This is stupid really as I strongly believe that the Axe FX is the pinnacle of digital gear, but can't help but get jealous of you guys with Helix's!
What always appeals is the following:
- UI - best in the business
- All-in-one solution
- Pretty lights
- Expression control on the unit
- Can do more effects at the same time, so I've heard...ie, more than two delays at the same time
- Bigger user base over here in the UK
- The Helix dominates TFB discussion
- Line 6 seem like nice guys
- Very well thought out unit
Equally, there's a list as long as my arm as to why I feel the Fractal is better than the Helix, but I'm not going to compare them here. Needless to say, I've tried both and ended up buying the Fractal...it still hasn't killed the GAS though, has it!
So, does anyone else who owns Fractal on here feel the same way sometimes or am I alone?
Why would you move over to a Helix and those with a Helix, would you ever consider moving over to Fractal given the chance?
Comments
Ummmm....have to disagree there, mate! Personally, hate the TL. Kudos to Strymon for selling so many to more astute players than myself though! :-)
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
BigSky...give me more of that any day, I love some Strymon's stuff.
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
2. All in one solution - Unsure what you mean? For recording? Not for me since I have an interface/mic pres/outboard. It'd just be a piece of gear to me, not all of them.
3. Pretty lights - I'm too busy struggling to play my guitar as it is, don't need further distractions. Though yes very pretty.
4. Expression control - yes onboard is cool. However as you can attach an expression pedal of your choice to a Fractal it's mostly a cost/practicality thing.
5. Can do more - no idea, but I've never ran out of CPU or blocks, only scenes (which would be the same issue on either device).
6. Bigger user base - not really a factor to me.
7. TFB discussion - yeah, but not a factor for me.
8. Line 6 indeed seem like nice guys
9. Agreed that it is a well thought out unit
I would not consider selling my Fractal to buy a Helix, I already am happy and don't see anything it does better for my needs. However I would consider buying Helix Native, and I would consider buying a Helix if I ever wanted to do 4CM with an amp.
Your a GAS-head Jonathon, if its not to Helix it'll be something else... Cabs, FRFR, power amps, guitars, pianos, new desk, a different rack etc etc.
I'm the same
is it crazy how saying sentences backwards creates backwards sentences saying how crazy it is?
Having said that I've put more time setting the Helix up as I like it (and re-invented my patches a couple of times). The Fractal stuff is great. The Kemper stuff is great. On sound they go toe to toe with the Helix and possibly in their specialities are maybe even a little better.
But you can do almost anything with the Helix and in a live scenario it is indistinguishable from a live amp and pedals setup.
(in my opinion anyway)
1. I mean on the unit, but yes, Fractal's software is awesome, I agree.
2. I have the rack, two exp pedals and the MFC. With Helix, it'll be all on the floor in one unit.
3. Yes, but...pretty lights...
5. Only two delays at the same time, is my main beef...though, the multi delay can pretty much get around that, you're right.
6. Stop talking sense.
7. Just stop it.
;-)
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
Wazmeister has had an FX8 an Axe8 and is now on Helix. VaiVai still runs his FX8 but is moving across (I think he has already)
Some people going the other way but not many. I certainly wouldn't go back. Like the Fractal sounds, the interface (both PC and unit) are just too irritating. Plus I thought the fractal stuff has a tone. You either like it or not but it is definitely there and once I noticed it, it was all I could hear
Does it work for me, can I afford it. It really is that simple.
Personally Axe FX 2 works best for me but for some people I'd recommend they get a Helix or a Kemper if I think it'd suit them better. It's all just tools.
Some people will get really invested in telling you their solution is the best. Some don't. Let's be honest, most of it is talk with very little actual evidence presented. That's ok, talk is fun. But 9/10 there's no evidence presented so you're going off whether or not you trust the opinion of the person posting.