Why I Switched from Kemper to Helix

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I'm not sure if I'd shared how I switched from Kemper to Helix - but this is that story!
/ johnnathancordy get my lesson tabs and backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
Get my PADs bundle here: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... (this folder will grow, and I'd encourage you to ask for different keys/songs and stuff that might suit this type of preset?)
I've decided to make it possible to grab both my Helix/HX Stomp bundles (the expression bundle with freeze presets has always been separate) together - www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... - I will then email you a link to both bundles!
Try my general patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
You can get my EXPRESSION patches in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my patches for Pod GO using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

You've been crushing with you playing lately John! Great technique and great note choices! Keep it up!

[@sixstring4]

To each his own..im sticking with Kemper, more than happy with its consistency and tone across the board!

[@Newnodrogbob]

I’ve never had a kemper, but I think that’s great. If it’s doing what you want/need it to do, then what’s the problem, right?

[@stratless]

I love both for different reasons. But ultimately more personal with Kemper because I can profile my own amps. Also with Liquid profiling Kemper really raised the bar IMO. But you do sound amazing no matter what you play bro...😊

[@garrysimmons111]

I'm a fan of the Helix and building my sounds up from scratch. Never felt the need to try any other modelers or get into profiling/captures. If Line6 could add a new block type, similar to an IR, to load in an amp capture, that would open a whole new world of amp sounds to the Helix ecosystem.

[@That.old.mountain]

thanks for the well made review and saying what A and B were without waiting to the end :) subscribed

[@picksalot1]

The HX Stomp is amazingly, and what can be done with Helix Native brings modeling to an even more incredible level. As you said, there is a learning curve, but if you put in the time, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful variety of tones from the huge number of Amps, Effects, etc. included. 😎

[@r0bophonic]

Currently at 2:51 and Device B has noticeably better stereo wet effects. I’m assuming that’s the Helix. Otherwise both sound pretty similar. Ultimately, you are able to achieve the sound you want on whatever gear you have available, because you’ve put in the time to understand how to do that. In my experience, many guitarists (even very experienced ones) would rather stick to what they know and will blame the gear when they can’t achieve the sound they want instantly without effort tweaking parameters. Thankfully, there’s something for everyone 🙂

[@jonnydubai]

For me it's all about eq. You can get all these devices to sound amazing. It comes down to how you like to work.

[@millichips1]

Great video and playing as usual :0) I'm using a Kemper for live, practice and recording and love the sounds/effects I can get from the system. For the age of Kemper technology, I’m blown away that this piece of gear can still hold its own (for the most part) against newer technology. I still marvel at the thought process that went into designing and building this piece of gear. Kemper support/updates and improvements keeps on coming which makes the investment worthwhile. I used to gig with a Mesa Roadster which I still own but I love the consistency of the tones and sounds I get from the Kemper. I’ve been put off trying Line 6 gear because my past experience. I had an Amplifi 150 combo amp, which was great for home use but often the Bluetooth connectivity wouldn’t not function properly, and the sound would crap out at rehearsal volumes. The amp broke several times the last time wasn’t economical to repair so I ditched it. After hearing you using Line 6 gear I'm now tempted to give it another try

[@Takianagi]

Helix for the win! 😂🔥🔥🔥🎸 Hope you have a great weekend John! Nice jam sir! 🔥🔥🔥🙏

[@guitarplayer5805]

Probably the best I’ve heard you play… awesome!

[@bggouvea]

Hey John, new to the channel, brilliant praying and overview🙏🏻. What pickups you using in that strat?

[@IamMusicNerd]

I stopped using Kemper as well, but I tend to migrate to QC more often than Helix because the device is smaller than the Helix so it fits on my board, but has more foot controls than the HX stomp or GT1000 core, and is easier to use with the touch screen and variable control knobs. But both sound great.

[@DrProgNerd]

I went from FM9 to HX Stomp to Kemper to Quad Cortex to Neural Plugins (and MixWave Milkman). Of the modelers, I think the Kemper felt better - responded more like an amp. I still have all of my 3rd party Kemper packs in a file. I'd love for them to come out with a standalone software version - that I could import all of my files into. That could be interesting.

