Lotta_Gear
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Everything posted by Lotta_Gear
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Helix LT with mixer for extra I/O and newbie questions?
Lotta_Gear replied to FBlackburn's topic in Helix
I own the LT, and I also have a Behringer 8-channel mixer I bought earlier. For (home) studio work, I use the LT as my DAW interface (used to use the mixer), and I route the mixer into the FX returns on the LT. For live work, I route the LT’s 1/4†outs to the mixer, and the balanced outs from the mixer into my powered speakers. I can then also add one or more mic’s via the mixer, I can route the mixer’s FX sends to the LT’s returns and vice-versa. Lots of versatility. Lots of possibilities. You’ll hear lots of people telling you that the LT is “less than†and you’ll regret buying it. Hogwash. -
I have the LT, and I’m totally satisfied in every way. I don’t own a Variax, but I know that the LT will work with one the same as the “full†Helix. I already owned a Boss RC-300 loop station and a Behringer I-channel mixer, so those take care of any additional I/O requirements I have, both live and in the studio. I don’t miss the scribble strips at all, because the “performance†view does a great job of showing me which foot switch does what. I’ve also owned a “dream†rig (1965 Super Reverb), and the Helix LT more than replaces it.
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If you’re truly worried about the screen, Chad Boston sells a truly bulletproof solution, thick, clear polycarbonate (I think that’s what it’s made of). It looks like it’s at least 3/8†thick from what I’ve seen. Myself, I simply bought a screen protector for an iPad mini, cut it in half and put it on. My estimate of the chances of the screen being hit hard enough to break is low. If I get to where I’m touring a lot, I’ll get a strong case for it, because I think most of the risk is in transit. I truly wouldn’t worry about the ring lights. They’re LEDs, and not all that fragile. I also kind of expect the unit to eventually get some scratches and dings, that happens to working tools that are well-used. Not gonna worry unduly about it. I have a Boss L2 bag for it, and another one for my RC-300. Should provide enough protection for what I do. In my experience, the LT is plenty robust as long as you don’t throw it around or drop it from a height. I’ve had mine almost 6 months, and had zero problems.
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Sounds like it’s related to the setting that determines whether per-snapshot setting changes are Recalled or Discarded when moving to another snapshot. I could be wrong, I’m fairly new.
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Tap tempo bpm or ms to show up on scribble strip or home page
Lotta_Gear replied to petepodge's topic in Helix
What does the tap tempo scribble strip display? I have the LT, so this would be a feature the LT couldn’t share. With the full version, I think you can assign a stomp effect to that switch, right? Maybe that’s why it doesn’t display bpm... -
2 Topics - Multiple Pages of Stomps? & Midi Missfire
Lotta_Gear replied to innoremac's topic in Helix
I don’t have an answer, but I wanted to say that’s a very interesting scenario for midi control. I also have Onsong on an iPad, so I’ll be interested in any solutions you find, and I may want to pick your brain as well. I have a Boss RC-300 loop station I’m learning to control via midi (midi cable), and I just got a Boss DR-3 drum machine that can also be controlled via midi. Thinking I can either connect midi out from the RC-300 to the DR-3, or maybe use midi thru from the RC-300 to DR-3 and send the midi messages from the Helix. Maybe we can help each other figure things out. -
I use Cubase. It comes in various versions from inexpensive to more expensive. I started with Cubase Elements AI, which is less expensive (and lacks some of the more professional features, but is still full serviceable). I'm currently on Cubase Artist 9. More expensive, but still reasonable. As an interface, Helix integrates very well with it. Helix has a great ASIO driver that works great with Cubase. Connect your headphones to the Helix for zero-latency monitoring (the I/O with the DAW is via USB). I have the LT, so I have a small Behringer mixer for microphone inputs. You'll want to get some decent mics. I use Audio-Technica AT 2050 large diaphragm condenser mics for recording vocals or percussion.
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I bought the Boss Bag-L2, which goes for the same price, but it looks like it has a bigger side pocket. Helix LT fits perfectly. Very satisfied.
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had fun breaking this in last night at the gig! got it Thursday!
Lotta_Gear replied to glideman's topic in Helix
Sweet! -
Sorry to contradict, but the LT does have TWO FX loops, not one. The full Floor version has 4, but for me, the two on the LT are more than sufficient so far. It's really irritating to constantly see people say "Get the Floor, not the LT, you'll come to regret your decision..." Um, no. Not everyone needs or wants to pay the extra money (in Canada, it amounts to about $800) for options they won't use for years, if ever. I don't miss the scribble strips, the mic input or the extra FX loops. I have a mixer, and my Boss RC-300 has a mic input and FX loops. The LT is every bit as fantastic as the Floor or Rack, and it's exactly what I need.
