Line 6 Helix VS Boss GT-1000 (comparison)
Our pick: Line 6 Helix (or Helix LT)
The GT-1000 is a solid multi-effects pedal. But does it do enough to make us shift our allegiance away from the Helix series? Not really.
The Helix series houses some of the most popular multi-effects pedals on the market, particularly the Helix and the Helix LT. However, there are similar multi-effects pedals available, like the Boss GT-1000 which we'll highlight in this comparison.
We'll look at the Line 6 Helix and the Boss GT-1000 side by side.
Note that you could also apply most of what we're saying to a Helix LT and Boss GT-1000 comparison. If you look at our Helix VS Helix LT page, you'll note that we recommend the Helix LT over the Helix because it's a better value.
The same would go for this particular comparison.
But if you're trying to decide between the Helix and GT-1000 series in general, this post will help you make that decision.
Line 6 Helix VS Boss GT-1000: Simple Comparison
In this section we've built a simple comparison tool and specs table for the Helix and GT-1000. If you want to access a full product description, consider using the Sweetwater buttons in this table, which help support our site at no extra cost to you.
For questions about the Helix or GT-1000, we can help you out in the comments section below.
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 6 Helix/Helix LT | n/a | |
 | Boss GT-1000 | n/a |
Detailed Specs Side-by-Side
The Boss GT-1000 seems to be primarily focused on highlighting other Boss products, particularly the pedal series (including the Waza Craft pedals) and the Katana amps.
Though overall, Boss just seems to have less effects and amp models to choose from. On the GT-1000's spec sheet, it lists effects/amp models in the same breath at roughly 100 total.
Header | Helix | GT-1000 |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Multi-effects | Multi-effects |
Presets | 1024 (8 setlists with 32 banks x 4 presets) | 250 x User, 250 x Presets |
Number of effects | 200+ | 100+ effects and amp models (breakdown not specified) |
Effects types | Distortion, Delay, Reverb, Modulation, Pitch shift, Synth filter, Compressor/Limiter, Wah | BOSS FX, Vintage Stomp Models, MDP FX Processing, DD-500, MD-500 Effects |
Amp modeling | Over 100 Amp, Cab and Mic Models (latest firmware) | Breakdown not specified |
Inputs | 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4" (guitar), 1 x 1/4" (aux), 4 x 1/4" (return) | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 2 x 1/4" (return) |
Outputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 4 x 1/4" (Send) | 2 x 1/4" (main out), 2 x 1/4" (send), 2 x XLR (sub out) |
MIDI | In, Out/Thru | In/Out/USB |
Height | 3.61" | 2.75" |
Width | 22.05" | 18.18" |
Depth | 11.87" | 9.76" |
Weight | 14.6 lbs. | 7.93 lbs. |
Can the GT-1000 beat the Helix or the Helix LT? Not really.
Line 6 Helix Details
The Helix just offers more than the GT-1000. More effects, more amp models - the whole nine yards.
The Helix has sort of become the standard by which other multi-effects processors are measured. And, unfortunately for the GT-1000, the Helix just offers a lot more in the way of core functionality.
Helix beats the GT-1000 in all of the following categories:
- Presets
- Effects
- Amp models
When analyzing multi-effects pedals, we like to keep things as simple as possible. Presets, effects, and amp models are the three most basic aspects of what matters when you buy this type of pedal.
And while the Helix is expensive, both the regular Helix and the Helix LT have the same amount of presets, effects, and amp models, thus easily eclipsing the GT-1000.
Boss GT-1000 Details
The setup on the GT-1000 is quite good, making it easy to add and remove effects from certain amp models. There just aren't quite as many of them as there are in the Helix.
What the GT-1000 does provide is quite good.
Effects and amp models sound fantastic, and the interface makes it easy to add/remove effects from different amp models and sounds. It's also fair to point out that 500 presets (250 existing and 250 open for user) is more than enough for most users.
But since we're comparing directly to the Helix, we liked the Helix a bit more in terms of how the control is setup. We also liked the tone and quality of the sounds coming from the DSP a little more. Line 6 has historically done a great job with digital amp modeling, and the GT-1000 - while good - just doesn't feel/sound the same.
Again, it's good - but as a challenger to the Helix, does it do enough to take the crown?
We'd argue that it does not.
Which one do we recommend? (conclusion)
And that's the main criticism of the GT-1000.
At this point the Helix is a well-known and well-liked commodity, which means something like the GT-1000 needs to out-do it for us to recommend it over the Helix or the Helix LT. It needs to give us some kind of a reason to make a switch.
The GT-1000 is good and it accomplishes the basics of a modern multi-effects processor.
But it just doesn't do enough to make us recommend it above the Helix series.
If it's between the two, we'd argue that the Helix - though more expensive - is the better value. Even then, you can drop down to the Helix LT and actually have an option that's cheaper than the GT-1000. In other words, we'd rank them in this order:
- Helix LT (best value)
- Helix
- GT-1000
Questions and Comments
If you have questions about the Helix or the GT-1000, feel free to drop those in the comments section below.
Stories and opinions from owners of these pedals are welcome there as well.
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Hola amigos, yo estoy en el dilema de cuál de los dos comprar, ambos sé que son muy buenos, lo usaré para una iglesia, quiero usarlo directo a una consola de sonido, quiero olvidarme de un amplificador; qué me dicen?
Both would work. My preference would be the Helix. Here’s a list of the amplifier models on the Helix: https://helixhelp.com/models
I’d love to see Helix compared to Axe Fx in the same breath as Boss and Kemper. Not just sound quality, but what kind of users these modelers have.
From what I’ve seen, Line 6 is just easy if you are at all computer savvy. Kemper and Axe Fx are far better for metal. And I’m not entirely sure where the Boss unit sits in the marketplace. Boss amp modeling sounds worse than everything imo, but it’s price seems to reflect that.
Hey Brandon, thanks for offering your take. Axe FX would be an interesting comparison and does seem more like a metal outfit based on their artist list. I would expect Boss is closer to the Line 6 style, if not a little more “juveniles” for lack of a better term. For Boss I always come back to the single stomp effects or the Katana amps. Their multi effects are no my favorite.
It’s be great to see what genre’s these excel in. Is it purely marketing or does Axe FX really do something different in their metal tones. I’m a pop rock guitarist more than anything else and the Helix has always fit the bill but Gas syndrome seems to have my buddies trading in pedals for going the way of axe Fx, but imo the helix is a quite a bit more intuitive and sounds fuller without absurd levels of gain.
I think it’s a lot of marketing, maybe even just naming conventions (Axe FX sounds more menacing). But at the end of the day, it’s hard to compare these things because they all do more or less the same thing. FWIW, I’d take the Helix over Axe FX.
I prefer the GT-1000. I don’t care about more effects, more amp models etc. It’s sound quality that matters to me and the Helix doesn’t match up in that department.
Hey Mark – thanks for sharing.
For plug and go and ease, is the boss better. I had helix and was not willing to put the time into it and sold it. Also will boss need a speaker or an amp.
I wouldn’t say the Boss is “simpler” or easier than the Helix, but it does have a headphone out so you wouldn’t necessarily need an external amp.