Should you buy a Helix or Quad Cortex in 2024?

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[@SteveSterlacci]

Join my HX Stomp XL Giveaway at my Sweetwater landing page where you'll find all the gear used in my studio sweetwater.sjv.io/jrLZW0

[@ymelfilm]

You may add this really important information: "Thank you for your interest in the Sweetwater Monthly Giveaway. At this time, we can only accept registrations from the United States."

[@ericvandruten]

anybody else hearing loud whoomps after about 9:35?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I have 0 idea what that is. Weird. I'll check the original file. Thanks for letting me know

[@DavidEidelberg]

I hear it

[@joekaras7080]

Im Jamming to it.

[@ymelfilm]

an alien is there

[@GertBoers]

I checked the description and comments just to make sure it wasn't on my side. 😅

[@forkless]

The upside of the Helix floor it is build like a tank, the downside of the Helix floor it is build like a tank.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Well said

[@lucwilson1]

FYI - Really bad pulsating in the audio starting at 9:36. The pulsating stops by 13:16 but the voice audio gets boomy until about 13:39

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you for letting me know. I'll have to check the original file. I have no idea what that is...

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

Its really great that we have stud musicians like Steve, John Cordy, Leon Todd, Pete Thorn, Rabea, etc to give us not just great gear reviews, but such centered advice. 👍

[@El_Maycol]

Helix floor power in a HX Stomp XL enclosure would be perfect

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

maybe a little bit bigger, 2 more footswitches and bigger screen

[@stevethebeeline44]

Yeah or even HxEffects size with full Helix power and screen

[@AlbertMamsto]

5:19 you nailed it! So true....

[@TheGooseChaseMusic]

i love how you held the helix on your shoulder like a boombox. (Great video!)

[@ac8704]

I think the scribble strips, and built in volume / expression pedal more than makes up for its size. I also love that the footswitches are a little more spread out. I never accidentally hit the switch above or below.

[@jackprice7828]

Steve really well thought out points. What I like about you is you talk from a real gigging standpoint. That is very important. My HX Stomp with a few pedals has been a work horse. Minimal live tweeking ever needed with maybe an EQ change to fit FOH room characteristics.

[@christianboddum8783]

The Helix still has a lot of potential for updates, especially in architecture, IRs, number of setlist and more. I wouldn't want something smaller regarding footswitches. I need the space and 5 rows of snapshots. Also all the time invested in programming can be reused loading up a new unit. I hope that a future Helix 2 will be able to use all the presets from the old unit.

[@sjsphotog]

No way that it wouldn't be backwards compatible I hope but of course v 3.5 presets are alot different than those before v3.5 so who knows

[@dandyism7288]

I’m kind of a line6 fanboy (own DL4, hx stomp, hx effects, m5) and if you already have a big Helix you’ll do great but pulling the trigger for one of them in 2024 is different considering fm9, QC, kemper stage at the same price range.

[@Maysha6bona]

I personally think that if you're experienced in all of them, you can make all (Kemper, AxeFx, Helix, QC) SOUND very very close at the point that it's almost impossible to tell them apart; FEELwise, the device with less latency will probably be perceived as best under the fingers. Said that, we need a video where someone with a great experience in all of them does the sounds (possibly very close to each other and with the same amp model or IR, which is most of the time 70% of the sound) and somebody else (maybe blindfolded) will try them out and judge. I know there are a few videos like that but so far I've only seen videos where the guy making the sounds knew how to use well one or maybe two devices and nothing more...

[@trunks828]

Personally I purchased the sweet foot power supply for the quad cortex and have had zero problems with it compared to the cioks dc7. I’ve own the helix the stomp and the cortex. I like them all. My winner is the cortex. Captures are fun as hell to play with.

[@markvalentino-guitar7513]

My Helix has definitely been the ultimate gigging experience for the last 8 years. It's just now starting to show signs of wear. It need a switch replaced but other than that it hasn't failed me. I know the trend is going towards a smaller footprint but I still remember hauling an amp and a pedalboard around so I'm cool with carrying my fairly heavy backpack around. I have to mention that Helix backpack is great quality too.

