sheehanje

Not quite what I'm looking for seeing I'm using an external amp. Basically I want this: I hit footswitch 9 - it sends Midi CC#88 to change the channel on my amp to Channel one, and at the same time I want it to turn on a split to path 2B to pickup effects I have there for my clean channel That I can actually do, but the problem is I have to hit the same footswitch to turn off the split route. Instead I would like to: Hit fooswitch 10 - it send Midi CC#90 to change the channel on my amp to channel three, and at the same time I want it to turn off the split to path 2B to remove the effects I have there for my clean channel

I'm working on a ABY Split route so I can add certain effects to a clean channel. I'm using an external amplifier, and have Midi CC assigned to 3 footswitches to change channels on my amp (sending it to an external relay box, mini amp gizmo). My issue is I can get turn on the split route when changing to my clean channel because I have them merged to the same footswitch, but how to I get it to turn off when I change back to my other channels without hitting more than one button? I've thought about using a gain block for this, but it seems like a messy solution. Also, is there a way to turn on/off part of the path using the footswitch - so Path 2b gets turned on with one footswitch and turned off with another - that would work for me too.

There is one big advantage (and a few disadvantages) to the way I'm doing it. I can easily isolate either path when troubleshooting. Whether it be a bad cable, or I've added effects at lower volumes, but now something is off at higher volumes, I have an easy way of quickly isolating whether my issue is before or after the preamp. I can simply skip either path and test. I know there are ways of doing this in standard 4CM - but in a live situation this is quicker - I can either plug my guitar straight into the amp to isolate the effects loop, or turn off the effects loop on my head to isolate the effects before the preamp. I will still use the standard 4CM when I'm home - because I use my Helix different. In a live situation I prefer the method I've shown, and it works for me because I won't use either the looper or Helix as my preamp live. If my amp was a solid state I would probably just stick to the tried and true method because I would definitely be using the Helix as my preamp. When I got the M13, Line6 had a bunch of illustrations on how it could be used. The suggested method was the 4CM you are using, but they also showed the method I am setting up. They then had a line of encouragement to test different things and that there is no wrong way to hook it up if it sounds good to you.

Just to illustrate further: Here is the standard 4CM that most people use: In this setup, the send/return gets assigned to a block which can be turned on or off. This is a great method and works for people well - especially when they want to use helix as a preamp or use the looper. I don't and I want to do a more tradition setup - so I am doing this: In this setup, there is no send/return block - I am assigning Send1 to the path2 output, and return 1 to the path 2 input. Guitar in is assign to path 1 input, and Send 3 to path 1 output (I do this to bypass the helix volume control, I hate it in front of an amp).. If you look at the picture I posted earlier, this in essence turns the Helix into a more traditional pedalboard.

I totally understand this and appreciate the input and will check out your patch - but I don't think you understand what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm still using 4CM - but I'm using 2 paths to accomplish it with 1 path going before the preamp, and 1 path going after the preamp and not using a Send/Return block for it - instead I'm using 2 paths. Once I've finished my patches I'll put it up on CustomTone - but it won't be of much use to anyone not using a Mark V and Mini Amp Gizmo as I will be coding CC messages to have the mini amp gizmo control my Mark V relays. I actually have it working the way I described - and it sounds great so far - I'd go as far to say it sounds better than anything I've accomplished with the standard 4CM. The biggest drawback I face is I can't really use a looper in this setup (and that's one of the big advantages of the standard 4CM) - but I'm not concerned with a looper during a live gig with the band - I don't use it.