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First of all... "her" last reply, if you please... I did remove the neck guide and accessory compartment, made the accessory compartment smaller, and added a new piece of foam under the crushed velvet so the LT and RC-300 would both fit snugly. Thing is, with both devices inside, the thing is VERY heavy. Rethinking...
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The LT has two FX loops (send/return) in addition to the 1/4" stereo outs AND XLR stereo outs. Plus 1/4" guitar in, Variax and digital I/O. For my money it has plenty of I/O, especially for live performances. Jammed with a bass player on the weekend, we both went through my LT. Totally separate signal paths. We each had our own amp/FX setup, and our own output. Worked great. My guitar into the Guitar In, his bass into Return 1.
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Nice!
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How to Record Guitar and Background Track At Same Time?
Lotta_Gear replied to chieftones's topic in Helix
LT makes a great audio interface. I use Cubase. I loaded the Helix ASIO driver, and Cubase picked it up right away. Easy-peasy. Monitor thru the LT. Zero latency. My Behringer mixer was a lot harder to set up. -
Had a great time today. Brought my LT to an open mic for the first time. Everyone was super impressed by it. The host said it sounded great, and let me perform several times for a total of about 2 hours, the last hour of which was basically a jam with several of the other performers. I got lots of compliments, and several folks said they'd want to jam with me. I finally had to leave because I hadn't even had supper yet (the thing started around 3:30, I didn't end up leaving until almost 7:30). Super stoked! Had my Epiphone Sheraton II Pro with me tonight. Great guitar, too!
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Simple looper question...sorry to bother you....
Lotta_Gear replied to themetallikid's topic in Helix
Haven't tried what you're doing specifically, but I use the looper quite a bit. When you're in the looper controls, let's say you've recorded a loop and you want to go somewhere else while letting the looper continue to play. Press the "Mode" switch to exit from the looper. It will continue to play. I think you could then hit the "home" button to show the editing screen and the looper should keep playing. -
I'm still a rank beginner in "the ways of the Helix," so I don't get overly fancy with tones at this point. I haven't had it very long, and am so far still in learning mode. So I spend most of my time in the very first factory preset (US Double NRM), because it mostly suits my style. Planning to step out to an open mic tonight with it for the first time. Been practicing songs like "Moondance," "Spooky," "Taking Care of Business," and "Monday Morning." The looper lets me record the guitar on a verse while I'm singing so I can do an instrumental lead later in the song. Making great use of that. My main guitars are an American Vintage 56 reissue Strat and an Epiphone Sheraton II Pro, but I have other guitars as well. I'd like to bring an extra guitar tuned to open G for some Stones songs, but in the context of an open mic night, that's probably not gonna happen. But I've recently met a bass player, so maybe I'll have a band at some point.
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FR: A tiny HELIX pedal like the AmplifireBox for open-mic and small gigs
Lotta_Gear replied to d0stenning's topic in Helix
Lol. I bought the Helix (within 5 days of first becoming aware of it) specifically BECAUSE I could bring it out to open mic nights and have fantastic tones as if I had a well-equipped wall of amps and several effects boards. Just plug into the same PA input I usually plug my guitar into, and wail away. I haven't done so yet, but I probably will this weekend. This thing can scale all the way from open mic to full band mix. I'd be surprised if something like what you're proposing could even be made. Compared to Helix, it'd have to be very limited. -
I tried the AV in-store and then ordered it through them. I wanted it in shell pink and maple neck. That's it in my profile pic.
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I have a MIM strat which is pretty good, but the same year I bought it, I also special-ordered an American Vintage '56 reissue. There is really no comparison. The pups on the AV are way hotter and sweeter, the feel of the guitar is amazing, and it is just superior in every way. Good thing, cuz it cost more than 3X the price of the MIM. I use them both, but for different things. I value them both, but the AV makes me weak in the knees...
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Conversion proceeding well. Block of foam installed as a divider under the crushed velvet lining. Got the compartment cut to size, it'll fit nicely, and provide more snugness for the RC-300, as well as space for power cords and patch cables. Unfortunately, the Key-9 is too high to allow the compartment to close, so I'll have to bring it in a separate bag or something. If I get more pedals, I'll think about getting a case for them. This case has no problems closing with the HX and RC-300 inside. Perfect for my current needs!!
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Whoa!! Those are seriously nice guitars!!
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I'm not planning to make it a pedal board, just a carrying case. No need to affix anything. I'm just going to put some dividers to keep things from shifting. I was previously using a gym bag to transport the RC-300, but it got scratched, so this will be better. If I ever get a gig I have to fly to, I'll invest in something a lot better.
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Nice idea! I've decided to try it also, since I have an old bass case lying around. Dragged it upstairs and checked it out for size... looks like it'll have enough room for my LT and my RC-300, along with a couple of other pedals (like the Key-9 in the picture) once I make a small mod to the accessory compartment (make it smaller)...
