The Best Modeler in 2023? Fractal, Line 6 or Neural DSP?

[@lanceholland]

The reality is that all of these boxes sound really good in 2023. The difference in sound quality is imperceptible in the FOH mix with a band. It's a matter of what interface and form factor works for you.

[@davidropertz9996]

100%!

[@sacredgeometry]

Yep, but then how will advertisers justify their existence?

[@nicolashauss4075]

Very true, I’ve run FOH with guitarists using fractal, neural dsp and helix, and how good they sound is always more about how they program their patches rather than which platform they’re using (and most importantly how good they’re able to play ofc)

[@blackroyaltoni]

"It's a matter of what interface and form factor works for you." - TRUE 100%

[@ryanflores8272]

Fractal is better

[@andivax]

Rabea said QC is the best. And after that he switched to Analog 😅😅😅

[@khamadiojiambo]

Got a Helix LT and love its usability and sounds but would love to get onto the Fractal FM9 but out of my budget right now. I love how Line 6 continuously update their stuff! Its like unwrapping a new gift every so often!

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

I'm glad to own a KEMPER Stage. With the upcoming update about "LIQUID Profiling" for all KEMPER units, it will be another level ahead...again! CHEERS.

[@MoXyiD]

Fractal All Day! Customizability is a crucial feature for me - and Axe FX reigns supreme in that regard.

[@Guitarzan8]

Support that I got was fantastic!

[@xnewman96x]

QC for me. Form factor is great, small enough that it can live on my desk while i'm playing at home, but is also big enough for gig use. Also it can run 2 guitars, bass and vocals through it at the same time, which has been great for my band to experiment with.

[@Polletross]

Love the design and the power and the interface for sure. And being able to have a guitarist and a bassist in one QC would be insane for small band live shows.

[@rubenhartmannandreassen1044]

Never thought I would enjoy "Waves" by Guthrie Govan on top of "Looking for somebody to love" by The 1975. It totally works tho...

[@truescotsman4103]

I really like the Boss GT-1000 Core. 32bit digital signal path is what sold me. The frequency response and clarity is off the charts. All of these modelers sound great. The GT1000 Core is a tiny pedal that does a lot of amazing stuff. I'm getting serious 80s rack chorus tones.

[@razznote7586]

And has a great very low latency, mostly others compete with quantity, while Boss offers great quality!

[@truescotsman4103]

@@razznote7586 I'm all about the 32-bit signal path. Pretty much everyone else is 24-bit still. I can hear it in the highs and the dynamics

[@wickedmetalhead]

I have Ampero 2 Stomp. It has 24 bit signal path. I'm really intrigued with how everyone is raving about 32 bit signal. Does that really make a lot of difference? I am inclined towards getting a Gt1000 or core. Thanks

[@davelouis4004]

@@wickedmetalheadit does make a difference !

[@dmytrotarasov9477]

Looks like an ad bot comment.

[@JustinZak7]

John Cordy - "The Leonardo DiCaprio of modelers."

[@duster722]

I suspect there are more one-liners where that came from. 😂 Keep them coming, John…

[@brendanbyrne3028]

Lmao nice

[@housetoocrowded7825]

Has a new one before the end of a gig 😂

[@ezequielrangelmanuel7565]

Hahahaha.…. 😂

[@3mstudiospalmdesert]

This is a great video. My pics in order are #1, Quad Cortex 2. Helix. 3 or 4 goes to Fractal or Kemper which I never really got on with very well but I keep trying. HX Stomp is fun but I can't really gig with it so it's more of a remarkable toy for me.

[@MiguelGuitars]

Boss GX 100 for me works, easy to dial in, super low latency, more than 2 delays, and doesn’t break the bank. 🤘🏻

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

I am blown away how good mine sounds now that it's dialed in. Glad to finally hear someone give the GX100 the recognition it deserves.

[@sixtyaffairs]

Same here. I had the Helix, a Kemper Stage and a Headrush. Nothing satisfiying me more than the GX100. It does everything I need. Sure you need to do your own Presets but thats fun and easy. I have access to 2 Gain Stages, 2 Modulation Effects , 2 Delays , Volume Pedal / Wah and a Looper direct on the board and I use it like a Pedalboard .

[@MichaelRasco]

I have to agree. Although I still won't let go of my Quad Cortex because it's so quick and easy. It's pretty incredible that I can have studio-grade amps and effects wherever I go with the FM9. Also love that you used Looking for Somebody by The 1975 in your intro riff!

[@johnnathancordy]

Man I love that tune - saw it live in January!!

[@gilberthroca1003]

How you can reduce quad cortex latency? If I’m playing a clean and then want to switch to a distortion, I love sometimes using a pick up of a distortion like a seconds ago to the bar. quad cortex latency doesn’t let me to do it

[@MichaelRasco]

@@gilberthroca1003 depends how you’re using it. The only time you’ll get latency from the Quad is if you’re switching between presets. Try using it in scene mode or even just stomp mode .

[@dr.gregoryweisswassernd7251]

You sound great on them all. Helix is the right price for most players.

