The Helix Got An EVH 5150 III! (FW 3.8 Update)

[@CraigCrider]

That was about as identical as any of your A/B's have ever been. I'm excited to get this update on my Stomp.

[@Waycooljr5]

Even in a digital model, someone says 5150 I show up like Beetlejuice

[@anders2077]

Both the red and blue channel sounds so good! Kudos to Line 6 for still updating the Helix family. My trusty old HX Stomp could possibly be the best guitar equipment I've bought so far.

[@nobodyimportant76467]

The sound of that PV Panama Red is fantastic. It feels really good as well. In my opinion they nailed it

[@picksalot1]

Both sounded great! I think the Helix has slightly clearer upper mids. Glad you mentioned different locations in the Signal Chain that can contribute tonal variations. Thanks

[@StratsRUs]

How much more love can the Helix get !!??? Love it.Thanks.Will update soon as the Silicon fix is there .

[@RickGuitarist94]

I think what would finally sell me on a Helix, and the cab update has already been very enticing, would be an update that adds different tube options for their amps.

[@gabrielstevens41]

The EVH was long overdue. Sounds like they got it right. Looking forward to giving it a try later.

[@philipandersen4406]

Finally a metal review! Lol. So exciting they added an evh. I use the el34 50 watt but for band practice everyweek just take my pedalboard and plug in directly so i dont have to move my 4x12 all the time. Finally have my guitar tone in my board. Without having to buy a tonex one or something

[@coreyrramsay8858]

Leon Todd did a pretty decent demo, more rock but still chunky. The Bogner demo was great also

[@samjamsen]

Loved it. And love the fact that the Helix is an investment that just keeps on giving!

[@poboyer2004]

Both sounded great. Thanks for this awesome comparison !!

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

Amazing. ive been wanting a helix, but ive been worried theyre so old they will get upgraded models soon after I get one, but with this amazing update i think ill get one.

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

If line 6 pulls out a new version this Christmas that’d be crazy. But really, there’s not a lot the old Helix needs. Trust me on that. If you bought one now, you wouldn’t be missing for anything, they made the original damn near perfect.

[@j-venom616]

I joined digital world in February (after 27 years of tube amps, pedalboards and cabs), I was thinking of options and each of them (Headrush, Quad Cortex, Line 6 and so on) - I was really close to buy Quad Cortex, but still ended up on Line 6 Helix and I have to say I don't regret at all. I still have all my tube amps and cabinets, but playing gigs and recording is much easier now. Biggest reason I chose Helix over others was the ease of use and you can get Helix Native plugin on your computer so you don't have to use actual unit on recording. Just upgraded my Helix and goofing around with new amps - love that thing!

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

Amazing comparison, the difference is so minimal, a post eq could probably sculpt it to sound exact!!! Awesome and great comparison and really positive vibes from you and your channel \m./

[@msi1985]

Yep they nailed this one, I really like how the high end presence on the model was rounded off - it still has bite but it's not to harsh on my ears! I'm on vacation so I'm using my phone to listen which is never ideal... But somehow the model came across / translated better in this case! Thanks for the comparison

[@domdingle311]

Sounds killer as always John 🤘 updating my Helix right now while I have a wonderful breakfast burritooo. Gooo EvH!

[@chickencreekproductions]

Great as always!! I’m hoping B is the Helix simply ’cause I think it’s less muddy than A. Both sound great though, and since I don’t have any EVH amps but do own the HX Stomp this update sure is a win for me :) Thanks for the video 👍

[@lyricbread]

Both sound outstanding. In a mix, the average listener wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Thank you for the comparison!

[@peterwinstead7618]

Love these comp videos. Guessed B was the Helix. Both sound great.

[@johndonzell2049]

Geez that's so close. Amazing.

[@Soliaris72]

My opinion is after blind testing. A - amp (More air) B - Helix But the difference is minimal. Sound amazing

[@gumzinator]

Yeah the sound is very identical. Figured it out just after riff 3

[@vladimirlugovoy1212]

Same 👍

[@patrickgescher4674]

Instantly the best amp on the Helix. Your A/B comparison shows why!

[@isatariq7533]

Finally!! I was able to compare the new Helix EVH model to amp box, and it's almost the exact same, using the same settings. Line 6 did a great job. Thanks for the video! I noticed your 50w EVH EL34 sounds a tad more aggressive than the helix amp modeled after the 100w

[@jcspaziano]

Totally Agree the new additions are awesome and welcome. I think they should've added the Resonance knob. Perhaps they will going forward.

