The Best Amp Modeler In 2024 REMATCH! (Things Change....)

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Thanks for watchingour ranking of the following 8 amp modeler / multi-effect units: Fractal Audio FM9, Line 6 Helix, Fender Tone Master Pro, Ampero II Stage, Headrush Prime, Boss GT1000, St. Rock Amperium Live & Neural DSP Quad Cortex. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Cheers!
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An original song of mine with me on vocals: • My First Song w/Vocals...
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[@SonicDriveStudio]

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[@mkbmkbmkb]

Agree 100% on Helix Native being a huge benefit. As someone who switched from Helix to Fractal, and now is back to Helix, the primary reason was Helix Native. When I'm writing/mixing in my DAW I am using Helix Native because it's a million times easier than re-amping and tweaking Fractal presets constantly. Also, if I want a wacky filter effect or something, I can find it on the Helix and spent 2 minutes dialing it to taste. On the Fractal, you can probably get that exact sound but often times you have to spend hours trying to build it from scratch. On the flipside, Fractal's IR management is leaps and bounds better, the fact that you can add a noise gate anywhere in the chain but triggered by the Input block, you have separate volume controls right on the wardware unit for the multiple outputs, etc, make me really wish Line 6 would hurry up and put out a new version

[@dougnulton]

This 100%. I wish Fractal had plugins 😔

[@robertholsman]

Totally agree on this. I use the Helix Native app pretty much exclusively now and the huge advantage the helix platform has over anything else at the moment is the ability to just dump the entire preset from the plugin straight into the hardware unit to play live.

[@Sheriff_Riff]

As a professional musician with many different gigs every week (in France), I chose a HeadRush Prime for several reasons. I knew it wasn't the best of all, but that wasn't a big deal. I needed a tough board with many switches with a large gap between them, an expression pedal, two different signal paths, IRs, and amp sims from others. Plus, Bluetooth and the vocal signal path were necessary for a few events. The HeadRush Prime was the only one that met all my requirements. I worked on one preset for about 3 or 4 months to find the right sound. Today, I use it almost every day, in many situations, both indoors and outdoors. I play many different kinds of songs with one rig. Guitar > Gate > Wah > Pitch > OD 1 > OD 2 > Dist > Amp 1 > Amp 2 > EQ 1 > Dim D > EQ 2 > Slapback > Delay 2 > Spring Reverb > Console. I don't use any amp sims from the unit. One and a half years later and after more than 100 shows, I still don't regret my purchase. In the studio, I've worked a bit with Neural DSP, but it's a bit too synthetic for my ears (SLO 100, Mesa, and Archetypes). Sometimes, I use UAD ones. Otherwise, I use my HeadRush Prime. And I've had a lot of good feedback about my tone.

[@DebowyMocny]

Good luck if you need support from the brand (or communications of what's to come), or expect firmware updates. HeadRush is the absolute worst brand in that respect.

[@DKinMN]

​@@DebowyMocnyWe just got a firmware update last week, friend.

[@DKinMN]

I owned the Helix and Headrush. I kept the Headrush. People are being entirely brand loyal and frankly snobby in their judgments of which modelers are "better" and "worse". It's all very similar modeling technology of very similar amps and effects. In a blind comparison, after trying to get the Helix and Headrush as close as possible with my generic Vox tone, the Headrush sounded better to my ear. And the sound guy at my next gig asked (without knowing I had a new board) why my tone was better this week. Imagine that. I've been perfectly pleased with it. I am missing absolutely nothing from the Helix. The Helix has more stuff, but I don't need more stuff.

[@DKinMN]

Your chain is remarkably similar to mine. I made the EXACT same decision for the same reasons. Many switches. The ability to make a single rig that had low, medium, and high gain. Slapback and ambient delay. Tight reverb and big reverb. All in one scene or rig, and in stomp box format.

[@marksvideochannel3592]

@@DKinMN I have a Helix and more recently added a Headrush. I played a Vox AC30 for years and have to say Helix AC30 is nowhere near what I hear in a Vox. So it is no surprise to me you preferred the HEadrush for a Vox sound. I do LOVE the Helix but feel it lacks in the Vox sound...the MArshalls, really close though!

[@SonovaBish]

I think Line 6's major update on the cabinets and microphones was awesome. Now it's easier to get different tones out of it.

