Line 6 HELIX - Stock Cab vs Impulse Response Blind Test!!

Do the stock Helix cabs suck??
Can an aftermarket IR help?
Watch this quick comparison to find out!
If you enjoyed the video, be sure to like and Subscribe :)
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Soli Deo Gloria!

[@nakleh]

I actually liked the stock Helix versions for every clip.

[@99gwest]

Agreed!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Nice! That's why blind tests are the best 😀

[@nakleh]

I expected to like the Celestions better. I just got Bias Amp 2, after using Bias 1 for years now, and was excited to try the new Celestion cabinet IRs out, but now I'm not as excited! Really enjoy your channel, keep posting and I'll keep watching!

[@raihidara]

Same here, especially on test #3

[@mark7166]

Yep, I thought they both sounded good.

[@tossedpenny]

Wow, was not expecting the results my ears told. Went 4 for 4 preferring the stock Helix on each sample.

[@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694]

I don't think any of them were better than the others. They were just different. I liked them all ☺

[@mattrickard2283]

This really is the best mindset. I have a Helix, and if you think of it the way you just mentioned, you get so much more out of the device.

[@sigurdfyllingkarstad2694]

Matt Rickard Thanks man!

[@danielzdziarski7017]

First, one thing I like about your videos is you don’t overplay. Instead of trying to play all 16ths and 32nds, using your videos as an attempt to show off technical prowess, you play in a way that we can actually hear the important qualities of sound. That’s infinitely more useful and way less boring, so thanks for that. Second, I ended up preferring the Helix stock cabs. With the exception of the first sample, the stock cans seemed to have a bit more sparkle and cut a bit nicer. It was close though!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Happy Friday!! Was this too close to call, or did you guys have a preference? If you could hear the difference did you prefer the Stock Helix cab or Celestion Impulse Response? Let me know!

[@camheiliger]

Very cool comparison! I don't have much experience with the Helix, but I love my Fractal AX8. Have you ever had the chance to play through one? Definitely a learning curve, but it has simplified my live rig immensely and taught me a ton about amp parameters in the process. Thanks, as always, for the great content!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Hi! I haven't gotten a chance yet, but have heard great things about the AX8 👍

[@peterworam9376]

Man is that a gorgeous guitar. Well done. As far as the comparison, they both sounded good. The IR sounded a touch more bright, and a little hotter. You could probably tweak the stock cab for a similar sound.

[@kylesnyder9452]

That fender partscaster is EVERYTHING!

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

Wow. I preferred the helix cabs on every example

[@jerryreff67]

GREAT video. Glad someone finally did this without bias. I agree with RC32's comment that both sounded really good. Folks like Jason Sadites has noted that he has been able to tailor the cab tones enough to not necessarily need the IRs, however as he clearly states, "It is a matter of personal taste."

[@thigarciaable]

Mate, thanks a lot for the comparison! I was searching for something like that for a long time... Keep doing a great job, u have a fan in Brazil!

[@happygolucky6271]

I guessed right on all of them and preferred the stock cab which was surprising to me. The give away was that the IR had this lower mid-range thing to it. Not bad, just different. I think, in this case, the stock cab would sit in a mix better. Just my opinion, Thanks, I really enjoy the blind tests!

[@HBSuccess]

What suprised me is how good they all sound. The Helix system rocks IMO. I don't gig any more but I want one anyway to fool around with LOL

[@AndrewStonerock]

Impulse responses only really become an option when you're doing high gain stuff. Cleans sound pretty similar through both options.

[@robertw1871]

Great comment, I think you’re correct. I’ve heard pretty huge differences before and not so much here...

[@felipefarias7654]

After using high quality IRs I came to the same conclusion. Clean and clean-ish tones are equally good on both, but on higher gain tones the IRs are better. Probably that's why they are so popular across metal/hard rock

[@danc3746]

Very true!

[@TheGuitarModder]

totally disagree. I'm much prefering IR's for clean and high gain. Thats my personal taste though

[@boimesa8190]

@@TheGuitarModder which do u recommend?

