I'm trying to migrate to the Helix from my HD500X, and am not able to get rid of the overtly fizzy top end when inserting a distortion effect. I've seen mention of fizzy high-end in some of these threads, but I've not found a solution that mitigates the issue when using the Helix as a front-end stomp-box-type pedal feeding an outboard guitar amp.
To simplify things on the Helix, I've got a chain with ONE module - the Valve Driver Distortion. On my HD500X I used a Tube Drive. Both of those effects are intended to mirror the Chandler Tube Drive. I'm taking a mono 1/4" Out from the Helix, and sending that to the front of my '65 Fender Deluxe Reissue amp. I do the same with the HD500X, and swap the output of each unit feeding the front of the amp.
- On the HD500X, I've got the Input Impedance set to AUTO, and have set the Helix Input to the same.
- On the HD500X, I've got the Guitar Pad on NORMAL, and have set the Helix Guitar Pad to OFF.
- On the HD500X, I've got the 1/4" Out set to AMP, and have set the Helix 1/4" Out to INSTRUMENT.
That is it. Squeaky clean simple - or so I would think. Distortion settings on the 2 units are the same (though, for some reason the HD500X has Midrange control for its Tube Drive (set at 50%). Drive, Bass, Treble and Output are set identical between the HD500X and the Helix.
There is an overt amount of top end fizz and splat coming from the Helix when using a Distortion effect. Clean sounds seem to be OK. I've tried different Distortion effects, and all produce the same high end characteristic. It's like plugging an MXR Distortion+ directly into a mixing console. I'm at a loss in determining how to mitigate the issue.
