Which Modeler Would I Buy in 2024? Quad Cortex, Tone Master Pro, HX Stomp, or Fractal?
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
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00:00 Intro
2:38 It's a good time to wait
3:20 If you're not gigging, do you need hardware?
3:54 Best Headphone Experience
5:15 Cheapest Sensible Option into Modeling World?
6:57 Ok - I think I can cope with Menus
7:49 Digital rig without the Tweaking? Kemper Player?
9:10 Starting to get a bit more serious with the budget...
10:40 Neural DSP Quad Cortex or Tone Master Pro?
12:55 Conclusions
14:40 If you wanted "merch"
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Get my PADs bundle here: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... (this folder will grow, and I'd encourage you to ask for different keys/songs and stuff that might suit this type of preset?)
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Try my general patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
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I've been using the IR-2 for about a month now, and out of everything I've tried, it's by far my favourite. No menu diving, just slap it on my board, turn it on, and it sounds great. I'm so burned out on modelers with hundreds of presets and effects. I like having my basic board that I can take anywhere and get a good sound.
That's why I like the favorites in HX Stomp. They're easily accessible and I can drop them into any and every preset once created. No recreating the wheel.
What amp do you use ?
@@RealAndyOriginal I don't use an amp, the IR-2 works best IMO going direct to a recording interface or the sound system of the venue.
Unless you're asking which amp within the IR-2 I use, which is the Twin for cleans, and the Tweed for a driven sound.
Helix LT here. Love all the constant updates of amps and effects. Great customer service.. Customer for life.
John just want to thank you for your incredible video content over 2023. You are my number one go to for gear review, especially in the modeling world. Also thanks for all of your playing tips they are always very helpful.
Happy New Year. Thank you so much.
Happy and Prosporous New Year John...
A Line 6 rep mentioned this week in a forum I follow that there is no Helix replacement coming in 2024, and they are still building the software side of things, and working on other things. They just don't think that releasing a new product at this point would set a new standard in the class, which is what they want to do on the next version.
Do you have a source/link for that information? :)
Scuffham S-Gear 2 is what I have been using for a few years now. It's a great plug-in! The effects sound amazingly good.
I chose to buy the Helix last month, mainly because Line6 has proven it is interested in keeping its gear updated. Even though I like the interactive element of the Tone Master Pro, Fender has a proven record of allowing its digital systems to die after a few years (i.e. Cyber Twin, G-Dec, etc.). Boss meanwhile has a reputation for providing updates only upon arrival of Halley's Comet-- and then only when it's arrival coincides with a third blue moon and at low tide. Could have waited for whatever Line6 has in mind to replace the Helix, but I really like the user support that already exists, and with inflation being what it is... might as well get the Helix while I can afford one ;) Happy New Year!
I bought the HX Stomp and love it so unlikely to buy anything else in 2024. My wife bought me the Boss WAZA air headphones a couple of years back. Either very generous of her or she’s sick of hearing me play? I use Helix Natve in my studio along with Tone X. Both seem good to me. I only do a couple of live gigs a year and have been using a Katana but might look at using the Stomp. Thanks for the videos. Best wishes for 2024.
If you want great tone, tons of amps and effects, 8 foot switches, easy programming and low latency, the Boss GX100. All for $600 or less.
I trust you beyond anyone else on here. unbiased, articulate and accurate. Happy New Year John.
Happy new year John ❤love your videos and playing,best wishes to you brother 🙏😊
I bought a Boss GX-100 and other than a problem with the pitch shifter, it's a winner. Tons of effects, expression pedal, IR support, touch screen LCD and not as expensive as the high-end units.
Indeed, if I were looking to dip my toe into modelling right now and already had some pedals I think the IR2 is the only choice to go with. It's about half the price of a Tonex and or one of the UA pedals and fits more neatly onto a board.
