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I would think the first block would be the Loop L and then everything AFTER that would be sent to the preamp. But I'm gathering I'm completely wrong and opposite. So the correct answer is everything to the left side of the FX Loop L block gets routed to the amps preamp? And if that's correct then I would make Block 1 have the compressor, Block 2 would have the Boost and Block 3 would have the "pre amp" model if I wanted to place the pre amp model into the Mesa Preamp. Block 4 would have the FX Loop L. I'll bet by now you think I'm an idiot!! LOL.

Believe or not this is amazing!! And yes you are correct, the Mesa amp gain knob does nothing at all with an empty preset. So, then I did this.... Block 1: FX Loop L Now that enabled my Mesa to control the gain and channel control (Clean, Crunch and Blues, Burn). Without the FX Loop L, the amp is 100% clean power amp. Cool....now what!! So if I want to build a signal chain that includes a Compressor and Boost into my Mesa preamp, Block 1 would be the FX Loop L, Block 2 and 3 would be compressor and Boost. Then, if I want an amp model to feed the Mesa preamp (for whatever reason), I would then select a "preamp" model and drop that in on Block 4. So far so good??? Now I want to add a modulation, Delay and reverb all AFTER the preamp. So Block 5 needs to be FX Loop R. This leaves Block 6, 7 and 8 for that stuff, plus I have my physical pedals to use as well because they are in the RING right side of the loop and returned to the Right Return. How is this going?? But wait, if I wanted to put a Marshall amp model into the power section of my amp (not the preamp section), I would place an "amp model" right after the FX Loop R block? Is that correct?

Can we breakdown the signal chain in the Stomp? There should be two choices: signal into the preamp section and signal into the power amp section. Right? Using the 4CM, we have that control....I think. Ok. So when you start with an empty signal chain in the Helix, the tone you hear is your amplifier's preamp feeding the power amp. Basically as if the Helix was not being used. Next, as you add blocks into that signal chain, they will all be directed to the front of the amp and into the amp's preamp section. Is that correct? So Block 1, Compressor and Block 2, Boost are feeding the preamp. I'm not even sure this is correct, so let me stop here before I go on.

zappazapper, Ok I'll keep it out of the box for now....thanks to you! In reading your response, maybe I STILL don't get it.... I wrote this: But you said that I have my chorus and delay BEFORE the amp.... I do? Block 1: compressor Block 2: boost Block 3: FX Loop R Block 4: Marshall amp model Block 5: Modulation Block 6: Delay Block 7: Reverb

Ok now we're getting somewhere!!!! Can we drill in a bit? My SEND coming out of the Stomp has the insert cable. The TIP is the Left side and that connects to the Amp Input. The RING side heads off the my chorus and delay pedal and back into the Stomps Return R. So if I want to use a Marshall amp model, I would think this should NOT be run into the front of the Mesa. So in this case, should my signal chain look like this??: Stomp Input, compressor model, boost model, FX Loop R, Marshall amp model, modulation, delay, reverb. In this case, my physical chorus and delay pedals would be optional without using a block (2 in my case). Is this correct? Now if instead I want to run a Fender amp model into my Mesa preamp (just because I'm crazy), I would create a FX Loop L block, then the Fender "preamp" model, THEN, a FX Loop R block to get all my other stuff going (modulation, delay, reverb). Is this the way to do it? I hope so....if not I'm going to put this back in the box!!! Thank you again and again!!!

zappazapper, This is totally interesting and you're right, I was not thinking about what the 4CM is. So thank you for explaining this. Can you describe how I should set up a signal chain then? Seems to me, my SEND L block is all wrong. It seems to me that I should be utilizing a FX Loop instead with one being an FX Loop L and a FX Loop Right. But I'm not exactly sure how to do this in practical application....not anymore at least.... Thank you so much for education me on the stuff!

zappazapper, ok you are totally right. I think I'm getting great sounds by accident. So let me clarify my desired use case. I would like in some situations to use my Mesa and in other situations use a Vox or a Marshall tone. I think the way to do that is by placing the amp model into the Mesa's effects loop. The manual indicated that using "pre amp" models work better when using the 4CM but that would seem to me you would be running the "pre amp" model into the Mesa's pre amp. Anyway, how would you structure my signal chain? Huge thanks for helping me out!

