What are the Differences Between the Neural DSP Quad Cortex and the Line 6 Helix Floor?
Amp profiling, size, effects quality, interface/touchscreen.
These are two very powerful processors with some key differences. Primarily the Quad Cortex is able to capture amps and pedals, like the Kemper Profiler, whereas the Helix can't.
The Quad Cortex is also a lot smaller and can actually fit on a pedalboard. We also like the touch-screen interface of the DSP better. That said, the Helix is definitely superior in the area of effects quality. Those are the main differences you should consider when deciding between the two.
Image via Game Guitarist
| Feature | Neural DSP Quad Cortex | Line 6 Helix |
|---|---|---|
| Pedal Type | Multi-FX, amp modeling, digital amp and effects capture | Multi-FX, amp modeling, rig set up |
| Analog/Digital | Digital | Digital |
| Presets | 10 setlists, 256 presets per setlist | 1024 presets (8 setlists x 32 banks x 4 presets) |
| Number of Effects | 70+ effects | 200+ effects (Helix & Legacy combined, latest firmware) |
| Amp Modeling | 50+ amps, Neural capture technology | Over 100 amp, cab, and mic models (latest firmware) |
| Impulse Response | 1000+ IRs, Third-party IR support | IR support |
| Inputs | Dual combo inputs (TS/TRS/XLR), effects loops, headphone out, MIDI, dual expression inputs, mic preamps | XLR (mic), 1/4" (guitar), 1/4" (aux), 4 x 1/4" (return), RJ45 (Variax) |
| Outputs | XLR, 1/4" TRS, XLR, 1/4" (send), S/PDIF, AES/EBU, L6 Link digital outputs | XLR (L/mono, R), 1/4" (L/mono, R), S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Link out, MIDI Out/Thru |
| USB Connectivity | Audio and MIDI over USB | 8-in/8-out USB audio interface |
| Screen | 7-inch Multi-touch Display | 6.2-inch LCD Display |
| Built-in Looper | Yes | Yes (60 seconds mono, 30 seconds stereo) |
| Expression Pedal | Yes (dual expression inputs) | Built-in pedal |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes (firmware updates, preset sharing, cloud backups) | No |
| Construction | Aluminum housing, 1.8mm glass display shield, solid construction | Solid-aluminum construction, tour-grade footswitches |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs. | 14.6 lbs. |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 2" x 11.4" x 7" | 3.61" x 22.05" x 11.87" |
A larger touchscreen, yet with a smaller pedal form wins out in my opinion, even though the Helix is superior in the effects quality department. Image via Chriswangtastic
The Helix is really big, making room for an expression pedal and functions as its own pedalboard. Though keep in mind, there are smaller versions like the Helix LT and HX Effects. Image via Live Rig Share
Top 10 Notable Differences Between the Quad Cortex and the Helix
- Amp and Effect Models: The Quad Cortex offers over 50 amps, 70+ effects, and 1000+ IRs, while the Helix has over 100 amp, cab, and mic models, along with 200+ effects.
- Presets: The Helix has 1024 presets (8 setlists with 32 banks x 4 presets) compared to Quad Cortex's 2560 presets (10 setlists with 256 presets per setlist).
- Expression Pedal: The Helix has a built-in expression pedal, whereas the Quad Cortex supports dual external expression inputs. However, the Helix supports multiple external expression pedals as well.
- USB Connectivity: The Helix serves as an 8-in/8-out USB audio interface for recording and a computer connection, while the Quad Cortex focuses on audio and MIDI over USB with a mobile app (more on that below).
- Screen Size: The Helix features a slightly smaller 6.2-inch LCD display, while the Quad Cortex has a 7-inch multi-touch screen that responds really smoothly, similar to an iPhone.
- Looper: Both processors have built-in loopers, but the Quad Cortex offers a longer recording time (up to 4 minutes and 44 seconds) compared to the Helix (60 seconds mono, 30 seconds stereo).
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The Quad Cortex has Wi-Fi for firmware updates, preset sharing, and cloud backups/sharing, while the Helix lacks Wi-Fi functionality.
- Software: The Quad Cortex has a mobile app (Neural CNS Mobile app), but most of the functionality is onboard and can connect to a cloud account via Wi-Fi. The Helix can connect to a computer via USB and has a full, deep editing software solution, which - in our opinion - is the preferable setup.
- Weight: The Quad Cortex is significantly lighter at 4.2 lbs, making it more portable, whereas the Helix weighs 14.6 lbs.
- Size: The Quad Cortex has a more compact design, making it easier to transport and include on a pedalboard, whereas the Helix is larger and functions as its own pedalboard.
Verdict: Line 6 Helix or Neural DSP Quad Cortex?
Of these two, I would probably go with the Quad Cortex for a few reasons. Frankly, the size is just a huge issue for me when it comes to the Helix Floor. The thing is just huge, so I'd much prefer something that fits on my pedalboard, especially since the Quad Cortex has a bigger touchscreen. As I mentioned in the top box, this does not necessarily apply to other versions of the Helix. It just depends on which one you're comparing.
Read more: Line 6 Helix Floor VS Helix LT
The amp and pedal capturing is also a solid feature, similar to what you can do with the Kemper Profiler. And while the effects on the Helix are better quality, I'd personally rather have the nicer touchscreen and the smaller unit. As always, your context is the more important consideration. Let me know what you think in the comments section.
More Quad Cortex and Line 6 Helix Content
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals & Price Guides
Written by Chris Phelan on Pedals & Quizzes
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Our disclosure↬
1) Ease of use? I thoroughly hate fiddling with settings all the time having to use an uncomprehensible interface. Also, on a poorly lit stage, how easily do you see what you’ve selected and/or manage to make last minute setting changes? If it’s dead simple it may not need a huge screen, and a smaller but well lit, big contrast and legible screen is more important than screen size.
On stage, a weighty pedal board is good, as it isn’t kicked around and you can therefore find the switches blindly. What is their switches configuration, positioning and reliability? What’s the chance of accidentally kicking a switch you did not want to kick, or have to kick one again as it functions poorly? On stage is their intended use-case, I’d say, as at home, I’m perfectly fine with connecting multiple devices. Are you ever on stage at all, to completely miss such all important things?
2) Why on earth would you want to put the QC on a pedal board? If there’s amps/effects/cabinets lacking, the thing is incomplete, contrary to what it’s supposed -and claims- to be. So pedal board seems like a non issue for either.
As Rudy already commented, you seem to have been biased from the start.
Size of the unit and touchscreen seem to be the only factors that truly mattered.
Can’t believe a true guitarist would prefer lesser quality effects just because of size.
They’re both good for different things. Making a “effects quality” argument either way was probably splitting hairs on my part. Both are awesome.
looks like you already made up your mind before doing the review and its biased based on size alone
Heh? Nahhh that’s not true. Gave ’em both a fair shake.