Why the Fractal FM9 is BETTER Than the Line 6 Helix

[@gusnikola2719]

Considering what we know about the importance of the IR implementation in modellers and especially in the Helix, Line 6 could provide a huge update that brings it in line with Fractal.

[@2550marshall]

I find playing around with the amp block deeper tweakability is where the Axe shines. I'm a very long tube amp player and being able to adjust things like Negative feedback, Power tube bias and swapping tube Brands is really fun. It works just like the real deal. I can make a stock amp sound soo much more different just with those settings alone.

[@dmock66]

Good discussion... overall these products are mostly about preferences, workflow, use case, etc. Bottom line - they're both fantastic tools.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely!

[@JoeJaeger]

This was a great review, getting my FM9 Turbo next week looking forward to learning more about it. I have an Axe FX II now.

[@MOAB-UT]

How are you getting on with y9our FM9? Any regrets? I am about to buy one. My choices are Ampero 2, FM3, FM9. I can spend up to about $2k. I could get the AFxIII but don't want a rack unit. I also think the FM9 gives you about 95% of that one in a floor unit. Thoughts?

[@marswabisabi8918]

I bought the FM9 as well and still have my older AXE FX II. Right out of the box I prefer my fxII to my FM9, it just sounds better. I will have to tweek my FM9 still.

[@BeachJazzMusic]

Great video. As I use my Axe-Fx III more and more I'm really liking the AxeEdit software more than HX Edit. I still think using the Axe on a gig would be quite daunting. In the house I use both units at the same time. I've got them hooked up so that I have the Helix running into two Quilter Combo amps and the Axe-Fx III into two other Quilter combo amps. Two are in front of me and two are behind me so I get a sort of 3D sound. I got this idea from seeing Pink Floyd in the early 70's at a concert I attended in San Diego, CA. Yes I can use the Axe-Fx III and run them all with that but I like the subtile differences between the two units. Granted I couldn't do this on a gig but hey, I'm retired and can do whatever I want now.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Sounds like a fun rig either way! Lol would love to try that set up

[@danc3746]

Question abut the FM9 as related to the Helix. Can the FM9 footswitches be used to turn on and off particular effects like Chorus, Phaser, OD, Reverb and Delay? I setup the Helix with one amp model and use the switches like a pedal board. I would assume the same can be done with the FM9?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yes it can definitely do that. Its basic feature and can do a ton more if you dive in

[@pytheus]

Thanks for another great vid! Question: have you had the issue of your Helix locking up? If so, have you discovered a solution?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Never once sorry. But anything like that is probably power related..turning it off for a few seconds will probably fix it

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

Hey Boss. Can you do a video on your performance backup solution if/when your Helix floor unit bites the dust and how that covers Jessica's needs? Is it live at same time during show and muted or what? Thanks for the video and Best Regards!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for watching! I have never used a live backup to be honest. We have lived close to the egde and survived lol. I do know I can get a helix overnighted anywhere though!

[@sinfirma23]

We guitarists live at a turning point between the valve amplifiers of a lifetime and the digital. You don't see the big 100w Marshalls and 4x12s on stage anymore, except on rare occasions, now guitarists go with no more than 15 or 20w amps or a high-tech digital pedalboard like these. The time of the big stacks has passed and although it is fun to listen to them, it is really used for personal enjoyment but in practice you will sound the same in a concert with a Fractal direct to PA, even if you save pedals, weight, money... Is it worth using a 35 kilo amp that only does one thing + a pedal bag and a 28 kilo cabinet to listen to yourself through in-ears, monitors or for the PA of the public?

[@mixville2]

I started with the original Helix floor years ago, and have cycled through the Fractal Axe FX3 and FM3 - and now I'm back in 2023 with the Helix Floor! First, for the style I play - clean to edge of breakup, with pedals on top, I pretty much had great sounds from both. Living in that realm, I didn't find the Fractal factory presets much better than Helix, since I don't play the style of music that's overwhelming represented. After tweaking, I got both sounding great. I loved the Fractal stuff, but I found it so deeply detailed that I would just go straight down the rabbit hole. Also, I found the footswitch setup independent of the preset (unless you go deep into per-presets, etc) to be incredibly frustrating. A massive time killer for me. So were the endless pages of speaker cabs - too much of a good thing - rabbit hole. As a 40 year pro sound production eng, I did love the extensive metering throughout on the Fractals. Much more pro and I wish Helix had more. But in the end, the easier usability, and for my uses, equivalent sound, pushed me back to Helix. Also, I'm also an organ player, so I'm used to working my volume pedal, even on guitar. The integrated heavy duty volume pedal on the Helix floor is ideal for me. And one less thing to set up/carry. Love both - but back on Helix.

