Holding out for (hopefully) a revised Helix with twice the DSP and touchscreen. 🤞
@synonyx10 ай бұрын
Having played with mostly all of the modelers/profilers, we are in the age where they all sound good. It's easy to make them all sound good. I think it's coming down to workflow, apps and how it works for your needs. What none of them have mastered yet, is the amp in the room feel for home players. Fender is the closest to me so far, exceeding my line6 helix/powercab combo for this. Whoever gets that right first, will sell alot more to home players. It would be a big selling point to have 20 different amps that sound like an amp in the room, not a recording/IR of that amp. I did an initial impression video on it.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Great points! I think that race is for a proper cab designed for modelers. I hear good things about laney and quilter
@mahall8510 ай бұрын
One small thing I appreciate about this comparison: you have the QC and TMP side-by-side for long periods of time. Yes, that obviously compares the sizes, but that will impact how you interact with it live. Do you notice the “more compact” arrangement of the QC’s footswitches?
@brianmiller32877 ай бұрын
Hi Steve. Great video. You do great work, don't change a thing!!! Btw, I saw in the comments you're looking for an frfr cab. I got the fender fr-12, and I LOVE it...
@SteveSterlacci7 ай бұрын
Thanks so much Brian! I've got the 12 here actually 😅😅🤣
@franknguitars767110 ай бұрын
In terms of User Interface - for me: Helix >> Quad Cortex >> Tone Master Pro. The Helix is so much better thought through - the Line6 crew did an amazing job and it seems like thy actually put the unit in the hands of working, gigging musicians and gave it enough time to mature. Now, give us captures and more DSP to up the modeling quality and I take the Helix over anything else.
@SteveSterlacci9 ай бұрын
Can't argue it!
@nothingchannel1118 ай бұрын
Yeah, I don't gig so I don't care about basically any of this. The Helix in a shootout though, time and again sounds SO terrible, almost as bad as a Headrush. For me it's all about can you trick me into thinking this is a real amp. The QC and the Kempers do that amazingly.
@SteveSterlacci8 ай бұрын
@fishingisawesome you can get good sounds out of all of them. Helix stuff works best for me. It doesn't need to be everyones go to 🤷♂️. Whatever makes ya happy
@Sanjmaghera10 ай бұрын
This makes me think I’ll wait for a touch screen helix.
@gdawgs10110 ай бұрын
Not like the Helix is gonna be any cheaper
@DaPoopIsInDaPudding9 ай бұрын
This makes me think TMP is killer.
@stringsattached678 ай бұрын
@@DaPoopIsInDaPuddingThe TMP kicks ass
@Righetho10 ай бұрын
Worth saying if you accidentally change some parameters unintentionally or change your preset while in “edit” mode, the QC has an “undo option” up there right corner…actually it’s there until u save any changes you’ve made till that point.
@msi19859 ай бұрын
Great points from each side 👏 I've used all of the helix and qc products and recently acquired a tmp. The only criticism I can give and please take it constructively; quad cortex has had several software revisions to improve efficiency and workflow, same with units like the helix... dozens of updates to polish it..the fact that the fender is slower 😑 yeah we all wish fender learned and implemented more lessons from other products, but I'm willing to give them time. Their first firmware update added tons of new features, and their planned Christmas release has me excited. I also never build a preset at a gig 😮 so I'm not sure if I care about saving a few seconds or a minute when building a preset...
@KoaCharvelАй бұрын
This comment aged like wine.
@rogershermanmusic10 ай бұрын
Great, informative video - along with the Helix vs TMP, I feel like you've presented the pro's and con's of the TMP, relative to the other modelers, about as well as it can be done. Hope you do one with the FM9, as well! I do disagree that gapless preset switching has made snapshots/scenes unnecessary - for me, they still have a lot of value for organizing a preset. Just my opinion, of course - your statement could well be true with the way you use your modeler on a gig.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Thanks Roger! I can do one with FM9 soon. As for snaps vs seamless presets... i agree with your thought process, but you can organize the presets to be the same appearance as you would snapshots. Have 6 instances of the same preset saved with diff settings like snapshots, and still be able to bank to the next grouping
@basedecho273110 ай бұрын
Headrush Prime/Core units are the best in terms of user experience and functionality. Metronome and practice tools come in clutch for me. Plus you can tap the preset name then scroll to change presets 😂
@thatdude03410 ай бұрын
If only it had a desktop editor the Core would have been perfect for me. Hopefully HR will get on it now that QC and Fender both has one..
@picksalot110 ай бұрын
Yeah, the QC has a better UI. Got to say that Line 6 Helix Modelers got a lot of UI right, making them fast and easy to use.
