Sorry for the long intro. Questions are below.
I just purchased a Helix. I have used the Axe FX in the past and chose to go back to amps because they just sound better to me (personal preference). I then used an FX 8 for a year or two and found it still was not everything I was looking for so I went back to a giant pedalboard with a Boss ES-8 switcher for changing pedals, midi and amp functions on my Bogner XTC (have to use the RJM Mini Amp Gizmo). The board is huge and it does sound great but I wanted something a little smaller in size that I could use live in 4CM and if I need to do a gig somewhere where the backline sucks I can have all of the same patches but with amp sims to run into a rented amp FX loop.
I've attached a screenshot of one of my presets. I am running super serial. I have a Digitech Drop pedal in Loop 2 and I will be putting a Boss NS-2 in Loop 3. So Loop 4 will be open. The ultimate plan is to run my amp thru a Fryette Power Station and run it's line out into Path 2 with an OwnHammer Bogner 4x12 IR. Then out of the XLR to FOH. I can have my amp sound on stage at a reasonable volume (and I can crank the amp a bit more) and FOH will get a nice, clean, full sound and so will my in ears.
Here are a handful of questions...
In 4CM it has been mentioned to set the outputs to line level for the FX loop. How do you do that? I don't see and option for that as only one part of the amps loop is actually in the "FX loop" in 4CM. Currently my unit came as pictured below in Global Settings. I'm guessing 1/4" outputs should be set to Instrument, not Line? I set it to Instrument and you can crank the volume and it's seems like it's unity gain on my rig.
Is there a way to get the preset to come up but not load until you select a Snapshot? Or is BANK mode currently the only way to really do that? Or I guess you could set up a setlist and Preset up thru it? Seeing what everyone else is doing.
Why do some effects like the phaser and chorus load with a +1.0dB level? Is it to compensate for level loss in some of those effects?
Is there a way to lock the volume knob? The volume knob seems very easy to bump. Just curious if anyone has come up with ideas.
If I want to use Path 2A for an IR where would I connect the Line Out from the Power Station into the Helix? The Aux In, the Mic In, one of the open Loop Returns?
The possibilities seem endless with this thing and I'm sure the learning curve will take me a bit.
Look forward to diving into it more. Thanks.