Of course that's not the only way one might come into the world of modelling. When I returned after many years of not playing much guitar my pedals had gone on extended loans along with my amps. I ended up going for a Helix LT and then HX Stomp since I'd previously enjoyed the original POD and since I also do a lot of recording liked the idea that I could use Helix Native and get the same results.
As for using a plugin to use regularly I think the main issue is you need to turn on a computer and then launch some software which takes longer than just plugging into a box which can easily be moved from room to room.
Very timely topic, Sir, as I am currently DEEP into this quandary. I’m ready for upgrade from my NUX MG-30 to something next level (the NUX MG-30 is capable, i just ready for more from my modeler, lately). Thanks, Man!
For value and tone, S-Gear is a really great plugin. Version 3.2 has compressor, wah, distortion multiple amp models. chorus, flanger, delay, reverb and great cab IRs. The S-Gear tones are really inspiring.
That’s the best of the plug-in’s that I’ve tried (I’ve tried many).
I went the QC route and think I made the correct decision.
It really is a personal choice and not a one size fits all.
I can always run 2 amps in stereo and have a lot more flexibility with footswitches, routing and power compared to an FM3.
The FM9 wasn’t out at the time and is a lot bigger, that’s really the closest competitor.
For me ToneX + HX Stomp is a perfect solution
I tried using plug-ins but never was able to get rid of the delay to a point where I felt confortable. I considered fractal but it was really out of my price range. Went for a stop xl. I can play with no delay, and record the clean signal, to tweek the sound with helix native.
Great videos and very inspiring playing. You helped with the purchase decision, and now come back for the playing.
I finally bought an HX stomp and honestly I'm absolutely in love with it, i dialed in one Friedman BE-100 model with a clean and dirty channel and i haven't moved off that preset since i set it on my desk lol.
I have an FM9 and also have been using Polychrome DSP exclusively for plugins. It's low latency and killer sounding tones is such a delight to work with. They also have a Discord and are always readily available to help with answers and suggestions. Since its release it has had several new updates/upgrades and have been free to download. Pure Fire!
Apple seeds contain cyanide, as does John Cordy, however his is in a capsule behind a tooth in case he is ever caught behind enemy lines, or at the in-laws.
First
Got my first moddler last month, a QC , I’m a hobbyist & I love it 😍
Hi Rinky. What are you playing the QC through? Are you using it in stereo? I just jam with friends and want to slim my rig down further. Currently using Boss G-1000 core into a Roland JC-40
This video really spoke to me, thank you very much. I have bought and sold the HX Stomp twice and absolutely love the device. I think once you understand how to operate the Helix stuff it can be very rewarding.
I agree with your point about plugins and since I am not gigging built a decently powerful pc last year which can run a variety of plugins in my daw. It is very fun - mostly use helix native and the neural software.
What did you replace the HX Stomp with?
101K?!!! Congrats
I’m enjoying the UAFX Lion and Strymon Dig in the effects loop of the HX Stomp, with the Stomp handling Compression, Boost, Modulation, and Reverb.
Boss has something with the IR2. I like the idea of having a sepperate device for the FX side with switch controls along with sepperate controls for the amps. Im using a Spark Go for the FX and EQ and will be using my new IR-2 for the amp / cabs. I sold all my modelers and now going this direction.
I love these kind of videos man, great job! I've had almost all the different devices but the TMP, started with the HX Stomp and sold it to upgrade to a QC as I was never really satisfied with the sounds I got out of it. After using the QC for a while I sold it due to being so used to a desktop editor from the Stomp but the QC Editor wasnt anywhere in sight back then and it was way too anoying to use the device without an editior. In terms of tones, I was really happy though. Then I've got the ToneX and it didnt last long as the tones really didnt cut it for me and the software was just a pain in the a**. After that, I decided to go the profiler router and got the Kemper Stage. The tones really did satisfy me, but I just ended up buying profile pack after profile pack and after hundreds of € spent, I decided that profiling is just not for me as I am always on the search for a better/different tone and a profiler is just not suitable for that so I sold it aswell. Finally, I decided to go Fractal and got the FM3 MK2 Turbo and I think I can finally put my device search to an end. The tones are absolutely superb and it has plenty of power. I never really liked the tones of dual amping in the HX Stomp and QC so I dont care for not having that feature as I wouldnt use it anyway. If I have the desire of creating a new tone, I can just pick one of the hundreds of amp models and create it myself instead of buying yet another tone pack. The tones are extremely authentic and you can build whatever tone you like if you know what tone you want. The community and forums of Fractal is also really amazing and helpful. Best gear investment ever.