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

I recently discovered the sonic power of IRs, and to me it sounds like they “breathe” more, and feel livelier than modelled cabinets. I used to spend hours trying to get amp models, and it ends up it was the cabinets, not the amps. I encourage all guitarists to try them. More noticeable difference that was captured here. Cheers Darrell.

[@gigspigs]

IR's definitely for the win in this video and on my Helix. I tried th stock cabs for a long time, then switched to Ownhammer IRs. Wow what a huge differemce. Clean and distortion were both greatly improved.

[@anthonykueber6098]

I can't hear a lick of difference over my HP laptop and Apple ear buds....but I am the drummer...

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😄😄😄👍

[@thewomanwithnohead]

I freaking love your honesty !!!

[@ArjyoBala]

haha ! love your comment xD

[@wingnut4200]

Very funny. Do you spontaneously combust?

[@thebandh8701]

I just got the Helix LT and could not be happier. Easy to use and great tones! Snapshots are the bread and butter. I liked both tones. I'm going to turn up the reflections in stock. Great Video!!!

[@toki9367]

Usually I don't like IR as they come "out of the box": it's always necessary to adjust (at least) the High Cut filter. And yes, also native CAB emulation can sound great! The only big difference I can hear is when I use distortion: usually the palm muting effect when picking is way bettere and more realistic with IR.

[@joshuabenton3785]

I heard Pete Thorn. I was hooked.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

IMO, this was a toss-up. Subtle differences between the two but no consistent "better" tone. The IR was perhaps slightly more complex but the difference was vanishingly small.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I was definitely expecting a bigger difference, but in the end, both sounded good.

[@stevegallagher4082]

I have the helix LT and it’s fantastic. I have found some nice impulse response for stuff like milkman, two rock and some others.

[@miguelnavarroangulo1865]

You really helped me with mentioning the early reflections knob... I'm really getting nice results after tweaking it with more intention...Thanks!

[@AlbertMontinola]

I personally liked the stock Helix cab on the last sample. In my opinion, the IR cabs sounded brighter. Great demo Darell. Cheers! :)

[@FarragoTheFox]

I was able to tell the difference, but as to whether one is "better" than the other, really up to the listener I guess. Interesting video, thanks!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Anytime! ☺ Yeah, I was surprised that there wasn't a vast difference between the two! A little EQ could probably get them even closer

[@FarragoTheFox]

Darrell Braun Guitar Indeed. The difference is quite subtle, and I definitely wouldn't hear the difference in a full mix. Maybe I don't "listen" hard enough, but to me what counts is what you can hear. Food for thought, I guess ;).

[@Krufs]

To me the IR's sounded way fuller and offered more clarity. I'm actually really surprised that so many comments suggest they are indistinguishable wich means that in a live setting they'll most likely do just fine. Great video as always, cheers from Sweden!

[@stevegardiner8473]

Both sounded great. Still going back and forth between using stock cabs and ir's. I honestly don't know which I prefer.

[@sprahs68]

Listening thru iPad speakers, Helix was brighter to my ear and sounded better. I nailed all four

[@stonelark]

Let's not forget ease of use. The stock cabs are easy to select between microphones, distance, high and low cut. With IRs you are usually faced with a manufacturers long, long list of those choices, making it difficult to select and audition between them. Reading through these comments show that the audible differences are minimal. For me, when considering ease of use vs sound, the stock cabs are a clear winner.

[@someguy7680]

Thanks for this. Was wondering if I was missing out never trying IR's, but always chose the stock cab in the head to head. Great vid! Saved me some bucks.

[@KeithRobTV]

Man these IR sounds so much more dynamical!

[@ozzygm3178]

I know its a year late, but THESE are the kind of comparisons we need. Digital is the future!!!!!!! (or at least for someone who is tired of carrying over 100 lbs of weight in equipment)

[@moosterable]

Thanks Darrell, another great video. I’m just about to buy a Helix LT and this was very helpful. I’d heard so much about IRs but this clip proved their is really very little difference between them and the stock cabs. The only one I noticed any real difference was the last test, the IR sounded a little fuller to me. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Nice! It took me a little tweaking of the stock presets, but after that the Helix was amazing!

