Updated by Danielle
Updated/corrected on September 8th, 2023
Corrected some incorrect information regarding the Kemper Profiler and made several changes to the copy to correspond. Also added photos and made some formatting changes. Information should be correct now, but if you see anything or have questions, feel free to let us know in the comments section. Thanks all!
Article marked for update/correction, September 7th 2023: Verbiage used to describe the Kemper Profiler's functionality is poorly worded and needs corrected. This article will be updated shortly with the correct information. Thanks and hat tip to Ozmick in the comments section.
Line 6 Helix VS Kemper Profiler (Comparison)
Our pick: The Line 6 Helix and Helix LT
The Kemper Profiler has a tougher learning curve and is more expensive than both the Helix and the Helix LT. While it's amp capturing capabilities are impressive, it doesn't really do enough to make us recommend it over the Helix, unless amp profiling is all you're after.
The Line 6 Helix and Kemper Profiler are two of the best-selling guitar processors on the market today. They're also some of the most expensive. But the basic difference in their functionality is this:
- They both model effects and provide presets
- The Line 6 focuses mostly on effects and amp modeling
- The Kemper focuses on capturing real amps and storing them or "profiling"
These are the biggest differences between the two, where we see a unique feature of the Kemper Profiler. If you want to profile other amps, the Profiler is your better option because that's essentially all it does (not really, but mostly). On the other side, if you want to focus on effects and amp models, the Helix might be a better fit.
For what it's worth, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex does modeling and capturing.
Read more: Line 6 Helix Floor VS Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Line 6 Helix VS Kemper Profiler Simple Comparison Table
Pedal | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Helix | n/a | |
 | Profiler | n/a |
Compare More Effects Processors
We have a ton of pedals and effects processors in our database. You can compare them here, along with the Helix and Profiler, by searching and then adding to the comparison bar at the bottom of the page.
We link to products on Sweetwater that help support our site and keep these pages free of ads. If you click through our orange buttons, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you all for your generous support over the years! ~ Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬
Sweetwater pricing for all forms of the Kemper, Helix, and Helix LT
Prices updated Fri, September 29th, 2023.
Sweetwater
Side-by-Side Specs Comparison
While there are roughly 80 effects in the Kemper, the number of amp models depends on what you want to profile. You have 999 profile presets to work with and some preloaded amp models, meaning you can get playing even if you aren't capturing right away. The Helix gives you north of 200 effects and 100 amp, cab, and mic models. Keep in mind, these numbers can all change depending on the firmware.
Header | Helix | Profiler |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Multi-effects and amp models | Multi-Effects and amp capturing |
Presets | 1024 (8 setlists with 32 banks x 4 presets) | Up to 999 profiles |
Number of effects | 200+ | 80+ effects |
Effects types | Distortion, Delay, Reverb, Modulation, Pitch shift, Synth filter, Compressor/Limiter, Wah | Gain, Modulation, Ambience, Wah, Volume, Pitch |
Amp modeling | Over 100 Amp, Cab and Mic Models (latest firmware) | Capturing or "profiling" from other amps |
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), 1 x 1/4" (return/profiling), 3 x 1/4" (return) |
Outputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 4 x 1/4" (Send) | 2 x 1/4" (main), 2 x 1/4" (monitor), 2 x XLR (main), 2 x 1/4" (send 1/2) |
MIDI | In, Out/Thru | In/Out |
Height | 3.61" | 3.35" |
Width | 22.05" | 18.5" |
Depth | 11.87" | 10.24" |
Weight | 14.6 lbs. | 10.1 lbs. |
Line 6 Helix VS Kemper Profiler: Which one is right for you?
Line 6 Helix Details
The Helix houses a ton of effects and amp models, though with a slightly different control scheme and front panel.
The Helix uses sound banks and presets, which can be customized the same way you customize a "profile" on the Kemper.
It's also fair to point out that the Helix is usually $200 cheaper than the Kemper Profile (although the "Stage" version of the profiler is cheaper), which doesn't even consider the much lower price of the Helix LT, which we like better than the regular Helix Floor.
Here's our comparison of the Helix and Helix LT.
We should also mention that the front panel controls and the overall learning curve on the Helix is a lot simpler than the Kemper Profiler.
But broadly, the Helix's strong suit is effects and amp models.
The Line 6 Helix (and Helix LT) are focused on effects and amp modeling. Image via Dominico Superbo
Kemper Profiler Stage Details
While it has pre-loaded amp models and effects, the Profiler's main appeal is that it, well...Profiles.