[@brettgrey5658]

Short and sweet question, and a short and sweet answer is totally acceptable... Is the FM9 worth the upgrade from the Helix Floor based on sound alone? Am I missing out on that much, or is the sound quality of the FM9 obtainable with the Helix Floor? I have an invitation, but not sure I want to pull the trigger... Thanks in advance!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Some people swear its lightyears ahead of Helix in terms of sound. After over a year with it, and about 5 years on Helix, I really don't have a great and easy answer lol. Flat out sounds, I sound exactly the same on either unit and no regular sound guy that I work with has ever noticed a difference when I ask. So, idk! Lol

[@brettgrey5658]

@@SteveSterlacci ha ha ok, that's fair. Thanks! 🤘

[@MOAB-UT]

Get it- you have 15 days to audition it less shipping. Problem solved. I think it is better personally. I bought one. FM9 Turbo rocks hard. I do not really care for Helix.

[@vio4jesus]

Great Video.... hopefully these vendors learn from these types of videos, and from each others' products.... and they keep improving their products. Imma new Helix users (and yeah, I'm still on the training wheels). Keep helping guitar players create great sounds!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks AJ! Itd be great if they keep pushing each other like that

[@etaborya]

Did you compare FM9 whammy vs Helix whammy? I've seen AX8 whammy vs Helix whammy comparison and Helix Whammy was so much better. I use those poly pitch a lot in my HX Stomp, so I am not sure do I need FM9 until I hear whammy comparison.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I have not. I never use the effect unfortunately

[@JessicaLynnCountry]

Great video Steve

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks!

[@billhillock]

I also have both. I love the way the FM9 sounds. BUT THE EDITOR AND FRONT INTERFACE. COME ON FRACTAL! I wanted to use it this weekend, but I couldn’t keep the editor from either lagging or locking up. So I dialed in the Helix in no time and used it. Great video Steve!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks BIll! I agree 100%. That was a huge factor in my other vids on where the Helix is better

[@billhillock]

@@SteveSterlacci yes sir! I watched that one the other day! Another great video with real world experience to give an accurate review!

[@mickgodwin5023]

I think between the two videos you've given a very fair and balanced picture of the two units... as I said in an earlier post, I am a Helix floor user and love it, except for the horrible headphone sound, but after hearing from you I'm going to raise a support ticket to Line 6. The FM9 is definitely an option, but to be honest, I really hope my issue with Helix turns out to be a unit fault, because I think overall, it seems to be a much more user friendly product, plus I'd lose the built in expression pedal and a a stomp button... however, your comments here about the great/better tones right off the bat are getting me thinking... damn you dude!! Hahaha 😠😁🤣😂🤣

[@SteveSterlacci]

SORRY! LOL For what its worth, I have never been disappointed with my Helix live over the last 3 or 4 years. There is a point in a live show where the small differences in tone wont matter. Thanks for watching and contributing! Let me know what happens with the headphones

[@mickgodwin5023]

@@SteveSterlacci Will do, thanks man. 👍 ... much to everyone's dismay I'd have to totally agree! We all spend a ridiculous amount of time "perfecting" every nuance of our tone, but throw it into a live situation and most of it really doesn't matter! ... I think it's more for our own benefit than the audience! 😊

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yep! For sure.

[@coppulor6500]

@@mickgodwin5023 everyone always says that. But I'll give you two things to consider. First, if you've got patches (on any modeler) with tones that give you great response and really inspire you, you will play better and that will affect the audience's experience for the better. Second, they may not know every aspect of why that solo was so great, but an awesome tone will most definitely impact the listener. I have a great example. After my time on the road was up (couldn't take the life anymore and the band was near the end anyway), I went to go see my former band play. the guitarist for the opening band had the ol' vintage strat, tube screamer, vintage super reverb combo (this was mid 90's so this stuff was much easier to come by). I will NEVER forget that guy's tone (and I'd heard a ton of guitarists live by then). Or, maybe more accurately, I will at least never forget how much it blew me away. The crowd was extremely responsive to his playing. perhaps they couldn't articulate exactly what was so great about his playing but, rest assured, the texture of the sound they were hearing definitely had an impact. Similar in some ways to how the audience doesn't pay attention to the light show - they don't analyze it, or focus on it and couldn't give you a single detail about it- but holy crap does a good light show have an emotional impact on the audience's experience that cannot be understated.

