Join my HX Stomp XL Giveaway at my Sweetwater landing page where you'll find all the gear used in my studio sweetwater.sjv.io/jrLZW0

@ymelfilm

Ай бұрын

You may add this really important information: "Thank you for your interest in the Sweetwater Monthly Giveaway. At this time, we can only accept registrations from the United States."

anybody else hearing loud whoomps after about 9:35?

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

I have 0 idea what that is. Weird. I'll check the original file. Thanks for letting me know

@DavidEidelberg

Ай бұрын

I hear it

@joekaras7080

Ай бұрын

Im Jamming to it.

@ymelfilm

Ай бұрын

an alien is there

@GertBoers

Ай бұрын

I checked the description and comments just to make sure it wasn't on my side. 😅

The upside of the Helix floor it is build like a tank, the downside of the Helix floor it is build like a tank.

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

Well said

I think the scribble strips, and built in volume / expression pedal more than makes up for its size. I also love that the footswitches are a little more spread out. I never accidentally hit the switch above or below.

Its really great that we have stud musicians like Steve, John Cordy, Leon Todd, Pete Thorn, Rabea, etc to give us not just great gear reviews, but such centered advice. 👍

Steve really well thought out points. What I like about you is you talk from a real gigging standpoint. That is very important. My HX Stomp with a few pedals has been a work horse. Minimal live tweeking ever needed with maybe an EQ change to fit FOH room characteristics.

i love how you held the helix on your shoulder like a boombox. (Great video!)

FYI - Really bad pulsating in the audio starting at 9:36. The pulsating stops by 13:16 but the voice audio gets boomy until about 13:39

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

Thank you for letting me know. I'll have to check the original file. I have no idea what that is...

@cristianrachitan6039

3 күн бұрын

@@SteveSterlacci Its from the Helix :)))

@SteveSterlacci

3 күн бұрын

@@cristianrachitan6039 to be fair, it's given me the least grief of any piece of gear ive ever owned

5:19 you nailed it! So true....

Helix floor power in a HX Stomp XL enclosure would be perfect

@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender

Ай бұрын

maybe a little bit bigger, 2 more footswitches and bigger screen

@stevethebeeline44

Ай бұрын

Yeah or even HxEffects size with full Helix power and screen

Quad Cortex! I switched from the HELIX to the QC. Don’t get me wrong, I love the HELIX, but the QC is more up to date. If line6 comes with a helix2. I’m all in🤘🏼

@javeduddin

Ай бұрын

I can't make up my mind between the two. I need it for gigging. What are some things you like better about the Quad Cortex over the Helix?

@rockinvegan1765

25 күн бұрын

@@javeduddin The sound of the QC is much better than the Helix. I had the Helix and never liked it. QC is a complete different world.

The Helix still has a lot of potential for updates, especially in architecture, IRs, number of setlist and more. I wouldn't want something smaller regarding footswitches. I need the space and 5 rows of snapshots. Also all the time invested in programming can be reused loading up a new unit. I hope that a future Helix 2 will be able to use all the presets from the old unit.

@sjsphotog

28 күн бұрын

No way that it wouldn't be backwards compatible I hope but of course v 3.5 presets are alot different than those before v3.5 so who knows

Similar to yourself I was a Helix floor user as I wanted everything on one preset and also I used to put my singer through the unit for some songs in our set. My singer no longer plays in our set and I wished to downsize to simplify the rig. HX Stomp XL is now my unit of choice and it’s perfect for my needs. Any time I need another effect just for 1 or 2 songs I just copy my basic preset and remove/add the effects I need for that song, soon as that songs finished I switch back to my number 1 preset that covers the majority of my set. Thank you for your lessons and advice over the years on this stuff. You’re the person who told me how to put a second guitar through the Helix floor some years ago in your comment section and your tips are hugely appreciated. Keep up the content, cheers.

