The quality of amp modelers has grown exponentially since the first one I ever owned (a Line 6 Flextone II head and cab) and the diversity and realism of sounds that are packed into small packages these days is astounding to me.
The two major contenders for your dollars in terms of floor units are the Fractal Audio AX8 and the Line 6 Helix. This comparison demonstrates the various metal amps of each unit in direct comparison, using both the stock cab sims and Ola’s custom one.
For my money, the AX8 sounds better, but the Helix is the best designed amp sim product on the market in this journalist’s humble opinion. So you’ll have to hear for yourself and decide – who gets your hard-earned?