[@philmiller6655]

I know Line 6 thought about doing the Favorites per block thing, but that would add quite a lot of menu diving. Maybe they could have one per category. Would still be a lot of information. To be honest, I have never really used Favorites all the much. If I’m starting a new preset, I often just start with the block with its defaults and tweak it again… I guess it’s always a balancing act with these things. I try not to get too stuck in thinking I have to do things a certain way, otherwise I end up with 50 versions of essentially the same preset. I think with the footswitches, Line 6 has prioritized having the Stomp Mode switches activating on the press, not the release. In order to have a long press, the footswitch actually activate when you release it. It also means you can’t have a momentary function. They could absolutely allow customization for that. I think it just comes down whether or not they think they can do it in a way that’s still easy to use.

[@uptownphotography]

Very detailed comparison. Thanks for doing it. Phil NYC Area

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Phil! Much appreciated. We are not far away in Westchester!

[@uptownphotography]

@@SteveSterlacci That's cool Steve. I used to play with a Jazz/Rock band and rehearsed in New City, NY many years ago (I lived up there a few months while rehearsing) and still have friends in that area. I also used to travel up that way via 287 (from the Jersey Shore near Red Bank) almost every weekend when my girl friend at that time lived in Greenwich, CT...I love that area up there... Phil

[@thehumblepundit9790]

You hear a lot about "work flow" when talking about these modelers. And I agree that it's important. Of course, you want to be able to adjust the sound as easily as possible. My real issue with a lot of that is that it doesn't talk about the actual reason people play music. To hear the sound! I had an Axe Fx II for a decade. After I had to get rid of it, I tried them all except the Neural DSP and the UA stuff. I had many plug ins, as well as Helix Native and an HX Stomp. Also a bunch of different real world amps and pedals. I personally found, that for a home hobbyist, nothing beat the sound I get out of Fractal. And I'm putting my FM3 through studio monitors for now. With the Helix products, I found I couldn't get the kind og mid to high gain sounds like I hear out of Fractal. The cleans were super nice, and it had probably the best modeler tremolo sound I'd ever heard. Bar none. That being said, it was only a very small bit of what I liked to play. I may sound like a Fractal fan boi, but to me, I go for the sound. The rest of the "work flow" issues I can handle. And again, I'm not a pro musician and don't tour or gig. Just a simple guy, sitting at home, playing guitar. Nice all around evaluation of the two units. Well done! EDIT: I forget to mention the Ultra Res issue. Yes, the IRs have to be Ultra Res. The Fractal won't turn a stock non-Ultra Res IRs into Ultra Res IRs at the touch of a button. The IR you load has to be Ultra Res and I'll tell you, you can definitely tell the difference.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You dont sound like a fan boi at all! Lol i appreciate you having a balanced opinion and be able to look at things objectively. Some of each unit will be better than some of another. Its only fair to bring all the issues forward to advance the next generation! Otherwise, they dont get better! Thank you for watching and contributing

[@MOAB-UT]

Have you tried the FM9- thoughts? can't run many ultra res. and reverbs on the FM3 together.

[@lpjful1]

hello I'm Brazilian so sorry for my english. I want to thank you for your sincerity in your comments, this really is a game changer. I recently sold my Fm3 and FC6, with the intention of buying an Fm9, despite all the difficulties. I ended up buying a 6505+ head and hope to use fractal with it. Well, considering that the FC6 and FC12 controllers now have the MKII version, with bigger displays, don't you think the FM3 and FM9 displays will also change? It wouldn't be logical, for example, for me to have an Fm3 with small displays and the FC6 with larger displays, that's what would happen if you bought it today! As I'm waiting for Fm9 I'm looking forward to this answer

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hm. Tough one here. I do not think the FM9 will get a bigger display. I dont have any problem with the FM9s current size though. I would go with FM9

[@MOAB-UT]

You sound a bit OCD. FM9 is great if you can afford it. Period. Focus on playing, not led screens. Poor deciding criterion.