@BH-fi1sb

Ай бұрын

I have an LT and do the same thing. I play 45/50 songs in a gig and use 3 maybe 4 presets

Great video Steve! Very factual view of both. I also have a lot of experience with both and agree with your assessment!

The quad cortex is great but digital scribble strips should be standard on all these units with color leds too

Thanks Steve. I’ve had a Helix for a few years but haven’t really learned how to use it. But your statement that the Helix is a gigging machine ends my interest in the QC. Im so glad I switched from a pedal board and amp to the floor processor. 16 lbs vs 2 50 lbs pieces.

@sjsphotog

28 күн бұрын

Watch the videos by Jason Sadites to learn how to get the best out of it especially his earlier videos on "dialing in..." For each or effect on the Helix he has a detailed video to help you learn what each slider does and how to maximize each one

@Roger-il8iw

16 күн бұрын

QC is definitely more complicated than a helix lol. You gotta dive in to all of these units to learn it though.

@johnregan3732

16 күн бұрын

@@Roger-il8iwthat’s a big part of the problem. I can’t find the time to learn and explore the helix I have. But the few I use I really like. My wife “mentions” often that I spend too much time playing guitar as it is.

Good stuff SS. love my Helix LT. can't beat Helix/ HX units for ease of use and great helpful community and tons of free presets online and great customer service and constant updates to add new amps and effects not just bug fixes. I myself don't own any amps so no need to have capture abilities but I can see how that is helpful if the amp you love isn't in the units you own . Keep it up

Helix all day for me.

thanks for adding variax and midi. AES/EBU ?

Great video Steve.. I love having them all.. Helix still rocks, but I'm getting another QC in about two weeks..

@javeduddin

Ай бұрын

I'm trying to decide between the two. What made you go with the Quad Cortex? And why a second one? Thanks

My Helix has definitely been the ultimate gigging experience for the last 8 years. It's just now starting to show signs of wear. It need a switch replaced but other than that it hasn't failed me. I know the trend is going towards a smaller footprint but I still remember hauling an amp and a pedalboard around so I'm cool with carrying my fairly heavy backpack around. I have to mention that Helix backpack is great quality too.

@BryanGrigsby

17 күн бұрын

Agreed about the backpack. I lug my Helix in the backpack every weekend. Frickin heavy, but the backpack is awesome.

I would get a combination of 3 or 4 old school pedals with the Blackstar Amped 2. I can go direct with in ears or straight into a cabinet.

I bought the helix in 2020 had it for about a year then went analog I do miss the helix days 😊

For my Quad Córtex. Great review

Personally I purchased the sweet foot power supply for the quad cortex and have had zero problems with it compared to the cioks dc7. I’ve own the helix the stomp and the cortex. I like them all. My winner is the cortex. Captures are fun as hell to play with.

We sound like ourselves no matter what we play because tone is in our mind, and we reach for that tone through the tone production techniques, knowledge, and facilities we possess. Try as we might to sound like others, we still interpret their tone through the grid of our own tonal biases so that we will at best sound like ourselves trying to sound like someone else. Anyway, I'm convinced the hardware to get is the Helix, and then supplement that with NDSP plug-ins, which is exactly what I did. The NDSP plug-ins are more highly controllable anyway, even if their routing and chain ordering are limited and fixed.

I’m kind of a line6 fanboy (own DL4, hx stomp, hx effects, m5) and if you already have a big Helix you’ll do great but pulling the trigger for one of them in 2024 is different considering fm9, QC, kemper stage at the same price range.

You are 100% correct about the sound. It is almost if Helix is a dirty word in the amp modelling community but in honesty, I got a Tonex last year and it's really good, but I just sound slightly different, not really any better. No one apart from the player really cares... I personally think the Helix sounds great, it's just heavy and needs an update in regards to power (and would be nicer to be lighter...)

