Side by side
Amp Room vs Helix Native
Both stand on guitar amp software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial MacWindows
Pick Amp Room if you want Softube’s modeled guitar and bass suites inside a supported DAW, with IR loading and customizable signal chains. Look elsewhere if you need a standalone application or do not want account and iLok requirements.
Visit Amp Room Free trial MacWindows
Helix Native brings amp and effects modeling, impulse-response loading, and preset workflows to a DAW. Its hardware-owner license restriction and host-plugin format requirements are important purchasing considerations.
Visit Helix NativeThe facts
| Amp Room | Helix Native | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Amp Room Bass Suite: €99, paid once | Helix Native (registered Helix/HX hardware owner price): $99.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | softube.com | line6.com |
| On guitar amp software | #17 of 35 | #21 of 35 |
Amp Room: what it does well
- Five suites cover ENGL, Marshall, Vintage, Bass, and Metal sounds
- Includes custom IR loader and eight IR Producer Packs
- Supports AU, VST, VST3, and AAX plugin formats
- Offers Suite Mode and deeper Studio Mode tone shaping
- Works on listed macOS and Windows versions
What to know first
- Requires a compatible DAW host; no standalone app
- Requires Softube account, iLok account, and internet access
- Paid one-time suites start at 99.00 EUR
Helix Native: what it does well
- Supports AAX, AU, and VST3 formats
- Loads third-party impulse responses
- Snapshots transition without preset-switching audio dropouts
- 15-day trial is available
What to know first
- Not a standalone app
- New licenses are limited to registered Helix and HX owners
- Helix Stadium registration does not qualify for the discount
Alternatives to Amp Room Alternatives to Helix Native The whole list