[@rushrulz65]

Haven't found anything I can't do with my Helix yet (in 6 years). Add in Native and the constant updates (3.5 was amazing) and you just can't beat it. I will play my tube Marshall or Boogie amps for a while then pop back to the Helix and always shake my head as how good it sounds and how it just has everything. It really does deserve to be at the top.

[@perryadams3159]

The 3.5 update on the Helix line makes it a completely new unit, honestly. Before that, the cabinets weren't the easiest to get sounding good; after that update, I no longer use IRs.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

Same here. Haven't downloaded a single IR since 3.5.

[@Gautier_14]

I'm thrilled with my GT-1000. It is certainly a little more complicated to program but once you understand how it works, it's great. It is compact and the sound change is instantaneous. It has more effects than the Quad Cortex and is of very good quality.

[@FrankensTone13]

I am a GT-1000 user for 2 years straight, and I am happy still. There is no latency and the Boss effects need no explenation. Additionally(!) I recently compared the units cap/mic IR's against the brand new UA OX Stomp, and guess what, I returned the UA box as it did not convince me in tones. Don't get me wrong, the OX Stomp is fantastic, but not needed for a live musician running a GT-1000, totally my opinion.

[@jourdinthedragon]

Just ordered the GT1000CORE. I'm pretty stoked for it. Will be using the fx loop with ToneX one pedals (that 1ms latency). And often just on its own. Any tips?

[@krissymf]

I use Helix for weddings and hotel gigs. It’s never let me down with my Stratocaster. I love how organic the amp models sound.

[@rmp5s]

To celebrate the SEVEN YEAR anniversary of buying my beloved Axe-FX II, I finally decided to upgrade...my brand new Axe-FX III Turbo that should be here next week. Tons of stuff out there these days but I still think FAS overall leads the pack...their amps are amazing, cabs are awesome, their effects are incredible, the hardware is BEYOND track tested and proven...FAS always has been, and still is, king as far as I'm concerned. The only shortcoming they have is their screen on the front, but honestly...if you're not controlling the thing over usb, I have no idea what you're doing anyway. lol

[@ngronlund]

It’s unfortunate that Line 6 has mostly abandoned the Helix + Variax possibilities. If they introduced a new higher processing power version of the Variax, then it would be a combination capable of anything.

[@Scott__C]

I agree. Stepping on a switch to a new amp/effects AND guitar and pickup combination is amazing. And acoustic tones too.

[@progpogs]

I would like to own a quad cortex, but I don't want to support companies using machine learning or AI where it intersects with creative pursuits, and amplifiers are not an objective measure, but a subjective one, so I consider them an art as well as a tool. I really appreciate fractal and line6's respect of the physical world, by taking the time to model schematics at a component level, and my FM9 sounds incredible.

[@burtsgurt]

I have had my Helix LT for a long time and have tried a few of the other modelers as well. I much prefer the UI and functionality of the Helix. I’m pretty excited to see what Line 6 does next. Hopefully the next gen Helix is slightly smaller though!

[@user-wl7rb5ri5m]

Here’s my ¢2 on modelers. If they are any good then you shouldn’t need any overdrive or distortion pedals. Nothing sounds better than an overdriven amp. Right? Well I have the Boss GT 1000. Instead of using my overdrive pedals (and I have more than a few) or the ones included with the unit I’ve been trying the amp models overdriven themselves. What I found is that they are better at mimicking an overdriven amp than using my pedals or those included in the models. They truly recreate the overdrive sound of the model. The British Stack has that raspiness. The Boutique is smooth and rich. The Fender Tweed (Bassman) has the boxiness we love. Forget about the pedals and use the amp models the way they were intended. I’m more than sure that the other modelers could do the same. I have a bunch of overdrive pedals and the amp models are better. If your modeler can’t do this you need to spend some time twiddling the knobs to get it right. These companies spend $$$ to get this stuff right. Use it. P.S., the Twin clean sounds absolutely fantastic.

[@kez850]

People have been using overdrives for decades. I think you’re saying you get the same tones without using a pedal, which means either they didn’t profile the amps accurately or your input gain is higher than intended which is doing the same/similar thing as an overdrive pedal anyways. At the end of the day it’s all about the sound that comes out of your speakers so if you like it then keep doing what you’re doing 👍

[@assislucian1]

Helix! The best purchase I ever had… I was using a big analog pedalboard… I don’t know why I didn’t tried the Helix before… no way back.

