fenderbenderlax

22 minutes ago, kraftybob said:

Very true.  I have the G12M-65 Creamback in mine and with that the amp is 58 lbs.  Marshall doesn't make the DSL15 anymore, but the 5w and 20w both have effects loops.

@kraftybob of yes you are correct...DSL20 was what I had in mind...for the weight...I loved the tones from the DSL 40 but the weight is putting me off...how is your experience with the helix in the loop of the 40? 

Ah..the newer versions of the DSL15's have an effects loop...the DSL 40's sound awesome but they are kind of heavy to lug around...if you are running it front of the amp only, then I guess your only option would be to use the clean channel and then set it up in a typical pedalboard framework..

Couple of options here...but I think the best way to set this up would be through the 4CM method...Guitar to Helix Guitar in, FX loop Send to Amp input, Amp FX loop send to Helix Loop return, 1/4 inch out to amp FX return....This will allow you to use your preamp from the Marshall and use the helix purely for effects..alternatively, you could simply use the power amp of the Marshall if you don't need the preamps by plugging in the helix out to the return of the FX loop in the Marshall. In the end it will depend on what you need. note that you probably don't want to enable your cab models when using your amp. 

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to get a stereo setup going using my tube amp and the inbuilt amp sim with IR. My tube amp is set up using the 4CM method through FX Loop 1. The routing is as follows 

Main Path:    Guitar In --> OD -->  Split Y -->   FX Loop 1(mono).  -->    Merge (A panned Hard Left, B panned Hard Right)   --> Stereo Delay --> 1/4 inch out

Parallel Path:                                                      Amp Block --> IR    

My outputs from the 1/4 outs are routed as follows. The left/mono goes into the return of my amp and the right output goes into a powered frfr. 

However, the problem is that the stereo ping pong that I used did not bounce around as one would expect. Second, the sound from my amp is now heavily colored due to the mix of the signals from the amp sim as well I guess. Specifically, when I disable the amp block and IR, I get the sound of my amp. When I enable the amp block and IR, the sound is kind of terrible. 

I'm pretty sure that I'm doing something wrong here. Any help? Is this set up even feasible? the best results I had was when I split them into two separate paths with one path going out through the 1/4 inch and the other path through XLR. This worked great but I was not sure how to get the stereo delays and reverbs into play. 

Thanks in advance!!!

Hi All,

Interesting discussion here. I'm on the fence as well with the 212 vs. 112 choice. My current set up is 

Tube amp --> 1X12 V30 cab (Mic on stage through one channel of the board)

Helix amp model --> FOH (occupies a second channel on the board) 

I really don't monitor my Helix amp model and the primarily am able to listen to my cabinet as well as the full band mix through the monitor. 

I have been wondering about switching from a 1X12 to a stereo cabinet which will allow me to use both the helix and the tube amp together and hence I'm better able to monitor the mix. 

So given this I'm wondering what would be the best set up. Any advice would be helpful. The options I'm considering are

a) Cabinet and a 1X12 PC /PC plus . Cabinet runs the Tube and the PC is used for the helix

b) Ditch the cabinet and get a 212 PC +. Run the tube into my load box and the dry line out into input 1 of the PC 212. Run the Helix into input 2 of the of the PC+

c) I'm also considering whether it might be worth it to get a second cabinet/head or a combo. The idea would be that I could either use it to run the Helix into the effects return and monitor it through that or I could use it as a stand alone amp depending on what I might need. 

Given this, I guess there are various aspects to consider. IF the price of the 212 was lower, I think I would have gone for it without thinking too much. But given the really high price point, I wonder if the 212 does give any added advantage (other than just having to carry one cabinet in a live gigging situation).

Thanks folks!!!

19 hours ago, HonestOpinion said:

 

You mention you are engaging your "solo preset", not snapshot. I prefer snapshots for this sort of thing so that is probably the first thing I would try. Find a preset you like and set up the snapshot for the lead the way you want.

