jabak Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I've had my Helix for about a year now. My helix is connected to a pair of JBL monitors using XLR -> XLR cables. When the Helix editor was released I decided to connect my computer to the JBL's using mini-jack -> y-split -> jack L/R. Recently I became aware that the dual input sources had affected the volume level quite dramatically. As far as i can tell the volume level is reduced approx. 50% when both helix and the computer is connected to the JBL's at the same time. Unplugging either will raise the volume level immediately. I'm no expert so I have no understanding of why that is but maybe it's some kind of built-in overload protection. Anyway I was thinking of connecting my helix/computer to a small mixer (behringer something) and then connecting the mixer to my studio monitors. But i'm worried about how much "FRFR" is lost going through the mixer due to coloring vs. the helix directly connected to the monitors. Also my behringer mixer has jack only output - no XLRs. Should I avoid that a buy a more expensive mixer with XLR output or just abandon the whole idea. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil_m Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 There's not really a need to have a separate audio connection from your computer to the speakers. As long as you're using the Helix as the computer's audio device, all system audio will be sent out the Helix's XLR outs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuhajla Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 You can use the USB 1/2 connection from your computer to the Helix for playback of your computer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 Actually I started out using the Helix as the primary audio device for the computer. But the side effect is that the volume knob on the helix then controls the volume level of my computer as well. Watching CNN news at 80 decibel while working on some grinding riff aren't exactly my definition of quality time with my guitar :D But you are right - if a mixer colors the sound to much then i will go back to using the helix as my audio device. It's better than having the volume knob set at 17.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtFarmer Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I do exactly what you are describing. I use the Yamaha MG10XU. You don't need a mixer but here is why I prefer it. I love playing to jam tracks on youtube. With the mixer I have one channel for the pc output, which lets me EQ the jamtrack, usually cutting some bass because I have to play quietly most of the time. But it also lets me quickly adjust the volume via the mixer instead of doing it thru the pc. Not all youtube videos are created equally. For me it makes everything easy to use and at the tip of my fingers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocco_Crocco Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I use this. I mounted it to my desk with velcro. I like that its right there and I don't have to scoot down to adjust the volume on the Helix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 I use this. I mounted it to my desk with velcro. I like that its right there and I don't have to scoot down to adjust the volume on the Helix. Thanks for sharing. That's certainly also an option. I do exactly what you are describing. I use the Yamaha MG10XU. You don't need a mixer but here is why I prefer it. I love playing to jam tracks on youtube. With the mixer I have one channel for the pc output, which lets me EQ the jamtrack, usually cutting some bass because I have to play quietly most of the time. But it also lets me quickly adjust the volume via the mixer instead of doing it thru the pc. Not all youtube videos are created equally. For me it makes everything easy to use and at the tip of my fingers. My point exactly. It's a quick fix for controlling various sources with varying volume levels. Does the MG10XU affect the Helix output tone noticeably? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtFarmer Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Does the MG10XU affect the Helix output tone noticeably? Not that I'm aware of but I haven't really tested it out. I run the mixer into 2x Tannoy 802's and it sounds great. But I imagine it sounds similar to running into a PA, so results should be similar to that. Essentially its Helix-> mixer-> powered speakers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 Does the MG10XU affect the Helix output tone noticeably? Not that I'm aware of but I haven't really tested it out. I run the mixer into 2x Tannoy 802's and it sounds great. But I imagine it sounds similar to running into a PA, so results should be similar to that. Essentially its Helix-> mixer-> powered speakers I'll give my mixer a try then and do some A/B testing as well. Thanks to ya all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 Ran the signal through my mixer this morning: Helix -> Mixer -> Monitors. WOW! The volume level is now at the other end of the spectrum. It's loud and clear but way to loud. Now the question is: should I lower the volume of the helix (knob at noon right now) or should I lower JBL volume (8 out of 10) or a combination of the two? I remember seeing someone talking about the signal-to-noise ratio and how it will suffer if setting the helix output level too low. Btw. The mixer doesn't seem to affect the tone at all. I do not have "golden ears" or anything but my A/B test didn't reveal any discrepancies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joepeggio Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Ran the signal through my mixer this morning: Helix -> Mixer -> Monitors. WOW! The volume level is now at the other end of the spectrum. It's loud and clear but way to loud. Now the question is: should I lower the volume of the helix (knob at noon right now) or should I lower JBL volume (8 out of 10) or a combination of the two? I remember seeing someone talking about the signal-to-noise ratio and how it will suffer if setting the helix output level too low. Btw. The mixer doesn't seem to affect the tone at all. I do not have "golden ears" or anything but my A/B test didn't reveal any discrepancies. mixer xlr is looking for mic level. Make sure you have mic set xlr out in helux global. Or engage pad on mixer if there is one. Also set jbl to +4 on input sensitivity. No big deal lowering the volume on the jbl's. In fact having a strong singnal from the mixer and using lower volume in speakers will give you more usable range on the mixer and llikely less noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 mixer xlr is looking for mic level. Make sure you have mic set xlr out in helux global. Or engage pad on mixer if there is one. Also set jbl to +4 on input sensitivity. No big deal lowering the volume on the jbl's. In fact having a strong singnal from the mixer and using lower volume in speakers will give you more usable range on the mixer and llikely less noise. Ahhh yes the mic level in the global settings. That was the key setting to get the levels down. JBL already set to +4 but thanks for confirming.Everything is now just the way I wanted it to be. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malhavok Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Any reasonable modern mixer is going to not color the tone in any noticeable way. You don't even have any equipment in your house that could measure the scientific difference in sound. A small mixer is a great addition to every home studio or practice space. Go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 Any reasonable modern mixer is going to not color the tone in any noticeable way. You don't even have any equipment in your house that could measure the scientific difference in sound. A small mixer is a great addition to every home studio or practice space. Go for it! I rigged up my 10+ years old Behringer mixer and I could not hear any difference at all. So you're right. Only problem is that I'm so happy with my new setup that I'm already considering buying a new mixer with some extra features (including an on/off button..doh!). Nice artists tones btw. I liked the fade-to-black a alot. How would an EMG81 sound versus the DiMarzio Blaze? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabak Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 I do exactly what you are describing. I use the Yamaha MG10XU. You don't need a mixer but here is why I prefer it. I love playing to jam tracks on youtube. With the mixer I have one channel for the pc output, which lets me EQ the jamtrack, usually cutting some bass because I have to play quietly most of the time. But it also lets me quickly adjust the volume via the mixer instead of doing it thru the pc. Not all youtube videos are created equally. For me it makes everything easy to use and at the tip of my fingers. I'm considering buying the MG10XU. The mixer, that is equipped with an on/off switch btw, comes with some added value or at least some extras if you will. Cubase AI and an SPX effect processor with 24 programs. Do you think it is worth the extra $60 or should I go for the MG10? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtFarmer Posted January 22, 2017 Share Posted January 22, 2017 I'm considering buying the MG10XU. The mixer, that is equipped with an on/off switch btw, comes with some added value or at least some extras if you will. Cubase AI and an SPX effect processor with 24 programs. Do you think it is worth the extra $60 or should I go for the MG10? It appears the MG10U doesn't have the USB interface, I bought the MG10xu specifically for that purpose. Cubase is fine, I don't use the special effects at all. I've messed with them but never really had much interest in that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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