[@jakestewartmusic]

I could tell which one was which, but I actually prefer the model! The thing that has become the dead giveaway to me in any comparison is the top end presence. It's hilarious to me because people talk about 'digital fizz' and harshness and whatnot with modelers (Helix in particular), but most modelers tend to actually be a little more rounded-off in the extreme top end. However, L6 has gotten a LOT better at modeling that high end brilliance of over time, and this may be one of the best high gain tones I've heard from the Helix thus far. There's also generally a little more midrange to the models, which can come off as either 'chewy'/'brawny' or 'cloudy', depending on your preferences. Here, I think that extra midrange resulted in a deliciously fat tone. So IMO the real amp sounded more aggressive and cutting, but the model had more weight to it. I preferred the model.

[@Martin-bx3og]

Hi John, your tones are always absolutely great on the Helix. Please make a preset pack. But please for the stomp.

[@TheMirrorify]

Still amazed with my HX. The updates keep me in love with the thing. My real 5153 does have a slightly more 3 dimensional quality to it when you're in front of the cabinet, but in terms of tone they're basically indistinguishable.

[@DravenxEyeless]

A (amp) had more "body" to it, while B (helix) was more "airy" in a way, like the sound that the "AIR" button does in a Focusrite Scarlett, which can be tweaked with an EQ block easily, and you are pretty much gold.

[@kenjicarlos8402]

That's it, I'm saving up for an hx stomp xl...

[@HugoWelti]

The real amp has a deeper bottom-end for sure, but I think that's the usual complaint with the OG not having a resonance knob. Gotta try this on my HX Stomp!

[@ConstantineM]

I was dreaming about model of this amp. It's modern classic. And I can't resist myself watching your videos especially when you make Helix ones. Nice content!

[@Metpanblack3870]

I just got a HX Stomp and just realized that the new update has this! Dang sounds very similar for my ear! I going to test it right now

[@cgonneville6677]

Nothing will beat a block letter 5150 with Sovtecs tubes, ever.

[@steveandrushko75]

The difference between the two is negligible sounds excellent

[@TeslaChad]

Love love love your Helix videos my man ❤

[@bergie450]

I've used it for a couple gigs now. Blue channel is my favorite model on the Helix now hands down

[@petheato3291]

How are you running the blue channel? OD for boost? I just updated, pretty happy since I borrowed that same 50w el34 5153 once and thought it was amazing on blue and red channel..sounded amazing through my 4 x 12.

[@bergie450]

@petheato3291 it's one of the first amp models I've ran pretty straight up, dial in super quick. I don't have it set up for metal. More a 4 snapshot clean(deluxe reverb) crunch, dirty, lead type thing for a bar/function band. Surprisingly versatile. Tone controls are pretty near noon. I do always have some REALLY aggressive high cuts on my IRs though. Boosted with a ts or heir apparent when I need it, but the amp changes in the snaps pretty much have it covered. It's got me shopping for the real thing now

[@bodyinabox3341]

Killer Comparison 😙 I love the sound so much. I was very dissapointed when i got the Helix there was no 5150III 50Watt. But now its complete useful for me. What IR do you use for this comparison? Greetings from Germany

[@bunnyadrian]

Yes, it's an older Soldano cab. I don't know the year exactly, but it's probably 90s? It's a slant front with front loading speakers.

[@PressK]

The Line6 has a subtle compression, to make it instantly mix ready and less “barky” and “imperfect”, I suppose. I believe I can pick it out - at least I did in this test - and it annoys me. But I realize it’s a stupid thing to not like, so if you can’t hear it - enjoy a pretty damn good modeler!

[@maynardburger]

I mean, Line 6 specifically talk about how they do no such thing and dont care to make their amp/models 'better' sounding for a mix or anything, they just model things as accurately as possible, warts and all(unlike some others). I think people are just, as usual, trying to hugely overthink and 'over-hear' what's actually going on in trying to define the ultimately super subtle differences. Basically, it's a lot of placebo effect, and of course if you're going in with pre-formed expectations/biases, you're far more likely to perceive them somehow.

