tmingle
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Posts posted by tmingle
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I also have the Helix Rack & Control. The 3.5 update went fine & the unit was fine for a few days. I went to use it last evening & the Control scribble strips were all blank & the Helix locked up. I had to do a factory reset & allow it to rebuild all the presets. This process took at least an hour. All is fine now, but I will never install version .0 of anything again.
Line 6 "Here's your update. Test it for us & we will fix it with a patch".
With Amplitube 5, Scuffham & Ownhammer IR's, the Helix is rapidly becoming a very expensive patch bay in my setup.
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I've had the 40CR for a little over a year & also have a 40C & DSC1CR for lower volumes.
I created the patch out of curiosity & to re-enforce my knowledge of the Helix. I have yet to find a setting on the Marshall preamps that I can't replicate or surpass by simply using the Marshall as a power amp. If you like the 40C tones, I suggest you try the Placater dirty. I find that the initial gain settings on almost every amp in the Helix to be cut back by 30-60% to be usable.
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There are 2 FX loops in use in my patch. Try removing the 2nd loop from the patch. The 1st (Loop 1) is for the 4CM with the DSL.
The 2nd loop routes the signal through an external MXR 10-band eq pedal. I find the external EQ is more effective & a lot easier to adjust than the EQ's in the Helix.
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I am running firmware 3.15
PC 00 = CLEAN
PC 01 = CRUNCH
PC 02 = OD1
PC 03 = OD2CC=13 Value = 1 [DSL FX Loop On]0 [DSL FX Loop Off]
CC=14 Value = 0 [DSL Master 1]1 [DSL Master 2]It was confusing & took me a while to grasp it.
It is under the command center. I highly recommend doing it in HX edit.
The patch should be in the back row & the 4 snapshots in the front row on the foot controller.
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You need to "initialize" the DSL to receive MIDI commands. Please see the instructions below.
Since the DSL40CR clean is much quieter than the crunch, I have it assigned to a different Master volume. The channels are PC commands & the Masters & FX loop are CC values. Please see the patch below.
The attached patch is for A HELIX RACK w/ foot controller.
On the DSL each of the 4 channels clean, crunch, OD1, OD2 are assigned in a loop to every four MIDI program change messages and can’t be changed e.g.
PC 00 = CLEAN
PC 01 = CRUNCH
PC 02 = OD1
PC 03 = OD2
PC 04 = CLEAN
PC 05 = CRUNCH
PC 06 = OD1
PC 07 = OD2
PC 08 = CLEAN etc.
Connect the MIDI controller to the DSL – MIDI Out to MIDI In. Multiple equipment can be connected using MIDI thrus where available. Always ensure each piece of connected equipment is set to a different MIDI channel.
1. Set the receive MIDI channel on the DSL, this only needs to be done once.…
Press and hold the Loop On/Off switch (Front Panel Function #23) while powering up the amplifier to activate MIDI waiting mode.
The LED will flash until a valid MIDI command is received.
Send a MIDI PC command on the required MIDI channel from the connected controller to the DSL
The MIDI receive channel on the DSL will now be set.
2. If the user just wants to recall one variation of each channel, they can select each channel in turn from the front panel and set the state of the FX loop and Master (the switch settings are remembered per channel). They then only need to set their MIDI controller to send the appropriate program change message to recall that channel on the DSL.
3. If the user wishes to have multiple variations of each channel recalled e.g. Clean with FX Loop on and Master 1 and then clean with FX Loop Off and Master 2. They will need to set their controller to send a program change message to select the DSL’s channel and then MIDI CC messages to set the state of the FX Loop and Master.
For example:
Clean with FX Loop On and Master 1 – Send:
PC=00 [DSL Clean Channel]
CC=13 Value = 1 [DSL FX Loop On]
CC=14 Value = 0 [DSL Master 1]
Clean with FX Loop Off and Master 2 – Send:
PC=00 [DSL Clean Channel]
CC=13 Value = 0 [DSL FX Loop Off]
CC=14 Value = 1 [DSL Master 2]-
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On 2/15/2022 at 1:31 PM, aed1421 said:
I can only access the 2 channels via the helix ext amp setting and not the 2 modes in each channel on the DSL40. I think I can access all 4 via midi but that is another cable to hook up on the road. The Classic Gain and Ultra Gain have a lot of tone difference. I would prefer to use the 2 modes in Classic gain and switch just between those and use the internal effects/drives in Helix.
What type of music will you be playing?
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I emailed my sales engineer & he sent me a link.
Excellent customer service.
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The Volume knob is set to control XLR & 1/4" outputs.
