waymda

Have to ask, are you comparing your mic'd up amp and pedal board through the monitors with the modelling? If not its an apples and oranges comparison. The amp in the room (with you) will always sound bigger, better, etc.....

Sorry, my tin ears only hear:

• something weird with the first part of the "Helix" phrase, it sounds like its been played with a lighter touch
• and the Peavey being louder than both

No chatter that these tin ears can hear.

If I put all 3 in a mix there's no way I could tell them apart, perhaps other than the level.

Everything above is correct. However, it is super easy to accidentlly add a mono effect/block post the dual cabs that will sum the parts. I have done this numerous times and it drove me mad trying to debug it. Check every block, and then check again.

Hi Neil

Processing tab below. I don't recall ever changing anything on this tab, but I've been using Studio 1 since V2, so may well have a long time ago. Apologies about the quality, the forum is refusing any file larger than 42.4 kbs - just weird.

I just had to look up the Green Z so we can safely assume I don't use it. However, as mentioned I monitor direct from hardware. I've never had the need to hear DAW procesed tracks when recording, so my use case is likely different to yours. I use a DAW more like an old school tape machine with advanced editing abilities and post tracking processing abilities.

I do recall on earlier versions having some real issues with mix rendering, but that issue went away around V3.x, and I no longer even maintain a specific boot optimised for audio (which i used to have to do), as both hardware and OSs and drivers seem to have their act together theses days.

I could only suggest full uninstalls and reinstalls of the Helix drivers to see if that helps - a manual removal through Device Manager would be the most thorough. Checking the USB port and/or cable may assist - L6 gear is notoriously finicky about USB, and I have had issues in the past with specific cables and ports so once I sort that out for a hardware combo the Helix gets its own dedicated cable and port.

No issues my end. I tried recording at all four available sample rates, changing it in Studio 1 and the Helix followed flawlessly. It also played back existing tracks/songs fine.

My audio settings for 48k recording and song settings attached, but they're nothing special.

My line 6 driver is V 1.97.0.2, the Floor is on FW 3.5, Edit is 3.51, Windows is Win 10 Pro Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4190.0.

Whilst my default sample setting is 2048 samples (I always monitor the affected sound direct from the Helix), I could drop it to 256 with no playback issues.

However, I opened a song with a single stereo track I was mastering using Helix Native, and it distored@1024 which was the project settings. Once I changed to 2048, I could drop it back to 64 samples with no issues. One thing to note is I haven't updated Native for ages, and I can't for the life of me remember how to show the version number.

Sorry, I don't think I've helped at all.

Hi, long time Studio 1 & Helix user. I'm pretty sure I've done some recording with no issues since the 3.5 update, but will have a look over the next couple of days and let you know, along with any settings.

Or you could use send block(s) for 1/4 inch output with 100% pass-through to the IR and make out XLR only. If you use this consistently across patches you just need ot remember what to plug your power amp to.

I had the same issue, and it was exacerbated using toppers. However I still need up and down, and found leaving toppers on everything but 1 and 7 stopped me being so clumsy, and made patch changes more deliberate.

What magic is this? How did you find these things? What is this Tube of You?

Not an identical scenario - but a create explanation about why recording at the right level for the interface and the impact of gain is important.

On 10/12/2022 at 8:39 AM, theElevators said:

, like many people on here, am constantly reviewing my sounds, and tweaking things.  I am mostly happy with my sounds, however, there are some times when I am playing small venues, or really small spaces (e.g. somebody's house), where my mix sounds pretty dry on the recording. 

This to me speaks to the difference between effects on individual instruments versus mix effects (or bus depending on your orientation).

I use reverb sparingly on guitar sounds in the Helix, unless its a specific effect (eg big bloom, spread, or alternatively a very small 'room' to make the guitar boxy) and almost always run some sort of 'space' reverb on a mix into which I place different instruments, and tweak for the room. This is for a 3 piece that generally works smaller rooms, self mixes vox, kick, snare, bass, guitar, and for larger rooms drum overheads. Always reinforcing stage sound, never big enough venues for a full mix.

"sound just went limp": ugly guitar?

Never had those issues. Once had somehow accidently change the global setting so the big know affected digitial levels, and wondered why I was turning my PC+s above noon and still had my hearing. That was an easy fix.

However, the Helix is a computer, L6 Link is a digital protocol, and rebooting computers often fixes weird issues. If I understood why and could determine a generic fix I'd be rich beyond my wildest dreams (well perhaps not the really wild ones).

Do you recal any chane on the input LED for the PC+s? That might point to an input voluem change from the Helix.

This is where compression is can be your friend.

Either in the form of amp compression through working the output tubes (real or virtual) harder so the pre-tubes get over driven by the guitar changing grittiness and tone whilst the output tubes help maintain perceived volume.

Or using a compression tool before outputs (post the amp). My preference is the rochester comp using the knee and mix to allow unprocessed signal through along with processed to 'smooth' the volume differential.

That said, when guitarists use the guitar volume pot, it is also often in combo with dynamic changes in the material so the volume change is less noticable in the mix, and typically set up the max volume/tone to sit best with solos.

