rd2rk

Your description of the signal chain sounds like the Vertex "Stereo" wiring that you get when you scan the QR Code.

In terms of physical wiring that's pretty straight forward, with the addition of the L/R from the last "Time Based Effect" being connected to the HXS L/R Inputs and the HXS L/R Main Outputs connected to the Vertex L/R Inputs and on to the amps.

If I've got that right, then apart from defective cables, that leaves the internal routings of the patches in the "Time Based Effects" and the HXS.

Check the patches in the H90 and Big Sky to be sure that they are outputting on both channels.

Remember that unless ALL blocks in the HXS signal chain are stereo (or the Path is SPLIT and recombined, in which case BOTH the A and B paths will be STEREO and can contain stereo FX) the signal will be summed to MONO.

Check any SPLIT and MIX points for panning issues.

Attach a copy of the preset that you want to use (the client's original? NOT a screenshot!) so that we can have a look at it.

Press and hold the Channel button (A or B) where you wish to SAVE the preset. When the LEDs start blinking you can release the button.

I don't think you can manually SAVE an existing preset to a different Bank.

FX Loop ON (Edit App>Settings)

MFX w/Amp sim (Cat as powered speaker):

Output from the MFX(LINE LEVEL)>Cat60 Return

Mode Switch=Power Amp In

MFX w/Cat Amps/FX:

Output from the MFX(INSTRUMENT LEVEL)>Cat60 Input

Mode Switch=FX LOOP

MFX 4cm (Cat Amps):

MFX Send (INSTRUMENT LEVEL)>Cat Input>Cat Send>MFX Return)>MFX Output>Cat Return

WITH Cat POST FX>Mode Switch=FX LOOP

WITHOUT Cat POST FX>Mode Switch=Power Amp In

Using FS4:

You can use a GAIN Block at the end of the signal chain.

If you're using a compressor at the end ala Jason Sadites you can use its level.

An EQ at the end use its level.

A cab at the end use its level.

You get the idea.

On 4/23/2024 at 7:45 PM, badgerbaj said:

Do you ever plug headphones direct in to your floor and stomp? Is there a similar negligible difference in volume output there?

I never use the HPs on either unit, they're normally in different locations (office/studio) and connect to mixers to combine other audio sources.

I'm pretty sure that they are known to use different HP amps and that there IS a difference.

I tested my Helix Floor vs my HX Stomp.

Identical presets - just the Whowatt+Cab at default settings.

With the Input Pad on the Floor OFF and the HXS Input at Instrument Level, 1/4" Outputs of both set to LINE.

Guitar connected to ABY Box via G10.

1/4" outs from each to Channels 1 and 2 of my Scarlett 18i20.

All identical cables.

Ableton LIVE 12 with IK TR5 db/LUFS meter on both Channels.

The difference? <>1db. 

The Floor was <>1db louder.

Until I swapped the cables 1-2/2-1.

Then the HXS was 1db louder.

I got identical results with the Outputs set to Instrument.

IDK if it's the cables (Identical GC Live Wires) or the ABY Box (GC Live Wires), but either way, <>1db is NOT a big difference.

I'd call it statistically insignificant.

Beats me why you guys are getting radical differences.

I suppose you could speculate that the LT/HXSXL pairing is different than the Floor/HXS pairing, but I doubt it.

IIRC, LF Flat is the speaker eq'd to be flat, no HF Driver.

In Speaker Mode I assigned CC#5 (HF Trim) to an expression pedal and played, both guitar and synth.

I can see the HF Trim slider moving in Powercab Edit/System but hear no difference, so it does appear that the HF Driver is OFF in Speaker Mode.

On 4/20/2024 at 5:06 PM, BerniceBerger said:

It sounds like you've been through a frustrating experience with your Line 6 Helix setup. It's disappointing when a piece of equipment doesn't work as expected, especially when you've invested time and money into it. It's understandable that you're upset and questioning the reliability of Line 6 products, especially given your previous issues with the JTV-89 and HD500X.

The lack of a clear solution or timeframe for fixing the problem with the AES connection adds to the frustration. It's concerning that Line 6 hasn't addressed this issue promptly, especially considering their reputation in the industry. The fact that some users report no issues with their units while others experience problems suggests that there may be more to the issue than just a firmware issue.

Ultimately, trust in a company's products and support is crucial, especially when you're relying on them to fuel your creativity as a composer and musician. Hopefully, Line 6 will address these concerns and provide a satisfactory resolution for you and other affected users.

You realize that this is an 8-year-old thread and the person you're replying to hasn't been back in 7 years?

I'm thinking their problem was solved, and they never got around to reporting back.

FWIW - after they replaced some boards on mine 6 years ago, the digital I/O (AES and SPDIF) have worked fine.

I see you're a new member so WELCOME and BEWARE of ZOMBIE THREADS!

They'll eat your brain! ;-)

In Global Settings>Ins/Outs, are the MAIN OUTS set the same?