@phyloo14revers4010 ай бұрын
Soooooooo useful video ! Hardly wish Fender TM or NDQC developers will soon cast an eye on it, for their future firmware updates 🤔 I've been using Quad Cortex for 3 months. It's a great sounding unit, but the ergonomics on stage sucks, due to the proximity of footswiches, and there's some imperfections you mentioned in your detailed comparison... Very interested in Tone Master for its so explicit screen, IEC power and sturdy looking. It's a new product, with probably upcoming updates...
@johnnymccoy199810 ай бұрын
One thing I’d like to see in all these units is room mics as opposed to room verb…and preferably theyre assignable to a separate output
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Yes! Like the ox stomp has. I loved using that in my recent demo of it
@johnnymccoy199810 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacci ha yep. That video you did is what got me thinking about it. I really want to try it as a mixing tool for reamping in the QC. It’s just one of those real life recoding options that seems to be missing. I’m sure it’ll come out right after I sell it 😂
@digital-guitars-uk10 ай бұрын
Had mine for a few weeks and really pleased with it. Great for Cleans and even better for Ambient Guitar. Already created Guitar Synth and Ambient guitar patches and video's. Best Wishes 🎶🎶🎶🎶😎😎😎😎
@CitAllHearItAll10 ай бұрын
5:29 on QC, add a splitter at the end of lane 1 to the beginning of lane 2. Now you have 2 full lanes for guitar in lane 1 and 2.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
I have that tip on my channel numerous times 😄. I just think its ridiculous to have to split a path, move it around, change the output, mute path A at the split. I just want an easier and faster workflow. Great addition to the conversation though for those that dont know
@christianfilouler10 ай бұрын
hi nice video, I think the TMP is out of the question for me, certainly nice pictures on the display. But somehow it's not really important, the disadvantages in terms of operation outweigh the disadvantages. At least I find the operation of the QC better and easier, more intuitive than the Helix and that's more than enough for me. The FM3 also has quick, good operation without colorful images. For me that leaves L6 Helix.. and FM3
@KR-nc5be10 ай бұрын
@12:50 the TMP bottom left foot switch says bypass and bypasses the block while editing parameters.
@tiagodungo9 ай бұрын
Great insight mate. Workflow is often overlooked in these machines by people who make reviews, and it's so important. It's all about UI and your "relationship" with the machine. Thanks for this.
@SteveSterlacci9 ай бұрын
Thanks for checking it out! I agree 100%
@shaneatherang9 ай бұрын
Sounds like Fender just needs to do a nice io Firmware Update and add those options in the future , Great review Thanks 😎✨🤙🏽
@SteveSterlacci9 ай бұрын
Thanks for checking it out. A few updates and its a beast!
@kurcob8 ай бұрын
It would be great hearing your comments about how they compare to each other in terms of latency and "feel"
@coachguitar10 ай бұрын
At 12:56 you simply don’t see the "bypass"-button down left🤷♂️ maybe it’s too big 😅
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
I meant for other pedals on the board as well, not just the one being edited. But thanks for the heads up 😄
@truthfactreality681410 ай бұрын
The quad cortex wins for me. It’s smaller. Better screen. Workflow is better. And it’s sounds better. Also you have the capture features.
@DaPoopIsInDaPudding9 ай бұрын
Better screen?
@gwynbleiddroach25898 ай бұрын
@@DaPoopIsInDaPuddingyeah lol, I was thinking the same thing, definitely not better.
@MikeyMike7062 ай бұрын
me too but I wish it had an integrated volume/expression/wah pedal.
@twinklesirola9095 ай бұрын
I read in the manual that the first two rows run on 2 cores and the bottom two run on the other two cores. I think they think that pushing everything in two cores would be too much. Maybe that's why they decided to only allow you to move from row 1 to row 3.
@Darrell11110 ай бұрын
Sold my QC becauase of the grounding issues and the empty promises from Neural about getting a propper replacement. I'd get another if they ever address the issue. In the mean time, Axe FX III it is!
@algorithm007ify10 ай бұрын
That’s pretty bad…can’t understand why QC has grounding issues..
@benkeen10 ай бұрын
Never had grounding issues with the QC in the UK even with just headphones connected and I very rarely have an XLR connected.
