Should I sell my Line 6 Helix and buy a Fender Tone Master Pro?

[@Swingpark242]

I think the Fender sounds better every time. The Helix has a pronounced mid range hump that I would be looking to dial out. Maybe a bit of EQ adjustment and it would be where I want it? It's distortion seems to be "tacked on," as well and not really part of the core tone.

[@QuickSticks8771]

In every example the TMP sounded warmer richer “ better” to my ears however in other comparison videos the helix was a clear winner Seems it entirely comes down to how and by who it’s dialed in by And just like guitars they are tools and do different things in different ways so I say keep both !!

[@DGSessions]

I strongly suspect that the results would have been different if I’d used my usual presets. A big plus of the tonemaster is getting the results much faster and with less tweaking and I wanted that to come across here. I usually have a global EQ set on my helix which I turned off here, and I chose to use internal cabs vs IRs…so I don’t know about the TMP but I can confirm that the helix has the potential to sound better than this IF you’re prepared to put more time into it.

[@QuickSticks8771]

@@DGSessions that’s certainly the bottom line with all modelers 👍

[@markburgess6466]

Both David I liked the Fender for chord work but the Helix has a honk in the solo sound that To me was more authentic Marshall on steroids

[@DGSessions]

They’ve both got a lot going for them, that’s for sure. Probably best not to compare authenticity on these clips though, one is a plexi with a TS and the other is a JCM800 with Klon so one has more “amp gain” and the other is more “pedal gain”.

[@johncolclough8285]

After years on line 6 gear I’ve got the tmp, on my set up it sounds amazing. Bit of work to do on the reverbs but everything else is cooking.

[@DGSessions]

I think the take away for me was that yes, the TMP is better…but not better enough yet for me to walk away from a UI I know well and pay the current difference in price between the two. As the TMP evolves, or if the price gap closes a little further, or if I find myself in different financial circumstances then I’ll definitely reconsider my decision

[@stm113]

There is something about texture of the breakup/gain of the TMP that seems “off” with every example. It’s the same difference when going between my Helix and my FM9.

[@stm113]

Also… in comparison, the Helix tones sounded a bit “smaller” and brighter which may not be as desired in solo but I feel would sit better in a mix. Of important question.. what IR’s were being used? That makes a H U G E difference.

[@DGSessions]

IRs were not used in this comparison, I also didn’t use any of the presets I’ve been tweaking for years on the helix either for the same reason. It just wouldn’t be fair to knock out a preset in 10 mins on the TMP with the stock cabs and then compare it with my workhorse Marshall preset on the Helix which I’ve been refining for years.

[@DGSessions]

I can’t remember exactly what stock cab/mic combo I used, but based on my usual preferences I would suspect a Marshall 4x12 with either v30s or creambacks and a 121 ribbon mic were probably my starting point if not the final choice.

[@poorbrokeguitarist]

I would say fuck no lol. I know this is old but I have come full circle back to the helix floor 3x.

[@DGSessions]

You will be pleased to hear, I still haven’t bought a tone master pro. However I have moved on from the helix (for now) and actually just did a video explaining why. Feel free to check it out if you’re interested 👍🏻

[@poorbrokeguitarist]

@@DGSessions Nice I absolutely will. I really would loive an AxeFX 3 myself : ).

[@DGSessions]

@@poorbrokeguitarist They’re amazing bits of kit, but the only time I could ever justify an axe fx3 would be if money and convenience were absolutely no consideration at all. They sound awesome, but they are big and they are very expensive!

[@bingefeller]

I would strongly advise against this idea.

[@DGSessions]

It seems both sides have their supporters. My take away from that fact is that both units are ultimately very good, and there probably isn't a "wrong" decision between the two of them.

[@willman100]

I liked both, but the Helix has a proven history and the TMP has yet to prove itself. Time will tell, but I wouldn’t part with the Helix.

[@DGSessions]

Definitely an important point there. It’s easy to get sucked into the tiny nuances of which sounds you very slightly prefer, but the helix has also done a lot of proving itself over the years. Fender may not be a new kid on the block, but the TMP is.

[@bibelgaming4524]

For sure I had the Helix i have nox tmp .tmp way better 👍👍👍

[@DGSessions]

Strangely, that wasn’t my experience at all. The TMP was the better unit in probably the majority of important areas, but certainly not by a long way. The helix is definitely still a great sounding unit, and when I compare presets I’ve taken time to refine and perfect, there really isn’t enough between the two to make it worth making the change….yet