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brainbug

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Posts posted by brainbug

  1. There will never be spillover on this unit, though, just as there isn't on Axe and there isn't on Kemper. Comparing it to the G system, which doesn't have amp modeling, or the Zoom, which is a whole different class of product, is unfair.

     

    But using an amp, especially, it seems to me that with judicious use of footswitches you could set something up within one patch where you have a BUNCH of different tonal possibilities and FX "groups" so that for many uses you simply won't have to switch patches, you can do it all within one patch.

     

    I agree with all of you up here.. When you got less you HAVE to work harder and be more creative, somehow all this tech makes you a bit lazier..

    PeterHamm: I don't know about Axe, but I do know that Kemper (I got one) has spillover.. actually you can select if you want it or if you don't.

  2. I do think that something should be done about this, i don't think it would be that difficoult to add the possibility to control the USB input level via software. There are many situation where it would be needed because you cannot control the level on the other side. Could be because there is phisically no level control ( CD decks, the example of Ipad and camera kit etc..) or  because you are practicing guitar with your helix but computer or any other source is far away, even in other rooms ( studios) and it would be frustrating to put down guitar, move to the source, change level, go back and check if it's right, guitar back, play and do it again next song that might have different level.. if you know what I mean..

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  3. I can NOT hear the difference between using a DI out from the 1/4" output and using the XLR out on Helix.

     

    On HD 500 I could hear a difference, but I liked the 1/4" output better.

     

    imho, if you're stuck with a mixer with phantom power, you probably already have a DI lying around. Just use it.

     

    If you don't need the 1/4" output for anything else I agree completely

  4. I don't agree that it's better to use mic level if you're using the XLR outs. I think it's better to send the hottest level possible to the board and bypass the channel strip's preamp totally if possible. Many professional boards have a mic/line switch, so just have the sound guy set it to line.

     

    It's been said in other topics, and for my experience I confirm it, that line level in XLR outputs make the board clip, even with 20db attenuation on.. then IF you have a board that bypasses the preamp completely, then I agree with you. But not that many does it. Same concept of individual phantom power :)

  5. Hello everyone.  I know there are already a couple of threads with users reporting hiss and issues with XLR output to their board.  In summary it appears this is mainly due to the board sending phantom power to the Helix. 

     

    My ask to the community to help others is what is the recommended configuration for sending your Helix guitar signal "Mono" to a board for each condition below? 

     

    Assumptions - 

    1. XLR  Left Mono Out

     

     

    Conditions - 

    1. Board is sending Phantom Power to device (Phantom power can not be turned off)

    2. Board is not sending Phantom Power

     

    Questions - 

    1. When should i use Mic level output versus Line level output?

    If the board is sending phantom power, connection is only possible if you buy a Phantom Power blocker, or a transformer isolation box, in other words something that stops the 48V DC current coming from the board

    If you go straight to the board XLR inputs,  it's better to use mic level output, use line level if you go to the board line input with an adaptor XLR / TS 1/4"

  6. I have to say, I never turn on phantom power for a device that doesn't absolutely need it. That's kind of audio engineering 101 stuff.

     

    And Helix isn't the only device out there that has a problem with phantom power.

     

    Sorry, fellas, I think it got left out of the manual by accident, and I don't think there's  story here.

     

    Out of all RECENT products I bought, and as having a studio and playing guitar live I bought quite a lot of stuff, I only found 2 products having big problems with phantom power: One was YAMAHA piano CP4, the other is YAMAHA - L6 Helix.

    Now that this problem with L6 products only comes out after they've been bought by YAMAHA, might or might not be a coincidence.

    This issue does not bother me a lot, i bought two blockers for small gigs where only small mixers are available, I keep them in my bag and bring them out when needed. It bothers me a lot instead the answer I had from YAMAHA for the piano: it's a professional keyboard so is supposed to go with a professional mixer, meaning i presume that lots of their own mixers, that cost even more than the so called professional piano, are unprofessional. And it bothers me a lot the silence from YAMAHA - L6. At least i learned something, next time I want to buy a piece of gear when I try it out I will definately try its behaviour with phantom power, then I'll decide if it bothers me or not, and if to buy it or not. Expecially if it's a YAMAHA product

  7. Hi Guys,

    I´m new here and I dont even own a Helix yet. Still researching if this fine wonder box is for me.  :)  A couple of questions:

     

    1) I wonder if there is a more detailed manual available ? The current manual for download is pretty poor though it gives a good overview.

    2) Does the Helix have options for alternate guitar tunings ?  Can you program a block to Drop D tuning or any other tuning ?

    3) I play through a Fender Vibroking. Would it make sense to put a Helix in front of the VK or is it a must to go through a PA ?

     

    Thanks for your input  :D

     

     

    http://line6.com/data/6/0a06439cb91a5609df67966ca/application/pdf/Helix%20Owners%20Manual%20%28REV%20B%29%20-%20English%20%28%20Rev%20B%20%29.pdf

     

    Sure you've got this manual? I find it very detailed and not poor...

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  8. I doubt they'll be making any hardware changes. Line 6 has responded. Their response is "don't use the XLR outs on channels with phantom power".

     

    Also, I think that one reason there might not be more outcry is that for some people, using the ground lift does seem to make the hiss go away. So some users might not even have a problem with it.

     

    As far as I know, the hiss would stop using the ground lift Only in the situation where you phisically disconnect the ground from helix power cord at the same time.. otherwise the 48 V phantom power would find his way in anyway.. At least this is what happens. BUT manual  (like every manual) safety warning rightly says : This apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.. So unless you are using totally different earths in helix and mixer, or unless you unsafely cut the mains ground from mixer or helix, ground lift won't make hiss go away.

  9. Just a quick question/thought. Is there an audio quality / dynamics difference when the circuit that blocks phantom power is in the path. Maybe not in a live situation, but for recording quality?

     

    I've seen some of the solutions. Some say there may be a signal drop due to required resistor / capacitor combos, or the coloring a 1:1 transformer may inject. ??????

     

    Just a layman wondering.

    I have 2 Triton Audio Phantom Blockers and there's no difference in signal when I use them and when I don't. As far as I know, they have inside as protection a circuit that stops DC current coming in, that is normally used by all XLR outputs and somehow L6 "forgot" to fit inside Helix..

  10. Anybody experiencing audio clipping when running Stereo XLR out of Helix direct to FOH Snake?

     

    No, no audio clipping in stereo either, just remember to set helix output for mic level though otherwise it will clip on the mic inputs of the board.

  11. I completely trust Helix and I did many gigs with it already and no troubles at all. As long as you are careful NOT to use the Helix XLR outputs to plug it in a mixer where you cannot switch phantom power off. You just can't, you'll have to use the other outputs.

  12. a2dconverterguy... It would be nice and appreciated if you could post the schematics and board layout..  :rolleyes:...... just because everybody can build his own if needed as L6 is not going to help apparently. Thank you for your post anyway 

  13. BigRalphN:  Find me just one mixer from 6 to 12 channels that do have individual phantom power.. more, look at the ones 16 or 24 channels: you would probably find 1 or 2 with that feature. It's a common feature only on very large boards, or some smaller digital ones. So I would say 90 % of mixers used on 90 % of gigs worldwide hasn't got it. And do you think L6 doesn't know it? Of corse they do, and that's why we only get  their silence. It's been a mistake, just a couple of caps and resistors all in all. That I'm sure they will put in future Helixes.. We early adopters only have to fix it by ourselves. :huh:

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