Bass Modeler Shootout: Darkglass Anagram vs. Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini vs. LINE 6 Helix Floor
With its "bass first" design philosophy, the Darkglass Anagram is the best solution for bass players looking for the ultimate modeler experience. The Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini offers great sound and much of the same functionality in a similar format, but the focus is on guitar modeling with bass amps, cabs, and effects included as an afterthought. The popular Line 6 Helix Floor processor also delivers great modeling capabilities focused on 6-string guitar, and although lots of bass models can be downloaded, its much larger size makes it the least appealing option for bass players.
Comparative Bass Modeler Metrics
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel / Serial Paths | Yes (up to 4 paths) | Yes (up to 2 paths) | Yes (up to 4 paths) |
| Supported User Files | Neural Captures, IR (.wav) | NAM, AIDA-X, IR (.wav) | IR (.wav) |
| Optimized for Bass | No | Yes | No |
| Internal Processing | 24-bit/48kHz | 32-bit/48kHz | 32-bit/48kHz |
| Size/Weight | 8.9" x 4.6" x 2.5" / 3.3 lbs. | 8.3" x 4.1" x 2.4" / 1.8 lbs | 22.1" x 11.6" x 3.6" / 14.6 lbs. |
The Verdicts
We set out to learn which of these modelers provide the best bass-focused modeling experience. While pretty much all modern modelers allow you to download new sounds and curate your tone collection, we're looking at the most bass amps, cabs, and effects right out of the box. We're also looking at the ability to load your own models and IRs, sound quality, portability, and price.
Darkglass Anagram
The Darkglass Anagram was designed to be the ultimate bass modeler, and it actually includes models of the company's bass amplifiers right out of the box—no need to hit the internet to fill your new modeler with bass presets. Advanced users can load their own NAM and AIDA-X amp models, as well as user IRs.
The Darkglass Anagram is the most compact of the modelers we looked at, and it's also the most affordable. All of these modelers offer similar functionality and connectivity options, but the bass-first philosophy makes Anagram the clear leader in bass modeling.
Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini
The Quad Cortex Mini is a leader in guitar modeling and does include some bass presets in its factory settings. You can download more bass presets, and Quad Cortex Mini also supports Neural Captures (models of real gear) and IR files for speaker emulation. Like the other modelers we looked at, you have a comprehensive I/O configuration that will support most stage and studio setups.
The Quad Cortex Mini is an impressive modeler, but it's a guitar amp modeler first and foremost. You'll need to do some preset auditioning and management to turn it into a bass-centric modeler. It costs more than the Anagram, and while you can customize it to only include your bass tones, the Quad Cortex Mini won't deliver the bass-focused experience you're looking for.
Line 6 Helix Floor
The Line 6 Helix series has long been a leader in guitar amp modeling technology and floorboard design in general. The Helix Floor processor is the most comparable to the other two amp modelers we're looking at, offering lots of amps, cabs, and effects, comprehensive I/O, and the ability to download more bass presets to curate your custom tone collection.
It's also huge, and that's why we're not recommending it. It's over twice the size and weight of the Anagram and Quad Cortex Mini, and does not offer bass players any extra benefit for its added bulk.
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