@vaughanmacegan40129 ай бұрын
Don't forget to buy a foot controller as well, trying to manage the control panel on a dark stage and navigating to the front panel of an AxeFX III Mk II Turbo cab be a real pain especially if it offstage. You don't want the band waiting for you to change presets, especially during a song and for a new song. Out here it costs $1,800 AUD
@10smdjbtk9 ай бұрын
It is important that the QuadCortex is small. It can be taken anywhere. The lack of PC software (which will be introduced, it seems) can also be seen from a different perspective: the QuadCortex can be completed using only the main unit. However, as you say, there is not much difference in sound quality among current high-end multi-processors, so I think it is a matter of taste. I think it would be best to prioritize your needs, taking into consideration your intended use, environment, ease of use, cost performance, etc., and choose the one that you want to use and that seems easy to use.
@SteveSterlacci9 ай бұрын
Ultimately, thats what I try to help people with. The editor is now out and its great. The previous issue was having to put it on a desk or table, then move it to the floor, then pick it back up, or adjust on the floor. It was a royal PITA lol
@stickman5510010 ай бұрын
Steve, you do such a great job of demystifying the complexities of the various modelers. I’ve been learning about my Helix Floor by watching you and was seriously considering buying the Tone Master Pro, until I watched this episode. Thanks for saving me $1,700, which I think I will likely invest in lessons with you.
@algorithm007ify10 ай бұрын
Well he used the add block method on the TMP which is slow. You are supposed to press the left and right ‘+’ icons which brings the effects menus immediately rather than add block then ‘+’. Also, I can definitely say that the TMP amp models generally sound better than the helix,…more accurate. Lastly, In Australia, the TMP is $200 cheaper than the helix and $700 cheaper than the QC, believe it or not.
@grippo19276 ай бұрын
Thanks for this. I've learned I can get serviceable sounds out of even the most trash gear, so my main concern at this point is ease of use, especially in a gig or jam situation. Although fractal seems to be the king, I could never use one because I can't be diving into menus when a bandmate calls for a tune not on the set list.
@wildebtw10 ай бұрын
They had a tone master out on the floor yesterday. I goofed around with it. Not a fan of the touch screen. I much prefer joystick access and being able to have full control over my chain. It sure looks cool though but it's the same price as a helix. I'm gonna stick with Line 6 for now. I haven't had the opportunity to try the DSP
@vaughanmacegan40129 ай бұрын
You haven't had a chance to try a Digital Signal Processor?
@ksharpe1010 ай бұрын
someone did demo that color button brightness adjustment, pretty sure I saw them show it. in the settings.
@algorithm007ify10 ай бұрын
You don’t have to go “add block” with the TMP… just click the left or right ‘+’ icons on the signal path!
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Its still the same amount of presses and you dont get to choose the locations of the fx
@algorithm007ify10 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacci no it’s one less click. If you add block, you have to press the ‘+’ after to get to the effects menu. However, clicking the left or right ‘+’ gets you to the menu immediately. Please try this out with an empty preset!
@cptntwang10 ай бұрын
Call me naive. I just like the tmp best because of its look and the cool graphics. I am shure it sounds good too.
@vaughanmacegan40129 ай бұрын
So do I. I would prefer dual mics built-in but not a deal-breaker.
@CraigularjJoeWoodworks5 ай бұрын
I think you’re better served with a computer and software… I watched the whole Video start to end and I just think these units give apples when all you want is oranges.
@GearStuffandThings10 ай бұрын
I use QC and recently figured out that you can set parameters changes like Helix Snapshots by holding down the parameter I want to change per snapshot.. I hope that makes since. It’s possible in scene mode but not stomp :/
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Correct. Scene mode is identical to snapshots as far as I know, but can't do parameter controls in stomp
@jasonjohnson41707 ай бұрын
Not your mistake. There should be an editing mode. Always used to be with processors.
@harryharris161910 ай бұрын
TMP workflow will improve as time goes on but really not liking the touch screen contactivity. IMO fractals FM9 still leads the pack despite its more complex UI. These modelers should all have an external virtual FX type knob controller pedal option for live use.
@DavidEidelberg10 ай бұрын
QC is way more flexible, but it’s also easier to mess up and pass unprocessed signal with the amp/cab signal.
@rsuarezc2293 ай бұрын
I prefer quad cortex, the only think better from Fender is the UI and screen, but both of them are great gear
@AkimboVermon7 ай бұрын
I currently have both I don’t know what one I want to keep, I like the bluetooth on the tone master pro so I can practice to backing track with no computer. Quads cortex is awesome but dam it’s a hard choice
@SteveSterlacci7 ай бұрын
it is absolutely a hard choice. The layout of the floorboard on TMP is way better, QC has capture tech which rules and is pretty ahead in the sheer number of amps and fx in the unit. Very hard choice
@AkimboVermon7 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacci do you know if there’s a way dude I can use backing tracks on the QC? I like to play along to my songs for practice, but can’t always use the unit with a pc to use in my daw. Thanks for the reply, just can’t believe in this day and age there is no perfect one solution, they always seem to fall short on something lol
@SuperCMO7910 ай бұрын
Can't believe they don't have a supersonic in the tone master pro.
