Line 6 Helix VS Boss GT-1000 (direct comparison)

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. 

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.

Line 6 Helix Details

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

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:

1. Helix LT (best value)
2. Helix
3. 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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