sceickhoff

Sounds to me this this is exactly what you're after (because you want to switch out amp/effects for overdubs): "FX send -> external looper-> FX return" This will ensure that any new overdubs will retain any new amp and effects (except the unmovable/global reverb block which is fixed post effects loop). Make sure that the FX Loop block is placed as far back to the end of the chain as possible. I have a Boss/Roland RC-2 looper and this is what I would use. How does that work for you? Let us know.

This is a great question. Really you can fill in the blank with any guitarist's rig... The answer is to research what equipment was used on the recording and dial it it as closely as possible with the Firehawk 1500. For example, on the Firehawk FX page there are videos of how to dial in specific songs. They researched what amps/effects were used and dialed it in as closely as possible. So, for Weezer's Blue, refer here: http://www.weezerpedia.com/wiki/index.php?title=Rivers_Cuomo%27s_equipment#1993_-_Blue So, for guitar use a Les Paul with P-90 pickups (those with a Variax can rejoice and dial it in). For amplification, start with a Mesa Boogie, coupled with a Marshall cabinet (experiment with mic settings). You'll need to experiment (especially if you are using a guitar other than a Les Paul with P-90's). So, in summary, research online the specific amps and effects the guitarist was using and dial in the closest match on the Firehawk 1500 as a starting point. Tweak further to get the sound you're after. P-90 reference: view-source:http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/names-some-songs-recorded-with-p90s.515250/

There is no need to disable the internal speakers. Simply connect the Firehawk 1500 XLR main out to the mixer and turn down the Master Volume to zero. The mixer will still receive the signal and the speakers will be silent. The Master Volume does not affect the XLR main out signal. The FBV 3 volume pedal or any other volume pedal will affect the XLR main out signal.

Regarding the aspects of volume, the answers are on the Firehawk Knowledgebase: http://line6.com/support/page/kb/_/effects-controllers/firehawk/different-firehawk-volume-controls-r736

For live tweak, look at the Firehawk FX manual. Essentially you can assign one parameter to be dynamically controlled via expression pedal or FX knob. For example you can use the expression pedal to control the mix parameter of a reverb. The manual explains how to select the parameter using the remote app. This information was omitted from the Firehawk 1500 manual. Agreed that the Firehawk 1500 manual is too light on detailed content.

I made a flowchart to understand how the looper works with an FBV 3 specifically - see attached. Having one button is not very practical for operating the looper. I was able to access most of its functions except for half speed playback and one time playback (mentioned in the MIDI section of the manual). At some point I'll connect my MIDI controller and try it that way; mapping each function to a different pedal.