[@truthfactreality6814]

The quad cortex is great but digital scribble strips should be standard on all these units with color leds too

[@Bjornsguitarspecials]

Quad Cortex! I switched from the HELIX to the QC. Don’t get me wrong, I love the HELIX, but the QC is more up to date. If line6 comes with a helix2. I’m all in🤘🏼

[@javeduddin]

I can't make up my mind between the two. I need it for gigging. What are some things you like better about the Quad Cortex over the Helix?

[@rockinvegan1765]

@@javeduddin The sound of the QC is much better than the Helix. I had the Helix and never liked it. QC is a complete different world.

[@TheOlmecindian]

I bought the helix in 2020 had it for about a year then went analog I do miss the helix days 😊

[@johnregan3732]

Thanks Steve. I’ve had a Helix for a few years but haven’t really learned how to use it. But your statement that the Helix is a gigging machine ends my interest in the QC. Im so glad I switched from a pedal board and amp to the floor processor. 16 lbs vs 2 50 lbs pieces.

[@sjsphotog]

Watch the videos by Jason Sadites to learn how to get the best out of it especially his earlier videos on "dialing in..." For each or effect on the Helix he has a detailed video to help you learn what each slider does and how to maximize each one

[@dmock66]

Great video Steve! Very factual view of both. I also have a lot of experience with both and agree with your assessment!

[@scottlanin]

I am sold on the Helix universe. If they release a new floor model I will automatically buy it. I have a Floor and XL Stomp. I like working in HX Edit.

[@zakklee2556]

thanks for adding variax and midi. AES/EBU ?

[@vriendelijkegroet]

I would get a combination of 3 or 4 old school pedals with the Blackstar Amped 2. I can go direct with in ears or straight into a cabinet.

[@vinniesworld459]

Can totally relate to the comment about how these units can only sound as good as we make them sound. I've been a Helix user for a long time and even when going to other units (incl. QC and more recently adapting the Tone-X /w HX Stomp into my rig to follow your midi setup), I find that ultimately I end up dialing a sound that sounds pretty much the same across each unit.

[@sjsphotog]

Good stuff SS. love my Helix LT. can't beat Helix/ HX units for ease of use and great helpful community and tons of free presets online and great customer service and constant updates to add new amps and effects not just bug fixes. I myself don't own any amps so no need to have capture abilities but I can see how that is helpful if the amp you love isn't in the units you own . Keep it up

[@ModManJam]

Similar to yourself I was a Helix floor user as I wanted everything on one preset and also I used to put my singer through the unit for some songs in our set. My singer no longer plays in our set and I wished to downsize to simplify the rig. HX Stomp XL is now my unit of choice and it’s perfect for my needs. Any time I need another effect just for 1 or 2 songs I just copy my basic preset and remove/add the effects I need for that song, soon as that songs finished I switch back to my number 1 preset that covers the majority of my set. Thank you for your lessons and advice over the years on this stuff. You’re the person who told me how to put a second guitar through the Helix floor some years ago in your comment section and your tips are hugely appreciated. Keep up the content, cheers.

[@BH-fi1sb]

I have an LT and do the same thing. I play 45/50 songs in a gig and use 3 maybe 4 presets

[@shellsjoint]

Great video Steve.. I love having them all.. Helix still rocks, but I'm getting another QC in about two weeks..

[@javeduddin]

I'm trying to decide between the two. What made you go with the Quad Cortex? And why a second one? Thanks

[@TheBbtlegit]

Helix all day for me.

[@J_B72]

I just bought a Helix this AM. DON’T LET ME DOWN, STEVE!

[@forkless]

It's still a great purchase.

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

You will not be disappointed. I have had all these units. Yes Helix is a tank lol but in that is the beauty . Soo easy to operate and fun mind you. Most excellent tones available quickly and easily.

[@adieltm]

Hey I bought mine on Saturday🤓. I wanted the QC but I missed the opportunity it got sold. I’m starting to actually love the functionality of the Helix.

[@forkless]

ps. While the unit is indeed built like a tank the display is not. I would suggest considering a a full face screen guard by either CEBA (US) or TRM (UK) if you are going to use it publicly.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You can use and love your Helix until it dies and be very happy! Expect to busy for over a decade lol

[@MrVyrtuoso]

We sound like ourselves no matter what we play because tone is in our mind, and we reach for that tone through the tone production techniques, knowledge, and facilities we possess. Try as we might to sound like others, we still interpret their tone through the grid of our own tonal biases so that we will at best sound like ourselves trying to sound like someone else. Anyway, I'm convinced the hardware to get is the Helix, and then supplement that with NDSP plug-ins, which is exactly what I did. The NDSP plug-ins are more highly controllable anyway, even if their routing and chain ordering are limited and fixed.