Again, the Kemper Profiler's main attraction is the amp and tone capturing technology. So there's some added expense, which you might not want to pay if you're not after the profiling feature specifically.
Here's a look at the amp head version of the Profiler, or the "toaster" form.
The head version of the Profiler is more expensive than the Profiler Stage that's in pedalboard form.
The Profiler is also somewhat harder to use, with a more complex front panel that takes some getting used to.
But again, your decision will depend on what functionality you prioritize:
- Modeling: Go with the Helix
- Profiling: Go with the Kemper
The Kemper Profiler lets you capture tones from real amps and then digitally store them. Image via Homerigshare
Summary and Recommendation
The Kemper Profiler is for capturing real amps and storing your tones, with effects modeling as a sidecar item. The Helix is all effects and amp modeling without any sort of capturing.
Between the two, I'd take the Helix, since I'm not really interested in the profiling aspect.
If you feel differently, give the Profiler a look.
For what it's worth, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex does amp/effects modeling and capturing. I like it better than either the Helix or Profiler.
The Helix LT is a slightly smaller and paired down version of the Helix Floor. Both have a similar spec list. Image via Bjørnholt Musik
Questions, Comments, and Experience
Do you have questions about the Line 6 Helix, the Helix LT, or the Kemper Profiler?
Maybe you've owned one of them and want to share your experience?
Either way, drop us a line in the comments section below and we'll check it out.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Comparisons
As soon as I read the reviewer state that the Kemper “models” amps, I knew he didn’t really have a good grasp on exactly what the Kemper is – it doesn’t “model”, the Helix and AxeFX model. A model is a digital representation at component level – the Kemper does not do that, it profiles by taking a digital audio snapshot of a real amp – completely different technology and sounds/feels totally different.
I own the Kemper, Fractal FM3, Quad Cortex and Helix and I can state from user experience, the Helix is by far, the easiest to use but sounds the least like a real amp out of all of them. Line 6 gear has always had a very distinctive artificial sound and even though the Helix is by far Line 6’s best unit, it still doesn’t sound as good as the others. Helix’s effects are very good, better than Kemper but no-where close to Fractal. The dark horse is the Quad Cortex – it both models and captures (profiles), so you’re getting both technologies. It’s user interface is right up there with Helix and improving all the time but QC’s amp tones make Helix sound like a toy.
I use my Kemper live as it sounds/feels just like a real amp, something Helix does not do.
Thanks for taking the time to add all this. This article needs corrected/updated. Your comment is a good excuse to do so.
Modeling is indeed a poor choice of words. I typically use the phrase “capture” to describe this.
We’ll credit you at the top of the page.
By the way, I agree about the Quad Cortex. I just did that comparison here: https://www.guitarchalk.com/quad-cortex-vs-helix/
As soon as the reviewer
The Kemper sounds like and amp especially with the Powered Kabinet.
Axe FX and Helix simply do not.
That’s ultimately the deal breaker.
Kemper provides no compromise
He tenido Helix floor 4 años y jamás logré que sonara como un amplificador a válvulas..incluso con el powercab 112 + sonaba muy digital. Siempre sonando con perfiles y impulsos de pago (tuve miles). La vendí y compré el kemper stage y un Kemper power kabinet… A los cinco minutos estaba sonando exactamente igual que un amplificador la válvulas de hecho tenía al lado un Fender twin reverb y era prácticamente imposible diferenciarlos. Una cosa que no se habrán llegado es que el Kemper es profiler y puede clonar cualquier ampli que se te ocurra o sea en cuanto amplificadores son infinitos e incluso puedes clonar a los efectos si van unidos a la amplificador. Lo único que a día de hoy puede rivalizar con el Kemper en cuanto a sonido es el cortex o el Axe. Ya te digo que después de utilizarlo cuadros a nivel profesional el Helix, es prácticamente un juguete comparado con el Kemper.
I’ve had a Helix floor for 4 years and could never get it to sound like a tube amp..even with the powercab 112+ it sounded very digital. Always ringing with profiles and payment impulses (I had thousands). I sold it and bought the kemper stage and a kemper power cabinet… Within five minutes it was sounding exactly like a tube amp in fact it had a Fender twin reverb next to it and it was practically impossible to tell the difference between them. One thing that they will not have arrived at is that the Kemper is a profiler and can clone any amp you can think of, that is, as amps are infinite and you can even clone the effects if they are attached to the amp. The only thing that today can rival the Kemper in terms of sound is the cortex or the Axe. I already told you that after using it at a professional level, the Helix is practically a toy compared to the Kemper.
Thanks for sharing, Vasile. I don’t really agree with this but I do appreciate you sharing your experience. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.