But there are no hard and fast rules.

On 9/28/2022 at 11:32 AM, jeremiahzellers said:

Well, my concern is I just dropped 2k on a head, 1.2k on a cab. I don’t want this sound running through a converter. I want the pure analog signal the whole way through.

Through to where?

• the point it hits a digital desk?
• the point it gets recorded digitally?
• the point post analog desk (yikes) it hits a speaker array with digital processing?
• the point it becomes a mp3, flac, etc?
• etc
• etc

If you're concerned about how much you 'dropped' on a head and cab, why cheap out on the effects and go digital at all?

The marketting department (for each of the products) wins, yet again.

Like PT Barnum said "There's a musician born every minute".

On 9/10/2022 at 3:05 AM, soundog said:

Never found IEMs I liked. A lot is due to fit, I think. I could get a custom fit, I suppose, but $$$. The IEMS in the vid above are $$$$. Crazy. Semi-open headphones work good. I like 'em. To save my already-diminished hearing when playing with a band, I use good but affordable musicians ear plugs that turn down the dBs reaching  my poor little eardrums. Either way, get your Helix sounding good without ear covers. And never stand next to the drummer.

To the $$$$ issue/concern they cost me (in Australia with substantial issues with what we pay for musical gear) :

• less than my Helix
• about the same as one of my variaxes
• less than my other guitars
• less than my 2 x PC+
• less than any reasonable quality foldback solution
• less than one of my FoH mid/top boxes (ignore subs)
• significantly less than a single QSC 10.2 or 12.2 cabs that seem to be the benchmark in this and other forums
• significantly less than any quality valve amp

And the sound quality/comfort etc outcome is amazing, and they are how I hear my vox, my guitar, the rest of the band, in a 3 pieace where I'm lead singer and fidelity makes stage work, just work - not hard work.

Why guitarists, more than any other musican, appear to scrimp on IEMs then complain about them not working for them is beyond me.  Especially when I consider the esorteric crap we/they will spend substantial $ on. (point to point amps, vintage pedals, modern re-issues of same, pretty lumps of wood with metal that makes noise)

On fit - absolutely custom IEMs are not even in the same league as generics from a comfort perspective, and the ones referenced are silicon (softish) which are a substantial step above hard shells from a comfort/fit/seal perspective. And yes that translates into $, but see above.

To hearing and protecting it - I have bilateral otosclerosis with up to 75db defeat from normal (yes thats a lot), which means a) it protected my hearing to an extent when I played very very loud with real amps b) I need stuff real loud to hear it 'normal'. High quality IEMs allow anyone to reduce the overall volume whilst increaing fidelity reducing nearve damage. IEMs that remove the need for hearing aids whilst onstage (I need them in the real world) and protect the fundementals (ie nerve damage) by allowing me not to drive as loud as ambient are worth the $.

I would suggest that anything that saves people with undamaged, or even damaged, hearing from the horror that is constant tinitus is in the same league.

Apologies for the rant - but being cheap in this space is just that, and I just don't get it. But then I don't understand threads about "whats the cheapest case I can get for my Helix?" for much the same reason.

The Pete Thorne review is below.

I have used IEMs for at least 5 years, starting with 1964 fully molded IEMs and fully sealed. Whilst it meant I could hear myself without deafening anyone elser the sound was always a compromise, very isolating, and never quite sounded right. I tried many things to improve it like 1 in 1 out, EQ for the IEM mix, etc etc.

Long story short, I have owned the ASI system for the last 2 years and couldn't be happier. I started with the generic IEMs and moved to the molded inserts and then to fully molded IEMs for a better seal. Being able to EQ the IEM send myself with the body pack (differently for each ear) and control how much ambient sound I get is amazing. I can run completely monitorless for vocals and guitar, or use my PC+s for onstage monitoring and for the band and hear the blend in the IEMs. Best of both worlds.

By way of context, I've gone from ALWAYS beng told to turn down, to being asked to turn-up to get a better stage blend.

When I can afford them (pretend I can) I'll upgrade to the triple driver version they have recently released, but for now the dual driver is great.

Concur on the don't EQ your patches for your monitors (IEM or otherwise).

Not mentioned above is that using Native allows you to get around any processor limitations in the hardware - ie create larger more CPU intensive patches. Likely assumed you're aware of that.

On 5/7/2022 at 8:17 AM, rd2rk said:

 

You've been complaining forever about this that and the other defects and dumb L6 design decisions.

You won't be happy until you get rid of this L6 POS and permanently remove yourself from the evil L6 empire.

What's taking you so long?

Because it's easier to complain to a forum, that could care less, than actually take action thats entirely within ones control - nothing new here. I mean, why wouldn't you if your profile shows you wiht 3 producs and 1500+ posts. By that point your seriously invested in the whinge fest, and get a great endorphin kick everytime your posts create action. Its what keeps the twit-verse and face-bork in business.

On 5/6/2022 at 9:41 PM, Paulzx said:

 

Just do it by ear using the channel volume on the amp block. There are other ways as mentioned already but it needs to sound right by ear so you may as well adjust it by ear.

