4U]

I really enjoy your honest, and technical evaluations of these products. Would be cool if you compared the UA dream, with the Tone master pedalboard. If the board is better I’m sold, and getting one.

[@alecastershow789]

I got to listen this on headphones, I’m a Helix owner and I gotta say, the fender one sounds more clear and defined

[@markculpepper9136]

I think it's going to boil down to personal preference on the UI. I think you can dial in your desired tone on either of these and competitors. I love to see the competition as it will make the whole industry, and players, better over time.

[@churchmusicco]

Good content, love these comparisons. Thanks bros -Jordan

[@ToneJunkieTV]

Our pleasure!

[@mickymalibu]

I’ve had my Helix around 6yrs and I’ve been thinking about something with a smaller footprint but to be honest I haven’t heard anything yet that sounds better, just different. Has modelling got to the point where it’s really down to the person dialling in what they want from a modeller? I’m starting to think so. Current modellers have come a long way since the pod etc and they all sound great to me, it’s just a matter of preference, you could say this one’s Marshall is better than that one but in the real world valve amps all sound diffferent, I’ve gigged with my BlackStar and it sounds different every night depending on voltage especially when I’ve been on the islands in Greece where the current is not consistent. So I think it’s wrong to say this one sounds better than that one.

[@gemini_man66]

Bingo! There is no better tone except the tone that comes from within which is translated without. This tone chasing marketing ploy is just companies taking advantage of The Human Condition to sell more product and make more money. Becoming a more proficient player, songwriter, and performer is where it's at.

[@jdm_oneten]

I just got the tone master. I have the kemper and the Axe Fx III. I still think the Fractal is in a different league on routing, options and quality of effects but the Tone Master does feel like you are actually playing the modeled piece of gear. I really like it. I think Fender did a great job on the details and making sure it was a solid offering for the initial release. I think there will be a lot more updates and add-ons whether free or paid that will make the unit better. I say excellent job Fender.

[@dustinw9692]

What about vs Kemper?

[@jdm_oneten]

I have been playing and comparing all of them since I got the TMP. At this moment, I am really liking the TMP. I have as deluxe reverb combo dialed in on the Fender with a real klon and 80's TS10 in the loop before the amp and It's the best tone I have had in a long time comparing against my best profiles in the Kemper and the models in the Axe Fx 3. I can't believe I am saying that but I am really liking it at the moment. It is easy to get tones without deep parameters and the deluxe sounds like my old 64 blackface to my ears. Amp controls on the TMP being the same as the real amp make it where I play more than tweak. The other interesting thing is the mids in most modelers seem to get a little lost in a mix. This unit the mids are really forward and musical. Hope that helps. @@dustinw9692

[@cortmiller]

That is the question, given how much the fender costs is will those add ins be free. I just got the tone master pro tonight and I am a little disappointed in how few fenders there are in it. Only one tweed?! No brown/blond/ silver face amps? I have a feeling they will come as a paid add on pack which I hope not.

[@AmbitiousRealismCreates]

You guys should redo this video using the UAFX Ox Stomp. I got that pedal for something else entirely but I looped it in to the Tonemaster Pro and holy crap!!! This way you can test just the amp models raw through the same cabinets. Also I’d be interested to hear that test using one of the Fender FRFR cabs, I own the FR10 and honestly it beats out the Friedman FRFR which I was absolutely shocked by. Thank you both for the amazing videos. 🤙

[@berndkiltz]

Exactly!

[@amaurythewarrior]

you know they don't need that. a 400€ pedal for speaker emulations only? there's enough software options. unless the UA stuff is really superior but i doubt it.

[@DeerCreekAudio]

and does the TMP have poly capo and all the other stuff the Helix has? I doubt it

[@MDK2323]

I really like the TMP FR cab. It sounds great with any modeler(FM9 or UA Ruby for me). I've tried a lot of FRFR setups, and this is the best. It beats the Line 6, the Headrush, the Tech 21......it's great.

[@adambrunner9462]

Cool to hear your reply. I'm gathering info for a big move for me. I'm planning on selling my Benson Monarch (which I can't believe I'm doing) and going digital. Thoughts are Helix LT and I'm so intrigued by the Ruby and Woodrow into the Fender FRFR. Is the UA pedals redundant with a Helix too? Do I put the UA in front of Helix and use Helix for effects? Would that be a killer rig? Thoughts...? Thanks!