Gracias por compartir, Vasile. Realmente no estoy de acuerdo con esto, pero agradezco que compartas tu experiencia. Supongo que la belleza está en el ojo del espectador.
Interesting review. I’m a Kemper owner so definitely biased to be fair but I did do a ton of research before purchasing my (first) Kemper stage.
My take is the effects on the Helix are likely to be better than those in the KPA, however if you want access to a super-accurate digital snapshot then the KPA is the one (you should consider the Quad Cortex too). You can get great approximations of amps from the Helix and more tweak-ability than the KPA so if you want that flexibility and love tone chasing then maybe the Helix is for you. Kemper’s approach of profiling a great amp works better for me. You also have the choice of professionally profiled (MBritt, ToneJunkie, and TopJimi et al) or the free user profiles in the Rig Manager pool form other users. Options for both are massive.
Usability for both will be more complex than a tube amp and pedal s and I agree the Kemper UI isn’t the best but Rig Manager is pretty straightforward.
Both Helix and Kemper are high end professional level digital devices imho.
Cheers
Q
Hey, I appreciate the thoughtful response. Quad Cortex is up there but we just haven’t gotten our hands on it yet. To be honest, you could make a really strong argument for either one. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Kemper.
I have owned both. The Helix took me years to get something approaching a good tone, even with paid presets. When I had to use it live (it was a tube amp backup) it let me down sonically and from a ‘feel’ point of view. The Kemper is far more plug-and-play. Granted, the user interface on the unit itself is very old-fashioned, but if you find the right profiles for you (that is the key), you will play a lot more and tweak a lot less. There are so many features you can use but don’t have to.
It sounds and feels like a real amp. If you’re a guitar-and-amp guy like me, that’s exactly what you want.
I sold my Helix and bought a second Kemper. I now have a powered head, a Stage (unpowered), and a PowerKab (powered speaker cabinet). The powered head will go into any guitar cab.
The Kemper editing software (Rig Manager) isn’t as pretty as HX Edit, but it’s pretty good and a lot better than it used to be.
Added to that, you have access to pretty much any amp in the world, if someone has profiled it. It sounds as good going into a passive cabinet, an FRFR cabinet, a PA, or a DAW for recording.
One downside is that there’s no built-in expression pedal, you have to buy one, but you can add several. And there’s no audio interface built in, unlike the Helix.
Thanks, Ian. This is really helpful info.
Wow, I have played both. I own a kemper. I have a room full of tube amps. Feder, Marshall, vox, +. The Kemper feels and sounds like those amps. The line6 felt like a toy. They’re not even close. Your review is from someone that doesn’t know what the kemper is or how it works. Or, half of the features. There is a steep learning curve, and out of the box I thought I made a mistake, within a month I realized it was the best guitar purchase I’ve made in 40 years. It’s not a modeler. The Helix has a better screen, and can do some fancy stuff. But the sound does not compare. The feel, does not compare. Unfortunately in reviews the kemper always will lose in comparisons because you really need to understand it before you (to me) get good sounds.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s not that the Kemper is bad. A lot of this is subjective and some people would just prefer one or the other for varying reasons. That said, the Helix definitely does not feel like a toy. That’s a bit ridiculous.
Lord Vary
Game of Thrones reference, I think? I don’t know Thrones.
You have missed out much in the Kemper features. It does have compression and limiting plus fuzz, overdrive and multiple delays and reverbs. If you can’t even get the basics right why should anyone bother reading the rest of this review?
Gain, Modulation, Ambience, Wah, Volume, Pitch.
Kemper is pretty comprehensive, so I just put parent categories to simplify. I probably could have done it for both, though it’s based on the product description language.
But if you can’t even go one technical level deeper, why should you even bother reading this review?
Couldn’t figure out helix for more of me and sold it. Also didn’t sound good through my amp and probably needed a frfr. Kemper I’m reading is good to go as is and can tweak from there.
Both are pretty involved. What amp are you running?
To be fair, both the Helix and an unpowered Kemper (like the Stage mentioned here) will need to go into the return input of your guitar amp’s effects loop, as long as it has one. You don’t want it being coloured by the pre-amp.
Other than that, yes, you’ll need an FRFR for either – unless you have good monitoring from the PA.
Thanks, Ian. This is very helpful
You obviously have no clue
Probably fair.
This makes me laugh to hard… They are both great they can both sound bad and good. But the writer of this obviously has a bias when he describes the effects on both in the comparison chart!!! Vary miss leading.
I’m vary sorry you feel that way.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mislead