Is there that kind of device that just sounds very good AND is very easy to use. Just as if you had effects pedals and a few amps that you dial.. like an amp. ?
I'd like to go to that digital route but :
I want to have the best tone ever, like pedals and amps
Not brain damaging
Just looking for that on the web and youtube pisses my brain off 😂
Seriously
Maybe not the most popular choice but the I bought ahotone Ampero 2 Stage… it replaced my helix which had replaced my HX effects. So… the differences…. Great presets out of the box…. I know……..that’s subjective. But still, they sound like what they say they areTouch screen that’s very iPhone like… Bluetooth so backing tracks are easy….. as is the iPhone, iPad, android app….. for editing, built in drummer with many different styles and patterns, various metronomes. Vocal input channel with switchable phantom power ……pitch correction,two different types …. Many different effects chain configurations to choose from. Ir,s included plus can load your own. I don’t use irs. I run my guitar into the Stage out of the stage into a Seymour Duncanpower stage 200 and into two custom built cabs from Ray Franklin, one 12” cannabis Rex and one 10” cannabis Rex. The amp sounds are amazing and the effects are spot on, in my opinion, as good as line 6 if not better. $650 new. You can run two independent effects chains. I currently have presets I built with one chain being acoustic or electric guitar and then a vocal chain… all with compressors, drives, reverbs, delays, , chorus, rotary speakers, flangers whatever I want. Haven’t run out ofDSP yet.
The computer editor is very good and easy to grasp though I hardly use it. I sit back in my chair with an iPad and build whatever I want. The scenes work great and I find the interface much easier than the Helix and footprint and weight are significantly less. Makes a Great interface for recording also… there’s been one update for the Stage already and Hotone did get an update out for the stomp as well… not everything everybody wanted but they are getting better. So in wrapping up. The Stage checks a lot of boxes for me. I’m not a big touring musician but I do have a recording studio ( about 800 square feet and play in two different bands. One cover band and one originals band. The stage fits well into all theses scenarios
I think you're spot on with that advice. The HX Stomp remains an unbelievable value, powerful, and versatile.
Is a really good unit but for me still sounds like plastic for me doesn’t have the feeling like a real Amp. The Quad and Fractal has that feeling
@@ccamacho9333 It does take a while to learn how to dial the HX Stomp in, Cab high cut is very important. Fractal has great sounds right out of the box for sure.
Combine the HX Stomp (for the effects) with a Tonex (for the amp and cab), and it's a pretty darn tight combo, well under $1k.
Been using the ToneX amp with my own IR’s and really enjoying it.
My Zoom G3n and Multistomp MS-50G still gig like a dream! I got a Boss GX 100 last year and I don't plan to use anything else for as long as they work.
Kemper Stage user; the profiles I have are fantastic so no need to change at this moment
As a Long time pod go user just got a boss GX100 and i am VERY happy with it. Great tones, 15 effects in the signal chain, dual amps, expeession pedal, plenty of I/Os and small form factor. Only £430.. a serious contender as an all in one
Last month I rented a GX-100 and I liked it other than a couple of niggles. For instance, why is the C2 hold to switch but the tuner is instant? And why does it take so much pressure to activate the wah? But, the sound, the experience and usability is way better than the Pod. Nice to have all those options to play with but that's what it becomes, play.
Right now I have a Pod Go rented for this month but I think I'm going to take it back early and put the balance towards a GX-100.