[@ObtuseRhombus]

As pointed out 7:10, each company is making their model after the gear they have. Jim Lill made a video comparing a TON of microphones, even the same make/model, and the differences are undeniable.

[@ideadriver1504]

If I am not mistaken the Edge used a line 6 pod rack for this, getting silly they all sound great and all have there pros and cons

[@otfan522botjournalismisdea2]

Cool video. I would also be interested in a comparison that focuses more on the models themselves. Maybe turn off the cabs and then host the IRs in your daw. So direct model to model shoot out. Side note I still think the Helix sounds better with custom or tone match IRs vs the cabs in 3.5.

[@hallyconn]

Yo any chance yall will be reviewing the tone master powered cabs? Thinking about picking some up to go with my Kemper.

[@thesoozeTJ]

Yep! Video coming

[@jwuonog]

Is this comparing the tones that are available directly out of the box?

[@semorebutts3613]

do you think they will make a tone master pro RACK unit like helix did?

[@2550marshall]

For the Marshall with greenbacks, you gotta use an MD421 at the cap edge. Try out the York Audio one- the Vintage MD421. That IS the Marshall/Greenback tone.

[@jimsimmons2674]

What are you guys playing the Tone Master Pro and Helix through,USB Audio Interface with studio monitors and or a FRFR powered Speaker?

[@ToneJunkieTV]

You're hearing the direct signal from both thru an interface into logic.

[@StevenHess]

On the Helix the TJ tone matched 65 Fender collection leaves all the stock stuff in the dirt. Same for the Marshal Tone matched amp models. I don't use the AC TJ models though I have them. I just don't use Vox. I would never go back to using the stock Fender or Marshal Helix Models after using the TJ stuff.

[@QuoVadis88]

Ordered a Fender Tone Master Pro. Good enough out of the box. Will look for future updates. Sound is great. IO/Interface is clincher.

[@nealpobrien]

Thanks! This was really interesting. The Helix was more interesting with more overtones but I like the Fender better. The Marshall didn't sound like a Marshall on the Fender, but I liked it more:)

[@2320RG]

I’ve had the helix floor, the headrush and now the fender TMP, the headrush was very bright, the helix worked great but the TMP by far sounds like I have all those amps and pedals in the room with me .

[@markinthemix6055]

Hey everyone just pick your preferred poison. I’m sticking with my Kemper Stage and Kemper toaster. The new liquid profile option is kinda getting to me. 🤩

[@georgemavimbela]

I'm sticking with my headrush poison.. All these new units sound great... The only limitation is the players skills

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

Haha...I have both Kemper Stage and Headrush Prime and love em both. They both sound great and have their own personalities, their own mojo. Both great.....

[@TVoltG]

Big question that I have and have not seen, even though maybe it has been answered. Will the Tone Master have free updates with amps snd effects like the Helix?

[@thesoozeTJ]

It seems they will be free.

[@srwaite7]

The Grammatico on the Helix is also a nice addition 👍🏻

[@edb1913]

I doubt if there is anything on the Tonemaster that can match the Grammatico GSG on the Helix.

[@billsstudio2528]

Wonder if 32 bit (TMP) vs 24 bit (Helix) matters.

[@Herbo57]

The fact that the Fender is coming in as good as Helix... is a great thing.. its taken a while for Helix to get here

[@MotoRiff77]

Helix is Boxy, Fender more open but still not giving up my Helix with my Tonex in the loop

[@jeffwatson7811]

ToneMaster is less congested and less compressed and also seemed brighter and open. I am not hearing the grit/graininess in the driven sounds that other videos have complained about, which is encouraging. I was surprised I liked TM in all of these. Does it take reverb and delay before the amp better than other modelers? Does it Bethel? 😂

[@JarickL]

I wonder if there’s clipping in other videos? A lot sound distorted.

[@jonalexander8935]

I'm a worship player and I appreciate your does it Bethel. 🙂 Curious to know as well where it sits compared to my Arshall profile and ambience..? Bless you dude...

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

I’m wearing headphones listening to this and the fender sounds so much smoother

[@davidscarios]

Creí que era yo pero ahora veo donde esta el problema con la Helix. Llega un momento en que parece que los efectos se atiborran y solo producen ruido. Especialmente con rasgueos continuos como en el principio. Curioso que eso me paso con un simple Helix Effects.

