Posts from another thread,
Spent a good amount of time with my brothers Helix on Saturday.
Compared to the Axe Fx II, the Helix lacks definition, feel, nuance, finger expression control and has a similar distinct coloration to every amp/drive pedal. When switching drive pedals in a preset, they all sound like the same pedal on different settings. I didn't find the interface any easier to use than my Axe accept in the fact that there are far less main parameters and no deep parameters which makes the learning curve less than the Axe.
On the positive side, It didn't sound bad(in fact it sounds great on those maple neck cleaner Hendrix sounds although you can't get rid of that distinct sound coloration, it just happens to help the clean Hendrix sounds) and some may benefit from the fact that the Helix is very forgiving as it has an inherent compression/attack that aids reckless playing and smoothes out dynamics but you are stuck with that.
Disclaimer: I am looking at this from a classic rock viewpoint only.
Conclusion: This would be a great cheaper alternative to the Axe Fx II if the Ax8 were not coming out!
In rebuttal to those that think the audience doesn't notice great sound.
Speaking of cover bands only not tribute or original bands-
I agree that one could use the Helix in their band and it would serve extremely well! However, I do not agree that the audience just knows 'sounds great or not' and doesn't notice subtle differences or details or maybe just doesn't care. We have trained the audience that they are never going to hear the difference because they are almost never exposed to local live acts with anyone remotely attempting to recreate the original sounds much less playing the parts true to the original recordings. After playing covers live for over 40 years, I am finally with a group of musicians attempting to play the covers true to the original recordings and the audience is noticing way more than I ever dreamed they would. Of course as there is no end to improvement, we are always working on details which really add up to major improvement over time. We have the technology to do this now (all FRFR no amps or speakers on stage, electronic drums) and our audiences not only notices but comes up and marvels at the work that must have gone into it! I am always hearing from non musicians that "wow, you played that entire lead exactly like it is on the record with the exact sound! There are many music fans that have great ears but never learned to play an instrument!
Quote Originally Posted by PRS Guy View Post
Actually my band is all in-ears, no amps on stage, everything direct...so I relate to what you are saying...( I actually prefer it )
Well...I guess until I try an AX8 in person I have no real experience to comment on. I do like the sounds of the AX-FX...quite a bit I should add. However, I guess we can split hairs as to whether a good guitarist using a Helix or AX8 will have that much different affect on the audience. With that said, I love great tone and maybe I just don't know really the significant gains in using an AX-FX over a Helix without actually trying it.
I will add though some people love brand 'A' or 'B' just because they have an allegiance to a company / brand...I don't...the best product that I can afford will get my money. The thing about the AX8 is the price point FINALLY put them on my radar as a possibility without breaking the bank.
thanks for the comments...
Very cool that your band does FRFR! In ear monitors here too! I forget that I live in an area that is quite backward compared to elswhere.
I have always been at the bleeding edge of guitar gear and use what's better/best. I have tried most everything and have been using Fractal because it has been the best for my purpose however, I have spent hundreds of hours tweaking to get the sounds right thru out the firmware changes but the newest firmware Q1 sounds so great that you can get where you want to go much faster/easier. The fact that the AX8 is starting from where the Axe Fx II has evolved is a killer plus! I would jump ship if something better came along and I will be listening to firmware updates on the Helix as it has the potential to evolve just as the Axe did.
Compared at home thru my FR system but not in a band/live situation which is my main use for Axe Fx II.
The univibe was great on the Helix(only effect better than on the Axe IMHO). Reverb- passable (not as good or tunable as Axe Fx). Delay- not as many choices and far less parameters which was true of all effects. Speaker IRs- had more effect on preset flavor than anything else but far less impact on the preset than IRs on the Axe Fx II and far less parameter tune-ability than the Axe Fx II. Compressors- only tried pre drive/amp worked well for over compression effect but otherwise sounded exaggerated.