BigRalphN Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 I thought I would start a section solely for recording discussion. While there is already stuff in here it is pretty spread out. It will be nice to have a dedicated thread. My first question is more of a newbie question for Apple users. I have always been a Windows guy. I am not going to be doing a ton of recording to start. It will just be little demos and clips for writing. Would an IPod with Garage band do this for me? I am thinking it would be a lot cheaper than buy a new Windows recording pc then buying the software. I have never owned an apple product in my life. And is there any Line 6 recording software included? I had some I used wth my old laptop but I can't remember if it was with my X3 live or it came with the old Tone port I had Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digital_Igloo Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 Helix works great with GarageBand, with one caveat—GB doesn't support multiple outputs, so there's no way to reamp. If you don't care about reamping, you're golden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawnmx Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 You'll need some type of accessory to bring audio into your iOS device. If you want to take the Helix's USB output, you'd need to buy Apple's Camera Connection Kit. That'll give you a USB interface for the iOS device. With that, you should be able to play into your Helix and record on the iOS device on Garageband just fine. If you don't specifically want to use USB to bring audio into the device, there are plenty of other input accessories such as the IK Multimedia iRig that would work with an analog Helix output instead. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColonelForbin Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Good call Big Ralph! I am, for one, insanely psyched about the Helix recording capability. Currently I use an HD500x as my soundcard with Pro Tools, on two different Windows machines; one running 7, the other on 8. Does quite well, all things considered, but the Helix is a definite step up. As DI mentioned, reamping is a feature that Helix will support, and it will be awesome! Plus, being able to route more than just the stereo 1/2 as HD500/x does will open up some awesome routing / recording / jamming / ideas / workflow. For example, lately I have been using a Roland keyboard to generate drum patterns, and I lay them into groups in a click track / multi track session. Since I can only send one stereo track at a time, I have to record a bunch of drum patterns, and string them together into some vague idea of a song, or even just track out several minutes of a given beat at whatver BPM the Pro Tools session / click is set to. Then, I go back and jam chords progressions over that, and eventually build a song structure from it, overdub bass ,etc. With the Helix, I could be recording a stereo track of the drum machine, stereo 'processed' guitar, plus some kind of 'dry' guitar signal. Be able to mix that after the fact, and again with the reamping - this is a major bonus. You want to be able to do this.. It allows you to capture the dry performance of your guitar, yet gives you the freedom to run that dry signal back out to the Helix, or any other processor or guitar rig, and send that new processed signal back to the recording session. Majorly awesome feature upgrade. As for tracking multiple player jams, could do the same basic thing, and add more players! Get a bassist and another guitarist and record everyone on their own tracks. Plus, upgrade to the full 24/96, that's pretty awesome too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 You'll need some type of accessory to bring audio into your iOS device. If you want to take the Helix's USB output, you'd need to buy Apple's Camera Connection Kit. That'll give you a USB interface for the iOS device. With that, you should be able to play into your Helix and record on the iOS device on Garageband just fine. If you don't specifically want to use USB to bring audio into the device, there are plenty of other input accessories such as the IK Multimedia iRig that would work with an analog Helix output instead. Thanks. You beat me to the punch wth my question as to how to connect the Helix. I have bee searching Amazon and have no idea. Ha ha. This is going to take research. I have an IPad Air 2.I do have an older windows laptop if it gets too confusing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Helix works great with GarageBand, with one caveat—GB doesn't support multiple outputs, so there's no way to reamp. If you don't care about reamping, you're golden. Thanks. Reamping would be big for serious recording but Garageband would be for quick recordings and practice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radatats Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 I use Android not iOS and came across n-Track Studio Multitrack Recorder App for Android. I see it can record with the built-in mic or any class-compliant USB audio device. Gonna have to check that out as it would be great to just be able to use my phone to capture ideas for projects on the fly... 7 bucks for the standard app, 20 for the pro with all features. I have a demo of the desktop version and its ok... http://en.ntrack.com/android-multitrack-studio.