Helix fx2 or kemper

[ianson36]

So simple question really. What do you guys think. I'm looking at these 3 products. Its strictlybedroom use and i play slipknot avenged disturbed kind of stuff. Now i know the axefx2 can't be beaten for realism and tone. But what i like about the kemper is the use of real knobs and simplistic nature for changing tones. Like wise with the helix(i know it's not out) it looks amazing for simple on the go changes and individual l.e.d display for each switch telling you what it is makes life even easier again. But i ask advice from you knowledgeable folk. What's the way to fly and why?

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[dominus]

Re: Helix fx2 or kemper

Depends on what you want to do.

Do you want to profile your own amp, or can rely on other people's profiles? Kemper is the way to go.
Do you want realistic sounding tweakable amps and FX? The Axe FX is probably best for that.
Do you want to rely on Line 6's promises after years of passable tones? That's on you.

FYI, Fractal has a "light" Axe FX unit coming out that has half the DSP of the Axe FX II and will be in the same pricerange as the Helix. It will do one signal chain (as opposed to 2 in the regular model) but should still be quite capable.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Helix fx2 or kemper

If you're just doing metal get the eleven rack, it's the right price and can do everything you need, I've seen them as low as 250 on the used market....

My friend recently sold two of his amps to buy a Kemper Toaster, he's in love with it at the moment because he lives in a much smaller place but I have a feeling when he gets a house again he'll miss his amps...

 

[TailBomb]

Re: Helix fx2 or kemper

IMO the kemper beats the axe fx 2 in both realism and tone.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Helix fx2 or kemper

All 3 may be overkill for a handful of heavier sounds for bedroom use. A good small amp (Engl? Mesa?) might be all you need.

 

[bloughlin16]

Re: Helix fx2 or kemper

The Kemper is a great option if you actually own/have access to amps you want to profile, as well as a sound treated room and good mics to capture the profile with. The issue with the Kemper is that it profiles the entire signal chain (the natural tone of the guitar that was used, the pickups, any pedals that might have been in front of the amp, amp, cab, and mic), so other people's profiles won't sound nearly as good as your own. While the same could be said of the AxeFx, it has greater tweakability that will enable you to create your own tones, and keeps getting more and more realistic with each firmware update (the number of effects it has compared to the Kemper is also a valid point). If you're pretty simplistic when it comes to effects and meet the qualifications I listed above, go Kemper. Otherwise, go AxeFx.

 

[donnievaz]

Re: Helix fx2 or kemper

For bedroom use only, I'd go with Bias and Bias FX for iPad or desktop and a good 12" powered monitor. You'll save a ton of money and the sounds are killer.