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bloodychoir

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Posts posted by bloodychoir

  1. Tried out charging my battery last night after some time.   Don’t know if it’s my battery or the charger that’s a goner.  I’m hedging my bets on both.  There’s a red light, goes off after a couple of secs.  Last gig I played, between sound check and show, either my XPS died or the electronics in my Standard.  The trs cable is fine.  Hence my return to the battery which I never felt comfortable with.  Rather tellingly I actually expected it not to charge, not to work.  Can’t get a new one in Australia (edit - seems you can now, just $120 a pop haha!), Line 6 won’t implement VDI on anything but the most enormous and expensive floor unit.  I get the feeling the Variax is a dead duck.  Literally, probably, in my case.  Loved having a reasonable fudge on alternate tunings, did roughly what I needed it to do, but I think the marriage is over.  It plays like the cheap Yammy it is and sounds pretty ordinary too with two layers of modeling at work.  Back to hauling several real axes.  The little Stomp is a good box so I’m still on the team.  As an early JTV59 owner (too heavy, too prissy, PRS like and kind of soulless) it makes me sad that something as intrinsic and yet banal as power supply has crippled this very nice but undernourished idea.

  2. If I'm not wrong there's a new reverb that does a bit of the Freeze action, that's something I would love.  I currently achieve that in recordings with an old Klark Teknik dn780 but it's labour intensive.  Still miles better than a plug in.  Be nice to hit a chord in Helix and let it ride.

  3. Hi, I'm fully updated, no other issues, but for the last few updates this behaviour hasn't changed.  Every 3-4 times I boot up the presets have to rebuild from scratch.  It's several minutes of getting angry instead of recording.  I searched for relevant threads but nothing satisfactory.  I'm sure I've done something wrong but if I get an answer with the word 'caching' in it I'm going back to the bottle.  Thanks for any help

  4. Any updates, sorry if I've missed it but as this subject, depending on your interests, evolved or devolved into a technical discussion the actual point has disappeared into the fundament. It's well and truly March, and I want to plug my 76 Musicmaster bass into my Helix and know the power of a Darkglass pedal. I suspect it will enable me to actually play bass and not just rest my foot on the wedge and run quarter speed Steve Harris lines.

    • Upvote 1
  5. DI,

    You do NOT know what you were missing with 8-track reel to reel and Smart FSK (which I had before I had SMPTE). Funny thing is, I think my favorite recordings might have been made with that rig.

    I had one of these babies...soundsavers_104-1024x682.jpg

    Yep. Just sounds wonderful and made you work harder, cleverer. You have made me sad...

  6. Is it possible to combine Helix with another audio interface (in my situation, a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40) to create an aggregate audio device in OS X?

     

    I know there have been issues with some people having issues between Helix (via USB) and OS X.  And I know that testing my setup, as well as all the other possibilities, is not something that any company is going to dive in to.  

     

    I'm just curious if:

    1.  Is it possible?

    2.  Has anybody tried this.

    I've done it with a Metric Halo 2882 into Logic with no issues, but I haven't updated to El Capitan. The aggregate option has been solid for me for many years with a variety of interfaces. I know it's sport to rubbish Apple but they do some very nice things audio wise

  7. Well im also in the UK and resigned to not being able to get a Helix till the new year, but to be honest, with the issues with them at the moment im kind of glad to hold out as i cant be having it failing at functions especially with the Christmas / new year gigs..

     

    so i decided to get a Variax JTV 69 instead , and hopefully when the Helix is more readily available i can sell the other kidney to fund it :)

     

    but then i ordered that as "in stock " only to find out it isnt and its got to come from Yamaha Europe.

     

    damn my luck

    Issues? No issues here. Maybe if you've updated to El Capitan on a Mac, but then that's an issue with not being very patient like a good audio person should, no issue with Helix. Memes are powerful!

