steelstringer

One other benefit that comes to mind is stage volume. It is so much easier to keep volumes at a comfortable level with modeling tech, especially if both guitarists and the bassist are using it. This benefit is even more noticeable to guitarists who sing, since they often get used to singing over loud amplifiers. I wonder if this figured into MK’s decision.

This is cool, and it got me thinking...why would he go this route? I know why I did it with the Helix — it simplified my set up/tear down. I cannot go back now; I’m converted forever. But a world class musician doesn’t really deal with that issue, I would assume. So, why are some big time artists going this route when they have techs who can and will run complicated analog rigs?

Post an image of your patch. There are folks on this board who can give more advice if they can see your workflow. In my case as a new Helix user, digital fizz always came from clipping somewhere, like hot pickups that cause issues at the beginning of the chain or the output level being too hot and clipping the mixer or recording device.

I used to have up to 3 eq blocks on my patches (two simple, one parametric) that I would automatically tweak in similar ways on most patches. I mostly did this as a response to reading forums and watching YouTube tutorials. Honestly, though, I was overdoing it. In some cases I was sucking all of the life and dynamics out of otherwise awesome tones. Now, I just use one eq as a lead boost (to bump some mids), and that works for me. Sometimes I tweak tones based on what I have read, instead of just using my ears, but I’m trying to change this habit. There is just so much information out there to read!

Do you have access to a powered speaker (frfr) that you can use at the next rehearsal? It’s a difficult scenario when one guitarist is using a traditional cab and the other is using modeling tech through the mixer. The sound dispersion is all over the place. If you are each using one speaker, you might be able to get a better sound as a band or at least get a better feel for your tone. If you do not have access to one frfr, You could also ask the other guitarist to turn down, and then mic his amp. Then, you are both in the mix together. I’m lucky to be in a group where we all use modeling direct to the mixer (even the drummer!), but I remember being the first one to take the digital plunge. It takes time to find your sonic space.

Also check out the Helix Channel (Scott) and Richie Castellano on YouTube. Between these two and Jason Sadites, I have learned so much about building patches.

Mine is completely flat, which means I tweak on the Helix, not the mixer. This has worked great for me so far, but I’m interested to hear other’s opinions.

I know it’s counterintuitive, but I prefer the sound of the Helix full amp model and IR into the return of my Marshall tube amp. I’ve tried the preamp/no IR approach, and it always sounds small to me. I use a wet/dry/wet setup, and the Marshall is the dry in the middle. My xlr outputs go to 2 frfr speakers. Pretty big sounds/tones. Good luck on your tone quest.

In a full band situation, it’s nice to have 1 frfr pointing at you, most likely a wedge on the floor (your tone mixed with the other instruments/vocals ). Then, one on a pole behind you with your tone only. This works for me, but there will be other options that work as well.

My story: I got the Helix LT for many of the reasons that you describe (space and back pain). The first few gigs, I used it simply as a replacement for my pedalboard (in conjunction with a Marshall DSL). Then, I went full modeling (no amp, Helix straight to our Mixer/pa). That was about 2 years ago, and I’m still using the LT straight to the mixer as my live rig. It works for me (remember that tone is very subjective). I share this as food for thought- if you get the HX effects only, you are locked into hauling an amp; if you get an LT, you have choices if your circumstances change. I will say that I am very happy with the effects, and they work well in conjunction with a tube amp, but I am grateful that I have the amp modeling. Good luck with your tone journey!

Check out this conversation. Good luck in your tone journey!

The Placater Clean/Dirty setup is perfect for this. The Dirty channel is very flexible. I also like the Texas Cali 2 for cleans/light overdrives with the Placater Dirty. I use a 3 Sigma IR (Marshall 4x12), but the default cab is fine as well. My other choice is the Cartographer; it can do all of the tones...

Dang it. Why did I have to read this? My go to presets are fine. But I just casually decided to put a Tweed Blues Brt preamp in front of the clean WhoWatt. Wow. Rabbit hole, here I come.

I use a pair of Yamaha DXRs on stands in my basement with my LT. Awesome sound. I switched from an all tube setup, as well.

I took off the grille/cover and tightened every screw I could find (there were a bunch). Everything sounds good now. I can play E chords again now (Yay). It’s still interesting to me that I could “fix” the issue with the parametric eq. That’s a powerful tool in the Helix.