[@pcbullets8726]

These work great for at home/studio things. I have seen people use these live, they sound pretty good, but I still like having the live cab. You made it sound pretty good as always. Thanks for sharing, cheers!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Yeah, I've only tried mine live once. It worked really well, but felt really different without that guitar amp-on-stage tone ☺

[@leprosillohotmail]

Love your demos. In my opinion the stock are good. Your playing is inspiring!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Esteban!

[@danc3746]

Only some IRs "breath" a bit better and add more dynamic range then stock cabs on the Helix. But nothing an EQ added to the signal couldn't do either.

[@landon.cunningham]

For me the results went back and forth. I always listen for the one that's more clear and articulate - and that was sometimes the Helix cab and sometimes the 3rd party IR. What would blow all our minds is if the Helix Cabs are IR's they purchased for distribution from the same people we are buying from - and they just programmed and easy interface for it.

[@telecastersRthebest]

I liked the IR’s in the first three demos. It has more high frequencies to my ears that somehow gave it more clarity while the stock had more mid range and sounded warmer. I preferred the stock for the last demo for the same reasons, that’s why I thought the first one was the IR.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Both sounded awesome regardless! Very thought out my man!

[@aiyka_music]

I just decided on what I liked better out of the 2 clips for every round and it always ended up as the helix...

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

Very interesting and seems like you couldn't go wrong either way,nice price values on the IR. Thanks for the demo!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Anytime! ☺

[@landonbailey]

Love Pete's stuff. Another good Canadian kid. 😁🇨🇦 Cool video!

[@esmeecirolozano7618]

Man I got all of them correct and without headphones..lol. Man the helix sounds nice!! I’m thinking of getting one!! 😁😁

[@rockkstah2550]

I gig with both Boss GT1000 and the Helix Floor depending on the band or the weekend scenario, Blues Rock,Funk Gospel,Jazz Funk,Alt Rock,Hard Rock. I would grab one of them or both then choose on the site which is going straight to FOH/IEM’s, wedges. I have tons of IR folders on my computer, Ownhammer, ML, CHoptone, Celestion, Tone Junkie. And the funniest part about the whole thing, The stock cabs that came with Both the Boss GT1000 and the Helix floor works just fine and in some scenarios, works even better with minor tweaks. Spend time knowing your unit specially when you got weekend gigs line up, KNOW YOUR UNIT WELL..

[@KhanhMaiTaiPhong]

Hi Darryl , I'm the guy who asked you about the "Exchanger" and you tested 3 weeks later ! I actually have the Line 6 HD 500X and I hesitate to buy between the Helix lt and the Boss GT 1000 ! Don't bother to make a video but jst say what you think about the two models ! Thanks . You're my favourite guitar tester !

[@matiastarkkala]

Both sounded good. I only heard big enough difference on clean tone to prefer the IR. With dirt I thought they were just different, not better than one another.

[@vitnemec8365]

I preferred Helix cabs in first two tests, and the IRs in the last two. I will experiment with blending Helix’s close mics and IRs for room mics to get the best of both.

[@rwsjr123]

Varying mics and distance on the dual cabs in the helix is a good idea. Thank you.

[@jessebarrera159]

Simply beautiful guitar!

[@Stratofatter]

More Helix cab are not bad imho, but IR in al modeler make more natural and dynamic sound!

[@rsaragosa]

I liked the sounds either way I am not sure if the IR's would be worth it for me. If I was a Pete Thorn then I guess I would probably do everything I could to get the best tone but since I am not that talented the stock sounds are really pretty good to my ears. There were subtle differences but not so drastic that I would say buying the IR's is a must buy. Thanks for the video you are a great player and I like the way you make your videos no nonsense and informative thanks for your work.

[@dracul74]

I think the stock cabs have been greatly improved since it came out. I find myself using them more than I used to. I usually build a tone with a stock cab and then try out IRs after to see if there is something that I feel enhances what I got.