 

If you prefer to use a separate preset for soloing that's fine too. If I had to guess I would say there is something in your solo preset that is different from the one you are switching from (other than the fact the wah and delay are not on). There is no inherent reason the sound should get thin when you engage a wah and/or delay. I would copy a preset you like over as a template for your 'solo' preset and then add the wah and delay. Check the Mix parameter in particular on your delay if it does not sound the way you want. How are you routing the delay via a parallel path or inline? Where is your wah block located in your signal path? It is often the first or one of the first blocks. Try moving it around. Bypass the wah and delay one at a time on your solo preset and see if the thin tone and volume loss goes away. Does the wah sound thin in all expression pedal positions? You might want to try experimenting with a different wah to see if there is one you like better.

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply...my bad but I'm using snapshots and not presets...my main snapshot is my rhythm tone and the lead tone just turns on the wah and delay....

The wah is my first pedal coming in and the delay is towards the end just before the reverb...I'm not using the delay in parallel...I did try out a couple of different wahs and somehow the volume just drowns in the mix...one solution I came up with was boosting about 7db in the output block...then it does stand out a bit...I have not tried the different pedal positions and how it sounds...will do that next...

5 hours ago, Peter said:

 

You can only use each loop block once. I think the only way is to use a merge/mixer block for the inputs and to use one path. Then you can mute(set the level to -max db) the input in the mixer settings via footswitch/snapshot, you don't need.

...I have no other idea at the moment.

Interesting idea...I will try that..I guess what you are suggesting is to start with path 1a) magnetic and path 1b) modeled pull path 1b into the main line and run the FX loop after...I will try that and report back...thanks guys

5 hours ago, phil_m said:

No, there is no way to do this. Think about it like this - you have a mono effect in a mono effects loops. Even if there was a way to use the same block in multiple paths, it would mess your signal routing up because you'd be summing the input from both paths and the signal going back into the Helix's effect return would be a blended signal of the magnetic pickups and modeling.

thanks Phil...makes complete sense...I guess I will have to use a modeled  distortion then for one of the paths...

HI Folks,

I'm plugging in a distortion pedal into FXloop 3 of the helix. I'm running two parallel paths with one path using the Variax magnetics and the other using the Variax modeled sounds and would like to place this distortion block in both paths. However, I'm only able to place the loop in one of the two paths. Is there a workaround for this? 

Thanks

HI All,

I noticed at practice last week that when I engage my solo preset (which engages a way  and a delay), the sound thins out considerably and the solo is lost in the mix. I tried to compensate with a 6 db gain boost at the end of the chain but it did not make any difference. If I disengage the wah then the solo is cutting through the mix. Is there something on the Wah controls that I'm messing up? I usually use the Fassel wah in the default settings. 

Thanks

1 hour ago, arkieboy said:

I'll probably go with the TriplePlay then.  Thanks for the feedback!

Good choice!! You should be pretty happy with it...

14 hours ago, amsdenj said:

I think yes to both questions. But check the impedance and output level of your load box to be sure it matches powercab input.

 

I've never used a Headrush FRFR but have lots of experience with JBL EON610s - I used two for a couple of years with Helix. PowerCab is a bit improvement as its designed for guitar, no PA vocals. PA speakers disperse differently and the JBLs were somewhat scooped in the mids, not a good thing for guitar.

Thanks amsdenj...I'm still contemplating the Powercab (it is just so expensive) :-)...

I use a voodoo labs control switcher to switch channels on my amp...it is quite effective and gets the job done...you can control aspects of your amp through midi (the switcher has four jacks for relay signals)..

Hi All,

I'm toying with the idea of getting a Powercab to go along with my helix. At present I'm running a pseudo two amp rig using a Tube amp into a traditional guitar cabinet and the helix modeled amp into a Headrush FRFR. It works fine although I'm not particularly pleased with the sounds from the Headrush. I was thinking of getting the Powercab 112 plus. I have a couple of questions though

a) Can I connect my Tube amp into the Powercab using a load box. Specifically Amp out --> Captor Load box --> Line out (dry) from the captor into the Powercab for use with some of the speaker sims? 

b) Would the Powercab be a significant upgrade from the Headrush if I were to use it alone with the Helix (especially given the difference in headroom).

