agentprinting

The rack doesn't come with the floor control (foot pedals), it's an extra $400. I have the rack and used it about a week without the floor controller and it's very doable, but it's a better experience with it. Also, I was in your shoes a few weeks ago. Had the Eleven Rack and wasn't sure about the Helix. I gambled on it and I love it. It's so much better than the 11R.

That's correct on the preamp (each mic has it's own channel and then running into return 1 & 2) I ended up assigning the return block to the foot controller so I can switch off the mics quickly too. Working great so far and I can effects into the chain if I want. Would most likely do that in the DAW, but the options are great.

I do have a USB interface, but my goal is try to use the Helix for everything. In the end, I may just use the interface, but I want to try to use the Helix to it's max capabilities (plus I got the rack version so I could use it as an interface more easily than the floor model)

Using the Helix as my recording interface, I'm recording acoustic through 2 condenser mics. I run the mics through a preamp and then the run 1/4" out of the preamp into the Returns (1 & 2) of the Helix. I then created a patch that just has a single block with the returns. Does this sound like the best way to do this?

I'm new to the Helix and this forum, but in my short time with it, I would have to say I would like: 1) A solid Frusciante patch. I don't think this is too hard to get to, I just haven't put the time in yet. 2) An ultra clean & jangly Johnny Marr tone 3) More ambient and melodic tones. 4) Acoustic patches (with various IRs)

Well, Santa came early in his Fedex Truck and I'm the proud owner of a Helix Rack. I have to say, it exceeds my expectations. So clean and brilliant sounding. The effects absolutely blow the gt-100 out of the water and the amp models are leaps and bounds better than the 11r. As for using it as a full on USB recording interface, I'm not sure. I get such a great sound recording the acoustic through the Clarett (using the "Air" function) I think I'm keeping the Clarett as my main interface for ins and outs for everything else and will record the Helix direct via USB. If you're reading this and on the fence about the Helix, just buy it!

Just bought the Rack version and it will be here Saturday. I'll update with my findings incase anyone is curious and in a similar situation!

It was my understanding that the return/sends can also be used as recording inputs. So, in my case, I will use the guitar input for recording electric guitar and bass. But I would like to record acoustic also, and I like to use a 2 mic setup. I run those through a preamp and then I run the 2 lines into my interface. I set levels at the preamp, but I usually have control at the interface too. So that what I was referring to, if the Helix has trim control on those other inputs (send return) If not, I can work around it.

Thanks for the responses, I'm pretty much sold! One more question... When using the Helix as your interface, how do you set input levels (I'm referring the aux inputs)?

Hi, first timer here. I'm on the fence on the Helix, so I'm hoping some of you can give me some advice. My current setup is an Eleven Rack with a GT-100 in the effects loop running into a Focusrite Clarrett. I recently bought both the Clarrett and GT-100 and can return both. My thought is I can simplify my recording rig by just using the Helix. So my questions are: 1) Are you guys having success recording direct with the Helix? I have tried with the Eleven Rack and it worked fine, but I liked using an interface better. 2) I still have a Scarlett 6i6 and was thinking I could record direct-in with the helix and monitor with the Scarlett via the DAW. 3) Can anyone give me an opinion of the Helix vs Eleven Rack regarding the Amp modeling? I do clean Ambient stuff and a little harder alternative style (and a little Hendrix, blues, etc for fun) 4) Last question - Actual effects on Helix compared to GT-100? It sounds like the Helix wins here, but it's hard to tell on youtube sometimes. Thanks in advance for the help. I think I'm sold on the Helix, but I just don't want to hassle with yet another return, and figured some of you guys would have had similar choices/questions.