The pressure for the wah is heavy, I agree. After using it for a month I am getting the hang of assigning multiple parameters per switch. Plus I have 4 identical patches for seamless switching and one could have the wah already on if desired. C2 I reassign to delay. The pod go is just too limited DSP wise for me. But I do like it as and had a great experience with it. Good luck finding the right one for you👍
@@steved1099 Can you not re-calibrate the wah switching? I know you can on the GT-1.
@KeithMilner you can, I did it and it's still quite a heafty press to engage. I will revisit it and see if I can change it more.
Yes the boss GX 100 is pretty good.
I'll be interested to see what Line 6 is going to come out with for NAMM at the end of the month. I'd wait until then before I'd buy anything except for an Axe-Fx III, that is light years ahead of anything else.
Well John, I'm just and OLD man....... I don't understand all the modelers, computer plug-ins, etc. and don't have the time, money and ASPIRIN to figure them out. Your tutorials on tube amps and settings (especially Mesa-boogie markV/ 25) has opened up NEW avenues and hope for me. I recently purchased the amp and starting to have fun with it - it does things that just don't make sense with the controls.......THANKS - from the Old person on the back 9....... 🎸🎸
Been a kemper owner for years now. The fact that they're still pushing out updates at this stage impresses me to no end. That and the versatility when it comes to output and signal routing, ease of use, effect and profile quality, number of profiles, etc. Means if I had to do it all over again I'd probably still make the same decision... though I have thought about picking up a QC to try out a dual amp stereo rig, which is like the one thing you can't really easily do with the kemper.
Also, yeah I know, not a modeler, but serves the purpose of getting tones to record without buying a shit ton of amps so yeah lol
Just the topic I needed !
I go for Tonex. Just compared it to Kemper Player with a friend. Tonex had better feel and a more open and natural sound. Sorry - I´ve had HX stomp. It´s for the endless tweaking.
Thoughts on the new Ampero Stomp II Stage and will you be acquiring one for review? $700 US seems a little steep and the rollout clumsy. Thanks for your honest reviews and entertaining with your fretboard prowess.
Would be interesting to include the NUX Amp Academy into the mix as well. It's a solid little unit.
Friedman IR-X augmented with a few pedals has replaced my FM-3 for live us. Sounds and feels better than a LOT of time spent in the FM-3.
I maintain the hx stomp XL is still the best bang for buck and form factor.
Love that yellow strat in the intro , what guitar/model is that?
IR-2 + Strymon Volante all the way. Plugins when recording for more effects. IMO Boss has phenomenal feel and sound from the amp simulations, so much that my FM3 hasn't been used for months.
That's some high praise! Which amp model did you use the most on fm3/IR2?
Hi-GAIN and MODDED the most on the Boss. CAA, Herbie, Bogners on the FM3. The FM3 is great, but the Boss has something. I believe the AIRD / MDP is more than marketing bs.@@jonaszdabrowski
Hi John , appreciate your videos covering Quad Cortex. I’m wondering if you have considered a video aimed at the player moving into modellers, who still think like a pedal board into an amp mindset. I have some near-field mons and still don’t really know what it should sound like . I’m not used to decision making from the perspective of a sound engineer etc. Also where players have been used to plugging in pedals into front of amp. This is all different etc. I think it would be a popular video.
I'm very happy with my Hotone Ampero MP100. Love it
I’ve been using an FM3 for over a year now and I absolutely love it…But I’m about to sell it. I’m just an at home player but am moving back to valve amps and pedals. Will get a gt-1000 core to put on the board for some BOSS effects in my loop and well as full modeling for late night headphone playing.
PolyChrome DSP McRocklin Suite is my main guitar plugin; I've owned it since it was released.
Sounds amazing, easy to use workflow, etc.
It's the reason I finally decided to build a computer rig dedicated to guitar. I've had a computer rig dedicated to keyboards for a few years now.
