rd2rk

Sorry, I explained that poorly. The Flat Output level is at 0db because when you load an IR in a Helix Preset, it's already at -18db, and that's reflected in the IR Block. However, the USER IR Output Level should be at -18db because the IR is on the Powercab and that's what it reflects, and the SPEAKER output should be at -15db because that balances the Speaker output against the IR/User IR levels. At least, I think that's the logic. That's the way it seems on my PC212+. Unless there's something different about the PC112+. I'm reporting what happens with my PC212+, and I'm assuming that it should be the same. Maybe take this question to the Powercab thread, put "PC112+ Flat/Speaker/User IR Levels" in the thread title, and ask there.

The PC Edit SW displays the settings for the selected PC preset. If you're on the FLAT STEREO preset, the FLAT/SPEAKER/USER IR tabs SHOULD show the settings I referred to. What FW are you on? The latest is v2.00.1. It'll be at the bottom of the SYSTEM Tab. If, on the POWERCAB tab in HX EDIT, you've changed the levels, that will be reflected on the PC+ and in the PC Edit display. The reason for the settings I mentioned is that IRs are usually intended to be used at -18db. If you load an IR in the Helix, that's the level you'll see. This is to allow for the addition in the signal chain of amps and FX, to keep the overall output below 0db, which is where digital distortion starts to kick in. The same thing happens when you take USB into a DAW, the Input Level on the track will be around -18db. Helix Cabs are different, they'll show 0db, but the actual output level is equivalent to -18db for normal IRs. If you scroll the PC+ presets and observe the SPEAKER tab, you'll see that the Output Levels vary. This is so that the different SPEAKER/MIC combinations output at the same audible level through the PC+ speakers. USER IRs are the same on the PC+ as on Helix, -18db.

Your direct out levels should be set at FLAT = 0db;SPEAKER = -15db;USER IR = -18db. If you're using the L6 Link (as you should be to prevent unnecessary AD/DA conversions and minimize S/N), you're getting the correct Input Level. If you're using XLRs, from the manual: 9. Combo Input Jack - Connect the line level output of your amp modeler to this balanced 1/4" TRS/XLR input (e.g., Line 6 Helix or POD device, etc.). Helix should be set to Line Level. POD HD should be set to +4dB. "Amp-in-a-box" type preamp pedals may require additional boosting to achieve the appropriate line level for these inputs (maximum +13dBu). The Direct Out Line Level selector on the PC+ System Tab should look like an O, NOT a solid dot. The best way to ensure that you've got all the PC+ defaults selected is to just do a Factory Reset from the System button on the physical control panel. You won't lose any IRs, but you should export and afterwards re-import any custom presets.

An amateur sound tech used to receiving a mic level signal might not know how to deal with a line level signal from the PC+. And/Or, they may not have been familiar with the board. However, the default for the XLR outs on the PC+ is Mic, so check the PC+ System settings to be sure that the Direct Out Level hasn't been changed. There's no way, if the level indicator on the PC+ isn't constantly spiking into the red, that the Direct Out signal from the PC+ is going to be too hot if set to mic. Unless you've upped the output levels on the PC+? Defaults are FLAT = 0db;SPEAKER = -15db;USER IR = -18db.

Yes. If you're using multiple MIDI pedals, you want to set each to it's own MIDI channel. That way you can send discrete messages to each.

Your choices are - control the level of the Helix Outputs with the BIG KNOB, or control the PC+ Output. To control the PC+ Output, your choices are - walk back and forth and twist the knobs, or use MIDI CC#7 with an External Expression pedal. That's it!

Ground loops - the bane of musicians everywhere! Glad you figured it out.

The Value of the CC# sent determines ON/OFF. Values of 0-63 are OFF, 64-127 are ON. Just use 0 for OFF and 127 for ON.

If you don't need to see the screen, you can get a MIDI controller to use on the floorboard and put the Helix in the backline somewhere.. Carefully consider your actual performance needs and then google "MIDI floor controllers" The MeloAudio MIDI Commander and Keith McMillan Soft step come to mind as being relatively small, but you'll need to check out their manuals to be sure they'll do what you need.

You know that only works when Helix is the ASIO device in your DAW, right?

You never said what make and model the amp is. You've introduced an AI without any info on that either. BUT...never mind any of that. You're hearing the squealing through the amp, WITHOUT A SPEAKER CAB??? I'd say that's a red flag right there! I don't have an attenuator to test, but putting my Egnater's preamp in the FX Loop of your preset, and sending the S/PDIF to my Scarlett AI, I have no squeal, no distortion. The irrefutable conclusion is that you have a problem with your attenuator and/or your amp. You/we have run every possible test, the problem is NOT in the Helix. My money is on the attenuator. That device has lots of switches and options. Either something is not configured correctly, or the RC is defective. I would contact Rivera with this problem and see what they say. Here's a thread that may be of help: Rivera Rockcrusher | My Les Paul Forum Also, if you haven't already RTM, here's a link: rockcrushermamanual.pdf (dropbox.com) EDIT: I didn't see it mentioned, though I may have missed it. Make sure that EVERYTHING connected in any way with your rig is on the same power source, that there are no fluorescents, rheostats or major appliances on that circuit, that there are no routers/wireless gadgets within 10 feet, and that you're using a power strip with EMI/RFI filtering.

