Helix or Neural DSP?

[Mighty Thumb]

After having used a PodGo for a while now, I’m looking to step into the next tier of multi-fx and have kinda boiled it down to these two - the Helix Floor/LT or Neural DSP Quad Cortex. Looking for feedback from folks with hands-on experience with either, but especially both units. Features that are important to me are connectivity that allows me to have two instruments connected at once with separate processing for each, parallel processing and great sounding amp & cab models. An AD200B model is a must, whether included or available via download. I’m familiar with the Line6 software but not with the Neural DSP, so feedback on those experiences are important too. TIA

 

[Scotty4string]

I don't own or have any experience with Neural Quad Cortex. After using a Line 6 HX Stomp for several years, last month I bought the Helix Floor Platinum Edition. I went with the Helix because the octave tracking is really good. Also Line 6 does a pretty good job of providing bass players with new toys in the updates. Also Helix has an Orange AD200 model. I haven't played with that as I only really use amp models for practicing with headphones. So far, I've been really impressed with the unit. People say the HX Stomp and the Helix sound the same. That hasn't been my experience. The HX Stomp seemed to cut some high frequencies that I had to compensate for in the global EQ. Not much but noticeable. With the Helix Floor, I haven't noticed this problem.

 

[Solude]

While Neural was started by Darkglass they really don't do bass. Helix has more bass stuff by far among the top tier. Note I don't consider Neural top tier either. Fractal and Helix are though.

 

[mdalamond]

I own both an HX Stomp and a Quad Cortex. I wouldn’t Say that one is better than the other. it depends on you were use case.
I like the simplicity, and the routing options and also the ability to do and use captures on the Neural. There are tons of captured effects and amps and IR’s available on Neural cloud and many of them come from users on TB.
do you say that Neural doesn’t really do base is not a fair assessment. For that matter, helix was not designed with bass players in mind.
I feel that Neural is as much of top-tier as helix and fractal. Yes, they are having some growing pains, but it appears they are slowly coming around. A lot of people complain that they want a desktop editor and they have finally produced that. Myself I prefer to do my editing on the unit as it is very simple.
I prefer the A.D. 200 captures on the Neural over the models on the stomp. Just my personal preference. Like I said, I have both and I use both about equally.
I haven’t dug into the cortex as much as some users on here have, but it does everything I need to. The strongest point of the Neural to me over the stomp is the routing capability.
I cannot compare the Neural or the helix to the fractal as I have never had the opportunity to try one though I would like to.
Like I said, I don’t think one is better than the other. Just depends on what you were looking for.
The helix is a solid unit and from what I have recently read, there are no intentions of creating a new and improved model in the near future, at least for the next couple years.
Going by what you were looking for in a multi effect, it looks like the Neural would fit the bill quite well. I would suggest either trying one out , if you know someone that has one or possibly purchasing one from someone that has a good return policy. Same goes for the helix.
For me I liked the cortex over the Floor /LT , one for the size of the unit and two I don’t like Belton expression petals. That’s just personal preference.
Either way you decide. I don’t think you will make a bad choice.
Matt

 

[melloncollie]

I’d say the the quad cortex is setup a little bit easier to run two separate instruments. The helix can do it I believe but the QC was somewhat designed with that more in mind.

honestly I think you’d be able to great sounds on both. Really the usability factor is the biggest sticking point. Which workflow makes the most sense?

 

[Dave W]

I have both and they're both excellent devices. My thoughts are that the Quad Cortex is a little newer and has more processing power but I never found the Helix to be lacking either.
I wouldn't worry about "bass" specific stuff too much, there are plenty of useable amps and you will probably want to add separate IRs. I don't know about either one having an AD200B model.

There is also a considerable size difference between the two if it matters at all. The Helix floor is a big boy while the Quad Cortex is pretty compact.

 

[melloncollie]

The helix recently added an AD200b model while the quad cortex has it captured.

 

[Mighty Thumb]

I have both and they're both excellent devices. My thoughts are that the Quad Cortex is a little newer and has more processing power but I never found the Helix to be lacking either.
I wouldn't worry about "bass" specific stuff too much, there are plenty of useable amps and you will probably want to add separate IRs. I don't know about either one having an AD200B model.

There is also a considerable size difference between the two if it matters at all. The Helix floor is a big boy while the Quad Cortex is pretty compact.

What are your thoughts on the user interfaces, both for building patches and for live use? Having used the PodGo for a while now, and I believe it’s similar to the Helix family, I’m at least familiar with it and haven’t found it too difficult to work with. How does the Quad Cortex compare?

 

[Dave W]

What are your thoughts on the user interfaces, both for building patches and for live use? Having used the PodGo for a while now, and I believe it’s similar to the Helix family, I’m at least familiar with it and haven’t found it too difficult to work with. How does the Quad Cortex compare?

They are both very good and easy.
I do the majority of my Helix editing on my desktop. I find it faster and easier. Doing it straight from the screen isn't too bad either.
The QC is easier IMO because of the touch screen. Up until recently it was the only option for editing anyways. I haven't tried the desktop app yet.