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Into input 5 & 6 of an RME UCX.
Fireface UCX
AD, Line In 5-8, rear
- Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 111 dB RMS unweighted, 113 dBA
- Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 20.6 kHz
- Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 45.3 kHz
- Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: -1 dB: 5 Hz - 90 kHz
- THD: < -105 dB, < 0.0005 %
- THD+N: < -98 dB, < 0.0012%
- Maximum input level: +19 dBu
- Channel separation: > 110 dB
- Input: 6.3 mm TRS jack, electronically balanced
- Input sensitivity switchable to Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
- Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu
- Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
- Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV
DA, Line Out 1-6, rear
- Dynamic range (DR): 111 dB, 113 dBA @ 44.1 kHz (unmuted)
- Frequency response @ 44.1 kHz, -0.1 dB: 8 Hz - 20.4 kHz
- Frequency response @ 96 kHz, -0.5 dB: 6 Hz - 45 kHz
- Frequency response @ 192 kHz, -1 dB: 6 Hz - 90 kHz
- THD: -100 dB, < 0.001 %
- THD+N: -96 dB, < 0.0015 %
- Channel separation: > 110 dB
- Maximum output level: +19 dBu
- Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, servo-balanced
- Output impedance: 75 Ohm
- Output level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV
- Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu
- Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu
- Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV
Line In 3-4, front
As AD, but:
- Additional Gain stage: 0 up to +12 dB
- Maximum input level, Lo Gain, Gain 0 dB:
- Line +19 dBu, Inst +13 dBu
- Maximum input level, -10 dBV, Gain 12 dB, Line:
- -7,5 dBu, Inst: -13,5 dBu
- Input impedance Inst: 470 kOhm
- Input Gain Inst: +6 dB
- Input mode: Line balanced (TRS), Inst unbalanced (TS)
- CLIP LED: 0 dBFS
- SIG LED: -60 dBFS
DA - Phones, 7/8, front
As DA, but:
- Output: 6.3 mm TRS jack, unbalanced
- Output impedance: 30 Ohm
- Word Clock
- BNC, switch for internal termination 75 Ohm
Microphone/Line 1-2, front
as AD Line In 5-8, but:
- Input: Neutrik XLR/TRS Combo jack, electronically balanced
- Input impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, TRS 8 kOhm balanced
- Signal to Noise ratio (SNR): 112 dB RMS unweighted, 115 dBA
- Low Roll Off -0.5 dB: 18 Hz, -1 dB: 12 Hz
- Gain range: 0 dB, +10 up to +65 dB
- Maximum input level XLR, Gain 0 dB: +10 dBu
- Maximum input level XLR, Gain 65 dB: -55 dBu
- Maximum input level TRS, Gain +0 dB: +21 dBu
- Maximum input level TRS, Gain +65 dB: -44 dBu
- CLIP LED: 0 dBFS
- SIG LED: -60 dBFS
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Since the author is active in this thread, I have question regarding the Patches & the Helix in general. Why does the volume drop to less than 1/2 when switching the output from Multi to XLR? I have never managed to understand this.
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I have pretty much given up on the FRFR thing. My Helix sounds best to me without any cab sims or IR's into the FX return of my DSL40C. It records well using an IR in my DAW, but for monitoring I much prefer the guitar speaker. This rig does low volume very well!
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On 12/3/2021 at 8:12 AM, elmanu said:
Yes I did try several position, and put it up and vertically.
It's like there is a high cut somewhere, or the tweeter off, something like that.
Anyway, I read in a lot of forums that the HR FRFR 108 or 112 were the worst sound experience for other guitarists than me, thus I'm not sure my unit has a problem.
Connected to normal music it sounds great. It's just not designed to sound like a guitar amp, that's all ;)
I had the PC112+ & the HR108. I did not care for either 1 of them.
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Im going to guess a power issue. Maybe an intermittent power cable, power strip or the power supplying the stage. I would definitely check your power cord, plug in the back of the unit & any power strips you may use. You are at the mercy of the power provided by the venue. Carry a $20 Harbor Freight multi-meter & learn how to check the incoming AC voltage when you setup.
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Split the signal before any cabinets or IR's. Record that to a separate track & add IR's in your DAW. It definitly sounds different from the internal Cabs/IR's inside the Helix. Not necessarily better or worse.
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I could never get the Native demo to work in Reaper on Win 10. I never figured it out & gave up. I already have Amplitube & the full version of S-gear that came with my RME interface. That was on Reaper 5 though.
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The Helix is a great tool. Im sure the others are as well but, I chose the Helix because of the support. I believe Line 6 is owned by Yamaha, so repair support should be available for a while.