[@ddivill]

The helix sounded way fuller in terms of tone. Not sure if that was down EQ setup, but I'd be surprised if the Kemper couldn't match the tone we heard from the Helix. Great video as always.

[@aristocaster]

Kemper has made so big impact that on festivals and arena gigs, it is staple on backline and of course for musicians it is great, just bring your own USB stick and you are good to go.

[@AlessandroLucas]

Did the Kemper lights not reveal which device is being used? 😅

[@hollywoodactress]

I enjoy playing the guessing game of which device however I don’t own either and will be based on previous videos I have heard. I think device A is kemper and B is Helix. Device B for the level of effects present in the lead tone. Device A due to the nasal tone to it Both are great and would serve well in any mix or live band.

[@emmanuelgirard1656]

A has no thickness, no consistency

[@Annunaki_0517]

Because it’s just better. The Kemper was interesting when it first appeared, but Line 6’s ongoing support and updates for the Helix has made it the One Device to Rule Them All. Kemper wants to CHARGE you for new profiles, Line 6’s amazing updates are always free. Each update is like a new set of wonderful surprises. Haven’t used my pedal board in the six and a half years since I found a Helix under the Christmas Tree in Dec 2016. Sure there are like 3 or 4 pedals I wish Line 6 would include in the next update that still haven’t appeared, but all those amps, pedals, cabs, mics, I mean, it’s just incredible.

[@davidjoel111]

I also went from kemper to hx stomp, it took me a few weeks to get tones I liked with the stomp, I liked that the kemper as soon as you found a profile that you liked you didn’t have to do anything to it, the stomp gave me option paralysis, but in the other hand having to buy profiles after spending the money in the unit is not an attractive proposition. At the end of the day the only reason I would go powered kemper over helix is if I have to power a cab on stage, I prefer having the control the helix gives you and in my case, I prefer the hx stomp form factor, just works better for me over the kemper.

[@digiman57]

John, I have a full Helix floor pedal and love the expandability part of it and have pedal before it and also tied into the send returns with other pedals. I also run the Kemper 4 wired into the Helix as a send return just about where you would normally put a helix amp and IR. That way, I get Kemper amps and some effects from it if I want to. I profiled n my own 80’s Acoustic Corp tube amps, but i also like some Dann Huff style profiles I bought for the Kemper. Micheal Brit has great profiles also and I always run one of his IR’s in the Helix. Since I love the effects of the Helix and like my custom amp profiles. I just bought a ToneX pedal to capture my amps so I can try and replace the Kemper, and use it with the Helix when I play outside of my studio. I hope that works out. Love your videos and actually liked the Helix and the Kemper sounds you played.

[@andrew_ryu]

Can you do a comparison with the Nux Amp Academy and the Strymon Iridium?

[@ToneDeth.]

This sunshine filter you have on the video is great. Very realistic.

[@JarickL]

I found the same thing, profiles are limiting in terms of tonality. I may really dig the sound of a profile but if it's way too dark in a mix, then I can't so easily swap out to a bright tone. Or I may really want a certain amp but the profile has a very different EQ than I'm after (based on cab and mics). With the Axe FX or Helix I can just swap IR's and that's that. What I've been messing with this week is profiling some NDSP plugins, as well as capturing the NDSP cabs on my Axe FX 3. It's cool how you can then cop the sound of the NDSP but with the wider flexibility of effects of those devices.

[@deddiev1718]

That being said I have a Redplate tweedyverb a Vox AC15 head and 112 cab w/ 65 creamback and a 3rd power Dream Weaver Head. Backup is a Bluguitar amp 1

[@fredepstein]

John, both sound nice. But one thing I always notice…no Strato you use sounds better than that blue K Line. Does this one you are using have the same pickups of the blue one? I don’t believe so…

[@JohnSpo]

How do you monitor when recording with native to counter the latency? Do you record everything dry first?