[@potluckfishing]

Great video Steve. I have been a helix user since 2018, having uograded to a helix LT from a boss GT10. It really is a gigging machine.

[@sjsphotog]

LT best bang for your buck sweet spot in the lineup. Not too shabby other than no mic input.

[@potluckfishing]

@@sjsphotog yep, if only there was a way to unlock the 2 left footswitches in stomp mode like the full phat helix.

[@unhookedunhooked3219]

Boss GT core1000 is great for gigging if you dont use loads of effects. The only modeller I have tried that feels great under the fingers. Try it.

[@MrHitthespot]

I see more and more Quads on You Tube. I noticed when Mateus Asato was on the Martin Miller Channel (which was phenomenal) both of them along with the bass player all used Quad Cortex. Martin always used a Fractal before. Seems he’s switched. There has to be a reason for this. However like you said, every amp/modeler sounds different to everyone. Pick the one you like.

[@joekaras7080]

Your Rocking That Superman Shirt Brother. I have the Hulk Shirt....

[@tommurrayGTR]

The only things I really miss from my Helix are the talk box (it's way better than QCs) and the kettle lead power supply, besides that the QC is just an easier workflow getting a usable sound is fairly achievable even on day 1 with QC. I felt like I was always watching how to videos with the Helix whereas QC is the exact opposite. I have heard plenty of people using the Helix and getting incredible results though, you can't fault the sounds... although I felt like the responsiveness of QC was more like a real amp.

[@javeduddin]

Trying to decide between the two for live gigging. If given the choice now would you still get a Quad Cortex over the Helix?

[@Temuri68]

Hello Steve, I always find your videos very interesting and very useful for guitarists. But people always talk about Helix, QC, Fractal, Kemper, ToneX etc. ... I think Headrush Prime/Core is somehow ignored (forgotten?)...why? what you thing ? Best regards

[@dnottis]

I did the Helix thing for a few years.. fell into a Headrush and just loved the ease of use. Went to the Prime. I'll stick with my Headrush Prime

[@jannepaasisalo380]

I just made the switch from Helix to QC few weeks ago. Size matters. Never liked Helix UI and felt it has to be connected to PC if i wanted to tweak. Everything is so much easier on QC and there is no need for desktop editor. Captures are one whole world to explore. Very happy i made the change.

[@MintyBitesBack]

You are 100% correct about the sound. It is almost if Helix is a dirty word in the amp modelling community but in honesty, I got a Tonex last year and it's really good, but I just sound slightly different, not really any better. No one apart from the player really cares... I personally think the Helix sounds great, it's just heavy and needs an update in regards to power (and would be nicer to be lighter...)

[@Niksounds]

Steve Stevens uses quad cortex now 😊

[@danielgallardo7249]

QC! Never looking back.

[@javeduddin]

What do you like most about the Quad Cortex over the helix? I can't make up my mind. I need it one of these for live gigging

[@danielgallardo7249]

@@javeduddin I love the small form factor. I can have it on my desk and carry it to my Worship gigs with no sweat. I also love the interface. It's very intuitive and I don't feel restricted with the controls. I also prefer the amp models and effects on the QC. I've heard a Pod Go from another Worship guitar player, who said he downloaded Worship Tutorials presets for it, and I wasn't a fan. Maybe it was his playing, but it sounded very digitized. QC feels natural to me.

[@javeduddin]

@@danielgallardo7249 that's cool man. Thanks for the feedback

[@javeduddin]

@@danielgallardo7249 awesome, thanks for sharing

[@tonepilot]

I paused at the start and I’m going to assume you’re still in the Line 6 camp. Might be wrong though, let’s see :) I think I was wrong. I too wished they’d used IEC for the power but there wasn’t room internally. Also wished the blocks were photorealistic instead of using the exact same icon for every single overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedal.

