Hi - I've done some extensive searching online about this topic and seen a bunch of threads and Youtube vids, but I haven't yet found the answer to my specific question. Hopefully this will make sense....
I have an HX Effects unit plugged into a Blackstar HT5 combo using the 4 cable method. This I get and understand. As the HX Effects doesn't have any Amp sims though, I'm interested in upgrading to another Line6 product (Stomp/LT/Helix etc) which does have the amp sims.
If I did make the leap, I know that I can continue to use my existing set up and use the Blackstar preamp section (clean & gain) without the Helix amp sims. When I want to use an Helix Amp sim though, is it simply a case of putting a send/return at the very beginning of the signal path to bypass the Blackstar preamp and then insert desired the Line 6 amp sim? This would basically sit before the power amp section of the Blackstar with all the preamp controls being handled by the selected Line6 amp sim? Furthermore I could then put any distortion and effects pedals before and after the amp sim as desired. This method would basically just be using my Blackstar as a speaker I think.
If it makes any difference I do pretty much all my signal path editing using the HX edit software. Also, completely appreciate that the Blackstar speaker and cab will inherently affect the tone of any simulation but I don't want to spring for a FRFR speaker right now.
Thanks for reading and for any help you can offer.