@algorithm007ify10 ай бұрын
It’s just released…..be reasonable.
@martiboucat10 ай бұрын
I thought the Bassman was on helix as Tweed Blues model. Right? You should compare that model with your Bassman
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Tweed blues is the same '59 bassman. Mine is a blonde. Different beasts 😃
@martiboucat10 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacci omg... i know nothing about amps xD
@r.llynch412410 ай бұрын
Just my opinion but I personally don't worry about how easy a modeler is they are all pretty much easy to use. I only worry about how it feels under my fingers and if it inspires me to play. I love my FM9 and tried L6 and the Quad. The Fender at the price point it's at does not impress me at this point.
@vaughanmacegan40129 ай бұрын
Here the TMP ($2,349) is cheaper that the Helix ($2800), a lot cheaper that the QC ($3,200) a and cheaper than the FM9 ($3,390). Good value methinks.
@bend14996 ай бұрын
In terms of the unit itself I think the Fender takes the win by farrrrr. Seems way more gig ready and solid, better on the floor, more foot space, sexier, even the power supply is nice and solid and not some stupid radio shack plug. QC has had years to roll out updates, I think Fender will catch up to them pretty quick.
@Thunderup2110 ай бұрын
My personal opinion…the DSP tone wins hands down (though 95 out of 100 people listening through a mix won’t be able to tell the difference). The TMP UI is miles ahead of the DSP. Reminds me of the Headrush setup. It’s just better. It’s really not even close. Just pick what works best for you at the end of the day.
@vaughanmacegan40129 ай бұрын
DSP stand for Digital Signal Processor, so you've lost me.
@SteveSterlacci9 ай бұрын
Neurals full name is Neural DSP. So he means quad cortex.
@Kevinjames097610 ай бұрын
I was annoyed with both of these workflows scenarios. I’ll will stick with my Friedman IR-X and OX stomp.
@johndo96482 ай бұрын
Those big screens on a busy stage. Seems not wise. Just asking, home guitarist here 😌
@ElcanaldeReyesManuel8 ай бұрын
Nice 👍
@philmiller665510 ай бұрын
Honestly, to me, they both have things that seem like dealbreaker flaws in their workflows. The thing you showed on the QC where you can’t change banks while in Preset Mode in Play View, or whatever, is still one of the biggest head scratchers to me. And then if you’re in normal view in Preset Mode and you change banks, you can’t see the preset names in the bank before you select them… Just so freaking dumb, I can hardly believe it. The Fender just looks slow as all get out. I don’t know how I feel about being able to assign the same block to different switches. I guess it kind of gives you a version of snapshots, but it seems like it would be confusing. Some of these choices are just puzzling. It’s like these companies decide they’re going to copy the Helix, but they’ve never really used one, so they don’t understand the actual important elements they should copy.
@notalkguitarampplug-insrev78410 ай бұрын
Please test aliasing❤
@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender10 ай бұрын
What if they made modellers that only had 5 or 6 amps models but allowed really in depth tweakablity.
@MarshallDerrickBand10 ай бұрын
More gig vlogs Steve!
@cunjoz10 ай бұрын
cool slippers bro
@AA-ih6kt9 ай бұрын
what about vs the fractal?
@grippo19276 ай бұрын
Not sure what even would be the point of comparing fractal when it comes to live workflow. Everyone knows fractal may sound the best, but its UI is by far the worst of any modern processor/modeler.
@ernieficklin359310 ай бұрын
People that are dissing the TMP have not spent the night with it. I have a Fractal and Kemper. The TMP blows the user experience away on both. Sound? The only amps the Kemper or Fractal do better are high gain (other than the 5150). Fx? Nothing touches the Fractal…period. The question is this. Do you want to play guitar or tweak? Fractal is tweaked heaven…at the cost of making music. Kemper..not as bad but it’s up there too. The TMP allows you to do both. Keep your money. Don’t get one. It’s your choice. You’ll never “get it” though until you sleep with the girl and feed her breakfast. At that point, you’ll understand. The TMP will cause other companies to raise the bar on their crappy interfaces. Count on it. The TMP is a baby. Wait till they slam some updates on it if you’re uptight. They are coming.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Thats my hope too. Fractal is a nightmare to learn and TMP needs no instruction whatsoever. One day someone will be able to make us all happy 🤣😅
@ernieficklin359310 ай бұрын
Agreed Steve. I am not turning loose of my others…for now. I truly enjoy both the Kemper and the Fractal. But taking outside the house…the TMP just took the prize on that for sure
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
@ernieficklin3593 glad you're loving it! Im trying to get there
@sphinx951710 ай бұрын
Plus this is new for fender. Wait till they have some updates for this thing. It’ll be a beast
@philmiller665510 ай бұрын
@@sphinx9517 - What’s new for Fender, exactly? A touchscreen? They’ve been making floor modelers and modeling amps for years.