[@Sea_Jay]

I haven't been completely satisfied with a modeler until I finally caved after watching all your videaos and bought an HX Stomp. Paired with a midi controller for extra buttons, it's perfect. Grab just the HX on it's own for practic with the band. Hook in the midi controller for gigs for more access to presets and snapshots. The HX just gives me the feel and tone I haven't been able to find.

[@loveguitars]

Awesome. 👍 Possible to make a video of the best Budget Modelers that most of us can afford? 🙏

[@catsven1973]

I think the line 6 Pod Go is a great option

[@metallica3604]

​@@catsven1973Nux... Line 6 is not budget

[@edwardprete]

@@metallica3604 I bought a used Line 6 Pod Go for $200. It’s one of the best purchases I’ve made. They routinely sell for under 350 used.

[@catsven1973]

@@metallica3604 yeah it’s a bit expensive but you got for the money .. under that price you spend money to get bad sounding stuffs .. consider the Pod Go it’s a great deal .. I prefer putting money in serious stuff than buying anything that I ll regret the next day..the pod Go brand new is in the price of the Pod HD back in the day.. in 2009 I bought a pod X3 live 480€ .. and the helix LT in 2018 for 980€.. you can find nice deals as Edward said like under 300$/€.. whether it’s HX stomp or a pod Go.

[@catsven1973]

@@edwardprete yeah very possible.. and indeed it’s a great deal .. congratulations.

[@Clive007]

I have both; the Quad Cortex and the Fractal FM9, Fractal blows the Quad away, in every aspect of sound, effects, support, desktop editor.

[@canyonrider9]

Interesting. I thought about getting a Quad Cortex, to have something more portable for rehearsals, since I don‘t want to move my whole rack with the Axe FX 3 with additional cases. The FM9 would be then be the obvious choice. What made you essentially to prefer the FM9 over the Neural Quad Cortex?

[@Clive007]

@@canyonrider9 so many reasons, from stability, reliability, to Software and Firmware but the ultimate test/reason is actually quite simple; For sound, the FM9 blows the QC away it sounds fantastic.

[@ozmusic3035]

the FM9 is 1699 $ in usa and it's 2319 € in europe (that makes 2452 $ once converted) the diference of price is 750 $ between US and europe!!! Thnak you G66

[@joemiller9856]

Excellent summary of modeler options John! I went for the headrush prime when it came out for its utility and ease of use. It’s delivered on that for sure but to your point it is quite huge. My office is triple duty KZbin recording and music studio plus proper office for leadership coaching and private community work. It’s great to have an all in one platform with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that I can pull out of the closet drop on the floor and switch into music mode in minutes. The tones I get are good but to my ears I do miss the creamy, smooth reverbs and delays I had in the fractal world. I’m a bit fickle admittedly and may change again but I think I have come to the conclusion that an all in one approach is for me. I love being able to set everything up in just a couple of minutes be it at home or on stage with something that inspires me. We will see if headrush ups their game or not, that will determine if I stick with them.

[@jasonwright4144]

I finally got an fm9 last year and I could not be happier with it. It is amazing for live use and home recording!

[@MOAB-UT]

UI ain't great.

[@jasonwright4144]

@@MOAB-UT ? Have you tried it? I think it’s probably one of the best. It’s harder to use than some yes, but that’s because of how much tweakability you have

[@MOAB-UT]

@@jasonwright4144 Yes Jason- I was on the waitlist a year, then snagged a FM9 Turbo. I loved the tone but the UI was pretty antiquated. I tried to deal with it since it is otherwise so good, if not a little big and heavy. After a few months though I decided to sell it (lost nothing.) I bought a cheap MG-30 to tie me over until Cliff decides to catch up with the UI. If it was $1,000, no big deal but for $1800 (ship+tax), I wanted better on unit editing. FM9-Edit is fine. I am not a pro so it probably bothers me more than you. I mostly do coffee table editing. It's also not as fun to tweak than even an Ampero II with it's nice touchscreen- $400. My MG-30 was $200 and the UI is a dream. Sure, they are not nearly as complex but still, bright, colorful and intuitive screens- Ampero is Touchscreen. Every parameter is where you think it should be and it takes less steps to make changes on the unit. I know some pro's who leave their FM9 at home and take their Stomp to gigs given it's form factor and superior UI. I don't like the tone or effects in the Stomp nearly as much but in a mix you would be hard pressed to tell any difference. To each their own. I will replace the FM9- hopefully soon but not until they revamp that dated UI. A MKII Turbo version won't likely be enough. I will wait years if needed. Fortunately for me, I am just a hobbyist bedroom player so it's no big deal. I love great tone though. In 2023 these things should have color touchscreens, bluetooth and be easy to use. Saw your jams- pretty cool. I like your Jazz Vibes playing. I just learned the trick to play along with any major scale using the well known pentatonic shapes- works great. You are like me- you lean heavy on the scales. I need to learn more riffs to make it sound more musical and less scale like. I like my shapes though! Now if they came out with a modeler that made me play better I would buy one! Have you discovered this cat yet? Sean Mann out of UK- one of the best players I ever heard- spot on to SRV, Mayer, Hendrix kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnOxaK2AYraXi7M&ab_channel=SeanMann and kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5TcdqSZjKxga5Y&ab_channel=SeanMann I might take some of his online lessons. He uses the Line6 Helix Native plug in. His tone is spot on- I mean spot on. Cheers- keep Rockin'- you sound great! 😀