[@SomeDudeDan]

Love my Axe-FX III, it is a beast and Cliff and his team is just amazing with the regular updates. The best part about it is that you can tweak every single aspect of the amps, pedals, effects…etc. It replaced a lot of my tube amps. 🤘🎩

[@Nig6tWalker]

still a Kemper fan,but i really enjoy the QC,Fractal and Tonex

[@MaxPowersTastyTones]

I‘m not that deep into the modeler game but I‘m having a lot of fun with the ToneX One lately. Better late then never! 😅

[@stilwel]

TMP has desktop app as well as iOS and Android apps for full wireless editing over Bluetooth on phones and tablets.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thanks for mentioning that! That's awesome!

[@Sea_Jay]

Put a ToneX One in the loop of the Helix and you have infinte amp models. Upgraded Helix to 2024 standards!

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

Man, the Helix on it's own is up to 2024 standards. This thing is just NUTS, especially after you really get over the learning curve. I just discovered the joys of the Global EQ and I wish I had've known about it when I first got it. Dialing in the stock cabs has been a dream since. I don't need IRs, for sure. Maybe some people will wanna start with IRs, but I'll be another person on the Helix that will tell everyone that they are COMPLETELY unnecessary to get the Helix sounding great, without any doubt in my mind. I can a/b between the best IRs and the Helix cabs and they run neck and neck, especially if you know what to do with the Global EQ.

[@givemeajackson]

Profiles are just not the same thing as models. So rigid...

[@mohitrahaman]

Tonex One has a place in the Sliced Bread Hall of Fame.

[@markvv596]

In my research I chose for the ampero stomp. Reasons include: - Size - Stereo capabilities (I can run acoustic and electric separately live) - Power did not need 3000mAh only 800mAh so can easily run on power supply. - more slots than the line 6 stomp 8 vs 12. - Price, great value for money! - it has allot of stuf in it and works very smooth. It has never crashed or whatever on me. And sounds just fine for me. Amazing actually. - never hardware than a stomp and they update their software.

[@loveaboveall2382]

It's probably my favorite. That's what I want to buy!

[@jezmot]

TMP user here, in Aus I can get it for cheaper than the Fm3/9, QC and Helix, and being a previous helix owner I said why not and bought the TMP. I absolutely adore this unit, I can only see it improving, really great tones, the selection is a tad limited right now, but even if they never added another model, I’d still be happy! Well worth the money, glad to see it climbing the ranks :) thanks for the great vid guys!

[@QuickSticks8771]

Yeah same , everyone losing their shit about price when it came out but it’s the cheapest thing on the market in oz We really do get smashed on price here 🤨

[@picksalot1]

I've got an HX Stomp, and Helix Native. The Stomp sits on my desk, and the learning to use the Knobs directly on the device made a big difference in my ability to dial in great sounds. I got Helix Native on sale, and being able to get something very close to the full Helix Floor experience/power in software, is mind-blowing!

[@RamonChamadoira]

Headrush might be dated, but it's the only platform that actually caters for players who are also vocalist. Yes the Ampero, QC and Helix let you plug a mic (and there are easy hack to do so even on the FM3), but if you wanna properly process voice you need a four part harmoniser and Headrush (shockingly) is the only platform offering this. One wonders why, but I lost hope on most other platforms delivering that... aside TMP - at the rate Fender is developing the unit, let's watch that space!

[@josuastangl7140]

You can also do that on the QC. The harmonizer block gives you two additional voices and you can run up to 4 of those blocks in parallel.

[@QuickSticks8771]

Yeah I’m hoping TM bring some dedicated vocal effects in an upcoming update

[@dropclutch1]

Just clicked on this on a whim and I am wearing the exact same Atari shirt dude is wearing! It must be a sign. I will heed his recommendations!

[@sinnertrain7405]

TMP fan here. It took a lot of tweaking and the firmware updates, but it sounds killer now and provides a wide variety of tones from clean to dirty. Its good for bass and acoustic guitar too. PS - I'm using the TMP exclusively for direct recording in my studio.

[@balinhooofficial]

Switched from FM3 to QC. Both are great, but the captures on QC are a win for me who cannot get a real tube amp at his place.

