roscoe5

Just applying developing experience with Amplitube 4 cabs, dual mics, mixed speaker types, and amp settings. Mesa Recto Amp Cab 57_57 - dual SM57 mics, all V30 speakers Mesa Recto Amp Cab 57_Rib - one SM57, one ribbon, all V30 speakers Mesa Recto AmpCab57Rib EL34 - same as above with Recto amp set to EL34 Mesa Recto AmpCabV30EV_57 EL34- dual SM57 mics, one side V30, one side EV12L (this one has more mids, not quite as scooped) Mesa Recto AmpCabV30EV_57 6L6 - Same as above with 6L6 tubes Attached and on Dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/009bkqzooza1aop/AADhgWBm3EfcN6205-IWaGZaa/IR?dl=0 Mesa Recto Amp Cab 57_57.wav Mesa Recto Amp Cab 57_Rib.wav Mesa Recto AmpCab57Rib EL34.wav Mesa Recto AmpCabV30EV_57 EL34.wav Mesa Recto AmpCabV30EV_57 6L6 .wav

Well, I tried my first run with my real Mesa 2:90 and real Recto 2x12 cab with a single SM57 and it came out odd and harsh. Defeated by a real cab, I went back to real Mesa 2:90 and AT4 Cab Room. This time I REALLY put the time in and refined the volume and presence settings on the Mesa 2:90 and went WAY deep in AT4 testing all of the mics, positions, dual mic interactions, room mics, levels, etc with the Mesa 2:90. I must have made 100+ IR's tonight. The result is what I feel are the best IR's I've made so far, and I think unique from other sounds available in Helix or other IR's. I think I've hit a sweet spot, at least for my own ear, with IR's from physical tube amps and virtual cabs and the Helix amps/preamps. I went back to the first IR's I made with only Amplitube and these definitely sound different. First attempt at a hybrid real Mesa 2:90 and virtual AT4 cab/mic Mesa 290 V30 Amp Cab_hx.wav IR's with refined settings and levels on the real amp and virtual cabs/mics Mesa 290 Recto 57.wav - single SM57 and lots of direct bite Mesa 290 Recto 57D, 57DM, & 57M.wav - same as the 57 with Deep and Modern switches on the 2:90 engage (really hardly any difference between the 4, but there they are) Mesa 290 Recto 57_57.wav - amazing the difference the second 57 makes, still has bite but fuller Mesa 290 Recto 57_Bottle.wav - now we are starting to sweeten things up with mic combinations, a little smoother sound Mesa 290 Recto 57_Rib.wav - my personal favorite IR now with the Helix Cali Rectifire amp block

Ok, going to take back what I said about Helix amp models sounding too thick with this amp + cab IR. They are actually really sounding good to me today after some tweaking (knobs not drugs). I guess it was 4am and I was delirious. It actually makes some sense why it sounds good. The IR resulting from a tube power amp + cab somewhat simulates the true response of a real tube amp into a real cab. Using an IR generated with a solid state amp or purely digital signal would of course sound and respond differently. Neurons are firing now!

Ouch. Yeah, that would be a hard one to swallow. I don't think MIDI Time Sync is in yet, but if it was in on POD HD, I would bet it's in the works. There are a couple of Idea Scale items posted for MIDI clock sync with loopers and drum tracks. Now in Helix Menu>Command Center you can assign footswiches to send MIDI values, and CV Toggle for Dim Value and Lit Value is an option. Of course you would need to change from preset to stomp footswitch mode via FS6 Mode footswitch. This is covered pretty well in the Helix manual Command Center section p 37-39. I would like to see them put the Menu edit functionality (Controller Assign, Command Center, etc.) in the Helix computer editor.

There's just something therapeutic about the blended smell of magazine and methane while on the crapper.