    • Upvote 1
  8. Neli it sounds like you're on a Mac which means you can also aggregate the two devices to create a, wait for it, Helixicon. If you want to keep using your Lex as primary in/out you just nominate it in the Audio/Midi window and the Helix will slave to its clock and become a further 8in/outs. I can tell you it works fine so far for me but that said I haven't had any time at all to mess with it other than to confirm its function. Just do a search for "aggregate devices OS X"

    • Upvote 1
  9. Apologies, I posted this first on the enormous The Gear Page Helix thread as it's way more active than here - and I'd urge anyone who hasn't to dip in there, it's hugely informative...so

     

    "Yet another review, but I won't apologise as I've found it thrilling and educational from miles back in the thread before I got one and I'm still reading every morning.  That said I'll keep it short and sweet.  Like most I didn't find the presets especially impressive off the bat and didn't really expect to.  What I did find was that a bit of judicious and quick tweaking got them to a very nice place, likewise some of the Customtone presets people have been putting up.  Last night I got busy making my own amp and pedal board, which is what it's all about for me at this point.  Gorgeous clean Deluxe, little bit of Deluxe compressor, with the barest hair of hair, a handy incremental boost, two Minotaurs dialled way back for three grades of ampy drive that roars if you hit it hard enough, a little spring, a little slap via the Transistor Tape.  Glorious!  If that's a beginning the world is an oyster with more pearls than snot.  It takes the Variax beautifully via mags and the models really show their legs - at this point I'm just direct in, no VDI.  The fizz or crossover distortion issue, well, it's the same disappointment I've often experienced when I've come in after a take using the most wonderful sound I've ever got from an amp only to hear something slightly dead in the arse coming through the monitors.  This thing works like the harsh real world of amps being recorded works.  Good, it means the sweet spot is all the larger.  Tried a few 3rd party IR's, nice colour but certainly not putting the onboard cabs to shame.  And lastly I tried a couple of mics today, crystal and more than a little bit thrilling to try some modelled compressors and fx with a view to committing rather than treating afterwards.  Barely peeled the first grape and I'm already making fine wine.  Recording is going to be a blast, writing has a new partner in crime, live I don't have a clue yet but I'm confident.

     
    Only wish, an even more natural overdrive, a Paul Cochrane Tim or even a Timmy.  I want something that marries the amp and then takes it waltzing - and something that at zero gain is not still distorting....time for Ideascale.  Love it, amazing work Line 6!"
  10. Actually, only 3x even in Australia. Same as the US prices. See my maths above.

    Spot on if he was referring to the 500X (although 2nd hand average $500 tops), but he named the 500.  In any case our dollar is no friend to the gigging musician with a head of GAS up.  Having briefly owned a 400, and with a bandmate using a 500X, I'll reiterate that it's night and day.  Helix is a completely different beast, one that can even outsmart its owner!

  11. I received an email from Matrix after asking about the Neolight cabs with Helix, they suggested waiting till December when the active cabs FR10 and FR12 are available. Very light and small frfr powered cabinets, ported for extra bottom end. Sound like they might be the compact answer to the problem of no longer having an amplifier behind you. And apparently at a pretty good price point too, I think it's likely that's going to be my choice. I guess the idea of having to lug a Helix, a large cab and a preamp around really defeats the purpose for me.

  12. Actually the Helix retails for 3X the retail of the 500X - $1499 vs. $499 US. Some folks were able to cut discounts, not me... It's OK, though, I'm happy with mine. I used some of my gigging kitty $$ for it.... It is a different animal, though. Taking some time to wrap my head around it. Not hard to make good sounds at all. Mostly hard to make decisions on which to use. I'm trying to duplicate my 500X basic sounds for gigging. So many choices...  Not ready to use it this weekend's gig, though, will be using the 500X until I get the Helix all set up to go. Liking it a lot so far. Found it necessary to use the global EQ to flatten the response of my speaker to try to match the headphones to take the midrange harshness out -- worked great. Will also apply to my HD500X and backup HD500, when I get around to it.... Oops -- off topic, sorry.

     

    Is it 3X as good.... hard call....

     

    Dave

    Five times here in Australia. It really is massively expensive, and no try before you buy. But Mcoffey, I'm a few days into messing with it and the potential is enormous. Recording wise I expect to get the most out of it but live, probably combined with a lightweight frfr, it will replace my entire amp and pedal rig as well as giving me instant Variax model and tuning with each song preset. If you tour the freight/hire costs alone will pay for it after a while. Sell some stuff and dive in I reckon.

  13. I know there's a case thread but I can't find it and I don't think this case has been mentioned yet. It's the Joyo RD2, which will have some of you recoiling I'm sure, but the dimensions are about perfect :

    In cm the internals

     

    56.5 (Helix 56.5)

    33 (Helix 30.099)

    14 (Helix 9.144)

     

    Which means you've got exact length then a bit of room otherwise for leads of some extra padding. It's also built for road use and has wheels and an extendable arm. So, if you frequent airports like me, it's spot on, and should do fine in the back of a truck or the underbelly of a bus. At least I hope! My Helix arrives today and this thing next week. I'm sitting by the window.

