RRMark

I do find on simple presets with only a few blocks it's quite instantaneous, like factory 05c to 06c (still on firmware 1.04 here). Presumably the less it has to load the quicker it is, and using the same path and block layout seems to be a factor. Wondering if only using say 6 mono blocks which one dsp can easily handle, it's a bit quicker loading if you split the blocks between both dsps. For instance, Volume pedal, wah, compressor, amp on path 1, output to path 2a for delay, reverb. I don't need a lot for my 8 basic do all coverband presets. Bottom row, Clean, dirty clean, drive, heavy rock, then top row big lush clean, Cleanish solo, big solo minus a few db, big solo. Then a few specific song presets. Seems as though keeping say the reverb block settings the same in each preset, with varying mix, and in the exact same position (say position 6 on 2a) also helps, but I maybe imagining things!

Had a bit of a breakthrough moment today. Anyone who like me is maybe new to frfr and struggling with the fizz should try this. I'd been loving the Helix through power amp and guitar cab, but realised I was missing a lot in the range of tones. I picked up an Atomic CLR wedge today and loaded up the Brit 2004 combo on a blank preset. It sounded horrible. I tried a lot of tweaking, even dialing the global hi cut down all the way, at the level it had cured the fizz it was pretty muddy. Was really getting to the stage where I thought I'd made a big mistake on the Atomic CLR, searched for a post on this combination which only confirmed my fears. Then flicking through the mic options on the Solo 4X12 none were great, I realised, 57 too bright, 4038 a bit boomy, take a y split from the amp and use them both, they blended wonderfully for a great sound, seems to be some phase cancellation going on (still got global hi cut at 5Khz) ...now I'm very happy. Time to start investigation 3rd party IRs ...

Beautiful! Great tone and playing

Thanks guys,Do you think the operation of the unit would malfunction, allowing to be shut down, or would permanent damage have been done by this stage? Guessing I could cut a big 12" central strip of the foam out from the lid, so the feet have a decent area of padding around them and there would then be enough air access purely from the sockets end.

In the (general) warnings at the front of the manual it states 'do not block any ventilation openings'. Just that I fancy getting and gigging the Helix in the lid of this, for some alround kick and lead protection from bandmates and stage invaders. http://www.thomann.de/gb/thon_effect_case_for_line_6_helix.htm I presume the holes are not that important? unusual place for ventilation and pretty much covered on my living room carpet, no signs of overheating yet. From the looks of it they would be pretty sealed by the foam in the case... But then why the holes otherwise?

Thank you for the reply, though I did order the AtomicCLRneo wedge earlier today. I went back to using full amp blocks rather than preamp only as they had far more character with poweramp block added. I agree and I think I was still even losing a some of the individual character of the amp only blocks through the Marshall 1x12, some were sounding quite similar. When I picked up the Helix in store I first tried it with the CLR, then they kindly left me to my own devices in the empty PA department so I tried a fair few units, RCF, Line6, Yamaha, etc. My favourite Was the CLR, though I hadn't really got properly to grips with the Helix eq. So maybe I've spent a chunk more money than I needed to, but judging from forums, YouTube and the limited testing I think I'll be very happy. I will be linking from the CLR to the PA, for a little FOH spread on the pub gigs, so should be able to aux out to monitors if band mates need to hear me better. I am loving the Helix, was practising along for a Guns and Roses tribute gig coming up this weekend and the 2204 sounded exactly like the CD through my studio monitors.

Was wondering about the ventilation holes on the underside of the Helix. At gigs I would like to keep the Helix in the case for some protection from band members and stage invaders, the extra depth is ideal to protect the leads and generally less kickable alround. I presume the feet on the Helix sink into the foam padding and the sides are snug, restricting any or all airflow? Do you think overheating could be a problem, the manual does state 'Do not block any ventilation openings' ? This case looks perfect for me otherwise.

Been trying the preamp only blocks from the Helix into the power amp of a Mesa Boogie Mk3 combo and an Orange OR15+Marshall1912. There is a big difference in volume between the preamp blocks even after taking the gain, eq, channel and master volumes into consideration and tweaking. The Divided Duo is almost silent in comparison to the rest, try it if you haven't, quite shocking. There are workarounds like making all other presets quiet or using a block for big makeup gain. I am investigating frfr solutions, tried the Atomic CLR wedge and keen to hear a Matrix Q12a. For the weekly coverband pub gigs which are mostly backline and vocal PA with a bit of kick drum, bass and guitar support for spread, I currently favour the idea of actual guitar cab, Atomic seemed a bit clinical/unreal for my taste. Q1. Any thoughts on the preamp block volume disparity, particularly the Divided Duo? (Q2). Any experience/thoughts on the Atomic v Matrix?

PS above is in relation to using global hi cut to remove fizz

Hopefully in global ins/outs you have set headphone monitor to 1/4" or xlr, if left on multi it seems to cancel out the global eq. Read somewhere that global eq isn't applied to the digital outs. Just got mine yesterday so still experimenting, with settings myself. Even with the above still not mightily impressed with the headphone sound, bit of reverb definitely helps some of quite dry factory presets, obviously it's quite unnatural to hear a guitar amp that's not in a space. Still...I've only just started the voyage of discovery.