[@steveeckert8396]

Thx for digging deeper then most of the KZbinrs. All I've been hearing from most channels is "Yea is sounds good but you get so much more with blah,blah." So far I've been really impressed with the "Fender amps" in the Tone Master. They sound the most realistic of any modeler I've heard. Would love so see a comparison of Fender Amps with no effects against Helix, QC and Kemper.

[@bend1499]

A lot of youtubers aren't going to support anything with the Fender name on it because they'd get ridiculed by their fan base. The quad cortex was absolute garbage on release and didn't fulfill a lot of their promises. On top of that, the presets sound like garbage on most units lol. I'm personally excited for the TMP, just hope Fender doesn't abandon it in 3 years.

[@steveeckert8396]

@@bend1499 I ended up running a ToneX, Valetron and Boss EVH Delay. The EVH ha a great chorusey effect too.

[@woodygranger2126]

The Headrush 112 FRFR is naturally "bassy" which pairs well with the Helix products IMHO. So much so, that it is my favorite sounds out of my Kemper and Axe Fx 2 going into the same FRFR. I have no experience with the TMP.

[@andrestrat]

Tone wise, all those units (TMP. Helix, Fractal, Kemper) can sound similar (with some tweaks) and are pretty good although not giving the same feeling as a real valve amp. Difference comes from the usage, screen and size of those units, not forgetting the price.

[@ksharpe10]

6 of 1, Half Dozen to another. a guy at work used to say that all the time. I do hear a girthy sound from the tonemaster, I think Souse said it sounds more like being Hit in the Room with an actual amp. Most people talk about VOX being Chimey, when I originally plugged a Strat into my Vox, my 1st impression was OH, it is Really PUNCHY, which is that early Beatles sound, the Rock and Roll EARLY sound. I think the Chimey thing came in with U2??? I know a VOX AC30 sounds great with a Rickenbacker 12 string too.

[@surfrby8876]

They were very close in tones , but the Tonemaster seems more airy and organic to my ears , but it’s by a hair ,I just love the size of the Fender TP , and I like touchscreen So I would go with Fender barely

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

The best way to judge isn’t ’how accurate is it?’ The question I like to ask is ‘how does it sound in the mix or at the rehearsal’?

[@jimfellows212]

I find tone master sounds so much better building patches from ground up. Love the feel on the TMP. The Jubilee on the TMP sounds great

[@DeerCreekAudio]

I'm sure you can get comparable sounds. If one sounds better than the other, it was tweaked better.

[@ac8704]

I am a Helix user. I thought the Deluxe sounded much better on the TMP. There just felt like more definition

[@Chacusam]

long time helix user here. If you don't want to spend the 1699$ for the tonemaster pro. Amplitube 5 fender series sounds mutch better than the helix counterparts and its only 99.99

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

How many Fender amps do you really need. That Blues Junior sounds really good and the fat switch is good for chunky rhythms

[@aguitarhero007]

Isn’t it a little sad that Fenders (newest and best) model currently available is only being compared to the helix.

[@JP-mp5st]

TMP and it’s not close. Now, it may be just a tweaking thing but I’m just going to assume that these are the best sounds these guys could get out of the Helix. Except for the original Line 6 Amp Farm Pro Tools plugin (which I loved because the only other option at the time was an absolutely awful sounding sans amp plugin) all Line 6 modeling boxes and amps dating back to the POD seem to have the same basic DNA. Sometimes I’ve thought they are just using the same models over and over and just putting them in new hardware. They all lack fullness, openness, clarity, responsiveness and dynamics.

[@Adamski1989]

Cool videos

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

Helix sounded more chimey on that first patch which to me is important with the AC 30

[@fistwood]

direct AC 30 comparison : 0:47 vs 1:33 1:02 vs 1:47 1:11 vs 1:57

[@truthfactreality6814]

We all know what will happen. Line 6 has been watching and waiting. They will drop helix 2 soon and probably kill every unit out there. I’m loving my quad cortex capture pack I just got with the 80% off!!

[@ToneJunkieTV]

Awesome! Enjoy dude!