Ok guys, I think you fixed me!!! Even though you were saying different things, I believe you were both thinking my Stomp software (signal chain) was the problem. Before buying the Stomp, I've read that when using the 4CM that the amp models should be placed into the power section of the amp. Makes sense...but to do that, I my signal chain looked like this: compressor, boost, SEND L, Line 6 preamp model, modulation, delay, FX Loop R (for my chorus and delay pedal). Here's what seems correct: Compressor, boost, Line 6 preamp amp model, SEND L, modulation, delay, FC Loop R. Now my Revalal Drive and TC Spark sound perfect!!! I think this is all good now. But this has shown a new problem. So far I'm finding the amp models so good I don't need the Revival Drive or TC Spark. I just need to find the right amp model!!!!! I can see keeping the chorus and delay pedal because it can free up DSP, but I'm not running into too much of that problem so far. This thing is crazy good!!!

Yes. That is correct.

So here's the setup. Rd2rk was nice enough to make add the additional cable connections for me. That came from the forum post here: Stomp XL with H9 and 4CM hookup I agree with you in that it seems I'm sending to the front of my amp a signal that is not correct AND it's pretty much exactly as I'm hearing it too...not correct. But I do have it connected this way.

Hi all. New to the Helix. I've got a Stomp XL and I'm using the 4CM plus an insert cable to add additional pedals into the loop. Everything works...sorta. I have two overdrive pedals that follow my guitar. So guitar>Revival Drive>TC Spark>into the Stomp L/Mono input. The other pedals I have in the effects loop sound perfect. But the Revival Drive and TV Spark sound terrible. Actually, they sound like drive pedals, well, in an effects loop!! They don't sound like they are feeding the amps preamp section. Also, their controls are not quite right for instance the pedal volume, while it works it seems to have 1/4 of it's normal output. What's going on here and can this be fixed? Do I have my setup wrong? I have it set up just like the manual says for 4CM with the addition of the insert cable. My TIP goes to the Amp instrument input and the RING goes to my physical delay pedal and chorus pedal and that then goes into the Right Return. The insert cable it plugged into the Send on the Stomp. Thoughts?

Hi.You have about 11 different questions in 5 sub parts and it's a bit difficult to follow. But I can say this....your end game is pretty similar to what I was trying to do. Yes, you can have HX effects along with your physical pedals before the preamp of your real amp. Yes you can also have a physical reverb pedal before other effects in your loop. It gets a bit complicated though....well not complicated but it's a more involved setup. Search for this forum, "Stomp XL with H9 and 4CM hookup". In there you will see a diagram that shows you how to do it. You'll need an additional insert cable (y). Then, within your signal chain you will need to add a RETURN block that returns your reverb back into the Stomp. I have done this, except I stuck a Madusa chorus pedal back in. It works, but it's noisy. I haven't played with it enough yet, but the chorus digital pedals are so good in Helix, IDK....I may just dump the entire physical pedal idea.anyway, for the most part you can do what you want to do. If you can be more specific with one or two items you're trying to do, it will help the people here that are far more smart than me!!! good luck.

UPDATE: Holy lollipop, the Helix sounds good!!! The Stomp arrived and I hooked it all up exactly as depicted and on the first try, no glitches!!!! Now I just have to fiddle around with it for a while. One thing I am noticing is a far bit of noise and when adding a noise gate, it had very little impact. The M9 (in the effects loop) completely killed off noise. When I remove the Insert Cable and my physical pedals that are in the loop, the noise goes away. But back to the Helix..... holy crap, it really sounds good. I find the amp models placed in the power amp sound excellent. Idk...I'll stop rambling about stuff you already know.

Ok very good. That's helpful. I love the idea of the noise gate. I find that my pedal seem to fluctuate with noise. Some days are noisier than others. My M9 handles it just fine, but I expect to need a noise gate with the Stomp. It's shipped!! Yippee!

Ok so here's something else I'm curious about. Maybe you can explain. With respect to where to place the external overdrive pedals, the manual indicates that they can be placed between the guitar and Helix. But I'm curious about this... Can they equally be placed AFTER the Helix and before the Guitar input? So the cable that comes out of the SEND that goes into the Guitar Input on the amp, can those pedals be placed on that line? The reason I ask is noise. I'm wondering if that an option to deal with noise. Thanks for the feedback!

Yes this is very clear. Got it. So few things...I've got the Stomp XL on order. It's being shipped. I've got the Insert cable coming as well, so in a week or so I'll set this all up and see. But...here's the question. Using the map above, do you need to create signal chains that split the path so that the sounds that are before the amp are, let's say panned full RIGHT and sounds that are in the loop are panned full LEFT? In other words, how do you tell the Stomp how to coordinate the show of sounds? The cable method I documented above, it from a YouTube video description, but it is accompanied with a software setup process to make it all work. Does the diagram you provided also need a software process to make it all work? Looking forward to tinkering!!