Idea Scale topic added Model speaker distortion for use with HX cabs and IR's Model the distortion characteristics of different speakers/cabs for either inclusion with the HX cabs as a slider, or even as separate blocks that could be used with HX cabs or IR's. One thing we seem to lose with cab sims in Helix, IR's, or software is the distortion of physical cabs and speakers. http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Model-speaker-distortion-for-use-with-HX-cabs-and-IR-s/816072-23508

Helix comes with a Templates setlist with presets for many popular configurations.

Model speaker distortion for use with HX cabs and IR's Model the distortion characteristics of different speakers/cabs for either inclusion with the HX cabs as a slider, or even as separate blocks that could be used with HX cabs or IR's. One thing we seem to lose with cab sims in Helix, IR's, or software is the distortion of physical cabs and speakers. http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Model-speaker-distortion-for-use-with-HX-cabs-and-IR-s/816072-23508

No worries. I ran the impulse signal through the Mesa 2:90 (which is a tube power amp) and a virtual Recto cab/mics in Amplitube and captured the response. I use a Helix preamp or full amp, or physical Mesa Triaxis or Marshall JMP-1, with the resulting power amp/cab IR. Putting the Mesa 2:90 in the signal chain changes the overall frequency response making it closer to my physical rig. This IR is processed in Helix the same as any other. Physical IR's require an amplifier, cabinet, mics, and preamp back. Usually a clean amp is used. Using a tube amp colors the sound a bit. I noticed that Ownhammer has a $99 "Studio Mix Collection" IR's that look like they used a Randall RT2/50 power amp on some of them. Now from what I have read and heard for myself, the IR process captures only linear characteristics (frequency, phase, time), not non-linear characteristics (compression, distortion). So with Helix HX cabs, Ownhammer/Redwirez IR's, Amplitube Cabs, or my iR's, you do not get the speaker distortion of a real cab. This doesn't really matter on clean sounds, but can make a difference on overdriven, distorted, or pushed sounds. I've actually tested trying to distort and overdrive an IR or HX cab. This may be why a lot of people, including myself, really like playing Helix preamps through traditional guitar amps, including the Line 6 DT series. Maybe Line 6 could try to model the distortion of the speakers throughout a level DB increase through a parallel process capture and incorporate that into their HX cab models as another slider or switch. That would raise them up a level over the competition I believe. So you wont really get the power tube distortion and compression a real Mesa 2:90 will give you. The amp+cab IR's I am making are similar to playing through the Mesa 2:90 at a medium, non-power tube/speaker-distorting level.

If you are going to integrate it with amplitube, you might want to wrap your head around the 8 channels of USB in/outs and how to set them. Maybe take a moment to understand how Helix presets anr organized in 8 setlists folders and how to change the 1A to 32D type preset numbering to MIDI 0-127 preset numbering to correspond with Amplitube (if desired). Might also want to become familiar with the Command Center and MIDI CC if you want to control more than presets in Amplitube. The MIDI implementation and integration with both Helix and Amplitube is fairly intuitive when you have both in front of you. The computer editor REALLY helps with software/Helix workflows. Ctrl + F for searching the Helix manual is my friend :) But to answer your question...just do it! No substitute for just getting your hands and ears into it.

I think the main thing would be foot edit mode. But for purely studio use, i think almost everything can be accessed from the front panel and/or the computer editor. If it's like the floor version, it.s midi controllable (patches/program change, midi cc and more) over USB and standard midi. Check out the MIDI section of the manual around page 47 to get a better idea. But the Helix can control your audio software, DAW, etc via MIDI over usb. So if you don't already have a floor controller, you may find the Helix controller the best option.

A rig I used to have that I used in that size venue and even outdoors was a Markbass Little Mark III and a Traveller 210 cabinet. Really tight, pumchy, and loud. Best 210 I ever owned. Going into the effects return of that with Helix and guitar or bass would kill I think. It had a really flat response from what I recall. Head was analog power section, not digital. The head should fit into Helix backpack. The cab was a one hander. You could load in/out in one trip. GC usually has them so you could probably try it out.

Cool. Thanks.

