Rezonator

You know, it's funny, I suppose I'd never really though of it that way but in reading your comment I decided to find out if I could do this with my Quartet, and I can... So I suppose that solves that problem! As far as the ramping goes, I guess I'll just have to play with it a bit. One thing I don't quite understand with your setup, is how are you recording the dry signal initially?

Yeah, i've messed with it a bit, just wasn't sure how well it holds up. Interesting, that's a good point. Although, for some reason I also like the idea of going XLRs out of my Helix directly into my speakers for practicing. Something about that idea of not having to have my computer on, or a DAW up to play is appealing. Maybe I'm being irrational. I'll have to try this, I just need to wrap my head around the whole reamping process...

Hey Everyone, So I have a workflow/signal chain question for you all. To start, here's my setup AI: Apogee Quartet Speakers: Yamaha HS8's with Sub DAW: Logic Pro X My question to you, is how should I go about routing? For recording, Should I go directly from the Helix into my DAW via USB, or should I go XLRs out of my Helix, into my Apogee Quartet, and Apogee Quartet into my DAW via USB? Then for standard practicing, should I do one of the above, or go directly from my Helix into my Yamaha HS8s via XLR or 1/4 inch? The problem with using my Helix via USB is that I have multiple microphones going into my Quartet, and having to switch active audio interfaces back and fourth while recording is a hassle. I suppose I could always use Apple's "Aggregate Audio Device" function, but am not confident in its usability. I'd love to figure out a way to make this work as I'd like to be able to use Helix's ramping function. Also, in everything that I've mentioned, do you see a need for me to be using a word clock cable? Thanks,

Got it, makes sense. Thanks man!

Okay cool, that puts my mind at easy. Any suggestions regarding running both outputs on my guitar into the rack?

So I'd like to start off by saying thank you to everyone who has submitted some suggestions. I can honestly say that each one of them had a hand in helping me sculpt my tone. I'm happy to stay that it's starting to come around. I suppose I was originally upset because my tone, followed exactly as it was in that video I posted, didn't sound anywhere near it. However, I know there's a lot of factors that go into it from the guitar to the pickups, etc. Here's what I initially did which has made all the difference so far: I made the global EQ adjustments per vmoncebaiz's suggestion, that made a huge difference. In addition, I switched the input on my Apogee to -10 dBv rather than mic, as I believe the mic preamp was coloring the tone a bit. Plus, now I don't have to worry about feathering the gain on my AI in addition to the Helix. Lastly, i've begun playing with the mic's and positions a bit, and have found that to make a huge difference (for my setup, it seems the 121 plays nicer than the rest, which is not surprising as i've always like the sound of a ribbon mic). No, two questions for you guys: 1st - I've been wanting to do this, but what's the best way to go about it. Using an input on the rear of the rack? 2nd - For those of you who have the rack, 4 seconds a normal lag time from when I hit the on switch to when the screen on the rack lights up? Thanks!

In all honesty, I'm not really looking for a super heavy tone. I'd be perfectly content with a smooth bluesy lead and some crisp cleans. In regards to the VSTs, I know what you mean. I don't really play live like I used to, but I definitely didn't want the hassle of lugging my laptop and all of the other gear around. Good points though, I'm only a few days in so I'll give it more time until I make a decision. Awesome, I'll definitely give them a try. I suppose I'm curious as to whether there's any magic switches i've yet to turn on that make all of the difference in the world. Any setup suggestions? Thanks everyone,

I really wanted to love the helix. I'm not new to the world of Line 6. I had an original Variax, Kidney bean, and my fair share of spider amps. As much fun as the effects and experiencing the progress of modeling was, I always found myself gravitating back to my traditional tube amps. As time passed though, I transitioned into the world of acoustics. As such, over the years I've sold off all of my traditional amps. I found myself recording primarily acoustic renditions of songs, and using DAW plugins (S-Gear 2, GTR5, etc) when recording electrics was necessary. However, I've had my eye on a new age amp modeler since the original Axe Fx came out, but never pulled the trigger on one. Years have gone by since then, and I've watched countless Axe Fx 2 and KPA videos, coming ever so close to pulling the trigger on one. Then the Helix came out. Granted, I just found out about it a couple of weeks ago, and since then have crammed more demo videos into my head than I probably should. But it was exciting. I decided the time had come to jump back into the modeling world, so I pulled the trigger on a Helix Rack, spent the money to next day it, and waiting anxiously for it to arrive. The reason why I'm giving you this backstory, is because I want you to understand that I've been in the music world for quite a while, and know my way around customizing tones. However, to save my life, I can't squeeze a good lead tone out of this box. Let me give you a run down on my setup: I'm using my PRS P22 going into the Helix, helix XLR out into my Apogee Quartet, Apogee Quartet into my computer via USB and into Logix Pro X, then output from my Quartet into my Yamaha HS8s with matching HS8 sub. It's worth noting that I've also tried going directly into my DAW via Helix USB, and it doesn't really make a difference. As far as my Helix settings go, Guitar pad is off, impedance set to auto, and no global eq. I've tried just about all of the different amps with cabs, even through in a few OH impulses, and the best way I can describe the lead sounds are digital. Especially in the high register, they have what I can only describe as the classic line 6 digital sizzle/fizz. Very thin. For comparison, I threw on a standard cali rectifier, no adjustments and it sounded weak. But when I listen to the following, I'm blown away: I know he's most likely rocking some active pickups, but it still shouldn't make THAT big of a difference. I almost wonder if I have a defective unit. If it's worth anything, when I turn the power switch on it takes about 3-4 seconds until the screen lights up. Is that normal? I would love some suggestions. I really want to make this box work, but so far I'm better off sticking with S-Gear 2 for the times I need to record.