[@MatthiasBuesing]

Fractal FTW! 🙌

[@nowhereman1402]

Fender TMP user here, couldn’t be happier playing guitar. Also had the fm9 turbo and it’s a beast.

[@bernie_smith]

Regarding the QC, if you mount the unit on a board with other powered equipment it makes total sense not to have an IEC power in. The form factor of the QC is perfect for building a flexible board with additional gear. I have a locking powercon mains connector on my board feeding a CIOKS supply to power all my board with just one mains cable. Having an IEC on the QC would just complicate the issue. I have been gigging the QC since release and in my experience it is totally roadworthy. So no IEC on the QC is a big plus for me.

[@BenEvansCinematography]

On the topic of capturing and profiling, have you experimented much with Neural Amp Modeler? It's the most accurate I've ever used. Being able to capture my gear and use them in a plugin has been a gamechanger!

[@checkitout611]

Lots of good ones out there. Had a QC and sold it simply because they were super slow with things. QC sounds great and is super fast to dial things in. Have the Tonex and Kemper Stage but I find myself playing the Kemper far more simply because time spent dialing things in and it does it all. Once you make or find the profiles that work for you it's just fantastic and I do love it. With that said if someone already has pedals they love the Tonex is an easy choice here and super affordable and a can't miss choice.

[@bobgian1]

My 2 favorite tubers in 1 video. Awesome! Keep it going guys, keep it going.👍👍

[@LonelyRocker]

Cheers mate!!

[@Tognar]

Yeah. Headrush doesn’t deserve last. It’s the easiest to use and get good tones quickly from. If you struggle with parameter fatigue, this one is for you. Spent less time tweaking and more time rocking.

[@Antitrump7431]

Sold the crappy Headrush Prime for the Fender, huge upgrade and no regrets. And I agree with you the presets and captures are way more realistic and the Fender is much more user friendly without a pc than your top 3. The quality of the assembly is also outstanding.

[@Sispheor]

I sold my headrush for the TMP as well. No regret. I love the unit and the support from fender.

[@kimberlygaeta7205]

Crazy comment. Fender doesn't compare to the Core.

[@xxdr34m5xx_4]

I'm a Fender Tonemaster Pro, it's really such a good unit, and it's still in his baby shoes, i love this thing 🥰

[@brianmiller3287]

I also love the TMP. I guess I'm not alone after all. Got the FR -12 at the same time. I can't really imagine my guitar sounding better...

[@swardmusic]

​@@brianmiller3287what have you used previously?

[@Sispheor]

I have the TMP with FR 12 as well. Just perfect. The community is getting bigger every day! ❤

[@gwynbleiddroach2589]

​@@Sispheorhave had since around launch, got rid of the helix after I got the tone master.

[@theshredder456]

I found my Headrush MX5 was immediately great for cleans but it sucked for metal tones. Using a tubescreamer before and an EQ pedal after the amp changed everything for most of the amp models. I enjoy it almost as much as my Fractal FM3.... Its just takes more work to get good tones. Buying the full sized Headrush products over Helix/Fractal doesnt make a ton of sense though (imo).

[@ThomasOnGuitar]

At this point, you can`t really go wrong with any of the "top-tier" devices. They all have pros and cons. But you have to choose what YOU like. I`ve been using modelers since way back when, but my first really good experience was with the Helix. A great unit till this day, but when it comes to amp sounds , it is nowhere near the QC or the Fractal.(Just my opinion 😉)

[@dnottis]

Saying the Headrush Prime is repacked Eleven rack is like saying the Helix is a repackaged Line 6 Pod bean.

[@piotrchrzanowski8640]

If only IK Multimedia released a tonex multi-effect with more banks, effects, expression pedal and let us take best of both worlds.

[@kempman9811]

Using a kemper for years and I know why. It is still the best unit and the fx are outstanding meanwhile. I also use a nux mg30 as a backup. Check that budget thing out, it has an IR loader and the sounds are not bad for the bucks. Miss some tiny functions there but for 280€ it is a funny thing to play with. Software for desktop included.