I gigged with Helix into the effects return of my mesa m9 into powerhouse 212. Sounded great on bass, but sounds really good on the guitar patches too. Much more bottom that you may (or may not) want to eq out.

My favorite setup out of all the gear i own so far is Helix preamp to Mesa 2:90 to Recto 2x12. But note the closest thing to FRFR I have tried are JBL Eon 515xt's. Now I am attempting to get that same 2:90/recto cab sound and interaction in an IR. Since everything I have run into the real amplitube cab room has sounded great (Helix amps, my real preamps, my real amps into a reactive load), I am using Amplitube to hone my IR chops and ear without torturing others in my house, neighbors, etc. with real cabs.

Up super late, but hopefully worth it. I have captured an IR of real Mesa Simul 2:90 stereo power amp into an Amplitube AT4 Recto V30 cab. I tested two patches, one with the IR against another with the same preamp and physical 2:90 in the Helix send/return 1 into my previous IR of the same AT4 V30 Recto cab and they sounded almost identical. I also compared against the same Helix pre, physical 2:90, into the same cab in the AT4 Cab Room. It was almost identical as well, not considering the bit of reverb you get from the "room" component and stereo dual mics. Since the 2:90 power section is based on a Mark series amp, you really do get some Mesa Mark creaminess out of this IR. I'll make a few more with combinations of the 2:90 Deep and Modern switches on, and maybe see what 1/2 Drive does. Then I will probably move on to my Mesa 20/20 (EL84 tubes) and Marshall 100/100 (EL34 tubes). I will attempt to capture an IR of the Mesa 2:90 with my real Recto 2x12 sometime this week hopefully. This IR works really well with Helix or physical preamps, as well as Helix amps!! You can try it with the Helix power amps, but it seems a little too thick to me with those. Update 4/12/2016 Well, I tried my first run with my real Mesa 2:90 and real Recto 2x12 cab with a single SM57 and it came out odd and harsh. Defeated by a real cab, I went back to real Mesa 2:90 and AT4 Cab Room. This time I REALLY put the time in and refined the volume and presence settings on the Mesa 2:90 and went WAY deep in AT4 testing all of the mics, positions, dual mic interactions, room mics, levels, etc with the Mesa 2:90. I must have made 100+ IR's tonight. The result is what I feel are the best IR's I've made so far, and I think unique from other sounds available in Helix or other IR's. I think I've hit a sweet spot, at least for my own ear, with IR's from physical tube amps and virtual cabs and the Helix amps/preamps. I went back to the first IR's I made with only Amplitube and these definitely sound different. First attempt at a hybrid real Mesa 2:90 and virtual AT4 cab/mic Mesa 290 V30 Amp Cab_hx.wav IR's with refined settings and levels on the real amp and virtual cabs/mics Mesa 290 Recto 57.wav - single SM57 and lots of direct bite Mesa 290 Recto 57D, 57DM, & 57M.wav - same as the 57 with Deep and Modern switches on the 2:90 engage (really hardly any difference between the 4, but there they are) Mesa 290 Recto 57_57.wav - amazing the difference the second 57 makes, still has bite but fuller Mesa 290 Recto 57_Bottle.wav - now we are starting to sweeten things up with mic combinations, a little smoother sound Mesa 290 Recto 57_Rib.wav - my personal favorite IR now with the Helix Cali Rectifire amp block Attached and Dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/009bkqzooza1aop/AADhgWBm3EfcN6205-IWaGZaa/IR?dl=0 Mesa 290 V30 Amp Cab_hx.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57D.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57DM.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57M.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57_57.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57_Bottle.wav Mesa 290 Recto 57_Rib.wav

OK, successfully got an IR from the Mesa 2:90 but the level is too soft. Honestly, I'm happy just to get an IR to process with the physical power amp at all :) Will try again tomorrow. Maybe an IR of the physical Mesa 2:90 and an Amplitube cab...hmmm.

