johnnyvlee
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Posts posted by johnnyvlee
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I have two Helix floor units, one newer (obviously). It seems like when I power up the newer one about 50% of the time it goes into "Rebuilding Presets". Seriously, how often should it be doing this? I'm wondering if this is a defect.
I recently installed the latest firmware update, but I think it has rebuilt presets twice before since I have completed that process. This would be the 3rd time.
The other unit does this ON OCCASION but usually once it has rebuilt after an update process, it doesn't ever do it again.
Yes I follow the entire update process including restore from backup as the last step.
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I needed a patch for a song off Beatles Let It Be and Jakob's "Beatles 1967-70" on L6 Custom Tone was already just about perfect. I didn't have the exact Ownhammer IR he used, but I had the OH 112 DVRB CTS-C12 (slightly newer speaker) and it sounds awesome. I have a Variax so I just dialed up the Epiphone Casino (Semi-2) and I am off and running.
Also I checked out the Leslie snapshot. I'm definitely going to find a use for this one later on.
I wish patches submitted to Custom Tone allowed for poster-approved user comments. Jakob deserves some cred/star ratings for this patch.
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Since I was working with my "Say It Ain't So" (Weezer) patch today, it reminded me that I had always intended to fiddle around with a means of playing a similar ending to the solo live as they have on the recording. And I never did.
If you know the song, you know that near the end of the lead there's a 7-note phrase that repeats 3 times and there is some overlap because, you know, studio multitracking. Live they seem to bounce it back and forth between 2 guitarists which means the guy playing the rhythm has to let it drop out while he plays those lead bits. And the chorus comes in before the lead is done.
Anyway, I think there must be a way with a looper or high-end delay unit that I could play the riff the 1st and 3rd times and the looper/delay could play it the 2nd time. In other words, I need to set it up for ONE loop, and of course getting the timing of that exactly right could be a hella shennanigan! And I am not very experienced with loopers.
Anyone done this already? Or have thoughts because you have done extensive playing with this kind of gear?
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On 10/17/2022 at 4:24 PM, rd2rk said:
I don't know the intent of the designer, or what mods you made. Nor do I know what caused the problem, but the Snapshot Routings of the A/B Split Block seem to have been lost.
In Snapshot CLEAN the A/B split sends the signal to path 1A with a Clean amp then on to Path 2A where there is no further processing.
It Snapshot DISTORTION it sends the signal to Path 1B where nothing happens, then the signal goes to Path 2B where there's a High Gain amp and other stuff.
Path 2B ends with a GAIN Block which appears to be controlled by Snapshot LEAD. However, in the DISTORTION SS it's set to +5db, and in the LEAD SS it's set to +6db, not a heck of a lot of difference. IDK whether that got changed or that was the intent.
The two Paths are then combined at the Mixer Block before the Output Block.
I've re-saved the Snapshots with (what I think is) the correct routing. You'll need to check that GAIN Block and see if anything else was lost.
I think you nailed it. Thanks for that. Now that I look at the split block I see it changing in the snapshot and I seem to remember that confusing me the first time I tried to figure out this patch. Hadn't seen that done before.
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On 10/17/2022 at 4:34 PM, johnnyvlee said:
I might download the original and see if it still works in the new Helix firmware.
Looks like the original didn't have snapshots. I don't remember what all I did to get the version I made.
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On 10/17/2022 at 4:24 PM, rd2rk said:
I don't know the intent of the designer, or what mods you made. Nor do I know what caused the problem, but the Snapshot Routings of the A/B Split Block seem to have been lost.
In Snapshot CLEAN the A/B split sends the signal to path 1A with a Clean amp then on to Path 2A where there is no further processing.
It Snapshot DISTORTION it sends the signal to Path 1B where nothing happens, then the signal goes to Path 2B where there's a High Gain amp and other stuff.
Path 2B ends with a GAIN Block which appears to be controlled by Snapshot LEAD. However, in the DISTORTION SS it's set to +5db, and in the LEAD SS it's set to +6db, not a heck of a lot of difference. IDK whether that got changed or that was the intent.
The two Paths are then combined at the Mixer Block before the Output Block.
I've re-saved the Snapshots with (what I think is) the correct routing. You'll need to check that GAIN Block and see if anything else was lost.
Thanks I will have a look. Also I might download the original and see if it still works in the new Helix firmware.
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On 10/17/2022 at 2:16 PM, rd2rk said:
Maybe attach the actual preset?
Good suggestion! Here is from 10/5 backup
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Running into an issue where snapshots seem not to work, but I have tested it on two Helix units and it acts the same on both. If memory serves I believe I created this patch by downloading and then modifying vmoncebaiz's "Say It Ain't So" patch (uploaded end of 2015). I have three snapshots: Clean, Distortion, and Lead. I have gigged with this patch and it is a staple in my cover band.
Suddenly the snapshots don't work right. When I select the patch it goes to snapshot 1 (clean). But when I select any of the other 2 snapshots it just stays in clean mode now.
