craig180guitar

I play a strat single coil - classic rock and country.  I set up Presets with an Emsley amp.  I setup an A/B preset test (A) with Input Pad off, and (B) Input On by selecting in the Global settings.  I increased the amp channel volume on the Input Pad ON option to match the volume of the OFF option using a LUFS meter at approx -20db.  
 

I noticed a much clearer tone with the Input PAD ON.  If have 4 snapshots from edge of breakup to hi gain and all options more clear.  With Input OFF, the snapshots clean to hi gain were all muddier and overdriven.  They also have a clipping nuance on the cleaner (less drive) options.

 I do use a subtle compressor with unity gain and reverb.  I also use ownhammer IRs, and EQ block with a hicut at 4 and low cut at 80.  

I highly recommend using a powered monitor versus the powercab.  I have a Helix Floor and if you want a consistent experience across the spectrum of most situations, a Powercab may not be for you.  If you must have an amp feel, Disregard and go for it.  I have owned the 112, 2 - 112s in stereo and a 212.  They are cool, they are nice looking, they also have advantages for an air pushed feel, or have speaker sims; however, a powered monitor is the way to go.  Powercabs will color your sound and provide inconsistent responses in different sized rooms.  I have tried all of the Tutorials on flat response setups, but I still got inconsistent results .  I took all of my cabs back to Guitar Center  and now use a powered EV wedge monitor with my Helix.  Why?  For several proven reasons:  I can establish a front of house preset perfectly because most venues use similar speakers.  When I go to a gig - it’s perfect.  I get consistent results when going from a a small studio to a rehearsal to a gig by only adjusting a volume knob.  At my gig I have a perfect backup if no PA, or a perfect wedge to monitor me and the band in a live setting going front of house.  If you gig long enough you know that front wedge monitors work much better than a powercab behind you since you have to blend the powercab to cut through the competing instruments.  So for that reason alone, it’s a no brainer.  Oh one more important item, my EV monitor blows away the volume on a Powercab.  Powercabs sound totally different at gig volume than home studio volume.  I use the EV ZLX and it can also be lifted on a pole as a backline amp outside, nice.  The price is also 60% of the cost of a PC so you can buy more Line 6 toys.