[@ChristopherOrth]

Anyone who feels that the Fractal range is too expensive, add up the total value of all the stuff on your pedal board. A couple Strymons or an h9 blow the budget right there. Pretty funny to watch people with a straight face say that an FM3/FM9 are too expensive while standing next to their 3k+ pedal boards.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

Well, it surely is way more expensive than stomp xl or lt so

[@sebrura]

Boss still have amazing feeling, though. Their modellers sound phenomenal, imo. And this comes from someone who has a FM3 and Kemper Stage along with a GX-100. We are all victims of marketing :-) I have a Yamaha Dreamstomp incoming, that’s one I look forward to.

[@Scott__C]

I liked their approach of not doing every amp in existence.

[@robnorris8053]

Thank you.. I've basically decided to go with Line 6 floor modelers after agonizing over money Vs. sound/functionality..

[@pogoism1]

I really want to buy an HXstomp but I am scared that Line 6 will release an updated version soon.

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

Even if they did, the XL is a fine device in its own right and I don’t regret it or my Helix Floor. 👍🏽 But with confidence.

[@1717jaydog]

It’s not that old, I doubt a new one is coming in the next 2 years.

[@karmatv4975]

That Guthrie Govan Waves lick in there was *chefs kiss*

[@robotx4242]

Pod Go for me. My needs are very basic, I'm on a budget, it's compact, and I don't like taking expensive gear to dodgy gigs. Pod Go, Marshall DSL40cr or Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and I'm good. (The FM9 is on my wish list though.)

[@johanjotun1647]

Your playing is so smooth they all sound great, is my only takaway... I guess as offensive as it is to say the touchscreen and form factor are more important to me than the tone, that QC can sit on the arm of my easy chair and I'd have an easier time figuring out how to use. Also your comment about the more mature products doing things better, makes me think that the short comings will see improvement over time.

[@evenstephen2000]

The Neural plugins have been the best for me. I think they have all risen to a level to where…whatever you find works for you is the best for you. As they say…it’s a great time to be a guitarist. So many great choices!

[@sea-saw2654]

I can't really say I understood half of what you were saying but I absolutely appreciate you taking the time.. I have a line 6 Lt and I love it altho it never sounds quite like you make it sound but that's definitely me. 👍

[@KordTaylor]

Thank you. This is a great video and I appreciate your comments on rating the amp modelers. 👏🏻

[@jameskellam2980]

I have one of each. A fm9, a helix ans a hr prime. I like them all for different reasons. The prime for intuitive quick setups, introducing others to modelers, and it is a blast to tinker with. The fractal for serious sound mangling and deep dives, good studio board. The helix is kinda in between. It is my goto gigging platform atm, easy to troubleshoot and alter on the fly, and awesome gigging ui. The sound on all 3 are way anove what one would expect. The Prime may seem large, but my medium pedalboard was larger and way heavier. I still like pedals and amps, but that is more for my own enjoyment. There are times I can play for hours in front of my amps. But for taking stuff somewhere else to play, the modeler goes with me and the amps stay at home. One thing most amp lovers rarely talk about is the inconsistency of amps, neon lights and dirty power hell, and the problems of dialing in amps in certain rooms. I dont seem to have anywhere near those problems with solid state gear. It just works. Your mileage may vary.

[@0xDUAL]

Glad to hear you touch on the Kemper for a bit, as an owner that arrived quite late to the game when the Stage was released, it's comforting to know it's still not quite dead. I was wondering for quite some time if I should've just got a Helix instead. I'm still pleased with it especially being unaware at the time that this is essentially decade old hardware at this point. Though I do prefer UI and flexibility of Helix and FM being able to adjust the circuit / effects looping and obviously this is the benefits of having the extra power those DSP chips can afford. That said there's some good features on the horizon for the Kemper with the new liquid profile - tone stack emulation coming soon, so that's something to look forward to, I suppose. It's interesting to hear from someone who's basically tried it all. Great video.

[@colebertram8482]

1:00 woah woaaah woooaaah sneaking some guthrie govan waves in there ? Nice little Easter egg. Perfect

[@Mr_Bollie]

I couldn't get the FM3 react to dynamic playing or rolling down the guitar's volume pot in the way I'm used to from guitar amps. Neither with the factory default presets, nor with my own. I then discovered the Helix, which does a a great job at that. However the Floor was too chunky and it's a bit "flat-sounding", so eventually I ended up going for the QC. No complaints there, either. It is a bit of a shame, as I liked the tweakability of the FM3.