Can totally relate to the comment about how these units can only sound as good as we make them sound. I've been a Helix user for a long time and even when going to other units (incl. QC and more recently adapting the Tone-X /w HX Stomp into my rig to follow your midi setup), I find that ultimately I end up dialing a sound that sounds pretty much the same across each unit.

Great video Steve. I have been a helix user since 2018, having uograded to a helix LT from a boss GT10. It really is a gigging machine.

@sjsphotog

28 күн бұрын

LT best bang for your buck sweet spot in the lineup. Not too shabby other than no mic input.

@potluckfishing

28 күн бұрын

@@sjsphotog yep, if only there was a way to unlock the 2 left footswitches in stomp mode like the full phat helix.

I personally think that if you're experienced in all of them, you can make all (Kemper, AxeFx, Helix, QC) SOUND very very close at the point that it's almost impossible to tell them apart; FEELwise, the device with less latency will probably be perceived as best under the fingers. Said that, we need a video where someone with a great experience in all of them does the sounds (possibly very close to each other and with the same amp model or IR, which is most of the time 70% of the sound) and somebody else (maybe blindfolded) will try them out and judge. I know there are a few videos like that but so far I've only seen videos where the guy making the sounds knew how to use well one or maybe two devices and nothing more...

Hey Steve.. with the headrush prime you can edit on the fly with your feet. In stomp mode, long press on foot switch opens up an editor view with foot switches mapped to major parameters. You then can adjust your settings with your feet and save changes. It’s a great feature. I have issues with the prime but they got this right.

@SteveSterlacci

16 күн бұрын

Helix can also do this 🫠

I am sold on the Helix universe. If they release a new floor model I will automatically buy it. I have a Floor and XL Stomp. I like working in HX Edit.

I wonder how you feel about the Headrush Prime - Seems like it'd have a lot that you like about it, plus it has amp and pedal capture too. I spent a lot of time with a Helix and couldn't get a tone that didn't sound digital. Went to the headrush and got what felt like more natural tone, but ultimately upgraded to the QC. The stock amps sound great, but the captures are damn near perfect.

@SteveSterlacci

18 күн бұрын

I've got a couple of HRP videos! It's cool I just always find a home in Helix for our set up

Boss GT core1000 is great for gigging if you dont use loads of effects. The only modeller I have tried that feels great under the fingers. Try it.

Hello Steve, I always find your videos very interesting and very useful for guitarists. But people always talk about Helix, QC, Fractal, Kemper, ToneX etc. ... I think Headrush Prime/Core is somehow ignored (forgotten?)...why? what you thing ? Best regards

I liked and subscribed. KZread algorithm got me again.

@SteveSterlacci

18 күн бұрын

I am glad it brought ya here! Welcome

Your Rocking That Superman Shirt Brother. I have the Hulk Shirt....

The only things I really miss from my Helix are the talk box (it's way better than QCs) and the kettle lead power supply, besides that the QC is just an easier workflow getting a usable sound is fairly achievable even on day 1 with QC. I felt like I was always watching how to videos with the Helix whereas QC is the exact opposite. I have heard plenty of people using the Helix and getting incredible results though, you can't fault the sounds... although I felt like the responsiveness of QC was more like a real amp.

@javeduddin

Ай бұрын

Trying to decide between the two for live gigging. If given the choice now would you still get a Quad Cortex over the Helix?

I just bought a Helix this AM. DON’T LET ME DOWN, STEVE!

@forkless

Ай бұрын

It's still a great purchase.

@JamesFlorio-ti8gc

Ай бұрын

You will not be disappointed. I have had all these units. Yes Helix is a tank lol but in that is the beauty . Soo easy to operate and fun mind you. Most excellent tones available quickly and easily.

@adieltm

Ай бұрын

Hey I bought mine on Saturday🤓. I wanted the QC but I missed the opportunity it got sold. I’m starting to actually love the functionality of the Helix.