[@pauljohnson1987]

Great review

[@RyRyTheBassGuy]

I'm really glad they added these amps (especially the Ecstasy!). I still like the Invective model more, though.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

I'm going with A == Helix and B == 5150. Watching on to see how backwards I am. And that's just my wild freakin guess, based on no huge difference I'm hearing between them. I think they both sound great. Edit: bass ackwards! Man I really like the Helix. I have a stomp but I'm about ready to upgrade in the new year. Thanks for the great comparo Jon!

[@ESR66]

I don't care which is which, that riff kills.😊

[@allanmoreno3080]

I'm curious about what IR you're using with the preset Thanks in advance. Sounds badass! btw

[@hellsing1983]

Oh nice! Imma update my Helix asap!

[@jdimeleegoku2971]

Honestly, I was waiting for your video! haha

[@Brantdrangus8489]

Great video

[@Glensully]

I guess B helix. Was a bit more compressed and less bottom end, nothing you can dial in. I also really like Super reverb model and cabinet. Very retro and my Strat for blues is awesome

[@VForsaken]

Fantastic compare! Helix sounds a little bit more hollow, esp. at low mids and sterile, but more mix ready as usual. But anyway in the full mix it was really hard to tell the difference by ear. Hope to install update soon in my helix!

[@titan_codes]

I actually prefer the sound of the helix here. Sounds fantastic

[@carlossalazar4508]

EVH is Fender too!!

[@isaacislas9023]

The fender tone master got an update just a few days after this, are you doing a review on it ?

[@lassekalhauge4801]

Awesome comparison 🤘❤️

[@andrewsmith7543]

It seems like you're using your own custom IR on the Helix, is that right? How does it compare when using their stock IR for that amp?

[@noahcoleman5752]

Wow, surprised to say I liked the Helix model better. Sounded more full to my ears.

[@jetvanderkrogt679]

That’s my daddy!!!❤

[@dryzd]

Now I have everything in Helix!

[@joopwolters123]

I actualy prefer the helix here, great job!

[@MrDonc78]

I've compared the hx stomp with several of my real amps and they are so close it's scary. I sold my mesa recto recording pre because the hx recto sounded so close, even down to the trademark flubby bass lol..

[@yeahlon]

What IR was used on Helix cause i didn't catched that? :) Both are great sounding

[@beyerfranck]

Yes i want to know That too

[@colinjames2469]

he says he made made it in the ML Sound Lab Mikko 2 plugin

[@endtimeguitarist]

What they need to do (any company) is show an original sound sample of what they used to make their model and then immediately compare it to the original. I would like to see that.

[@GregSobek]

My guess was A-amp and B-modeler. Not that one was better than other but modeler was based on 100w version which has a bit more headroom. Line6 nailed it ! I hope this will be also available for POD Go Cheers!

[@willskijza80]

Prefer A before knowing, but both sounds pretty awesome

[@d77sauce]

Would love to hear you compare it to the invective model (Vitriol)

[@gerrydaly5409]

Sounds really good

[@MotoRiff77]

Nice video as always, my only gripe is if they could have done this as an amp switch in the same amp midi controllable of course I think having just 1 instance of the amp with channel switching would have been awesome

[@drrodopszin]

I guess A was amp and B was Helix. My guess is based on how compressed the chugs felt in B. B had more mids and sounded louder, but that's not a clue for digital. The flavor of both was the same to my hearing (on the mobile).

[@SamoNoisebleed]

Great video dude! Is there any way i can get my hands on that IR you used here?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

You would need Mikko 2 from ML Sound Lab for that

[@joshbittner]

My wishlist for remaining amps would be an updated Mesa Mark series model since the Mark IV one is very old. Kinda like how the 2203 is much better than 2204. I'd also like to see the Marshall Silver Jubilee and the JVM 410...at least for OD1 and OD2 - OD1 orange is something special

[@thezooportugalbanda]

Does Helix, have a preset simulate the Fender blackface ? Does Helix have the Fender Blackface model ? I dont find. Why they dont emulate the Fender blackface ? Regards from Portugal

[@Rick_Johnson82]

7:21 I hear b cut out funny at the end. Like every vst does.

[@mortonstromgal]

yeah so its slightly different but dang its close, certainly good enough for live and maybe with a later patch or some eq tweaking and its identical.

