This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:28:29
In this video, Steve Sterlachy conducts an in-depth comparison of three prominent guitar processor units: the Line 6 Helix, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, and the Fractal FM9. Despite his long-standing use of the Helix, Steve provides an unbiased analysis emphasizing his user experience.
Throughout the comparison, key themes include sound quality, device versatility, and the ease of use of each unit. Steve notes that the FM9 stands out for its superior low-end clarity and avoidance of harsh high frequencies, though the Helix remains strong in its overall sound quality. The FM9's command center was praised for its customizable footswitch functions, despite having a more cumbersome workflow compared to the Helix’s more user-friendly interface and simplified signal path setup.
Steve also compares the advantages and disadvantages of both devices in various scenarios, including live performances and integrated setups. He appreciates the Helix's size, flexible layout, and robust snapshot, stomp, and preset configurations, which offer a streamlined user experience. Meanwhile, the FM9's performance modes and extensive channel options for drive and amp blocks provide significant flexibility but come with limitations such as slight audio gaps when switching channels.
In conclusion, while Steve values both units, he finds the Helix more practical for touring due to its reliability and ease of adjustment. He also acknowledges the FM9’s superior reverb, more versatile and editable cabinet section, and extensive fine-tuning capabilities making it impressive in its right. The video ends with an invitation for viewer feedback and appreciation for their support.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Steve Sterlachy announces a highly requested comparison between three guitar processor units: the Line 6 Helix, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, and the Fractal FM9. Despite being a long-time Helix user with no sponsorship ties to any product, Steve aims to provide an unbiased comparison based on his extensive use of these devices. He mentions his initial positive impressions of the FM9’s sound quality and ease of use but notes that switching back to the Helix did not result in disappointment as he had expected. Instead, he found both units to be comparable in sound quality. However, he points out that the FM9 is superior in terms of avoiding harsh high-end frequencies and offers better low-end clarity and feel. This comparison segment is based purely on user experience without including sound samples, aiming to help viewers decide which unit might be best for them.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses comparing the Midas M32 console with the Helix and FM9 units, highlighting that the differences in sound between the Helix and FM9 are minimal in a live setting. However, the FM9 is noted for having slightly better realism and feel. The discussion then shifts to the size and layout of the Helix and FM9 units. Contrary to expectations, the FM9 is not significantly smaller than the Helix despite having fewer foot switches and no expression pedal. This minimal difference in size raises the question of whether the extra foot switches and expression pedal on the Helix justify its slightly larger footprint. The speaker also details the flexible layout of the Helix, allowing various configurations of snapshots, stomps, and presets, and the ability to fully customize the 10-foot switch canvas in the command center, with two function switches reserved for preset/stomp toggle and tap tempo/tuner, which are not assignable but are useful tools.
00:06:00
In this segment, the video discusses the versatility and flexibility of the FM9’s command center and layout options. Users can assign multiple functions to footswitches, enhancing live performance capabilities. The FM9 features a master layout mode that allows access to various presets, scenes, effects, and more, all customizable. Additionally, each footswitch supports both press and hold functions, effectively doubling the number of available actions. This flexibility allows users to easily manage tap tempo and tuning preferences. The segment concludes with a brief introduction to building presets using the HX Edit and FM9 Edit software, highlighting the intuitive signal chain setup.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the presenter explains how to configure and use signal paths on a digital audio workstation. They first demonstrate setting up paths on the Helix, detailing how to add elements like amps and cabinets, modify settings using sliders, and bypass foot switches without any gaps. The discussion then shifts to the FM9 system, contrasting its empty initial grid with the Helix’s direct audio feedback. The presenter shows how to manually add inputs, outputs, and connect blocks with shunts, explaining it as a more cumbersome workflow compared to Helix. They also highlight how the FM9’s bypass mechanism has a slight lag, affecting quick adjustments during scene changes.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the differences between scene management and output routing within music presets on the FM9 and Helix devices. Scenes on FM9 involve a noticeable hesitation and lag, but the device offers useful features such as a CPU usage display and flexible output controls. Notably, the FM9 requires splitting the signal to manage separate outputs, whereas the Helix uses multi-out for simpler routing. The FM9 also has robust metering for balancing presets and scenes, providing specific decibel readings that facilitate consistent sound levels. Conversely, the Helix lacks such specific metering in its software. Furthermore, the speaker criticizes the FM9’s on-board building process as cumbersome, involving manually starting from a blank grid, whereas the Helix is easier to use in this regard.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker demonstrates how to navigate and set up inputs and outputs on two different devices. On one device, you need to hold down the enter button to create a shunt, rotate to the output, and navigate back using the middle button. Adjustments such as amps, cabs, and other parameters require multiple steps including hitting the enter button, scrolling, and selecting options through detailed menus, which can be time-consuming.