@mallclaude194910 ай бұрын
you have to be an engineer to understand those gears...
@gaddebeli10 ай бұрын
Comparing TMP to other flagship units is an insult to them. I don't get why anyone with any experience with modelers would take this thing seriously and considering the price is the only flagship thing TMP has, who would buy it is an even bigger mystery.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Some people don't know what they want yet and think Fender must be awesome bc its Fender, which is why I think videos like this are important 🤷♂️
@Teletex8210 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacciCome on now. This is a ridiculous attitude. The QC launch was a raging dumpster fire. The TMP has been out for, what, 3 weeks? You can try to be a little objective.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
@sergiomartinez4403 i am the first one to call QC a dumpster fire launch lol i see my wording and see your point. Definitely didn't mean for it to come off like that. I will re word it
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
@@Teletex82 fixed my comment. I agree with ya and it wasn't worded how I wanted
@Teletex8210 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacci Just to be clear, I really enjoy your channel and find it very helpful and informative. I appreciate your receptiveness and being able to have a discussion. Keep up the good work!
@rifflix8 ай бұрын
I suppose if you want to find deficiencies you will.
@PabloARQ10 ай бұрын
This guy never plays guitar in his videos 😩. Does anyone know why?
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
I play in every video thats not a user interface comparison or a discussion. There are about 345 of the 350 videos on the channel where you can hear playing though 🫡 hope you find what you're looking for
@jeale77810 ай бұрын
Still Helix is the King!!!!😄
@DaPoopIsInDaPudding9 ай бұрын
For you
@hairnation6810 ай бұрын
If you’re making presets at a gig then that’s ridiculous. Your nitpicks are because you have spent far more time with the QC so you know it and its tricks.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
I do say i am covering both basic preset building as well as making adjustments on the gig. Why would I cover making a preset at a gig lol thats not good for anyone. But, I make adjustments on the gig ALL the time, so that is very important to me and not ridiculous. And I do have a bit later on in the video (i assume you haven't gotten there yet) about the TMP being so simple and easy, but once you learn the other units "tricks", they become faster if you do learn them. TMP has 0 learning curve.
@vaughanmacegan40129 ай бұрын
Everyone needs to make changes to a patch at a gig. I remember needing to dive into the Eleven Rack onscreen editor because the reverbs weren't sounding as good as they were at home. The process was *not* fun.
@SteveSterlacci9 ай бұрын
@vaughanmacegan4012 yeah "critics" of my workflow videos like to point and yell that presets should be prepared for the gig. Clear indication that they must not gig with their units through diff p.a's and venues and know what they'll have to adjust on any rig they brought
@matteomidas63810 ай бұрын
The TMP is a very immature machine that has been launched being almost still in beta. Fender really did an incredible mistake. In 2023 we as digital machine user all know what's, the meaning of being competitive and open to the market in terms of performances sound and ease of use. This Fender is only easy to use. For the rest is a complete disater. it could have been revolutionary 10 years ago but these days such a machine can only compete with the low end of the market but the price is out of this world. Fender is on good way of destroying its reputation in the guitar digital domain.
@vedder1010 ай бұрын
You need to check out some other channels like Tone Junkies and such because after spending real time with the tmp they rave about the sound and UI. It’s actually got a lot of value for certain types of guitarists who want to play and don’t want to spend hours learning how to use a unit.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
Tone junkies doesn't think it sounds as good as Helix in their vid. Its capable of great sounds regardless. But with today's options, they all can get any sound you'll ever need
@vedder1010 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlaccidid you watch the latest friends video they released where they talk about the better Fender tones they got out of the tmp. They even said it responded more like a real amp in comparison to the Helix.
@SteveSterlacci10 ай бұрын
@vedder10 pretty sure it was the same one. Either way, the tones at the end of the day are always gonna be subjective and i think all the units are equally as capable in achieving pro sounds. Thats why I leave tone out of this specific discussion
@vedder1010 ай бұрын
@@SteveSterlacci Either way we are living in such a wonderful era where you have so many choices and everyone get's a chance to sample and find what works for them. I can only imagine what we are going to see in another 3-5 years with AI playing more of a substantial role in our tech.