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Comments
The best amp sounds are the Kemper and the Axe FX II.
The FX8 sounds incredible going into an amp but has no modelling.
It works better than the AX8 if you want to use 4 cable method with a real amp.
The AX8 sounds the same as the Axe FX II, it has one DSP rather than two, so you don't get as many blocks.
I like the Helix because it is self contained with the built in expression pedal, has some nice amp models (Placater in particular) but it doesn't hang with the Fractals for lower gain sounds or time based effects IMO.
I bought the Helix to use whilst my studio shipment was being moved from the UK to Singapore and it did what I wanted well at the time but it is time to move on.
I'm in the process of selling the Helix and Axe FX II to go to the Axe FX III, which should tell you something.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
The bottom line is both units are capable of sounding stellar so there are no bad choices to be made here really.
FWIW I thought the FX8/AX8 drives and delays were the weakest points. Others may love them though, and that’s the beauty of choice.
The reverbs and delays in the FX8 made me sell my Strymons. It's a mystery to me why the FX8 is so cheap used!
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Kemper is the best amp sounding of the lot.
Reverbs and delays are stunning on the FX8. The FX8 also has instant unity volume - a remarkably under valued feature.... the looper is the best I’ve used.
The a Helix has the best and most creative UI; by far. The convinience and create options really help it...But sound wise, for my ears and for non obvious generic rock sounds, the Helix is no where near the FX8.
If i has to buy again, I’d use the FX8 into my real amps.
The effects on the Fractal are miles better though, and since I never use modellers for recording, the Kemper holds no appeal for me.
I do love the AX8 live though, it's such a hassle-free set up.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
IMO they are all so good, if you cant get a great sound out of them buying another brand wont help
With Helix native, just as my old HD and X3 pro I felt I had to wrangle good tone from it with careful gain staging, hi and low cuts on cabs and various other tricks. With the AX8 I can just pick an amp and cab and it’s 95% there and any tweaking is just refining rather than essential.
That's why I am looking at axefx.
Ebay mark7777_1
There's always the argument that you have to really get to know your modeller to get the best out of it - if you can't get a great tone out of the Helix then you don't know how to use it. That's absolutely true and it IS a great unit. However, with the AX8 I feel that I just simply don't have to... just pick an amp, maybe a cab, and I'm away. Why work so hard?
This is just my experience though. I think the Helix is amazing as well but the AX8 simply works for me.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922