Helix vs Native and FRFR

[Suhr_Nathan]

If I plug a Helix (or Stomp) into an FRFR, or my laptop running Native, both with the same presets, can I get the same sound? or will it be noticeably different?

I'm using Native at the moment, and want to buy a Fender FR-10 to jam at a friends house, and am trying to decide if the laptop will suffice or if I need to buy a modeler again. 

 

I'm assuming for laptop I'll need Native > Audio Interface > FRFR?

Any advice would be great!

[rd2rk]

IF you have a high-quality Audio Interface with a 1M Instrument Input

AND

IF you have a powerful enough laptop to get acceptable (<10ms) latency without glitching

AND

if that latency is acceptable vs the 1 to 3.5ms latency of HW modelers (GT1000/HXStomp)

AND

IF none of your presets use FX that require <1M Input Impedance (certain fuzzes, some others in Helix)

 

THEN

 

Laptop/Native won't sound EXACTLY the same as Helix HW because no AI's preamps will sound EXACTLY the same as Helix direct to your FRFR

 

BUT

 

It WILL sound plenty good enough for jamming.

"Noticeably different" only matters if you like one sound better than the other. If you've never heard either, you either like it or you don't.

I have both rigs. They sound slightly different. Both are totally acceptable for jamming.

I do not have "Golden Ears".

You're the only person in the world who has your ears. My "Golden Tone" could be your "Horrid Noise".

 

Bottom line/my recommendation - get a HW modeler and leave the computer on your desk where it belongs!

Setup/teardown/transport will always be simpler with a modeler. Also, less failure points.

Nothing ruins a good jam vibe than a glitchy computer rig.

Well, if your guitar falls over and breaks the headstock. Or the neighbor calls the cops... :-(

[cruisinon2]

On 7/18/2024 at 4:57 PM, Suhr_Nathan said:

If I plug a Helix (or Stomp) into an FRFR, or my laptop running Native, both with the same presets, can I get the same sound? or will it be noticeably different?

I'm using Native at the moment, and want to buy a Fender FR-10 to jam at a friends house, and am trying to decide if the laptop will suffice or if I need to buy a modeler again. 

 

I'm assuming for laptop I'll need Native > Audio Interface > FRFR?

Any advice would be great!

 

If it's just for goofing around, then you probably don't need all the bells and whistles of a full-blown Helix. Get a Stomp, or the POD Express and call it a day. Repeatedly setting up and tearing down a laptop and interface is gonna get old quick... use the right tool(s) for the job.

[MusicLaw]

In addition to the suggestions of@rd2rk and @cruisinon2, if you get an HX Stomp or HX Stomp XL and connect it to your FRFR, you will have the benefit of the HX Audio Interface in the device itself! Plus, you can also connect it to your laptop and run HX Edit to more easily visualize and access the many features of the HX Stomp/Stomp XL. By doing so, you will have the benefit of using the HX device's physical features, buttons, footswitches, etc., and also have the ability to use your laptop for enhance visualization, or real time access and control. Best of all HX Edit is free of charge! So use whatever method may suit you best. Hope this helps.