@forkless

Ай бұрын

ps. While the unit is indeed built like a tank the display is not. I would suggest considering a a full face screen guard by either CEBA (US) or TRM (UK) if you are going to use it publicly.

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

You can use and love your Helix until it dies and be very happy! Expect to busy for over a decade lol

@stevesterlacci I currently have a Helix. I love the flexibility, but hate tweaking. I hate having to watch endless hours of youtube videos to accomplish what I want, I just need easy straight out of the box. Will the QC be more my speed?

@javeduddin

Ай бұрын

I too would like to know about this.

I see more and more Quads on You Tube. I noticed when Mateus Asato was on the Martin Miller Channel (which was phenomenal) both of them along with the bass player all used Quad Cortex. Martin always used a Fractal before. Seems he’s switched. There has to be a reason for this. However like you said, every amp/modeler sounds different to everyone. Pick the one you like.

I paused at the start and I’m going to assume you’re still in the Line 6 camp. Might be wrong though, let’s see :) I think I was wrong. I too wished they’d used IEC for the power but there wasn’t room internally. Also wished the blocks were photorealistic instead of using the exact same icon for every single overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedal.

Will your podcast be on Spotify? I noticed there’s already a podcast called the silent stage

@sjsphotog

28 күн бұрын

KZread only?

Can you share presets and captures with the QC?

@SteveSterlacci

17 күн бұрын

Yes they have a cloud. You can only use their cloud though, no external file management

I did the Helix thing for a few years.. fell into a Headrush and just loved the ease of use. Went to the Prime. I'll stick with my Headrush Prime

I just made the switch from Helix to QC few weeks ago. Size matters. Never liked Helix UI and felt it has to be connected to PC if i wanted to tweak. Everything is so much easier on QC and there is no need for desktop editor. Captures are one whole world to explore. Very happy i made the change.

HELIX is nice! Guitar processors can make a big difference in sound depending on the CAB IR you use. actually there are many IR products on the market, but I think DYNAX IR has the best sound. As stated in their product description, DYNAX IR is really fast. When using IRs, the pick attack is sometimes delayed, and it is difficult to add picking nuances, but their IR prevents all of that. It's revolutionary!

After axefx3mk2 I landed with helix floor: cannot be more happy. Have a real amp but hx is so much more.

Helix still the one for me. Since 2017, it’s getting hard because I don’t have the same shoulders from back then, but still the one.

I know just as many people who cling to their amps and then it’s split between people fighting over Fractal, Helix, Quad and AxFx. I love a real amp but when it comes down to it, NOBODY is going to be able to tell in a mix. If sounds are dialed in for the songs, NOBODY will notice one way what’s what. I’ve watched one of my good friends on stage with his real amp rolling into a Torpedo Capture Live and various friends using one of the top modelers & in the mix there was absolutely no difference other than personal playing styles. They all sounded pretty good. It just really comes down to preference and of course that whole stage volume thing. I’m moving into the digital world but am utilizing what I know with my real amps analog amps.

@powerchord8497

Ай бұрын

Fractal makes AxeFx, just fyi.

Yep. The form factor was the selling point of the QC for me, coming from a Helix LT and GT 1000. That said, although I can live with/work around the known "down sides" of the unit, the psu is just inexcusable. Good thing it can be powered through a phone powerbank lol

I recently got a new Helix Floor. I chose it over the Quad Cortex because I don't really like the look or the workflow of the Quad Cortex in general, the lack of physical controls and displays, lack of expression pedal, the cheap power cable. I also really don't like the cloud/wifi aspect of it. Helix isn't perfect but it's good enough for pretty much anything I need.

At least four inputs. Four discrete signal paths. Mic input and all the glorious midi and control options. It’s not even a contest for me

QC! Never looking back.