I assume this is something to do with a system update for Helix. You know how it gives you that "rebuilding presets" message. I thought that only should happen once after a system update, but I am seeing it more than once. Not sure what circumstances trigger that.
The other wildcard on this patch is it has a mixer node. I have not really used those myself so I am less familiar with when and why and how (see image).
Anyone have any brilliant suggestions?
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Going to need to put together a patch for Josie. I'll end up with one snapshot for most of the song, and one for the lead break (I assume). Anyone have any recommendations how to get the sound?
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8 hours ago, codamedia said:
Here is a quick 15 minute preset that "I would use" as a starting point for White Wedding.
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I hope this helps to steer you in the right direction.... good luck.
Man that's really cool of you to put time into this. I posted this thinking someone might already have a patch from having used Helix to cover the song, but of course even if someone did that doesn't mean they monitor this forum.
Anyway, have it downloaded and I will bang around with it tomorrow after work. Thinking I might make a lead patch from the Big chords. After a week or so if I have something I think is really good I will share it on the Custom Tone page and credit you.
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1 hour ago, Paulzx said:
You're in a similar situation to myself, only I've had my Helix for a number of years now and tried every trick in the book with it more or less.
The speaker option does make a big difference, I ended up using a pair of FRFR speakers on stands which improved the sound a lot. I think you have to be using IR's in the Helix really, the stock cab sims are just not lively enough.
I'd love to know more about your rig and how you chose it?
My concern with most FRFR speakers is they don't respond quite like a guitar speaker. That can be an issue when using the speaker for guitar feedback. An example song was "Possum Kingdom". Once or twice that I've tried a decent powered monitor as my speaker I found that I got very undesirable feedback. Back when I was using 11 rack through my Heartbreaker amp it sounded freaking awesome. I was hoping Powercab would be better for that and I believe it is, but it doesn't have the power I had hoped for and the sound quality (used just as FRFR mode) isn't blowing me away.
Had any experience with that?
P.S. Honestly I only use Powercab for my own monitoring and for rehearsal. Playing live I run Helix directly to FOH board.
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12 minutes ago, Paulzx said:
Oh really lol? I'll go back and have another listen. I went straight to the Plexi model after watching Ritchie Faulkner playing
a real one at his house, but the Helix version was a bit lifeless by comparison, at that time at least. I would love to get a nice sounding
Plexi model working though
I feel like the first key to Helix sounding good is smart use of EQ (something I'm still trying to learn) and the second is what you play it through (also a work in progress for me). Third might be use of compression.
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7 minutes ago, Paulzx said:
Really? The old Zoom stuff, I remember it. Steve Stevens is using Fractal now obviously, you might be able to get the actual patches?
Interested to see how close you get with the Helix though
I was seriously considering Axe FX when I decided that Line 6 had really stepped up the quality of its sounds with Helix. I loved the all-in-one foot unit concept, and I had been playing with rack units and separate controllers and it could sometimes be a PITA.
Right now I"m playing Helix through the Powercab 1x12 Plus and to be honest I don't love the sound of the Powercab. I haven't started to explore the use of IRs with it though. I miss my old boogie amps that were brighter and clearer, and had a great overdriven sound. But for what I am doing these days (all cover music) Helix/Variax is just a much better rig. If I were in a band doing original stuff, maybe I'd just go back to tube amps and pedals. Don't know. I don't miss lugging that heavy gear and dealing with tube amp issues and repair costs.
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1 hour ago, Paulzx said:
Interesting.. what gear where you using before then?
It was a Zoom 9150 rack tube preamp/effects unit that I bought in the 90s. Example: https://reverb.com/item/41916665-zoom-9150-valve-dsp-rack-mount-guitar-preamp-effects-unit
Ran it through a Mesa Boogie amp.
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I've got a Variax and thus far I have been using a Les Paul model
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2 minutes ago, codamedia said:
Which guitar part? There are 3 distinct parts through the song...
- Overdriven... big chords
- Clean theme.... with a little reverb
- fuzzy/overdriven bit parts.
IMO.... All tones can be (and likely were) done with a Plexi.... or a JCM800 with a relatively low gain structure. Add a fuzz for those little choppy bit parts. If you know how to dial in those amps those tones are readily available within.
If you don't understand the Plexi model let us know along with the guitar make/model you plan on playing this part with. I'll can try to throw you a couple of settings to try.
I need all 3 sounds (I use snapshots). I used to play through some gear that had patches made by Steve Stevens and they all 3 sounded right. One was that 80s chorusey clean sound, one was the overdriven sound and one was a good sound to use for the lead.
TBH I always owned Mesa Boogie amps, never Marshalls. Not that familiar with Plexi.
I tried starting with someone's "Rebel Yell" patch, but the clean isn't really spot on for this song, and so far I haven't dialed it in.
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Anyone have a good patch for "White Wedding" by Billy Idol?
