jaminjimlp

When I made the order at GC 3 days ago there was one on hand and then yesterday I got an email stating that it was back ordered and won't be in until mid August... UUUUGGGHHH!!! I sure hope there has been a mistake and it will be in next week (like they told me)... I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT!!!

 

 

You're overblowing my statements into "ridiculous demands", that doesn't exactly help create a constructive discussion. I stated exactly what would satisfy me: about half the latency would be acceptable. Still not super awesome but fine considering the other advantages that Helix brings over the alternatives.

I sent my Helix back (I wasn't kidding, it was unworkable :( ) so I can't test the snapshots at the moment. That said: I use 3, maybe 4 different sounds in many songs, so keeping that within one preset feels very limited (since DSP runs out quick when you want to use multiple amps). I don't think snapshots would fix my problem because it still assumes that everything can be built in a preset and doesn't expand the available DSP (obviously).

Yeah I guess I exaggerated a little bit I was just funning around with you on that though but if you do happen to get a chance to mess with one you can get 4 Amps in one preset but you don't have much DSP left for much else so if you went with two really good amps and then change the settings on them you could have a pretty good selection for wide range of tones.

Thanks for all of the (mostly) encouraging replies, gentlemen. I apologize for the what appeared to be trollish nature of the OP. I didn't realize it would generate such a huge response.

I understand that complicated things like the Helix take a while to get familiar with. I'm have no problem stating that my own user incompetence is a possible cause for my initial dissatisfaction with the unit.

I've had PODs in the past and even the HD didn't seem to be as temperamental as the Helix. I managed to squeeze some decent tones from it (molchmon.bandcamp.com) and expected the Helix to just totally blow it away immediately. Perhaps time is all that is needed here - I'm willing to dig if I know I'll find gold. Based on these replies, it sounds like there definitely is some to be found. And also based on the enthusiasm towards the Helix seen here and elsewhere, it's possible that you are right now reading a post written by technologically stupid person. That being said, here's the (fairly simple) rig run down:

Fender Strat HSS Shawbucker (or SSS) or an active pick up Carvin DC200---

Line6 Helix Rack 2.0 from both rear XLR outputs---

Into both XLR inputs of a Focusrite 2i2---

From Focusrite 2i2 via USB into a Windows 7 i7 Cubase 8 PC 32GB RAM---

M Audio Bx5 powered monitors---

Human ear canal.

I set the Helix's global EQ according to some recommendations from this forum and adjusted the outputs according to the pdf manual.

Thanks for the replies,

MolchMon

http://line6.com/support/topic/21274-part-3-in-the-series-on-the-helix-now-uploaded/

Watch his video do exactly what he does and you will be pleasantly surprise how good that these presets sound and they are so very simple,

And definitely has other suggested use your BX fives directly from your helix to get an idea of how it really sounds I do think that you will be pleased with the help of the settings after the video these sound good with a couple different guitars even won I won at Six Flags that was a very cheesy Strat version

Jezus some of the responses on here are pathetic. There is absolutely no way someone can not like this product eh?  :rolleyes:

More than enough post-purchase-rationalization to go around apparently.

When the 2.0 firmware came out I was actually thinking about you and some other fellows that Had a problem with the time between the presets and was wondering if the snapshot idea has helped you or not or do you need 9 or 10 snapshots and Helix only has 8 LOL...

Really I'm not trying to be mean I just feel like nothing was going to satisfy you, I know you were saying you switched between different sounds in your songs 5, 6 or seven times the song, just curious to know.

Are you saying it's me, the Carvin, or something else...?

 

I tried a QSC in the store, but honestly, until I get it home and really try it out I'm not sure how good it is.

 

So, all the wise guy replies aside...what do you guys recommend to amplify Helix for use in a band situation?

I think you really need to try the L2 you have the option of the L6 link and also plugging in directly with XLR's to give you an idea more of what you will get out of a PA they sound really good to me I know they're a little more pricey but you are paying for a much more quality product in my opinion

Not sure if this is reported yet .... when selecting an amp combo from the menu and scrolling down fast (turning the knob) to get to the new amps it would select a random amp and sometimes get stuck on that amp and had to reset power.

Side note: If you Export a "bundle" and then update the firmware do the factory reset then import that bundle you will have the factory presets from the previous firmware.  Not sure why this is useful but there it is and I wouldn't have known and probably did it before and didn't realize it.   

I put all 3 of these presets into one preset. Plexi crunch sound on the second path, expression pedal to switch between the two paths the only thing was that I ran out of DSP with the Reverb on the Jazz rivet one but I made a very useful preset for my self

FYI the 1/2" braided sleeve was a little small and I wasn't able to get an electrical cord end through so I just put the 2 XLR's I use to get to my M20D and had plenty left to put 2 1/4" cords in another one for the electronic drums we use. Next time I will get 3/4"..

If at all possible find your ground rod  (maybe one in a basement on a water pipe if you have that) at you incoming electrical service at you home check to see if the ground rod clamp is good and tight. thought I would add this to your list of "try this before you buy something" also make sure you are not to close to a computer or other electronics or the amp and try different guitars and cables....