I also use McRovklin and love it apart from needing a gate so much
@@michaeltanti I run my guitar plugins in Blue Cat Audio's Patchwork, which has additional utilities and effects, including gain, level and gate, which I use to fine tune and set unity gain across several guitar plugins without having to go into each of their editors.
I usually only use the plugin editors when I'm creating or updating my own patches.
pretty content with the tonex.
Only UAFX Lion 68 feels like playing a real amp. I have owned Fractal FM9, QC, Kemper, Helix, ToneX and Ampero2.
If the feel is not important for you, Ampero2 is the best buy.
A new Axe FX seems due either this year or early next.
I have a Helix and an Axe FX 3 mk 2, both amazing units. Helix I usually drag with me to rehearsals because it's easier to carry. For gigs Axe FX 3, because the tones are just perfect every time 😊
Nailed it.
Thanks as always for your insight and nice to get an overview of what’s out there. I was wondering if you were going to mention Tonex, so I was pleasantly surprised when you mentioned that you used it on the intro. I just found that buying the pedal and thus getting access to all the amp libraries was a pretty good deal. I mainly use the plugin and have found it to be the most simple and musical (natural) solution at the moment for my production needs in the studio. I haven’t used the fractal stuff but have tried pretty much everything else. Cheers and happy new year!
I would go with a used Kemper. Some would be put off with the small display screen, but one can have as big a screen with it as desired. I personally use an iPad, so it’s touchscreen as well.
So I'm not gigging, and I do want to give the plugins a try - but to what speaker should I connect my audio interface to - an FRFR speaker or a studio monitor ? I hope you could reply. Thank you for your wonderful videos.
TONEX for me
I have one! Me Too.
Love my boss gx 100.very happy with it
@johnnathancordy HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL together? I just ordered a Stomp XL and I have the Stomp already. I plan on using these in conjunction with one another. Thoughts? It's probably a great video that I can't find anywhere. Cheers from central Texas, mate!
Really want to hear your thoughts on the Kemper Player!
I'm still loving my captures on the Quad Cortex. I've got about 150 patches I've made with my captures and they are killer. It's super easy to edit as well. I also own a Kemper Stage that I still can't set up like I want. Confusing. I have an FM3. It sounds good but can't touch the Quad Cortex for power and programming ease and doesn't do captures. I sold my Helix but still have an HX Stomp. The editor is good and the amps sound pretty good. I'm not super thrilled with the delays or using the effects in Helix Native. They are not to precise IMO as far as setting timing and panning. They are ok but not nearly as good as stock plugins in Logic or Izotope. Quad Cortex wins hands down for me, whether gigging (especially gigging), where I can easily load IR's for acoustic, or bass, or for amps and fx, or for recording or practicing. The next best thing I wouldn't want to have to gig with. I'd grab a Katana first.
Thank you John. I hope I get an answer to this, I play guitar AND bass guitar thru the same rig. Which modeler is good with considerable bass models?
Keep an eye on the Chinese companies Mooer, Nux, Sonicake and more as their market is huge, I am going to make a trip to them as I live in Thailand so not so far. I have an Axe Fx III. I think start 23 was v 15 and its now v24 with new Fx, new amps, and dynamic micing added to what I originally bought. So once you have one if I had bought everything they have released it would have cost me more than I can afford. In 2023 I bought the Mooer Prime P1 and the Nux Mighty Air and already P2 is out, a walkman size does everything, load IRs, great for mobile. I do studio only. Mooer Prime P2 is about £150
You haven’t mentioned headrush prime, which is the exact one I’m thinking of getting after looking at all the others you mentioned. Do you have an opinion about it? Have you tested? Thanks!
TONEX for me 🤩
Have you tried the Boss IR-2 with headphones (via the built-in mini jack)? I’ve tried it like that hooked up to an iPad running GarageBand, and it seems a bit on the quiet side. TBF I was running it off the 9V battery at the time, so should perhaps try the IR-2 with an external power source to see whether that makes a difference. Was curious as to whether that’s a common experience though.