[@chadnikolaus8793]

So hmm... I have a Pod Go, which is supposed to have the same tones as the Helix. I keep thinking it sounds muddy. I listen to these comparisons and yep, Helix sounds very muddy and artificial to me. The ToneMaster Pro sounds pretty amazing. So now I'm thinking it'd be nice to upgrade to the Fender one of these days. Oh, Helix did release new cabs and maybe this video was from before that. Still... I think the ToneMaster Pro sounds AMAZING.

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

These are really hard to compare since they did not model the same actual amps. One real Plexi can sound quite different from another with mods, bright cap in or removed, etc. I don't think either modelers nails the Plexi tone TBH. Talking about Marshalls, the Helix's JCM-800 is pretty terrible. It's not an amp I heard yet in TMP demos I've seen so can't compare. The TMP does nail the Fender amps for sure. It would be embarrassing if they didn't. But my reference for a Fender clean is my own old trusty "red knobs" Fender Twin so all the Fenders on the Helix as well as the TMP sound too bassy and woolly to me in comparison and lack my Twin's bell-like chime and attack... so do the ones on the Helix. I own the Helix myself and, personally for my needs, there's basically 3 amps I gravitate to. My main tube amp now is a Revv Dynamis 7-40 head which has a chimey Fender clean channel and a Marshally higher gain "red" channel. It's not a Generator though but can be in the ballpark. I do also own the Revv G4 pedal. So I think the Helix absolutely nails it with the Revv Gen Red model (they modelled a Revv Generator 120 Mark II and not a Mark III though). That is my go to gain amp in the Helix and I do not think the TMP has anything equivalent. For cleans, I play in a band where we play both our originals as well as a tribute side project where I need an 80s sounding pristine clean amp. The Helix's JC-120 model is spot on with a stereo chorus (I prefer the Trinity to the period accurate 70s chorus). I played an actual JC-120 for years from the mid 80s to the mid 90s (so I'm very familiar with that amp's sound) when I sold that amp and got my red knobs Twin then later a Marshall Valvestate combo I played in a dual amps rig. In the Helix, my actual preferred clean amp so far is the Cali Texas channel 1 (Mesa Lonestar channel 1, not the special). It sounds full without the bass and low mids woolliness that most of the Helix Fender models all have to my ears. Or at least the bass is more controllable. And it has a lot of headroom which is what I'm looking for. As far as AC30 like tones, they are not really my wheelhouse but I think the Matchless models in the Helix are better than the actual AC30 model. Disappointed with the Fawn though which was one of the best models in the old Pd XT. Interesting comparison here for sure. Nothing I heard from the TMP here or elsewhere would make me switch to it from the Helix though. Also, for my needs I must say that I got closer to the tones I wanted using IRs. One of my favorite speakers is the H75 Creamback and there's nothing like that in the Helix yet. My own physical Marshall 4x12 has 2 H75 Creambacks and 2 V30s in X pattern. It sounds killer. I also have a Revv 1x12 with an H75 Creamback in it. So using similar IRs instantly sounded more familiar to me than the built-in cabs even with the 3.5 update which did improve the Helix cabs greatly. But aren't we lucky to have access to tech like this now? 80s me would kill for the flexibility of a Helix or TMP ;)

[@zackzaa1560]

compare Fender Tone Master Pro vs Neural DSP Quad Cortex

[@jonalexander8935]

From a HAPPY Kemper owner.. Tone Master sounds more amp less modeled than Helix.

[@dansguitarheaven]

I agree to what he says

[@brandonrogers8293]

kemper is still better

[@markinthemix6055]

I will admit that a more powerful Kemper with the option to add a couple more effects in front and after the amp tone stack would just seal the whole thing and everyone else just go home 🤔

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

I agree - four pre and four post just isn't enough anymore. More is more.

[@Elassar72]

Probably the most fair way to compare them is to use exactly the same IR (internal cabs are nothing else then IRs of different lenght, recorded in different studo, with different power amp…). The risk here is to compare the internal IRs, and not the amp simulations

[@thesoozeTJ]

Good call - something we will do down the road.

[@oldmanzen6682]

I normally have an urge to buy every modeller, but I’ve had next to no interest in picking this one up. I guess because it doesn’t really feel like it’s bringing anything new to the game… and it’s not spectacularly better at anything it does have. Thanks for the video, guys.

[@QuickSticks8771]

Give it a year

[@cortmiller]

The thing to remember to is the helix has had updates. The tone master is brand spanking new. Will be interesting to compare in like two years

[@thesoozeTJ]

Yep very true

[@crsantin]

If Fender supports it. Line 6 product and customer support is unmatched.