In contrast, the Helix device simplifies the process with fewer steps: using a joystick to scroll and select options directly. Adding effects like amps and reverb is quicker due to saved favorites and fewer navigation requirements. The speaker highlights the efficiency of making changes to presets and effects layouts on the Helix, compared to the slower, more cumbersome process on the FM9, which involves more navigating and button presses.
The ease of access and speed in adjusting parameters on the Helix is emphasized through the use of touch capacitance switches, which immediately bring up relevant menus and allow quick adjustments.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker explains the functionalities of the FM9, particularly focusing on the ‘Perform PP’ and ‘Perform Global’ performance modes. ‘Perform PP’ allows users to assign 10 custom parameters to the bottom knobs for easy adjustment during live performances, tailored to each preset. ‘Perform Global’ offers a consistent setting across all presets, useful for commonly adjusted parameters like favorite amp and cabinet settings. The speaker contrasts this with the Helix, noting its open format that allows stacking multiple effects and configurations with fewer restrictions, though it is limited to using two amps per preset. Finally, the speaker mentions that FM9 has specific block limitations and refers viewers to the Fractal website for detailed information.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the presenter explains the flexibility and limitations of the FM9 and Helix guitar processors, particularly focusing on drive and amp blocks. The FM9 allows up to three drive blocks, each with multiple channels for different settings, effectively giving users 12 drive options. However, you can’t stack more than three drives. The Helix, on the other hand, lets users add as many drive pedals as they want until the memory is full.
For amp blocks, the FM9 offers two blocks with up to four channels each, allowing for eight different amps in one preset, but there will be a slight audio gap when switching channels. This gap is comparable to changing channels on a real amp. In contrast, the Helix can achieve a similar effect by switching presets, which also has an audio gap.
Overall, the seamless switching of the FM9 works for all blocks except the amp block, whereas the presenter views the amp capabilities of both units as roughly equivalent. The video ends with a mention of a technical issue with the presenter’s studio setup.
00:24:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses their setup for touring with country artist Jessica Lynn, highlighting the use of two full electric guitar rigs within the Helix. They explain how the Helix allows independent paths for each guitar, with separate signals sent to the front of the house. The speaker compares this to the FM9, which offers separate and stereo XLR outputs, providing a more convenient setup.
The segment also covers the differences between the Helix and FM9 in terms of features and sound quality. The Helix has a microphone input useful for singers and acoustic guitar setups, while the FM9 does not. When discussing tone, the speaker notes the superior drive pedals in the Helix but praises the FM9’s reverbs. Both units have comparable delays.
Additionally, the speaker prefers the amp options on the Fractal (FM9), citing better sound quality and more extensive options compared to the Helix. The FM9 also offers a more versatile and editable cabinet section. Lastly, the speaker mentions the advanced parameters and an “ideal page” on the FM9, which provide additional customization options not found in the Helix.
00:27:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the dynamics and capabilities of output compressors in amplifiers, particularly the FM9 and Helix. They highlight the extensive fine-tuning possibilities the FM9 offers for those who enjoy tweaking their sound. The speaker values both the FM9 and Helix, mentioning that while the Helix is currently preferred for touring due to its reliability, ease of adjustment, and availability, the FM9 has also been impressive. They conclude by thanking viewers for their support and inviting feedback for future content.