[@tomatengarage5608]

It's clear, of course, John. You've often said that you like to create your sounds "from scratch". The layout and architecture of the Helix is obviously better suited for your wishes. Personally, I like the Kemper better, because I prefer to find a sound I like and then tweak it a bit until it fits for me. But it could also be that I'm just used to the Kemper. He is like an old friend....I know his strengths and his weaknesses. But the bottom line is that the devices are all just tools that help you make music, be creative,... I think it's great that there are so many different good tools, there really is something for everyone. Besides, I don't have time for a "religious war".... 🙂

[@JesusGonzalez-sd3ql]

This guy can play with a Peavy Bandit and still sound GREAT 😂

[@ksharpe10]

A BANDIT in the Right Hands. Someone should loan him one for the Test. LOL.

[@DanielCrouch]

I'm currently still using a podHD and interested in upgrading to helix soon, but I do really like some things about the Kemper. The thing I like about the podHD (and helix) is how you can have a very flexible signal chain with quite a lot of slots. My sound is not very wet but I do like to use several subtlely dialed effects, including 2-3 EQs placed at various points of the chain. The podHD (and I'm assuming the helix) also includes EQ settings in a lot of the pedals, equivalent to placing a graphic EQ immediately after the pedal in the chain, effectively allowing you an extra EQ slot. As I get most of my sound from the amp model, the Kemper might seem like the more natural choice for me, but it would take some adjustment to if I was not able to include reverb, compression and delay (plus overdrive) at exactly the places I like in the chain, plus being able to re-EQ wherever I feel it is needed. Any advice?

[@mattgraham5240]

does the stomp sound the same as the helix? I feel like your helix sound samples sound more organic than my stomp. I do know helix has actual clipping diodes built into it. and has more DSP is this why?

[@JohnSpo]

I'm diehard helix. I do think the fractal sounds a bit better in most comparisons I've heard but the helix is so well thought out and can do just about anything I think of that I don't mind sacrificing that little bit of "better" sound for the usability of the helix. And the fractal really only sounds better to me when doing heavy chugging and metal type riffs. The cleaner sounds are just as good if not a bit better on the helix.

[@roderickstaples127]

On the playout at the end, I preferred the Kemper. It didn't have the highend clickiness and felt smoother. But I agree with all the other stuff you said, that the Helix is more practical.

[@nitbot]

Device B sounded wicked sick

[@werner77wda]

I think I’m having a similar experience with one Ampero stomp 2 here. The learning curve makes the difference and the knowledge base I’ve got from using kemper is the way to go with other modelers as I started profiling all my amps and use these self made profiles. I think I justo got from scratch with Ampero inspiring from my profiles in kemper. I would say switching is 100% on rehearsal and kind of 30% on live performances for ampero

[@slicksalmon6948]

Isn't the Helix about due for a hardware refresh?

[@sboy1955]

Whatever device the guitarist spends the most time with wins. That outro was like a lit fuse… would really like to hear what it was leading you to 🤙🏽

[@ksharpe10]

That is the Bottom line, I know Tonejunkie could Dial the EQ to match if given the chance. His latest videos show it.

[@timjoseph887]

Depends, on if you actually play or spend so much time trying to make the Kemper sound good enough to actually play.

[@davidmartinez4902]

At this point... either one is a monster... the real thing is: Can you play with that touch like John plays with? Also, his listening skills to set up the tone... He can play a Zoom 505 and make it sound like amazingly

[@laivasimo8427]

My only problem with my Kemper is exactly the fact that you can not sit down and discover a new sound by tweaking the knobs, like i would do with an amp or something else out there. You do that by buying new profiles. However i have some profiles that i have bought that just work for me better than anything else i have tried, so i do not feel like selling Kemper to get something else, but i might choose something else if i was making the initial decision now 😉

[@bangdude5630]

Love the Helix detailed clean. The amp sounds like a well designed modeler than an exact profile of real amps. My only complaint isthe electric mistress model. All you need to alredy bundled on this unit. Cheers.

