Head to head
Which unit leads the way as music’s top model?
In terms of effects, it should come as no surprise that the helix has the edge...
There’s more in common between these units than there are differences. For live performance, both units boast a ‘setlist’ feature, allowing you to organise your patches into a scrollable order. The scribble strips on the HeadRush make this slightly more user-friendly. Both have an assignable expression pedal and room for an expansion, which can take control of a parameter from an effect. This means you can have fun with delay-time warping, for example.
When editing parameters, the Helix LT is a clear winner: the six parameter knobs underneath the main screen mean you have more at your fingertips, which speeds up the process of editing or creating sounds. Counterintuitively, the Helix user interface is easier to work with, even without the touch screen of the HeadRush. The great strength of the HeadRush user interface is that it needs no description; it is easy to navigate, but as a result it feels like options are buried beneath a few presses where on the Helix the equivalent menu is a dedicated hardware button press away. It’s personal preference, but the Helix feels quicker to work with.
In terms of effects, it should come as no surprise that the Helix has the edge, which means it will integrate with a traditional amp setup better if you choose to not use the modelled amps on the unit. The delays and modulations feel like updated versions of the patches from now-classic units like the DL4 delay, and the looper is snappy and intuitive to use. The stereo image of the effects is stellar, and setting up two virtual amps is simple. There’s even a couple of out there effects like pitch-shifted delays or sweep delays to keep the space cadets occupied. The HeadRush effects feel a bit more prosaic, but there are standouts like the tape delay that could give not only the Helix, but other high-end effects like Strymon’s, a good run for their money.