geetar_geek79

P.S. Mine came in with 1.05 firmware so I updated with 1.06 even before using it...

Hello. So I received my Helix Rack today from Sweetwater and I'm sorry to report that my experience with the loops has been a really positive one compared to yours. This was the very first thing I tested as your post had me worried big time. Having amps in the loops, or using the 4-cable method, is going to be my primary setup. Mind you that I can only compare it to a Digitech GSP1101, 2120, Boss GT-3, 5, and 10. The helix has to be the most transparent of all, closely followed by the GSP1101. The others I listed don't even come close. In one of the loops, I have a head switcher (Ampete Spyder which is the best switcher I've ever used!!!) and in the loops of the switcher I have a Mesa, Ceriatone, Diezel, and a Rhodes. All sounded and felt the same with the Helix as it was with my previous setup. I used the loop block instead of the send/return block... I wouldn't say I'm a tone expert nor do I have perfect hearing. But with what I'm doing with the Helix, I'm really happy with it! Hopefully you can try a different Helix and have a better experience. Maybe try the rack in the future...

I will be getting my Helix rack and control in about 6 days from Sweetwater after about a month of wait. Really excited...

That sucks man. I plan to use it similar to the way you have it in the diagram, but loading the amp and inserting everything in the loop and straight to my studio monitors. Hopefully I won't notice the same issues you ran in to... I'm actually excited to be getting it in 6 days after waiting for a while.

Is the mic sim a separate block that can be turned on or off independent from the amp and cab block?

Cool. Thank you much.

Hello, I downloaded the manual but I couldn't find if the individual loops are stereo (like with the Vetta), or if you have to pair a loop to create a stereo send/return. I appreciate the help.