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Helix Cab vs IR


chuskey
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I had a request on the FB group to do a comparison of IR vs Helix cabs.  

 

I'm not here to try and say one is better than the other or suggest what anyone should use, as there are people here on this forum that enjoy both.  I just wanted to do a quick A/B. Definitely not trying to knock IR's.  

 

For this test I used a Vox Fawn normal channel and compared the stock 2x12 Silver Bell vs a Redwirez 2x12 silver, both with 121 mic 1" off the grill.  

 

To my ears they were pretty close.  I know that comparing one Helix cab to one IR is VERY far from an exhaustive comparison, which wasn't my intent.  

 

My conclusion with THIS test is that the cabs were very similar.  Which is to say IR's aren't always superior so whichever one makes you the happiest, go for it.  Just trust your ears :)

 

 

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Good demo. I thought they were very similar like you said, and I actually slightly preferred the stock cab.

 

The advantage in IRs seems to be with higher gain than you're using.

So all the clean users don't see any benefit, while the heavy rockers get a marked advantage.

Did you see Paul Glover's IR test?

The difference was big!

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Good demo. I thought they were very similar like you said, and I actually slightly preferred the stock cab.

 

The advantage in IRs seems to be with higher gain than you're using.

So all the clean users don't see any benefit, while the heavy rockers get a marked advantage.

Did you see Paul Glover's IR test?

The difference was big!

 

+1 to the IR difference being more noticeable on mid to high gain Helix sounds.  I honestly just use the stock Helix cabs on the clean to low gain stuff.

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Good demo. I thought they were very similar like you said, and I actually slightly preferred the stock cab.

 

The advantage in IRs seems to be with higher gain than you're using.

So all the clean users don't see any benefit, while the heavy rockers get a marked advantage.

Did you see Paul Glover's IR test?

The difference was big!

This could be the case.  I almost never play high gain.  Cranked Plexi with drive pedal in front is about as far as I go, which may explain why I never got the IR magic :)

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Nice video.

I've been working with loads of IRs this week and after hours and hours (yes, too many hours) of testing, I've come to the conclusion that the stock Helix cabs, with the ability to change mic types and positions very easily, just prove to be a better option for me. Many of the Helix cabs also sound very good. I play low-to-mid gain and I found plenty stock cabs to keep me happy.

 

Joe

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