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 I use Android not iOS and came across n-Track Studio Multitrack Recorder App for Android. I see it can record with the built-in mic or any class-compliant USB audio device. Gonna have to check that out as it would be great to just be able to use my phone to capture ideas for projects on the fly... 7 bucks for the standard app, 20 for the pro with all features. I have a demo of the desktop version and its ok... http://en.ntrack.com/android-multitrack-studio.php Interesting. My phone and one of our tablets is android. I wonder how they overcame all the latency issues with Android or if they did? I see the bypass statement but there was more to it than that. There is also this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.extreamsd.aemobile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radatats Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 There is also this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.extreamsd.aemobile Figures, my phone is on the does not work list... :angry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBGas Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Really excited about the Helix having the USB interface built in like that. At this point, I won't need to buy another interface as I was going to do initially. Saves me a bunch of $$$ and excess gear. I can use that for something else. I just hope my rack unit and control doesn't take until next year to arrive! :angry: ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 You'll need some type of accessory to bring audio into your iOS device. If you want to take the Helix's USB output, you'd need to buy Apple's Camera Connection Kit. That'll give you a USB interface for the iOS device. With that, you should be able to play into your Helix and record on the iOS device on Garageband just fine. If you don't specifically want to use USB to bring audio into the device, there are plenty of other input accessories such as the IK Multimedia iRig that would work with an analog Helix output instead. Can you recommend a specific camera connector or maybe a link? IOS is so new to me and it seems like there are a bunch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawnmx Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Can you recommend a specific camera connector or maybe a link? IOS is so new to me and it seems like there are a bunch If your iOS device has a Lightning port, this is what you want: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter There are imitators out there but they tend to be unreliable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 If your iOS device has a Lightning port, this is what you want: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter There are imitators out there but they tend to be unreliable. Thank you. I saw that but there were so many variations and such. Good to know that's the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted October 7, 2015 Author Share Posted October 7, 2015 If your iOS device has a Lightning port, this is what you want: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter There are imitators out there but they tend to be unreliable. Thanks again. I got mine yesterday. I have so much to learn with iOS . I sometimes think I should have stayed with a Windows laptop for what I will do. GarageBand looks cool but I will need to learn a lot. I will still go to my friends studio if I do anything serious. It I'll be interesting to see if I can do a proper click track or scratch vocal with GarageBand. I am not new to recording. I cut my teeth at Omega Studios in Maryland taking classes in the mid 80s but that was still analog tape recording. They had just started digital classes and cd mastering. A CD player cost about $500 then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neli Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 Hi guys. I need some help. How can I connect my helix into the garage band. I mean I use external Lexicon Lambda sound card (connected via USB cable to my iMac). Then I have two studio table monitors connected to my Lexicon Lambda. When I usually record my guitar, I always connect my guitar to the input of my Lexicon Lambda. In the Garage band I chose Lexicon Lambda in/out. But now with my new Helix I am a bit lost... If I am right, I should connect my guitar to Helix guitar input and connect the Helix with USB cable to my iMac USB port. Now what? There is no sound coming out from my studio table monitors... In the garage band I have chosen for my input "helix input" and for my output lexicon Lambda and there is no sound coming from the speakers. What I am doing wrong. Should I also connect the additional xlr cable from Helix output to Lexicon Lambda xlr input? My goal is to hear the sound from my studio table monitors and not from built iMac speakers. Thx for your help guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 You can completely bypass your Lexicon. In GarageBand select Helix as your audio output device (as well as input) and connect your speakers to the Helix outputs. ... Or, disconnect the Helix USB from your iMac, reset the audio input device to your Lexicon and connect the Helix audio outputs (XLR or otherwise) to your Lexicon inputs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neli Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 :) Thanks, it works great... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Glad to help. Which device are you using as the audio interface for recording - the Lexicon or Helix? If you are not using the Helix I think you should at least try it for a bit and check out the re-amping capabilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColonelForbin Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Does the L6Link connection function on Helix when connected via USB to a computer? IE, playback and tracking from ProTools, or streaming audio? It does NOT work on HD500/x, wasn't sure if that changed on Helix.. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColonelForbin Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Meaning, Helix L6Linked to a pair of L2t speakers, rather than the analog XLR outs. DI was looking into this a couple months ago, never heard a conclusive answer. On the HD500, when connected as soundcard, playback from computer doesn't transmit through the L6Link connection. Not sure why Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neli Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 For now I was using Lexicon. Now I will try the Helix audio interface and connect the speaker to Helix left and right output, just like you suggested. I'll see what happens. Maybe it will sound much better than using Lexicon audio interface. Kind regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloodychoir Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Neli it sounds like you're on a Mac which means you can also aggregate the two devices to create a, wait for it, Helixicon. If you want to keep using your Lex as primary in/out you just nominate it in the Audio/Midi window and the Helix will slave to its clock and become a further 8in/outs. I can tell you it works fine so far for me but that said I haven't had any time at all to mess with it other than to confirm its function. Just do a search for "aggregate devices OS X" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elkinz Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 I plugged my helix into my USB on my pc, but wanted to run the sound out of my monitors thorugh my interface. But my pc wouldn't do it for some reason - everything was set up correct, but no sound? Any one have any clues on this? Or am I just being stupid haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudioTM Posted November 16, 2015 Share Posted November 16, 2015 I plugged my helix into my USB on my pc, but wanted to run the sound out of my monitors thorugh my interface. But my pc wouldn't do it for some reason - everything was set up correct, but no sound? Any one have any clues on this? Or am I just being stupid haha When you have Helix connected through USB it will act as your computers soundcard. Connect your monitors to the Helix, and you should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elkinz Posted November 22, 2015 Share Posted November 22, 2015 When you have Helix connected through USB it will act as your computers soundcard. Connect your monitors to the Helix, and you should be fine. yeah I know I can do that but its really inconvienent because I cant fit the helix on the desk or under the desk really hahaha. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philp335 Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Thanks for starting this recording forum. I need help with my new recording setup - I'm an old analog guy and have lots of vintage gear - but have been using Line6 PodHD's for years for live sets. Now I have the Helix and it is awesome. I have a new MacBook Pro with the default software (GBand) - so I am going in direct from the Helix to the Mac. Is GB ok or should I just go ahead and buy a major DAW to start. ? Do I need anything else at this point like an Apogee Duet ? or just go with what I have. Also can u briefly explain re-amping as related to the Helix and how I set up for that. I'd like to tweak the dry signals that way. Hope this is not to much Q for one post ! Many thanks Philp335 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drasche Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 I received my Helix just a week ago. Love it, BUT...I am having issues recording to IOS. The recording works, but I am getting pops and cuts in the sound on the recording over USB. I hear them both in the recording and if I listen to the monitor from the ipad live. Anyone else having this issue? Helix is running firmware 1.04.3. iPad is latest iPad Air 2 running iOS 9.2. I have set up running through a powered USB hub and direct from Helix to iPad with the same result. I have also used both Garage Band and Cubasis with similar results. I have also changed the sampling rate between the Helix and the Cubasis. I have also tried different sample rates for both devices, 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 I don't think Helix is supported on any mobile devices, including iOS. It is supported on Windows and Mac platforms.EDIT: Ooops - the above is incorrect. IOS recording is supported but you need to use the iPAD camera kit. Are you using that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted January 12, 2016 Author Share Posted January 12, 2016 Thanks for starting this recording forum. I need help with my new recording setup - I'm an old analog guy and have lots of vintage gear - but have been using Line6 PodHD's for years for live sets. Now I have the Helix and it is awesome. I have a new MacBook Pro with the default software (GBand) - so I am going in direct from the Helix to the Mac. Is GB ok or should I just go ahead and buy a major DAW to start. ? Do I need anything else at this point like an Apogee Duet ? or just go with what I have. Also can u briefly explain re-amping as related to the Helix and how I set up for that. I'd like to tweak the dry signals that way. Hope this is not to much Q for one post ! Many thanks Philp335 I am new to iOS so some of my questions are similar. GarageBand is a fine starter though I think someone said you can't reamp on it. On my IPad Air I got Auria Pro. It was a fairly inexpensive option with a decent amount of ad dons that can be purchased if you need them. I want an iPad pro for the extra horsepower but for the price I could probably get a decent Windows laptop with daw software that would work better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsdenj Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 If you are on Mac OS X, and have used the latest version of GarageBand with some success, the Logic Pro X and MainStage are apps you should consider. Logic is a full professional DAW with GarageBand being a very limited subset. Logic is very easy to use, has a great UI, lots of wonderful software instruments (including electric pianos and Hammond organs), the Drummer instrument, and much more. The And the price is no longer a barrier. To me, Logic Pro X is essentially a gift from Apple. The only issue is that Logic is not