[@andrewmorgan1640]

Great to meet you guys at Gear Street! I have Hx Stomp, Fractal FM3, QC, Kemper and Tonex. One big plus I have found with the kemper it that the same hardware has improved massively with software over a long period of time. That just doesnt happen that much anymore. Honestly, I find the Kemper more accurate than the tonex, but love the tonex for size and on pedal board dropping. Never been attracted to the headrush, dont know why, must have been asleep that day. Love my QC.

[@samizdat113]

I got a used GT-1000 for $450 and integrated the ToneX pedal in the loop. It's fricken awesome.

[@edruiz1202]

I own a Headrush pedalboard and I think it sounds great. Easy to use bad thing is i can’t update it so my next purchase will probably be the fender tone pro. No more Headrush. Also I used to have the pod go and I preferred the Headrush way more. Don’t think Headrush should be last on this list.

[@jordanprysmiki5361]

I love the amp and effect models of the hotone ampero. Zero issues.

[@RobertNaik]

I got a hottone stomp after watching something John cordy was playing with it. it sounds as good to me as a lot of the nural dsp plugins I have. Only thing is octaver not great. But I have a lot of pedals anyway so this just fits in well.

[@alexgenova9632]

Another unique thing about the helix is the integration with Variax guitars. Insanely useful for playing live. Instead of bringing 3-4 guitars with different tunings, and acoustic guitar, and a sitar (paint it black) i just bring the Variax. Different presets/snap shots reconfigure the Varaix for each song. The electric guitar models are just OK sounding, and the 12 string models are just weird sounding, but the acoustic models and the sitar sound very good.

[@igorstavtsev5962]

Yeah-yeah-yeah, very important stuff…where’s the chug, Jon? Chugging is good for health, chugging makes friends! All in all, for me it’s Boss GT1000Core with ToneX in the loop, and, hunting the Ibanez Pentatone now…will be very neat little pedalboard. Good to see you and Dan🤘 Cheers

[@guitartoneSA]

How can you do a digital tone box shootout of 2024 and not include the Kemper PLAYER and STAGE?? Considering the Kemper is still used by more stadium touring bands than any other modeller.

[@jkoski2112]

You mentioned the Fractal FM9 having USB issues...? I literally just sent my unit back for repairs due to it not connecting to my computer. Two different computers wouldn't recognize the unit. I'd love to hear more info on this issue if anyone has details! Thanks

[@SonicDriveStudio]

That's a shame, sorry to hear that. Ib my case the Fractals sometimes disconnect the USB when there's a power spike or fluctuation, like when I turn on or off an amp for example

[@Liam_Doherty_UK]

I’ve had them all, favourite is the QC, especially now the effects are excellent. My Engl & 5150 captures are spot on and flawless. Perfect piece of equipment

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Yeah it's such a fun unit!!

[@robertholsman]

I don't understand the general feeling that if a unit doesn't have a touchscreen then it's dated - yet the touchscreen seems to be so goed out in almost every case as "needing work"! In terms of the GT1000 display looking "dated" - yes, true. But that monochrome display with huge letters is visible from a distance on a stage in bright sunlight, unlike anything else on this list. So, depends on your priorities!

[@angrybalkon1471]

I'm a FM3 and AmperiumLive user, the quality of AMP modeling is amazing. Also I have Helix Native , but I use it very rarely

[@martinhensley2377]

I am sorry to mention, that the Mooer GE1000 and GE300 is a better product than the Hotone Ampero 2. I wish you would say something about these products are great. I have both of them and i run them both.

[@donniejean]

I just got them both. I think they both sound great, but the Li version of the GE1000 is awesome. Why can’t they all run off battery? Even the hotone Mini should at least be able to do that with it’s size!

[@fentaNick]

Hi Folks, i sold my FM3 for the Helix. It was to complicated to Change Parameters when we had an audience, with the FM3. And the Sound dosn.t work and would need a little bit adjustments and tweaking sometimes with the Band. When Fractal would allow to tweak it with an Ipad and an Editor, it would be easier but the Platform on the unit are to Complex. But the Helix allow me this to Change every Parameter to adjust easy Fix in the Situations. And i don't need the Helix editor live. This is why i sold Fractal. The Sound of the gear is awesome, but Line6 is awesome to and easier to edit for me.

[@jimamsden]

Helix also has Powercab and Variax integration. I agree with your top three but would reorder them based on flexibility and tone for live guitar use: FM9, Quad Cortex, Helix. FM9 has the best tones, footswitch layouts, gapless switching, and deep editing of amp and effect models. This puts it at the top for me. But I'm keeping and using all three for different purposes.