I think they have a two year transferable warranty. Depending on how long he had it, it MIGHT still be under warranty.

Are you using Helix for channel switching your amp? Because that's what that post is about, and has nothing to do with your stated problems. When you bought this, you didn't register it with L6? How do you know it wasn't stolen? If you're sure it's not stolen, then go ahead and contact support. They've been known to have mercy on poor unfortunate souls such as yourself. Good Luck!

I don't hear any squeal on the recordings that you'e playing on, only on the "Helix Before Amp AND After Attenuator". How, exactly, was that recording made? Mic? USB? Other?

I DL'd the preset, then created a dupe with just the amp and cabs with stock settings (and OP's mic choices). Even with no hi-cuts on the cabs, the differences are minimal. OP's preset sounds like the Cali Rectifire. I'm using a PC212+, and I don't hear the "fizz". Either OP's headphones and mystery playback system really suck, or he's got a problem somewhere else in his system, or his rack is defective. I'm with @datacommando. If the sound is really that sporadic, I wouldn't use it on a gig either.

We're both learning new things. Since my Floor does have L6 Link, I've never used MIDI (or the PC+ Knob) to select PC+ Presets or Speakers. I always just left it on Preset 0, Flat Stereo, and used L6 Link to set the speakers and MIDI to set the HF Trim. That works perfectly. But using straight MIDI to set both the Speakers and HF Trim, as required with the HX series, the HF Trim is always OFF and disabled. What's odd about that is the L6 Link is SUPPOSED to do that automatically, but doesn't, a well documented "bug"(?), which I'm not sure I want them to fix!. Well, at least you can use MIDI to adjust the HF Trim when using USER IRs (CC#25 Values 0-127). That, at least, DOES work without L6 Link! And it definitely helps the USER IRs sound more "AITR".

Wait, now I'm really confused. In the screenshot, HF Trim is at -79db. Did you set that by hand? Because if not, the MIDI is working! That's what a CC#5 Value of 20 does, sets the HF Trim to -79db! Test it. Change the Value. The HF Trim will be different. For instance, Value of 105 = -6.5db.

I just tried your preset on my Floor, and it works as expected. Sets the HF Trim to -79db. In PC Edit, on the System Tab, do you have it set to receive both PC and CC on MIDI Channel 1?

There's a reason I don't automatically tell people to RTM, because I don't always do it myself! From the manual: SPEAKER MODE PARAMETERS Intended to respond like a real guitar speaker for a traditional "amp-in-the-room" experience. This mode applies different tonal characteristics of the selected speaker model to the system's coaxial driver, with the following adjustable parameters. BUT, while the PC+ PRESETS totally take control of the HF Driver, sending specific MIDI to select the speaker does not. I just tried the suggestion I made in my last post using my Helix Floor, and it worked perfectly!

AHA! I see what you're talking about! Using the HXSXL, you're sending a MIDI Program Change (or manually twisting the knob) to select a PRESET on the PC+. That does, indeed, disable the HF Driver completely. When I use L6 Link to send saved SPEAKER MODE settings with the HX Preset/Snapshots, it doesn't do that! Try this. Set your first Instant Command to send the MIDI to select the actual Speaker, vs sending a Program Change to use a PC+ Preset, and use the 2nd IC to set the HF Driver. Example: 1st IC - CC#22 Value = 0 selects Vintage 2nd IC - CC#5 Value = 20 adds some HF Driver (random selection, change to taste) If you're using a PC212, then 2nd IC - CC#102 Value = 0 selects Vintage on the 2nd Physical speaker 3rd IC - CC#5 Value = 20 (random selection, change to taste) The CC#s for the different speakers are listed in the Powercab Manual. Let me know how it works!

You must be doing something wrong, because while I haven't tried it with my HXS (different physical locations), it works fine on my Floor. Attach the preset you're testing with and I'll have a look at it.

Can you record this noise? 'cause I gotta say, we've been through most everything, and I'm baffled. Maybe the noise itself can tell us something.

And if you unplug the Helix USB cable?

Normal. No. Post it on Ideascale.

Are you getting the noise through the amp, interface or both? What happens if you unplug the Helix USB cable? How are you setting the output level on the Rock Crusher?