I actually got to fool with it tonight - I think this is going to be my preferred method for now on. I really like simplicity when gigging and this will give me all my tone and a simple way to troubleshoot when issues arise - especially 5 minutes going on. So far I've only put a few effects in each path but it's working like a charm. Had a little trouble getting it working at first and remembered I had to lower the mix on some effects because I'm running a series loop. I'm working on my gain channel sounds now and it sounds really good - the helix effects (except reverb) sounds better than the M13. I have some ideas to split the paths and assign a button to change the channel on my amp while selecting the split path to let me go seamless between clean and gain channels. I'm still a newbie with the Helix - but I'm so glad I can make it work for me and the way I think rather then have to conform to a set way of doing things. There is a lot of power in that! One last thing - I am getting a lot of noise in the front of the amp when I'm connecting the Helix USB to use the editor. Tried the ground loops and didn't help. Definitely not a show stopper - but something I will look into more. Thanks for the input so far!

I'm not confused - this is actually how I am using it now - and it's the same way I used the M13. However I'm looking for a more traditional use of the effects loop without ever needing the option of using my Helix as a preamp - I don't need to because I consider the preamp in my Mark V to be superior to anything I've found in the Helix thus far. Let's say I didn't have a helix - my setup would look like this: In that example the pedals aren't acting as a preamp, we are simply adding certain effects before the preamp (front of the amp), and certain ones after the preamp (effects loop). I get that this can be accomplished with the 4CM that most people use nowadays. But I don't need to do this seeing I don't need/want to use my Helix as a preamp. There are a couple reasons I want to do this - first off it's easier to isolate problems by simply switching off the loop from my amp. Second, I save a block. Not a big advantage - but it's one. Finally - I use a lot of my footswiches to control functions on my amp via a mini-amp gizmo. So I'd rather have one less footswitch (for the send/return block) to assign for helix functions and control my amp with.

Yes - that's the method I used with my M13 and now with the Helix - but I don't want the Helix acting as my preamp - and with that in mind - I think I'd be better off doing something like this: Guitar --> Helix Guitar In 1/4" Output --> Amp Input Send 1 --> Amp Return Amp Send --> Return 1 Then I can do this on the interface: (guitar in) --------Wah-------OD------anthing else------------(1/4") (return 1)--------Delay-----Chorus-----Reverb----------------(send 1/2) Nothing too fancy and I think would be easier to control/manage.

I guess I am confused, because in the supplied template it seems when I turn off the send/return block via a footswitch is when the Helix acts as my preamp.

That link asks me to log into your account - but I think I've read your article before about gain staging and effects in front of the amp. I guess I'm stuck on the wisdom that digital delays/chorus/reverb should go in the loop, but I may start experimenting more with the setup you described. While my band does to covers, I want to focus on my original sound more than anything and with me - simplicity is key. I moved from the M13 to the Helix because the effects are higher quality but I don't think there was a more plug and play floorboard then the M13. I'll look at your article again. I've never used a lot of effects - in fact tonight I've been playing plugged straight into my amp and just love the tone of it. Everytime I plug in the Helix to my amp it goes too far away from the original tone - so I'm looking to add character but not go too far off the tone of my amp as it is.

I know in the standard 4CM method that the Helix is assumed that it may serve as the Amps pre-amp - but what about people who don't want that. I know I could just run the guitar to the input - the 1/4" to the amp, then use a send return in the effects loop. Is anyone doing this? I'm really happy with my amp (Mesa Mark V) - and so far I haven't found anything on the Helix that I like better than my Mark V can do as far as amp/preamp modelling (although I do use the Helix a lot without my amp for that). While it's not hard to do the standard suggested 4CM I'm wondering if I would be better served using it like I described above. I could run the two paths - one utilizing the effects loop with delay/chorus/reverb then the other with my noise gate, wah, clean boost. Any disadvantages to doing this way (other than it not being able to use as a preamp)? For some reason I think it would make my life easier tweaking/troubleshooting, etc.