@javeduddin

Ай бұрын

What do you like most about the Quad Cortex over the helix? I can't make up my mind. I need it one of these for live gigging

@danielgallardo7249

29 күн бұрын

@@javeduddin I love the small form factor. I can have it on my desk and carry it to my Worship gigs with no sweat. I also love the interface. It's very intuitive and I don't feel restricted with the controls. I also prefer the amp models and effects on the QC. I've heard a Pod Go from another Worship guitar player, who said he downloaded Worship Tutorials presets for it, and I wasn't a fan. Maybe it was his playing, but it sounded very digitized. QC feels natural to me.

@javeduddin

29 күн бұрын

@@danielgallardo7249 that's cool man. Thanks for the feedback

@javeduddin

27 күн бұрын

@@danielgallardo7249 awesome, thanks for sharing

Steve Stevens uses quad cortex now 😊

Neither now that Fractal has gapless preset switching (just my opinion of course) If I were looking for a deal, it'd be a used helix since they are rock solid and you can get a better deal than QC.

Hybrid mode is available in Helix LT - funny, isn't it? ;)

As a fellas who has a lot of these much like yourself, there are advantages and disadvantages with each. That being said Helix still has the most flexible interface

HELIX Rack! FTW!

Ampero Stage.

I can’t wait to see what L6 finally unveils as their next flagship floor modeler. I hope they keep the expression pedal, personally.

It’s funny to me how some of these videos compare some of these units I ordered the HX and the Kemper to a/b these units aren’t even in the ballpark…yea both are modelers and can both sound amazing but once you put a capture device against a modeler it’s becomes pretty obvious how much more realistic a profile is.but also how the helix has so much functionality and effects.just different units.

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

Modelers you need to know how to make sound good. Captures and profiles are easier for sure

@ryanhalliwell6671

Ай бұрын

@@SteveSterlacci yes! I’m learning that now, I was a tube amp guy for most of my life …probably why I like the profiles. Like I said tho the helix is still incredible and unparalleled in i/o and function… all the company’s are gifting an uphill battle because hx stomp got it right so early on. Btw I love the channel man.

I prefer helix, just cuz it has more and includes expression pedal. QC is a little more complicated and probably sounds 5% better. Most people will never notice a difference (as far as audience) If you’re looking for a cheap but good option, the pod hd 500x is consistently under $200 on reverb, and does pretty much everything a helix does. It’s a solid unit that was used by NUMEROUS PRO MUSICIANS on tour. POD hd500x is closer to a helix than you might think.

has the quad cortex got as good pitch/trem effect as the virtual jeff?

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

I don't know what the virtual Jeff is sorry man.

@ymelfilm

Ай бұрын

@@SteveSterlacci it is a pitch shifter and whammy bar effect. Sometimes I have to play tunes in different keys bc of different singers and transposing is not always convenient bc I m an amateur. Worth to check it out, really interesting but a bit bulky

@NoneMoreGray

18 күн бұрын

Yah, i use my QC to drop down 1semi tone a 1 tone for different songs

Yes, use what you have and write a good song.

I personally love that the QC is powered the way that it is. Many of us put the QC on a board alongside other gear requiring power, an advantage of the QC's superb form factor. I like to use a robust and lockable side mounted Powercon connector into my board. I then get to power everything I need using a single quality power supply mounted underneath the board which provides isolated appropriate voltages and amps to each item. I would not like to have to contend with a board that requires multiple IEC power connectors out of necessity.

Buy the Tone Master Pro. I’ve had all 3, and the TMP is the best!

@dv8322

Ай бұрын

I haven't owned all three but I do have the Fender TMP and the FR-12 speaker. The Fender TMP is awesome.

G.A.S. I'VE GOT IT....

I'd buy a Kemper Stage.

Weird noise came out on your video

@SteveSterlacci

Ай бұрын

Looking into it thank you!

The TMP is a better size than QC. QC is too small and many of us hit the wrong footswitch while playing live.

@WholeLottaBulldog

Ай бұрын

Shame about everything else about it though

@DavidEidelberg

Ай бұрын

@@WholeLottaBulldog I have both and others and really like the sound and feel of the TMP better.