Had an lt got native missed pedal version got a podgo for $337 new. Got tonex as well and had an mx5. Leaning towards getting FM3 or an FM9 next and money is burning a hole in my pocket. If it ever was an issue I could sell something but I dont need to do that. I figure using my cheaper modelers is ok for guests to play and they got a few sounds worth using. Really like the rotary options in my mx5 and I can add a mixer and play fr fr which since I also play keys like my korg nautilus and arturia whatever 88 key board that stuff needs amplifying to so I got to add some EV stuff later on. Got a catalyst 2x12 for amp feel. If I add EV stuff a pxm is probably what I will add. Still need another catalyst for stereo if I get out live so may add another for that. Playing through my event studio monitors mostly.
So big question for me is fm9 for a more powerful rig or fm3 for a smaller ine amp only rig and mix in my pod go for when a 2 amp rig is needed? Buying the FM9 sounds like the way to go for me honestly. I am leaning that way. Its a nice amount of foot switches and you can add more using a couple boss fs7 2 botton foot switches already have one for use with my SY1000 I forgot to mention. Pedal wise got ultrawave and a freqout and a 95q dunlop crybaby. Still want an attack decay as well. Got a roland ready strat for playing guitar models like nylon stuff. FM 9 and a cheap attack decay may be all I need for now. Other pedals like a gypsy vibe and neo ventilator can wait till I get rich. Maybe an LA Lady since its midi w my source audio hub. A jam pedal seagull for playing some pink floyd. The asabi with a rat chip may be neat. Jackson audio is local to me maybe I go drop by and test some of their stuff. Dont need a switcher yet the source audio LA Lady can act as a loop for my attack decay and my sy1000 has a mono fx loop for the freqout and its used on a momentary setting anyways. I can play through my sy into the ultrawave path 1 to the LA lady and the loop with an attack decay and then to the path 2 of my ultrawave for compression eq maybe some tremolo. If I add more pedals a morningstar ml10x is likely going to get added. I hear fuzzes are less authentic in modeled gear may add an mxr shrine and an if 6 was 9 mk II.
John could you try and make a video on some of the valeton stuff
The answer depends on your knowledge of modeling. Beginners should start with a Spark 40. From there, move up to a Pod Go, then an HX Stomp with additional expression pedal. After that, you’re free to choose either Helix or Fractal. Knowledge of modeling technique is more important than the brand, but there’s a LOT to learn. Any one of John’s Stomp presets, for example, involves about 50 different settings.
Kemper stage every time, OK the hardware form factor may be s few years old, but the amp tones and effects are just far, far superior to anything else out there (obvs just my opinion), but having been down the Helix and Boss modeller rabbit holes.. the Kemper is pure joy !
Yes!!! KEMPER is king
Kemper player bro
Just downsizing from a full helix to a stomp XL for rehearsals at least.
waiting for a 4K refresh of the NU>X MG-30.
or an IK Amplitube 5 MAX pedal with FX Loop for a ToneX pedal.
Ampero 2 Stage should also be in the conversation.
If you have a great pedalboard already, I'd say a Tonex or IR-2 or the new Kemper makes sense. But if you don't, I think most should go with Fractal stuff due to their ongoing commitment and support.
I can't say this for certain obviously-and people have been bitten by Fractal in the past when buying an Axe-FX II Mk2 and then four months later see an Axe-FX III come out-but I wonder if we've hit a 'reticle limit' and the only path forward now is going to be incremental rather than substantial. Line 6 modelling is so good that the only things I can see improving dramatically are hardware-based or within certain specific parameters. Same applies to Fractal. Maybe they'll surprise us on that, but it seems doubtful to me. So I think if the form factor of an FM3 suits your needs, there's no reason to wait. If they can bring gapless scenes and presents to the FM3 and FM9, I don't see what else a guitarist will need outside of a dedicated synth pedal.