There's no PAD on the XL, so you use the INST/LINE settings to accomplish that.

If you've upgraded the Cat's FW to the latest version you now have 12 amps (vs the original 6).

Depending on your concept of "Blues Tone", one of them should do the job.

Try them all and use the KNOBS on the Cat to fine tune the amps.

The original amps are in GROUP 1 and the NEW amps are in Group 2.

D/L the new CATALYST Pilot's Guide to see what the amps in each group are.

Don't be afraid to try the HI-Gain amps. Lowering the GAIN can get some fine modern blues tones out of even the BADONK!

Keep in mind that the Tone Stack knobs are very important, especially the MID control.

The 8i6 has S/PDIF. Assuming that when you say Heilx you mean the FLOOR model, not the LT, this is how I do it with my 18i20.

NOTE - the 18i20 uses different USB #s - 9/10 (7/8 on the 8i6); 11/12 (5/6 on the 8i6):

With the 8i6 set as the ASIO Device in your DAW.

Guitar>Helix>Helix FX (OD/MODS etc)>Path 1 Output Block=DIGITAL

Helix SPDIF OUT>8i6 SPDIF INPUT

DAW Track Input USB 7/8 (SPDIF)>Plugins>DAW Track Output 5/6 (SPDIF)

8i6 SPDIF Output>Helix SPDIF IN>Helix Path 2 Input=DIGITAL>Helix FX (Delay/Reverb etc)>Path 2 Output Block Helix MAIN Outs

In Focusrite Control you want the SPDIF Outputs (not MUTED) set to "SOFTWARE (DAW) PLAYBACK 5/6". All other Inputs MUTED.

Whichever 8i6 Outputs your speakers are connected to should be set to whichever 8i6 Inputs your Helix MAIN Outs are connected to.

In my case I connect the Helix XLRs to the 18i20 Inputs 1/2 from where I can use Focusrite Control to route to the 8i6 Outputs 1/2 (Studio Monitors). 3/4 (Powercab), 5/6 (FRFR112). 

This configuration provides minimal latency as the signal chain is DIGITAL from Helix to Scarlett to DAW to Scarlett to Helix with the only AD/DA conversions at the Helix Input and Output - the path from the Helix Main Outs through the Scarlett to the speakers is analog.

To RECORD the final Helix Output setup another track to take its INPUT from whichever 8i6 Inputs the Helix Main Outs are connected to - in my case Inputs 1/2.

If you have an LT you can still do this, but unless you use the LT as your ASIO Device you'll be adding conversions.

On 4/19/2024 at 10:22 PM, medicinewolf99 said:

yes and im just checking...it seems to be working....and I thought my previous post just confirmed what your diagram depicted...If im still messing up then I guess I suck at following diagrams

My description and his diagram, plus the descriptions and diagrams in the manual, should be enough.

But you say it's working, so ROCK ON!

On 4/16/2024 at 10:46 PM, danielmxli said:

HX to Powecab via AES for Speaker Mode Preset

• Pros:

  • Have heard this provides more of a "amp in room" feel

  • Also able to save DSP on Helix

Powercab Flat Mode + Helix Modeled Amp

• Pros:

  • More options for amp models

• Cons:

  • Have heard it does not provide a "amp in room" feel, though tbh I cannot hear this difference!

 

Wondering what you use and why:)

You ALWAYS use a Helix amp, else it WILL sound like S#$&.

In FRFR/LF FLAT/LF RAW/ Modes you'll likely use a CAB/IR in Helix or an IR loaded on your PC+ (called USERIR Mode).

Which Mode you use depends on your ears.

When I go this way I cut the HF Trim (tweeter level) by 6db. Sounds good to me.

I usually use Speaker Mode.

"AITR" is a term made up to differentiate between standing in front of a RAW AMP and listening to an engineered/processed amp such as on a recording or through the PA at a concert.

IOW - 99% of the music you've ever heard and ALL of the recorded sounds you're trying to emulate with your modeler.

Try EVERYTHING! Use what YOU like.

DON'T believe everything you "hear".

EVERY guitar played through an amplifier and speaker in a room is "AITR"!

4cm:

1)

Guitar>HXSXL Input

This is where you put the FX you want BEFORE the Mesa Preamp

After those FX you place the FX Loop L Block

HXSXL SEND (TS cable = Left Send)>Mesa Input

Mesa FX Loop Send>HXSXL L/Mono Return

This will return the Mesa's Preamp (with the FX assigned before the HXSXL FX Loop Block) to the FX Loop Block

After the FX Loop Block is where you put FX like Delay/Reverb that you want between the Mesa Preamp and Poweramp

HXSXL L/Mono MAIN Output>Mesa FX Loop Return

2)

if you want a CLEAN boost to the overall volume, you can either place a GAIN Block at the END of the chain (before the Output block) or, to conserve a Block, assign a FS to the Output Block Level and set the MIN (Bypass/Controller Assign in HX Edit) to 0db and the MAX to whatever you want (I use +4db).