cross platform. If that is something you need, and many of us do, especially for remote, collaborative recording, then Reaper is probably the best choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drasche Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 I don't think Helix is supported on any mobile devices, including iOS. It is supported on Windows and Mac platforms. EDIT: Ooops - the above is incorrect. IOS recording is supported but you need to use the iPAD camera kit. Are you using that? Yes, I don't think there is another way to record through iOS devices. I am using the Apple connection kit, not a third party. I have a Focusrite 2i4 which I have used in the past with no problems recording. I will try to use that instead of the Helix as the input/output for USB recording and report back if that has the same pops and recording issues when using the Helix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Williamjones1219 Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Hey guys I'm new to recording and I have my Helix directly plugged into my Mac via USB. Everything is fine, I have my headphones connected to the Helix for hearing sound, but I keep getting this odd echo distortion. How do I fix this? I'm using Garage Band btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Turn off the Input Monitoring feature in GarageBand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aepoc Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Helix recording to my PC via USB seems to be a very low volume. Anyone else noticed this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasdadgad Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Helix recording to my PC via USB seems to be a very low volume. Anyone else noticed this? Oh, yes. Both on my iMac and my iPad, the input volume is unusably low. My iMac is Yosemite 10.10.5 - I reverted from El Capitan using Time Capsule, hoping to skirt some of the problems with Helix and El Capitan. It happens regardless of software - I've used GarageBand and Logic X. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Helix recording to my PC via USB seems to be a very low volume. Anyone else noticed this? How are you monitoring? I record via USB but monitor everything that passes through Helix with the spdif, which seems to have a quite low volume compared to the other outputs. I have Helix's master volume set at max, but I do have the volume of the device the spdif signal is going to turned fairly low. If I plug some headphones directly into Helix, low impedance, Helix's headphone volume control is barely turned up at all, with an almost too loud volume. I don't monitor the USB because of latency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aepoc Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 How are you monitoring? I record via USB but monitor everything that passes through Helix with the spdif, which seems to have a quite low volume compared to the other outputs. I have Helix's master volume set at max, but I do have the volume of the device the spdif signal is going to turned fairly low. If I plug some headphones directly into Helix, low impedance, Helix's headphone volume control is barely turned up at all, with an almost too loud volume. I don't monitor the USB because of latency. I run XLR out of the Helix to Yamaha HS-5's. Helix master volume around 3 o'clock to sometimes max (5 o'clock). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 I run XLR out of the Helix to Yamaha HS-5's. Helix master volume around 3 o'clock to sometimes max (5 o'clock). The only thing I can think of is the global option for XLR outputs. Maybe it's set to mic? Which would be quieter than line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aepoc Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 The only thing I can think of is the global option for XLR outputs. Maybe it's set to mic? Which would be quieter than line. I believe I had it on MIC about a week ago and now it's set to LINE. I'll double-check though. Thanks Duncann. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d0stenning Posted January 26, 2016 Share Posted January 26, 2016 I posted a separate entry on this but might s well ask this here too: I'd like to know how to Record both iTunes & Helix USB Gtr into Ableton using Helix for Stereo too on OSX. In the process of discovering and playing about with Helix patches so that if inspiration strikes it all gets recorded. I'd rather not instead have to drag any backing track into Ableton as that takes time - commits one - and kills inspiration. Also i could possibly be using Band In A Box instead of iTunes. I'd like to be using the HELIX USB interface as both the stereo master outs from my Ableton, while having my Helix guitar on USB 1/2 on one track and backing tracks etc coming in from iTunes into a second stereo input. Now to divert iTunes or other audio apps one can use SoundFlower - setting the main OSX output option to point to Soundflower instead of the stereo outputs. One then specifies in Ableton that the ableton stereo outputs go NOT to the main mac outputs ( i.e. headphone set ) but instead to HELIX USB. Now of course this requires Soundflower to be the audio input in Ableton but I ALSO want to feed in the Helix stereo outputs with my guitar noodling on it. So....... for this one is supposed to use the Aggregate Audio Interface option in OSX to combine ( presumably ) the Helix interface AND Soundflower ( to route iTunes/BIAB etc into Ableton instead of to the main mac outputs ). But....... I cannot seem to get this method to work !!! Has anyone managed to successfully solve this problem ? Ie be able to record both the Helix output ( over USB ) AND a separate track receiving iTunes music ( or output from - say band in a box ) Cheers and have a nice Helix Day ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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