EVERYTHING sounds good today. I can use anything I want, and I use the BOSS GT1000... BTW, the least latency of all of them, if that's an issue:)
TRUE. Boss make great hardware - 32 bit processing too!
Fractal FM 9 is the best bang for the buck, best support and firmware upgrades and best tones and effects. L6 is nice but I have had bad results with them as their dsp always chokes after a few firmware upgrades, this has never happened with a Fractal unit. Look for a used Ax FX III
I’m still into my headrush gigboard but boy howdy do I want an axe fx.
99% of the time I’m using a proper amp live and realised I’m mainly using amp modellers as a multi effects unit. Could you do a video focussed on multi effects units and how to integrate them into a typical ‘real’ amp rig?
Boss GT1000 (I have the core) still happy with that after a couple of years.
The Kemper Profiler is still unrivaled and the global industry standard. It meets all the requirements of a professional studio and live tool. The overall package is crucial and everyone else cannot take victory away from the profiler. It makes more sense to practice to play the guitar better than to spend days arguing about how to improve the last bit of sound. Many of the self-proclaimed gear testers are such lousy guitarists that it scares you, but they have an idea of what good equipment is.
I bought a TMP after being a Kemper user for 8 years. The TMP is just awesome to me and in my opinion ready for the next few years. I love the UI , the size and the capabilities. I chose it over a Quad Cortex. That is just to fragile to put on a stage to me. Kemper still sounds good, but no dual amps and a bit old tech.
I’ll come back and watch this whole video, but I just bought a Quad Cortex. Love love love the stomp but need a few more foot switches to make it all-in-one. Also love that QC has modeling + profiling.
ok finally watched it all, what a great summary and rundown.
If it was just based on amp modeling alone, I would get a ToneX. But if I needed amps and effects modeling, then it would have to be a QC or Fractal. Fractal sounds great, but I hate the UI. The QC has a much better UI for me.
For the Pedalboard, Atomic Amplifirebox is great. I also don't care about exactly trying to replicate an amp I own. The idea of a modeler to me is that I can try some different amps out. But, realistically, most folks are doing a clean, a mid gain and a high(er) gain sound.
Fractal seems to have a shorter hardware cycle than the other big players. So, I'll assume the firmware doesn't support the hardware indefinitely, it's going to have a shorter lifespan overall compared to others.
However, I'm also of the mind that just thinks, pick one and make it your thing.
What route are people going using 4CM with the amp as the primary use for the FX unit and amp modeling second? I'm currently running a line 6 HXFX into a JP2C. I'm pretty happy overall, but would like the option to use amp modeling as well and just have a single pedal board. I'm thinking FM9 right now. I like the FM3, but sounds like the hardware for 4CM isn't as good as th FM9. I've heard the Quad Cortex might be even worse for 4CM. What are other peoples experiences?
Fractal fm3 only does 1 amp, and the fm9 only does 2(dedicated and therefore limited processor). You can do 2 preamps and 2 amps with helix, but only two amps total with a stomp(plus cabs and maybe 1 or 2 effects). fwiw.
Tonex is IMO a better option than anything mentioned in the title of this video.
Edit - watched the full video now… I don’t get why you wouldn’t discuss the Tonex unless there’s an undisclosed relationship with the company issue.
I used Helix for ages and think it’s great. ‘Better’ in terms of sound/feel is clearly subjective and personal. Objectively Tonex has some clear advantages for me. Firstly, it’s a lot quicker to dial in - you lose tweakability in patches vs Helix but the trade off is quite a bit of time saved. Secondly, it works better with the gear I already have - for example, it works with loads of power supplies as it draws around 300ma. Helix Stomp draws 900ma by comparison which is just more difficult to service. And I’m getting more use out of other effects pedals I already have. Thirdly, the bundled software is great for recording (obviously DSP is a consideration but if a limitation the hardware also works great for this purpose).
Sure, you might have another preference but it absolutely belongs in this discussion & I don’t entirely get why you’d exclude it if your goal is to produce a helpful comparison.