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19 hours ago, PierM said:
With this thing, I do have all the sustain I need (sustainer driven by a SD JB Jr). Also modded with a fishman battery pack, so the battery drain isnt a problem anymore. I know, not a valid answer, Im just showing off. :D
That does look like a fun guitar to play. I have a Schecter guitar with a Sustaniac that I could be using. I got it pretty inexpensively and I admit I do love how that guitar looks and feels.
But my current rig is Variax into Helix using DVI and I would like to avoid switching guitars if at all possible. That was one of the selling points of going with this rig. Guitar modeling. Sound like whatever axe I want to sound like. Down side is it doesn't have the Sustaniac.
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13 hours ago, stooxie said:
Just ask Clark Vogeler how he does it: https://www.facebook.com/premierguitar/videos/10155692984448917/
-Stooxie
Thanks for posting that. I enjoy the hell out of these kinds of videos.
For my live rig I typically run direct from Helix to FOH, and I have a monitor in front of me or lately it's usually in-ears. The in-ear rig allows me to dial up my own monitor mix, which I love.
But I used to play through Mesa Boogie amps, and I confess I miss them. Clark can play feedback off his speaker cab as guitarists have done for many years, but I can't do that with my rig.
I did purchase a Powercab Plus which I use when I play in a bigger band and cannot trust that the sound guy can give me a good monitor mix. So I use the Powercab only for monitoring my own guitar playing. But I'm not in love with the Powercab. To be fair I just use it in pass through mode and have not yet begun to experiment with its IR capabilities. Maybe if I did that I'd like it better. Dunno. But it doesn't stand up to the boogies.
But I don't want to stop using the amp and cab simulations in the Helix for cover band playing. The flexibility is just too much to give up. So I don't foresee switching back to my boogies unless I end up in a band doing original music. Which would be awesome, but there's nothing cooking on that front right now, and where I live there's not a huge market for that.
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2 hours ago, datacommando said:
Hi,If you watch any recordings of the live performance of Possum Kingdom, you can see that what you describe as “sustain” is actually controlled feedback not a compressor as such. Check out early Jimi Hendrix doing the same thing - playing on sheer volume and feedback.
I would guess that what you really need to produce this effect is one of these.
Hope this helps/makes sense.I actually do use one of those to get the feedback.
I have a guitar with a Sustainiac which I bought so I could play things like "With or Without You". And that does a decent job with this particular song.
But my question is not "How do I sound like Possum Kingdom", folks. Just in general, it is quite common to use a compressor to add sustain when you have a signal chain that gives you a sound you like for a song, but does not sustain as much as you need it to.
I would like to set up a compressor in the Helix Favorites with particular settings that I can use when all I want to do is add sustain to a patch that's already working in all other respects.
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On 10/8/2021 at 11:36 AM, theElevators said:
I use the 'rolled down volume knob' trick. I have my distortion on all the time. I control how clean the sound is with the volume knob. If I don't have time to turn down the physical knob, I add a volume cut via a fixed volume pedal at the beginning of the chain. That's what I have been doing for ages with real pedals and still do on my Helix with virtual pedals. I like the natural compression that I get this way. I use classic distortion. That's my trick, and it works very well for me.
That's a good approach a lot of the time, but in many cases I want to add sustain without increasing the volume (or increasing it very little).
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8 minutes ago, codamedia said:
I wasn't familiar with it so I just gave it a listen.... both the studio cut and a live cut.
IMO.... I'd just hit it with the stock settings of Dyna Comp (red comp) before the gain stages. Most of the sustain in that particular break is driven by the whammy bar movements and a very loud amp - there's studio compression on the track, but that's not what's causing that sustain.
That's a part that could really benefit from a "feedback" effect... sadly, one does not exist in the Helix... yet!
I have an external pedal in a loop for the feedback. Works great.
But my question wasn't really specific to that song. I meant it as a general question since it comes up repeatedly in various tunes.
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Hey gang.
When you just want to add sustain to an already good patch, say for a section of your lead break for example (or maybe your entire lead break) what is your preferred compressor and what settings? I'm not talking about FREEZE here, just massively long sustain?
In this particular instance I need it for Possum Kingdom lead section, but it's a common issue.
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19 hours ago, codamedia said:
Even with the Variax.... just put a compressor at the start of the path to help establish a consistent guitar signal - then try some of the synth blocks.
That said... I find the Helix synth options to be sorely lacking at this time - I'm hoping future updates will give us more options, but I'm not counting on it.
I had concluded the same thing. But I just had to make a post because it seemed so odd. It seems to be the only Helix feature which they didn't really try too hard to nail it. Most of the features of Helix are just outstanding and they show that the people behind it really thought it through. Kind of a bummer for such a great piece of gear.
Styx guitar tones?
in Helix/HX
Posted
Anyone have a Helix patch that they use for covering Styx? I'm about to cover the guitar part of "Too Much Time On My Hands" if that specific matters.