[@r0bophonic]

7:17 I thought you started with Helix Floor? I seem to remember downloading your patches before the Stomp was even released. 🤔

[@Luxaudiodesigns]

I completely get it. I was a Kemper guy. I had great tone from a tone junkies divided by 13 direct profile. But anytime I wanted to experiment, I had to pay money. With fractal and line 6, when you buy the unit, you get all the amps. And, for me, I want a unit that I can just do it all with. I know I'm in the minority on this, but I do not want to carry a pedal board with multiple pedals and the run the risk of having to chase down a bad connection, or bad cable. At age 47, easy is important 😅. But, for the record, in this scenario, the Helix tone was head and shoulders above what the Kemper was able to produce. No contest

[@AlexVonCrank]

B sounded better to me but both are good sounds. I sold my stomp because I often have to have multiple instruments hooked up ready to go and the Helix floor O/I's are just far superior. I also have to play a doubleneck bass and 12 string so the signal chain gets pretty hefty when you have to run 2 simultaneous gig in one song. I could do it with 2 ABY boxes but its too much. Helix floor is the solution... for now.

[@wilberramirez8051]

No es una prueba justa el profile que usas con tu kemper suena mal si usaras un buen profile el hx stomp no tiene competencia con kemper.

[@pauljohnston1560]

I would say Device A was the Kemper and Device B was Line 6 … but it’s just a guess🙂

[@deddiev1718]

The way I see it is like this. For those off us that play covers or are in Tribute bands were are trying to recreate the sounds of the originals Modeling or Kemper is just trying to recreate the sounds of the originals Marshall Fender Vox etc. So would you rather have Hendrix EVH SRV or me trying to be them. It’s based on what you expect that evening. The good thing is most of the audience could care less what we are playing. They care if it sounds good. Picking and a grinning.

[@LetsPlayMrK]

Just shoot profiles of the HX amp models. Boom lol.

[@firubbi]

paused at 3.40sec. you didn't matched the level. plus device b has huge reverb.

[@raldtechtv1251]

Same here!

[@mathmusicstructure]

One of the most underrated aspects of just using amps is that 10 - 80 years later they're even better, instead of just being out of date electronic junk.

[@Newnodrogbob]

I think it’s an overrated aspect, to be honest. It gets talked about ALL THE TIME. “Yeah; but will it hold its value?” I don’t buy gear like I’m investing in the stock market. I buy gear to make noise with. I, for one, am perfectly happy to have light, versatile equipment that sounds great, and then drop another grand on a new one every decade, if whatever the new one is does something better.

[@mathmusicstructure]

@@Newnodrogbob Yeah fair enough. I wasn't talking about monetary value really, although I guess that's a part of it. I meant more that if you buy great amps, after a while you have a bunch of great amps that will always be great. If you just buy electronics they're always a few years away from being literal garbage. After 20 or 30 years you have nothing but the most recent thing you bought, which is already out of date when you buy it. On the other hand if you buy analog gear and look after it, 20 or 30 years later it's just as good if not better than the day you bought it, for playing and tone purposes. As I said I wasn't talking about the selling value, but the fact that it's still good is why people will pay for it.

[@Newnodrogbob]

@@mathmusicstructure There is something to that. I’m not exactly young, (47) but I grew up in a consumer electronics culture. The hardware is just a tool. I do understand the feeling that it is nice to have nice things.

[@mathmusicstructure]

@@Newnodrogbob I certainly understand buying gear for a purpose, as part of the cost of doing business. I would seriously consider touring a Quad Cortex for that reason. I also use Neural DSP's plugins for recording ideas all the time. They're great! For me, buying the analog gear is also part of having nice things to pass down as I get older. They're tools for me too, and I want them to be tools and inspiration for other people. I think these amps, for the right person, will mean a lot more than giving them electronics I've had for 20 years. I hope so anyway. Sometimes I wonder if there will be anyone around that cares. I've been trying to give away a family heirloom violin for several years and nobody wants it.

[@briandreger7006]

14:49 - What was that?!?!

[@ksharpe10]

I think he is trying to break the sound barrier. Wow is he FAST.

[@bennytudor5313]

Helix sounds better when dialed in, and MUCH easier and sexier interface. Moved to helix from my tube amps this year and will never go back. Power head and real cabs on stage

[@ksharpe10]

Device B, is just that much better. Screaming Legato Boy!!! HELIX for the WIN!!! I can only think of 1 amp. Pack I would buy, a really well Done Magnatone, complete with the pulsing Vibrato effect. Because I like it's metallicy SOUND. I think I could take a Trainwreck profile/Model and get Close. Brett Kingman made a really good one for AXE 3, using Jtm45 and Vox ac30 from fractal, it is pretty good and Brett Owns the Mags. Twilighter stereo amp. so it must be really close, it is free to download. The Tone I like best is the Cowgirls in the Sand neil young. The Mags. is a KILLER BLUES amp. If you buy bunches of profiles, it can get Quite pricy real fast.