[@夜桜_神鎗]

Very fair video. If I were someone who is really seeking out a specific tone, I think the FM9 would be have the best chance of accomplishing it. But as of now, its not for me cos while I value the fine tuning, I don't really have or want to spend too much time having to tweak out everything. Not to mention generally I go with a skeleton of a tone I want and tweak it on the fly during sessions with the band based on feedback, how well it sits in the mix. So I feel its easier for me to do this on the Helix. Oh and yea, the tones from FM9 are better out of the box haha.

[@garycoraluzzi1166]

Thank you Steve ! A very very very helpful video as usual. You da man !! Thanks !

[@Widdy5150]

Great video Steve. How is QC going?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its great. Keeps my piles of paper from blowing away...

[@Widdy5150]

@@SteveSterlacci 😆😆

[@GtrMan863]

Do you still use your Helix Live?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Been awhile my friend! See my most recent video on my live rig. Short answer is no. But, HX Stomp has taken over as my stand alone live rig for this year 😁

[@GtrMan863]

I just joined a band. I'm using my Helix Floor and am very concerned about it failing before or during a show, I have a stomp I'm going to use as a backup, do you sell any easy to use patches for the stomp with a very basic setup considering there's only 3 buttons , I do have the Jet pedal but will need to configure it,. Great Christmas show in Royersford !

[@SteveSterlacci]

@GriffinGTR were you at chambersburg?!?!?! Ive used my helix on hundreds of gigs around the world and never had issues with it going down. Hoping the same for the stomp XL. I posted my main gig preset on my website. You can just tailor the FS to your needs and be off and running

[@GtrMan863]

@Steve Sterlacci Thanks, Steve. See you next Christmas show, that was only 45 minutes from my house my wife liked it too

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@GtrMan863 did you come up and say hello?! Tell her thank you so much

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Love the demo Steve! Great stuff! Line 6 has a great tech support, which they have a phone number that you can call for assistance. The staff at Line 6 are great me. But give me the Headrush for me. Very user friendly, for changes you just drag and drop, touch screen! Thank you for posting this!

[@SteveSterlacci]

I didnt know you switched to headrush! Glad you found what works best for you

[@DavidEidelberg]

If you prefer the touch screen, switch to quad cortex for superior sound vs the Headrush. But wait until they catch up a bit.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

@@SteveSterlacci No I am still a Helix Fan! I love it. But with the headrush, I have the best of both worlds. How are the Amp models with Fractal? Do they sound more like "real" Amps? Maybe I should invent in one.

[@SteveSterlacci]

The amps sound exceptional

[@davidkirk1781]

One of the best parts of the block library in Fractal is the "global blocks" ability. Up to 8 blocks in the library can be made "global". Any preset which uses such a block linked to the "global block" which means that when changes are made to the block, all presets which contain that block (and also have it linked to the global block) will inherit those changes. No need to go tweak every preset that you built using your favourite amp or reverb block. This feature can also be combined with the parameters page which would enable you to modify a setting (e.g. reverb mix) on the fly using the parameter page, save the preset (containing the global reverb block) and all presets containing the linked global block are updated with the new mix level. I am curious whether Helix has anything similar to "link a setting/level across multiple snapshots" and change them globally. I don't own either unit, but am trying to compare and decide which I would prefer.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey David! I personally don't use the global blocks as I typically use the same amps on different presets. With 8 scenes and all the layout options, I cant imagine needing the same amp on multiple presets. Maybe for a level control it may be most useful, but dont they all have to be the same channel as well? For Helix, once snapshot mode is engaged, there is no global change across the preset. You have to open each one and change accordingly. But if you set something to a snapshot control, that usually means you don't want it to be a global change across the preset anyway. You can always unassign to snapshots, then adjust globally, then re engage snapshots. All it takes is an encoder press

[@cardp17]

this! exactly my thinking. ability to make one change on an fx and have it apply to ev patch that relies on it!

[@billyriker2966]

This would be huge for my workflow as I use some blocks in every preset. I have AX8 now but on waitlist for FM9

[@MOAB-UT]

Did you buy a modeler- which one and thoughts?

[@blazing6string]

Great video my man!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you bro!

[@cardp17]

"favorites" is interesting. wondering, if you change parameters would it apply those changes to all patches that use that "favorite". that would make modifying tones infinitely easier and save the hassel of having to make the same tweak in every patch that uses the "favorite". ie. if you had a distortion block used across multiple patches.

[@SteveSterlacci]

If you change parameters, you would just load the old preset and turn the far left knob back and forth to get the newly saved favorite with the new settings

[@cardp17]

@@SteveSterlacci yeah, see what you're saying. my idea avoids having to enter each patch....or remembering which patches use the favorite. can you tell that a favorite is being used in a patch? ie can it be named differently?