[@outlawfrank88]

I can't agree with you about Headrush. Just because you struggle with sound doesn't mean it deserves to be last. I bought Headrush Prime after being a Line6 fanboy for years. Headrush is great. Amplifiers sound organic, in my opinion slightly better than Helix. Effects are good, there is AMP CLONE wich is a big deal. With high-quality IR, you can get a sound that's second to none. By the way, I'm selling the Line6 POD GO!

[@mitchdeathblossom]

Helix still kicking asses a decade later...

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

Headrush doesn't have any PC editing software and they COMPLETELY IGNORE the community that's been begging for it since it was released. Sold mine, bought the Helix Rack with the Foot Controller. If you're on a budget, the Boss GT-100 (not the 1000) is still very good, especially if IRs aren't all that important. I use the Helix and don't use IRs at all.

[@idhindsight]

Yep. Sold my flagship original pedalboard and got a TMP, love it. Sick of waiting for updates. Last update was a year ago for the Headrush!

[@kimberlygaeta7205]

Nobody wanted PC software for Headrush. Totally unnecessary.

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

HELIX GANG REPRESENT! I really mean this when I say it: there's practically nothing left on the table with that device, it does damn next to everything. You can TOTALLY ditch ever buying another pedal ever again. The MANY amp/cab models are great too, especially once you really figure out how to use the different kinds of EQs available (particularly, the Global EQ will save you a crap-load of effort later on). Admittedly, I didn't vibe immediately with the Helix like I did with the HD500X I bought a couple weeks prior. But I stuck with it and I'm damn glad I did, it's just massive. There's a reason why Line 6 is in no rush to put out a new device even though this thing has around 10 years.

[@mwoodmx]

Good info. Nice work. A couple comments. I'm a huge BOSS GTK fan for many reasons. Every patch has a ton of editability. Typically done on an IPAD and not on the unit. The BOSS effects are killer. It does have killer amps but you have to pay attention to the overall level through the whole chain. Most don't do this. So, I would say it's more tempermental than others. Where it really shines is in a "hybrid" environment in 4cm configuration. Sub outs to FOH and outputs to amps. So real amps (preamp and power amp) can be leveraged and BOSS amp models can be used.

[@tomstone8716]

Between the Quad Cortex and Tone Master Pro, which would you think would be easier for someone who is less experienced with digital gear?

[@ryanwooten5902]

I get why you didn't review Kemper... With a Kemper you can find the right profile out there and it'll sound the best, for the individual.

[@joshuaray2657]

I use a red line 6 pod go and have been happy with the results being able to use third party IR's. I believe if you have good drum tones that you can craft great usable guitar and bass tones around that using the deep editing software in any modeler.

[@jeffjolliereticulatedpytho5962]

I have thought about a modeler but it seems kind a confusing for me I am old school and just have used amps but this is a good video thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@msi1985]

Always appreciate a re-evaluation video like this. I have had most of the modelers on this list with exception to the fractal stuff. I ended up sticking with the quad cortex mainly because I use a lot of their plugins and kept my fingers crossed for when plugin compatibility became a thing! The current plugins are absolutely phenomenal by the way you should absolutely mess around with them more or do some full videos on them they certainly warrant a good look!

[@smoothsavage2870]

Have you ever purchased something that you didnt know how great it was when you purchased it? That was me with the Helix lol. I was just trying to get a great multi-FX unit. Saw the Helix first and impulse bought it (irresponsible ik... 😅). I got so much more than i expected or bargained for. Probably going to have it until the Helix 3 is released. SN: It really feels like the amp/effects modelling world is a lot similar to the DAW world in some aspects.

[@achutomo]

Nice comparison, what should i choose from using ME80 to others modellers ? Thank you

[@jconner3891]

Fractal. I’m bias I have the fm 3. I’ve also have a helix.

[@AutopsySuiteable]

I’ve had helix native since it came out but I’ve never tried the hardware. Compared to my axfx3 I think it sounds and feels terrible and it’s hard to get a convincing sound even with the same IR. Anyone that has both have you found the hardware to be any better? I like the was the unit looks and they are a good deal used and want one in my collection but not if it’s not even a slight improvement to native. Perhaps the dedicated input stage would help like it does on the axfx3?