[@michaelpal7641]

The issue is also the learning curve-I looked at the Kemper, Helix, Fractal (FM3's are out of stock) and buying a used profiler/modeler is a recipe for wasted money and heartache. Have researched (heaven forbid) the IK Multimedia Tonex- Most if not all videos are the same-full of chuga, chuga, chuga ad nauseum!! The gear is full of so much information that you need to push, press, tweak, download, along with countless subscriptions (Steinberg comes to mind) the performance ends up being compromised before ever setting foot on stage in a solo, duo or full band setting. At this point in time, it looks like a Quad Cortex in my future for the graphic method it utilizes. Thank you kindly John.

[@brendanpmaclean]

If my FM3 and my QC would just get jiggy, I reckon the result would be just about perfect.

[@bartnettle]

To me the Fractal has that squelchy scrinchy scratchiness in the tone similar to my MG 30 which uses similar whitbox modeling algorithm . The Helix doent have it in your demo and it sounds better to me. Incidentally the MG30 has your presets in it ,which I like. I live in Australia where costs are way higher due to shipping and seemingly arbitrary currency exchange value against the World money LOL

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

I was about to pull the trigger on a Headrush Prime when I saw the price in US dollars, I balked, when I saw the price in Australian dollars :)

[@MitchellSpille]

Why isn't kemper on this list? Its still one of the best if not the best sounding digital amp solution. Sure, the UI is a bit dated, but the sounds are absolutely killer, far better than anything line 6 has come up with, and the kemper hardware isn't changing any time soon so your device won't become obselete after buying.

[@zonakmahanta]

It's good but not free from the digital harshness... But your playing is just beautiful😍❤

[@Eric-dd8bk]

lol Can't believe there still are people who criticize modelers for sounding digital in 2023

[@kylefletcher8489]

I’m a huge fan of my FM9. Sold a QC and don’t really miss it. Also have a stomp. I would love a stomp xl 2.0 with scribble strips and double the DSP. I think that would really contend with the FM9

[@josuastangl7140]

What have been the biggest differences between the QC and FM9 for you?

[@kylefletcher8489]

@@josuastangl7140 so since I posted this I have flip flopped again. I repurchased the QC and have been doing more head to head comparisons lately. The FM9 sounds amazing and the effects are top notch. The reverbs are soo good. But the interface is clunky and I’m so dependent on the desktop editor that it would be challenging to make tweaks on the fly even though they have thought of some slick features for that like global controls for reverb mix, amp gain, etc. the QC also sounds great and I love the interface. It’s just so natural to tap on the block you want and twist the foot switches to edit your parameters. So quick and satisfying. The reverbs and delays in the QC sound nice too but maybe less “immersive” if that’s a thing. But more portable footprint which is nice. They’re both awesome. I think ill keep both because they are both so inspiring. I don’t think you can go wrong

[@Anshul1614]

I still love that particle reverb in the zoom units.

[@TheGooseChaseMusic]

Great video, I'll be sharing this with folks I know are debating. It reflects a lot of my experience with Neural, Boss, Line6 and Helix so accurately.

[@JD-vj4go]

For my bedroom guitar adventures the Helix LT is the best. It can do anything I would want and then some and I got a demo model with Helix Native for 800 bucks.

[@MrVyrtuoso]

My favorite would've been the Fractal, had access to purchasing the unit with financing options been better than it is. But the FM9 has the best control options. The second best is what I have, the Helix, and I do love how with the Helix we have an eco-system in which what we can use with the hardware units we can bring over to software and vice-versa. I'd just wish that for the Helix, the footswitching was just like the FM9, we had modifiers like with the FM9. The QC is what I'd like to have been my favorite because of its sheer DSP power. But its control options are terrible. If it can have at least the same MIDI implementation as their plugins with MIDI Mapping, only that MIDI mapping can be saved for recall with presets, then that's all I'd have needed and I'd have gone with this. A while back, DV Mark made the Multiamp with the promise of it running Overloud TH-U. That never materialized, but if DV Mark would produce such a product and its MIDI implementation would've been more comprehensive like with Neural DSP plugins, Amplitube, or Guitar Rig, then I'd be going for that as well.

[@trondulseth]

For me the Atomic Amplifire 6 is the best.... I love the sounds and "feel" I get from it, and the size/form factor is perfect. Sadly it seems like support and updates have totally declined, and I have to have an old macbook just for the purpose of using the Atomic editior as it's not compatible with newer macs. I dread the day the Amplifire fails on me, because I really do not know what I would replace it with.

[@wiegand6640]

Boss GT 1000 Core. Hands down. Love your approach to the instrument, and your reviews are spot on, IMHO. Peace

[@duanetribune4441]

I have a HELIX Floor & a FM3 with the FC6. I put the HELIX over the FM3 because it’s really easy to edit live on the unit. The FM3 for me is just not user friendly unless you’re using the editor which is great, so I keep it at home for studio use. Also think the FM3 is overall just harder to get good sounds from the ground up because it has so many parameters, but the presets out the box sound great though. I looking to have a smaller footprint so looking into designing a board around the STOMP XL, but will have to maybe use a couple pedals due the block & DSP limitation. I think it’d be great if Line6 came out with a STOMP XL with dual chips (XL MKII?????). That would be awesome IMO.