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@cardp17 yeah i dont think the presets are built to "reboot" themselves if that makes sense. So the preset is always going to be as it was previously saved. The favorites can be renamed and placed in any order you want. The preset will remember that its a favorite block, and that left knob on helix will page you through your favorites as they are saved. So your edited favorite is saved to the favorites list, but still in its previous state when the preset is pulled up. Like i said before, just turning that selector knob back and forth in either direction will pull up the newly saved "favorite" Hope this made sense!

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@cardp17 oh, you can also set a block as an overall "default" for settings and re name it

[@3xcho]

Just bought a Helix Floor LT and I completely agree with this list. The fact that there aren't presets per module is annoying as hell. Yes, you have hundreds of amps+effects... but each one you have to dial in you can't select quick settings per AMP (that i've found). Line6 really needs to add this feature

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its definitely improved with the latest cab update. Sounds are way better out of the box. Then, you can do minimal tweaks and update the user default settings so every time that amp comes up, those settings will too

[@juanFS20]

so what should i do if i cant get fm9 or quad cortex due to import issues,, is still line 6 a good option ? LT or Floor ?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I tour my Helix full time, even though i own the other 2. Its the best floorboard for gigging overall IMO. Can argue the new 2 sound better, but the gig experience is best with Helix by far

[@JonnyLeeguitarist]

Great , now I need an FM9 .

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its a beast!

[@thefam9179]

But which one sounds better and more closer to the real amp? Which one has better dynamics, The amps response to how soft or hard you pick

[@SteveSterlacci]

I would say they are a match in that category. Both don't disappoint at all in that arena

[@Utube-s8m]

QC.

[@aviator_bryan]

Great video! Some other minor differences... I like that the FM9 has an always visible tuner available, that's handy. The fact that Helix is susceptible to phantom power issues is annoying. When I gigged it, I was carrying a couple phantom blockers for the XLR outputs to avoid possible issues. I prefer the Helix scribble strips, with white text on dark background. I'm excited to see what the next gen Helix has to offer. I'm sure the L6 guys will come up with some cool stuff!

[@foxmeisteruk]

Block library does have one significant disadvantage over Helix favourites though - thus far, I've found no way to select them via on the unit itself, which leads me to believe that they exist on your computer and require the use of the editor to access. Not really much of an issue though, given you would probably want to do most of your editing via the desktop editor! ;)

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely the worst part of the FM9 is how dependent on the desktop editor you have to be! Totally get that

[@ahall3823]

Great review. Thanks.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you for watching

[@carlossalazar4508]

That’s a great idea hold and tap for Helix control

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yessir!

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

Wow that preset leveling is huge. That's my biggest beef with the Helix.

[@SteveSterlacci]

it really is!

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

@@SteveSterlacci and it's not insurmountable just extra work. Seems like the FM9 knocked that feature out of the park. Very smart!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Agreed. There is a lot each unit can learn from the other. Much more than I anticipated!

[@DavidEidelberg]

I think you left off a few things, but there’s a lot to both units. One thing I’d add is the performance controls That allows you to pick 10 instant access knobs for easy access while performing. I know you can actually choose more than those, but that’s the basic part of it. There is no need to call up a specific block in order to make changes in the block if you’ve assigned the control knob to the performance panel. For example, you might choose amp gain and and volume as two, chorus depth as another, delay feedback as one etc… . You then have instant access to those knobs without calling up the block. I think this is huge.

[@SteveSterlacci]

No argument there! I do love that feature, but I do feel its a wash because the helix side has pedal edit mode and the touch switches to make easy changes. Both are plusses on their respective units which is why I left it out here

[@DavidEidelberg]

@@SteveSterlacci I hate having to scroll to a block and open it in order to change a parameter at a gig. It’s happened. At least the Helix has the amp button so that’s easy to get to.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah the Performance Page is a really really useful feature. I definitely lean on it heavy in live situations

[@Burkhimself]

Have you compared the FM9 and the Quad Cortex ?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yep. Video is on the channel. While the captures sound amazing, its VERY far behind in functionality and live use

[@MOAB-UT]

No need. FM9 is FAR better. Did you get one yet?

[@johneldredge5419]

Great video Steve. Thanks.