    • Upvote 1
  14. I thought about that but no. I pretty much have it cranked to the point were it almost hurts. With a pick all is cool. Should be more specific and state I us finger picking with Les Paul, Telecaster etc. I honestly think it is one of those things it just isn't for me. I tried to use it as much as I could in warranty but illness and waiting on the Helix pushed me past. I am no upset . No ones fault but mine there. I will just try to sell it. I should be able to with the extra battery, two Variax cables, one L6 one custom. I do wish I knew someone else local that had one to compare though. Even a shop. If there is an issue I don't want to rip anyone off. I will take a but if a hit just so even if someone sent it in they would be ok.

    That said, I still think it's just something I don't like.

    No worries Ralph, and fair enough. As with anything in the modelling realm the chances of classic individual piece being reproduced to the exacting standards of players are virtually, forgive the pun, nil. But as Swiss army knives that get you wonderfully close for stage work they're better than ever. I hope you recover fully and quickly and good luck selling the Standard, wish I could get a price like that here in Oz!

  15. Been using a 59 for over a year for live performance, sounds and plays absolutely fine, I fingerpick a great deal and use several alternate tunings. So often people have announced issues regarding the Variax only to eventually recognise that they're not amplified enough to cover the sound of the actual string noise acoustically. It isn't something like that is it? I've got a Standard on order and while I don't expect it to be quite the build quality of the 59, which just seems like it was done right the first time, the internals should be identical.

  16. I'm going to suggest reading the various manuals. You'll learn the hows and whys and you won't forget because you went through it yourself. I'd be curious to hear how the Amplifi goes with the Helix. Obviously you'd want to bypass the Amplifi's modelling as its inferior to the Helix's, and use it as a plain old amp, though I'm not sure if that's possible. Otherwise you've doubled up on your modelling. I suppose the Helix just for fx? Seems like a strange setup, but very brand loyal!

    • Upvote 1
  17. I think that's what I'm hearing too, it sounds like the Variax acoustic with another layer of "body". That element of modelling on the Variax acoustics is very well done but it's where you also really hear the digital wok being done and I think within this IR it's exaggerated. Thanks very much for the demos! Excellent and revealing.

  18. I'm working to get the best gain structure for a Path for vocals.

    I've got a Shure Beta 58a into Helix path 2 with light compression & delay. The compressor isn't boosting the signal. If I keep the Mic In Gain at 0 db in Helix, I have the trim on my Mackie mixer at 12 o'clock (30 on the trim knob)

    If I raise the Helix Gain to 15 db, I can drop the Mackie trim to about 9:00.(10 on the trim knob).

    Is one method more advisable than the other?

    The Helix line level is pretty strong, I suppose because it is line level instead of mic level. With my HD500 presets, I always had the Mackie trim set at 12:00. But with Helix, I've dropped it down to 9:00.

    I'm working to get the best gain structure for a Path for vocals.

    I've got a Shure Beta 58a into Helix path 2 with light compression & delay. The compressor isn't boosting the signal. If I keep the Mic In Gain at 0 db in Helix, I have the trim on my Mackie mixer at 12 o'clock (30 on the trim knob)

    If I raise the Helix Gain to 15 db, I can drop the Mackie trim to about 9:00.(10 on the trim knob).

    Is one method more advisable than the other?

    The Helix line level is pretty strong, I suppose because it is line level instead of mic level. With my HD500 presets, I always had the Mackie trim set at 12:00. But with Helix, I've dropped it down to 9:00.

    I'm working to get the best gain structure for a Path for vocals.

    I've got a Shure Beta 58a into Helix path 2 with light compression & delay. The compressor isn't boosting the signal. If I keep the Mic In Gain at 0 db in Helix, I have the trim on my Mackie mixer at 12 o'clock (30 on the trim knob)

    If I raise the Helix Gain to 15 db, I can drop the Mackie trim to about 9:00.(10 on the trim knob).

    Is one method more advisable than the other?

    The Helix line level is pretty strong, I suppose because it is line level instead of mic level. With my HD500 presets, I always had the Mackie trim set at 12:00. But with Helix, I've dropped it down to 9:00.

    I don't have my unit yet so forgive my ignorance but why are you going in line?

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