davedivessails

Getting a helix and a PC+ at the same time sounds like a dream rig ..... but reality is its most likely a nightmare. Trying to learn the intricacies of set-up and out-puts, work flow, connection options, dialing in functions for editing snapshots, tone shaping and output levels whilst driving the front end up towards distortion in balance to the amp settings, then compounding that again with more outputs, speaker options, onboard tone shaping (Cuts) for both the Helix and the PC+ ... but no global eq on the L6 digital link (trick for young players).... Equals all the feeds you see on line saying "PC over-hype, sounds rubbish, too quiet.... for sale" I had my Helix Floor unit for a year before getting a PC212+ so I had a very good idea of the Helix end as I really went through the manuals, the online videos, the you-tube gurus and experimented for days at a time; and the tones I have dialed in for each of my main 6 string squeezes are simply delicious. But once I got deep into the interfacing of the Helix into the PC+ I found there are is again a very steep learning curve. The tones are definitely in there and when you dial in the right combinations they are truly remarkable - like you see the top pros react to in the L6 marketing videos - but for us day job guys, no matter how keen and how much time we spend, I think Line 6 could, should, make the whole process a hell of a lot simpler with a focused introduction. I think the Line 6 manuals are amongst the best technical manuals I ever seen for logical flow, tips/tricks, Important messages stand out at the right time. I'm a marine electronics engineer by trade so I see a lot of technical docs.... and I think L6 have these nailed.... almost. Whats missing is the deeper "Why". The "How to" ... "Turn this, twist that, push this ... go to menu" is there, but the "whats it doing, hows it doing it, why is it doing it" is missing. I make this point because most people learn by understanding the dynamics of any given action. Just telling someone what to do doesn't teach much and doesn't set a technical platform of understanding to build on. Explaining not just the "hows", but also the "whys and why not's", builds a base to grow from. A common mistake of tech companies in any industry, is forgetting the the average end-user doesn't have anywhere near the base understanding of the wizards who created the product. I'm not saying dumb it down .... that's freaking painful ,like pulling teeth. I'm just saying "Connect the out-comes to the actions, by explaining what-just-happened" . Not how to - you've covered that in the manuals already - but more "what and why". This is information that L6 engineers live with everyday to be able to create the incredible products they make. How about sharing more of it with us dedicated customers and making what is already out there a heck of a lot easier to source. Thanks to Power user Amsdenj above, who completely nails the initial question, without actually answering the question that was asked at all. He simply explained "whats happening" and "why". it seems to have answered several other user questions at the same time ..... including mine. A perfect example. It will be worth the Line 6 investment of time and effort as your volume/majority customer base will be dialing in awesomeness much easier and faster..... you'll see a drop in 2nd hand Helix and PC+ units for sale, and an increase in new unit sales as customer referrals for this type of product is absolute king. Now I'm off to dial in some LF Raw and LF Flat options to my hard won favorite patches..... Rock on!

I think I read the Helix Aux input (instead of the normal guitar input) works better with active pick-ups.

Hey Hairy, I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure if your using a digital connection like L6 link between Helix and PowerCab (PC)+, the global EQ on the Helix doesn't affect digital outputs. Therefore you would use the H/L cuts on the PC itself. Most of the gurus I've seen talking about the cuts are running low cuts 60-50hz and highs 10-12. Cheers,

The cable seems right so I'm not sure what the issue is. You might need to raise a flag and see if a guru can add to this. Let me know if you do get an answer. Thanks,

Hi Dave, Is the Monoprice AES/EBU identical to a Line 6 Link cable? If so it should work but you need to right click on the speaker selection and select it as following snapshots. If it still won't take them have a look in the command settings and make sure you have the correct snapshot behavior selected - its something to do with maintaining the changes you made when you leave and return to the snapshot; and not just stay on the same settings as initially programed. Sorry if its a little vague but I don't have my Helix here ...

Hey Joe, I had a similar enquiry also to match the PC+ speakers to the cabs on Helix.... so thanks it was good to see the feedback. Also don't forget to load a Helix amp/cab combo then just select it to see what speaker cab L6 matched with the amp... its a quick cheat to get going. As always though, if you like the way any combination sounds, you got it right..... rock on

Hey Gavin, Thanks mate. You literally just saved me spending USD$139 on a Mission Pedal. I love the BOSS sweep feel, construction, and over all quality but it just wasn't working right with my Helix Floor..... and now I know why. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Cheers, Dave

Thanks for sharing mate, nice and simple.