[@tappistrt]

I listened on studio monitors, and expected way bigger differences between the two. I tended to prefer the Helix cabs more often, but the differences were minimal overall. The Helix multi-cab clean tone was particularly sweet.

[@SjaakShirly6559]

I like both! Period! Useful information.

[@evaristoarabejo3066]

It's easy to figure it out, because the stock is always warm sound.

[@Kayguitarist441]

Both sound great. I did find myself thinking the IR cabs had more of a 'natural' quality to them, though in some examples less obvious. All down to the ear of the individual!

[@kevingil1817]

After the first test I learned the differences between the sounds, and could predict results for 2 out of the last 3. But they are very similar.

[@JiTiAr35]

I got it 1 wrong. I think this is typical IRs. They have more low end than Helix stock cabs. Helix + IRs vs Miced cab next???

[@elefsidi]

Line 6 Helix, Boss Katana, Kemper.... Damn, we are already, in the future.

[@RyanMcQuen]

I was digging the IR, until you did the dual mic/cab on the Helix. This video saved me time and money!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help! 👍

[@gripphillips]

Honestly the ir's sound so much more open and clear..i don't see how people can't hear the difference

[@angrygoldfish]

I guessed right each time. It's not exactly night and day, but the IR's consistently had a little bit more depth to them.

[@jerryx2000]

I hate Fenders but this guitar is so beautiful

[@MrLaserprint]

i love fenders and hate it so i guess that makes sense

[@angellucena7976]

I can not say I hate them, but i usually do not like them. Except this one.

[@woodrow6611]

I picked the helix on all but the second to last test. I liked the helix better but I believe you couldn't go wrong with either.

[@pingtrip77]

The difference between IR and Helix was night and day. Very obvious. the IR's sound more exciting and brighter. They felt very alive and as if they were more in your face. Helix cabs were a bit flat sounding to me with a muddiness that was a little dissapointing. I can see why Pete Thorn uses them. Either way, they just need some tweaking to get up to par with the IR's.... Will definitely be buying some after hearing the difference.

[@enriquecorro]

I also like the HELIX

[@samvimes1083]

It's not often I can hear the first fragment of a sentence and know someone is a fellow Canadian, but that absolutely happened here! Lol Excellent video, thanks for putting it together, seriously considering a Helix.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😄👍🇨🇦

[@TheBigGuppy]

Thanks. I’m using the Helix floor and monitor through IEMs. I’ve never loaded any external files. I needed to find out if I really need IRs. Through FOH I think stock is okay.

[@michaelhawkins6149]

Good video and advice. IMO with ALL modeling units you need TONS of headroom for them to shine. I used to run a Boss GT into two Roland keyboard amps with 15 inch speakers and the sound was outstanding.

[@PJYim]

Both were great. Difference very slight. Had to listen three times to the comparison#4, which is the only time I preferred Helix by a hair. I preferred IR for the first three. If I wasn't focused with a quality headphone on, I probably couldn't tell the difference.

[@SUPER8_GUITAR]

Bought a Helix 3 weeks ago, use it mainly on headphones. Feel a big difference between the stock cabs and a celestion IR I bought. But when recorded usb out I can hardly tell them appart . It really only becomes apparent when playing and going back and forth on headphones.

[@brettshawver2983]

Just got my LT & I'm listening to everything I can find. I thought that all sounds were good. Not sure if I'm gonna jump into the IR's because there wasn't a huge difference. There was a subtle difference but they all sound good to me. Thanks!

[@enriquecorro]

I seem to like the stock HELIX ones better

[@ericbruce5075]

Wow… preferred the stock Helix for each one

[@allanjohnsen1034]

guessed all the correct answers ... guess it is pretty clear this makes a difference, what ever you may prefer

[@shaynestilllife]

I like the stock cabs as well. They seemed less cloudy.

[@scb1620]

I always use Impulse responses in my Helix - not because they sound better, but because I can assign different cabs to different snapshots. I like to use a 1 or 2 x 12 for my clean tones and a 4 x 12 for my dirty tones. You can't do this from within the same patch using stock cabs unless you physically add multiple cabs, but then that eats up a lot of your DSP.