[@christianfilouler]

I have the same combination, I just can't make up my mind to downsize my "collection" a bit, the Kemper is still there too. I find the FM3 with the FC6 better than the Helix. Works well with the FC6. If you work with the editor no problem. On the device, this is "nicely" solved with the Helix, in my opinion it's just a matter of getting used to it. I'm more considering selling the Kemper, Helix and the FM3 combination and only trying the FM9

[@dazblade]

Hi mate, I've got a kemper, but considering a move to either Fm9 or Helix Floor for live gigs. Overall for sound and ease of use which would you recommend? I play in bands that range from country through to full on metal

[@francescodefelice6650]

my helix floor and my fractal fxIII ? Fractal IS so practical AND SOUND FANTASTIC

[@cardin411]

Quad Cortex is #1 for me. Tone, UI and form factor are huge wins imo. I still love the Helix, it will always hold a special place in my ❤.

[@johnnathancordy]

mine broke unfortunately

[@Owtyg23]

@@johnnathancordy How so? Rather worrying to hear

[@cardin411]

@@johnnathancordy Sorry to hear. Hopefully, you get it sorted out. I’m still having amazing results with mine

[@mougabo]

if you are a gigging guitar player, playing for other bands and singers then get an FM9 cause all you need is there to achieve what they gonna ask you to do, but if you are playing your stuff and you got amps you need to capture then the quad cortex or even tonex would be the option i would suggest

[@johnegginton]

Nearly 3 years in with a Helix floor and it still amazes me, especially with all the updates I've had over the years - Peavey Invective, Revv etc... Only had cheaper stuff before the Helix - Digitech/Zoom etc... so this blows them out of the water. The user interface is nigh on perfect and their customer service is superb too!

[@skidogbill]

I’ve used Helix from the beginning, and now I’ve added a TONEX (and a Boss SY200 for kicks) to my board, so I’m pretty set. The Stomp can’t route the way I need, but I gave one to my son for his bass.

[@adamfiedorczuk5969]

How do you like the tonex? I was considering using it with my hx effects and using an frfr speaker with it.

[@skidogbill]

@@adamfiedorczuk5969 It’s very capable, and quite a bargain. Of course it totally depends on the captures, but when you find ones you like, it feels great to play. I love it.

[@nigeldaddyo]

long time Helix user. I got my name called from Fractal's waiting list (FM9) last summer after over a year of waiting. I bought it because, "Fractal's the best". well, not really. it's presets sounded astounding compared to Helix presets, but none of it's presets sounded better than any of the patches i created. gave it a fair shake for a couple weeks and decided to sell the FM9. i did not gouge like so many do with this unit. sold it for what i paid, plus $100 to factor for my round trip drive from MA to NH to pick it up. zero regrets w/Helix.

[@planzed.2]

“Sort of like the Leonardo DiCaprio of modellers” 😂🤚 you 💀 me

[@compucorder64]

Many of the modern modelers can sound extremely good. For studio recording, practicing through headphones, practicing quietly and in a live situation through a bigger PA. But where I don't think they compete with the real thing is how good the actual amps sound to the player themselves; in a room, cranked, either in a rehearsal situation, practice where volume isn't an issue or in a pub to small venue type situation. Though, I think professional guitarists can adjust to that, just as Noel Gallagher said, IEMs are weird to begin with, then you adjust. Until then it becomes impractical to not use them. But for inspiration factor, like when song-writing, the less than great in-room sound of modelers doesn't inspire. That's the problem with modelers. There are distinct scenarios. Practicing is one , song-writing is a whole other, recording another, live performance yet another. For song-writing, a great acoustic can be best. For practice sound that inspires, or rehearsal or small venue, I'd take a small tube amp, like a Vox AC15, pushing very very hard over a modeler any day.

[@MOAB-UT]

Yeah but you can 4 cable method and USE YOUR AMP. I do this. I also use a buffered A/B/Y switch and invite two studio monitors to the party. Tip- your drum track will sound amazing coming out of quality studio monitors because of the tweeters. Crispy. Then, I play backing tracks via my 7.1 home theatre. Wide sound separation. For $20 you can buy a bluetooth adapter that connects to your stereo theatre amp- control/play then via your phone like any other bluetooth speaker. I also use a RC500 looper which lets me save loops, left and right channels and drums. 32 bit quality. If you think about it- your AMP has a modeler built in assuming it is not a tube- even still. A very limited modeler. An external modeler simply expands on those electronics. You still have a cabinet, amplification and a speaker that you can use. I use my Boss Katana in the mix and it sounds great. You can also record your loop and play that back via monitors, then just play your amp, modeler or acoustic. It's all good. In a mix, for sure no one would know any different either. Even a $10k tube amp- in a mix with a Fractal Axe-FX III, the latter might even sound better given the effects. But hey man- do what you like. No wrong way to play your sound.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

lol Can't believe there are still ignorant boomers criticizing modelers for not sounding like the real amp in a room in 2023. lol You are pretty much doing the same thing as criticizing cars for not flyingor going under water lol

[@garrettpatton1795]

Love the Guthrie Govan reference in the opening jam!

