REAL vs DIGITAL: Matchless C-30 vs Line 6 Helix

In this video, we are going to see if the Line 6 HX digital amp model of the Matchless C-30 sounds like a real Matchless C-30. TLDR/W: Yes, it does.

Table of contents:
00:00 - My mind is blown from the start....
00:13 - Hey welcome - let's compare a real Matchless C-30 to the Line 6 HX digital model
00:53 - How I set this experiment up (signal routing, IR's, etc)
02:23 - This is what the real amp sounds like... (Channel 1)
03:35 - Let's add the Line 6 HX amp model of the C-30 (channel 1)
04:57 - Would this be more different if we ran the amp into a cab and mic'd it?
05:21 - Let's see if we can get the Line 6 HX model closer to the real amp
06:20 - Let's add some overdrive into the amp(s)
07:50 - Adding reverbs and delays
09:31 - The biggest test - overdrive with big delay and reverb
10:47 - Let's try channel 2 of the C-30 (EF86 channel)
11:30 - Dialing in the HX model (C-30 channel 2)
13:16 - Add some effects and test
13:58 - Adding overdrive (channel 2)
16:15 - Adding reverbs and delays (channel 2)
17:08 - All of this is causing Brian to question his life and the meaning of his existence...

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[worshiptutorials]

So do you think Helix sounds as good as the real amp? Let us know 👇🏻

[ZachariahConnor]

Dang…didn’t expect the helix to really be that close! Very impressed

[wilemuse]

This was a cool one. I personally think the differences were a little more noticeable on channel two. The top end got a little more "glassy" on the HX and the bottom end on the amp felt a bit more dynamic. I may have preferred the amp slightly but if you heard either one without the other you'd still call it a killer tone.

[SomeSortOfSound]

For not having touched every single amp setting in the Helix, there's no question about getting these amps to be identical. Both sound great.

[taylorguy]

Wow… It really does sound so incredible. I appreciate all you guys do.

[wilfriedcwik]

That fits exactly with what's going through my head at the moment. I initially wanted to buy a second Tonex so that I could use both as a stereo pair in the Helix floor, but some, not all, models in the Helix are so good that they can easily keep up with the Tonex. So I'm going to loop in an HX Stomp instead, which will then provide the stereo amp setup and leave the Helix with enough headroom for capo and overflowing effects. Many thanks for this confirmation of my thoughts.

[mikehalmajan]

I have a 2023 Matchless HC30 head with matching 2x12 speaker cabinet and I absolutely love it. I use the Fryette ps100 attenuator with it and it works like a dream! 🔥

[TechyTimM]

Love the comparison! I know what matters is what it sounds and feels like, but the geek in me is curious to see what differences come out using a null test.

[mtguitar]

I'm gonna try and dial this one in, since I went back to HX amps I've been using the Litigator

[bobmander]

It's pretty darned close, but... something about the natural warmth of the amp that is noticeable especially when fully loaded with all the effects. I am listening on my JBL studio monitors. The Helix seems to add a layer of brightness that is not present with the amp but adds that "digital" edge to color the sound. It can probably just be tweaked a little more... or maybe apply the Global EQ to roll off some of the top end and maybe boost the low-mid a little to add warmth. But overall, it is a really good emulation for what it is.

[TimHeerebout]

The Line 6 seems a touch brighter and "more tame" or smoother. But no, they don't sound very different and I wouldn't say "better" in any way.

[nhm]

They sound almost identical - I can't tell the difference. Most people in the audience will never be able to tell the difference - especially when it's in the mix. I've got the Line 6 Pod Go and I've downloaded some of your patches. It's sufficient for what I need.

[dewcodered]

I think the Helix has a little bit more high ends but its super close. Both sounds excellent.

[Lschwendich]

Maybe it's because of my bad headphones, but I liked the Helix Model even more...

[hworshipInstrumentals]

Helix just has this digital fizz that’s in every model it’s noticeable when you hit it with overdrive

[Bimmer]

I love them both the real amp compresses the highs more than the helix especially with overdrive! But they BOTH sound good so they BOTH are good! And I’m a 65 bandmaster into cab m and captor 8 guy on Sunday mornings.

[cheezy_RS]

Helix seemed brighter and not as smooth to me. But i wonder if thats because the high and low cuts were off on the helix and a real amp doesnt go much higher than like 5k-6k. Overall very very close! Both sounded great!

[mikej]

Now let’s hear the difference between capture x and putting mic’s on the amp

[nagyhetenyi]

Great comparison... not amp related but I thought the mono delay/reverb sounded really good!!! Like reconsidering my NEED for all those stereo effects when playing live kinda good... save a bunch of DSP and almost no one will notice that the delays aren't in stereo or that the modulation of my reverb isn't swirling L/R..

[StephenWashburn]

Sounds **really** close to me - the real amp sounds ever so slightly darker and smoother. I think I prefer it, but I wouldn't say its "better" than the Helix.