[@Lorneplumber]

At least four inputs. Four discrete signal paths. Mic input and all the glorious midi and control options. It’s not even a contest for me

[@noodlehair6566]

Yep. The form factor was the selling point of the QC for me, coming from a Helix LT and GT 1000. That said, although I can live with/work around the known "down sides" of the unit, the psu is just inexcusable. Good thing it can be powered through a phone powerbank lol

[@KubaTestujeTV]

After axefx3mk2 I landed with helix floor: cannot be more happy. Have a real amp but hx is so much more.

[@ryanhalliwell6671]

It’s funny to me how some of these videos compare some of these units I ordered the HX and the Kemper to a/b these units aren’t even in the ballpark…yea both are modelers and can both sound amazing but once you put a capture device against a modeler it’s becomes pretty obvious how much more realistic a profile is.but also how the helix has so much functionality and effects.just different units.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Modelers you need to know how to make sound good. Captures and profiles are easier for sure

[@ryanhalliwell6671]

@@SteveSterlacci yes! I’m learning that now, I was a tube amp guy for most of my life …probably why I like the profiles. Like I said tho the helix is still incredible and unparalleled in i/o and function… all the company’s are gifting an uphill battle because hx stomp got it right so early on. Btw I love the channel man.

[@FBulfamante]

@stevesterlacci I currently have a Helix. I love the flexibility, but hate tweaking. I hate having to watch endless hours of youtube videos to accomplish what I want, I just need easy straight out of the box. Will the QC be more my speed?

[@javeduddin]

I too would like to know about this.

[@RokDAWG1]

I know just as many people who cling to their amps and then it’s split between people fighting over Fractal, Helix, Quad and AxFx. I love a real amp but when it comes down to it, NOBODY is going to be able to tell in a mix. If sounds are dialed in for the songs, NOBODY will notice one way what’s what. I’ve watched one of my good friends on stage with his real amp rolling into a Torpedo Capture Live and various friends using one of the top modelers & in the mix there was absolutely no difference other than personal playing styles. They all sounded pretty good. It just really comes down to preference and of course that whole stage volume thing. I’m moving into the digital world but am utilizing what I know with my real amps analog amps.

[@powerchord8497]

Fractal makes AxeFx, just fyi.

[@misterringer]

Neither now that Fractal has gapless preset switching (just my opinion of course) If I were looking for a deal, it'd be a used helix since they are rock solid and you can get a better deal than QC.

[@armandom28]

Will your podcast be on Spotify? I noticed there’s already a podcast called the silent stage

[@sjsphotog]

KZbin only?

[@marekgitarzysta5193]

Hybrid mode is available in Helix LT - funny, isn't it? ;)

[@GearStuffandThings]

As a fellas who has a lot of these much like yourself, there are advantages and disadvantages with each. That being said Helix still has the most flexible interface

[@nigeldaddyo]

I can’t wait to see what L6 finally unveils as their next flagship floor modeler. I hope they keep the expression pedal, personally.

[@ymelfilm]

has the quad cortex got as good pitch/trem effect as the virtual jeff?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I don't know what the virtual Jeff is sorry man.

[@ymelfilm]

@@SteveSterlacci it is a pitch shifter and whammy bar effect. Sometimes I have to play tunes in different keys bc of different singers and transposing is not always convenient bc I m an amateur. Worth to check it out, really interesting but a bit bulky

[@artnelsoncreative]

Buy the Tone Master Pro. I’ve had all 3, and the TMP is the best!

[@dv8322]

I haven't owned all three but I do have the Fender TMP and the FR-12 speaker. The Fender TMP is awesome.

[@filtermat]

Ampero Stage.

[@guitartoneSA]

I'd buy a Kemper Stage.

[@bernie_smith]

I personally love that the QC is powered the way that it is. Many of us put the QC on a board alongside other gear requiring power, an advantage of the QC's superb form factor. I like to use a robust and lockable side mounted Powercon connector into my board. I then get to power everything I need using a single quality power supply mounted underneath the board which provides isolated appropriate voltages and amps to each item. I would not like to have to contend with a board that requires multiple IEC power connectors out of necessity.

[@DavidEidelberg]

The TMP is a better size than QC. QC is too small and many of us hit the wrong footswitch while playing live.

[@WholeLottaBulldog]

Shame about everything else about it though

[@DavidEidelberg]

@@WholeLottaBulldog I have both and others and really like the sound and feel of the TMP better.