[@gangrenebob7281]

Good video thanks. Too lopsided on studio comments. As a zero interest studio use person but 100% interest in live gig use interest, please add a few comments for live use. The Fractal stuff is crazy unaffordable for mortals. The Helix FX content and interface is top notch and very relevant, but the amp models for live use are very lackluster. Just something missing about them. Best to use 4CM and a real amp of choice if using Helix. To the point where the full model and LT are pointless for live use. Get the smaller unit like a stomp and be happy with the amp that you've bought. One note, the Helix out of of the box sounds terrible. Lots of tweaking needed to get over that initial hump.

[@carloscedillo5081]

Yep, I don’t agree 😂 you can get amazing tones in the headrush prime

[@ForrestWest]

I'm just a home player and I have the Helix LT and the headrush 11 and I think they both sound great. I have a lot of fun playing both of them and I do believe the Helix is my first choice most of the time. The computer interface is nice and you can do whatever you need to do on the pedal and it just sounds great through FR speakers and monitors. As a third option I just got a Katana 100 watt Mark 2 head and it integrates really well with all the rest of it

[@Paul_Medic]

There are great tones in all of the above and there are not so great tones in all of the above. Songwriting along with mixing/mastering is far and beyond the most important thing, not a single mono guitar tone by itself. All these units are awesome. Most people’s songwriting and mixing skills suck, not their tone. 😜

[@ecorona21]

Got the Ampero Stage to replace my Tonex pedal and I dont think thats going to happen soon, Ampero sounds thin and needs a lot of EQ to get it to sound right, my main complain is with Chorus effect, it sounds like a flanger, and with the RTN/Send it colors the tone way too much... I'm amazed how no one has complain about it. So as the masochistic I am, currently making them both work.

[@Scott__C]

I think people get hung up too much on having 4 million amps in a unit when most folks use 2 or 3 tones. ISP make some cool stuff as well as the Atomic AmplifireBox. The good part is that there's lots of great gear to use! Really, just pick one and go with it. The more familiar you get, the more you'll learn about it and the better it'll sound.

[@fromoutofuniverse]

All I know for sure, this guys had a lot of fun. I'm jealous

[@willman100]

Also Pod Go. At least it gets you in the ballpark.

[@TheManglerPolishDeathMetal]

had headrush for 1 month and sold it .

[@reaprendendoguitarra]

I think that people should be less passionate about their favorite modeler and recognize that all the "big guys" are top units and NONE of them are bad or worse than the other... if you spend some time in of those units (the ones above the $1000) you're going to be able to get extremely great tones with them, period. Even The Zoom G11 with some extra effort can reach a professional state. In the world of IRs and Amp Cloning modelers have reached a higher level, especially if you compare them with older units like Boss GT 10 and Line 6 Pod X3 Live. With that said, I believe that the HEADRUSH PRIME can proportionate more to professional musicians than the others... not because it sounds better, but because you can do more with it. But like I said before all of them are likely great, and the only way that you're gonna get bad tones with them it is because you didn't want to spend some extra time with them.

[@yanfabie168]

Helix has good effects and is very transparent in the signal, making it great in an amp's effects loop. However, it is much less reliable than a Fractal or Kemper. When well-programmed and using "tone matching" (only available on the Axe-Fx III), Fractal still sounds much better to my ears.

[@derekgullett666]

What shelves do you have?

[@shredenvain7]

I've owned both the Headrush Gigboard and the Pod Go for years now. Honestly the Headrush sounds much better to me when it comes to getting a decent sound for home recording than the pod go. The Pod Go has a much larger set of Metal Amps to choose from but they have issues when it comes to getting a useable high end and low end for saturated tones. The Headrush has its problems to. The 5150 model in the Headrush doesn't sound or work like a 5150 at all. You have to play a game with the president gain and post gain to get a useable tone but the Mark 2c+, Slo 100 and Dual recto models are easy to use and sound great.

[@MotoRiff77]

Axe fx is great but upgrading hardware as much as they do is too much for me

[@Banker1221]

I have the BOSS GTK, and while i agree that it "looks" dated, i believe thats by design. The GT has the best processing power out of all these and its just a no BS unit. You have to turn some knobs to get it dialed in, but if throw this thing in the loop of your favorite amp.. i think it can be right there with helix. Just a bigger learning curve.