I bought my Helix a few months ago - and I'm pretty impressed with it. I'll be honest though - I haven't done much with it as far as Amp/Cab Modelling - mainly because I have a pretty nice amplifier and cabinets. I basically bought my Helix as an upgrade to my M13. I love the expression pedal on the Helix - much better than the ones I bought for the M13. I use Helix with the standard 4CM setup into a Mesa Mark V head - which in turn goes into a Torpedo Reload, then to 2 1X12 Mesa Cabinets. In addition I run Midi to a Mini Amp Gizmo to control my head through the helix. It works good - but I'm fairly primitive, a little delay, noise gate, a little chorus for my clean channel, I'm still on and off with the reverb units. I'm using the expression to double for wah/volume. I think I can do more, and I don't always know if I'm using the Helix correct. I seem to get a bit of volume loss, probably due to be having to pad the effects loop to control feedback/unwanted noise and harshness. Overall though, my setup sounds pretty sweet, but again, I think I'm barely tapping the potential of the Helix... so..... I'd like to hear how other people with Amplifiers are using the Helix. I've seen some guides out there, but is there a one stop site/thread/forum/etc. for Helix users that run it through an amp? What's your setup? What do you find effective for setting the ins/out levels at? What's the best method for channel switching an amp without getting the dreaded delay between patches? Are there any customtone banks available that work good for amp users? Anyone having luck with the looper and an amp? (I found that I like the M13 looper better out of the box, but I haven't experimented too much with the Helix). Also, are you using your amps preamp, or Helix as a preamp? Of course, add in any nuggets, tips, advice, woes, etc. I'm very curious how others are using the Helix.

Sounds killer! I have a Torpedo Reload, which doesn't have built in speaker sims. I've been thinking of ways to pump it into the helix and using one of the cabs in case I need to go FOH in a live situation. I haven't tested it yet, but maybe if I get some time this weekend. I'm hoping they do a Mesa Mark IV or IIC+ based amp. Helix has a lot of great amps, but nothing close to my Mark V.

I'm in New York - so yeah, I wouldn't worry too much. Luckily I have an M13 too - I only use the amp/cab modelling features sparsely, I normally run through Mesa Mark V with a Two Notes Torpedo Reload back into my DAW. I know some would be scratching their head of why I have a Helix - but, other than the reverbs, the effects are an upgrade over the M13 and it can serve as a last minute emergency backup into a house PA in case the Mesa ever died - so now I don't have to lug around another head. Really wish Line6 would incorporate more Mesa modelling other than the Recto's in their lineup. Oh well - all said I have a great sounding rig that's hard to put a price on.

Also - I would definitely send it in for repair - sometimes one component failing could be indicative of a more severe problem.

I sent mine in for repair (different problem) and had it back in a week. It took a while for the RMA box to get to me, but once I sent it out it was a very quick turnaround. Hopefully you experience the same service!

Will give it a try. The only main output right now is going to the Amp's FX Return. Helix Guitar Input <--- Guitar Helix Send 1 --> Amp Input Helix Return 1 <-- Amp FX Send Helix 1/4" Output Left --> Amp FX Return So I assume I just need to move the 1/4" to Helix Send 2? Oh teach me wise ones!

Where do I submit a feature request? lol

I'm assuming "Global" means for every bank? Or can I set it different for each patch or setlist? I usually keep my 4CM banks in a different setlist from my Amp/Cab models. Thanks, John

I am using my Helix for a couple things - one is as a modeler for bedroom recording. Most importantly though, I use it 4 cable method with my Mesa Mark V. I have an M13 too, but I find the helix has higher quality effects for the most part. One annoyance, and I'm thinking it's probably something easy I'm overlooking is the volume control on the unit. Can I fix my volume and not use that knob? It's just odd to me and seems to easy to knock out, especially in a live gig. I could've swore it was off before, but after getting my unit back from service (squeaky expression pedal) I noticed my amp was really quiet and found the volume knob was turned down on the Helix. I don't want the Helix to control my overall volume, I want my amp to do that. Is there any good readings on 4CM other than the very basics? The M13 seemed a bit easier (and it should be because it was purpose built for it) - but like I said, I think the Helix is a little higher quality and I also like the built in expression pedal - one of the better ones I've used. M y requirements are pretty simple - noise gate, delay, chorus, occasional wah/volume swell and phaser.