Thanks

31 minutes ago, DamienGadonna said:

Thanks !

On this senario I Believe I have to skip the idea of puting a compressor before my pedals (cause i wanted to patch them into one loop. So one loop for the 4cm and the other for the pedals in order to insert them wherever I want in the path)

No sure why you would need that...if you are using an independent compressor pedal...you would do Guitar --> compressor --> HX FX guitar in. This would then mean that the compressor is applied to both paths...alternatively, if you are using the modeled compressors within the HX you would need to use a separate block...

Actually there might be a simpler approach which should work even with one path...again I can do this in the Helix...I'm assuming this is possible with the HX as well...

Path 1: Guitar in --> compressor --> drive --> gain block -->Modulation --> fx loop --> Delay ---> Reverb --> 1/4 inch out

Now the gain block is just there for you to pull a separate path...if you drag the gain block down you will now be able to create separate path...put your IR in there and then delete the gain block ...output the to send 2...

you will not need to duplicate any of the effects that you place before the FX loop in this case in the separate path...

How about this

Create two separate paths on the HX with one dedicated to each path.

Your cabling can be as follows

Amp 1 - (the one you want to use the FX loop on)

Cabling: Guitar in --> HX guitar input --> HX FX Send 1 --> Amp1 Guitar in --> Amp1 FX Loop Send --> HX FX Return 1--> HX Left Out --> Amp1 FX Return

Path 1 in HX FX : Input guitar --> add pre FX loop effects -> FX loop 1 block --> Post loop effects --> Output to 1/4 inch

Amp 2 - (Dry amp)

Cabling: HX FX Loop Send 2 --> Amp2 Guitar in

Path 2 in HX FX : Input Guitar --> drive pedals on HX --> Output to Send 2 on 

6 hours ago, DamienGadonna said:

Thanks

I don't wanna use any "physical" cabinet.

The torpedo captor has only one speaker simulation (based on a V30 cabinet I think)

How could I use some other cab simulation without buying another piece of gear ?

Is there a way to go back in the HX after the captor in order to use an IR ?

I don't own a HX effects unit but I believe it supports Cabinet IR's (I might be totally wrong here)...but if it does then what you could do is send the line out from the Captor into a separate return and run it through a separate path...so basically this is what you would need to do

Assuming the 4 CM method is used

Step 1: Path 1 --> Dedicated for all effects pre and post loop as described by rd2k above

Step 2: Run the line out from the Captor into a second return (I believe the HX FX has two FX loops) 

Step 3: Path 2 on HX FX --> input from Return 2 --> CAB IR --> Output to FOH.

Hopefully this should work...

Nope...u can assign the parameter to an expression pedal but no need for a block...

1 minute ago, rsvette12 said:

I use tuner to drop then to guitar in into back of Helix Lt - but you can go to drop first then into helix guitar in - also one push of drop button gets you to a 1/2 step down tuning - in my case thats all I use it for :) have fun with it - not cheap but worth it 

thanks man...We use four different tunings...plus I have some whammy applications as well 

1 hour ago, rd2rk said:

 

The Snapshot you're in when you assign the Instant Command is the Snapshot that the Instant command is assigned to.

Check your Global settings. If you have Preferences, Snapshot Edits set to Recall, then you can set all the Snapshots at once and just SAVE the Preset once when you're done. If it's set to Discard then you'll lose the settings when you change Snapshots unless you SAVE each Snapshot before changing to another.

Keep in mind that the IC that loads when the Preset is selected will be the one assigned to the Snapshot that was active the last time the Preset was SAVEd.