[@CorNigrum]

I respect Line6 a lot for updating their product and providing value to their customers. That's exemplary behaviour for a company making a digital product. That said, I got a Helix Stomp in 2020 to play at home during Covid, and I have always struggled to get a good dynamic metal amp tone out of it compared to my real tube amps. Lots of effects and flexibility, but for me personally, a great, dynamic, amp in the room sound is more important than all those bells and whistles, and I don't think the Helix is the best option for those players nowadays.

[@Scott__C]

Seems like it was designed with a long range plan in mind.

[@normanwaller2924]

I can’t believe you have less than 100,000 subscribers. Your content is excellent. You’re playing is superb. must be the hate factor..

[@SonicDriveStudio]

@normanwaller2924 thanks a lot! Working on it :)

[@guitartoneSA]

But for some bizarre reason they forgot to include the Kempers. 😂 It's like doing a guitar shootout without Fender.

[@Elink321]

Is there a tone difference between the Helix Native and the Helix Floor Pedals?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

No

[@Elink321]

@@SonicDriveStudio Appreciate the feed back 👍

[@tgstk2]

ok here's a question to you @SDS... seeing all those HAF amps behind you and all the modelers... when not working for youtube or anything.., what do you use for jamming around? real amp,, modeler or amp sim?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

@@tgstk2 that varies a lot! Sometimes an amp, sometimes a modeler, sometimes not plugged in at all

[@valeroharold]

The Mooer GE300 or GE1000 LI were not included in your TOP 10. They would be interesting. Regards!.

[@mauricegaddin293]

Tx SDS Good to relook at the platforms and comparisons. Depends on your needs, budget, capabilities, and ego, what you may choose going ahead. You may choose a platform or an ecosystem(including the pc software) like HX and could be good, or one of the more powerful hardware platforms yip and some other platforms coming out and not compared here also have more features and capabilities. One of SDS's videos highlighted the HX vs a real amp can be so close even after a time, digital wont age analogue may. So if that close to your sound may be relevant. Different strokes for different folks. All would meet my needs.. Tx

[@chrisgonzales5880]

I couldn't wait for the comparison video. I bought the St rock React ir 2 before they sold out. I don't know if or when they might have it back in stock. The pressure got me. FORGIVE ME. 😅

[@stRockOfficial]

Do you mean Amperium? Amperium is realy out of stock. But React:IR's is in stock yet. -)

[@chrisgonzales5880]

​@@stRockOfficial no I mean react IR II. I was waiting for the comparison video since John said he was going to do the comparison. There was 20 left and selling fast 😊

[@user-ij5ny6uc9f]

On the Fender Tone Master can you copy your own amps like Kemper and the Axe III and Quad Cortex? I heard the Fractal FM9 cannot copy or capture your own amps.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Not yet, don't know if it will be added. The Axe Fx can only copy the eq curve. It's a tone match, not a profile

[@felipebarco]

I understand every list is very personal and subjective. But putting the Boss behind the Ampero and the Amperium is a long long stretch.

[@Renato_Cara]

Ampero is great, just the modulation effects aren`t that good unfortunately. Looks like the amp sim and cabs are on the level of Quad Cortex but the Chorus, pitch shifter and phasers are on the level of a 90s chinese 16 bit synth. Great cost x Benefit relation tough.

[@iagobroxado]

Pitch shifter, octaver, auto wah and Phase 90 from the Ampero are awful, I'll testify.

[@Mar33322]

Love all that gear but I am still a fan of real amps for live and recording .

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@cantemirash]

The best is missing from your list.

[@orioncodesg]

If price is option then hotone is the best. If money isn’t an option you want some future proof, fender tone master pro is where I would put my money.

[@samizdat113]

If Boss integrates NAM into a GR-1100 they will own the market.

[@tel5690]

I miss the old days Just one amp and turn it up Marshall or Soldano or Mesa boogie or hell Fender for the blues guys. I have the first headrush not prime.. Might step to fractal in a year or two. Way to much saturated products out there nowadays. I do prefer one of those amps in the background

[@JasminMusic1602]

So much guitar toys on market...and so little guitar playing and albums !!!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Whatever makes people happy