 

Any preset you buy or download that is noisy, is most likely due to having no noise gate in the chain, or on the main input, just add it back in

Whilst this is true - final balancing can reall only be done by ear - meter's can help get more consistent in the first place (much closer than no initial metering), and ensure you haven't started with your softest or loudest patch as the comparative point. If you reference no metering at any point you run the risk of creating consistently too hot (or cold) levels for your patches.

Metering also helps provide an objective measure (our ears are subjective) and, when leveling a lot pf patches, helps with ear fatigue (listening too long) and our own flawed memories/perception of volume. Moving between patches and only leveling by ear will reult in needing to do it a large number of times to fine tune it - our ears and minds simply aren't as perfrect as we like to think an play lots of trick on us. I say this having learnt the hard way balancing an active set of 100+ patches over a long time (with many many more having moved in and out of the set).

You may also need ot use more tools than the amp channel volume - other effects cabs etc all change the gain and perceived volume so matching volume adjustments at the end of the chain with a gain block or on the output block is easier and more consistent.

As a 2 x PC+ user the downside of the approach your considering (for me) was the workflow became a lot more complex, and difficult to get levels right and know how it would sound FoH.

It required monitoring out the back of the cabs via the XLR to check signal levels, and the PC+ does not sound identical to FoH or other FRFR outputs so it means checking both sources to find the compromise.

As a result I returned to all processing in the Helix so I can easily monitor levels, and sounds across sources, and I accept that the PC+ is where I compromise on tone. That is, is the PC+ good enough whilst FoH is what I want the audience to hear?

In simple terms it just got too damned hard to create and manage patches and not woth the effort.

I had similar issue when I tried using a pair of DT25s for more amp in the room sound on stage - it was even more complex to get 'right' :)

On 4/20/2022 at 8:55 AM, ichasedx said:

Any suggestions on do's or don'ts when trying to find the most efficient way of incorporating everything?

Keep it as simple as possible - if for no other reason than to make ease toruble shooting easier.

I use the yamaha bluetoon midi (MD-BT01) to conect to an ipad or android tablet tablet and use bandhelper to display lyrics and change patches on the Helix. The patches and snapshots control my variax model and tuning, and in limited cases initial volume settings on the variax. That allows me to troubleshoot variax control issues purely via the Helix and patch control issues between the tablet and Helix. But I don't want or need multiway control.

My use of midi has been scant, so simple issues like moving from the tablet to the ipad, with the same software and finding patches weren't changing on the helix took quite a while to troubleshoot. Mainly as I only touch midi as required and have to relearn things. It took me ages to realise I had made a setting in the setlist view I use on the tablet to allow it to send midi changes, and that the ipad had to have its view set up independently (even though it looked like the same view to me).

If you're more confident with midi and use it regularly, clearly your expeience will be different.

Another thing to consider is how to train your ears/mind for how sounds in your headphones will translate to PA or other reproduction systems.

If you already record material that may be easier as you can hear sounds you know across mediums. If not, getting a few tracks that you know inside and out that you can critically listen to on different systems to hear what sounds thin, full, or pokes out or hides (yes very technical terms) will help you understand building patches that translate. What you'll be learning is what frequencies are emphasised or suppressed - but thinking about it as how the instruments sound rather than knowing frequency ranges will help.

If you can find some isolated guitar tracks for songs you like (there are some on youtube) that may also help you 'get' what the Helix is doing. As far as I can tell there are no shortcuts or super easy ways to relearn what you've heard for ages coming from amps and cabs. I suspect most of us here that are happy with our Helix have gone through this transition.

I used to have 1 set list as a library for al changes and maintenance of patches, and copy from there to each upcoming gig setlist using HX Edit. I reserved one setlist for testing/building new patches. I have cleared the factort setlists to make space and make facotry reset/rebuilds quicker, I only restore the Library and Test/build setlists. I started using this approach with a HD500x after trashing a few good patches by not managing them well enough and having a single master list that I moved the order of patches.

However, I now only maintain the Library and use an app to control patch changes via bluetooth. As I sing as well, having lyrics, even as prompts is necessary so I have a tablet with the app in front of me. As well as the set lists for the night, there is a final catch-all set list on the app with everything else in alpha order so we can do requests super quick. Find the song in that set and bang, lyrics and the patch.

I use the same setup to change guitars and tuning and other variax paramteres within patches using snapshots with no gap/delay.

Do you have multiple patches this happens on or just one? If one consider rebuilding from scratch.

If multiple, consider checking all hardware connections first (eg new variax cable) before looking at software issues. On the cable, I've recently had one get flakey which was giving me intermittent dropouts and loss of variax control, and when wiggled it produced crazy feedback. At first I thought it was the guitar but tested across multiple to determine it was the cable. The cable is about 10 years old - so not super concerned with their reliability.

Helix as (power) attenuator = BANG

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_attenuator_(guitar)

You are attenuating the input levels. Its an apples and oranges comparison to 'real attenuators' and will sound substantially different (what ever the lowered level input source).

You will not be getting output stage distortion which is the intent of (power) attenuators and why they are used to allow the amp to work harder with lowered volume.