[@20weststudio]

TOO MANY NOTES! LOL

[@clouds5]

I think both these devices are very "niche" and not something for regular situations. The way I see it, the Kemper is something very specific for people with a studio full of amps that can't decide which one to take on tour. And the HX stomp is something for a pedal board, maybe if you have limited space, because as a standalone unit it is too small and lacks important features like an expression pedal. Most people should either get a real amp (with channels and reverb so you don't need a hundred boxes on the floor...) or just go full digital with a full featured board with expression pedal and enough switches. Which you can still plug into a real (clean) amp to get the room feeling. Also, Helix stuff is good and super overhyped and overpriced. Again, just my opinion :D you can the same quality of tones from devices that cost half as much.

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

the friedman ir x is the new kemper slayer designed by evh's personal tech not a fucking keyboard player ,with real tubes and great tones out of the box .sounds way better and more natural than any modeler could ever sound, can work with your favorite effects and with a power amp and speaker and has an effects loop .

[@BaroqueBlues]

You make the Helix sound great! For some reason every time I've used one I thought it was horrible, I would turn off all of the delay and reverb and no matter what it still sounded like it had reverb on & the tone was like everything was coming through a tin can. Also it was hard to get a smooth low gain plexi Marshall sound that sustained (compared the Boss products).

[@Takianagi]

Have you bought his Gumroad folder? He's got great tones setup and you can always tweak them! I highly recommend you buy his pack if you're using a Helix like me.

[@ksharpe10]

@@Takianagi And JOHN is so Cheaply priced, it would be a no brainer. He is the Merlin of the Helix rhealm.

[@DavidEidelberg]

To me you sound the same no matter what device you use.

[@richo144]

at this level all modelers sound kind of the same (helix, fractal, cortex) I have experienced that the real differences are more in dynamics, touch response etc (and obviously other differnces as DSP, switches, UI etc etc), In my personal opinion I stay with fractal after having Helix and Cortex

[@onewiththings]

Device A sounds better to me clean. There is more clarity and detail, it sounds more dimensional and real. I could say the same for Device B dirty.

[@slicksalmon6948]

I like device B…more pop and bite. Device A sounds like a modeler.

[@timrussellguitar1516]

B was the Helix

[@timjoseph887]

As far as I know you can’t blend profiles unless you are recording. Any profile I buy, stock, studio, liquid etc, sounds like a Kemper but it says Marshall on the profile. Don’t buy profiles for a $2300 amp. Also If I have to record in order to blend amps, it's not worth it. Kemper is NOT plug and play. The Kemper is not a good investment. What you bought 2 years ago for $2k and $500 for the remote and $500 for the Kab, you won't get anywhere near that when you want to "switch" to a nother amp.

[@Plextortion]

Why I switched from Kemper/Helix/Quad Cortex to HeadRush Prime/Core and never regretted it.

[@akhileshsonawane8828]

may I know why?

[@thorpenator9148]

Fender Pro Junior and a pedal board for me. It was good enough for Mr.Beck.

[@robertbrown1778]

Is there an accepted explanation for why a company (let's call them Line 6) would produce factory presets that almost everyone thinks are poor? Insane or deaf are the only 2 theories I've come up with so far. Btw, I don't own any modern modeller.

[@Deep_Jimpact]

Nothing to do with the recent allegations?

[@markinthemix6055]

Hmmmmm 🤔

[@TheJonOsborne]

I sold 3 Kempers recently and replaced them with an HX Stomp and an FM3. Those two units cover the full gamut of tone and functionality for me. Not super thrilled with the paid preset game with Kemper. Got rekt buying a Tone Junkie Liquid Profile pack for $50 that was basically given away the following week. The tones were just OK. I will never support that exploitative channel again.

[@robertstan2349]

prefer real amps with real tubes not emulations: they don't feel right to me and the tone comes across as far too consistent from note to note, at times almost like a cartoon of a real thing

[@lukather1]

Nope 👎🏻