3)

Only if you want to replace the Mesa Preamp with a Helix Amp/Preamp, in which case you place the Helix Amp Block next to the FX Loop Block, assign both to the same FS, and SAVE the preset with the FX Loop ON (the default for the Preset) and the Helix Amp OFF. This will Toggle the FX Loop (ON = Mesa Preamp, Helix Amp=OFF) and the Helix Amp (FX Loop =OFF, Helix Amp=ON).

On 4/15/2024 at 8:27 PM, Biwic2112 said:

Did you get this to work? I'm wanting to do the same thing but with my Strymon Iridium. The part that confuses me most is in the manual for the iridium it states that it needs a PC message for it to progress in the midi setup. 

Quote the section that you are referring to.

If the Sunset is in an FX Loop and all you want to do is Bypass it without using the Sunset's internal Bypass functions just Toggle the FX Loop ON/OFF.

Maybe we're not clear on exactly what you want to do?

Sounds fine to me with no jumping through hoops.

Maybe you just don't like this amp?

Have you solved this yet?

All is well on my system.

On 4/13/2024 at 11:28 AM, NiklasEkander said:

I pretty shure all issues/questions that are asked here, you can find answers in the manual!!
I am also pretty shure most of them DONT WANT TO READ 75 pages of manual, that is why we ask here or in other Helix forums....

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MANY of the questions asked here are NOT covered in the manual.

Yours is covered in the first couple of sections.

We're happy to help with those questions that are not covered, but we're not going to re-type the manual for you to explain the absolute basics of use!

Short answer - no.

The Powercab cabinet is designed to sound like a guitar cab, NOT an "FRFR", whatever that mythical unicorn is.

ALL guitar cabs/speakers color the sound one way or another, and they're all different.

The "FRFR" mode is a compromise for users who insist on using IRs.

The best results I've gotten with IRs is to cut the HF TRIM by 6db and use the Helix IRs with different MICs and MIC placements.

You can also use the Global EQ (if not using L6 Link) to try and tune it to taste across presets.

However, the Global EQ is intended for tuning the cab to the room, and whatever room you set it up in, it will have to be changed for each room.

Such is the nature of real-world acoustics.

So, bottom line, you can spend hours messing with EQ, or you can spend hours messing with different IRs or the Helix IRs with different MICs and MIC placements, but when you move the Powercab from your studio to a gig you'll still need to fine tune it to the room using the Global EQ.

I mostly just use it the way it was designed to be used - as an "AITR" with the speaker emulations. Works for me, but then I'm old enough to remember just plugging my guitar into my tube amp of choice (that year) or whatever was provided at the gig and making the best of it.

Hmmm... that could mean that the only cure for your picky ears is many years of standing in front of cranked Marshalls!

I don't advise it. If I had it to do over again...

AHH! To be young again, with all the options (and associated option paralysis) available to us today!

Try whatever you think you might like, it won't explode.

When using a SS power amp most people use a full amp block, NOT a pre-amp block.

The main reason to use a pre-amp block is if you're pairing it with a TUBE power amp, which adds its own flavor.

A SS power amp is just flat (though not necessarily FRFR), so to get the sound of a full amp you use a full amp block.

IOW - a JCM800 is the combination of its ECC83 preamp and EL34 power amp.

A JCM800 pre-amp MODEL (models ECC83) into a SS power amp is not going to sound anything like a JCM800.

Thus, use the full amp model.

Yes. RTM. It explains how to do it much better than I could by re-typing it here.

On 4/7/2024 at 2:51 PM, Edpodgo said:

Guys,
In hx stomp you have to use two blocks (send and a return):
Send: instrument level
Return: line level
Do I need to compensate for some db in the return mix?

Not so. The ToneX Input and Output are both INSTRUMENT Level, so only one S/R Block required.

At first I was under the impression that the ToneX Ouput was LINE Level and I posted to that effect.

IK Support has confirmed that both Input and Output are INSTRUMENT Level .

I went back and tried to find and correct any posts I made but may not have found them all.

I did fix the post I made in this thread, but if you got your info from something I posted elsewhere, please link me to it so I can change it.

"I can't get it to work!" doesn't tell us much.

What EXACTLY are you trying to do?

"I want to control XYZ parameter with my HXFX using (snapshots, footswitches, exp pedal, ???)

In addition to my HXFX I'm using (????) hardware.

What have you ALREADY tried (with detail)?

Where are you encountering a problem?

My computer and OS are ???

Have you employed a MIDI Monitor to see that the HXFX is sending what you THINK it's sending?

Have you read the Iridium manual (MIDI configuration details start around Pg 23, MIDI CC# Chart on Pg 30).

Have you read the HXFX Manual (Esp the Command Center section)?

Please respond to ALL of the above questions as they are ALL important and there are no dentists here. ;-)

Definitely not normal and you've covered the basic troubleshooting steps.

Open a support ticket. If it's still in warranty or a known issue you may luck out.