No - But I do have a lot of equipment loaded into one small room - so can be a number of things. I see they sell RCA isolators - wonder if it will work with a 75ohm cable. One thing I do know is keeping the Focusrite plugged into the Helix causes it to disconnect every once in a while from the computer (it drops the USB connection). Very odd. If I unplug the Helix the disconnect doesn't happen any more. I can just use either XLR or 1/4" jacks to get it all hooked up but I was hoping to save 2 interfaces as they are at a premium - especially if I mic up drums... I know the Scarlett series is consumer grade equipment - and the Helix is more mid level Pro Series equipment, but I sometimes wonder if any of the equipment I buy will just work for once - lol. Luckily I'm have much greater success with my live rig - Helix is working great there!

There are some serious advantages to the Helix. First of all, I just got back from a 3 hour session setting this up with my amp and they sound fantastic together. The Helix is in a different league than the M13 as far as effects quality and routing. While the M13 is really easy to configure the effects themselves, a lot of the system/global settings weren't always easy to navigate. Also, being able to use the expression pedal to kick on the Wah is awesome, I don't need to bring my Crybaby with me anymore - not only that but I prefer the Helix Wah models - they feel much closer to the real thing. One other thing about the M13 is I get some tone suck using 4CM. I haven't noticed it on Helix. Also, the Helix does do modelling - so there is flexibility. While I won't use FRFR live, I definitely like the convenience of have a compact modeler for session at home. Or I can just pack up my studio monitors and bring them over to my bass players house for a quieter practice/writing session. My thing is, I rarely change much with my live rig once I get it where I want - and right now I have it about 90% there with the Helix already. That says how easy it is to dial in sounds via 4 cable - I've only had the unit since Thursday.. The M13 took me much much longer to get to a state I like. The final thing I will say about Helix is that while I don't change my live setup much, I can approximate that sound in Helix then I can experiment to my hearts content without making a disaster of what I already have. I'm just hoping Line6 releases some Mesa Mark series models at some point... I'm really happy with the results so far....

I found out yesterday how it works with my amp - and so far great. I was a little confused because I used the 4 Cable Method template on the unit, and the Line6 has a video showing the 4 cable a little different - but I got some awesome sounds dialed in. Also found out it works with my Mini Amp Gizmo - so changing patches will allow me to change channels, reverb, eq, etc. on my Mesa Mark V... I need to see if I can setup buttons to change the channels in the same patch though, otherwise I'm going to get a delay when switching - not good live. So far I'm really impressed with the unit - just need to figure out an issue I'm having with S/PDIF, but it may be my recording interface... Thanks for all the replies...

I didn't think they were even available yet?

On my second day with the Helix and found an issue with S/PDIF connectivity. Hooked it up to my Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 - which is a middle of the road interface. Kept getting clicks and real short cutouts. The lock light on the Scarlet would faintly dim then come back. So, searching everything on the internet, I tried every suggestion I could find - even ran to the store to grab a shorter cable. Everything was set perfect - sample rate, clock source.. Finally went to try unplugging and plugging back in the SPDIF cable and noticed it had a small current running through it (not quit a shock, but I could tell it was live). I'll be.. A ground loop.. After trying the Lift/Grnd settings on the Helix to no avail, I ran a lead from another outlet in another room and plugged in the Focusrite to it and the clicks/pops/cutouts went right away.... Problem is I don't want to keep a lead running across 2 rooms - so I will need to find a way to solve this. I know for 1/4" chords there is a ton of stuff to solve ground loops, but what do I do for S/PDIF? I'm really not sure if the issue is with the Helix or the Focusrite - I've used other equipment via that interface with no issue - but ground loops are tricky things sometimes. I'm going fine comb everything tomorrow to make sure I'm not missing anything.