I'm pretty curious about the Synergy Amps stuff, but I'm sure it's gonna be pricey. They have a 1U rackspace 100W or 50Wx2 6L6 power amp, SYN 5050, designed by Steve Fryette. Maybe similar to the Pwerstation design. It would be amazing if they put the same multi-tube and switching functionality of the RT2/50 beast into the 1U space of the SYN 5050. https://www.facebook.com/SynergyAmps

I'm about to attempt capturing IR'S from my physical tube power amps by running a signal directly to them, through my Tube Amp Doctor Silencer, then line out of the TAD Silencer back into my DAW. I may put my Recto 2x12 cab in the mix later, but IR'ING live cabs seems to be a bit challenging. Just checking to see if anyone has any advice before I jump in. Getting IR's from Amplitube has been really great learning experience. Ready to take the next step. Since my favorite setup with my existing equipment so far is Helix preamps to my real tube power amps and cabs, I would like to try and replicate that in an IR that I could run as a 2nd signal to Helix XLR for FOH. I would like the FOH sound to be as close to my physical stage rig as possible. If I am successful, I plan to IR the following and share with you guys... Mesa Simul 2:90 6L6 tubes Mesa 20/20 EL84 tubes Marshall 100/100 EL34 tubes Mesa Mark V power section, tube rectification and diodes Mesa Stiletto Deuce II power section, tube rectification and diodes, bold and spongy I really wish Line 6 would model the old rack tube power amps. Not sure if there is a market for them though. Thanks in advance!

I just got my Helix backpack, and man that thing is a tight fit. I really have to work the Helix to get it in and all zipped up. Does it loosen up over time? Is this an issue for you or anyone else? I'm almost considering returning it and finding something else. I like the pics posted of the Gator G-Mix-L 1224.

Thanks for the info. It's good to hear that it can switch EL34 & 6L6 side to a single mono cab. I like Helix through my Mesa 2:90, but two tube options would be nice. I always thought that was something the L6 DT amps were lacking. I have a Randal RM100 and 4 modules, but havent touched it in a while. I thought about selling it, keeping the modules, and buying the RM4 4 module preamp and the RT2/50 power amp.

Just curious, how are you running this setup with the Randall RT2/50? I've considered the Randall before because I liked the idea of having different tubes in each side. It looked like while it would switch the input signal from left to right, it didn't switch the speaker jacks so that you could just use one mono cab. It looked like you had to use a stereo cab or two cabs, and still then you would be left with 6L6 on one side and EL34 on the other. I though maybe you could use something like a Radial Headbone VT to switch the power amp sides to a single mono cabwith Helix doing the remote switching.

I spent a little more time with some plug in tools refining the Marshall 7080 Cab and the Mesa Recto V30 Cab. They are starting to sound slightly closer to the Ownhammer and Helix cabs, which I guess is good for some. Sounds to me that I'm starting to lose the openess that I was digging and leaning toward the sound of the traditional IR and speaker models. I still haven't figured out why the impulses aren't starting at 0. But I will probably look more this weekend. Posted these v2 IR's Mesa Recto V30 Cab v2_hx.wav Marsh 7080 Cab v2_hx.wav Thanks again for the testing, screenshots, and feedback!

Ah, I see what you are saying now about the start of the impulse waveform itself. I was looking for silence or something at the beginning. Of course I am doing this entirely in software and plug ins per the top post. But the virtual mic is an SM57 model on axis, just off the center of the (virtual) cone. I could pull it more off center to darken it up, but the Helix IR High cut works fine for me. FYI, the sine wave from Voxengo Deconvolver is 24 bit, the Fruity Loops Convolver plugins are set to 32 bit (because there is no 24 bit option, only 16 & 32). Then Helix reduces it to 16 bit on import, which is what I export and post.

Hmm...I looked at the posted IR's in the Free NCH WavePad Sound Editor and it looks like the Impulse begins right at the start. Now I do have some old IR's floating around other posts (which was not the best idea). The most current versions are on Dropbox. https://www.dropbox....Rd2evJJ0Ca?dl=0