With that said, I thought this was otherwise a good run down & summary of the respective strengths - some stuff I’ve used lots, some I’ve not used. Thanks
For recording, even plugins do an amazing job. For live use, amps for me
You’re going to get better tones and way less interference with plugins. For recording, it’s not even a question what to use anymore.
KEMPER!!! Profile player 😎
For me, just a home playing novice, a touchscreen is pretty much mandatory. It's modern times and i need a modern interface. And to me they sound good enough to do the few things i want which get a serviceable mayer tone, hendrix tone, evh tone, decent fender style clean. Basically a Headrush or that tonemaster pro and the tonemaster seems massively overpriced. If i were buying now i'd get a headrush or similar. or a budget option like a positive grid and just use the app.
Here’s an interesting thought, search for dedicated brands that stick to their products and will not force you to buy the next version of your current modeler because it’s outdated, just think of it buying the latest thing only to find out the company just released a new version of your modeler because reasons, it’s sucks right
But they don’t force you to buy the new version, do they? I think it’s mostly consumers fomo. I see modelers the same way as I see smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs and so on. Apple releases a new generation of iPad every other year, but I don’t buy a new one every time because my iPad from 2016 still works fine. Same thing with the Fractal FM3, the “old” version still gets the same updates and still sounds as good as the MkII Turbo, albeit with a little less DSP. If a unit sounds awesome today, it will sound just as awesome in the future. If I hold off buying anything out fear there will be a new version of the product in two years, then I will never buy anything…
@@javiermp81 I actually agree that it is consumers choice, I even agree with the Apple example because I still have the 1st Apple SE and it is still being updated to this day, which is what I was referring on my initial comment that search for company that stick to their products, Fractal is actually a good company they took their time to release the new one, but users of the previous version are never left out because for a time Fractal still supported the old versions, but I doubt these recent modelers like Headrush, Tonex, Fender even the Neural DSP, would stick on supporting their first versions, I’m not surprised if they released a new one (cough cough Headrush Prime) because young dumb users wants to play candy crush on their modelers 😉 👍
I bought a quad cortex 3 weeks ago after years of playing the stomp. I gotta say. It’s like luxury compared to the hx stomp. Not saying the stomp is bad because that unit was my best friend for years. I’m saying that everything I want out of a unit I can get. In 15 minutes I had the perfect amp sound and was playing music with a capture of an amp Ive recorded for years sounded dead on first shot and haven’t looked back since. The cortex has been the most positive impact of my musical journey so far. I haven’t stopped writing since I got it setup.
You use the expresion pedal? Tou have case for it?
@@anotherone9219 nah not in my current state just use the unit itself
There should be Amp and Pedal captures in Fractal and Line 6 in future models... Why can't we have Guitar and pickup simulation in a modeller... Like Gibsons, Fenders, etc and Seymour Duncan, dDmarzio, etc... just had this in my mind
a video even on new years day. far out i really have no excuse to make a crappy 15 second post every day then! re gear, well HX stomp but I actually use Helix Native the most I think, free with the HX stomp at the time! and I used Neural Amp Modeler. every once in a while i got to the NAM website and see what captures are there. i think i need to do some Neural plugin trials.
How about a good 20w tube amp??
Why do people who make these comparison videos always ignore the best modeller of them all, the Headrush!?
I've tried them all (except the Fender) several times and found that while Fractal units sound the best, the learning curve is so darn high that it's not worth it. Helix is the most user friendly and with some pro downloads and IRs, it gets pretty close. Just as good, if not better, is the Tonex with 1/2 dozen analog pedals. To each his own...
I'm waiting for the Amp X.
Hard to beat the helix for the ease of use and obviously the value compared to its competitors. It sounds great and it’s simple to get tones.
I still think Line 6 need to license their interface to others. Seeing the fractal interface and software tell me I'll never buy it.
Lots of really good options at all price points. Just don't expect halo tier features on all halo tier products ;)
don't know if the strymon iridium got its mention here...