That said, I have the Headrush 8" & had the PowerCab 112+. I encountered the same issue with the PC+ that most run into with tube amps, it has to be too loud to sound decent. I sold the PC & the HR gathers dust because the ROI is too low to bother. I use the Helix 4cm with a DSL40C & get a lot of my tones bypassing the Marshall Preamp. The Placater dirty is by far my favorite amp in the Helix. I also use several others for cleaner stuff. The DSL has a WGS ET-65 speaker, which I mic with a 57. I split the signal inside Helix & record a separate track to my DAW & add an IR. I also record the dry guitar on another track to use with AMP software. I almost always prefer the miced amp, followed closely by the direct signal thru an amp sim. The Helix sounds good & some would prefer it I'm sure. Monitoring thru the DSL "feels" the same to me as the playing thru the DSL pre. These are IMO & YMMV.
BTW, I did not start to hear the differences until I upgraded my interface to an RME. I used a 2nd gen Scarlet & used the Helix as my interface for a while. IMO, the sound quality of the Helix is much better than the Scarlett.
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I disconnected my Scarlett & used the Helix rack as my interface for awhile. The sound difference was pretty significant to my ears, with the Helix the clear winner. I ran into a few limitations though & purchased an RME UCX interface. i definitely would not sell the BF Pro. When I listen to CD's on my system now, I hear stuff that I never knew was there before.
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I have used my DSL40C in 4CM & split the signal to my DAW with impulses. The 40C's loop is instrument level, so I set the Helix loop to -10db. I would use the Aux in.
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Power Cabs?
in Helix
3 hours ago, rd2rk said:Probably not. $1400 is a lot, considering that I live in an apartment and haven't played in a band in years.
BUT...if I saw a nice used one on CL for $8-900, I fear I'd lose control and jump all over it!
I'm actually more a bassist than guitarist and, for that purpose, the FRFR112 sounds WAY better than the PC112+.
Says the angel on my right shoulder.
But the PC212 would sound better for BOTH says the devil on my left.
No powercabs AT ALL on CL, so I'm safe for now.....
There's a couple of people on TGP who have, and really like, the PC212. I've posted asking if they'e tried the new "Stereo Imager" effect with it.
Waiting to hear what they say.
Sometimes I HATE having money in the bank. What good is it when I could have NEW TOYS?!?
Where are you located? I think i'm going to sell my PC112+. 2 months old.
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Im trying to setup the Powercab+ & keep running into "BUGS". Setting a 63 sping reverb mix 19% as the last block in the chain, the reverb is quite present going into the FX rtrn of my DSL1. I need to set the reverb level to 70% to be audible using the digital signal sent to the Powercab. Is this normal?
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If I get time this weekend, Im going to do the same test with the 1/4 & XLR's into my new interface.
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9 hours ago, rd2rk said:
So, being that it is what it is, use the L6 Link with digital out and put a Para EQ after the split.
Saves a DA conversion, gives you the full options of the Powercab, and unless you're maxing on DSP, it'll work same as Global EQ.
I can't see any reason you'd NEED to use MULTI. I never do.
Tell me again what you're using the XLR out for? If you're going into a DAW with an external interface I get it (though an AI with S/PDIF would be better, unless you're using an LT?). Otherwise, why aren't you using the Helix as AI and going in via USB?
Also, unless you use something like W.O.S for your cabs in the DAW, why not put your IRs on the Powercab and take the Powercab Out to the AI? Then your recordings would sound more like the monitored Powercab.
The Multi output is the default & I was surprised how the sound changed when I changed it. I did not expect that.
I was using the Helix as my interface, but decided to add an RME UCX to my setup as well. The XLR goes into my fireface analog ins. The fireface doesn't have a s/pdif input.
I like the global EQ because of the visual curve. As far as using the Powercab out into the interface, I just haven't got that far yet.
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I use the Global EQ on the 1/4 out to the power cab & plan to split the XLR out before the cabinet. I will then add a cabinet in Reaper for playback. I generally use the Powercab as a monitor when recording. I also use the Powercab when I just play or practice.
" The MULTI Out DEFINITELY sounds different, light blanket over the amp effect? " Mine turns to pure MUD. Maybe its my ears.
Helix Stomp and amp line out
in Helix
Posted
If you can find one: Countryman 85. A little pricey, but it will last forever.
Guitar>Countryman 85 DI>HX Stomp.
XLR out on the DI to a mic input of your interface. Preferably your interface has 48v phantom power, so you wont need a battery in the Countryman.