This is perfectly clear. Thank you so much!! But, I'm curious....the connections I wrote above in the thread, are they also correct? I'm finding there is more than one way to do it. Is that right?

Hold on...let's reset. Is this correct? In order to utilize the 4CM PLUS additional pedals placed in front of AND in the amps effects loop, you will need 5 cables and a Stereo-to-dual-mono Insert cable. Also, it requires that you make adjustments in the Stomp signal chain to move all effects loop pedal effects (Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Synth) be panned full RIGHT and everything else is panned full LEFT (as set up below). Cable #1: Guitar connects to your Overdrive pedals (anything you want in front of the amp). The last pedal then connects into the HX Stomp INPUT L/Mono. Cable #2: HX Stomp OUTPUT L/Mono then connects to your Amp instrument input. Stereo Insert Cable: the Stereo side plugs into the HX Stomp SEND Stereo. Cable #3: Stereo Insert Cable TIP connects to the external effects pedals (Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Synth). The last pedal then connects to HX Stomp RETURN L/Mono. Cable #4: Stereo Insert Cable RING connects to the Amp's Effects Loop Return. Cable #5: HX Stomp RETURN Right connects to the Amp's Effects Loop Send Is this correct? Please correct this if I'm wrong.

I'm still a bit lost....I've been reading posts all over the place and it's still confusing. Rd2rk is a separate post answered essentially the same question. The OP wrote that he wanted an OD pedal in front of the amp and a delay and reverb pedal in the amp effects loop. With that, rd2rk wrote this.... Guitar>OD Pedal>HXStomp L/Mono In>HXS FX>HXS Amp (no cab)>HXS FX Loop L Block>HX FX Send L (TIP)>Outboard FX>Laney Amp Input>Laney FX Send > Outboard FX>HXS L/Mono Return>HXS FX>HXS FX Loop R Block>HX FX Loop R (RING)>Outboard FX>HXS Right Return>HXS 1/4" L/Mono Out>Outboard FX>Laney FX Return. Is this still correct and if so, can you ease add punctuation. LOL...I can't follow it. Starting with my guitar I will connect my cable into a Revival Drive OD pedal, then into a TV Spark Booster then from there into the HXStomp XL. So Guitar>Revival>Boost>HXStomp L Mono In. Now what? I need to add my Medusa Chorus pedal and my Delay pedal to the loop. I understand I will need an Insert cable. But I don't understand how to do this. If possible, can you describe this I. More detail? I will then draw it up and post the diagram and then you can reference the diagram because I see you answer this question a lot!

Hey rd2rk, I just ordered a Stomp XL, but I chickened out on getting the H9 (for now). Instead, it would be cool to just run a few of my other pedals that I like into the loop, just as the H9 would. I have a Medusa chorus/tremolo, a delay pedal and a EQ pedal. Would it work the exact same way you described? If I understand correctly, the second link you provided makes the most sense for me. The male end plugs into the Stomp and one of the famale plug creates the pedal loop and the other female connects to my Amp effects loop. I would need two of these adapters (one for the send and one for the receive). Do I have that right?

Ok this is super helpful. Thank you so much. I really didn't think it was doable and I've been considering the Helix LT to make it easier, but I really want to use my pedals and pedals PLUS and LT is A LOT of floor realestate!!!! The Stomp XL fits nice.... Thank you.

Oh wow!! Ok ideally what I'd like to do is run two different drive pedals into the Stomp that will then connect to the amp using the 4CM. Plus add an H9 into the effects loop so in this case I'd have some tones that could be routed into the front-of-amp and other tones into the loop. It sounds like this is possible then!!

Can anyone explain how (if it's possible) you would hook up an Eventide H9 into the effects loop of the Stomp XL and the Stomp XL hooked up to an amp using the 4CM. Can this be done? Are there other ways of doing this? My amp only has one effects loop. Thx!

Hi all, This is what I'd like to do....tell me if I can and how to do it. I have a Mesa Boogie and I'd like to send the "front of amp tones" (Wah, compressor, EQ, distortion) to the Mesa and the modulation, delay and reverb to the Mesa effects loop. So right now we're talking straight up 4CM. Ok next, I'd like to send a different amp tone (amp model) to the Powercab along with the other tones like distortion, modulation, delay.... Can the Stomp do that? To further complicate things, I'd also like to plug a second guitar into the Stomp or use my dual outputs on my guitar (humbuckers/peizo). Can that be done? How would everything get hooked up? Thanks!