Reminds me of when I was in the Navy and people would come to visit the ship or post.   They'd ask how they'll spot me and the response is always...  "I'll be the one in the white hat"    Still makes me smile.

 

But seriously, I have been wanting to say this for a loooong time and I'm just gonna sneak it in on this post so I feel better having said it.    We musicians REALLY get hung up on brand names for some reason, even more than bikers.  I think a LOT of people are listening with their eyes. 

uh oh!!! :o  you shouldn't have let that one slip buddy!!! you need to start looking over your shoulder and if you see some guys that kinda look like the "The Blues Brothers" B)  just pretend you didn't see them and walk fast into a place with lots of people..... ;)

Nice bro. One question though... Why don't you use the noise gate in the input section instead of using up DSP with a block? Is it not the same?

Here is all 3 with an explanation.

Is the 89 the one with the thin neck? I started out playing chunky necks and like them till I got my JP15. It has a very thin neck and I'm finding I like it a lot.

That's what caught my eye.....

I 

 

but not super shredder-thin and flat like the JTV89. 

 

and that's what I like. I can't stand those fat LP necks, they do sound good though.

Oh yea I'm sold!!!

Went to look and see what was the 69 and this video was at the bottom the dude is fantastic.... I too have been contemplating a JTV I like how the standard sunburst looks the best but after reading what was said about the 89 I want to do a little more searching on it.

Here is something I posted before for anyone who wants to mod your EXP of what ever brand.

Posted 18 January 2016 - 03:22 AM

Great video!!!

I liked the lead boost, I had originally used volume on the amp, now I use a simple EQ increasing the level 3 db and just make it turn on and off that block with a foot switch... I will be switching over to your method to save DSP... Thanks!!!

Exactly what I meant but you are way better at explaining, plus I knew you would know about the length 

It won't "sound" better, but it might have better construction that makes it last longer. I'm not (incidentally) pushing for you to spend $80 on an AES/EBU cable... make your own up if you're any good with a soldering iron.


For true AES/EBU the length can be quite significant
However Line6, for L6Link recommend a cable no longer than 50 feet (approx. 15 metres)

Yeah i've done that, still doesn't show, I might take it right off and then re install the Helix driver but im losing hope

Avid support might be your only hope... it always has worked for me PT11 win7, PT12 Win 7, pt12.5 win 10....   maybe try another cable just to rule that out...

Hi. Recently I've connected Helix into a L2T through Line 6 Link with a XLR cable. It seems that it worked, but I have a question: what is the problem using inadequate xlr cables, total lost of the connection or less sound quality? 

 

If there is a lost of the link, it's easily identifiable, but if the problem is degradation of the quality of the sound, then you may be think wrongly that it works well

Short answer those guys are 100% right...

BUT if your at home noodling and don't feel like going to another room to get the right cable (been there done that) the others work if there short (I used a 3' one) and none of the pins are grounded. I've used "live wire" DMX cables for years now with no issues one is 30'

As far as quality of sound

Digital either works or not, when it works quality is 100% when it don't.. it don't...

So don't spend 80 bucks on an AES/EBU cable and expect it to be better quality sound than that one you spent 30 bucks on.

And there is a limit to the length that an AES/EBU cable can be (according to line 6 specs) I think it's 50' ( I know either of the other fellows knows for sure)

I was hoping when the editor came out we would have "tone match" because everyone (almost) said it was going to be... so you guys need to stop getting my hopes up...LOL :lol:

I get the feeling it will be sooner than you think..... :D

maybe tomorrow  :P

OK I'll stop now... are we there yet?!?!?!?! :o

I hope you all get what you want this go round. I will be happy with what ever it is. I just can't believe that I just found out :o about the level control in the output selection thingy at the end of each path, how did I miss that :(  so now I don't have to adjust the amp volumes to balance the presets... B)

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply. I tried that already as it happens but all I can see is more inputs which I don't have. My mbox is the mini and only has 2. Nothing labelled USB is listed. When I have Helix as the playback engine, im still getting sound in and out of protools via the mbox,  I'm not sure at this point whether its Protools or the Helix. I've no reason to think the Helix might be the problem as I can update it via their app without problems.

 

Is ChilBillyScot Scott still having trouble?

 

 

 

So frustrating

I don't think you can run both interfaces at the same time in PT unless one goes through the others digital connection and then you are limited to the two digital channels for it... unless they (Avid) changed some thing. You could call Avid support but you have to pay for it unless you just bought PT

Try unplugging the Mbox and try the I/O thing again and I'll bet it works...

You might be right.  I know they modeled the preamps and the combination.  I'm not sure if they independently modeled the power amps or not. 

this is probably more the case than not....

I would like to see them one day get a similar thing as bias and be able to hot rod the amps by tube changes and stuff... but I love the tone I get now so that would just be a little more icing on the cake.

cool bro!

both line and mic level where to hot for our Church board so I had to keep the volume control to pull it down a little... we have a Beringer board thats about 10 years old.