[@scottv8410]

wow, that was a great analysis. keep up the good work. i am a long time helix user and can't think of anything you didn't touch on. i think both companies could take some cues from the other and both products would end up being better. i think most people are unlikely to buy both units since they are so close in the quality of sound that they produce. also it is a big investment in time to get patches tweaked and doing that all over is not desirable. hopefully as a helix user i will someday see some of the fractal features you mentioned brought into helix. i think it's also getting to be time for helix to get a hardware upgrade. i like to use IRs and dual amps and i am constantly running out of DSP. a lot of the new effects that deal with pitch are CPU hungry; that's part of the issue. i don't think a software patch can fix that. i guess guitar players tend to always want more than they have in their rigs.

[@scottpeters4401]

I completely agree that there is no perfect modeler….you just have to find the one that ticks the most boxes that are useful to you…..I still have an HX Stomp,and an AxeFXIII….I like the Helix,but the Fractal ticks way more boxes for me….Snapshots are cool,but I can do more with scenes,channels,and scene controllers….and on the AxeFXIII,I have DSP to burn…..that thing is crazy powerful…I haven’t tried the FM9 yet…still on the long waiting list…..All these things are just tools at the end of the day….it’s good to have all these options for sure…

[@MOAB-UT]

Did you get your FM9- how does it compare to the AxeFXIII? Any others that you like? I have about $2k to spend.

[@toneninja9050]

Hey Steve… Where did you find the LT delay block settings? I can’t find them.

[@SteveSterlacci]

He posted a whole video on blocks library and I got the link from the description

[@jiagap]

"if you don't know what any of this stuff does" in your deep menus. Is there any videos that go into all the deeper menus and explains and demos what all the other stuff does?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Some videos do go into them. Most stuff can also be researched. It's a lot to learn if you dive in!

[@wildwood20147]

Awesome Steve I have Helix and just recently purchased an AXE FX III. I already like the AXE FX better although the Helix Floor layout is nice

[@Rockerrobin]

Is their a budget fractal? I'm looking in the pod go, headrush, ampero 2 price range?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nothing in that range. FM3 is the lowest and around 1k

[@MOAB-UT]

ampero 2 is decent $400 us sometimes via amazon

[@nigeldaddyo]

Does the M9 have anything like the Helix shuffle looper?

[@gokhanersan8561]

Cool Superman t-shirt !

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you!

[@hellsing1983]

I am really wondering if there is a new Helix coming in the near future. I am sure that thing will set a new standard, and then other brands are going to beat that. It's great that there are different brands so they can challenge each other to bring something better. And that's awesome for us guitar players.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its a constant ladder game. I think the next gen will be announced at NAMM or something

[@0megalul309]

the helix was never a standard. The new standard will be released whenever kemper or fractal, mostly kemper release a new product. Line 6 sets new standards one spyder at a time.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@0megaLuL you can just say you've never played Helix before lol no need to fan boi and bash where you haven't partied

[@hellsing1983]

@@SteveSterlacci Considering his Dutch name (and I am Dutch) I think he is trolling.

[@0megalul309]

@@SteveSterlacci I have played a helix before returning it one month later due to how 2d it sounds and feels. The only people who think the helix is game changing are the kids who have never played an actual tube amp in person. Grow up and do your homework, your only personality trait is fanboying over line 6 and it shows.

[@javiervv9095]

Just ordered my fm9 😀

[@SteveSterlacci]

You're gonna love it!

[@mickellyrodrigues2191]

Thank you so much for the video it's very informative 👍

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

Cool comparison, thanks!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for watching!

[@satarello]

The AXE FX is the best modeller on the market. Of course FAS are also more expensive but I love how Axe soundind today. Line 6 is like a silver, also very good...

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

Make a video where you take the fm9 and helix, pick an amp and a cab and no other blocks then see how the compare, then you can only tweak within those two blocks.

[@SteveSterlacci]

That could be a fun one!