[@EnigmaEuslam]

Beautiful lines on that intro! Thanks as always.

[@mikesmithwick1570]

Great reviews and playing as always.....have you had any experience with the budget/beginner friendly Nu-X MG400 at all and if so do you have any opinion on it?

[@gilku4725]

HX stomp xl is great but the looper sucks as it can’t midi sync. Line6 should copy the way the boomerang iii looper was done. I love how i can program the loop buttons as independent control buttons outside of the loop mode though. It could be improved by adding the long press option on the buttons too. Maybe adding an inboard drum machine would be nice too. The mode button should be programable by the user too… i have a physical nut bolt on it right now so i cant accidentally step on it on the heat of the battle. Freakout ability is not yet there… hope they can fix these items but over all im happy with my purchase.

[@sacredgodslayer]

Line6 Helix LT all the day (because I don't have the money for an AXE FX-3 LOL) Fractal is in a league of its own, in the other leagues Line6 wins hands down and it's the most pro active in releasing significant updates. Also, the Line6 products always work, they're insanely reliable

[@paulunderwood1911]

Tough call with the HX Stomp prices creeping up. Used to be about $200 cheaper here in Canada. If you don’t mind used, and LT can be had for only a few hundred more.

[@GoPro_Matt]

@The_UnCommon_Dad 1 second ago I have a Headrush mx5 for church. Also thank you for your presets and IRs for that, they are amazing! But yeah, the mx5 is perfect for what I do. However, after using the NAM at home in the studio, I might grab a Kemper someday. It’s really hard to tell what sounds good and what doesn’t until it’s in a mix. That to me is the challenge. The NAM with tone junkie’s 68 purple plexi DRT and your 4x12 IR with Sire L7V p90’s is chef’s kiss

[@xdoctorblindx]

As a bass player, it's the HX Stomp XL all day, everyday.

[@bofuscrapshaw]

Amazing playing! Love my FM3

[@DrProgNerd]

As a home player, my favorite 'modeler' is plugins. At the moment, Neural Mesa MKIIC+ and Mixwave Milkman Creamer. I would love for Kemper to come out with a standalone/VST platform so I can use all of my 3rd party Kemper files that I have filed away (the Kemper was sold) Quad Cortex didn't cut it for me. Fractal gear - while very good - was too much of a tweakfest. Helix Native is good - but admittedly, I haven't given it enough attention. Need to dig into it more.

[@rickyschneider6035]

Hi John, Do you have any new presets for Hx stomp 3.65? In google drive I only see up to version 3.1. Thanks.

[@TheDilligan]

I love the Boss GT1000 for how it sounds and just how nice it looks. But I got rid of it for the reason you were saying - Boss wouldn't update it. I rather get my resell value out of it before Boss. replaces it with a new unit. That's what they do, instead of offering updates. But I will be getting the Boss ME-90 because the form factor is incredible and I can get those sounds from the GT1000 back. Other than that, I'm still searching for the perfect one. Coming from the GT1000, the DSP limitation on the HX stomp is disappointing. I may like the Helix. I don't cate much for profiles. I prefer modeling because I like being able to learn what the knobs on the real piece of gear do and I think Line6 does a good job with that nowadays.

[@mikegibsonincognito4580]

Thanks John for an informative review of the amp modellers available ATM. I have had a Helix floor for over 5 years, replaced the screen as it was deteriorating with lines of pixels. It’s been awesome for covers when gigging live. I have been on the Aussie waitlist for the FM9 for a couple of years and hopeful it will happen soon that we get some more down under. Love your playing and reviews thanks heaps. 😊

[@Eric-dd8bk]

May I aska question if you don't mind since you seem to be well versed in electronics changing the Helix screen yourself? The footswitches of my Helix lt is dying and I'm going to have to change them myself. Do you have any part suggestions or instructions on how to dget in there and swap the switches out myself? Does it require soldering and so on?

[@etherboy3540]

I bought an HX Stomp when it was bundled with Helix Native on Sweetwater just before the Stomp XL came out. I'm happy with both products. I don't have familiarity with any of the competitors but I'm happy with the Line 6 stuff and have no curiousity about them either.

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Nice.... Wouldn't a stomp with this sort of dual snapshots be fabulous. The limit of 3 or 4 snapshots in the HX lineup has never made sense to me. Yes you can get around it easily with midi controllers but there is such a speed and simplicity in the helix command center and snapshot world that could so easily be bumped up surely across the HX series.

[@Scott__C]

I agree. I also think that the line should ramp up processing power: Stomp as is, XL slightly more, LT a little more, Helix floor and rack the most or even add more to the rack.