[@misterringer]

I must be too used to modelers because I thought the helix sounded more like a real amp hahaha

[@JayBruceWorld]

I’d say A is the amp and B is the helix. Both sound good but given that the 5153 50 watt is my main amp I feel I have a good idea of how it sounds. Especially on the palm mutes.

[@jamesraub3985]

Noticeable low end drop and beef.

[@Fnnggjji]

Curious how the Helix 5150 sounds compared to the TMP's updated 5150

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

I'm sure a bar room full of half cooked patrons is going to notice an immediate difference and publish critical reviews on the local craigslist page.

[@szveszs]

a bit of "ear piercing" sounding on digital model but nothing drastic, but this could be fixed with some adjustments or even something like a EHX Black Finger in front of it. At the end, I think Line6 nailed it!

[@JD-vj4go]

A amp B is helix and both sound great.

[@MarkHysteria]

adding the evh amp without adding also the cabinet is just wrong...also after taking so long to update helix....why not add also the el34 version?

[@jindrapekny448]

The real one sounds a little fuller, but in the context of the mix it doesn't really matter.

[@juliandelrio]

A and B sounds the same really similar...but when you play It?...Is the feel the same?

[@DarkStoneCastle]

I picked A. I liked it a little better.

[@erinmedrano-iz7ze]

Can the HX stomp user use this as well ?

[@RiffSaver]

i did already check the 3.8 sounds so good (tnx to r2r lol)

[@skepto18]

Guys, I've seen several of Jon videos about modelers, but did not understand why he is not including the Tonex there apart from it has no effects. So what is the difference between tonex and those modelers like the helix, fractal ..etc. P.S: Im noob in this domain (electric guitar amps and gears) and still learning.

[@bitdevice]

Tonex is not an amp modeller but an amp profiler. It allows you to capture a snapshot of a real amp, which can be great but after that you have very limited parameter control. In a good modeller you have most parameters available in a digital form and can change them at any time, just like on a real amp but digitally.

[@Wooley_Booger]

Is it possible to purchase this IR anywhere?

[@krissymf]

I’m probably wrong, because I’m not good at this sort of stuff, but A, Evh 5150, and B=Helix. My reason being the twang in the A sounds, sounds like less compressed also and also has a more rounded sound. I could be wrong though.

[@patricetrahan7287]

You should have a HEADFIRST alta mkii in your collection!!!!!!!!! Best all you can eat marshall flavored amp

[@baluchon2505]

I got it right! For me A sounded more pleasant, more OOMPH, and I was hoping it was the amp.

[@maynardburger]

Why were you hoping it was the amp?

[@baluchon2505]

@maynardburger Because for some reason I'm scared that digital modeling can sound better than a real amp. I am not saying that this would be an issue at all, I am just emotionally attached to real amps. So them sounding better feels recomforting.

[@ericjutsu8391]

Why no resonance control on the Helix?

[@doctoribanez]

Imwonder if any of that will make it to the pod go for us poor folks

[@TheBassDrill]

B is real deal, I think

[@michaeljwolley]

I'll be honest I prefer to hear test with no backing track, at least at first. In the mix it's always really indistinguishable.

[@lifeleech]

Love the A/B comparison. If I'm completely honest, I thought B sounded a bit better. May simply be the settings, but A was a little thinner and harsher. Great review!

[@sickmoshbrah]

B sounds so sick

[@dedek_kamajaya]

What IR do you use?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

An IR that I made in the ML Sound Lab Mikko 2 plugin

[@Jetisertes]

My guess is A is the real amp. However, B fit the mix better IMO.

[@coreyrramsay8858]

I hate to be THAT guy, but I hope we get all this on the POD GO in an update soon. I've been using a Mooer 5150iii preamp pedal into the unit, and it's been good. But this sounded fantastic, and the Bogner amp sounded awesome as well.

[@opt123123]

I have a 5150iii and that mooer preamp pedal. Running the mooer into the fx on the amp, I cant tell which is which lol

[@1nzi]

The pod go will not receive any new updates according to L6

[@thrash8315]

Still waiting for the Firehawk update. Ha!

[@WarMachine_Studios]

@@1nzi We can only hope they give us a good update..

[@veers0r]

Kinda odd, the Helix sounds wider to me, even though there shouldn't be any differences in the stereo field I guess.

[@collierpj]

I thought B was the amp :) happy to be wrong.