[@richardputman3506]

Also I wish the FM9 had a live performance display (firmware update please) that told you in a larger font what preset and scene you were on like the FC6/12 foot controller has regardless of what layout you were on. Even my HX Stomp has a big font for the preset and whatever the 3 buttons are.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah the screen is not well thought out IMO

[@christianfilouler]

Hi, I've been following your channel for a while, very informative. From time to time I have to watch some twice, the English is sometimes too fast. Great video series on the subject of helix and fractal. This is exactly the dilemma I stand in. I have to preface that I am an absolute hobbyist and should practice more. But the technique is also fun ;) I currently have an FM3 and a Helix Floor to try out. Both cannot and should not remain, too expensive. I had promised myself a lot from the FM3 and was looking forward to it. However, I feel the same as I am sure many others do. You are "killed" by the fractal, the amount of settings, I don't even know what many of them are is meant. The amount of amps and cabs is just a lot. Especially with the cabs the designations? , with which microphone removed, phew. You don't know what to choose. At least I had hoped that when you select an amp, the right cab would also be selected. The editor is, at least in terms of operation, much better than on the device. I find that really very difficult and a lot of things are shown too small on the display. The three footswitches, you feel a lot turning on them, hold it long, hold it short... So far I have recognized the following advantages for myself personally with the Helix, also that I do not come from this deep matter. all-in-one device; Everything there, including more footswitches, is essentially assigned simplify. Bigger and heavier, of course. Personally, I find Snapshots to be easier to switch parameters than Scenes. Operation on the device is simple and clear. I still have the A simple preset created, try briefly and the whole thing is super easy to understand. Display is super clear. The community is huge, which is a huge advantage. In addition, the product family Helix, Nativ and Co. I can't really judge everything else, but I found the video just great. Whether I make the right decision FM3 or Helix ?!? Oh dear, but I think I'm going with the helix. maybe another trip to the FM9 in a while. Greetings from Germany

[@JoeSage55]

How about how they sound through headphones? I have both and enjoy playing the FM9 through headphones.... not the Helix. I do like both through monitors.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You're the second person to ask this! I have never noticed. But will absolutely look into it

[@JoeSage55]

@@SteveSterlacci Bumping Room level to around 40% on the Cabinet, Room/Air tab of FM9 really helps.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@JoeSage55 my favorite block right now is the cab!

[@208414]

With two amp blocks and a multiplexer block you can do totally seamless channel switching.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yes, but still limited to only 2 amps for seamless, unless you use a CS to swap the inactive channel, which is too much work IMO. The same 2 amp switching can also be done in Helix

[@208414]

@@SteveSterlacci That's fair to say that it is too complicated. I wasn't sure you were aware that was possible since you are relatively new to Fractal devices.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@David Schiedler all good man! I appreciate the tip anyway. In that event, i would probably opt to change to a similar preset instead or just deal with the gap. Its not a devastating blow to have the gap, just not ideal

[@yanossnicklefritz7064]

It's all about what you like and need. You shouldn't make your own decision on what someone else likes and does, because their not you.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thats what I am trying to help people decide here

[@isaacwilliams153]

Most excited to hear and see your opinions on 3.15!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Just posted a tutorial of the new stackable snapshots!

[@tomaselke3670]

I really want the FM9, but this chip shortage is killing me. There are people on the waitlist since August that still haven't been able to buy one, and I didn't jump into the line until December so it's going to be a long wait. That being said, I don't think I'll be happy with anything else especially when it comes to clean tones. The only really good clean tones I've heard in a modeler are from a Fractal. It seems like anyone can make a good distorted tone. Even my old ElevenRack holds up just fine in that department, but it absolutely shits the bed when it comes to anything clean.

[@MOAB-UT]

Did you get your FM9- thoughts? I might get one.

[@DavidEidelberg]

There is now no gap switching on the FM9.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You know I know this

[@DavidEidelberg]

I know you know. LOL. Others watching the video may not know.@@SteveSterlacci

[@cliverkay]

And the FM9 doesnt need a wall wart !!!!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Helix uses the same IEC cable

[@collierpj]

Jeez just looked at the price of the fm9 it’s almost £2k😮 Not far off 2 times the price of the Helix floor.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Crazy! In the US they are closer in price

[@gideonking5455]

Good video.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you! Have to be fair to both sides!

[@bmcash3411]

Fractal and Helix technology should merge for the ultimate modeler.

[@SteveSterlacci]

GLOBAL DOMINATION

[@blazing6string]

Helix 2.0

[@おいしいパスター]

BOOM GAME OVER!

[@John-e4p1x]

Helix really doesn’t have anything to offer fractal, is the thing...

[@SteveSterlacci]

You have to acknowledge that the Helix has features that are easier and better than Fractal. I know its hard to admit, but there are absolutely things that the Helix does better

[@jasonwright4144]

"If you're a tweaker" 12:13 XD XD XD

[@trickfall8752]

It's amazing that the Helix doesn't have better presets. I don't think I've ever used one preset on the Stomp.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its baffling lol some have cool elements. Not many...