[@marcelblade]

Steve Bark this^ is one of the main reasons I use ir's too.

[@DBSG1976]

I like the Impulse myself, thanks again for an interesting look at equipment that I may get in the future. Nice to have a place to start, but I'm still happy with my small pedal board and Fender Tube Amp for now. Clean, crunchy, dirty...all covered.

[@progrob27]

Interesting, in the first set I liked the impulse response better hands down, in the second i liked them both fine

[@elliotjohnson1258]

1st set I preferred the amp modeling, 2nd set I preferred the IR's but it was really close.

[@VelhosNovos]

Great comparison. Ive bought a lot of IRs but I am using Stock Cabs.

[@stevekirkby6570]

Picked the stock Helix every time (blind). I heard some unfriendly break up on some of the IR's that I didn't like; so although they probably captured the 'real' sound better, the Helix processed was more pleasing. to me. I too would be interested in exactly the same test experiment but with high gain / driven sounds. Having said that, clean lays it all bare :)

[@rosbyduhart5884]

Very nice demo....Myself being short on cash I had to buy a used Digitech RP1000. I used the software on my PC to edit settings. I use it going through a Pa which seems to work very well.

[@Torchedini]

Interestingly the first 2 tests with single mic I preferred the helix sound. On the last 2 tests I preferred the IR sound. Interestingly I could pick out the the cab differences in the last because I knew the result for the 3rd test.

[@lewisbeeman]

So, at first listen, I felt the stock one was just a warmer tone. As I listened, it almost sounded like the stock tones were maybe a little more muddy and the IR's had more distinction between notes. Ultimately they both sounded good, but the IR's seem to be a little "better" if that is what you would even say.

[@flats750]

I got 4 for 4. The IR's have more "detail" to them. That said, I use both on my Helix. Sometimes you need the"rounder" feel.

[@sonic-dna7742]

You should try Sonic-DNA IRs. They make your modeler come to life!

[@benburoker5192]

Tests 1 & 2 I couldn’t tell apart, but on tests 3 & 4 they were faded differently with one being more left and the other more right. I could tell them apart then. The IR sounded a bit more spacious to me than with the extra room mics than the Helix. Cool tests though, well done.

[@zacharykim295]

Ive been wrestling with the pod go's cab emulations, they just sound so boomy and dull. The irs sound like they'll be a step up

[@MrStephenlederle]

In these examples I preferred the stock cabs. I own the helix and I use irs mainly.

[@draganm7823]

I love that strat! Yes the video was interesting.both were nice. I like the helix.

[@alexisveron]

the thing that seems worth to spend are the 3 sigma acoustics responses for acoustics guitar those blowed me away if you dont have a proppier recording setup for acoustic guitar

[@Jeepjones85]

I finally subscribed after hearing you were doing a blind test lol

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Welcome Aboard! ☺

[@Elassar72]

WOW I was able to pinpoint Helix stock one at the very first sight, super :D. Not a matter of good/bad as this is really subjective but, when it comes to the more/less realistic tune, I think external IRs are really closer to "real" cab/mike sound, while stock ones tend to be more dark, and they seem loosing some harmonic on their way

[@happyplacehomestudio375]

Hey, great video thanks! I checked out the Greenback list, there were several 4x12 entries. Do you remember which one you chose? G12M closed?

[@johnmcchavs]

Except for the last one, the IR was better to my ears each time.

[@SiggySauer123]

+Darrell Have you tried the Headrush? If so, how would you compare it to the Helix? I'm torn

[@royadkins5261]

Sorry, I listened, but could not hear any differences, to me they both sounded pretty darn good.

[@joshuabenton3785]

Hmm. Every time I chose the stock as my favorite. It almost made me feel weird until I remembered I have never liked the Celestion IR's. I am an admitted fanboy of Ownhammer. If you have the chance, try the demo version out. To me, it is night and day.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I'll have to give them a shot!

[@BretCahill]

I was split on what I liked.

[@shuaibird.official]

overdrive on stock cab sounds a bit harsh for me. oh man, I clearly understand what the IR is for now.