Also, when a Snapshot is selected it sends the assigned ICs ONCE. It won't send those ICs again until you load a Snapshot the sends a different VALUE on the assigned PC/CC.

 

Example:

 

SS1 sends CC# 1 Value 10. SS2 sends the same. The message will only be sent once, not every time you toggle between Snapshots.

SS1 sends CC#1 Value 10, SS2 sends CC#1 Value 20. Toggling between Snapshots will send Value 10, then 20, then 10 again.

 

Lastly (and most annoyingly), As soon as you assign a message type to ANY Snapshot IC, Helix automatically assigns that message type with it's default Values to ALL Snapshots in that Preset on that IC. You then need to set a Value for ALL Snapshots in that Preset on that IC, or the default will be sent.

 

Example:

 

SS3 IC1 is assigned "MIDI CC". The default value is CC#0/Value 0. ALL Snapshots in that Preset now have IC1 assigned to CC#0 Value 0.

If you change the CC# and Value of IC1 in SS3 to 15/27, IC1 in SS3 will have those settings, but all the other Snapshots will still show IC1 as 0/0.

So, if 15/27 changes the amp channel to Channel 3, and 0/0 changes it to Channel 1, all Snapshots except SS3 will switch to Channel 1.

 

Are we having fun yet?

wow....thanks for the detailed walk through...it is super helpful...I will try it out either later today or tomorrow....seems like this is going to be painful to go through our 40 song setlist...wonder if there is an easier approach...not to mention, I'm currently only using the the midi out to control the amp switcher...but plan to take the midi out of the switcher into the midi in for the DigiTech Whammy DT and assign both Whammy and Pitch drop settings for presets as well...the fun is just starting...

3 minutes ago, rd2rk said:

When you load a Snapshot it sends any commands assigned to the "Instant Commands". It does not send commands assigned to Stomps.

To do what you're trying to do, assign the Channel Switching commands to "Instant Commands" (lightning bolts).

I did try that as well and it did not seem to work...is there a way to assign the lightning bolts to specific snapshots?? I wonder if I'm missing something there...

Hi All,

I'm trying to switch channels on my amp using the Voodoo Labs Midi amp switcher. What I would like to do is to enable snapshot changes to also switch channels on my amp. I have not been very successful at getting this done.  I have my helix set up in the stomp/snapshot mode where the FS on the top row work on stops and the FS in the bottom row are assigned to snapshots. When I assign a separate FS in the top row to a CC toggle, channel switching works perfectly. However, when do the exact same assignment in the bottom row switching no longer works. Any thoughts on how this can be achieved? 

Thanks

On 9/8/2019 at 4:21 PM, arkieboy said:

+infinity

 

I'm absolutely in no doubt that Jam Origin would be easier and cheaper.  Problem I have is I can't stop stretching the boundaries of the possible.  I've been thinking about the new wired USB version that's due out soon/already out but I've missed it (delete as appropriate).  The mod Matt Bellamy's guitar tech made with one looks sooo good!

The FTP did track better at home for me...the difficulty live was it was kind of restrictive to the guitar that had the FTP pickup installed....since MG2 works with any guitar, it was easier...plus the cabling is a lot easier as I do not have to worry about the dongle and a usb hub to ensure both the FTP and the Helix is connected to the iPad...overall MG2 is probably not as good in terms of tracking but was practical especially since I needed it only for a few songs...

Thanks everyone!!! I ended up ordering a used whammy DT...any thoughts on the routing...would it be best to

a) Guitar --> DT --> Guitar in on the helix (Midi out to Midi in on DT to control patches)

b) Put the DT in an FX loop (Midi control same as above).

Thanks

Thanks everyone!! It looks like the drop might be a great option..one question I had was would Drop work even for clean tones? I found that the helix pitch shift was worst with clean tones...also I was looking online and it looks like Digitech has a Pitch whammy combined with the Drop...Is the octaver and other pitch effects in general better? Basically I guess the question, is the Digitech better for pitch effects in general as compared to the Helix?