Help! Helix or axe fx 3

[Gio_Force_One]

Hey guys I only want to keep one and I’m so torn on which one to keep. What would you guys do. They both sound really good , I don’t think one sounds better than the other. Some things on one sound better then the other and then vice versa. Helix UI is better and the company’s customer service is great. Also if I ever need to replace it I can go to a store and get one. I don’t know what to.

 

[Iperfungus]

Well...I own a Line6 Helix Floor since some years now and I found that's the modeler with the highest price/quality ratio on Planet Earth, if we talk about professional stuff.
Line6 is the only one company that NEVER changed hardware and they keep releasing new firmware versions and updates (this means you can keep the hardware and enjoy new software FOR FREE), while Fractal changed hardware many times to support new firmware releases, increasing prices insanely.
I would have no doubt: keep the Helix (new release is available in these days), sell the Axe Fx III, collect some money and buy another MM guitar!
PS. I also own a Mooer GE250 that I regularly use reharsing with the band and that I also would use live, since it's cheap, complete and reliable!
PS2: The only other pro modeler that I would love to try is the Neural DSP Quad Cortex...If they will come to support their awesome plugins within the Cortex, one day....even if Helix hardware is the most complete one still, in a compact format (connections, expression pedal, switches, displays.....lights&colors...)...

 

[Gio_Force_One]

Well...I own a Line6 Helix Floor since some years now and I found that's the modeler with the highest price/quality ratio on Planet Earth, if we talk about professional stuff.
Line6 is the only one company that NEVER changed hardware and they keep releasing new firmware versions and updates (this means you can keep the hardware and enjoy new software FOR FREE), while Fractal changed hardware many times to support new firmware releases, increasing prices insanely.
I would have no doubt: keep the Helix (new release is available in these days), sell the Axe Fx III, collect some money and buy another MM guitar!
PS. I also own a Mooer GE250 that I regularly use reharsing with the band and that I also would use live, since it's cheap, complete and reliable!
PS2: The only other pro modeler that I would love to try is the Neural DSP Quad Cortex...If they will come to support their awesome plugins within the Cortex, one day....even if Helix hardware is the most complete one still, in a compact format (connections, expression pedal, switches, displays.....lights&colors...)...

So true

 

[Musikron]

There is no competition there, Fractal is superior to the Line 6 in every way.

 

[Iperfungus]

There is no competition there, Fractal is superior to the Line 6 in every way.

Also in price...
What I like about the Helix is that, as I wrote, Line6 develops new firmware releases, with new features and not bug fixing only, over the same hardware since years and years....and you've not to sell your unit to buy a new and more expensive one to have new firmware supported.
Unless you're a pro, you can live very happy with a Helix.

 

[Search Sound]

Hey guys I only want to keep one and I’m so torn on which one to keep. What would you guys do. They both sound really good , I don’t think one sounds better than the other. Some things on one sound better then the other and then vice versa. Helix UI is better and the company’s customer service is great. Also if I ever need to replace it I can go to a store and get one. I don’t know what to.

Fractal processing power and flexibility on Axe-III is absolutely phenomenal.

14 columns, 6 rows, lots of doubled effects (each one with 4 channels at least), scenes and the mighty controllers and modifiers (manual and auto settings)…

It’s enough to create any tone.
The problem is the lack of knowledge lol

I think the answer to your question may be in test some (a) factory presets, (b) gift of tone, (c) Simeon or Fremen presets, and (d) G66 vídeos.

Lots of things to learn.

IMHO, dont let Axe-III aside without, before, check that things.

All the Best!

 

[Iperfungus]

I recently sold the Helix and bought a Neural DSP Quad Cortex, since they finally released an update to support their plugins from now on.
I think one cannot ask more for 1599 euros.
Of course, it's not mandatory to own Neural plugins to use the Cortex, as the machine is plenty of features of its own.
But that's a big plus for sure.
Fractal prices outside the USA are insane.

 

[_golem]

I have both. I got both used. I know some people swear the Axe Fx is better and it's not even close. Frankly, I find the Helix really easy to use and I love their pedals. I feel like maybe I like the high-gain amps slightly better on the Fractal, but I can actually get results that are pretty close with a Helix.
I also somewhat prefer to use the Helix with my own cabs into a power amp, turning off the cab sim, mic, and IR stuff. At that point, it's every good as the Fractal to my ear.
So, count me as slightly preferring the Helix despite having both.