[@dixonstudios]

This isn't a comparison of amps it's a comparison of amps PLUS EFFECTS. I don't know anything about Helix or others except Kemper. When I profile an amp on the Kemper I don't do it with effects on and only compare amp to profile'. The amp model or amp profile has to be right first, effects is a whole different thing.

[@Valerious187]

It’s probably hard but I think all the tones they used weren’t that good not sure if that’s the point but I’ve heard some amazing tones from the helix especially from John cordy and others even from this channel but if I had just listened to this video I’d think they are both are just decent at best

[@thesoozeTJ]

To be fair - we dialed in the Helix to match the sound we were getting from the TMP. A different approach to the Helix for sure could bring different tones - I for one enjoy the Matchless amp the best on Helix, and those weren’t in this video.

[@SweetSpotGuitar]

Put 10 examples of the same model tube amp (e.g., Plexi, Deluxe Reverb , AC30) in a room and play through all of them. They will all be different, and the extremes at either end could be clearly, audibly different to a non-expert listener. There are tube differences, component tolerances (sometimes up to 20% of nominal value), and speaker differences. All of those can contribute to the differences between these products since all of these modelers are using different reference amps.

[@vincentsantiago2gmai]

The tone master take it alway it is the best I been hearing all KZbin videos and fender nail it even I don’t have it I can’t buy it rent come first but someday I will

[@vincentsantiago2gmai]

But the helix 🧬 still is ok

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

The tone Master had overall better clarity and spatial Imaging. Helix just felt more compressed into dimensional. Had a more processed sound

[@thesoozeTJ]

Yes - good summary

[@kasakka]

If you are using your eyes to dial in cab sims, that's not going to work. You would have been better off picking one as a reference tone and trying to dial the other to work the same. "Same" mic placement just won't be the same when both use different cabs from where the IRs were made and have different systems for placing the mic. Now it's just a test between "two modelers at guesstimate settings" and the Helix to me sounds just muddy in all cases - which does not match my experience of what it can do.

[@rumy6871]

Idk, more amps would be nice but damn, if you went to a studio and that was the amp selection it would be nirvana.

[@Plextortion]

Please do the same against the HeadRush Prime.

[@thesoozeTJ]

we were just talking about the HRP today!

[@ironblast5]

​@thesoozeTJ the headrush core is pretty much the same

[@RazOfTheVoid]

I have to say, as a poor musician I feel like people online are being intentionally dismissive of the TMP because of the price tag, and because they don't want to make themselves sad about the more affordable options. Look, I'm not one of those 'if it's expensive it's better' musicians. I'll take a good sounding $700 Epiphone over a $2700 Gibson every day of the week and twice on Sundays, OK? But the TMP doesn't just sound better in every comparison I've seen so far to every other product on the market, including a comparison I did myself at a music shop - it sounds UNIVERSES better. It's like it's not the same category even. Fender really did achieve something quite unique here, a powerhouse, a full studio in a box. It's ironic considering amps are a major industry for Fender, but this thing makes amps completely obsolete. So yeah, I'm definitely getting one. Just going to have to save up those pennies...

[@ToneJunkieTV]

Both units are $1600, but the helix does have an LT version which is 1200

[@RazOfTheVoid]

@@ToneJunkieTV OK, that might be because I'm thinking in pounds and maybe the TMP is a bit more expensive here? Here in the UK the Helix is £1199 (around $1500 US) at the moment. The LT version is £879. The Fender TMP is £1499. So for me it's the pricier option... 🤷‍♂ But like I said, in every comparison I ever heard, including your own, the TMP leaves everyone - including the Helix - in the dust. The only negatives I can say about it are that the touch screen is a bit crappy (which hopefully they'll fix in an update), there aren't any bass amps on it (which hopefully they will fix in an update), and there's no expression pedal, which sucks. But the sounds and effects on this thing still make it worth it in my opinion. BTW, your response to the Marshall Plexi is really strange to me. You behave as if the Helix version is good... It's like day and night between these two! The TMP actually sounds like a proper Marshall. The Helix sounds like a crappy VST trying to imitate a Marshall. I have no idea what Fender did there, but they knocked it out of the park.

