So I have a Kemper, Axe Fx 2 XL+ and Helix here at the moment and thought I'd do a quick comparison of the Marshall JCM 800 tones. Obviously there's an infinite number of different sounds available but this time I very unscientifically dialled in a tone I liked on each unit and hit record.
I figured this is a good way to do it as this is how the average user would approach it for the first time.
Keeping it blind at the moment, let me know which one you prefer. Please excuse the playing, was just dicking about and it's bedtime, I'll do some better comparisons over the next few days.
Comments
My guess: 1 - Helix, 2 - AxeFX, 3 - Kemper.
2 is way brighter, 1 is too dark.
I prefer 3 out of the three sounds but I also know (given I own them all) that those devices can sound quite a bit closer to one another.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Actually, I’ll add the caveat that after a bit of dialling in I only actually like two of the tones, one I really struggled with.
I prefer the Axe Fx in this case, Kemper sounds good but the Axe sounds more like I’d expect an 800 to sound. Struggled with the Helix, JCM model sucks in my opinion, I will try with an IR next time.
Another interesting thing to take away is the Axe seems to have much more depth and power (for want of a better word) when you’re playing through it yourself through monitors or PA. This doesn’t come across in the recordings.
I ran an original 800 through my old EVH cab a fair few times and it sounded incredible.
The EVH cab is pretty sweet.