cornerstonetom

Tweed based amps (as well as certain JM style and Dumble) tend to play better with humbuckers than Blackface amps. What's cool about Helix is that, for the most part, if you know what's going on in the real world of music production, you can emulate that with the Helix.

If you're talking about reverb for live performances, some venues have that on the board. Depending on the room, you may not (as previously mentioned) want to add reverb. If you're talking studio recording, a professional studio will have you covered. If it's home recording, then maybe the external loops will serve you well and you can plug in your 'verb of choice. I wanted the Helix to eliminate my need for my pedals... but some I just want to keep and some I just need. For live though... I really doubt the audience will know the difference... they just want to hear music. Unless you are in a sterile, controlled listening environment... just sayin'

Here's another thread that might apply: What effects pedals are you still keeping?Started by cornerstonetom, Nov 07 2015 09:48 AM outboard geareffects pedals analog pedals pedal boards pedalboard

When you say, "tame the hollowbody" are you talking about feedback? Or, are you talking about different frequencies being accentuated? If it's feedback, typically the frequency to attenuate could be within the range 125 Hz up to 250 Hz. It's often referred to as a "notch" filter. If it's certain frequencies, it could be related to either pole piece heights on the pickups or the body of the guitar itself. If it's related to the body, you could try running your guitar through an EQ (either an external pedal or internal to the Helix) before anything else in the chain. Strum each string individually and see if you have an even frequency response across the strings. And then there's the type of cable and its length which could have an impact, but that is not likely an issue here. I hope this helps. You'll need to play around with a few things as it could be a combination of factors of feedback and hot frequencies.. Best of luck. Tom

Precisely! +1

Reinstall worked. Thanks for your reply.

I did. I'll do the uninstall/reinstall thing. Thanks for getting back to me. I'll let you know what happens.

I'm stuck. Since my computer won't recognize the Helix, I can't do the 2.0 FW update. Any suggestions on how to get this digital mess sorted out? Thanks

It's really subtle. The difference between the two ODs is very slight and the delay is only a few to 30 milliseconds or so... "season to taste." You just need to play around with the delay and the differences between the two ODs. You really just want to fatten the sound... Just draw things out a bit. It will also boost the sustain and make things tend to sound more "violinish" just like Santana! :)

I use Carlos Santana's trick, two ODs or distortions with a delay in between. The first OD is really there just to add a little grit and tone. The delay (very slight) thickens the sound and the second delay is where the tone, sustain and EQ happen. The other question to ask is which TS808 are you using for a point of reference? These boxes have changed over the years.

Having a "Plan B," while theoretically unnecessary, is always wise.

When nothing is plugged in and it's just you and your guitar, what does your ear hear?

Ummm... what I said was that I'm able to get what I need. Just because I'm able to do that doesn't mean that you're getting the things out of Helix that you need. I also said that Helix will be receiving more upgrades. I don't see how that implies any level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. It is what it is. I think you're overthinking this.

The best way to avoid "overwhelm" and to avoid having to "reinvent the wheel" is to look at the way amps and cabs are recorded in the real world, both live and studio environments. Look up recording "tips and tricks" and that should get you well on your way. While equipment selection and basic recording fundamentals are important, play around and find what sounds best to you. Remember, the same setup with two different players can sound completely different. As to mic selection, there are basic guidelines. Different mics are used to enhance certain frequencies. Also, from a physical recording standpoint, it's not a good idea to use a high end condenser mic inside a kick drum. It won't end well! A lot of general recording is accomplished by surprisingly few mics, mostly of the dynamic type. Being able to use EQ well is also important. Just read up on some basic recording set ups and you'll accomplish a lot in a short time.

Hmmm... Need vs. Want Third Party IRs... No one device will be perfect, in part due to intellectual property laws, so no one manufacturer can just copy and paste the best aspects of other companies' products into their own. It would be nice if licensing agreements could be in place to allow this. Personally, I can extrapolate what I need with what the Helix has to offer. And I know, "More will be revealed." That doesn't mean you should be satisfied, however. I'll just go stand in front of my microwave and shout, "Hurry up!" :)))