Dave Merrill
Axe-Master
Sold mine a few months back, after not using it since getting my Axe.Sold my Helix already, can't imagine going back at this point. Plus recouping some of the upgrade cost is always nice!
Sold mine a few months back, after not using it since getting my Axe.Sold my Helix already, can't imagine going back at this point. Plus recouping some of the upgrade cost is always nice!
Personally I think Fractal's major edge is the amp modeling; it's incredible. I don't really use too many effects these days because of it (mostly just delay and reverb). The amp is the basis for any good sound. L6 does a good job with many effects, but I've always felt the amps are lacking.I think the massive upper hand that the Fractal has are the really good factory presets...
Yeah, I think about it but then I'd have to get a printer to print a label.Sold my Helix already, can't imagine going back at this point. Plus recouping some of the upgrade cost is always nice!
Traded mine in at GC. Less money than a private sale, but way simpler, easier, and zero risk.Yeah, I think about it but then I'd have to get a printer to print a label.
If you have a UPS store near you they'll print the label for you. They'll give you their email address, then you send them the PDF then boom, it's done.Yeah, I think about it but then I'd have to get a printer to print a label.
Hum…Something to think about.If you have a UPS store near you they'll print the label for you. They'll give you their email address, then you send them the PDF then boom, it's done.
Yeah, I've had my eye on a new Ibanez guitar (which I don't need.) My Helix and a few pedals would probably get it for me.Traded mine in at GC. Less money than a private sale, but way simpler, easier, and zero risk.
That is a good point, the factory presets on the Helix are useless, I've never used them for anything. If the Fractal factory stuff is that good straight out of the box, it's a big plus point. Helix does dial in some good stuff if you know how to do it. Then again a lot of people complain about the endless parameters to edit with the Fractal lol.I think the massive upper hand that the Fractal has are the really good factory presets, whereas Helix’s factory presets sound like garbage. The factory presets can psychologically make a player think a unit is really good or really bad. I think the Helix can be tweaked to sound good, but modern modelers should sound good out of the box and shouldn’t require as much tweaking as the Helix does. I honestly never could get Helix amp modeling to sound good at all and Fractal has some really cool models like the JMP-1, CAE preamp, and Atomica stuff. Some of the Helix’s effects are good, but I think the UI and parameters are laid out strange. And the pitch effects in the AxeFx, like detune, etc. are 100x better. I do think Helix has an excellent Tri-Chorus. IMO, Atomic Amplifire has the best modelling behind Fractal, it’s just unfortunate that Atomic abandoned the product.
Twice the cost? You might want to double check your math there...I think comparing an Axe fx III to a Helix is a bit unfair because the Axe is twice the cost so nobody would be happy purchasing a unit like that if it wasn't quite a bit better. Helix is better compared to an fm3 at least in price.
I most often see comparisons of the FM3 to the Stomp, which I think is more natural given the form factor. The question then becomes one of, "Do I want to spend an additional $450 for the FM3?"I think comparing an Axe fx III to a Helix is a bit unfair because the Axe is twice the cost so nobody would be happy purchasing a unit like that if it wasn't quite a bit better. Helix is better compared to an fm3 at least in price. Fm3 is likely a better unit on the sound quality of the patches but Helix beats it hands down on functionality.
I should check my math should I? Helix is or was around 1300 pounds, an axefx 3 was over 2200 pounds here so by my reckoning it's about double the price give or take I don't know why you seem confused or that I've said something grossly incorrect.Twice the cost? You might want to double check your math there...
And “helix is better compared to an FM3 at least in price”. I’m not sure what that means.
I forget the European prices for Fractal stuff can be a bigger difference here.I should check my math should I? Helix is or was around 1300 pounds, an axefx 3 was over 2200 pounds here so by my reckoning it's about double the price give or take I don't know why you seem confused or that I've said something grossly incorrect.
Oh and you're not sure what the comparison to the fm3 means? Given the fact they are a similar price, does that help you at all?
Are you sure of anything at all.. do you wake up confused too? I would suggest rather than posting snarky remarks, just stick to constructive conversation, and I think you'll be less confused all round
Yep that was basically what I was trying to say, it's all a lot more money than a Helix, only the fm3 without any extras is a similar priceCan always get a FM3 And FC6/expression pedal. Plenty of functionality. Yes it will be more money than the Helix.
I'd still go with the FM3 personally. The price difference when you look at what you get is completely worth it. I do understand though, harder decision to make over the pond.Yep that was basically what I was trying to say, it's all a lot more money than a Helix, only the fm3 without any extras is a similar price
Your Stomp will eventually begin to collect dust.Fractal is the king but gotta say I haven't managed to part with my HX Stomp, you can dial some pretty nice stuff on it. I still have my bass "rig" and some other things in it as I haven't dialed that in the Fractal yet. If only I'd had something like that 25 years ago would have saved a ton of cash and it would be more than good enough to play any show, at least in my case as I'm not running tons of effects.
we are living in good times
Nah I have an AX3 and FM3 and the Stomp gets used, Size, ease of use, quick adjustments, 4 cable method with a great head...it’s a very useful tool.Your Stomp will eventually begin to collect dust.