[@GenX071Guy]

Truthfully it feels like there's very little audio difference between the two. Line 6 is known for constantly sending out amazing updates to their firmware. I doubt Fender will be that committed to their customers, just based on my past experiences with them. For me The Helix is the winner

[@noahm]

Fender Mustang GT amps stopped receiving support extremely quick. Only one or two major updates. When writing this comment, I have also found out that they are no longer listed on Fender’s website. The main page still is, but clicking on “Shop” on any of the three (40, 100, 200) goes to a dead page. Very disappointing. Line has a proven great support with fixes and new additions to Helix. I don’t necessarily care about what’s “best” (highly debatable because what is ‘something’ supposed to sound like), I more so care about how many years I’m going to get out of something.

[@BleedTheFaith04]

I had a Gen 1 helix LT floor unit and the expression pedal broke. Line 6/Yamaha sent me a new one. I bought it used but they didn't care. I didn't think in a million years that that was going to happen when I called them.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Am I the only one who thinks the Vox was way better on the TMP, and may be the best model on the unit (still early days?)? 🙃 Prefer the Deluxe on the TMP for sure, too. The Marshall models were my least favourite, but again - still preferred the TMP (and it wasn’t that close). … How many more models etc have come out for the TMP since it’s launch? (and how much have the models been improved?)

[@MitchellSpille]

Not hard to sound better than the helix lol. But both of these units are pretty bad imo, but the Fender unit sounds maybe slightly more realistic (especially on the deluxe model). Kemper, fractal, and QC are much much better One of the things I don't like about every company nowadays making modelers is they all sound so different. Sure, there's some differences between a vox ac30 and another vox ac30, but those differences are honestly less than an "ac30" model on an iridium vs helix vs kemper vs quad cortex etc. I think it honestly confuses the younger generation getting into guitar on what the real amp sounds like since every modeler has a vastly different take on the sound.

[@BoomerBends]

Just bought a Helix a few weeks ago coming from tube amp land. Then....right after I take the plunge....Fender releases this. What's Sweetwater's return policy again? hmmmm

[@jowelmoisesubana7572]

Its a tech device, so the more recent TMP will have more potential than the older Helix. The next "touchscreen" MFX pedal that will be released by Line 6 will be the one to watch out!!!

[@xlilxillx]

wow the tone master sounds significantly better on every amp. why is it getting so much hate?

[@xlilxillx]

real @dv8322

[@miguelower6864]

THE ORGANIC AND THE VERY FAT TON OF TONE MASTER IS EXCELENT , THE HELIX IS VERI THIN TONE,

[@bennytudor5313]

Helix! More pro sounding 😂

[@superglassbucks6356]

TMP seems a nice, but limited, entry level “toy” for a desktop noodler. Not up to the professional quality of nearly any other modeler. Maybe after a few updates worth a revisit.

[@JimWelniak]

Cleanish it’s great. Turn the gain up and it’s a can of bees like the rest.

[@nele4470]

TMP Normal Organic!

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Helix sounds more aggressive

[@idleave]

For my recordings I need s/pdif. Helix wins.

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Wow. The Line 6 sounded like absolute shit next to the Fender. Every example.

[@Informal1968]

Don’t think it was your intention, but you guys are probably responsible for a crapload of Helix gear recently flooding Reverb. Was ok with my Helix up until I went to Kemper….. in this comparison, the Helix sounds super processed and weak, compared to the TMP.

[@shredenvain7]

It isn't really a fair comparison if you are using the stock cabs on the Helix because those are notoriously bad sounding. Very small, boxy and almost low res sounding.

[@thesoozeTJ]

Gonna try using the same IR soon

[@ronnieparker2546]

Helix sounds harsh

[@CarlBWood]

Differences (acoustically) are negligible.

[@wolvesandguitars]

This is a very Important comment section.