[@CaptHowdy77FP]

I demoed the Stomp and the FM3, chose the FM3 and quickly added an AxeFXIII MKII Turbo to the home studio. I never thought I would adopt modeling but right away with the Fractal gear I was getting Fender and Marshall and MESA/Boogie sounds I'd wanted since I was a kid, without the headaches of crazy sound-pressure levels. And that's a lot of what is in the Fractal, sure, but there's so much more. My main live tone is a model of a Dr. Z amp, for example. John taught me you can sound great through anything, though. Fractal is far and away the best, most complete package out there IMO. When they come out of beta, Fractal's new Dyna-cabs are going to make IR selection much quicker and easier.

[@Harrysound]

I got the FM9 it's kinda perfect. sure I'd like it to be smaller or lighter and thiner but that a not what its about is it :) I love the Divided By 13 FTR37 and the 6G4 amps best and the Euro Red for hot shred solos with a Super OD kicking it in the arse.

[@VintageLeatherWings22]

Heard some By Far and Away in that intro jam!! Very tasteful!

[@pangloss9]

Are the Kemper and Tonex actually modelers? I thought they were profilers.

[@javiermp81]

Would you still recommend the FM3 over the QuadCortex? The FM3 is now MkII but also got a bit more expensive (at least in EU). QC now has a desktop editor and the price dropped quite a bit. So the price gap got smaller and the missing editor is fixed….

[@marcusmood4310]

Nice Waves integration. Guthrie is the best

[@christianfilouler]

nice compilation, I absolutely believe that all of them have advantages and disadvantages. Catpure is completely uninteresting to me because I don't even have an amp, only digital. For me, the most interesting are still my Line6 Floor and the FM3, although I find the FM9 interesting. The Kemper is already cool for cool profiles. In terms of operation, I still like the Helix best. After the big update of the L6 cabs, I would now like to know whether Fractal still has that much better sound. Or whether L6 "caught up" old. All the new ones on the market, Headrsuh, Fender Tone Master actually don't interest me at all, even more so in the same market.

[@nav_j]

Fractal FM9 for me. Yes, the UI of Helix is better, but the FM9 makes it really easy to get the sounds I want - just set it and forget it. Tube amp has been gathering dust ever since I got it.

[@melvinmaderaofficial]

Hey, you think I didn’t notice the “Wave - by Guthrie govan ” phasing in the beginning? Very slick ! 😂❤

[@Scott__C]

Fractal stuff is cool, but when I see their desktop editor, it just looks overly complicated and exhausting. The one thing they do that I like is that as you step up in their line, processing power is more. Line 6 still has the best UI and simplicity of creating a patch. Atomic is underrated IMO. I know they're very small and seem to take a while developing new product. Amplifire 6 (or 12) is a cool product. They just need a little larger screen and some flexibility in effects arrangement and that kind of thing. Tones are killer though, especially at their price point, I think they hold up to anything. If they released a new version that was updated to include these features, it would probably be my number 1. To me, having 100 amp models isn't critical. I basically have 3 to 5 types of sounds - acoustic sim (if available), clean, slight dirt, overdrive and high gain.

[@johnnathancordy]

I think Cliff at Fractal respects the Atomic stuff too. I've not heard much about them recently. I bought an Amplifire 3 a few years ago to check it out, but that's a much trickier interface to use than the Fractal stuff.

[@Scott__C]

@@johnnathancordy I think they're both a bit clunky. The product is IMO phenomenal, it just needs to be brought forward a bit and updated.

[@christianfilouler]

Hi, very good video for this, thanks. I "use" a Kemper Head, Fm3 and Helix Floor. I'm a little tech crazy. However, I would like to downsize the collection a bit. I actually decided to sell the Kemper, even if the new updates are coming now. Have the beta running, USB interface works well. Liquit Profiles , mhhhh .... FM3 and Helix somehow have them too, albeit differently. I had always liked the Kemper's quick operation on the rotary knobs. However, I always quickly do everything with the software. Here, however, I find the design really kind of cool ;) I'll deal with Fm3 and Helix more intensively to find a favorite for my needs.

[@modeeeeee]

I HEAR GUTHRIE HELL YEAH

[@picksalot1]

Agree 100%. I'm getting great results out of my HX Stomp, and keep finding new ways to take advantage of its many great features. I've been looking for another way to add an Expression Pedal to my HX Stomp so I can adjust "Parameters" on Presets in real time, as I already use FS 4/5 to scroll through Snapshots. Recently, I was given a tip about the "affordable wireless midi foot controller called the M-Vave Chocolate." This may be the very solution I've been looking for. Cool, short demo video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pamXZYuQnZiSf7s John, I hope you consider getting a M-Vave and do an in depth video on how we might get the most out of it with when paired with an HX Stomp. Thanks

[@Mr.Yang.]

👍👍

[@Takianagi]

Awesome content John! Hope all is well! 🎉🤜🤛🎸🔥

[@markinthemix6055]

Today, l subscribed. I have watched your videos and not subscribed for quite a while. I play a Kemper and have for probably 7 yes now. Your more in line with Line 6 and seems like any option as long as it’s not a Kemper. That being said I would be frustrated at your videos and opinions. The latest line 6 update features presets from you right? So with that said, l understand your position a bit better. I always offer you a thumbs up and l do enjoy your playing. Please don’t give up on the Kemper.