[@StavrosECC]

HELIX Rack! FTW!

[@henrykc3]

No, you should buy FM9

[@Mike-fc5vp]

Real things valve amp is always better choice .... all rest is only -smoke on the water .

[@joekaras7080]

G.A.S. I'VE GOT IT....

[@steveandrushko75]

I juat git thw Helix Floor a few weeks ago not interested in anything else

[@shellsjoint]

Weird noise came out on your video

[@SteveSterlacci]

Looking into it thank you!

[@SPR-Pedals]

Been a happy helix user for many years. I sold it last week. I can’t help but feel that the next gen Line 6 flagship is around the corner. So I’ve cashed out. If a well priced used QC comes along I may jump on that. But I think the Fractal Audio FM9 would be the dream unit for me, with a Tonex one pedal on hand should I want to dip a toe into the world of captures.

[@edwinkimmusic]

Quad Cortex

[@ultimateattenuator]

Quad Cortex. No brainer. Programming on the fly. It is so close to the desk editor that you need no training from one to the other. Programming Helix is a breeze on the HX Edit. Definitely not on the Helix. Once I was on a gig with the Helix and was messing around on it the day before in some area I don't gig on. I forgot to change it back and couldn't figure out in the few minutes on the gig that I had setting, how to get back to my performance banks. That's the reality. That alone is the game changer, but it gets better. I own a 1967 and 3/4 all-original Marshall Plexi, a 1967 Marshall Superbass, a 1969 50-watt Plexi, a 1974 metal panel Marshall Superlead, a Jim Kelley, a Matchless HC-30 (non-Sampson era, lol), a 1965 JMI AC30, a DrZ Route 66, a Kendrick High Powered Twin Tweed, a Fender Twin, a Fender Deluxe, and a 1955 Supro like Led Zeppelin 1. My cabs are various Marshall, Orange, and Hiwatt 4-12's and a Dr Z Z best, etc. You tell me which modeler would be better for me.

[@JudgeFredd]

Hard choice ...

[@maxamgilbert]

I bought the Headrush Prime instead😂

[@kevinhightower2528]

Nothing will ever take the place of practice 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@powerchord8497]

Who said anything would ?

[@jeffwatson7811]

FM9

[@adieltm]

That’s the dream. Helix for now 🥰

[@mlewmisc]

Buy neither. Go practice

[@Willjrockstar]

Well, often buying gear makes playing more fun and inspirational. Im all about that...but i agree, i just word it a bit differently. it doesnt matter which unit a person chooses to use. Its definitely not the gear holding you back. Im a 40 year schooled player. I use a helix. I wouldnt but a QC or AXE to sound better. I would go practice.

[@mlewmisc]

@@Willjrockstar I hear you!

[@yuxianjin8533]

Yeah! Man! Go practice!👍👍

[@timothy5974]

Exactly, I’m so tired of gear videos at this moment in time. Yes I can choose to watch or pass and sometimes I do, but how many Helix videos do we need. It’s getting old. Just my thoughts on the topic.

[@Willjrockstar]

@@timothy5974 Me too. Why did i watch?🙂

[@Candyman_Young]

Correct answer is... Fractal FM3!

[@ryanhalliwell6671]

Kemper

[@siena9594]

Helix or Quad Cortex?... neither, get a Kemper Stage even after all this time, and with regular 'quality of life' updates, it's still by far the best sounding unit out there, and I've tried most of them

[@jopo6388]

Helix foot switches are failing hello going fractal only way to go. Oh, and sounds are 100 times better

[@SenseiKreese]

IMHO QC is too small, pedals too jammed together, you hit the wrong pedals all the time. If you're gonna go with that size, you need to use less pedals and cram less in. Smaller isn't always better, and I think the obsession with being so small is frankly dumb as shit.

[@onlinescammer8291]

Q: Should you buy a Helix or Quad Cortex in 2024? A: No. Grab an FM3 if you really need to spend more than 1000 bucks on a modeler.

[@janluizleonardi9494]

None. Buy a Fractal.

[@neutralgod300]

You were saying in one of your videos, you like the Pod Go than the Helix It should be compared Pod Go Vs Quad Cortex?

[@TheBbtlegit]

Helix all day for me.