[@jonathanrosales1826]

Mucho dinero para tan poca diferencia en sonido

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

Okay....I have been doing this on some of these Tone Master videos so I am starting to feel like a hater. But I just want you all to know that you can achieve about 98% of what the Tone Master is by getting the Fender GTX100 amp and running a Line 6 PodGo through it. Maybe that setup is even better? I am not trying to be a hater, but if anyone is out there on a budget, I believe that is the way. The GTX amp is 500 bucks, the PodGo Wireless is 600 bucks. That's 1100 bucks for endless models, IR capability, access to the Fender Tone library, 10 useable footswitch fx pedal models, an expression pedal, wet/dry opportunities, XLR outs, wireless backing track connectivity, FX loop for traditional pedals, access to all of the Line 6 effects and amp and cab models, and live amp that can give you stage monitoring while you are also plugged in to front of house, use of your phone/ipad to make touch screen adjustments to the amp settings....fuggggin....aux in...what else? Oh a headphone jack! LOL....to get JUST the Tone Master (which IS inarguably *dope* btw) it will cost you over 2200 bucks for the pedal and the FRFR cab. Just saying... I love you guys. I want you to have nice things without being broke. And also if you want the Tone Master...I want you to have that too. ❤ Love you H Dub!

[@ToneJunkieTV]

Ok now I'm curious. Do you know if the models in both those units are the same? They do look to have several of the same models.... HMMM?

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

@@ToneJunkieTV HW, they are not exactly the same. No EVH amps, and I believe there is an expanded Fender line on the TMP. But the GTX is very very underrated imo. I love mine and when you add the functionality of the PodGo, I would argue you get almost the exact same amount of functionality and quality and maybe more. I run the PodGo: Amp out to instrument in. When I want to use a PG amp, I switch to a bypass setting on the GTX that has some of my favorite pedals t’d up, and when I want to use a GTX amp model, I switch to a PG setting that bypasses the amp. Suuuuper flexible and much more affordable. And some of the tone models in the GTX are exactly the same. I would love to see a comparison video. I’d do one but I can’t buy the TMP 😂😅

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

What if you already have an FRFR unit and you live in Australia where the TMP is cheaper that the Helix by about $500, cheaper than the Quad Corter by about $800 about $300 more than the Headrush Prime - you are looking at a well priced product. The GTX100 + POD GO cheaper by $500 just doesn't appeal to me at all, I would rather have the HeadRush where I could use my ElevenRack presets.

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

@@vaughanmacegan4012 do it dude! Like I said..I sound like a hater, I know. But I’m not. Do what’s right for you. I just wanted to share my experience. We all need to do what makes sense for our own situation!

[@schlagdog]

It’s pretty hard to say the Tone Master sounds better than the Helix for some reason. L6 modeling always has no feel to them at all. I love the Helix Floor UI than just end up not being able to deal with their stiff sounding amps and sell it.

[@MyMedicineRocks]

Changing pickups from one modeler to the next doesnt give a good representation of the units.

[@matthewearl9824]

Tone Master Pro hard pass for me. Already owning all the fractal gear there is no point, at least not for me. Whether it is good or not is subjective, but considering the cost of this thing, I would rather spend it towards more fractal gear and support them.

[@stringsattached67]

I'd support fractal if they were sold in brick and mortar shops. I own the Helix floor and the fender TMP and the fractal fm9 and out of those id choose the TMP. The FM9 sounds great and the effects are very good. The helix is great for it's age but the new UI on this fender TMP Just cinches the deal for me and I'd be willing to bet there's much more to come in the future updates.

[@user-du1yk7uk9v]

From what I've heard the Fender is WAY better. It has clearer and more definite sound the Helix is muddier.

[@rumy6871]

LoL testing sound in a room with concrete walls.

[@ToneJunkieTV]

It’s drywall acoustic paneling.

[@cjconklin4877]

The helix sounded digital. The tonemaster you can hear almost the tube chime.

[@ericajohnson7535]

no

[@gtora1982]

TMP is more better.

[@msvapehead]

The Tone Master Pro is way better than the helix .. I own both and the Fender sounds way better and is super easy to use. Fender is enjoyable to use like you have the gear and not like programing a computer.

[@thesoozeTJ]

Agreed on the UI

[@justinTime077]

Why do you guys almost never bring up a Fractal device? Is it because people are too incapable of saving up for it, and you make tones for those invalids?

[@HomoChomsky]

Oh, poor you.

[@ROBYRH4]

il line 6 come anche Fractal hanno un grave problema..il mi cantino suona malissimo sempre finto purtroppo è così cosa diversa nel Kemper suona come naturale pulito sempre cristallino è libero.. bisogna provare per capirmi io li ho avuti tutti ma il Kemper dopo tanti anni e migliaia di aggiornamenti per me resta la macchina perfetta e chissà il nuovo Kemper che meraviglia sarà a breve ❤