[@danc3746]

I think the SLO Lead and the REV Purple presets aren't bad.

[@SteveSterlacci]

What numbers are they? I know they did a whole overhaul of stock presets

[@trickfall8752]

@@danc3746 Those are two amps I haven't tried. I actually deleted all of the stock presets, or I'd give them a go.

[@danc3746]

@@SteveSterlacci Its under the Factory Presets 1 list. There is a REV Purple and a SLO Lead. I don't use the Cabs so I turn them off. I use a Mooer 20w Tube Engine power amp and a real 2x12 cabinet.

[@sqlb3rn]

I dont even use or care about factory presets, I always make my own from scratch

[@benmusicman5359]

TRAITOR!!!!!! LOL HAHAHA 😜🤪🤣😂 Just kidding. Great content as always brother😎🤙🏻✊🏻👍🏻

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Ben!

[@cenok420]

The FM9 will just never overcome its dog shit on board interface. It's just awful to navigate compared to Helix

[@SteveSterlacci]

I will do my best to help users get better with it. It is brutal, but once you figure out the language, it becomes easier. Annoying. But easier!

[@MOAB-UT]

Spend a weekend on the PC editor which is quite nice. Dial in 10+ go to, main tones and you can be done.

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

You still haven't done a sound comparison! So in summary, fractal is hard to use but easy to get it to sound great, helix is easy to use but hard to get it to sound great. I hope and pray line 6 sees this video and really listens to it. But I don't think they are doing anything anymore, lazy bums....

[@rogershermanmusic]

I've gotten notice about a couple of betas from Line 6 in the last couple of weeks, so I can tell you they are doing something.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thats a fair summary. New update will be here very soon 😜

[@redrocker2005]

AX8 is already better than Helix (in my opinion).

[@SteveSterlacci]

All opinions are welcome! Ax8 is a great unit

[@profd65]

I swear some people have Helix's just so they can whine about them, and claim that other platforms are so much better.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You can see my counter video to this same topic and notice I choose hx stuff over all the others for my professional use

[@AC2237]

The answer is most things are better than Helix

[@SteveSterlacci]

Like what?

[@pino_7428]

My opinion after using the Helix for 6 years is.. I love the Helix because all the features it has, especially for live performance. Saying that after all this years of tweaking I feel that I have an acceptable tone but not great. Every video of the FM3 sounds phenomenal right out of the bat even in a youtube video. The only thing that is keeping me from buying the FM3 is those 3 buttons. I really need at least 6, and to have those extra buttons the cost will be $1,887 with shipping. I'm stuck with the Helix for now and only using the Placater, Badonk and the US Double Norm cause those are the only amps I can dial.

[@MOAB-UT]

Sell the Helix for $500 or more, then the FM9 is only about a grand. At least you can justify it that way! You will be happy. Life is short Pino- go for it!

[@pino_7428]

@@MOAB-UT bought the Quad Cortex and I’m extremely happy with it. I know that Fractal would’ve done the job for sure. ✌🏻

[@TheBbtlegit]

The FM 9 isn't user-friendly at all.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Once you graduate with your degree its a breeze!

[@TheBbtlegit]

@@SteveSterlacci OK. But I rather spend my time practicing. Lol. Thats why I'm sticking with my Helix.

[@jayjones2821]

This is silly. H9 by a mile.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Totally different products. But id love one

[@venom3936]

Just talking? On a video about guitar gear….

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yes. Plenty of sound comparison examples out there. I dont find them helpful when trying to decide which workflow is best

[@williammason8874]

I like to be honest. Your click bait.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You can look up the definition of click bait and get back to me with your rationale. Both units have features I like better than the other, so I made videos about those features. Theres nothing dishonest or misleading about anything I post. Thanks for watching though

[@danc3746]

Steve is far from click bait, he's one of the most honest guys on YT, stick around, you might learn something by listening to him.

[@lukather1]

Simply put YES - I’m a Helix Rack owner - now is it worth the extra $ ? That’s the big question ? The effects are where it beats everything ! Eventide quality and sound !

[@MOAB-UT]

What would you buy if you had $2k? I am trying to decide.

[@Kilgore_Trout_jr]

Fractal is waaaaaay better than Line 6. Helix amps suck!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Sounds like you don't know how to use a Helix then. I'm a fan of both and think its impossible to say one sounds better when you know what you're doing on them