No, you should buy FM9

NEITHER !!!! Buy an AXEFX2xl+ for 500 bucks and a midi pedal for 100 bucks and have tonal bliss for months.!! thats what I did and i'm having a blast. Sold my QC/FM3/9.STAGE/LT. Steve rules!

I juat git thw Helix Floor a few weeks ago not interested in anything else

Real things valve amp is always better choice .... all rest is only -smoke on the water .

Been a happy helix user for many years. I sold it last week. I can’t help but feel that the next gen Line 6 flagship is around the corner. So I’ve cashed out. If a well priced used QC comes along I may jump on that. But I think the Fractal Audio FM9 would be the dream unit for me, with a Tonex one pedal on hand should I want to dip a toe into the world of captures.

Quad Cortex. No brainer. Programming on the fly. It is so close to the desk editor that you need no training from one to the other. Programming Helix is a breeze on the HX Edit. Definitely not on the Helix. Once I was on a gig with the Helix and was messing around on it the day before in some area I don't gig on. I forgot to change it back and couldn't figure out in the few minutes on the gig that I had setting, how to get back to my performance banks. That's the reality. That alone is the game changer, but it gets better. I own a 1967 and 3/4 all-original Marshall Plexi, a 1967 Marshall Superbass, a 1969 50-watt Plexi, a 1974 metal panel Marshall Superlead, a Jim Kelley, a Matchless HC-30 (non-Sampson era, lol), a 1965 JMI AC30, a DrZ Route 66, a Kendrick High Powered Twin Tweed, a Fender Twin, a Fender Deluxe, and a 1955 Supro like Led Zeppelin 1. My cabs are various Marshall, Orange, and Hiwatt 4-12's and a Dr Z Z best, etc. You tell me which modeler would be better for me.

Quad Cortex

Hard choice ...

I bought the Headrush Prime instead😂

You were saying in one of your videos, you like the Pod Go than the Helix It should be compared Pod Go Vs Quad Cortex?

Buy neither. Go practice

@Willjrockstar

Ай бұрын

Well, often buying gear makes playing more fun and inspirational. Im all about that...but i agree, i just word it a bit differently. it doesnt matter which unit a person chooses to use. Its definitely not the gear holding you back. Im a 40 year schooled player. I use a helix. I wouldnt but a QC or AXE to sound better. I would go practice.

@mlewmisc

Ай бұрын

@@Willjrockstar I hear you!

@yuxianjin8533

Ай бұрын

Yeah! Man! Go practice!👍👍

@timothy5974

Ай бұрын

Exactly, I’m so tired of gear videos at this moment in time. Yes I can choose to watch or pass and sometimes I do, but how many Helix videos do we need. It’s getting old. Just my thoughts on the topic.

@Willjrockstar

Ай бұрын

@@timothy5974 Me too. Why did i watch?🙂

FM9

@adieltm

Ай бұрын

That’s the dream. Helix for now 🥰

Nothing will ever take the place of practice 🤷🏾‍♂️

@powerchord8497

Ай бұрын

Who said anything would ?

Correct answer is... Fractal FM3!

IMHO QC is too small, pedals too jammed together, you hit the wrong pedals all the time. If you're gonna go with that size, you need to use less pedals and cram less in. Smaller isn't always better, and I think the obsession with being so small is frankly dumb as shit.

Helix or Quad Cortex?... neither, get a Kemper Stage even after all this time, and with regular 'quality of life' updates, it's still by far the best sounding unit out there, and I've tried most of them

Kemper

Helix foot switches are failing hello going fractal only way to go. Oh, and sounds are 100 times better

None. Buy a Fractal.

Q: Should you buy a Helix or Quad Cortex in 2024? A: No. Grab an FM3 if you really need to spend more than 1000 bucks on a modeler.

Helix all day for me.