[@the1trueporkchop]

About a minute in, you hit a run that sounds so much like Govan’s Waves. Sick.

[@nekkon1989]

Tube amp purist here. Are modellers that much better than plugins? In what way?

[@sboy1955]

Live playing or studio?

[@DarthV506]

They all sound great, the biggest question for me is future support. NDSP has been abysmal, Fractal stopped updating the AX8 less than 3 years after it was released, so in many ways I'd be leary about either of those. Then again, the FM3/9 are very mature/refined devices, so maybe give them a pass. The Kemper still sounds great but the limitations on available blocks and how they arranged is getting long in the tooth, great support tho. And finally, the Helix, Line 6 has been putting out meaningful updates for 8 years and doesn't seem to be stopping. The QC has been the easiest to dial in for me (helix native, ndsp plugins and Kemper for comparison).

[@Utube-g3g]

Quad’s support was great for me. They took care of everything. And I got rid of the Kemper and helix. The quad has the feel, the sound, UI, easy workflow.

[@DarthV506]

@@Utube-g3g If it already has what you want, it's great. If you want more than 7 basic delays, it's not. Line 6 added almost as many effects in 2022 as the QC has in total. You don't play catchup by going slower.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

I'd say stomp XL is a perfect combination of convenient size and enough footswitches for giging Maybe with one duel mode expression pedal. Currently using the Helix LT but I might switch over to Stomp XL down the line.

[@Rafael4741]

I do that! With pedals

[@Eric-dd8bk]

​@@Rafael4741 May I ask what do you do with pedals you mean?

[@Eric-dd8bk]

​@@Rafael4741 Oh do you mean switching over to Stomp XL with more real pedals on the side?

[@GtrMan863]

I own a Line 6 floor and Stomp been seeing videos posted that its becoming obsolete, really cant aford to replace it at this time and was hoping they'll come out with an update that will make it more competitive. Whats your thoughts ?

[@catsven1973]

I think the Helix is the one that has it all regarding the price too

[@armandocarlos3805]

Nice little Guthrie in that second tone 😂 👍🏽

[@justmehere6094]

Wekk I have the beat Axe FX 3 Mk 2, and the Best Bang, HX Stomp. Also have a TOnex pedal, well, because I can.

[@SunnyBeeRandomTuber]

Fractal FM9 for the win.....not a fan of Axe Fx but there's something about the former that i wanna own it and use for the next 25 years of my life

[@chickenlickin3820]

Hi John i've noticed that the current Reverb advert has a strangely simular voice over to yours.

[@get_downed_boi6270]

i agree. as a helix XL user, fractal is end game but thats maybe if i start making money from music. idk about hobby usage.

[@FuzzFace]

This is a really informative video. What interests me is - why would someone go out and buy an eventide H90 today vs one of these multi effect units? I just don’t understand. If you’re limited to what are essentially 2 “blocks” on the eve tide what are you getting? Are there proprietary algorithms? Is that even such a thing?

[@MOAB-UT]

If Fractal/FM9 ever gets around to updating it's UI it will be the undisputed (be it pricey) King.

[@Muzick]

What about the UI do you not like about the FM9?

[@MOAB-UT]

@@Muzick Nothing other than it reminds me of the 1980's and that it is not at all intuitive (15+ hour online course just to use it.) Editing on the unit an utter nightmare. I know pro's who literally leave it home for that reason and gig with their HX Stomps. Sad. Longer version... The FM9-Edit software is fine but sorry, I am not firing up my laptop every time I want to do a quick jam. Yes, I can make some go-to presets but I like to fiddle. I am a casual player. Modelers sit mostly on my coffee table. It's fun editing and sculpting tones. The UI on my MG-30 is amazing- super intuitive. I was just playing it. The tones are OK- slightly better than the Ampero II. These are budget modelers. My FM9 costs 9x more then the Ampero II. It did have a very nice touchscreen that was bright, colorful and flat out fun. The tones, amps, effects and capability of the FM9 are by far better. Still, for what I paid, I could not get over that very old, dated, hard to use (not fun) UI. For now, the MG-30 will tie me over until they decide to update it. I think Cliff & Co. have to if they want to compete better against Line6. Helix is nearly as good and the UI is far better. Fractal would simply sell much better. I paid $1845, but sold it- for $1845 because of that UI. I do not want to be left out when they finally release an updated UI which I think should be coming within the next year or so. The QC has a very nice UI. I hope cliff is taking notes. Are you thinking of buying one? I would at least wait for the MKII version. They just released it for the FM3. Not much changed but slightly more DSP- still no dual amps for that one. FM9 is great but that UI...

[@ChrisSoignier]

@@Muzick it's by far the worst aspect of it. I just sold my FM9 to "downgrade" to a Stomp XL. It's so much easier to tweak and create sounds on the unit, and sounds great if not quite as great as the FM9.

[@zdenekklapuch2153]

Hi, i have got FM9. Untill this moment "the best" from all modelers like Kemper, Helix, Boss etc...

[@kingstonharney5622]

am rythm guitar player, would that make a difference on the selection?😢erencee